bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing the capabilities of forcibly displaced people: a human development approach to conflict- and displacement-related stressors
Authors: White Ross G. , Van der Boor Catharina
Published: April 2021

Aims

The mental health of individuals who have been forcibly displaced can be impacted both by war-related traumatic events and displacement-related stressors, which arise as a consequence of their migratory journey and subsequent experiences. In addition to focusing on mental disorders, there is a need to explore broader psychosocial outcomes that are important for forcibly displaced people. Our aim is to present a coherent explanatory framework to understand how both past traumatic events and ongoing stressors operating throughout forcibly displaced people's social environment can impact mental health and psychosocial wellbeing.

Methods

We describe the capability approach (CA), a human development framework that foregrounds individuals’ freedom to engage in forms of being and doing that are valuable to them. We consider the opportunities that the CA provides for understanding how a myriad of factors can impact forcibly displaced people, and how different forms of support can be configured to meet the needs of particular people and communities.

Results

The CA recognises that various factors can share a common putative causal mechanism in their impact on forcibly displaced people, i.e. these factors limit a person's ability to develop capabilities and their freedom to engage in valued forms of being and doing. The rights based ethos of the CA enables multisectoral and coordinated activity, which can be directed towards addressing factors across the social environment. Importantly, the CA helps to explain why particular forms of support may be more beneficial for individuals or communities at certain times compared to others.

Conclusion

The application of the CA can help to guard against the risk that the aspirations of assessment instruments and interventions aimed at supporting forcibly displaced people are narrowly focused on addressing distress and disorders, to instead adopt a more expansive focus on forcibly displaced people's potential and the possibilities that they wish to realise.
The Influence of Channel Deepening on Tides, River Discharge Effects, and Storm Surge
Authors: Talke S. A. , Familkhalili R. , Jay D. A.
Published: April 2021

We combine archival research, semi‐analytical models, and numerical simulations to address the following question: how do changes to channel geometry alter tidal properties and flood dynamics in a hyposynchronous, strongly frictional estuary with a landward decay in tidal amplitudes? Records in the Saint Johns River Estuary since the 1890s show that tidal range has doubled in Jacksonville, Florida. Near the estuary inlet, tidal discharge approximately doubled but tidal amplitudes increased only ∼6%. Modeling shows that increased shipping channel depths from ∼5 to ∼13m drove the observed changes, with other factors like channel shortening and width reduction producing comparatively minor effects. Tidal amplitude increases are spatially variable, with a maximum change 20–25 km from the estuary inlet; tidal theory suggests that increases in amplitude approximately follow , where x is the distance from the ocean and μ is a damping coefficient. Tidal changes are a predictor of altered surge dynamics: Numerical modeling of hurricane Irma under 1898 and 2017 bathymetric conditions confirms that both tidal and storm surge amplitudes are larger today, with a similar spatial pattern. Nonetheless, peak water levels are simulated to be larger under 1898 bathymetry. The cause is likely the record river discharge observed during the storm; as suggested by a subtidal water‐level model, channel deepening since 1898 appears to have reduced the average surface slope required to drain both mean river flow and storm flows toward the ocean. Nonetheless, results suggest an increased vulnerability to storms with less river flow, but larger storm surge.
Water and Light‐Use Efficiency Are Enhanced Under Summer Coastal Fog in a California Agricultural System
Authors: Baguskas Sara A. , Oliphant Andrew J. , Clemesha Rachel E. S. , Loik Michael E.
Published: April 2021

In coastal California, the peak growing season of economically important crops is concurrent with fog events, which buffer drought stress during the dry season. Coastal fog patterns are changing, so we quantified its effects on the energy, water, and carbon fluxes of a strawberry farm located in the fog‐belt of the Salinas Valley, California. We used Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) total albedo to detect and quantify large scale patterns of coastal fog. We used eddy covariance (EC) to quantify actual evapotranspiration and gross primary productivity (GPP) at the field scale (approximately 0.5–3 hectares) from June to September 2016. We measured canopy‐scale (approximately 0.6 m2) strawberry physiology on foggy and non‐foggy days within the measurement footprint of the EC tower. Downwelling longwave radiation (L↓), observed by a surface‐mounted pyrgeometer, was consistently higher on foggy compared to clear‐sky days (regardless of fog‐drip), indicating that emission of longwave radiation was derived almost entirely from the cloud base. L↓ and total GOES albedo were positively and strongly correlated (R2 = 0.68, P < 0.01). For both field‐ and canopy‐scales, water‐use and light‐use efficiency increased by as much as 50% and 70%, respectively, during foggy compared to non‐foggy conditions. The initial slope of the curvilinear relationship fit between GPP and photosynthetically active radiation was twice as steep during foggy (α = 0.0395) than non‐foggy (α = 0.0210) conditions, suggesting that the scattering of light during fog events enhances photosynthetic output of whole‐plants. Our results suggest that irrigation for these fields could be rescheduled during foggy periods without sacrificing plant productivity.
Analytical One‐Dimensional Conceptual Model of Channel Evolution After Dam Removal Based on Diffusion Framework
Authors: Chu Chia‐Chu , You Gene Jiing‐Yun
Published: April 2021

In assessing the removal of dams, it is important to consider the degree to which these efforts could affect channel evolution. A number of previous studies have analyzed the problem of channel evolution using frameworks based on the diffusion equation. In this study, we adopted a similar analytical framework to examine one‐dimensional channel evolution within an infinite channel following dam removal. The Fourier transform is used to obtain an analytical solution which is further used to determine the volume of sediment and position of knickpoints. Analytical results obtained using the proposed models were compared with experiment results reported by Cantelli et al. (2004), https://doi.org/10.1029/2003wr002940 and in‐situ data related to the Balin dam break in Taiwan. We determined that the rate of sediment volume change is proportional to in the early period and in the intermediate period, before eventually decreasing to nearly zero. The proposed solution also makes it possible to derive qualitative and quantitative predictions pertaining to bed elevation, sediment volume, and knickpoint positions.
Using Production Well Behavior to Evaluate Risk in the Depleted Cambrian‐Ordovician Sandstone Aquifer System, Midwestern USA
Authors: Hadley Daniel R. , Abrams Daniel B. , Mannix Devin H. , Cullen Cecilia
Published: April 2021

As shallow aquifers become depleted or contaminated worldwide, use of deep aquifers will likely increase to meet growing water demands despite expensive drilling costs and well maintenance, and limited recharge to many of these deep systems. We discuss depletion of the Cambrian‐Ordovician sandstone aquifer, a deep bedrock aquifer that has been a major source of water in the Midwestern US for over 150 years. Using a participatory groundwater modeling approach with active stakeholder engagement, we developed a conceptual framework to assess risk to different sandstone units of the aquifer based on simulated heads and production well behavior (pumping levels and specific capacities). Over 320 m of static head decline has occurred since predevelopment in the deepest sandstone unit. Shallower units are actively being dewatered. Drawdown and head separation between sandstone units is even greater under pumping conditions and is most acute near a regional fault zone. Current depletion is prompting massive infrastructure changes to mitigate anticipated water supply shortages. Our results show that even with a substantial reduction in water use by 35% in 2030, many areas of the aquifer remain at High or Severe risk out to 2070. Head decline, as opposed to storage loss, is a critical metric for understanding depletion of deep bedrock aquifers. The participatory modeling process made clear that pumping levels at production wells should not be ignored in evaluations of aquifer sustainability and risk. Our conceptual risk framework could be applied to other deep bedrock aquifers undergoing depletion.
Dependence of Relativistic Electron Precipitation in the Ionosphere on EMIC Wave Minimum Resonant Energy at the Conjugate Equator
Authors: Zhang X.‐J. , Mourenas D. , Shen X.‐C. , Qin M. , Artemyev A. V. , Ma Q. , Li W. , Hudson M. K. , Angelopoulos V.
Published: April 2021

We investigate relativistic electron precipitation events detected by Polar Environmental Satellites (POES) in low‐Earth orbit in close conjunction with Van Allen Probe A observations of electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves near the geomagnetic equator. We show that the occurrence rate of >0.7 MeV electron precipitation recorded by POES during those times strongly increases, reaching statistically significant levels when the minimum electron energy for cyclotron resonance with hydrogen or helium band EMIC waves at the equator decreases below ≃1.0–2.5 MeV, as expected from the quasi‐linear theory. Both hydrogen and helium band EMIC waves can be effective in precipitating MeV electrons. However, >0.7 MeV electron precipitation is more often observed (at statistically significant levels) when the minimum electron energy for cyclotron resonance with hydrogen band waves is low (Emin = 0.6–1.0 MeV), whereas it is more often observed when the minimum electron energy for cyclotron resonance with helium band waves is slightly larger (Emin = 1.0–2.5 MeV). This is indicative of the warm plasma effects for waves approaching the He+ gyrofrequency. We further show that most precipitation events had energies > 0.7–1.0 MeV, consistent with the estimated minimum energy (Emin ∼ 0.6 − 2.5 MeV) of cyclotron resonance with the observed EMIC waves during the majority of these events. However, 4 out of the 12 detected precipitation events cannot be explained by electron quasi‐linear scattering by the observed EMIC waves, and 12 out of 20 theoretically expected precipitation events were not detected by POES, suggesting the possibility of nonlinear effects likely present near the magnetic equator, or warm plasma effects, and/or narrowly localized bursts of EMIC waves.
Electrical Discharges Produce Prodigious Amounts of Hydroxyl and Hydroperoxyl Radicals
Authors: Jenkins Jena M. , Brune William H. , Miller David O.
Published: April 2021

Reaction with the hydroxyl radical (OH) is often the first step in the removal of many atmospheric pollutants. The nitrogen oxides (NOx) generated by lightning can increase the amount of HOx (HOx = OH + HO2) present in the atmosphere, but direct HOx production from lightning has never been quantitatively investigated in the laboratory. In this laboratory study, prodigious amounts of HOx were generated by both visible and subvisible electrical discharges over ranges of pressure and water vapor mixing ratios relevant to the troposphere. Also measured were NO, total nitrogen oxides (NOx), ozone (O3), and OH exposure, which is the integral of the hydroxyl radical concentration over time since the discharge. HOx and OH exposure were approximately independent of pressure from 360 to 970 hPa and increased only slightly as water vapor increased from 1,000 to 8,000 parts per million volume (ppmv), while NOx was approximately independent of both pressure and water vapor over the same ranges. These laboratory measurements of excessive HOx and OH exposure are similar to measurements of electrically generated HOx discovered in electrified anvil clouds during a 2012 airborne study, thus demonstrating the relevance of these laboratory results to the atmosphere and the importance of understanding the electrically generated HOx contribution to atmospheric oxidation.
Glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper regulates liver fibrosis by suppressing CCL2-mediated leukocyte recruitment
Authors: Flamini Sara , Sergeev Philipp , Viana de Barros Zenobio , Mello Tommaso , Biagioli Michele , Paglialunga Musetta , Fiorucci Chiara , Prikazchikova Tatiana , Pagano Stefano , Gagliardi Andrea , Riccardi Carlo , Zatsepin Timofei , Migliorati Graziella , Bereshchenko Oxana , Bruscoli Stefano
Published: April 2021

Liver fibrosis (LF) is a dangerous clinical condition with no available treatment. Inflammation plays a critical role in LF progression. Glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper (GILZ, encoded in mice by the Tsc22d3 gene) mimics many of the anti-inflammatory effects of glucocorticoids, but its role in LF has not been directly addressed. Here, we found that GILZ deficiency in mice was associated with elevated CCL2 production and pro-inflammatory leukocyte infiltration at the early LF stage, resulting in enhanced LF development. RNA interference-mediated in vivo silencing of the CCL2 receptor CCR2 abolished the increased leukocyte recruitment and the associated hepatic stellate cell activation in the livers of GILZ knockout mice. To highlight the clinical relevance of these findings, we found that TSC22D3 mRNA expression was significantly downregulated and was inversely correlated with that of CCL2 in the liver samples of patients with LF. Altogether, these data demonstrate a protective role of GILZ in LF and uncover the mechanism, which can be targeted therapeutically. Therefore, modulating GILZ expression and its downstream targets represents a novel avenue for pharmacological intervention for treating LF and possibly other liver inflammatory disorders.
Stochastic models support rapid peopling of Late Pleistocene Sahul
Authors: Bradshaw Corey J. A. , Norman Kasih , Ulm Sean , Williams Alan N. , Clarkson Chris , Chadœuf Joël , Lin Sam C. , Jacobs Zenobia , Roberts Richard G. , Bird Michael I. , Weyrich Laura S. , Haberle Simon G. , O’Connor Sue , Llamas Bastien , Cohen Tim J. , Friedrich Tobias , Veth Peter , Leavesley Matthew , Saltré Frédérik
Published: April 2021

The peopling of Sahul (the combined continent of Australia and New Guinea) represents the earliest continental migration and settlement event of solely anatomically modern humans, but its patterns and ecological drivers remain largely conceptual in the current literature. We present an advanced stochastic-ecological model to test the relative support for scenarios describing where and when the first humans entered Sahul, and their most probable routes of early settlement. The model supports a dominant entry via the northwest Sahul Shelf first, potentially followed by a second entry through New Guinea, with initial entry most consistent with 50,000 or 75,000 years ago based on comparison with bias-corrected archaeological map layers. The model’s emergent properties predict that peopling of the entire continent occurred rapidly across all ecological environments within 156–208 human generations (4368–5599 years) and at a plausible rate of 0.71–0.92 km year−1. More broadly, our methods and approaches can readily inform other global migration debates, with results supporting an exit of anatomically modern humans from Africa 63,000–90,000 years ago, and the peopling of Eurasia in as little as 12,000–15,000 years via inland routes.
Etiological, epidemiological, and clinical features of acute diarrhea in China
Authors: Wang Li-Ping , Zhou Shi-Xia , Wang Xin , Lu Qing-Bin , Shi Lu-Sha , Ren Xiang , Zhang Hai-Yang , Wang Yi-Fei , Lin Sheng-Hong , Zhang Cui-Hong , Geng Meng-Jie , Zhang Xiao-Ai , Li Jun , Zhao Shi-Wen , Yi Zhi-Gang , Chen Xiao , Yang Zuo-Sen , Meng Lei , Wang Xin-Hua , Liu Ying-Le , Cui Ai-Li , Lai Sheng-Jie , Liu Meng-Yang , Zhu Yu-Liang , Xu Wen-Bo , Chen Yu , Wu Jian-Guo , Yuan Zheng-Hong , Li Meng-Feng , Huang Liu-Yu , Li Zhong-Jie , Liu Wei , Fang Li-Qun , Jing Huai-Qi , Hay Simon I. , Gao George F. , Yang Wei-Zhong ,   The Chinese Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Etiology of Diarrhea Surveillance Study Team, Yang Wei-Zhong , Gao George F. , Li Zhong-Jie , Wang Li-Ping , Ren Xiang , Wang Yi-Fei , Lin Sheng-Hong , Zhang Cui-Hong , Geng Meng-Jie , Wang Xin , Jing Huai-Qi , Xu Wen-Bo , Cui Ai-Li , Shen Yu-Juan , Jiang Yan-Yan , Sun Qiao , Hao Li-Peng , Ye Chu-Chu , Liu Wei , Zhang Xiao-Ai , Huang Liu-Yu , Wang Yong , Zhang Wen-Yi , Liu Ying-Le , Wu Jian-Guo , Zhang Qi , Liu Wei-Yong , Sun Zi-Yong , Zhan Fa-Xian , Xiong Ying , Meng Lei , Yu De-Shan , Wang Chun-Xiang , Zhao Sheng-Cang , Wang Wen-Rui , Lei Xia , Li Juan-Sheng , Wang Yu-Hong , Zhang Yan , Yang Jun-Peng , Wang Yan-Bo , Quan Fu-Cai , Xiong Zhi-Jun , Liang Li-Ping , Chang Quan-E , Wang Yun , Wang Ping , Yang Zuo-Sen , Mao Ling-Ling , Li Jia-Meng , Lv Li-Kun , Xu Jun , Shu Chang , Chen Xiao , Chen Yu , Zhang Yan-Jun , Cui Lun-Biao , Zheng Kui-Cheng , Zhang Xing-Guo , Zhang Xi , Tu Li-Hong , Yi Zhi-Gang , Wang Wei , Zhao Shi-Wen , Zhou Xiao-Fang , Pei Xiao-Fang , Zheng Tian-Li , Zhong Xiao-Ni , Li Qin , Ling Hua , Wang Ding-Ming , Li Shi-Jun , He Shu-Sen , Li Meng-Feng , Li Jun , Zhu Xun , Ke Chang-Wen , Xiao Hong , Di Biao , Zhang Ying , Zhou Hong-Wei , Yu Nan , Li Hong-Jian , Yang Fang , Wang Fu-Xiang , Wang Jun
Published: April 2021

National-based prospective surveillance of all-age patients with acute diarrhea was conducted in China between 2009‒2018. Here we report the etiological, epidemiological, and clinical features of the 152,792 eligible patients enrolled in this analysis. Rotavirus A and norovirus are the two leading viral pathogens detected in the patients, followed by adenovirus and astrovirus. Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli and nontyphoidal Salmonella are the two leading bacterial pathogens, followed by Shigella and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Patients aged <5 years had higher overall positive rate of viral pathogens, while bacterial pathogens were more common in patients aged 18‒45 years. A joinpoint analysis revealed the age-specific positivity rate and how this varied for individual pathogens. Our findings fill crucial gaps of how the distributions of enteropathogens change across China in patients with diarrhea. This allows enhanced identification of the predominant diarrheal pathogen candidates for diagnosis in clinical practice and more targeted application of prevention and control measures.
Epididymal epithelium propels early sexual transmission of Zika virus in the absence of interferon signaling
Authors: Pletnev Alexander G. , Maximova Olga A. , Liu Guangping , Kenney Heather , Nagata Bianca M. , Zagorodnyaya Tatiana , Moore Ian , Chumakov Konstantin , Tsetsarkin Konstantin A.
Published: April 2021

Recognition of Zika virus (ZIKV) sexual transmission (ST) among humans challenges our understanding of the maintenance of mosquito-borne viruses in nature. Here we dissected the relative contributions of the components of male reproductive system (MRS) during early male-to-female ZIKV transmission by utilizing mice with altered antiviral responses, in which ZIKV is provided an equal opportunity to be seeded in the MRS tissues. Using microRNA-targeted ZIKV clones engineered to abolish viral infectivity to different parts of the MRS or a library of ZIKV genomes with unique molecular identifiers, we pinpoint epithelial cells of the epididymis (rather than cells of the testis, vas deferens, prostate, or seminal vesicles) as a most likely source of the sexually transmitted ZIKV genomes during the early (most productive) phase of ZIKV shedding into the semen. Incorporation of this mechanistic knowledge into the development of a live-attenuated ZIKV vaccine restricts its ST potential.
Decrypting bacterial polyphenol metabolism in an anoxic wetland soil
Authors: McGivern Bridget B. , Tfaily Malak M. , Borton Mikayla A. , Kosina Suzanne M. , Daly Rebecca A. , Nicora Carrie D. , Purvine Samuel O. , Wong Allison R. , Lipton Mary S. , Hoyt David W. , Northen Trent R. , Hagerman Ann E. , Wrighton Kelly C.
Published: April 2021

Microorganisms play vital roles in modulating organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling in soil ecosystems. The enzyme latch paradigm posits microbial degradation of polyphenols is hindered in anoxic peat leading to polyphenol accumulation, and consequently diminished microbial activity. This model assumes that polyphenols are microbially unavailable under anoxia, a supposition that has not been thoroughly investigated in any soil type. Here, we use anoxic soil reactors amended with and without a chemically defined polyphenol to test this hypothesis, employing metabolomics and genome-resolved metaproteomics to interrogate soil microbial polyphenol metabolism. Challenging the idea that polyphenols are not bioavailable under anoxia, we provide metabolite evidence that polyphenols are depolymerized, resulting in monomer accumulation, followed by the generation of small phenolic degradation products. Further, we show that soil microbiome function is maintained, and possibly enhanced, with polyphenol addition. In summary, this study provides chemical and enzymatic evidence that some soil microbiota can degrade polyphenols under anoxia and subvert the assumed polyphenol lock on soil microbial metabolism.
KLK3 SNP–SNP interactions for prediction of prostate cancer aggressiveness
Authors: Lin Hui-Yi , Huang Po-Yu , Cheng Chia-Ho , Tung Heng-Yuan , Fang Zhide , Berglund Anders E. , Chen Ann , French-Kwawu Jennifer , Harris Darian , Pow-Sang Julio , Yamoah Kosj , Cleveland John L. , Awasthi Shivanshu , Rounbehler Robert J. , Gerke Travis , Dhillon Jasreman , Eeles Rosalind , Kote-Jarai Zsofia , Muir Kenneth ,   UKGPCS collaborators, Eeles Rosalind , Kote-Jarai Zsofia , Muir Kenneth , Schleutker Johanna , Pashayan Nora ,   APCB (Australian Prostate Cancer BioResource), Clements Judith , Batra Jyotsna , Neal David E. , Nielsen Sune F. , Nordestgaard Børge G. , Gronberg Henrik , Wiklund Fredrik , Giles Graham G. , Haiman Christopher A. , Travis Ruth C. , Stanford Janet L. , Kibel Adam S. , Cybulski Cezary , Khaw Kay-Tee , Maier Christiane , Thibodeau Stephen N. , Teixeira Manuel R. , Cannon-Albright Lisa , Brenner Hermann , Kaneva Radka , Pandha Hardev ,   The PRACTICAL consortium, Lin Hui-Yi , Eeles Rosalind , Kote-Jarai Zsofia , Muir Kenneth , Schleutker Johanna , Pashayan Nora , Neal David E. , Nielsen Sune F. , Nordestgaard Børge G. , Gronberg Henrik , Wiklund Fredrik , Giles Graham G. , Haiman Christopher A. , Travis Ruth C. , Stanford Janet L. , Kibel Adam S. , Cybulski Cezary , Khaw Kay-Tee , Maier Christiane , Thibodeau Stephen N. , Teixeira Manuel R. , Cannon-Albright Lisa , Brenner Hermann , Kaneva Radka , Pandha Hardev , Srinivasan Srilakshmi , Clements Judith , Batra Jyotsna , Park Jong Y.
Published: April 2021

Risk classification for prostate cancer (PCa) aggressiveness and underlying mechanisms remain inadequate. Interactions between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may provide a solution to fill these gaps. To identify SNP–SNP interactions in the four pathways (the angiogenesis-, mitochondria-, miRNA-, and androgen metabolism-related pathways) associated with PCa aggressiveness, we tested 8587 SNPs for 20,729 cases from the PCa consortium. We identified 3 KLK3 SNPs, and 1083 (P < 3.5 × 10–9) and 3145 (P < 1 × 10–5) SNP–SNP interaction pairs significantly associated with PCa aggressiveness. These SNP pairs associated with PCa aggressiveness were more significant than each of their constituent SNP individual effects. The majority (98.6%) of the 3145 pairs involved KLK3. The 3 most common gene–gene interactions were KLK3-COL4A1:COL4A2, KLK3-CDH13, and KLK3-TGFBR3. Predictions from the SNP interaction-based polygenic risk score based on 24 SNP pairs are promising. The prevalence of PCa aggressiveness was 49.8%, 21.9%, and 7.0% for the PCa cases from our cohort with the top 1%, middle 50%, and bottom 1% risk profiles. Potential biological functions of the identified KLK3 SNP–SNP interactions were supported by gene expression and protein–protein interaction results. Our findings suggest KLK3 SNP interactions may play an important role in PCa aggressiveness.
Design and development of a biotreatment of E. crassipes for the decontamination of water with Chromium (VI)
Authors: Sayago Uriel Fernando Carreño
Published: April 2021

The use of cellulose materials for the adsorption of heavy metals has increased in favorable results to comply with the removal of these contaminants from water, such as the case of Chromium (VI), being one of the most dangerous heavy metals for the environment and human health. The objective of this research is to design and develop a biotreatment with dry and crushed biomass of E. crassipes for the continuous treatment of Chromium (VI), determining through mathematical modeling the Fick diffusion constant (Kf), based on this constant Fick will establish the performance of the biotreatment and the intraparticle diffusion constant (Ks). The diffusion speed (Kf) of the biomass of E. crassipes chemisorbing Cr (VI) of 0.30 cm/min, also it got the constant of the adsorption capacities (Ks) was 0.0198 s. With (Kf) it can design the treatment systems according to caudal or load greatly contaminated, calibrating the parameters how caudal, volume, or area of contact of the system of treatment. Also with (Ks) will be possible the design and modeling of a treatment system to improve the capacity of adsorptions calibrating the density of the particle and the density of the contact bed of the treatment system. Based on Fick's second law, an equation was designed to determine the reliability and performance of water treatment systems through the E. crassipes plant.
Landscape resistance constrains hybridization across contact zones in a reproductively and morphologically polymorphic salamander
Authors: Velo-Antón Guillermo , Lourenço André , Galán Pedro , Nicieza Alfredo , Tarroso Pedro
Published: April 2021

Explicitly accounting for phenotypic differentiation together with environmental heterogeneity is crucial to understand the evolutionary dynamics in hybrid zones. Species showing intra-specific variation in phenotypic traits that meet across environmentally heterogeneous regions constitute excellent natural settings to study the role of phenotypic differentiation and environmental factors in shaping the spatial extent and patterns of admixture in hybrid zones. We studied three environmentally distinct contact zones where morphologically and reproductively divergent subspecies of Salamandra salamandra co-occur: the pueriparous S. s. bernardezi that is mostly parapatric to its three larviparous subspecies neighbours. We used a landscape genetics framework to: (i) characterise the spatial location and extent of each contact zone; (ii) assess patterns of introgression and hybridization between subspecies pairs; and (iii) examine the role of environmental heterogeneity in the evolutionary dynamics of hybrid zones. We found high levels of introgression between parity modes, and between distinct phenotypes, thus demonstrating the evolution to pueriparity alone or morphological differentiation do not lead to reproductive isolation between these highly divergent S. salamandra morphotypes. However, we detected substantial variation in patterns of hybridization across contact zones, being lower in the contact zone located on a topographically complex area. We highlight the importance of accounting for spatial environmental heterogeneity when studying evolutionary dynamics of hybrid zones.
Surface Modified β-Tricalcium phosphate enhanced stem cell osteogenic differentiation in vitro and bone regeneration in vivo
Authors: Choy Cheuk Sing , Lee Wei Fang , Lin Pei Ying , Wu Yi-Fan , Huang Haw-Ming , Teng Nai-Chia , Pan Yu-Hwa , Salamanca Eisner , Chang Wei-Jen
Published: April 2021

A major number of studies have demonstrated Beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) biocompatibility, bioactivity, and osteoconductivity characteristics in bone regeneration. The aim of this research was to enhance β-TCP's biocompatibility, and evaluate its physicochemical properties by argon glow discharge plasma (GDP) plasma surface treatment without modifying its surface. Treated β-TCP was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectrometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy characterization. To evaluate treated β-TCP biocompatibility and osteoblastic differentiation, water-soluble tetrazolium salts-1 (WST-1), immunofluorescence, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) were done using human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). The results indicated a slight enhancement of the β-TCP by GDP sputtering, which resulted in a higher Ca/P ratio (2.05) than the control. Furthermore, when compared with control β-TCP, we observed an improvement of WST-1 on all days (p < 0.05) as well as of ALP activity (day 7, p < 0.05), with up-regulation of ALP, osteocalcin, and Osteoprotegerin osteogenic genes in cells cultured with the treated β-TCP. XPS and SEM results indicated that treated β-TCP’s surface was not modified. In vivo, micro-computed tomography and histomorphometric analysis indicated that the β-TCP test managed to regenerate more new bone than the untreated β-TCP and control defects at 8 weeks (p < 0.05). Argon GDP treatment is a viable method for removing macro and micro particles of < 7 μm in size from β-TCP bigger particles surfaces and therefore improving its biocompatibility with slight surface roughness modification, enhancing hMSCs proliferation, osteoblastic differentiation, and stimulating more new bone formation.
Pre-diagnostic circulating concentrations of fat-soluble vitamins and risk of glioma in three cohort studies
Authors: Yue Yiyang , Creed Jordan H. , Cote David J. , Stampfer Meir J. , Wang Molin , Midttun Øivind , McCann Adrian , Ueland Per Magne , Furtado Jeremy , Egan Kathleen M. , Smith-Warner Stephanie A.
Published: April 2021

Few prospective studies have evaluated the relation between fat-soluble vitamins and glioma risk. Using three cohorts—UK Biobank (UKB), Nurses’ Health Study (NHS), and Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (HPFS), we investigated associations of pre-diagnostic concentrations of fat-soluble vitamins D, A, and E with incident glioma. In 346,785 participants (444 cases) in UKB, associations with vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]) were evaluated by Cox proportional hazards regression. In NHS (52 cases, 104 controls) and HPFS (32 cases, 64 controls), associations with 25(OH)D, vitamin A (retinol), and vitamin E (α- and γ-tocopherol) were assessed using conditional logistic regression. Our results suggested plasma concentrations of 25(OH)D and retinol were not associated with glioma risk. Comparing the highest to lowest tertile, the multivariable hazard ratio (MVHR) for 25(OH)D was 0.87 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.68–1.11) in UKB and the multivariable risk ratio (MVRR) was 0.97 (95% CI 0.51–1.85) in NHS and HPFS. In NHS and HPFS, the MVRR for the same comparison for retinol was 1.16 (95% CI 0.56–2.38). Nonsignificant associations were observed for α-tocopherol (MVRRtertile3vs1 = 0.61, 95% CI 0.29–1.32) and γ-tocopherol (MVRR tertile3vs1 = 1.30, 95% CI 0.63–2.69) that became stronger in 4-year lagged analyses. Further investigation is warranted on a potential association between α- and γ-tocopherol and glioma risk.
Genome-wide insights on gastrointestinal nematode resistance in autochthonous Tunisian sheep
Authors: Ahbara A. M. , Rouatbi M. , Gharbi M. , Rekik M. , Haile A. , Rischkowsky B. , Mwacharo J. M.
Published: April 2021

Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections have negative impacts on animal health, welfare and production. Information from molecular studies can highlight the underlying genetic mechanisms that enhance host resistance to GIN. However, such information often lacks for traditionally managed indigenous livestock. Here, we analysed 600 K single nucleotide polymorphism genotypes of GIN infected and non-infected traditionally managed autochthonous Tunisian sheep grazing communal natural pastures. Population structure analysis did not find genetic differentiation that is consistent with infection status. However, by contrasting the infected versus non-infected cohorts using ROH, LR-GWAS, FSTand XP-EHH, we identified 35 candidate regions that overlapped between at least two methods. Nineteen regions harboured QTLs for parasite resistance, immune capacity and disease susceptibility and, ten regions harboured QTLs for production (growth) and meat and carcass (fatness and anatomy) traits. The analysis also revealed candidate regions spanning genes enhancing innate immune defence (SLC22A4, SLC22A5,IL-4, IL-13), intestinal wound healing/repair (IL-4, VIL1, CXCR1, CXCR2) and GIN expulsion (IL-4, IL-13). Our results suggest that traditionally managed indigenous sheep have evolved multiple strategies that evoke and enhance GIN resistance and developmental stability. They confirm the importance of obtaining information from indigenous sheep to investigate genomic regions of functional significance in understanding the architecture of GIN resistance.
Stability of supported aerosol-generated nanoparticles in liquid media
Authors: Franzén Sara M. , Tasić Magdalena , Poulie Christian B. M. , Magnusson Martin H. , Strand Daniel , Messing Maria E.
Published: April 2021

The stability of nanoparticles and their supports are critical, but poorly understood, parameters for applications of such systems in liquid environments. Here we develop an approach to systematically investigate the stability of aerosol-generated nanoparticles after exposure to commonly used solvents using a combination of identical location-SEM and density/size analysis. We demonstrate that the choice of solvent needs to be carefully matched with both the particle and support materials. We show that thermal annealing significantly increases the adhesion of the particles and expands the scope of applications in aqueous media and for biological applications. The results clarify combinations of inorganic nanoparticles on oxide and semiconductor supports with solvents and environmental conditions that give sufficient stability. Combined, the presented methods should be of value in investigating the stability of nanoparticle systems after exposure to solvent and can be used for future developments of high-performing supported aerosol-generated nanoparticles for solvent-based applications.
The lattice dislocation trapping mechanism at the ferrite/cementite interface in the Isaichev orientation relationship
Authors: Kim Jaemin , Ghaffarian Hadi , Kang Keonwook
Published: April 2021

We analyze the lattice dislocation trapping mechanism at the ferrite/cementite interface of the Isaichev orientation relationship by atomistic simulations combined with the anisotropic linear elasticity theory and disregistry analysis. We find that the lattice dislocation trapping ability is varied by initial position of the lattice dislocation. The lattice dislocation near the interface is attracted to the interface by the image force generated by the interface shear, while the lattice dislocation located far is either attracted to or repelled from the interface, or even oscillates around the introduced position, depending on the combination of the stress field induced by the misfit dislocation array and the image stress field induced by the lattice dislocation.
Investigation of triple-negative breast cancer risk alleles in an International African-enriched cohort
Authors: Martini Rachel , Chen Yalei , Jenkins Brittany D. , Elhussin Isra A. , Cheng Esther , Hoda Syed A. , Ginter Paula S. , Hanover Jeffrey , Zeidan Rozina B. , Oppong Joseph K. , Adjei Ernest K. , Jibril Aisha , Chitale Dhananjay , Bensenhaver Jessica M. , Awuah Baffour , Bekele Mahteme , Abebe Engida , Kyei Ishmael , Aitpillah Frances S. , Adinku Michael O. , Ankomah Kwasi , Osei-Bonsu Ernest B. , Nathansan Saul David , Jackson LaToya , Jiagge Evelyn , Petersen Lindsay F. , Proctor Erica , Nikolinakos Petros , Gyan Kofi K. , Yates Clayton , Kittles Rick , Newman Lisa A. , Davis Melissa B.
Published: April 2021

Large-scale efforts to identify breast cancer (BC) risk alleles have historically taken place among women of European ancestry. Recently, there are new efforts to verify if these alleles increase risk in African American (AA) women as well. We investigated the effect of previously reported AA breast cancer and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) risk alleles in our African-enriched International Center for the Study of Breast Cancer Subtypes (ICSBCS) cohort. Using case–control, case-series and race-nested approaches, we report that the Duffy-null allele (rs2814778) is associated with TNBC risk (OR = 3.814, p = 0.001), specifically among AA individuals, after adjusting for self-indicated race and west African ancestry (OR = 3.368, p = 0.007). We have also validated the protective effect of the minor allele of the ANKLE1 missense variant rs2363956 among AA for TNBC (OR = 0.420, p = 0.005). Our results suggest that an ancestry-specific Duffy-null allele and differential prevalence of a polymorphic gene variant of ANKLE1 may play a role in TNBC breast cancer outcomes. These findings present opportunities for therapeutic potential and future studies to address race-specific differences in TNBC risk and disease outcome.
The dimer-monomer equilibrium of SARS-CoV-2 main protease is affected by small molecule inhibitors
Authors: Silvestrini Lucia , Belhaj Norhan , Comez Lucia , Gerelli Yuri , Lauria Antonino , Libera Valeria , Mariani Paolo , Marzullo Paola , Ortore Maria Grazia , Palumbo Piccionello Antonio , Petrillo Caterina , Savini Lucrezia , Paciaroni Alessandro , Spinozzi Francesco
Published: April 2021

The maturation of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which is the etiological agent at the origin of the COVID-19 pandemic, requires a main protease Mproto cleave the virus-encoded polyproteins. Despite a wealth of experimental information already available, there is wide disagreement about the Mpromonomer-dimer equilibrium dissociation constant. Since the functional unit of Mprois a homodimer, the detailed knowledge of the thermodynamics of this equilibrium is a key piece of information for possible therapeutic intervention, with small molecules interfering with dimerization being potential broad-spectrum antiviral drug leads. In the present study, we exploit Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) to investigate the structural features of SARS-CoV-2 Mproin solution as a function of protein concentration and temperature. A detailed thermodynamic picture of the monomer-dimer equilibrium is derived, together with the temperature-dependent value of the dissociation constant. SAXS is also used to study how the Mprodissociation process is affected by small inhibitors selected by virtual screening. We find that these inhibitors affect dimerization and enzymatic activity to a different extent and sometimes in an opposite way, likely due to the different molecular mechanisms underlying the two processes. The Mproresidues that emerge as key to optimize both dissociation and enzymatic activity inhibition are discussed.
A randomized sham-controlled trial on the effect of continuous positive airway pressure treatment on gait control in severe obstructive sleep apnea patients
Authors: Baillieul Sébastien , Wuyam Bernard , Pérennou Dominic , Tamisier Renaud , Bailly Sébastien , Benmerad Meriem , Piscicelli Céline , Le Roux-Mallouf Thibault , Vergès Samuel , Pépin Jean-Louis
Published: April 2021

To determine the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), the gold standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), on gait control in severe OSAS patients. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, sham-controlled monocentric study in Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, France. Gait parameters were recorded under single and dual-task conditions using a visuo-verbal cognitive task (Stroop test), before and after the 8-week intervention period. Stride-time variability, a marker of gait control, was the primary study endpoint. Changes in the determinants of gait control were the main secondary outcomes. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: (NCT02345694). 24 patients [median (Q1; Q3)]: age: 59.5 (46.3; 66.8) years, 87.5% male, body mass index: 28.2 (24.7; 29.8) kg. m−2, apnea–hypopnea index: 51.6 (35.0; 61.4) events/h were randomized to be treated by effective CPAP (n = 12) or by sham-CPAP (n = 12). A complete case analysis was performed, using a mixed linear regression model. CPAP elicited no significant improvement in stride-time variability compared to sham-CPAP. No difference was found regarding the determinants of gait control. This study is the first RCT to investigate the effects of CPAP on gait control. Eight weeks of CPAP treatment did not improve gait control in severe non-obese OSAS patients. These results substantiate the complex OSAS-neurocognitive function relationship.
Shorter headed dogs, visually cooperative breeds, younger and playful dogs form eye contact faster with an unfamiliar human
Authors: Bognár Zsófia , Szabó Dóra , Deés Alexandra , Kubinyi Enikő
Published: April 2021

Forming eye contact is important in dog–human communication. In this study we measured what factors affect dogs’ propensity for forming eye contact with an experimenter. We investigated the effect of [1] cephalic index (head shape’s metric, indicator of higher visual acuity at the centre of the visual field), [2] breed function (visual cooperativeness), [3] age and [4] playfulness with strangers in 125 companion dogs. Cephalic index was measured individually and analysed as a continuous variable. Results showed that [1] dogs with a higher cephalic index (shorter head) established eye contact faster. Since cephalic index is highly variable even within a breed, using artificial head shape groups or breed average cephalic index values is not recommended. [2] Breed function also affected dogs’ performance: cooperative breeds and mongrels established eye contact faster than dogs from non-cooperative breeds. [3] Younger dogs formed eye contact faster than older ones. [4] More playful dogs formed eye contact faster. Our results suggest that several factors affect dogs’ interspecific attention, and therefore their visual communication ability.
Nonlinear optical property measurements of rhenium diselenide used for ultrafast fiber laser mode-locking at 1.9 μm
Authors: Lee Jinho , Kwon Suhyoung , Kim Taeyoon , Jung Junha , Zhao Luming , Lee Ju Han
Published: April 2021

An experimental investigation into the nonlinear optical properties of rhenium diselenide (ReSe2) was conducted at a wavelength of 1.9 μm using the open-aperture and closed-aperture Z-scan techniques for the nonlinear optical coefficient (β) and nonlinear refractive index (n2) of ReSe2, respectively. β and n2 measured at 1.9 μm were ~ − 11.3 × 103 cm/GW and ~ − 6.2 × 10–2 cm2/GW, respectively, which to the best of our knowledge, are the first reported measurements for ReSe2 in the 1.9-μm spectral region. The electronic band structures of both ReSe2 and its defective structures were also calculated via the Perdew–Becke–Erzenhof functional to better understand their absorption properties. A saturable absorber (SA) was subsequently fabricated to demonstrate the usefulness of ReSe2 for implementing a practical nonlinear optical device at 1.9 μm. The 1.9-μm SA exhibited a modulation depth of ~ 8% and saturation intensity of ~ 11.4 MW/cm2. The successful use of the ReSe2-based SA for mode-locking of a thulium–holmium (Tm–Ho) co-doped fiber ring cavity was achieved with output pulses of ~ 840 fs at 1927 nm. We believe that the mode-locking was achieved through a hybrid mechanism of saturable absorption and nonlinear polarization rotation.
Copper/reduced graphene oxide film modified electrode for non-enzymatic glucose sensing application
Authors: Phetsang Sopit , Kidkhunthod Pinit , Chanlek Narong , Jakmunee Jaroon , Mungkornasawakul Pitchaya , Ounnunkad Kontad
Published: April 2021

Numerous studies suggest that modification with functional nanomaterials can enhance the electrode electrocatalytic activity, sensitivity, and selectivity of the electrochemical sensors. Here, a highly sensitive and cost-effective disposable non-enzymatic glucose sensor based on copper(II)/reduced graphene oxide modified screen-printed carbon electrode is demonstrated. Facile fabrication of the developed sensing electrodes is carried out by the adsorption of copper(II) onto graphene oxide modified electrode, then following the electrochemical reduction. The proposed sensor illustrates good electrocatalytic activity toward glucose oxidation with a wide linear detection range from 0.10 mM to 12.5 mM, low detection limit of 65 µM, and high sensitivity of 172 μA mM–1 cm–2 along with satisfactory anti-interference ability, reproducibility, stability, and the acceptable recoveries for the detection of glucose in a human serum sample (95.6–106.4%). The copper(II)/reduced graphene oxide based sensor with the superior performances is a great potential for the quantitation of glucose in real samples.
Maternal exposure to a high-magnitude earthquake during pregnancy influences pre-reading skills in early childhood
Authors: Bátiz Luis Federico , Palmeiro-Silva Yasna K. , Rice Gregory E. , Monteiro Lara J. , Galaburda Albert M. , Romero Roberto , Choolani Mahesh A. , Wyneken Ursula , Orellana Pelusa , Illanes Sebastián E.
Published: April 2021

Exposure to an adverse prenatal environment can influence fetal development and result in long-lasting changes in the offspring. However, the association between maternal exposure to stressful events during pregnancy and the achievement of pre-reading skills in the offspring is unknown. Here we examined the association between prenatal exposure to the Chilean high-magnitude earthquake that occurred on February 27th, 2010 and the development of early reading precursors skills (listening comprehension, print knowledge, alphabet knowledge, vocabulary, and phonological awareness) in children at kindergarten age. This multilevel retrospective cohort study including 3280 children, of whom 2415 were unexposed and 865 were prenatally exposed to the earthquake shows substantial evidence that maternal exposure to an unambiguously stressful event resulted in impaired pre-reading skills and that a higher detrimental effect was observed in those children who had been exposed to the earthquake during the first trimester of gestation. In addition, females were more significantly affected by the exposure to the earthquake than their male peers in alphabet knowledge; contrarily, males were more affected than females in print knowledge skills. These findings suggest that early intervention programs for pregnant women and/or children exposed to prenatal stress may be effective strategies to overcome impaired pre-reading skills in children.