bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preferences for end-of-life care settings among the healthy population in Israel—Related socio-demographic variables
Authors: Hamama-Raz Yaira , Cohen Yael , Ben-Ezra Menachem
Published: June 2021

Objective

Preferences for end-of-life (EoL) care settings is of considerable interest for developing public health policy and EoL care strategies. Culture, the cause of illness, and background characteristics may impact preferences. The present study aimed to explore preferences for EoL care settings: homes, hospitals, and inpatient hospice units among the general healthy population in Israel. Possible associations between the setting preferences and socio-demographic characteristics were also examined.

Method

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 311 healthy adults who were recruited through a representative internet panel of the Israeli population using the Israeli census sampling method. The sex ratio was almost 1:1 with 158 women (50.8%) and 153 men (49.2%). All participants completed self-report measures using an online survey system. The questionnaires assessed sociodemographics and preferences for EoL care settings.

Results

This survey revealed that 52.1% of the participants expressed preference for being cared for at home rather than in an inpatient hospice unit, 40.8% expressed being cared for at home rather than in a hospital, while 36.7% had no preference regarding being cared for in hospital or in a hospice unit. Among the socio-demographic variables, only age and gender were found to be significantly associated with preferences for EoL care settings.

Significance of results

The present study highlights the need to be cautious when regarding home as the preferred EoL care setting, as some individuals declared that they would prefer EoL hospice/hospital care. Age and gender should be considered when discussing and tailoring strategies regarding EoL preferences.
Conducting the Heavenly Chorus: Constituent Contact and Provoked Petitioning in Congress
Authors: Henderson Geoffrey , Hertel-Fernandez Alexander , Mildenberger Matto , Stokes Leah C.
Published: June 2021

Congress hears more and more from everyday citizens. How do modern Congressional offices use this information to represent their constituents? Drawing on original interviews and a survey of Congressional staff, we explore how representation works in practice when new data and tools, such as databases and downscaled public opinion polls, are available. In contrast with established theories that focus on responsiveness, we show that representation is a two-way street. Congressional offices both respond to incoming constituent opinion and reach out to elicit opinions from stakeholders. Offices record correspondence into databases, identifying the most salient issues and the balance of opinion among correspondents. They tend not to use polls on policy. To understand the opinions of electorally influential constituencies, staffers also proactively reach out to stakeholders and experts in a practice we call provoked petitioning. If the Washington pressure system is a chorus, Congressional staff often serve as conductors, allowing well-resourced and organized constituents, including interest groups, to sing with the loudest voices. While Congress has some new tools and strategies for representation, its modern practices still reinforce existing biases.
Development of virtual instrument model for parameter estimation of fractal antenna array
Authors: Rani Sunita , Sivia Jagtar Singh
Published: June 2021

This paper presents the parameter estimation of the fractal antenna array with the virtual instrument model designed in laboratory virtual instrument engineering workbench software. In this work resonant frequency, gain and voltage standing wave ratio have been used as an output parameter with the change in three input parameters such as radius of a circular patch, height of substrate, and dielectric constant of the material. Measured output parameters have been compared with neural network outputs and error has been represented in a graphical way for each output parameter of the antenna array. Along with output parameter estimation, a designing parameter such as radius of the circular patch has also been estimated with virtual instrument model and absolute error for radius has been shown in the display window of the designed model. The proposed antenna array has been fabricated and simulated results have been validated with measured results.
Überprüfung der Konstrukt-‍, Kriteriumsvalidität und Messinvarianz eines Instruments zur Messung von sozialer Unsicherheit
Authors: Nicolay Philipp , Weber Simone , Huber Christian
Published: June 2021

Zusammenfassung. Soziale Unsicherheit bei Kindern zeichnet sich durch ein subjektives Unwohlsein in sozialen Situationen und die Sorge vor einer negativen Bewertung durch andere aus. Falls möglich, werden soziale Situationen vermieden oder auf ein Minimum beschränkt. Aufgrund der Unzuverlässigkeit von Fremdurteilen durch Erziehungsberechtigte oder Lehrkräfte haben Selbstbeurteilungsfragebögen in der Diagnostik von sozialer Unsicherheit einen besonderen Stellenwert. Die Social Anxiety Scale for Children (SASC-R-D; Melfsen & Florin, 1997 ) ist hierbei ein häufig eingesetztes Instrument, deren Validität bisher aber unzureichend untersucht wurde. Die vorliegende Studie untersucht daher anhand von Daten von 997 Kindern die Konstrukt- und Kriteriumsvalidität sowie Messinvarianz über das Geschlecht der Skala. Die Ergebnisse legen nah, dass es sich um ein valides Instrument handelt, wobei die differenzielle Nützlichkeit der einzelnen Subskalen fragwürdig bleibt. Die Ergebnisse und ihre Implikationen für die praktische Verwendung des Fragebogens werden diskutiert.
Direct Numerical Simulations of Miniature Along‐Shelf Current‐Supported Turbidity Currents: Conceptual Investigation of Velocity Structure and Drag Coefficient
Authors: Haddadian S. , Ozdemir C. E. , Goodlow B. L. , Xue G. , Bentley S. J.
Published: June 2021

Alongshore current‐supported turbidity currents (ACSTCs) are a subclass of wave‐ and current‐supported turbidity currents. They are one of the agents responsible for the dispersal of the river‐borne sediments on the continental shelf, which constitutes a major phenomenon controlling the geomorphic evolution of ocean‐basin margins over geological time. Therefore, parameterization of the sediment flux associated with ACSTCs will help its implementation in operational models and quantify the sediment flux budgets on the continental shelf. The velocity structure of ACSTCs and the amount of sediments suspended by them are crucial to determine the suspended sediment flux. This study investigates the velocity structure of a simplified miniature ACSTC over an erodible bed composed of fine sediments. Direct numerical simulations are conducted for various bed erosion parameters and sediment settling velocity. The role of sediment‐induced stable density stratification on the velocity structure of ACSTCs is analyzed. The simulation results indicate that density stratification and the drag coefficient are functions of the product of sediment settling velocity and sediment concentration. The velocity profile was found to deviate toward the alongshore direction with strengthening density stratification, which enhances the drag coefficient. By using the Monin‐Obukhov theory, the drag coefficient associated with the cross‐shelf propagation of ACSTCs is formulated as a function of the Reynolds number, sediment concentration, and sediment settling velocity.
Impact Classification of Future Land Use and Climate Changes on Flow Regimes in the Yellow River Source Region, China
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhang Yongyong , Geng Xin , Tang Qiuhong
Published: June 2021

Traditional impact assessments of future changes on flow regimes mainly focus on streamflow magnitude and static land use, which are insufficient to capture entire characteristics of flow regime variations and future land use change. In this study, 18 flow regime metrics are adopted to fully characterize the streamflow hydrograph. The future changes are considered, including land use scenario in 2025 predicted by the Cellular Automata‐Markov (CA‐Markov), and climate change scenarios under three representative concentration pathways (RCPs) (i.e., RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5) obtained from five general circulation models (GCMs) for the period 2021–2030. Regional impacts of future land use and climate changes on flow regimes in the Yellow River Source Region are simulated and identified using distributed hydrological modeling and spatial classification. Results show that the increases in unused land (14.16%), and decreases in grassland (2.54%), glacier and snow cover (62.85%) are remarkable for the period 1980–2025. The flow regimes will be highly impacted in the source region for the RCP2.6 and RCP8.5 scenarios, but in the middle stream and downstream regions for the RCP4.5 scenario. Both the future land use and climate changes will increase flow magnitude for most regions, but their impacts on other flow regime metrics are not homogeneous. The climate change will play the dominant role in the flow regime variations, while the land use change will highly affect mean pre‐flood runoff, frequency and duration of high flow events, and mean rates of positive and negative changes.
Renato Funiciello, an Inspiration to Modern Geology in Italy
Authors: Meghraoui Mustapha
Published: June 2021

A special collection in Tectonics on geodynamics in the Mediterranean region celebrates the life and work of the renowned Italian geologist Renato Funiciello.
Eulerian Two‐Phase Model Reveals the Importance of Wave Period in Ripple Evolution and Equilibrium Geometry
Authors: Salimi‐Tarazouj Ali , Hsu Tian‐Jian , Traykovski Peter , Chauchat Julien
Published: June 2021

The evolution of ripple geometries and their equilibrium states due to different wave forcing parameters are investigated by a Reynolds‐averaged two‐phase model, SedFoam, in a two‐dimensional domain. Modeled ripple geometries, for a given uniform grain diameter, show a good agreement with ripple predictors that include the wave period effect explicitly, in addition to the wave orbital excursion length (or wave orbital velocity amplitude). Furthermore, using a series of numerical experiments, the ripple's response to a step‐change in the wave forcing is studied. The model is capable of simulating “splitting,” “sliding,” “merging,” and “protruding” as the ripples evolve to a new equilibrium state. The model can also simulate the transition to sheet flow in energetic wave conditions and ripple reformation from a nearly flat bed condition. Simulation results reveal that the equilibrium state is such that the “primary” vortices reach half of the ripple length. Furthermore, an analysis of the suspended load and near‐bed load ratio in the equilibrium state indicates that in the orbital ripple regime, the near‐bed load is dominant while the suspended load is conducive to the ripple decaying regime (suborbital ripples) and sheet flow condition.
Design Engineering of Tri‐Band Ulu‐Shape NGD Circuit
Authors: Gu Taochen , Wan Fayu , Nebhen Jamel , Lallechère Sébastien , Ravelo Blaise
Published: June 2021

This paper investigates a negative group delay (NGD) design of Ulu geometrical shape circuit. The NGD basic topology is constituted by a coupled line coupler with two‐port terminated by open‐ended stub. The S‐matrix model of the topology is presented. The design equations allowing to determine the NGD circuit parameters in function of the NGD function specifications, NGD center frequency, NGD values and insertion loss are presented. As proof of concept, a microstrip circuit is designed and fabricated. As expected, the tested results confirm that the circuit behaves as bandpass NGD function. The modeled, simulated and measured results are in good correlation. The POC operates with tri‐band NGD behavior with center frequencies around 0.645, 1.285, and 1.87 GHz with NGD values of about −3.5, −2, and −1 ns, respectively.
Innovative dual system approach for selective eradication of cancer cells using viral-based delivery of natural bacterial toxin–antitoxin system
Authors: Shapira Shiran , Boustanai Ilana , Kazanov Dina , Ben Shimon Marina , Fokra Ahmad , Arber Nadir
Published: June 2021

The inactivation of p53, a tumor suppressor, and the activation of the RAS oncogene are the most frequent genetic alterations in cancer. We have shown that a unique E. coli MazF-MazE toxin–antitoxin (TA) system can be used for selective and effective eradication of RAS-mutated cancer cells. This out of the box strategy holds great promise for effective cancer treatment and management. We provide proof of concept for a novel platform to selectively eradicate cancer cells using an adenoviral delivery system based on the adjusted natural bacterial system. We generated adenoviral vectors carrying the mazF toxin (pAdEasy-Py4-SV40mP-mCherry-MazF) and the antitoxin mazE (pAdEasy-RGC-SV40mP-MazE-IRES-GFP) under the regulation of RAS and p53, resp. The control vector carries the toxin without the RAS-responsive element (pAdEasy-ΔPy4-SV40mP-mCherry-MazF). In vitro, the mazF-mazE TA system (Py4-SV40mP-mCherry-MazF+RGC-SV40mP-MazE-IRES-GFP) induced massive, dose-dependent cell death, at 69% compared to 19% for the control vector, in a co-infected HCT116 cell line. In vivo, the system caused significant tumor growth inhibition of HCT116 (KRASmut/p53mut) tumors at 73 and 65% compared to PBS and ΔPY4 control groups, resp. In addition, we demonstrate 65% tumor growth inhibition in HCT116 (KRASmut/p53wt) cells, compared to the other two control groups, indicating a contribution of the antitoxin in blocking system leakage in WT RAS cells. These data provide evidence of the feasibility of using mutations in the p53 and RAS pathway to efficiently kill cancer cells. The platform, through its combination of the antitoxin (mazE) with the toxin (mazF), provides effective protection of normal cells from basal low activity or leakage of mazF.
Long non-coding RNA AFAP1-AS1 accelerates lung cancer cells migration and invasion by interacting with SNIP1 to upregulate c-Myc
Authors: Zhong Yu , Yang Liting , Xiong Fang , He Yi , Tang Yanyan , Shi Lei , Fan Songqing , Li Zheng , Zhang Shanshan , Gong Zhaojian , Guo Can , Liao Qianjin , Zhou Yujuan , Zhou Ming , Xiang Bo , Li Xiaoling , Li Yong , Zeng Zhaoyang , Li Guiyuan , Xiong Wei
Published: June 2021

Actin filament associated protein 1 antisense RNA 1 (named AFAP1-AS1) is a long non-coding RNA and overexpressed in many cancers. This study aimed to identify the role and mechanism of AFAP1-AS1 in lung cancer. The AFAP1-AS1 expression was firstly assessed in 187 paraffin-embedded lung cancer and 36 normal lung epithelial tissues by in situ hybridization. The migration and invasion abilities of AFAP1-AS1 were investigated in lung cancer cells. To uncover the molecular mechanism about AFAP1-AS1 function in lung cancer, we screened proteins that interact with AFAP1-AS1 by RNA pull down and the mass spectrometry analyses. AFAP1-AS1 was highly expressed in lung cancer clinical tissues and its expression was positively correlated with lung cancer patients’ poor prognosis. In vivo experiments confirmed that AFAP1-AS1 could promote lung cancer metastasis. AFAP1-AS1 promoted lung cancer cells migration and invasion through interacting with Smad nuclear interacting protein 1 (named SNIP1), which inhibited ubiquitination and degradation of c-Myc protein. Upregulation of c-Myc molecule in turn promoted the expression of ZEB1, ZEB2, and SNAIL gene, which ultimately enhanced epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and lung cancer metastasis. Understanding the molecular mechanism by which AFAP1-AS1 promotes lung cancer’s migration and invasion may provide novel therapeutic targets for lung cancer patients’ early diagnosis and therapy.
Long term outcome of functional independence and quality of life after traumatic SCI in Germany
Authors: Möller Florian , Rupp Rüdiger , Weidner Norbert , Gutenbrunner Christoph , Kalke Yorck B. , Abel Rainer F.
Published: June 2021

Study design

Multicenter observational study.

Objective

To describe the long-term outcome of functional independence and quality of life (QoL) for individuals with traumatic and ischemic SCI beyond the first year after injury.

Setting

A multicenter study in Germany.

Methods

Participants of the European multicenter study about spinal cord injury (EMSCI) of three German SCI centers were included and followed over time by the German spinal cord injury cohort study (GerSCI). Individuals’ most recent spinal cord independence measure (SCIM) scores assessed by a clinician were followed up by a self-report (SCIM-SR) and correlated to selected items of the WHO short survey of quality of life (WHO-QoL-BREF).

Results

Data for 359 individuals were obtained. The average time passed the last clinical SCIM examination was 81.47 (SD 51.70) months. In total, 187 of the 359 received questionnaires contained a completely evaluable SCIM-SR. SCIM scores remained stable with the exception of reported management of bladder and bowel resulting in a slight decrease of SCIM-SR of −2.45 points (SD 16.81). SCIM-SR scores showed a significant correlation with the selected items of the WHO-QoL-BREF (p < 0.01) with moderate to strong influence.

Conclusion

SCIM score stability over time suggests a successful transfer of acquired independence skills obtained during primary rehabilitation into the community setting paralleled by positively related QoL measurements but bladder and bowel management may need special attention.
An observational clinical study of the influence of phacoemulsification on choroidal neovascular membrane activity in age related macular degeneration
Authors: Hogg H. D. Jeffry , Chung N. , Reed J. , Berrett G. , Pearce M. , Di Simplicio Sandro
Published: June 2021

Background

Thousands of phacoemulsification surgeries are performed on eyes with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) complicated by choroidal neovascular membrane (CNV) in the United Kingdom each year. As populations age this number is expected to rise. Controversy over phacoemulsification’s influence on CNV activity limits the information which clinicians and these patients use to decide on surgery. This observational study aims to resolve this controversy by reporting on intravitreal injection (IVI) frequency as a pragmatic marker of CNV activity in a large cohort.

Methods

A cohort of eyes with AMD complicated by CNV (n = 327) that underwent cataract surgery at a single tertiary centre from 2014 to 2019 were identified. These cases were matched by interval since CNV diagnosis at a specified ‘time zero’ within the follow-up of pseudophakic eyes with AMD (n = 327). Data concerning demographics, visual acuity (VA) and intravitreal injection frequency before and after ‘time zero’/phacoemulsification were collected.

Results

Following ‘time zero’/phacoemulsification’ the mean reduction in annual IVI frequency was 0.6 injections/year (95% CI 0.4,0.9) and 0.4 injections/year (95% CI 0.1,0.7) in the comparison and phacoemulsification cohorts respectively. The mean VA gain 12 months after phacoemulsification in the intervention cohort was 11.3 (95% CI 9.2,13.4) early treatment of diabetic retinopathy study (ETDRS) letters, with 214 eyes (65.4%) having gained ≥5 ETDRS letters after surgery.

Conclusions

Phacoemulsification has no clinically significant impact on the activity of pre-existent CNV secondary to AMD. Phacoemulsification should be offered to patients with AMD and cataract that limits vision, regardless of CNV activity.
The clinical and molecular significance associated with STING signaling in breast cancer
Authors: Parkes Eileen E. , Humphries Matthew P. , Gilmore Elaine , Sidi Fatima A. , Bingham Victoria , Phyu Su M. , Craig Stephanie , Graham Catherine , Miller Joseph , Griffin Daryl , Salto-Tellez Manuel , Madden Stephen F. , Kennedy Richard D. , Bakhoum Samuel F. , McQuaid Stephen , Buckley Niamh E.
Published: June 2021

STING signaling in cancer is a crucial component of response to immunotherapy and other anti-cancer treatments. Currently, there is no robust method of measuring STING activation in cancer. Here, we describe an immunohistochemistry-based assay with digital pathology assessment of STING in tumor cells. Using this novel approach in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) and ER- breast cancer, we identify perinuclear-localized expression of STING (pnSTING) in ER+ cases as an independent predictor of good prognosis, associated with immune cell infiltration and upregulation of immune checkpoints. Tumors with low pnSTING are immunosuppressed with increased infiltration of “M2”-polarized macrophages. In ER- disease, pnSTING does not appear to have a significant prognostic role with STING uncoupled from interferon responses. Importantly, a gene signature defining low pnSTING expression is predictive of poor prognosis in independent ER+ datasets. Low pnSTING is associated with chromosomal instability,MYCamplification and mTOR signaling, suggesting novel therapeutic approaches for this subgroup.
3D numerical simulation of acoustophoretic motion induced by boundary-driven acoustic streaming in standing surface acoustic wave microfluidics
Authors: Namnabat Mohammad Sadegh , Moghimi Zand Mahdi , Houshfar Ehsan
Published: June 2021

Standing surface acoustic waves (SSAWs) have been widely utilized in microfluidic devices to manipulate various cells and micro/nano-objects. Despite widespread application, a time-/cost-efficient versatile 3D model that predicts particle behavior in such platforms is still lacking. Herein, a fully-coupled 3D numerical simulation of boundary-driven acoustic streaming in the acoustofluidic devices utilizing SSAWs has been conducted based on the limiting velocity finite element method. Through this efficient computational method, the underlying physical interplay from the electromechanical fields of the piezoelectric substrate to different acoustofluidic effects (acoustic radiation force and streaming-induced drag force), fluid–solid interactions, the 3D influence of novel on-chip configuration like tilted-angle SSAW (taSSAW) based devices, required boundary conditions, meshing technique, and demanding computational cost, are discussed. As an experimental validation, a taSSAW platform fabricated on YX 128 $$^\circ $$

∘

LiNbO3 substrate for separating polystyrene beads is simulated, which demonstrates acceptable agreement with reported experimental observations. Subsequently, as an application of the presented 3D model, a novel sheathless taSSAW cell/particle separator is conceptualized and designed. The presented 3D fully-coupled model could be considered a powerful tool in further designing and optimizing SSAW microfluidics due to the more time-/cost-efficient performance than precedented 3D models, the capability to model complex on-chip configurations, and overcome shortcomings and limitations of 2D simulations.
Determination of in vivo biological activities of Dodonaea viscosa flowers against CCL4 toxicity in albino mice with bioactive compound detection
Authors: Tong Zhao-Wei , Gul Hina , Awais Muhammad , Saddick Salina , Khan Falak Sher , Gulfraz Muhammad , Afzal Umara , Nazir Khizar , Malik M. Y. , Khan Sami Ullah , Khan M. Ijaz
Published: June 2021

Dodonaea viscosa L.Jacq. is an evergreen shrub and native to Asia, Africa, and Australia. It has been used as traditional medicine in different countries. The foremost objective of the current study was to discover the protective potential of D. viscosa flowers Methanol (DVM) and Chloroform (DVC) extracts against CCL4 induced toxicity in mice. This study was intended to identify phytochemicals through HPLC, GCMS, and FT-IR, as well as in vitro antioxidant and in vitro anti-tuberculosis activity. Our comprehensive findings indicate that Dodonaea viscosa is valuable and widespread herbal medicine through therapeutic potentials for curing various ailments. Dodonaeaviscosa flowersare found to have a protective effect against oxidative stress produced by CCL4 in the liver, kidney, and spleen. The intake of DV extracts restored the level of hepatic enzymes (ALP, AST ALT, and Direct bilirubin), hematological parameters (RBCs, WBCs, and Platelets), total protein, and liver antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx, and CAT) after a decline in levels by CCL4. Histopathological results discovered the defensive effect of 300 mg/kg of DVM extract against CCL4 induced damage, thus having an improved protective effect compared to DVC and control. As a result of metabolite screening, the total flavonoids and total phenolics were present in abundance. A phytochemical investigation by HPLC identified gallic acid, epicatechin, cumeric acid, flavonoids, while GCMS estimated oleic acid (Octadecenoic acid) (C18H34O2), Stearic acid (C18H36O2), Ricinoleic acid (C18H34O3), and Cedrol (C15H26O). DVM extract exhibited resistance against in vitro Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains. So this study proposed that the protective effect of DV against oxidative damage induced in the liver, kidney, and spleen can be correlated to the antioxidant compounds.
Patient-derived scaffolds as a drug-testing platform for endocrine therapies in breast cancer
Authors: Gustafsson Anna , Garre Elena , Leiva Maria Carmen , Salerno Simona , Ståhlberg Anders , Landberg Göran
Published: June 2021

Three-dimensional cell culture platforms based on decellularised patient-based microenvironments provide in vivo-like growth conditions allowing cancer cells to interact with intact structures and components of the surrounding tissue. A patient-derived scaffold (PDS) model was therefore evaluated as a testing platform for the endocrine therapies (Z)-4-Hydroxytamoxifen (4OHT) and fulvestrant as well as the CDK4/6-inhibitor palbociclib, monitoring the treatment responses in breast cancer cell lines MCF7 and T47D adapted to the patient-based microenvironments. MCF7 cells growing in PDSs showed increased resistance to 4OHT and fulvestrant treatment (100- and 20-fold) compared to 2D cultures. Quantitative PCR analyses of endocrine treated cancer cells in PDSs revealed upregulation of pluripotency markers further supported by increased self-renewal capacity in sphere formation assays. When comparing different 3D growth platforms including PDS, matrigel, gelatin sponges and 3D-printed hydrogels, 3D based cultures showed slightly varying responses to fulvestrant and palbociclib whereas PDS and matrigel cultures showed more similar gene expression profiles for 4OHT treatment compared to the other platforms. The results support that the PDS technique maximized to provide a multitude of smaller functional PDS replicates from each primary breast cancer, is an up-scalable patient-derived drug-testing platform available for gene expression profiling and downstream functional assays.
Genetic diversity, population structure and historical demography of the two-spined yellowtail stargazer (Uranoscopus cognatus)
Authors: Mohd Yusoff Nur Ilham Syahadah , Mat Jaafar Tun Nurul Aimi , Vilasri Veera , Mohd Nor Siti Azizah , Seah Ying Giat , Habib Ahasan , Wong Li Lian , Danish-Daniel Muhd , Sung Yeong Yik , Mazlan Abd. Ghaffar , Mat Piah Rumeaida , Ismail Shahrol Idham , Tan Min Pau
Published: June 2021

Benthic species, though ecologically important, are vulnerable to genetic loss and population size reduction due to impacts from fishing trawls. An assessment of genetic diversity and population structure is therefore needed to assist in a resource management program. To address this issue, the two-spined yellowtail stargazer (Uranoscopus cognatus) was collected within selected locations in the Indo-West Pacific (IWP). The partial mitochondrial DNA cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 and the nuclear DNA recombination activating gene 1 were sequenced. Genetic diversity analyses revealed that the populations were moderately to highly diversified (haplotype diversity, H = 0.490–0.900, nucleotide diversity, π = 0.0010–0.0034) except sampling station (ST) 1 and 14. The low diversity level, however was apparent only in the matrilineal marker (H = 0.118–0.216; π = 0.0004–0.0008), possibly due to stochastic factors or anthropogenic stressors. Population structure analyses revealed a retention of ancestral polymorphism that was likely due to incomplete lineage sorting inU. cognatus, and prolonged vicariance by the Indo-Pacific Barrier has partitioned them into separate stock units. Population segregation was also shown by the phenotypic divergence in allopatric populations, regarding the premaxillary protrusion, which is possibly associated with the mechanism for upper jaw movement in biomechanical feeding approaches. The moderate genetic diversity estimated for each region, in addition to past population expansion events, indicated thatU. cognatuswithin the IWP was still healthy and abundant (except in ST1 and 14), and two stock units were identified to be subjected to a specific resource management program.
Immunological considerations and challenges for regenerative cellular therapies
Authors: Petrus-Reurer Sandra , Romano Marco , Howlett Sarah , Jones Joanne Louise , Lombardi Giovanna , Saeb-Parsy Kourosh
Published: June 2021

The central goal of regenerative medicine is to replace damaged or diseased tissue with cells that integrate and function optimally. The capacity of pluripotent stem cells to produce unlimited numbers of differentiated cells is of considerable therapeutic interest, with several clinical trials underway. However, the host immune response represents an important barrier to clinical translation. Here we describe the role of the host innate and adaptive immune responses as triggers of allogeneic graft rejection. We discuss how the immune response is determined by the cellular therapy. Additionally, we describe the range of available in vitro and in vivo experimental approaches to examine the immunogenicity of cellular therapies, and finally we review potential strategies to ameliorate immune rejection. In conclusion, we advocate establishment of platforms that bring together the multidisciplinary expertise and infrastructure necessary to comprehensively investigate the immunogenicity of cellular therapies to ensure their clinical safety and efficacy.
SPX-related genes regulate phosphorus homeostasis in the marine phytoplankton, Phaeodactylum tricornutum
Authors: Zhang Kaidian , Zhou Zhi , Li Jiashun , Wang Jingtian , Yu Liying , Lin Senjie
Published: June 2021

Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient for marine phytoplankton. Maintaining intracellular P homeostasis against environmental P variability is critical for phytoplankton, but how they achieve this is poorly understood. Here we identify a SPX gene and investigate its role inPhaeodactylum tricornutum.SPXknockout led to significant increases in the expression of phosphate transporters, alkaline phosphatases (the P acquisition machinery) and phospholipid hydrolases (a mechanism to reduce P demand). These demonstrate that SPX is a negative regulator of both P uptake and P-stress responses. Furthermore, we show that SPX regulation of P uptake and metabolism involves a phosphate starvation response regulator (PHR) as an intermediate. Additionally, we find the SPX related genes exist and operate across the phytoplankton phylogenetic spectrum and in the global oceans, indicating its universal importance in marine phytoplankton. This study lays a foundation for better understanding phytoplankton adaptation to P variability in the future changing oceans.
Reduced C9orf72 function leads to defective synaptic vesicle release and neuromuscular dysfunction in zebrafish
Authors: Butti Zoé , Pan Yingzhou Edward , Giacomotto Jean , Patten Shunmoogum A.
Published: June 2021

The most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and fronto-temporal dementia (FTD) is a hexanucleotide repeat expansion within theC9orf72gene. Reduced levels ofC9orf72mRNA and protein have been found in ALS/FTD patients, but the role of this protein in disease pathogenesis is still poorly understood. Here, we report the generation and characterization of a stable C9orf72 loss-of-function (LOF) model in the zebrafish. We show that reducedC9orf72function leads to motor defects, muscle atrophy, motor neuron loss and mortality in early larval and adult stages. Analysis of the structure and function of the neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) of the larvae, reveal a marked reduction in the number of presynaptic and postsynaptic structures and an impaired release of quantal synaptic vesicles at the NMJ. Strikingly, we demonstrate a downregulation of SV2a upon C9orf72-LOF and a reduced rate of synaptic vesicle cycling. Furthermore, we show a reduced number and size of Rab3a-postive synaptic puncta at NMJs. Altogether, these results reveal a key function for C9orf72 in the control of presynaptic vesicle trafficking and release at the zebrafish larval NMJ. Our study demonstrates an important role for C9orf72 in ALS/FTD pathogenesis, where it regulates synaptic vesicle release and neuromuscular functions.
Entropy of stapled peptide inhibitors in free state is the major contributor to the improvement of binding affinity with the GK domain
Authors: Unarta Ilona Christy , Xu Jianchao , Shang Yuan , Cheung Carina Hey Pui , Zhu Ruichi , Chen Xudong , Cao Siqin , Cheung Peter Pak-Hang , Bierer Donald , Zhang Mingjie , Huang Xuhui , Li Xuechen
Published: June 2021

The significant improvement in the binding affinity of the stapled peptide to the PSD-95 GK domain is mostly contributed by the reduction in the entropy penalty of the stapled peptide due to the restriction in the α-helical structure by stapling in the free state.
Synthesis of α-substituted indolylacetamide using acetonitriles as acetamide enolate equivalents through O-transfer reactions
Authors: Abe Takumi , Noda Kenta , Sawada Daisuke
Published: June 2021

The combination of hemiaminals and acetonitriles unlocks the novel reactivities, such as that of an O-transfer reagent and a masked amide enolate, enabling synthesis of α-substituted indolylacetamides through an alkylation/O-transfer reaction.
Study on the catalyst effect of NaCl on MoS2 growth in a chemical vapor deposition process
Authors: Chen Long , Zang Lingyu , Chen Luhua , Wu Jinchao , Jiang Chengming , Song Jinhui
Published: June 2021

In the chemical vapor deposition (CVD), the catalyst has negative effects on the grown MoS2 morphology even though it can facilitate the growth.
N–H photodissociation dynamics of electronically excited aniline: a three dimensional time-dependent quantum wavepacket study
Authors: Ray Jyotirmoy , Ramesh Sai G.
Published: June 2021

Vibrational pre-excitation in the NH stretch strongly influences N–H dissociation in photoexcited aniline. In contrast, vibrational pre-excitation in the two most important coupling modes, NH2 wag and torsion, have a relatively minor influence.
Benzyltrimethylammonium cadmium dicyanamide with polar order in multiple phases and prospects for linear and nonlinear optical temperature sensing
Authors: Mączka Mirosław , Gągor Anna , Zaręba Jan. K. , Trzebiatowska Monika , Stefańska Dagmara , Kucharska Edyta , Hanuza Jerzy , Pałka Norbert , Czerwińska Elżbieta , Sieradzki Adam
Published: June 2021

Benzyltrimethylammonium cadmium dicyanamide exhibits linear and nonlinear optical temperature sensing capability.
An efficient approach to synthesizing 2,5-bis(N-methyl-aminomethyl)furan from 5-hydroxymethylfurfural via 2,5-bis(N-methyl-iminomethyl)furan using a two-step reaction in one pot
Authors: Zhang Jie , Jia Wenlong , Sun Yong , Yang Shuliang , Tang Xing , Zeng Xianhai , Lin Lu
Published: June 2021

A renewable synthesis pathway of 2,5-bis(N-methyl-aminomethyl)furan from HMF using a two-step reaction in one pot.
A micro-spray-based high-throughput screening system for bioplastic-degrading microorganisms
Authors: Shin Giyoung , Park Seul-A. , Koo Jun Mo , Kim Minsun , Lee Minkyung , Jegal Jonggeon , Hwang Sung Yeon , Park Jeyoung , Oh Dongyeop X.
Published: June 2021

A facile and efficient method for bioplastic degrading microorganism screening based on a micro-spray system is developed. The potential of this approach was validated by isolating various bioplastic degrading bacteria from the activated sludge.
Thermally stable high-contrast iridescent structural colours from silica colloidal crystals doped with monodisperse spherical black carbon particles
Authors: Nakamae Kosuke , Hano Nanami , Ihara Hirotaka , Takafuji Makoto
Published: June 2021

The saturation of iridescent structural colours of silica colloidal film is significantly improved by addition of a small amount of the monodisperse spherical black carbon nanoparticles which are uniformly dispersed in a colloidal crystal matrix.
Solvent-driven crystal–crystal transformation and morphology change in a 2D layered inorganic POM-based framework
Authors: Zeng Hui-Min , Wang Chao , Wu Wei-Hong , Mao Wei-Tao , Jiang Zhan-Guo , Zhan Cai-Hong
Published: June 2021

Solvent-driven crystal–crystal transformation and morphology change in a 2D layered inorganic POM-based framework.
A catalyst-free method for the synthesis of 1,4,2-dithiazoles from isothiocyanates and hydroxylamine triflic acid salts
Authors: An Zhenyu , Wang Ting , Liu Yafeng , Ren Yi , Yan Rulong
Published: June 2021

A novel and catalyst-free method for the preparation of 1,4,2-dithiazolidine heterocycles is developed by reactions of isothiocyanates with [MsONH3]OTf.
Characterization of a carboxyl methyltransferase in Fusarium graminearum provides insights into the biosynthesis of fusarin A
Authors: Yang Qian , Wang Wanqiu , Lin Yueting , Lin Yuqi , Tang Zhijun , Wang Jing , Tao Jiang , Tang Weihua , Liu Wen
Published: June 2021

We report here an S-adenosyl methionine-dependent carboxyl methyltransferase responsible for the formation of the methyl ester moiety by biochemical characterization, which provide insights into the biosynthetic pathway of fusarin A.
Enhanced reliability of phase-change memory via modulation of local structure and chemical bonding by incorporating carbon in Ge2Sb2Te5
Authors: Han Jeong Hwa , Jeong Hun , Park Hanjin , Kwon Hoedon , Kim Dasol , Lim Donghyeok , Baik Seung Jae , Kwon Young-Kyun , Cho Mann-Ho
Published: June 2021

Charge density differences (CDDs) on Ge–C–Sb bonds in CGST(5%) and Ge–C–Sb in CGST(10%).
Understanding the enhanced catalytic activity of high entropy alloys: from theory to experiment
Authors: Wang Bing , Yao Yingfang , Yu Xiwen , Wang Cheng , Wu Congping , Zou Zhigang
Published: June 2021

This review highlights the impacts of four core effects (i.e.high entropy, cocktail effect, lattice distortion and sluggish diffusion) and the microstructures of HEAs on their catalytic properties.
Why is the O3 to O1 phase transition hindered in LiNiO2 on full delithiation?
Authors: Ikeda Naohiro , Konuma Itsuki , Rajendra Hongahally Basappa , Aida Taira , Yabuuchi Naoaki
Published: June 2021

The O1 phase transition is suppressed by Ni migration to tetrahedral sites in NiO2.
Parthenocissus-inspired, strongly adhesive, efficiently self-healing polymers for energetic adhesive applications
Authors: Yang Jing , Zhang Guangpu , Wang Jian , Hao Yanjun , Hao Gazi , Xiao Lei , Chen Jiaoyang , Zhou Baojing , Fu Jiajun , Jiang Wei
Published: June 2021

Strong interaction force improves the mechanical properties of energetic composites, and plentiful dynamic H-bonds endue excellent crack-healing performance.
A novel phosphor of Cu+-doped PbBrOH: preparation, luminescence mechanism, and outstanding properties
Authors: Liu Guiyuan , Zhou Hong , Che Quande , Liu Bin , Li Jinkai , Cao Bingqiang , Liu Zongming
Published: June 2021

Cu-Doped PbBrOH was synthesized by the hydrothermal method for the first time with excellent red light emission at 681 nm.
Observation of itinerant ferromagnetism and coupled magnetoresistance in a spinel CuCo2S4
Authors: Yue Zengji , Hou Zhiqian , Yun Frank , Liu Peng , Yang Guangsai , Bake Abdulhakim , Zhao Weiyao , Cortie David , Shu Chaozhu , Hu Shaojie , Cheng Jipeng , Wang Xiaolin
Published: June 2021

A novel ferromagnetic spinel CuCo2S4Tc ∼ 125 K was discovered. The ferromagnetism originates from Co and Cu atoms, and leads to a positive magnetoresistance in the paramagnetic regime, and a cross-over in the ferromagnetic regime.
Controlling through-space and through-bond intramolecular charge transfer in bridged D–D′–A TADF emitters
Authors: Miranda-Salinas Hector , Hung Yi-Tzu , Chen Yi-Sheng , Luo Dian , Kao Hao-Che , Chang Chih-Hao , Wong Ken-Tsung , Monkman Andrew
Published: June 2021

Donor–donor′–acceptor molecules where the donor′ bridges the donor and acceptor have different possible interaction pathways for charge transfer.
The Bilingual Language Diversity of Latino Preschoolers: A Latent Profile Analysis
Authors: Halpin Emily , Prishker Nydia , Melzi Gigliana
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study describes the language diversity (the within-group variability in dual-language skills) of a sample of Latino dual-language learners (preschoolers, 3–5 years of age) and how language diversity is related to home and classroom factors.

Method

A sample of 161 caregivers and their preschoolers participated in this study. Caregivers and a sample of 19 teachers reported on demographic factors and home and classroom language environments. Children were assessed in various domains of both Spanish and English to evaluate their language proficiency skills in each language. Latent profile analysis was used to generate profiles of the diversity of bilingual skills of young dual-language learners.

Results

Four profiles of dual-language skills emerged, characterized by balanced versus uneven skills and phonology and morphosyntax domains. The domains within each language served as markers to distinguish the profiles from one another, specifically morphosyntax and phonology. The results underscore the linguistic heterogeneity of preschool Latino dual-language learners.

Conclusions

Findings reflect the importance of highlighting the strengths of language diversity of preschool Latino dual-language learners instead of employing a monolithic, “one-size-fits-all” approach when considering how to best support them. Furthermore, the home environment plays an important role in supporting Spanish language skills, especially if such support is not necessarily provided at school.
Motion artefact removal in electroencephalography and electrocardiography by using multichannel inertial measurement units and adaptive filtering
Authors: Beach Christopher , Li Mingjie , Balaban Ertan , Casson Alexander J.
Published: June 2021

This paper presents a new active electrode design for electroencephalogram (EEG) and electrocardiogram (ECG) sensors based on inertial measurement units to remove motion artefacts during signal acquisition. Rather than measuring motion data from a single source for the entire recording unit, inertial measurement units are attached to each individual EEG or ECG electrode to collect local movement data. This data is then used to remove the motion artefact by using normalised least mean square adaptive filtering. Results show that the proposed active electrode design can reduce motion contamination from EEG and ECG signals in chest movement and head swinging motion scenarios. However, it is found that the performance varies, necessitating the need for the algorithm to be paired with more sophisticated signal processing to identify scenarios where it is beneficial in terms of improving signal quality. The new instrumentation hardware allows data driven artefact removal to be performed, providing a new data driven approach compared to widely used blind‐source separation methods, and helps enable in the wild EEG recordings to be performed.
Clustering of red and blue galaxies around high-redshift 3C radio sources as seen by the Hubble Space Telescope
Authors: Ghaffari Zohreh , Haas Martin , Chiaberge Marco , Willner Steven P. , Chini Rolf , Hildebrandt Hendrik , de Propris Roberto , West Michael J.
Published: June 2021

To properly understand the evolution of high-redshift galaxy clusters, both passive and star-forming galaxies have to be considered. Here we study the clustering environment of 21 radio galaxies and quasars at 1 < z < 2.5 from the third Cambridge catalog (3C). We use optical and near-infrared Hubble Space Telescope images with a 2′ field-of-view, where the filters encompass the rest-frame 4000 Å break. Passive red and star-forming blue galaxies were separated in the color–magnitude diagram using a redshift-dependent cut derived from galaxy evolution models. We find that about 16 of 21 radio sources inhabit a galaxy overdensity on scales of 250 kpc (30″) projected radius. The sample shows a diversity of red and blue overdensities and also sometimes a deficiency of blue galaxies in the center. The following tentative evolutionary trends are seen: extended proto-clusters with only weak overdensities at z > 1.6, red overdensities at 1.2 < z < 1.6, and red overdensities with an increased deficit of central blue galaxies at z < 1.2. Only a few 3C sources show a blue overdensity tracing active star-formation in the cluster centers; this rarity could indicate that the powerful quasar activity may quench star-formation in the vicinity of most radio sources. The derived number of central luminous red galaxies and the radial density profiles are comparable to those found in local clusters, indicating that some 3C clusters are already mass-rich and compact.
Maxwell quasi-variational inequalities in superconductivity
Authors: Yousept Irwin
Published: June 2021

This paper is devoted to the mathematical modeling and analysis of a hyperbolic Maxwell quasi-variational inequality (QVI) for the Bean-Kim superconductivity model with temperature and magnetic field dependence in the critical current. Our analysis relies on local (resp. global) boundedness and local (resp. global) Lipschitz continuity assumptions on the critical current with respect to the temperature (resp. magnetic field). Emerging from the Euler time discretization, we analyze the corresponding H(curl)-elliptic QVI and prove its existence using a fixed-point argument in combination with techniques from variational inequalities and Maxwell’s equations. Based on the existence result for the H(curl)-elliptic QVI, we examine the stability and convergence of the Euler scheme, which serve as our fundament for the global well-posedness of the governing hyperbolic Maxwell QVI.
Parametric integration of design features selection with recording of construction of working machines
Authors: Gendarz Piotr
Published: June 2021

Adaptation of the graphic program for constructing of a specific class of technical means, being the specialty of the design and construction office, is the basic challenge of the market economy. This office that prepares the offer and then the competitive construction of the technical means in the shortest possible time as a result obtains the order. This effect is enabled by graphic software applications.
Effect of print orientation using DMLS method on strength of materials
Authors: Miozga Rafael , Kurek Marta
Published: June 2021

The paper reported the results of a study concerned with the principle of operation of the 3D printing technology using the method of selective sintering of metallic powders, and taking into account their advantages and drawbacks. The principle of the operation of 3D printing technology applying the DMLS (Direct Metal Laser Sintering) method is presented. On the basis of the performed tests, the anisotropy of the printed materials is demonstrated. The reasons responsible for this phenomenon are identified. The paper presents the results of the strength tests which indicate that the crack during the test occur in the building direction of the layers during printing. The results were compiled for two different types of specimens and two different testing machines.