bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quietly queer(ing): the normative value ofsuturaand its potential for young women in urban Senegal
Authors: Oudenhuijsen Loes
Published: April 2021

Sutura(discretion, modesty) is a central element in Senegalese Wolof culture that, among other things, promotes feminine honour through chastity, silence with regard to discussing sexuality with elders, and refraining from articulating same-sex desires in general. Consequently,suturais seen as limiting the space for non-normative sexualities. However,lesbiennesin Senegal strategically employsuturato navigate this gender and sexual normativity, whereby they queer the initially heteronormative framework. This article explores how, at the frontiers of international sexual rights activism and its antithetical Islamic social code, young women open new avenues for thinking queer Africa. The article explores young women's diverse tactics to turnsuturafrom a heteronormative framework into a vehicle for queer expression. These women demonstrate the constant yet indeterminate possibilities to negotiate between normative expectations and queer lives. They furthermore propose an alternative to the international queer frontier of overt resistance and protest, and suggest that the silences thatsuturaprescribe are more productive for queering their urban environment. By balancing the simultaneous desires of same-sex intimacies, family life, societal expectations and urban success, these women are pioneers in offering new routes for ‘queering queer Africa’, as Stella Nyanzi has described it.
‘Like a drag or something’: central texts at the pioneering forefront of contemporary Nigerian queerscapes
Authors: Oloruntoba-Oju Diekara
Published: April 2021

This article examinesShe Called Me Woman, a 2018 anthology of and by twenty-five queer Nigerian women. The text focuses on a variety of narratives by women as a way to challenge the confinement of queer Nigeria to the narratives of gay men. The article demonstrates how the multifarious queer(ying) experiences of women in different geographical and social contexts within Nigeria help to further contextualize the trope of what we understand to be queer in Africa. The stories in this anthology reflect the complex ways in which queer women in Nigeria negotiate their everyday lives against the backdrop of the frontier imposed by both anti-homosexuality law in Nigeria and global LGBT+ discourse. In examining the complexities of these women, this article argues that queer frontiers in Africa must necessarily be discussed elliptically, as a compendium of the known, the unknown, and perhaps the unknowable. The idea of queerness is taken up as a frontier of thought, imagination and modes of being: that is, an embodiment of identities at the crossroads of a complex convergence of the old, the new and the yet to be known.
Controlled photo-discharge of dust in a complex plasma
Authors: McKinlay Michael , Thomas Edward
Published: April 2021

One of the limitations in studying dusty plasmas is that many of the important properties of the dust (like the charge) are directly coupled to the surrounding plasma conditions rather than being determined independently. The application of high-intensity ultraviolet (UV) sources to generate discharging photoelectric currents may provide an avenue for developing methods of controlling dust charge. Careful selection of the parameters of the UV source and dust material may even allow for this to be accomplished with minimal perturbation of the background plasma. The Auburn Magnetized Plasma Research Laboratory (MPRL) has developed a ‘proof-of-concept’ experiment for this controlled photo-discharging of dust; a high-intensity, near-UV source was used to produce large changes in the equilibrium positions of lanthanum hexaboride (

$\textrm {LaB}_6$

) particles suspended in an argon DC glow discharge with negligible changes in the potential, density and temperature profiles of the background plasma. The shifts in equilibrium position of the dust are consistent with a reduction in dust charge. Video analysis is used to quantify the changes in position, velocity and acceleration of a test particle under the influence of the UV and Langmuir probes are used to measure the effects on the plasma.
Occurrence and conservation of the Vulnerable titi monkey Callicebus melanochir in fragmented landscapes of the Atlantic Forest hotspot
Authors: Costa-Araújo Rodrigo , Luis Regolin André , Martello Felipe , Pedro Souza-Alves João , Hrbek Tomas , Cezar Ribeiro Milton
Published: April 2021

Tropical forest hotspots have a high diversity of species but have lost > 70% of their original vegetation cover and are characterized by a multitude of small and isolated fragments. Paradoxically, conservation actions in these areas are still mainly focused on protection of large tracts of forests, a strategy now infeasible because of the small area of forest remnants. Here we use the Vulnerable black-handed titi monkey Callicebus melanochir as a model to study the effects of habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation on arboreal mammals and to provide insights for science-driven conservation in fragmented landscapes in tropical forest hotspots. We surveyed 38 Atlantic Forest fragments in Bahia State, Brazil and assessed the effects of patch area, quality and visibility, and landscape connectivity on the occurrence of our model species. Patch area was the single best model explaining species occurrence. Nonetheless, patch quality and visibility, and landscape connectivity, positively affect occurrence. In addition to patch area, patch quality, patch visibility and landscape connectivity are useful for predicting the occurrence of arboreal mammals in the fragments of tropical forest hotspots. We encourage the assessment of habitat quality (based on remotely sensed vegetation indices) and habitat visibility (based on digital elevation models) to improve discoverability of arboreal mammal populations and selection of fragments for conservation purposes across fragmented landscapes of tropical forest hotspots. Large remnants of tropical forest hotspots are scarce and therefore we require baseline data to support conservation actions and management in small forest fragments.
In vitro compatibility and nematicidal activity of Monacrosporium sinense and Pochonia chlamydosporia for biological control of bovine parasitic nematodes
Authors: Oliveira Isabela de Castro , Vieira Ítalo Stoupa , Campos Artur Kanadani , Araújo Jackson Victor de
Published: April 2021

The use of nematophagous fungi is an alternative for the biological control of nematodes in ruminants. In this study, the compatibility of joint growth of the fungi Monacrosporium sinense and Pochonia chlamydosporia and the joint nematicidal activity of these fungal isolates on bovine infective larvae were evaluated. For that, tests of direct confrontation, the effect of volatile compounds and antibiosis were conducted. In order to carry out the tests, the fungi were inoculated in potato dextrose agar culture medium and, after the incubation period, the growth of the colonies, the formation of an inhibition halo and the effect of volatile metabolites were verified. The compatibility between fungi isolates M. sinense and P. chlamydosporia was confirmed and the nematicidal evaluation proved the best effectiveness was when both were used together, with a 98.90% reduction in the number of bovine nematode infective larvae under in vitro conditions. It was concluded that M. sinense and P. chlamydosporia presented synergistic action, suggesting that the joint application of the fungi increases the effectiveness of biological control of bovine infective larvae.
Willpower through cultural tools: An example from alcoholics anonymous
Authors: Acquaro Pamela , Sosis Richard
Published: April 2021

We argue that a closer look at the practices and tools that humans use to support willpower, and the cultural contexts in which they are employed, can broaden the applicability of Ainslie's theory and facilitate the development of more effective self-control techniques. To support our argument, we examine Alcoholics Anonymous's method of temptation resistance known as “playing the tape through” (PTT).
Present-state dependency in valuation of the future
Authors: Monterosso John R.
Published: April 2021

Ainslie's target article provides a map of distinct mechanisms relevant to self-control, potentially providing needed precision to the field. He also breaks new ground in characterizing the symbiotic relationship between suppression and resolve. In this commentary, I argue that one behaviorism-based feature of his framework, present-state independence, is unjustified and unnecessary for the broader claims of the theory.
The complex nature of willpower and conceptual mapping of its normative significance in research on stress, addiction, and dementia
Authors: Dubljević Veljko , Neupert Shevaun D.
Published: April 2021

Willpower (as suppression, resolve, and habit) has ramifications for autonomy and mental time-travel. Autonomy presupposes mature powers of volition and the capacity to anticipate future events and consequences of one's actions. Ainslie's study is useful to clarify basic autonomy in addiction and dementia. Furthermore, we show how our study on coping with stress can be applied to suppression and resolve.
Aspiration fuels willpower: Evidence from the addiction literature
Authors: Heyman Gene M.
Published: April 2021

Ainslie identifies two possible motivational sources for resolve: “thinking categorically” and “intertemporal bargaining.” Ainslie opts for intertemporal bargaining, adding that thinking categorically has no motivational power. The most researched instance of willpower is remission from addiction. This literature shows that aspirations for a more desirable identity and comfortable lifestyle motivate remission. In other words, “thinking categorically” drives willpower.
Spotify and the democratisation of music
Authors: Hodgson Thomas
Published: April 2021

The corporate rhetoric of streaming platforms often assumes a tight link between their scale-making ambitions on the one hand and the creative interests of musicians on the other. In practice, most musicians recognise that claims of musical ‘democratisation’ are deeply flawed. The creative ambivalence this produces is an understudied pillar in scholarship on digital music platforms and suggests that these systems can be more creatively constrictive than empowering. Based on ethnographic research among Spotify engineers, record labels and musicians, this article explores how music recommendation systems become inculcated with a corporate rhetoric of ‘scalability’ and considers, following Anna Tsing, how this impacts musical creativity further down the value chain. I argue that the ‘creative ambivalence’ that these technologies produce should be more fully understood as woven into a complex web of social relations and corporate interests than prevailing claims of technological objectivity and ‘democratisation’ suggest.
Assessment of bone mineral density in children with congenital cyanotic heart disease
Authors: Elsharkawy Ashraf A. , El-Hawary Amany K. , Alsawah Gehan A. , Aboelenin Hadil M. , Awad Mohammad H.
Published: April 2021

Background:

Cyanotic CHD is one of many disorders in paediatrics that influence the health of children in different clinical aspects. One of the fundamental aspects that may be affected is bone mineral density.

Objectives:

The aim of our study is to assess bone mineral density in children with congenital cyanotic heart disease of different anatomical diagnoses.

Design/Methods:

Cross-sectional, observational study included 39 patients (20 males) with congenital cyanotic heart disease of different anatomical diagnoses following with the cardiology clinic in Mansoura University children’s hospital. All patients were subjected to anthropometric measures, oxygen saturation assessment, and lumber bone mineral density using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

Results:

Six patients (15.4%) out of the 39 included patients showed bone mineral density reduction, 13 patients (33.3%) showed bone mineral density with Z-score between −1 and −2, while 20 patients (51.3%) showed bone mineral density with Z-score more than −1.

Conclusion:

Low bone mineral density can be found in children with cyanotic CHD, making it important to consider bone mineral density assessment and early treatment if needed to avoid further complications.
The Language of the Xūz and the Fate of Elamite
Authors: VAN BLADEL KEVIN T.
Published: April 2021

This article discusses the language of the Xūz mentioned in Arabic sources, endorsing the view that it is the latest attestation of the Elamite language. Drawing on models from historical sociolinguistics, it also studies the problem of mutual acculturation between speakers of Elamite and Persian in antiquity.
RIESZ TRANSFORMS ON COMPACT QUANTUM GROUPS AND STRONG SOLIDITY
Authors: Caspers Martijn
Published: April 2021

One of the main aims of this paper is to give a large class of strongly solid compact quantum groups. We do this by using quantum Markov semigroups and noncommutative Riesz transforms. We introduce a property for quantum Markov semigroups of central multipliers on a compact quantum group which we shall call ‘approximate linearity with almost commuting intertwiners’. We show that this property is stable under free products, monoidal equivalence, free wreath products and dual quantum subgroups. Examples include in particular all the (higher-dimensional) free orthogonal easy quantum groups.

We then show that a compact quantum group with a quantum Markov semigroup that is approximately linear with almost commuting intertwiners satisfies the immediately gradient-${\mathcal {S}}_2$condition from [10] and derive strong solidity results (following [10]). Using the noncommutative Riesz transform we also show that these quantum groups have the Akemann–Ostrand property; in particular, the same strong solidity results follow again (now following [27]).
Husten aus allergologischer und HNO-Sicht
Authors: Jörg Lukas , Gschwend Anna , Poletti Sophia C , Caversaccio Marco D. , Helbling Arthur
Published: April 2021

Zusammenfassung. Husten ist ein häufiges Problem in der allergologischen, weniger hingegen in der rhinologischen Sprechstunde. Das differenzialdiagnostische Spektrum bei Husten ist umfassend und kann von der Rhinitis über Asthma bis hin zur eosinophilen Ösophagitis und selteneren Erkrankungen reichen. Bei den Allergien spielen hauptsächlich Aeroallergene wie Pollen, Hausstaubmilben oder auch Berufsstoffe eine Rolle. Aber nicht selten ist Husten auch Hauptsymptom eines Antikörpermangels oder eines Sicca-Symptomenkomplexes. Je chronischer der Husten ist, desto gründlicher ist eine Abklärung – oft interdisziplinär – indiziert. Die Therapie richtet sich nach der Ursache des Hustens. Bei allergischen Atemwegserkrankungen kann eine allergenspezifische Immuntherapie angezeigt sein.
Latitudinal, Diurnal, and Seasonal Variations in the Accuracy of an RTK Positioning System and Its Relationship With Ionospheric Irregularities
Authors: Follestad A. F. , Clausen L. B. N. , Moen J. I. , Jacobsen K. S.
Published: April 2021

The Norwegian Mapping Authority operates a network real time kinematic (RTK) system called CPOS, a positioning service providing centimeter level accuracy aimed at commercial users, for example, in civil engineering, excavation, and surveying. CPOS is based on multiple Global Navigation Satellite Systems (multi‐GNSS) in addition to base stations to provide correction data. CPOS position accuracy is subject to disturbances arising from space weather phenomena, which can disturb and disrupt GNSS signals. Studies have shown that CPOS performance is sensitive to the presence of plasma irregularities, usually quantified by the rate of change of total electron content index (ROTI). This study investigates the performance of CPOS over a 3‐year period, and its relationship with ionospheric irregularities. In a statistical analysis, we observe that CPOS position errors have seasonal, diurnal, and latitudinal variations. The most frequent position errors occur around magnetic noon and are of moderate severity, while the largest position errors occur around night‐time, agreeing well with climatology studies on GNSS scintillations. Additionally, we investigate ionospheric irregularities as characterized by the rate of TEC index (ROTI). We find that there is a significant correlation between CPOS accuracy and ROTI, but that there are also other contributing factors.
3‐D Density Structure of the Lunar Mascon Basins Revealed by a High‐Efficient Gravity Inversion of the GRAIL Data
Authors: Zhao Guangdong , Liu Jianxin , Chen Bo , Kaban Mikhail K. , Du Jinsong
Published: April 2021

The lunar mascon basins are characterized by high gravity anomalies and thin crust. Study of the density structure beneath the mascon basins can help to understand the origin of these gravity anomalies and infer their formation and evolution. We propose an efficient forward gravity method based on the 3‐D Gauss‐Legendre quadrature (GLQ) and Fast Fourier Transforms combined with the adaptive discretization strategy to ensure high accuracy. The numerical example demonstrates that computational efficiency is increased by about three orders of magnitude compared to the traditional 3D GLQ method. We employ this forward method in a 3‐D inversion of the gravity data derived from the lunar gravity model GL1500E. The inverted results show prominent high‐density structures (namely, mascons) representing significant mantle uplift and thinned crust beneath most impact basins. Marked low‐density rings surround the mascons. Most of the corresponding low‐density anomalies extend from the near‐surface to the Moho, indicating a thick, low‐density crust. Our density model is consistent with the formation processes of mascons that an impact causes collapse of the transient crater and then the shocked mantle drives mantle flow. The low‐density rings surrounding the mascons may stem from the crust thickening following an impact and extensive fracturing of the crustal column.
R2O2R Improvements Identified by United States Space Weather Forecasters
Authors: Butler E. C. , Keller J. M.
Published: April 2021

A communication deficit exists between the space weather research and forecast communities in the research‐to‐operations‐to‐research (R2O2R) pipeline. No formal, citable space exists for forecasters to communicate needs and lessons learned to the research community (O2R). This deficit was termed the “valleys of death and lost opportunities” (NRC, 2003, https://doi.org/10.17226/10658) and has resulted in advancements taking up to 20 years or more to become forecast operational. To provide this communication space, we surveyed a group of US civilian space weather forecasters on their needed improvements, use of available resources, and interactions with researchers, via a combination of questionnaire and focus group discussions. Nineteen needed improvements were identified, clustering into four categories: scientific understanding, access to data, forecast office tools, and instrumentation. Participants appeared to prefer resources with a robust data stream of high‐resolution and high‐time cadence data which suffer few technical issues. Participants want to be included in tool development more often and earlier in the process as they felt they were “seldom listened to when it comes to what [they] actually need.”
Prostate epithelial genes define therapy-relevant prostate cancer molecular subtype
Authors: Han Hyunho , Lee Hyung Ho , Choi Kwibok , Moon Young Jun , Heo Ji Eun , Ham Won Sik , Jang Won Sik , Rha Koon Ho , Cho Nam Hoon , Giancotti Filippo G. , Choi Young-Deuk
Published: April 2021

Background and objectives

Transcriptomic landscape of prostate cancer (PCa) shows multidimensional variability, potentially arising from the cell-of-origin, reflected in serum markers, and most importantly related to drug sensitivities. For example, Aggressive Variant Prostate Cancer (AVPC) presents low PSA per tumor burden, and characterized by de novo resistance to androgen receptor signaling inhibitors (ARIs). Understanding PCa transcriptomic complexity can provide biological insight and therapeutic guidance. However, unsupervised clustering analysis is hindered by potential confounding factors such as stromal contamination and stress-related material degradation.

Materials and methods

To focus on prostate epithelial cell-relevant heterogeneity, we defined 1,629 genes expressed by prostate epithelial cells by analyzing publicly available bulk and single- cell RNA sequencing data. Consensus clustering and CIBERSORT deconvolution were used for class discovery and proportion estimate analysis. The Cancer Genome Atlas Prostate Adenocarcinoma dataset served as a training set. The resulting clusters were analyzed in association with clinical, pathologic, and genomic characteristics and impact on survival. Serum markers PSA and PAP was analyzed to predict response to docetaxel chemotherapy in metastatic setting.

Results

We identified two luminal subtypes and two aggressive variant subtypes of PCa: luminal A (Adipogenic/AR-active/PSA-high) (30.0%); luminal S (Secretory/PAP-high) (26.0%); AVPC-I (Immune-infiltrative) (14.7%), AVPC-M (Myc-active) (4.2%), and mixed (25.0%). AVPC-I and AVPC-M subtypes predicted to be resistant to ARI and have low PSA per tumor burden. Luminal A and AVPC-M predicted to be resistant to docetaxel and have high PSA/PAP Ratio. Metastatic PCa patients with high PSA/PAP ratio (>20) had significantly shorter progression-free survival than those with low ratio (≤20) following docetaxel chemotherapy.

Conclusion

We propose four prostate adenocarcinoma subtypes with distinct transcriptomic, genomic, and pathologic characteristics. PSA/PAP ratio in advanced cancer may aid in determining which patients would benefit from maximized androgen receptor inhibition or early use of antimicrotubule agents.
Archaeal extracellular vesicles are produced in an ESCRT-dependent manner and promote gene transfer and nutrient cycling in extreme environments
Authors: Liu Junfeng , Cvirkaite-Krupovic Virginija , Commere Pierre-Henri , Yang Yunfeng , Zhou Fan , Forterre Patrick , Shen Yulong , Krupovic Mart
Published: April 2021

Membrane-bound extracellular vesicles (EVs), secreted by cells from all three domains of life, transport various molecules and act as agents of intercellular communication in diverse environments. Here we demonstrate that EVs produced by a hyperthermophilic and acidophilic archaeon Sulfolobus islandicus carry not only a diverse proteome, enriched in membrane proteins, but also chromosomal and plasmid DNA, and can transfer this DNA to recipient cells. Furthermore, we show that EVs can support the heterotrophic growth of Sulfolobus in minimal medium, implicating EVs in carbon and nitrogen fluxes in extreme environments. Finally, our results indicate that, similar to eukaryotes, production of EVs in S. islandicus depends on the archaeal ESCRT machinery. We find that all components of the ESCRT apparatus are encapsidated into EVs. Using synchronized S. islandicus cultures, we show that EV production is linked to cell division and appears to be triggered by increased expression of ESCRT proteins during this cell cycle phase. Using a CRISPR-based knockdown system, we show that archaeal ESCRT-III and AAA+ ATPase Vps4 are required for EV production, whereas archaea-specific component CdvA appears to be dispensable. In particular, the active EV production appears to coincide with the expression patterns of ESCRT-III-1 and ESCRT-III-2, rather than ESCRT-III, suggesting a prime role of these proteins in EV budding. Collectively, our results suggest that ESCRT-mediated EV biogenesis has deep evolutionary roots, likely predating the divergence of eukaryotes and archaea, and that EVs play an important role in horizontal gene transfer and nutrient cycling in extreme environments.
New classification of periodontal diseases (NCPD): an application in a sub-Saharan country
Authors: Ndjidda Bakari William , Thiam Diabel , Mbow Ndeye Lira , Samb Anna , Guirassy Mouhamadou Lamine , Diallo Ahmad Moustapha , Diouf Abdoulaye , Diallo Adam Seck , Benoist Henri Michel
Published: April 2021

Purpose

To determine the clinical and radiological profile of periodontitis according to the 2018 NCPD, in a Dakar (Senegal) based periodontal clinic.

Methods

This is a descriptive study based on patient’s records in the periodontology clinic. The study was conducted between November 2018 and February 2020 (15 months). All periodontitis cases were included in the study. Incomplete records (due to lack of radiographic workup or unusable periodontal charting) were excluded. Periodontitis diagnosis was established based on criteria used in the 2018 NCPD. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS version 20.0, with the significance threshold set at 0.05.

Results

A total number of 517 patient records were collected during the study period but only 127 periodontitis records were complete. The mean age of participants was 46.8 ± 13.8 years and 63.8% of participants were males. The mean plaque index and bleeding on probing (BOP) were 74% ± 21.3 and 58.1% ± 25.1, respectively. The mean maximum clinical attachment loss was 8.7 mm ±2.7, with a probing depth greater than 6 mm present in 50.4% of the sample. The median number of missing teeth was 3 (interquartile range 5–1). Pathological mobility was present in 60.6% of the patients and 78.0% had occlusion problems. Bone crest defect at the most affected site was moderate in 52.8% of cases. The ratio of bone loss to age greater than one concerned 66.1% of the sample. Generalised (81.9%), Stage IV (70.1%) and grade C (69.3%) were the most encountered diagnosis. The disease severity was associated with age (r = 0.241; P < 0.001), BOP (r = 0.230; P = 0.013) and the number of teeth with pathological mobility (r = 0.318; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Patients with periodontitis in this study had advanced forms of the disease and required multidisciplinary care. Clinical hindsight is necessary to improve this classification.
Genomic insights into the conservation status of the world’s last remaining Sumatran rhinoceros populations
Authors: von Seth Johanna , Dussex Nicolas , Díez-del-Molino David , van der Valk Tom , Kutschera Verena E. , Kierczak Marcin , Steiner Cynthia C. , Liu Shanlin , Gilbert M. Thomas P. , Sinding Mikkel-Holger S. , Prost Stefan , Guschanski Katerina , Nathan Senthilvel K. S. S. , Brace Selina , Chan Yvonne L. , Wheat Christopher W. , Skoglund Pontus , Ryder Oliver A. , Goossens Benoit , Götherström Anders , Dalén Love
Published: April 2021

Small populations are often exposed to high inbreeding and mutational load that can increase the risk of extinction. The Sumatran rhinoceros was widespread in Southeast Asia, but is now restricted to small and isolated populations on Sumatra and Borneo, and most likely extinct on the Malay Peninsula. Here, we analyse 5 historical and 16 modern genomes from these populations to investigate the genomic consequences of the recent decline, such as increased inbreeding and mutational load. We find that the Malay Peninsula population experienced increased inbreeding shortly before extirpation, which possibly was accompanied by purging. The populations on Sumatra and Borneo instead show low inbreeding, but high mutational load. The currently small population sizes may thus in the near future lead to inbreeding depression. Moreover, we find little evidence for differences in local adaptation among populations, suggesting that future inbreeding depression could potentially be mitigated by assisted gene flow among populations.
Genomic diversity contributes to the neuroinvasiveness of the Yellow fever French neurotropic vaccine
Authors: Bakoa Florian , Préhaud Christophe , Beauclair Guillaume , Chazal Maxime , Mantel Nathalie , Lafon Monique , Jouvenet Nolwenn
Published: April 2021

Mass vaccination with the live attenuated vaccine YF-17D is the current way to prevent infection with Yellow fever virus (YFV). However, 0.000012–0.00002% of vaccinated patients develop post-vaccination neurological syndrome (YEL-AND). Understanding the factors responsible for neuroinvasion, neurotropism, and neurovirulence of the vaccine is critical for improving its biosafety. The YF-FNV vaccine strain, known to be associated with a higher frequency of YEL-AND (0.3–0.4%) than YF-17D, is an excellent model to study vaccine neuroinvasiveness. We determined that neuroinvasiveness of YF-FNV occured both via infection and passage through human brain endothelial cells. Plaque purification and next generation sequencing (NGS) identified several neuroinvasive variants. Their neuroinvasiveness was not higher than that of YF-FNV. However, rebuilding the YF-FNV population diversity from a set of isolated YF-FNV-N variants restored the original neuroinvasive phenotype of YF-FNV. Therefore, we conclude that viral population diversity is a critical factor for YFV vaccine neuroinvasiveness.
Fc-GDF15 glyco-engineering and receptor binding affinity optimization for body weight regulation
Authors: Fung Ella , Kang Liya , Sapashnik Diana , Benard Susan , Sievers Annette , Liu Yan , Yan Guoying , Zhou Jing , Rodriguez Linette , Ma Weijun , Stochaj Wayne R. , LaVallie Edward , Wroblewska Liliana , Kelleher Kerry , Tam Amy , Bezy Olivier , Breen Danna , Chabot Jeffrey R. , He Tao , Lin Laura , Wu Zhidan , Mosyak Lidia
Published: April 2021

GDF15 is a distant TGF-β family member that induces anorexia and weight loss. Due to its function, GDF15 has attracted attention as a potential therapeutic for the treatment of obesity and its associated metabolic diseases. However, the pharmacokinetic and physicochemical properties of GDF15 present several challenges for its development as a therapeutic, including a short half-life, high aggregation propensity, and protease susceptibility in serum. Here, we report the design, characterization and optimization of GDF15 in an Fc-fusion protein format with improved therapeutic properties. Using a structure-based engineering approach, we combined knob-into-hole Fc technology and N-linked glycosylation site mutagenesis for half-life extension, improved solubility and protease resistance. In addition, we identified a set of mutations at the receptor binding site of GDF15 that show increased GFRAL binding affinity and led to significant half-life extension. We also identified a single point mutation that increases p-ERK signaling activity and results in improved weight loss efficacy in vivo. Taken together, our findings allowed us to develop GDF15 in a new therapeutic format that demonstrates better efficacy and potential for improved manufacturability.
Dating the landscape evolution around the Chauvet-Pont d’Arc cave
Authors: Genuite Kim , Delannoy Jean-Jacques , Bahain Jean-Jacques , Gresse Marceau , Jaillet Stéphane , Philippe Anne , Pons-Branchu Edwige , Revil André , Voinchet Pierre
Published: April 2021

The Chauvet cave (UNESCO World Heritage site, France) is located in the Ardèche Gorge, a unique physical and cultural landscape. Its setting within the gorge—overlooking a meander cutoff containing a natural arch called the Pont d’Arc—is also remarkable. Investigating possible associations between sites’ physical and cultural settings, chronologies of human occupation, and access conditions has become a major theme in archeological research. The present study aims to reconstruct the landscape of the Pont d'Arc meander cutoff during the Upper Paleolithic, when humans were present in the Chauvet Cave. We used uranium-series and electron spin resonance analyses to date the formation of the Pont d’Arc natural arch in the Combe d’Arc meander cutoff, near the Chauvet Cave. Results show that the meander became totally cutoff between 108 and 138 ka (95%). Hence, the natural arch formed before the Upper Paleolithic and the first known human presence in the Chauvet Cave, dated to 37 ka cal BP. These results allowed us to reconstruct a key part of the landscape surrounding the Chauvet Cave when it was being used by Upper-Paleolithic societies.
Pre-existing and machine learning-based models for cardiovascular risk prediction
Authors: Cho Sang-Yeong , Kim Sun-Hwa , Kang Si-Hyuck , Lee Kyong Joon , Choi Dongjun , Kang Seungjin , Park Sang Jun , Kim Tackeun , Yoon Chang-Hwan , Youn Tae-Jin , Chae In-Ho
Published: April 2021

Predicting the risk of cardiovascular disease is the key to primary prevention. Machine learning has attracted attention in analyzing increasingly large, complex healthcare data. We assessed discrimination and calibration of pre-existing cardiovascular risk prediction models and developed machine learning-based prediction algorithms. This study included 222,998 Korean adults aged 40–79 years, naïve to lipid-lowering therapy, had no history of cardiovascular disease. Pre-existing models showed moderate to good discrimination in predicting future cardiovascular events (C-statistics 0.70–0.80). Pooled cohort equation (PCE) specifically showed C-statistics of 0.738. Among other machine learning models such as logistic regression, treebag, random forest, and adaboost, the neural network model showed the greatest C-statistic (0.751), which was significantly higher than that for PCE. It also showed improved agreement between the predicted risk and observed outcomes (Hosmer–Lemeshow χ2 = 86.1, P < 0.001) than PCE for whites did (Hosmer–Lemeshow χ2 = 171.1, P < 0.001). Similar improvements were observed for Framingham risk score, systematic coronary risk evaluation, and QRISK3. This study demonstrated that machine learning-based algorithms could improve performance in cardiovascular risk prediction over contemporary cardiovascular risk models in statin-naïve healthy Korean adults without cardiovascular disease. The model can be easily adopted for risk assessment and clinical decision making.
Antibody response against selected epitopes in the HIV-1 envelope gp41 ectodomain contributes to reduce viral burden in HIV-1 infected patients
Authors: Marcelino Rute , Gramacho Filipa , Martin Francisco , Brogueira Pedro , Janeiro Nuno , Afonso Claudia , Badura Robert , Valadas Emília , Mansinho Kamal , Caldeira Luís , Taveira Nuno , Marcelino José M.
Published: April 2021

The ectodomain of gp41 is the target of potent binding and neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) and is being explored in new strategies for antibody-based HIV vaccines. Previous studies have suggested that the W164A-3S (3S) and EC26-2A4 (EC26) peptides located in the gp41 ectodomain may be potential HIV vaccine candidates. We assessed 3S- and EC26-specific binding antibody responses and related neutralizing activity in a large panel of chronic HIV-1-infected Portuguese individuals on ART. A similar proportion of participants had antibodies binding to 3S (9.6%) and EC26 (9.9%) peptides but the level of reactivity against 3S was significantly higher compared to EC26, except in the rare patients with double peptide reactivity. The higher antigenicity of 3S was unrelated with disease stage, as assessed by CD4+ T cell counts, but it was directly related with plasma viral load. Most patients that were tested (89.9%, N = 268) showed tier 1 neutralizing activity, the potency being inversely associated with plasma viral load. In the subset of patients that were tested for neutralization of tier 2 isolates, neutralization breadth was inversely correlated with plasma viral load and directly correlated with CD4+ T cell counts. These results are consistent with a role for neutralizing antibodies in controlling viral replication and preventing the decline of CD4+ T lymphocytes. Importantly, in patients with 3S-specific antibodies, neutralizing titers were inversely correlated with viral RNA levels and proviral DNA levels. Moreover, patients with 3S and/or EC26-specific antibodies showed a 1.9-fold higher tier 2 neutralization score than patients without antibodies suggesting that 3S and/or EC26-specific antibodies contribute to neutralization breadth and potency in HIV-1 infected patients. Overall, these results suggest that antibodies targeting the S3 and EC26 epitopes may contribute to reduce viral burden and provide further support for the inclusion of 3S and EC26 epitopes in HIV-1 vaccine candidates.
Dark spot detection for characterization of marine surface slicks using UAVSAR quad-pol data
Authors: Chaudhary Vaishali , Kumar Shashi
Published: April 2021

Oil spills are a potential hazard, causing the deaths of millions of aquatic animals and this leaves a calamitous effect on the marine ecosystem. This research focuses on evaluating the potential of polarimetric parameters in discriminating the oil slick from water and also possible thicker/thinner zones within the slick. For this purpose, L-band UAVSAR quad-pol data of the Gulf of Mexico region is exploited. A total number of 19 polarimetric parameters are examined to study their behavior and ability in distinguishing oil slick from water and its own less or more oil accumulated zones. The simulation of compact-pol data from UAVSAR quad-pol data is carried out which has shown good performance in detection and discrimination of oil slick from water. To know the extent of separation between oil and water classes, a statistical separability analysis is carried out. The outcomes of each polarimetric parameter from separability analysis are then quantified with the radial basis function (RBF) supervised Support Vector Machine classifier followed with an accurate estimation of the results. Moreover, a comparison of the achieved and estimated accuracy has shown a significant drop in accuracy values. It has been observed that the highest accuracy is given by LHV compact-pol decomposition and coherency matrix with a classification accuracy of ~ 94.09% and ~ 94.60%, respectively. The proposed methodology has performed well in discriminating the oil slick by utilizing UAVSAR dataset for both quad-pol and compact-pol simulation.
Whole genome-based characterisation of antimicrobial resistance and genetic diversity in Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli from ruminants
Authors: Ocejo Medelin , Oporto Beatriz , Lavín José Luis , Hurtado Ana
Published: April 2021

Campylobacter, a leading cause of gastroenteritis in humans, asymptomatically colonises the intestinal tract of a wide range of animals.Although antimicrobial treatment is restricted to severe cases, the increase of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a concern. Considering the significant contribution of ruminants as reservoirs of resistant Campylobacter, Illumina whole-genome sequencing was used to characterise the mechanisms of AMR in Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli recovered from beef cattle, dairy cattle, and sheep in northern Spain. Genome analysis showed extensive genetic diversity that clearly separated both species. Resistance genotypes were identified by screening assembled sequences with BLASTn and ABRicate, and additional sequence alignments were performed to search for frameshift mutations and gene modifications. A high correlation was observed between phenotypic resistance to a given antimicrobial and the presence of the corresponding known resistance genes. Detailed sequence analysis allowed us to detect the recently described mosaic tet(O/M/O) gene in one C. coli, describe possible new alleles of blaOXA-61-like genes, and decipher the genetic context of aminoglycoside resistance genes, as well as the plasmid/chromosomal location of the different AMR genes and their implication for resistance spread. Updated resistance gene databases and detailed analysis of the matched open reading frames are needed to avoid errors when using WGS-based analysis pipelines for AMR detection in the absence of phenotypic data.
Clinical relevance of a degree of extracapsular extension in a sentinel lymph node in breast cancer patients: a single-centre study
Authors: Nowikiewicz Tomasz , Kurylcio Andrzej , Głowacka-Mrotek Iwona , Szymankiewicz Maria , Nowikiewicz Magdalena , Zegarski Wojciech
Published: April 2021

In some breast cancer (BC) patients, an examination of lymph nodes dissected during sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) demonstrates a presence of metastatic lesions and extracapsular extension (ECE) in a SLN. This study aimed to evaluate clinical relevance of ECE in BC patients. This is a retrospective analysis of 891 patients with cancer metastases to SLN, referred to supplementary axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), hospitalized between Jan 2007 and Dec 2017. Clinical and epidemiological data was evaluated. Long-term treatment outcomes were analysed. In 433 (48.6%) patients, cancer metastases were limited to the SLN (group I), in 61 (6.8%) patients the SLN capsule was exceeded focally (≤ 1 mm—group II). In 397 (44.6%) patients, a more extensive ECE was found (> 1 mm—group III). Metastases to non-sentinel lymph nodes (nSLNs) were diagnosed in 27.0% patients from group I, 44.3% patients from group II and in 49.6% patients from group III. No statistically significant differences were observed in long-term treatment outcomes for compared groups. The presence of ECE is accompanied by a higher stage of metastatic lesions in the lymphatic system. The differences in this respect were statistically significant, when compared to the group of ECE(−) patients. ECE, regardless of its extent, did not impact the long-term treatment results. ECE remains an indication for supplementary ALND and for other equivalent cancer treatment procedures, regardless of ECE size.
Tetraploid Citrumelo 4475 rootstocks improve diploid common clementine tolerance to long-term nutrient deficiency
Authors: Oustric Julie , Herbette Stéphane , Quilichini Yann , Morillon Raphaël , Giannettini Jean , Berti Liliane , Santini Jérémie
Published: April 2021

Nutrient deficiency alters growth and the production of high-quality nutritious food. In Citrus crops, rootstock technologies have become a key tool for enhancing tolerance to abiotic stress. The use of doubled diploid rootstocks can improve adaptation to lower nutrient inputs. This study investigated leaf structure and ultrastructure and physiological and biochemical parameters of diploid common clementine scions (C) grafted on diploid (2x) and doubled diploid (4x) Carrizo citrange (C/CC2x and C/CC4x) and Citrumelo 4475 (C/CM2x and C/CM4x) rootstocks under optimal fertigation and after 7 months of nutrient deficiency. Rootstock ploidy level had no impact on structure but induced changes in the number and/or size of cells and some cell components of 2x common clementine leaves under optimal nutrition. Rootstock ploidy level did not modify gas exchanges in Carrizo citrange but induced a reduction in the leaf net photosynthetic rate in Citrumelo 4475. By assessing foliar damage, changes in photosynthetic processes and malondialdehyde accumulation, we found that C/CM4x were less affected by nutrient deficiency than the other scion/rootstock combinations. Their greater tolerance to nutrient deficiency was probably due to the better performance of the enzyme-based antioxidant system. Nutrient deficiency had similar impacts on C/CC2x and C/CC4x. Tolerance to nutrient deficiency can therefore be improved by rootstock polyploidy but remains dependent on the rootstock genotype.
A study on Electrical Discharge Machining of Titanium Grade2 with experimental and theoretical analysis
Authors: Papazoglou Emmanouil L. , Karmiris-Obratański Panagiotis , Leszczyńska-Madej Beata , Markopoulos Angelos P.
Published: April 2021

Titanium alloys, due to their unique properties, are utilized in numerous modern high-end applications. Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) is a non-conventional machining process, commonly used in machining of hard-to-cut materials. The current paper, presents an experimental study regarding the machining of Titanium Grade2 with EDM, coupled with the development of a simulation model. The machining performance indexes of Material Removal Rate, Tool Wear Ratio, and Average White Layer Thickness were measured and calculated for different pulse-on currents and pulse-on times. Moreover, the developed model that integrates a heat transfer analysis with deformed geometry, allows to estimate the power distribution between the electrode and the workpiece, as well as the Plasma Flushing Efficiency, giving an insight view of the process. Finally, by employing the Response Surface Methodology, educed regression models that correlate the machining parameters with the corresponding results, while for all the aforementioned indexes, ANOVA was performed.
Author Correction: Improving gait classification in horses by using inertial measurement unit (IMU) generated data and machine learning
Authors: Serra Bragança F. M. , Broomé S. , Rhodin M. , Björnsdóttir S. , Gunnarsson V. , Voskamp J. P. , Persson‑Sjodin E. , Back W. , Lindgren G. , Novoa‑Bravo M. , Gmel A. I. , Roepstorff C. , van der Zwaag B. J. , Van Weeren P. R. , Hernlund E.
Published: April 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Global-scale patterns of observed sea surface salinity intensified since the 1870s
Authors: Gould W. John , Cunningham Stuart A.
Published: April 2021

Sea surface salinity patterns have intensified between the mid-20thcentury and present day, with saline areas becoming saltier and fresher areas fresher. This change has been linked to a human-induced strengthening of the global hydrological cycle as global mean surface temperatures rose. Here we analyse salinity observations from the round-the-world voyages ofHMS ChallengerandSMS Gazellein the 1870s, early in the industrial era, to reconstruct surface salinity changes since that decade. We find that the amplification of the salinity change pattern between the 1870s and the 1950s was at a rate that was 54 ± 10% lower than the post-1950s rate. The acceleration in salinity pattern amplification over almost 150 years implies that the hydrological cycle would have similarly accelerated over this period.
Reversible photo- and thermal-effects on the luminescence of gold nanoclusters: implications for nanothermometry
Authors: Valenta Jan , Greben Michael , Pramanik Goutam , Kvakova Klaudia , Cigler Petr
Published: April 2021

Slow transient quenching (perfectly reversible) of photoluminescence from colloidal near-infrared emitting gold nanoclusters is observed and its application in nanothermometry is demonstrated.
Fixation of atmospheric CO2 as C1-feedstock by nickel(ii) complexes
Authors: Muthuramalingam Sethuraman , Velusamy Marappan , Mayilmurugan Ramasamy
Published: April 2021

The Ni(ii) complexes of diazepane-based N3-ligands with a cis-β configuration showed the conversion of atmospheric or pure CO2 into cyclic carbonates under 1 atm pressure via a CO2-bound nickel(ii) intermediate.
Characteristics of the pH-regulated aggregation-induced enhanced emission (AIEE) and nanostructure orchestrate via self-assembly of naphthalenediimide–tartaric acid bola-amphiphile: role in cellular uptake
Authors: Wagalgave Sopan M. , Aljabri Mahmood D. , Bhamidipati Keerti , Shejule Deepak A. , Nadimetla Dinesh N. , Al Kobaisi Mohammad , Puvvada Nagaprasad , Bhosale Sidhanath V. , Bhosale Sheshanath V.
Published: April 2021

A naphthalene diimide–tartaric acid conjugate was successfully synthesized, and the influence of tartaric acid on the self-assembly of the NDI–TA scaffold was explored.