bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can changes in education alter future population ageing in Asia and Europe?
Authors: Balachandran Arun , James K. S. , van Wissen Leo , Samir K. C. , Janssen Fanny
Published: March 2021

While population ageing is rising, the educational composition of the elderly remains rather heterogeneous. This study assesses the educational differences in future population ageing in Asia and Europe, and how future population ageing in Asia and Europe would change if the educational composition of its populations changed. A comparative population ageing measure (the Comparative Prospective Old-Age Threshold [CPOAT]) was used, which recalculates old-age thresholds after accounting for differences in life expectancy, and the likelihood of adults surviving to higher ages. Combined data from projected age- and sex-specific life-tables (from the United Nations) and projected age- and sex-specific survival ratios by different levels of education (from the Wittgenstein Centre for Demography and Global Human Capital) were used to construct projected life-tables (2015–2020, …, 2045–2050) by educational level and sex for different regions of Asia and Europe. Based on these life-tables, future comparative prospective old-age thresholds by educational level and sex were calculated. It was found that in both Asia and Europe, and among both men and women, the projected old-age thresholds are higher for higher educated people than for less-educated people. While Europe has a larger projected share of elderly in the population than Asia, Europe’s older population is better educated. In alternative future scenarios in which populations hypothetically have higher levels of education, the projected shares of elderly in the population decrease across all regions of Asia and Europe, but more so in Asia. The results highlight the effectiveness of investing in education as a policy response to the challenges associated with population ageing in Asia and Europe. Such investments are more effective in the Asian regions, where the educational infrastructure is less developed.
Biological Living Standards of Korea during the Port-Opening Period, 1876–1910
Authors: Kim Duol , Park Heejin
Published: March 2021

After several hundred years of a closed-door policy, Korea finally opened its ports in 1876. Historians have traditionally claimed that the port-opening was coerced by foreign countries, deteriorated the Korean economy, and led to Korea becoming a colony. We examined this view by measuring biological living standards and find the opposite. The height of the male Hangryu Deceased, who died on the street but whose bodies were not claimed, increased by 1.1 cm from the 1880s to the 1910s. This also implies that free trade rather than new institutions might matter more for economic growth during the colonial era.
Linking people and activities through community mobility: an international comparison of the mobility patterns of older drivers and non-drivers
Authors: Unsworth Carolyn , Dickerson Anne , Gélinas Isabelle , Harries Priscilla , Margot-Cattin Isabel , Mazer Barbara , Stapleton Tadhg , Swanepoel Lizette , Timmer Amanda , Niekerk Lana Van , Vrkljan Brenda
Published: March 2021

Community mobility using private and public transportation is important for maintaining health, social participation and living well in later life. This international cross-sectional cohort study (N = 246) reported on the health and driving status of older adults from seven countries where the mobility patterns of drivers and non-drivers were compared in terms of city and rural areas, weather, as well as their respective differences in the number of out-of-home places accessed and quality of life. Older adults participated in a semi-structured interview and completed four standardised instruments: the EQ-5D-5L, modified PULSES health profile, modified Transportation Questionnaire, and the Transport – Participation in Activities and Places Outside the Home. Results suggested inclement weather and place of residence negatively impacted out-of-home activities but did not increase use of public transportation. Drivers accessed more out-of-home activities than non-drivers, suggesting higher community participation among this group, and quality of life was generally high among all participants, but slightly higher for drivers. Findings indicate that a complex myriad of factors can influence community mobility in older adults and further investigations are needed to understand patterns of transport in later life, particularly with regard to those factors that promote and maintain transport mobility, and relationships between transport mobility, community participation and quality of life.
How does spirituality manifest in family caregivers of terminally ill cancer patients? A qualitative secondary analysis
Authors: Wikert Julia , Treutlein Max , Theochari Marianna , Bokemeyer Carsten , Oechsle Karin , Ullrich Anneke
Published: March 2021

Objective

Considering the risk of spiritual distress among terminally ill patients, experts long agree that spiritual care has to be an integral component of palliative care. Despite this consensus, the role of spirituality among family caregivers remains largely unexplored. We aimed to describe how spirituality manifests in the lived experience of family caregivers (FCs) in a palliative care context.

Method

As part of a secondary analysis, data derived from two qualitative primary studies on FCs’ burdens and needs in the context of caring for a patient with a diagnosis of incurable cancer. Previously transcribed interviews were examined by means of a thematic analysis, transcending the focus of the primary studies to examine how spirituality arises and/or persists in the life of FCs from the time of diagnosis of incurable cancer up until bereavement.

Results

Twenty-nine narratives were explored and all included spirituality as a relevant theme. Analysis revealed four aspects associated with the presence of spirituality among FCs’ experiences: “Connectedness,” “Religious Faith,” “Transcendence,” “Hope,” and a fifth overarching aspect which we named “Ongoing integration of spiritual experience.” Spirituality appeared as a multilayered phenomenon and was shaped individually among FCs’ narratives.

Significance of results

In view of the results, exploring and discussing spirituality and underlying experiences in the situation as an FC seems likely to widen the perspective on FCs’ problems and needs. Further research on spiritual needs among FCs of patients with incurable life-limiting cancer is deemed necessary.
Bill Content, Legislative Outcomes, and State-Level Resistance to National Policies
Authors: Callaghan Timothy , Karch Andrew
Published: March 2021

Recently, scholars of the lawmaking process have urged their colleagues to devote more attention to the potential impact of bill content on legislative outcomes. Heeding their call, this paper builds an original dataset of over 5,000 pieces of state-level legislation addressing issues that span the ideological spectrum. It compares proposals that challenge the authority of the national government in a specific domain to proposals that lack federalism-related implications and finds that the former, all else being equal, make less legislative progress toward enactment. In addition, it categorizes the measures that resist national laws based on the specific nature of the challenge they pose. Its analysis finds that measures that are inconsistent with existing national law but work within the law’s legal framework make more legislative progress than measures that seek to nullify the national law or that vow not to cooperate with it. It also confirms that sponsor characteristics such as majority status, the number of cosponsors, institutional rules such as hearing requirements, and state-level factors like party control of the state legislature affect how much progress proposals make toward enactment. Thus, the paper demonstrates the importance of legislative content as an explanatory factor and sheds light on the nature of intergovernmental relations in the contemporary United States.
Mea Culpa? The Role of Data Collection in Public Officials Acknowledging Policy Failure
Authors: James Sarah
Published: March 2021

State governments, often described as “laboratories of democracy,” design and implement many public policies, but this moniker also implies course correction when initial efforts fail. But how do states learn from failure? Existing hypotheses about policy learning and broad research capacity are insufficient. Using case studies of failed juvenile justice policies in Texas and Washington, I explore when failure acknowledgment occurs at all. I argue that a state’s bureaucratic capacity to gather data—distinct from its analytical capacity—is necessary for public officials to acknowledge failure, highlighting the impact of policy and institutional design on evidence-based policy making and policy corrections.
Geodynamic Modeling of Lithospheric Removal and Surface Deformation: Application to Intraplate Uplift in Central Mongolia
Authors: Comeau Matthew J. , Stein Claudia , Becken Michael , Hansen Ulrich
Published: March 2021

Intraplate surface deformation is enigmatic and the underlying mechanisms responsible are not fully understood. We use thermo‐mechanical numerical modeling to explore the conditions under which lithospheric removal processes can occur and investigate the timing and amplitude of consequent surface deformation. We allow lithospheric removal to develop dynamically and self‐consistently by applying a phase transition and density jump that is hypothesized to be a consequence of metamorphic eclogitization in a thickened crust, rather than simply imposing an initial dense block. By systematically varying parameters, we test their influence and control on lithospheric removal. We confirm that a weak and dense lower crust, a hot crust‐mantle boundary, and a convergent regime are critical requirements for delamination‐style removal. We apply these results to central Mongolia, which is an ideal natural laboratory for studying intraplate surface uplift because of its high topography and location in the continental interior. We determine that the physical parameters and structure inferred in this region match the conditions for delamination. Thus, model outputs are evaluated against the available observational evidence. We find that the removal of the lithosphere by delamination can explain: the dome‐shaped topographic pattern and elevated surface; the thin lithosphere and its structure; the elevated temperature at the crust‐mantle boundary. Additionally, it is hypothesized that delamination leads to magmatism due to mantle decompression melting, consistent with intraplate volcanism. Ultimately, the results suggest that lithospheric removal by delamination is a physically plausible mechanism and a potential explanation for intraplate uplift.
Thermal and Chemical Evolution of Small, Shallow Water Bodies in Europa's Ice Shell
Authors: Chivers C. J. , Buffo J. J. , Schmidt B. E.
Published: March 2021

The highly modified surface of Europa's ice shell hides a global, salty ocean that may hold conditions favorable for life, and cycles in the ice shell likely impact those conditions by allowing material transfer between the surface and subsurface ocean. The Galileo spacecraft observed a number of young geologic features that indicated Europa's ice shell was recently or presently active, including lenticulae. Lenticulae, a collection of quasi‐elliptically shaped surface disruptions, have been suggested to form above relatively small bodies of water (∼10 km diameter) emplaced in the ice shell as shallow as 1 km below the surface. Here, we use numerical models to quantify the longevity of small bodies of water in Europa's ice shell and explore their chemical evolution to understand how shallow water impacts the composition of the ice shell and regional surface geology over time. We find that lenticulae are more geologically transient than previously described, and that if the reservoirs contain salts, up to meters‐thick layers of salt may precipitate during the solidification process. Our results imply that, if depressions are the first signs of liquid water emplaced in the ice shell, lenticulae may be actively forming at present day, suggesting liquid water may still be present in Europa's shallow ice which could form water plumes and affect its habitability.
Endothelial progenitor cells-derived exosomal microRNA-21-5p alleviates sepsis-induced acute kidney injury by inhibiting RUNX1 expression
Authors: Zhang Yue , Huang Hongdong , Liu Wenhu , Liu Sha , Wang Xue Yan , Diao Zong Li , Zhang Ai Hua , Guo Wang , Han Xue , Dong Xiaoqun , Katilov Oleksandr
Published: March 2021

The role of microRNA-21-5p (miR-21-5p) in sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) has been seldom discussed. Therefore, the objective of this present study was to investigate the mechanism of endothelial progenitor cells-derived exosomes (EPCs-exos) in sepsis-induced AKI via miR-21-5p/runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) axis. miR-21-5p was downregulated and RUNX1 was upregulated in the kidney of cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) rats, and miR-21-5p targeted RUNX1. Elevation of miR-21-5p improved renal function and renal tissue pathological damage, attenuated serum inflammatory response, as well as reduced apoptosis and oxidative stress response in renal tissues, and regulated endothelial glycocalyx damage marker proteins syndecan-1 and heparanase-1 in CLP rats. Overexpression of RUNX1 abolished the impacts of elevated miR-21-5p in CLP rats. Also, EPCs-exos upregulated miR-21-5p expression, and functioned similar to elevation of miR-21-5p for CLP rats. Downregulating miR-21-5p partially reversed the effects of EPCs-exos on sepsis-induced AKI. Collectively, our study suggests that EPCs release miR-21-5p-containing exosomes to alleviate sepsis-induced AKI through RUNX1 silencing.
Genetic diversity and selection signatures in maize landraces compared across 50 years of in situ and ex situ conservation
Authors: McLean-Rodríguez Francis Denisse , Costich Denise Elston , Camacho-Villa Tania Carolina , Pè Mario Enrico , Dell’Acqua Matteo
Published: March 2021

Genomics-based, longitudinal comparisons between ex situ and in situ agrobiodiversity conservation strategies can contribute to a better understanding of their underlying effects. However, landrace designations, ambiguous common names, and gaps in sampling information complicate the identification of matching ex situ and in situ seed lots. Here we report a 50-year longitudinal comparison of the genetic diversity of a set of 13 accessions from the state of Morelos, Mexico, conserved ex situ since 1967 and retrieved in situ from the same donor families in 2017. We interviewed farmer families who donated in situ landraces to understand their germplasm selection criteria. Samples were genotyped by sequencing, producing 74,739 SNPs. Comparing the two sample groups, we show that ex situ and in situ genome-wide diversity was similar. In situ samples had 3.1% fewer SNPs and lower pairwise genetic distances (Fst0.008–0.113) than ex situ samples (Fst0.031–0.128), but displayed the same heterozygosity. Despite genome-wide similarities across samples, we could identify several loci under selection when comparing in situ and ex situ seed lots, suggesting ongoing evolution in farmer fields. Eight loci in chromosomes 3, 5, 6, and 10 showed evidence of selection in situ that could be related with farmers’ selection criteria surveyed with focus groups and interviews at the sampling site in 2017, including wider kernels and larger ear size. Our results have implications for ex situ collection resampling strategies and the in situ conservation of threatened landraces.
Molecular organization of recombinant human-Arabidopsis chromosomes in hybrid cell lines
Authors: Liu Yikun , Liaw Yeng Mun , Teo Chee How , Cápal Petr , Wada Naoki , Fukui Kiichi , Doležel Jaroslav , Ohmido Nobuko
Published: March 2021

Although plants and animals are evolutionarily distant, the structure and function of their chromosomes are largely conserved. This allowed the establishment of a human-Arabidopsis hybrid cell line in which a neo-chromosome was formed by insertion of segments of Arabidopsis chromosomes into human chromosome 15. We used this unique system to investigate how the introgressed part of a plant genome was maintained in human genetic background. The analysis of the neo-chromosome in 60- and 300-day-old cell cultures by next-generation sequencing and molecular cytogenetics suggested its origin by fusion of DNA fragments of different sizes from Arabidopsis chromosomes 2, 3, 4, and 5, which were randomly intermingled rather than joined end-to-end. The neo-chromosome harbored Arabidopsis centromeric repeats and terminal human telomeres. Arabidopsis centromere wasn’t found to be functional. Most of the introgressed Arabidopsis DNA was eliminated during the culture, and the Arabidopsis genome in 300-day-old culture showed significant variation in copy number as compared with the copy number variation in the 60-day-old culture. Amplified Arabidopsis centromere DNA and satellite repeats were localized at particular loci and some fragments were inserted into various positions of human chromosome. Neo-chromosome reorganization and behavior in somatic cell hybrids between the plant and animal kingdoms are discussed.
In situ recordings of large gelatinous spheres from NE Atlantic, and the first genetic confirmation of egg mass of Illex coindetii (Vérany, 1839) (Cephalopoda, Mollusca)
Authors: Ringvold Halldis , Taite Morag , Allcock A. Louise , Vecchione Michael , Péan Michel , Sandulli Roberto , Johnsen Geir , Fjellheim Arne , Bakke Snorre , Sannæs Hanne , Synnes Ann-Elin Wårøy , Coronel José , Hansen Martin , Olejar Peter G. , Eliassen Geir , Eliassen Anita , Klungland Karl
Published: March 2021

In total, 90 gelatinous spheres, averaging one meter in diameter, have been recorded from ~ 1985 to 2019 from the NE Atlantic Ocean, including the Mediterranean Sea, using citizen science. More than 50% had a dark streak through center. They were recorded from the surface to ~ 60–70 m depth, mainly neutrally buoyant, in temperatures between 8 and 24°C. Lack of tissue samples has until now, prohibited confirmation of species. However, in 2019 scuba divers secured four tissue samples from the Norwegian coast. In the present study, DNA analysis using COI confirms species identity as the ommastrephid broadtail shortfin squid Illex coindetii (Vérany, 1839); these are the first confirmed records from the wild. Squid embryos at different stages were found in different egg masses: (1) recently fertilized eggs (stage ~ 3), (2) organogenesis (stages ~ 17–19 and ~ 23), and (3) developed embryo (stage ~ 30). Without tissue samples from each and every record for DNA corroboration we cannot be certain that all spherical egg masses are conspecific, or that the remaining 86 observed spheres belong to Illex coindetii. However, due to similar morphology and size of these spheres, relative to the four spheres with DNA analysis, we suspect that many of them were made by I. coindetii.
The effect of composition, microfluidization and process parameters on formation of oleogels for ice cream applications
Authors: Silva-Avellaneda E. , Bauer-Estrada K. , Prieto-Correa R. E. , Quintanilla-Carvajal M. X.
Published: March 2021

The use of oleogels is an innovative and economical option for the technological development of some food products, among them ice creams. The aim of this study was to establish the best processing conditions to obtain an emulsion which form oleogels with the lowest ζ-potential and average droplet size (ADS) for use as ice cream base. Using surface response methodology (SRM), the effects of three numerical factors (microfluidization pressure, oil and whey protein concentration, WP) and four categorical factors (oil type, temperature, surfactant, and type of WP) on formation of emulsions were assessed. The response variables were ζ, ADS, polydispersity index (PDI), viscosity (η), hardness, cohesiveness and springiness. Additionally, a numerical optimization was performed. Two ice creams containing milk cream and oleogel, respectively were compared under the optimization conditions. Results suggest oleogels obtained from the microfluidization of whey and high oleic palm oil are viable for the replacement of cream in the production of ice cream.
Computerized image understanding system for reliable estimation of spinal curvature in idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Thalengala Ananthakrishna , Bhat Shyamasunder N. , Anitha H.
Published: March 2021

Analysis of scoliosis requires thorough radiographic evaluation by spinal curvature estimation to completely assess the spinal deformity. Spinal curvature estimation gives orthopaedic surgeons an idea of severity of spinal deformity for therapeutic purposes. Manual intervention has always been an issue to ensure accuracy and repeatability. Computer assisted systems are semi-automatic and is still influenced by surgeon’s expertise. Spinal curvature estimation completely relies on accurate identification of required end vertebrae like superior end-vertebra, inferior end-vertebra and apical vertebra. In the present work, automatic extraction of spinal information central sacral line and medial axis by computerized image understanding system has been proposed. The inter-observer variability in the anatomical landmark identification is quantified using Kappa statistic. The resultant Kappa value computed between proposed algorithm and observer lies in the range 0.7 and 0.9, which shows good accuracy. Identification of the required end vertebra is automated by the extracted spinal information. Difference in inter and intra-observer variability for the state of the art computer assisted and proposed system are quantified in terms of mean absolute difference for the various types (Type-I, Type-II, Type-III, Type-IV, and Type-V) of scoliosis.
Comparative genomics reveals insights into genetic variability and molecular evolution among sugarcane yellow leaf virus populations
Authors: Lu Jia-Ju , He Er-Qi , Bao Wen-Qing , Chen Jian-Sheng , Sun Sheng-Ren , Gao San-Ji
Published: March 2021

Yellow leaf disease caused by sugarcane yellow leaf virus (SCYLV) is one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide. In this study, six near-complete genome sequences of SCYLV were determined to be 5775–5881 bp in length. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the two SCYLV isolates from Réunion Island, France, and four from China were clustered into REU and CUB genotypes, respectively, based on 50 genomic sequences (this study = 6, GenBank = 44). Meanwhile, all 50 isolates were clustered into three phylogroups (G1–G3). Twelve significant recombinant events occurred in intra- and inter-phylogroups between geographical origins and host crops. Most recombinant hotspots were distributed in coat protein read-through protein (RTD), followed by ORF0 (P0) and ORF1 (P1). High genetic divergences of 12.4% for genomic sequences and 6.0–24.9% for individual genes were determined at nucleotide levels. The highest nucleotide diversity (π) was found in P0, followed by P1 and RdRP. In addition, purifying selection was a main factor restricting variability in SCYLV populations. Infrequent gene flow between Africa and the two subpopulations (Asia and America) were found, whereas frequent gene flow between Asia and America subpopulations was observed. Taken together, our findings facilitate understanding of genetic diversity and evolutionary dynamics of SCYLV.
A comprehensive evaluation of the potential of semiterrestrial isopods, Ligia exotica, as a new animal food
Authors: Xu Lele , Li Yongqin , Liu Yao , Mi Haifeng , Jiang Xiang , Sun Yulin , Zhao Haiyong , Chen Daohai , Wang Liyun
Published: March 2021

The semiterrestrial isopod, Ligia exotica represents one of the oldest documented species introductions of marine organisms and is known as an intermediate form between marine and strictly terrestrial isopods. In order to explore the potential value of Ligia as an animal food source, this study focused on the growth rate under laboratory rearing conditions and conducted a detailed analysis of the overall nutrient content of the species in comparison to two other marine food media (krill and fish meal). Evaluation of the growth rate of juveniles suggests it is a relatively fast-growing species of the Ligiidae family. The essential amino acids content Ligia meal is the lowest amongst the three studied media but the proportion of flavor amino acids, and in particular taurine, was higher. The most restricted amino acids of isopod meal are methionine and cysteine. The significantly unbalanced amino acid composition of Ligia meal may affect the absorption and utilization by consumers. In terms of fatty acids, the total polyunsaturated fatty acids in the isopod is very low. A total of 12 vitamins were examined. The VK1, VE, VB2, VB3, VB5 content of isopod meal were significantly higher than those of krill meal and fish meal. Similarly, most of the 11 mineral elements are highest in the isopod meal. Ligia therefore offers potential as an alternative natural food source in animal given the growth rate under culture and the overall nutrient content. But Ligia collected in most of the field would be deemed unfit for human consumption because of the relatively low nutritional value and heavy metal content exceeding the provided standard. Further study is warranted to elucidate the biological characteristics of isopods and how its diet is reflected in its nutritional value to consumers.
Integration of multi-omics approaches for functional characterization of muscle related selective sweep genes in Nanchukmacdon
Authors: Arora Devender , Srikanth Krishnamoorthy , Lee Jongin , Lee Daehwan , Park Nayoung , Wy Suyeon , Kim Hyeonji , Park Jong-Eun , Chai Han-Ha , Lim Dajeong , Cho In-Cheol , Kim Jaebum , Park Woncheoul
Published: March 2021

Pig as a food source serves daily dietary demand to a wide population around the world. Preference of meat depends on various factors with muscle play the central role. In this regards, selective breeding abled us to develop “Nanchukmacdon” a pig breeds with an enhanced variety of meat and high fertility rate. To identify genomic regions under selection we performed whole-genome resequencing, transcriptome, and whole-genome bisulfite sequencing from Nanchukmacdon muscles samples and used published data for three other breeds such as Landrace, Duroc, Jeju native pig and analyzed the functional characterization of candidate genes. In this study, we present a comprehensive approach to identify candidate genes by using multi-omics approaches. We performed two different methods XP-EHH, XP-CLR to identify traces of artificial selection for traits of economic importance. Moreover, RNAseq analysis was done to identify differentially expressed genes in the crossed breed population. Several genes (UGT8, ZGRF1, NDUFA10, EBF3, ELN, UBE2L6, NCALD, MELK, SERP2, GDPD5, and FHL2) were identified as selective sweep and differentially expressed in muscles related pathways. Furthermore, nucleotide diversity analysis revealed low genetic diversity in Nanchukmacdon for identified genes in comparison to related breeds and whole-genome bisulfite sequencing data shows the critical role of DNA methylation pattern in identified genes that leads to enhanced variety of meat. This work demonstrates a way to identify the molecular signature and lays a foundation for future genomic enabled pig breeding.
Multicenter prospective surveillance study of viral agents causing meningoencephalitis
Authors: Törün Selda Hançerli , Kaba Özge , Yakut Nurhayat , Kadayıfçı Eda Kepenekli , Kara Manolya , Yanartaş Mehpare Sarı , Somer Ayper , Duramaz Burcu Bursal , Türel Özden , Dalgıç Nazan , Alp Emel Ekşi , Salı Enes , Çakır Deniz , Önal Pınar , Çokuğraş Haluk , Aygün Fatma Deniz , Karbuz Adem , Önel Mustafa , Meşe Sevim , Ağaçfidan Ali
Published: March 2021

The frequency of bacterial factors causing central nervous system infections has decreased as a result of the development of our national immunization program. In this study, it is aimed to obtain the data of our local surveillance by defining the viral etiology in cases diagnosed with meningoencephalitis for 1 year. Previously healhty 186 children, who applied with findings suggesting viral meningoencephalitis to 8 different tertiary health centers between August 2018 and August 2019, in Istanbul, were included. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sample was evaluated by polymerase chain reaction. The M:F ratio was 1.24 in the patient group, whose age ranged from 1 to 216 months (mean 40.2 ± 48.7). Viral factor was detected in 26.8%. Enterovirus was the most common agent (24%) and followed by Adenovirus (22%) and HHV type 6 (22%). In the rest of the samples revealed HHV type 7 (10%), EBV (6%), CMV (6%), HSV type 1 (6%), Parvovirus (4%) and VZV (2%). The most common symptoms were fever (79%) and convulsions (45.7%). Antibiotherapy and antiviral therapy was started 48.6% and 4% respectively. Mortality and sequela rate resulted 0.53% and 3.7%, respectively. This highlights the importance of monitoring trends in encephalitis in Turkey with aview to improving pathogen diagnosis for encephalitis and rapidly identifying novel emerging encephalitis-causing pathogens that demand public health action especially in national immunisation programme.
Construction of dominant rice population under dry cultivation by seeding rate and nitrogen rate interaction
Authors: Jiang Hao , Thobakgale Tebogo , Li Yunzhe , Liu Liwei , Su Qingwang , Cang Baifeng , Bai Chenyang , Li Jiayi , Song Ze , Wu Meikang , Wang Dongchao , Cui Jingjing , Wei Xiaoshuang , Wu Zhihai
Published: March 2021

This study used the rice cultivar Suijing 18 to investigate the effects of morphological characteristics, photosynthetic changes, yield, as well as nitrogen absorption and utilization. The interaction between seeding rate and nitrogen rate was also assessed to identify the most suitable values of the dominant population for both factors under dry cultivation. Furthermore, the photosynthetic physiological characteristics of the upper three leaves in the dominant population were also explored. The results showed that a combination of 195 kg/ha seeding rate and 140 kg/ha nitrogen rate achieved high yield, high nitrogen utilization, and moderate morphological characteristics. This was achieved by a coordination of the combined advantages of population panicle number and spikelets per panicle. The photosynthetic potential of the population was improved by coordinating the reasonable distribution of light energy in the upper three leaves, which led to the emergence of a dominant rice population under dry cultivation.
Proteomics study on the effect of silybin on cardiomyopathy in obese mice
Authors: Wang Fei , Li Zelin , Song Tiantian , Jia Yujiao , Qi Licui , Ren Luping , Chen Shuchun
Published: March 2021

Due to the increase in the number of obese individuals, the incidence of obesity-related complications such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes is higher. The aim of the present study was to explore the effects of silybin on protein expression in obese mice. Firstly, serum was collected, and it was used to detect serum lipids and other serological indicators. Secondly, total protein from epididymal adipose tissue was extracted for differential expression analysis by quantitative tandem mass tag (TMT) combined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS), followed by bioinformatics and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analyses of these proteins. Lastly, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) were used to further validate the expression of identified differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) at the mRNA and protein level, respectively. The results revealed that silybin could improve abnormal lipid metabolism caused by the high fat diet in obese mice. A total of 341, 538 and 243 DEPs were found in the high fat/control (WF/WC), silybin/high fat (WS/WF) and WS/WC groups, respectively. These DEPs mainly participated in lipid metabolism and energy metabolism. Notably, tropomyosin 1 (TPM1), myosin light chain 2 (MYL2), myosin heavy chain 11 (MYH11) and other DEPs were involved in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy and other pathways. Silybin could protect cardiac function by inducing the protein expression of TPM1, MYL2 and MYH11 in the adipose tissue of obese mice.
Machine learning is the key to diagnose COVID-19: a proof-of-concept study
Authors: Gangloff Cedric , Rafi Sonia , Bouzillé Guillaume , Soulat Louis , Cuggia Marc
Published: March 2021

The reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay is the accepted standard for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) diagnosis. As any test, RT-PCR provides false negative results that can be rectified by clinicians by confronting clinical, biological and imaging data. The combination of RT-PCR and chest-CT could improve diagnosis performance, but this would requires considerable resources for its rapid use in all patients with suspected COVID-19. The potential contribution of machine learning in this situation has not been fully evaluated. The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate machine learning models using routine clinical and laboratory data to improve the performance of RT-PCR and chest-CT for COVID-19 diagnosis among post-emergency hospitalized patients. All adults admitted to the ED for suspected COVID-19, and then hospitalized at Rennes academic hospital, France, between March 20, 2020 and May 5, 2020 were included in the study. Three model types were created: logistic regression, random forest, and neural network. Each model was trained to diagnose COVID-19 using different sets of variables. Area under the receiving operator characteristics curve (AUC) was the primary outcome to evaluate model’s performances. 536 patients were included in the study: 106 in the COVID group, 430 in the NOT-COVID group. The AUC values of chest-CT and RT-PCR increased from 0.778 to 0.892 and from 0.852 to 0.930, respectively, with the contribution of machine learning. After generalization, machine learning models will allow increasing chest-CT and RT-PCR performances for COVID-19 diagnosis.
Grain filling in barley relies on developmentally controlled programmed cell death
Authors: Radchuk Volodymyr , Tran Van , Hilo Alexander , Muszynska Aleksandra , Gündel Andre , Wagner Steffen , Fuchs Joerg , Hensel Goetz , Ortleb Stefan , Munz Eberhard , Rolletschek Hardy , Borisjuk Ljudmilla
Published: March 2021

Cereal grains contribute substantially to the human diet. The maternal plant provides the carbohydrate and nitrogen sources deposited in the endosperm, but the basis for their spatial allocation during the grain filling process is obscure. Here, vacuolar processing enzymes have been shown to both mediate programmed cell death (PCD) in the maternal tissues of a barley grain and influence the delivery of assimilate to the endosperm. The proposed centrality of PCD has implications for cereal crop improvement.
Inducing non-stoichiometry in nano-hydroxyapatite for ultra-fast sequestration of uranyl ions in water: mechanism delineation using XAS
Authors: Rout Sabyasachi , Khandelwal Nitin , Poswal A. K. , Pulhani Vandana , Kumar A. V.
Published: March 2021

Inducing non-stoichiometry in hydroxyapatite (nSt-HAP) resulted in ultrafast U(vi) removal. nSt-HAP showed minimal impact of environmental parameters on U(vi) sorption. EXAFS data revealed stable sequestration of U(vi) in vacant sites of nSt-HAP.
Finite temperature behavior of carbon atom-doped silicon clusters: depressed thermal stabilities, coexisting isomers, reversible dynamical pathways and fragmentation channels
Authors: Joshi Krati , Maibam Ashakiran , Krishnamurty Sailaja
Published: March 2021

BOMD simulations revealed a multifarious thermo-stimuli response (from “solid-state” to reversible dynamics to fragmentation) of experimentally identified SiC mixed clusters at finite temperature.
Development of a continuous-flow tubular reactor for synthesis of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural from fructose using heterogeneous solid acid catalysts in biphasic reaction medium
Authors: Souzanchi Sadra , Nazari Laleh , Rao Kasanneni Tirumala Venkateswara , Yuan Zhongshun , Tan Zhongchao , Xu Chunbao Charles
Published: March 2021

5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) is an important biomass-derived platform chemical used to produce polymers, biofuels, and other valuable industrial chemicals.
Click preparation of multiple-thioether bridged cyclodextrin chiral materials for efficient enantioseparation in high-performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Chen Ming , Lu Xinling , Ma Xiaofei , Xiao Yin , Wang Yong
Published: March 2021

Multiple-thioether bridged CD chiral materials for enantioseparation.
A cylinder-shaped macrocycle formed via Friedel–Crafts reaction
Authors: Zhu Dingsheng , Fang Shuai , Tong Lu , Lei Ye , Wu Guangcheng , Chudhary Tayba , Li Hao
Published: March 2021

By condensation of 1,3,5-tri(furan-2-yl) benzene and acetone, a macrocyclic host was synthesized via Friedel–Crafts reaction in a one-pot manner in 36% yield.
Chain-capper effect to bias the amplification of asymmetry in supramolecular polymers
Authors: Naranjo Cristina , Dorca Yeray , Ghosh Goutam , Gómez Rafael , Fernández Gustavo , Sánchez Luis
Published: March 2021

The kinetically controlled amplification of asymmetry experienced in the co-assembly of chiral tribiphenylaminetricarboxamides (S)-1 and (R)-1 is investigated.
Rational design of benzodifuran-functionalized donor–acceptor covalent organic frameworks for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from water
Authors: Wang Guang-Bo , Zhu Fu-Cheng , Lin Qian-Qian , Kan Jing-Lan , Xie Ke-Hui , Li Sha , Geng Yan , Dong Yu-Bin
Published: March 2021

A benzodifuran-functionalized donor–acceptor covalent organic framework was synthesized and employed for efficient sunlight-driven hydrogen evolution from water.
Design, synthesis, and characterization of pyridine-containing organic crystals with different substitution positions using solvothermal method
Authors: Wu Jiasheng , Zou Jiacheng , Zhuge Xiangxue , Jia Zhitai , Lin Na , Yuan Chunxue
Published: March 2021

FourTB-/PHZ-based crystals were preparedviasolvothermal method in one step. The relationship between structures and photophysical properties has been discussed.
Computational approaches to dissociative chemisorption on metals: towards chemical accuracy
Authors: Kroes Geert-Jan
Published: March 2021

The theoretical description of dissociative chemisorption of isolated molecules on metal surfaces is discussed. Emphasis is put on methods that deliver chemical accuracy for the dissociative chemisorption probability S0, so that Δ ≤ 1 kcal mol−1.
Interpretation of the pressure-induced Raman frequency shift of the ν1 stretching bands of CH4 and N2 within CH4–CO2, N2–CO2 and CH4–N2 binary mixtures
Authors: Le Van-Hoan , Tarantola Alexandre , Caumon Marie-Camille
Published: March 2021

The pressure-induced frequency shift of the CH4 and N2 bands is interpreted by quantitatively attributing to the attractive and repulsive solvation mean-force variation using the Lennard–Jones 6-12 potential and the perturbed hard-sphere fluid model.
Protein–ligand free energies of binding from full-protein DFT calculations: convergence and choice of exchange–correlation functional
Authors: Gundelach Lennart , Fox Thomas , Tautermann Christofer S. , Skylaris Chris-Kriton
Published: March 2021

Quantum mechanical binding free energies based on thousands of full-protein DFT calculations are tractable, reproducible and converge well.
New frontiers in enzyme immobilisation: robust biocatalysts for a circular bio-based economy
Authors: Sheldon Roger A. , Basso Alessandra , Brady Dean
Published: March 2021

This tutorial review focuses on recent advances in technologies for enzyme immobilisation, enabling their cost-effective use in the bio-based economy and continuous processing in general.
Tuning metal to metal charge transfer properties in cyanidometal-bridged complexes by changing the auxiliary ligand on the bridge
Authors: Xu Qing-Dou , Zeng Chen , Su Shao-Dong , Yang Yu-Ying , Hu Sheng-Min , Li Ting-Ya , Wu Xin-Tao , Sheng Tian-Lu
Published: March 2021

This work shows that the energy of MMCT in cyanidometal-bridged complexes can be tuned systematically by changing the auxiliary ligand of the cyanidometal bridge.
Coordination capabilities of bis-(2-pyridyl)amides in the field of divalent germanium, tin and lead compounds
Authors: Zechovský Jan , Mrózek Ondřej , Samsonov Maksim , Jambor Roman , Růžička Aleš , Dostál Libor
Published: March 2021

Bis-(2-pyridyl)amides show a rich coordination variability toward heavier tetrylenes including the formation of ate complexes with different types of lithium coordination.
Enhanced γ-phase crystallinity of Al2O3 frameworks at the concave surface of PS-b-PEO templated spherical pores
Authors: Islam Md. Saidul , Wakabayashi Ryutaro , Kimura Tatsuo
Published: March 2021

Pore surfaces having higher curvatures become dense by shrinking Al2O3 frameworks with condensation and crystallization by thermal treatment, being useful as a rational guideline for the enhancement of its γ-phase crystallinity.
Effect of oxygen vacancies and crystal symmetry on piezocatalytic properties of Bi2WO6 ferroelectric nanosheets for wastewater decontamination
Authors: Kang Zihan , Lin Enzhu , Qin Ni , Wu Jiang , Yuan Baowei , Bao Dinghua
Published: March 2021

There is a morphological dependence between the oxygen vacancies and the piezocatalytic activity of the two-dimensional Bi2WO6 piezocatalyst.
An electricity- and instrument-free infectious disease sensor based on a 3D origami paper-based analytical device
Authors: Chen Chung-An , Yuan Hao , Chen Chiao-Wen , Chien Yuh-Shiuan , Sheng Wang-Huei , Chen Chien-Fu
Published: March 2021

A three-dimensional origami-paper-based analytical device with electricity-free “timer” function for HIV type 1 p24 antigen detection.
Enhancement of the electroluminescence properties of iridium-complexes by decorating the ligand with hole-transporting carbazole dendrons
Authors: Thathong Yuranan , Chasing Pongsakorn , Manyum Thanaporn , Namuangruk Supawadee , Saengsuwan Sayant , Sudyoasuk Taweesak , Promarak Vinich
Published: March 2021

Iridium-complexes decorating with carbazole dendrons exhibit an improved hole-transporting capability and OLED devices with brightness of 16 170 cd m−2, maximum luminous efficiency of 13.59 cd A−1 and maximum EQE of 4.36%.
Copper(ii) complexes of 2-methyl-8-hydroxyquinoline and tri/diimine co-ligand: DFT calculations, DNA and BSA binding, DNA cleavage, cytotoxicity and induction of apoptosis
Authors: Sangeetha Somasundaram , Ajaykamal Tamilarasan , Murali Mariappan
Published: March 2021

Four-coordinate copper(ii) complex cleaves supercoiled ϕX174 RF DNA without reductant while five-coordinate complex cleaves with reductant. The cytotoxicity against cancer cells are higher than cisplatin, less-toxic to normal cells and induce apoptosis.
Syntheses, structures, and one- and two-photon excited fluorescence of dimesitylboryl-ended quadrupolar hybrid oligothiophenes
Authors: Zhou Senhao , Zhang Shiqian , Li Jinsong , Liu Zhiqiang , Yu Xiaoqiang
Published: March 2021

A group of dimesitylboryl-ended quadrupolar hybrid-oligothiophenes were examined aiming to optimize their TPEF properties.
Ultra-stable water-dispersive perovskite QDs encapsulated by triple siloxane coupling agent system with different hydrophilic/hydrophobic properties
Authors: Shi Bingfeng , Lü Jianhua , Liu Ying , Xiao Yang , Lü Changli
Published: March 2021

Ultra-stable water-dispersive PQDs were encapsulated by a triple siloxane coupling agent system with different hydrophilic/hydrophobic properties, which presents high stability towards polar solvents and can be used for cell imaging.
The landscape and prognostic value of immune characteristics in uterine corpus endometrial cancer
Authors: Liu Wenli , Sun Lisha , Zhang Juan , Song Wengang , Li Mingcheng , Wang Hong
Published: March 2021

In the present study, we explored the clinical and immunological characteristics of 575 uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC) samples obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) using the ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT algorithms. First, Kaplan–Meier and univariate Cox regression analyses indicated that the immune cell score was a prognostic factor for overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). Multivariate Cox regression analysis further revealed that the immune cell score was an independent prognostic factor for UCEC patients. Second, we investigated the correlation between the infiltration levels of 22 types of immune cells and the immune score. Survival analysis based on the 22 immune cell types showed that higher levels of regulatory T cell, activated NK cell, and follicular helper T-cell infiltration were associated with longer OS, while higher levels of CD8+ T cell and naive B-cell infiltration were associated with longer RFS. Next, we performed differential expression and prognosis analyses on 1534 immune-related genes and selected five from 14 candidate genes to construct a prognostic prediction model. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) for 3- and 5-year survival were 0.711 and 0.728, respectively. Further validation using a stage I–II subgroup showed similar results, presenting AUC values for 3- and five-year survival of 0.677 and 0.692, respectively. Taken together, the present study provides not only a deeper understanding of the relationship between UCEC and the immune landscape but also guidance for the future development of UCEC immunotherapy.
Pyruvate accumulation may contribute to acceleration-induced impairment of physical and cognitive abilities: an experimental study
Authors: Mo Fengfeng , Zhang Hongwei , Tang Yuxiao , Qi Ruirui , Nie Shuang , Shen Hui , Li Min
Published: March 2021

Background: Fatigue can be induced after acceleration exposure, however its mechanism is still unclear. The aim of the present study was to examine whether metabolites’ changes can decrease cognitive and physical function after acceleration. Methods: Graybiel scale and Fatigue Self-rating scale were used to assess the seasickness and fatigue degrees of 87 male seafarers respectively after sailing. To test the effect of pyruvate on cognitive and physical functions, five different doses of pyruvate were administrated into rats. Insulin can reduce the accumulation of pyruvate. To observe the insulin effect on pyruvate, cognitive and physical functions after acceleration, insulin administration or treatment of promoting insulin secretion was used. Physical and cognitive functions were assessed using open field test (OFT), morris water maze (MWM) and loaded swimming test (LST) in animals. Results: Physical and cognitive abilities were decreased obviously, and serum pyruvate increased mostly in human and rats after acceleration. Compared with vehicle group, physical and cognitive abilities were significantly decreased after pyruvate administration. Besides, we found a significant decline in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentration and pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) activity in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, liver, and muscle of rats treated with acceleration or pyruvate injection, while insulin administration or treatment of promoting insulin secretion markedly alleviated this decline and the impairment of physical and cognitive abilities, compared with the control group. Conclusion: Our results indicate that pyruvate has a negative effect on physical and cognitive abilities after acceleration. Insulin can inhibit pyruvate accumulation and cognitive and physical function after acceleration exposure.