bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of resistance to rice leaf folder,Cnaphalocrocis medinalis,in mutant Samba Mahsuri rice lines
Authors: Javvaji Sumalatha , Maheswari Telugu Uma , Damarla Bala Venkata Ramana , Sheshu Madhav Maganti , Rathod Santhosha , Chintalapati Padmavathi
Published: July 2021

The rice leaf folder,Cnaphalocrocis medinalisGuenée (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), an important foliage feeding insect in rice,Oryza sativaL. (Poaceae), is widely distributed throughout Asia, causing frequent outbreaks and considerable yield losses. Mutants of the rice strain Samba Mahsuri (MSM) represent unique plant material and are explored here for the first time for resistance to the rice leaf folder. Stringent rapid field screening for two consecutive seasons led to the identification of 10 lines as moderately resistant, with low damage area as well as low damage score. Upon assessment of various morphological traits potentially contributing to the resistance, damage area was negatively correlated with leaf length and positively with leaf width. Among the biochemical traits, leaf nitrogen content was positively correlated with leaf folder damage whereas silica was negatively correlated. Oviposition preference by leaf folder adult moths and larval settling preference were low on MSM 139 and MSM 127. We also observed that leaf folder larvae took more time for leaf selection (3.1 min) and making a primary fold (41.5 min), with more head swings (846) in moderately resistant MSM lines. Similarly, in these lines, leaf folders showed a low intrinsic rate of increase (rm = 0.15 females per female per day), low weekly multiplication rate (2.85), and low net reproductive rate (R0 = 137.5 females per female per generation) with increased generation time (T = 32.8 days) and doubling time (4.5 days), indicating their relatively poor population growth potential. Overall, the moderately resistant mutant lines we identified showed reduced ovipositional preference and larval settling preference, extended larval developmental period with low survival, reduced primary fold length, and an increased number of binds and head swings with a low intrinsic rate of increase resulting in reduced population build‐up. These lines possessing a good genetic makeup have a great potential to be used in breeding programs for the development of leaf folder resistant varieties.
Spatial evaluation and trade‐off analysis of soil functions through Bayesian networks
Authors: Vrebos Dirk , Jones Arwyn , Lugato Emanuele , O'Sullivan Lilian , Schulte Rogier , Staes Jan , Meire Patrick
Published: July 2021

There is increasing recognition that soils fulfil many functions for society. Each soil can deliver a range of functions, but some soils are more effective at some functions than others due to their intrinsic properties. In this study we mapped four different soil functions on agricultural lands across the European Union. For each soil function, indicators were developed to evaluate their performance. To calculate the indicators and assess the interdependencies between the soil functions, data from continental long‐term simulation with the DayCent model were used to build crop‐specific Bayesian networks. These Bayesian Networks were then used to calculate the soil functions' performance and trade‐offs between the soil functions under current conditions. For each soil function the maximum potential was estimated across the European Union and changes in trade‐offs were assessed. By deriving current and potential soil function delivery from Bayesian networks a better understanding is gained of how different soil functions and their interdependencies can differ depending on soil, climate and management.

Highlights

When increasing a soil function, how do trade‐offs affect the other functions under different conditions?

Bayesian networks evaluate trade‐offs between soil functions and estimate their maximal delivery.

Maximizing a soil function has varied effects on other functions depending on soil, climate and management.

Differences in trade‐offs make some locations more suitable for increasing a soil function then others.
Perspectives on data‐driven soil research
Authors: Wadoux Alexandre M. J.‐C. , Román‐Dobarco Mercedes , McBratney Alex B.
Published: July 2021

Soil is a complex system in which biological, chemical and physical interactions take place. The behaviour of these interactions changes in spatial scale from the atomic to the global, and in time. To understand how this system works, soil scientists usually rely on incremental improvements in the knowledge by refinement of theories through hypothesis testing and development using carefully designed experiments. In the last two decades, the primacy of this knowledge construction process has been challenged by the development of large soil databases and algorithms such as machine learning. The data‐driven research approach to soil science, the inference of soil knowledge directly from data by using computational tools and modelling techniques, is becoming more popular. Despite the wide adoption of a data‐driven research approach to soil science, there has been little discussion on how a research driven by data instead of hypotheses affects scientific progress. In this paper, we provide an introductory perspective on data‐driven soil research by discussing some of the issues and opportunities of knowledge discovery from soil data. We show that while data‐driven soil research may seem revolutionary for some, soil science has a long history of exploratory efforts to generate knowledge from data. Empirical and factual soil classifications, for example, were data driven. We further discuss, with examples, (i) data, databases and the logic of data storage for data‐driven soil research, (ii) the issues of extreme empiricist claims that arise corollary to the increase in the use of computational tools, and (iii) the challenge of formulating a scientific explanation based on patterns observed in the data and data analysis tools. By considering the epistemic challenges of the data‐driven scientific research in the light of the historical literature, we found that there is a continuity of practices, some being certainly amplified by recent technological changes, but that the core methods of scientific enquiry from data remain essentially unchanged.

Highlights

Historical account of data‐driven soil science research.

Describe data to be used for data‐driven soil science.

Discuss conceptual issues and opportunities for data‐driven soil science.

Investigate the challenge of formulating an explanation from soil data.
Resource availability and heterogeneity shape the self‐organisation of regular spatial patterning
Authors: Castillo Vardaro Jessica A. , Bonachela Juan A. , Baker Christopher C. M. , Pinsky Malin L. , Doak Daniel F. , Pringle Robert M. , Tarnita Corina E.
Published: July 2021

Explaining large‐scale ordered patterns and their effects on ecosystem functioning is a fundamental and controversial challenge in ecology. Here, we coupled empirical and theoretical approaches to explore how competition and spatial heterogeneity govern the regularity of colony dispersion in fungus‐farming termites. Individuals from different colonies fought fiercely, and inter‐nest distances were greater when nests were large and resources scarce—as expected if competition is strong, large colonies require more resources and foraging area scales with resource availability. Building these principles into a model of inter‐colony competition showed that highly ordered patterns emerged under high resource availability and low resource heterogeneity. Analysis of this dynamical model provided novel insights into the mechanisms that modulate pattern regularity and the emergent effects of these patterns on system‐wide productivity. Our results show how environmental context shapes pattern formation by social‐insect ecosystem engineers, which offers one explanation for the marked variability observed across ecosystems.
Xanthotoxin enhances the anticonvulsant potency of levetiracetam and valproate in the 6‐Hz corneal stimulation model in mice
Authors: Zagaja Mirosław , Bryda Jarosław , Szewczyk Aleksandra , Szala‐Rycaj Joanna , Łuszczki Jarogniew J. , Walczak Maria , Kuś Kamil , Andres‐Mach Marta
Published: July 2021

Xanthotoxin (8‐methoxypsoralen; XANT) is a furanocoumarin that has many biological properties, including antiepileptic activity. This study evaluated the effect of XANT on the ability of classical and novel antiepileptic drugs to prevent seizures evoked by the 6‐Hz corneal stimulation‐induced seizure model, which is thought to be an experimental model of psychomotor (limbic) seizures in humans. XANT (50 mg/kg, administered i.p.) significantly potentiated the anticonvulsant activity of levetiracetam and valproate, decreasing their median effective dose (ED50) values from 19.37 to 2.83 mg/kg (P < 0.01) for levetiracetam and from 92.89 to 44.44 mg/kg (P < 0.05) for valproate. Neither XANT (50 mg/kg) alone nor its combination with the anticonvulsant drugs (at their ED50 values from the 6‐Hz test) affected motor coordination; skeletal muscular strength and long‐term memory, as determined in the chimney; and grip strength and passive avoidance tests, respectively. Measurement of total brain antiepileptic drug concentrations revealed that XANT (50 mg/kg) had no impact on levetiracetam total brain concentrations, indicating the pharmacodynamic nature of interaction between these antiepileptic drugs in the mouse 6‐Hz model. However, XANT (50 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly increased total brain concentrations of valproate (P < 0.01), indicating the pharmacokinetic nature of interactions between drugs. XANT in combination with levetiracetam exerts beneficial anticonvulsant pharmacodynamic interactions in the 6‐Hz mouse psychomotor seizure model.
Acidic pH irreversibly activates the signaling enzyme SARM1
Authors: Zhao Yong Juan , He Wei Ming , Zhao Zhi Ying , Li Wan Hua , Wang Qian Wen , Hou Yun Nan , Tan Yongjun , Zhang Dapeng
Published: July 2021

SARM1, an executioner in axon degeneration, is an autoinhibitory NAD‐consuming enzyme, composed of multiple domains. NMN and its analogs, CZ‐48 and VMN, are the only known activators, which can release the inhibitory ARM domain from the enzymatic TIR domain. Here, we document that acid can also activate SARM1, even more efficiently than NMN, possibly via the protonation of the negative residues. Systematic mutagenesis revealed that a single mutation, E689Q in TIR, led to the constitutive activation of SARM1. It forms a salt bridge with R216 in the neighboring ARM, maintaining the autoinhibitory structure. Using this ‘acid activation’ protocol, mutation K597E was found to inhibit activation, while H685A eliminated SARM1 catalytic activity, revealing two distinct inhibitory mechanisms. The protocol has also been applied to differentiate two classes of chemical inhibitors. NAD, dHNN, disulfiram, CHAPS, and TRX‐100 mainly inhibited the activation process, while nicotinamide and Tweens mainly inhibited SARM1 catalysis. Taken together, we demonstrate a new mechanism for SARM1 activation and decipher two distinct inhibitory mechanisms of SARM1.
Fracture analysis of rock reconstruction models based on cooling–solidification annealing algorithms
Authors: Xiao Nan , Zhou Xiaoping , Berto Filippo
Published: July 2021

Due to the heterogeneity and opacity of rocks, it is difficult to visualize the progressive failure process of rock. A novel cooling–solidification annealing algorithm combined with X‐ray computed tomography technology is proposed to study the mechanical behavior (including fracture behavior) of rocks. In this algorithm, the system is annealed in descending order by scale and is constrained by the current scale. Moreover, the gray phase is introduced into the ordinary two‐phase reconstruction system to form a new three‐phase system. The numerical results show that the proposed method can successfully generate a rock model that is statistically equal to natural rock. The analysis of the rock fracture process shows that the initial internal pores and cracks have an important influence on the cracking evolution and failure mode of rock. The proposed method provides a promising means for understanding the mechanical behavior (including fracture behavior) of rocks.
Widespread regeneration failure in forests of Greater Yellowstone under scenarios of future climate and fire
Authors: Rammer Werner , Braziunas Kristin H. , Hansen Winslow D. , Ratajczak Zak , Westerling Anthony L. , Turner Monica G. , Seidl Rupert
Published: July 2021

Changing climate and disturbance regimes are increasingly challenging the resilience of forest ecosystems around the globe. A powerful indicator for the loss of resilience is regeneration failure, that is, the inability of the prevailing tree species to regenerate after disturbance. Regeneration failure can result from the interplay among disturbance changes (e.g., larger and more frequent fires), altered climate conditions (e.g., increased drought), and functional traits (e.g., method of seed dispersal). This complexity makes projections of regeneration failure challenging. Here we applied a novel simulation approach assimilating data‐driven fire projections with vegetation responses from process modeling by means of deep neural networks. We (i) quantified the future probability of regeneration failure; (ii) identified spatial hotspots of regeneration failure; and (iii) assessed how current forest types differ in their ability to regenerate under future climate and fire. We focused on the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (2.9 × 106 ha of forest) in the Rocky Mountains of the USA, which has experienced large wildfires in the past and is expected to undergo drastic changes in climate and fire in the future. We simulated four climate scenarios until 2100 at a fine spatial grain (100 m). Both wildfire activity and unstocked forest area increased substantially throughout the 21st century in all simulated scenarios. By 2100, between 28% and 59% of the forested area failed to regenerate, indicating considerable loss of resilience. Areas disproportionally at risk occurred where fires are not constrained by topography and in valleys aligned with predominant winds. High‐elevation forest types not adapted to fire (i.e., Picea engelmannii–Abies lasiocarpa as well as non‐serotinous Pinus contorta var. latifolia forests) were especially vulnerable to regeneration failure. We conclude that changing climate and fire could exceed the resilience of forests in a substantial portion of Greater Yellowstone, with profound implications for carbon, biodiversity, and recreation.
Conservation with elevated elephant densities sequesters carbon in soils despite losses of woody biomass
Authors: Sandhage‐Hofmann Alexandra , Linstädter Anja , Kindermann Liana , Angombe Simon , Amelung Wulf
Published: July 2021

Nature conservation and restoration in terrestrial ecosystems is often focused on increasing the numbers of megafauna, expecting them to have positive impacts on ecological self‐regulation processes and biodiversity. In sub‐Saharan Africa, conservation efforts also aspire to protect and enhance biodiversity with particular focus on elephants. However, elephant browsing carries the risk of woody biomass losses. In this context, little is known about how increasing elephant numbers affects carbon stocks in soils, including the subsoils. We hypothesized that (1) increasing numbers of elephants reduce tree biomass, and thus the amount of C stored therein, resulting (2) in a loss of soil organic carbon (SOC). If true, a negative carbon footprint could limit the sustainability of elephant conservation from a global carbon perspective. To test these hypotheses, we selected plots of low, medium, and high elephant densities in two national parks and adjacent conservancies in the Namibian component of the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Area (KAZA), and quantified carbon storage in both woody vegetation and soils (1 m). Analyses were supplemented by the assessment of soil carbon isotopic composition. We found that increasing elephant densities resulted in a loss of tree carbon storage by 6.4 t ha−1. However, and in contrast to our second hypothesis, SOC stocks increased by 4.7 t ha−1 with increasing elephant densities. These higher SOC stocks were mainly found in the topsoil (0–30 cm) and were largely due to the formation of SOC from woody biomass. A second carbon input source into the soils was megaherbivore dung, which contributed with 0.02–0.323 t C ha−1 year−1 to ecosystem carbon storage in the low and high elephant density plots, respectively. Consequently, increasing elephant density does not necessarily lead to a negative C footprint, as soil carbon sequestration and transient C storage in dung almost compensate for losses in tree biomass.
Antagonistic interaction between biochar and nitrogen addition on soil greenhouse gas fluxes: A global synthesis
Authors: He Yanghui , Yao Yixian , Jia Zhen , Chen Xinyue , Zhou Lingyan , Shao Junjiong , Liu Ruiqiang , Zhou Guiyao , Fu Yuling , Sun Xiaoying , Zhou Xuhui , Bai Shahla Hosseini
Published: July 2021

Both biochar and nitrogen (N) addition have been proposed for enhancing plant productivity and increasing carbon (C) sequestration. Although numerous studies have been conducted to examine responses of soil greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes to biochar or N addition, biochar is often co‐applied with N fertilizer and the interactive effects of the two factors still remain unclear. In this study, we performed a meta‐analysis of manipulative experiments with 267 two‐factor observations to quantify the main and interactive effects of biochar and N addition on soil GHG fluxes at a global scale. Our results showed that biochar addition significantly increased soil CO2 emission by 10.1%, but decreased N2O emission by 14.7%. Meanwhile, N addition increased both soil CO2 and N2O emissions by 11.6% and 288%, respectively. The combination of biochar and N addition also exhibited significant positive effect on CO2 (+18.0%) and N2O (+148%) emissions, but there were non‐significant changes in CH4 fluxes. Consequently, antagonistic interaction between biochar and N addition was observed in soil GHG fluxes and their global warming potential (GWP), except for CH4 uptake showing an additive interaction. This synthesis highlights the importance of the interactive effects between biochar and N addition, providing a quantitative basis to develop sustainable strategies toward widespread application of biochar to preserve cropping system and mitigate climate change.
Scan Statistics Adjusted for Global Spatial Autocorrelation
Authors: Rogerson Peter A.
Published: July 2021

Failure to account for global spatial autocorrelation when using scan statistics to find clusters generated by local processes will result in P‐values that are too low, and consequently, spurious findings of statistical significance are not uncommon. The presence of global spatial autocorrelation also decreases the ability to reject false null hypotheses and it is therefore more difficult to find local clusters when they exist. By estimating the degree of global autocorrelation and using that estimate to transform the data, it is then possible to apply scan statistics to the transformed data. This results in a reduction in the likelihood of spurious finding of statistical significance when local clusters do not exist.
Highly skilled, yet invisible. The potential of migrant women with a STEMM background in Italy between intersectional barriers and resources
Authors: Bolzani Daniela , Crivellaro Francesca , Grimaldi Rosa
Published: July 2021

Despite increasing numbers of vacancies for highly skilled jobs in innovative sectors of the economy, highly skilled migrants are often discriminated against despite their qualifications. This discrimination represents a relevant issue, especially for women with a background in male‐dominated and highly regulated fields, such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM). We draw on qualitative data collected in Northern Italy from in‐depth interviews and focus groups with women from different countries and STEMM qualifications. Adopting an intersectionality approach, we illuminate the macro‐, organizational‐, and individual‐level barriers that prevent highly skilled migrant women from finding a job that measures up to their qualification level and sector, and we highlight the resources available to them to overcome these barriers. By emphasizing the intersectional ties of being a woman, a migrant, and a STEMM professional, we identify relevant areas for policy intervention to valorize migration in support of innovation and labor outcomes in Italy and in other countries.
Acculturative stress and consumption‐based coping strategies among first‐generation Asian‐Indian immigrants in the United States
Authors: Chakraborty Swagata , Chattaraman Veena
Published: July 2021

Despite increasing evidence that first‐generation Asian‐Indian immigrants experience acculturative stress in the United States, there is limited research on their coping strategies for acculturative stress. Based on frameworks of the compensatory consumer behavior model and symbolic self‐completion theory, we proposed a conceptual model delineating the relationships between the predictors and coping behaviors for acculturative stress. Through conducting an online survey (n = 234) with first‐generation Asian‐Indians in the United States, and analyzing the data with structural equation modeling, we evinced that: (a) the first predictor, commitment to ethnic identity positively influences acculturative stress, and the coping behaviors, usage of ethnic symbols and purchase intent for ethnic products; (b) further, acculturative stress partially mediates the relationship between commitment to ethnic identity and purchase intent for ethnic products; (c) the second predictor, ethnic identity self‐discrepancy positively influences acculturative stress and usage of ethnic symbols, whereas, it negatively influences purchase intent for ethnic products; and (d) acculturative stress fully mediates the relationship between ethnic identity self‐discrepancy and purchase intent for ethnic products. Theoretical, marketing, and societal implications of the findings are discussed. Importantly, brands can facilitate long‐term emotional bonds with this population by offering a wider variety of symbolic Indian ethnic products that offer the potential to alleviate or cope with acculturative stress.
Palliative care utilization in calciphylaxis: a single‐center retrospective review of 121 patients (1999–2016)
Authors: Gaster Emily E. , Riemer Christie A. , Aird Jenna L. , King Brian J. , el‐Azhary Rokea A. , Wilson Barbara D. , Strand Jacob J. , Wu Kelly L. , Cleary James F. , Lohse Christine M. , Lehman Julia S.
Published: July 2021

Background

Calciphylaxis is a debilitating dermatological condition associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Palliative care offers a multidisciplinary approach to addressing symptoms and goals of care in patients with serious medical diagnoses. Involvement of palliative services for calciphylaxis is infrequently reported in the literature. The purpose of this report is to assess rates of palliative and pain consultation for patients with calciphylaxis.

Methods

This is a comprehensive, single‐institution retrospective chart review of 121 eligible patients with a diagnosis of calciphylaxis treated at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, from 1999 to 2016. Inclusion criteria were an indisputable diagnosis of calciphylaxis based on clinical, histopathologic, and radiographic features. One hundred twenty‐one patients met inclusion criteria.

Results

Fifty‐one patients (42%) received either a palliative (n = 15) or pain (n = 20) consultation, or both (n = 16). Patients with a palliative care consultation were younger compared with those without (mean ages 57 vs. 62 years, P = 0.046). In 104 patients (86%), psychiatric symptoms were not assessed.

Conclusions

In this cohort of patients with calciphylaxis, the majority do not receive palliative and pain care consultations. Psychiatric complications are inconsistently addressed. These observations highlight practice gaps in the care of patients with calciphylaxis.
International Dermoscopy Society criteria for non‐neoplastic dermatoses (general dermatology): validation for skin of color through a Delphi expert consensus
Authors: Errichetti Enzo , Ankad Balachandra S. , Jha Abhijeet K. , Sonthalia Sidharth , Akay Bengu N. , Bakos Roberto , Bhat Yasmeen J. , Bosseila Manal , Braun Ralph , Cabo Horacio , Cohen Sabban Emilia N. , Chatterjee Manas , Daneshpazhooh Maryam , Jakhar Deepak , Kaliyadan Feroze , Kelati Awatef , Keshavamurthy Vinay , Neema Shekhar , Sadek Ahmed , Salerni Gabriel , Swanson David L. , Tejasvi Trilokraj , Usatine Richard , Lallas Aimilios
Published: July 2021

Background

The International Dermoscopy Society (IDS) recently released a set of five basic dermoscopic parameters (vessels, scales, follicular findings, “other structures,” and specific clues) encompassing a total of 31 subitems to standardize the use of dermoscopy in non‐neoplastic dermatoses, yet they have been developed taking into account Caucasian/Asian skin, with consequent possible limitations if used in dark skin.

Objectives

To validate the abovementioned criteria for the use in dark‐skinned patients (phototypes IV–VI) through an expert consensus.

Methods

The two‐round Delphi method was adopted, with an iterative process consisting of two rounds of email questionnaires. Potential panelists were recruited via e‐mail from all over the world based on their expertise on dermoscopy of non‐neoplastic dermatoses in skin of color.

Results

Twenty‐two panelists took part in the validation process. All of the five originally proposed parameters and subitems reached agreement during the first round, aside from “follicular red dots.” Additionally, during round 1, five new subitems were proposed (perifollicular scales distribution, follicular openings obliteration, broken hairs, eccrine pigmentation, and eccrine ostia obliteration), along with the possibility to change the denomination of parameter 3 (from “follicular findings” to “follicular/eccrine findings”) and split it into two subparameters (“follicular findings” and “eccrine findings”). All such proposals reached agreement during the second round and therefore were included in the final list, for a total of 37 items.

Conclusions

Although nearly all the dermoscopic criteria originally proposed by the IDS are applicable even to darker phototypes, several additional variables need to be assessed.
Mechanism of colour change of carambola puree by high pressure processing and its effect on flavour and physicochemical properties
Authors: Zhang Sinan , Zheng Chuyao , Zeng Yanxia , Zheng Zhenhong , Yao Xueshuang , Zhao Yadong , Jiang Zhuo
Published: July 2021

The study aimed to investigate the mechanism of the colour change of carambola puree by high pressure processing (HPP), and the effects on its flavour, antioxidant properties and other physicochemical properties. The results showed that the colour change of carambola puree after HPP (200, 400, 600 and 800 MPa, for 15 min at 25 °C) was caused by both the enzymatic browning inhibition and the β‐carotene release promotion. The physical and chemical properties also varied after HPP treatment, in which the potential of hydrogen (pH) value and the total soluble solids decreased with the pressure. With the increase of pressure, the content of total phenols and flavonoids increased to a certain extent, and the antioxidant activity also increased. HPP could destroy the cell structure and form microscopic pores in the tissue, which might cause changes in physical and chemical properties. Compared with untreated samples, HPP could improve the characteristic flavour and quality of the sample itself, and it has a great application prospect in the production of carambola puree.
Wine characterisation according to geographical origin using analysis of mineral elements and rainfall correlation of oxygen isotope values
Authors: Su Yingyue , Zhao Yan , Cui Kexu , Wang Fei , Zhang Jinjie , Zhang Ang
Published: July 2021

The wine industry has developed rapidly; however, wine fraud is a potential risk for consumers. In China, methods for detecting wine authenticity are far from perfect. To reduce the risk of counterfeit wines, Inductively Coupled Plasma‐Mass Spectrometry and Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry were used to geographically classify 104 wines from four major production areas. In this paper, the naturally distributed characteristics of thirty‐eight mineral elements contents and the effect of rainfall on the oxygen isotope values in wine were investigated. The result of δ18O ranged from −13‰ to 7‰. The oxygen isotope of wine water in Northwest China is obviously more positive than that in South China. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) showed 88.5% classification accuracy in training set and 81.7% in the cross‐validation result. An artificial neural network (ANN) model determined origin of the wine with higher accuracy than LDA model. Furthermore, δ18O and Sr/Rb are important recognition elements in ANN, and the accuracy of region recognition can reach 90.9%. Thus, mineral elements and isotope ratios are effective in contributing to wine authenticity control in wine origin.
The clinical characteristics and prognosis of cytogenetically normal AML with single mutations of CEBPA
Authors: Kang Yefang , Chen Xiuhua , Fang Fang , Zhang Lingli , Wang Jiaxuan , Tian Chuchu , Guo Wenzheng , Xu Jing , Ren Huanying , Muyey Daniel Muteb , Tan Yanhong , Xu Zhifang , Wang Hongwei
Published: July 2021

Introduction

CEBPA mutation is a common mutation in normal karyotype AML. CEBPAdm AML has been recognized as a separate entity, but there is still controversy to the prognosis of CEBPAsm patients.

Methods

A total of 151 newly diagnosed cytogenetically normal AML patients treated at the Second Hospital Center of Shanxi Medical University from February 2017 to December 2019 were the subjects of the study. According to the number of mutations in the CEBPA gene, the patients were divided into three groups, CEBPAsm, CEBPAdm, and CEBPAwt patients. The clinical characteristics, gene mutations, response, and prognosis were retrospectively compared among the three groups.

Results

CEBPAsm patients had lower hemoglobin values compared to CEBPAdm (P = .049). There was no statistical difference between the CEBPAsm cases and the CEBPAdm cases in the mutation types and the distribution of mutation regions (P > .050). Compared with CEBPAdm, cases with CEBPAsm were more likely associated with multiple other gene mutations (P = .023). Patients with CEBPAdm had a higher CR, ORR, and OS than those CEBPAwt (P < .050). CEBPAsm patients had a similar OS with CEBPAdm and CEBPAwt patients (P = .281). These CEBPAsm patients with VAF<30% had lower OS than the patients with VAF≥30%. FLT3‐ITD mutations could reduce CEBPAsm patients' OS (P = .019).

Conclusion

Our data first highlighted the impact of CEBPAsm VAF on OS, and the results showed the lower the VAF was, the shorter the OS tended to. The VAF of CEBPAsm could provide specific significance in some extent for the prognosis of patients.
Stripping back the mask: Working conditions on digital labour platforms during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: HOWSON Kelle , USTEK‐SPILDA Funda , BERTOLINI Alessio , HEEKS Richard , FERRARI Fabian , KATTA Srujana , COLE Matthew , AGUERA RENESES Pablo , SALEM Nancy , SUTCLIFFE David , STEWARD Shelly , GRAHAM Mark
Published: July 2021

Digital labour platforms have been widely promoted as a solution to the unemployment crisis sparked by the COVID‐19 pandemic. However, the pandemic has also highlighted the vulnerability of gig workers when cast as essential workers. This article examines the COVID‐19 policies of 191 platforms in 43 countries to understand how the crisis has shifted the conventions of the gig economy. Using a typology of “fair platform work”, the authors identify areas of progress in worker protection but also significant shortfalls, including the entrenchment of precarious work as platforms leverage the opportunities arising from the crisis.
Interleukin‐35 is a critical regulator of immunity during helminth infections associated with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Correale Jorge , Marrodan Mariano , Carnero Contentti Edgar
Published: July 2021

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is currently thought to arise by interactions between genetic susceptibility and environmental factors. Infections in general trigger autoimmune responses causing clinical manifestations of disease. However, as a result of regulatory T (Treg)‐ and regulatory B (Breg)‐cell induction, helminth infections tend to dampen disease activity. IL‐35, the newest member of the IL‐12 family, is an inhibitory cytokine composed of an EBI3β chain subunit, and an IL‐12p35 subunit. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of IL‐35 during parasite infections occurring in individuals with MS. Numbers of IL‐35‐producing Breg cells are higher in CSF from helminth‐infected than from uninfected MS subjects, a finding associated with decreased MRI disease activity. Interestingly, stimulation of CD19+ B cells with IL‐35 promotes conversion of these cells to Breg cells producing both IL‐35 and IL‐10. Coculture of B cells from helminth‐infected MS patients inhibits proliferation of Th1 and Th17 myelin peptide‐specific T cells, as well as production of IFN‐γ and IL‐17. Following activation, CD4+CD25+ Treg cells significantly upregulate expression of EBI3 and IL‐12p35 mRNA. Furthermore, CD4+CD25− T cells activated in the presence of IL‐35 induce a population of cells with regulatory function, known as iTR35. Finally, B cells from normal individuals cultured in vitro in the presence of the helminth antigen SEA increase expression of the transcription BATF, IRF4 and IRF8, acquiring a pattern similar to that of IL‐35 Breg cells. These data highlight the important immunoregulatory effects of IL‐35 on both Breg and Treg cells, observed in helminth‐infected MS subjects.
Molecular dynamics study on the viscosity of glass‐forming systems near and below the glass transition temperature
Authors: Zhang Yanming , Huang Liping , Shi Yunfeng
Published: July 2021

Temperature‐dependent viscosity is critical to decipher two profound questions in condensed matter physics, namely the glass transition and the relaxation of amorphous solids. However, direct measurement of viscosity over a large temperature range is extremely difficult. Here, using classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we report a novel method to calculate the equilibrium viscosity of supercooled liquid both above and below the glass transition temperature (Tg) and to estimate the nonequilibrium viscosity of glass down to room temperature. Based on the shoving model, we derived an analytical formula showing that the shear viscosity in logarithmic scale changes linearly with the shear‐induced variation in shear modulus or potential energy of the glass‐forming system. The shear viscosity as a function of steady‐state potential energy of liquid under different shear strain rates can be directly calculated in MD simulations; together with its equilibrium potential energy, one can extrapolate the zero‐strain‐rate equilibrium viscosity. We verified the proposed model by reliably calculating equilibrium viscosity near Tg of four glass‐forming systems (Kob–Andersen system, silica, Cu45.5Zr45.5Al9, and silicon) with different fragilities. Furthermore, our model can estimate the nonequilibrium viscosity of glass below Tg; the upper‐bound nonequilibrium viscosity of amorphous silica and silicon at room temperature are calculated to be ~1032 and 1025 Pa·s, respectively.
Assessment and validation of three spot urine assay methods for the estimation of 24‐hour urinary sodium excretion in Chinese Tibetan adults living in the mountains
Authors: Zhang Xin , Liao Hang , Ye Runyu , Li Xinran , Gou Qiling , Zhang Zhipeng , Shi Rufeng , Meng Qingtao , Zhuoma Zewong , Zhang Hengyu , Chen Xiaoping
Published: July 2021

Twenty‐four‐hour urine collection is the gold standard method for the evaluation of salt intake, but it is often impractical in large‐scale investigations, especially in resource‐poor areas. Methods for the estimation of 24‐hour urinary sodium excretion (USE) using a spot urine sample have been established, but have not been validated in Chinese Tibetans. Therefore, the authors aimed to evaluate the Kawasaki, Tanaka, and the International Cooperative Study on Salt, Other Factors, and Blood Pressure (INTERSALT) formulas for the prediction of 24‐hour USE in Chinese Tibetan adults. The authors analyzed the bias, correlation, agreements between estimated values and measured values, and the relative and absolute differences and misclassification at the individual level for the three methods in 323 Tibetan participants from the Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan Province, China. The mean biases between the measured values and the estimated 24‐hour USE using the Kawasaki, Tanaka, and INTERSALT methods were 5.4 mmol/day (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.8–10.1 mmol/day), −40.8 mmol/day (95% CI: −44.6 to −36.9 mmol/day), and −57.1 mmol/day (95% CI: −61.9 to −52.4 mmol/day), respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficients for the relationships between the measured values and the estimated 24‐hour USE were 0.43 (Kawasaki), 0.38 (Tanaka), and 0.27 (INTERSALT), respectively (all p < .01). The intraclass correlation coefficients showed similar patterns to the correlation data: 0.47 for Kawasaki, 0.40 for Tanaka, and 0.27 for INTERSALT (all p < .01). The upper and lower limits of agreement between the measured values and the estimated 24‐hour USE were −92.6 and 81.8 mmol/day for the Kawasaki method, −28.5 and 110.0 mmol/day for the Tanaka method, and −28.4 and 142.7 mmol/day for the INTERSALT method. Compared with the other two methods, the percentage of individuals that were misclassified by using the Kawasaki method was 48.2%, while those for the Tanaka and INTERSAL methods was 72.1% and 75.5%, respectively. However, when an individual's salt intake was higher than 12.8 g/day, the misclassification rates of the Kawasaki, Tanaka, and INTERSALT methods were 20%, 90%, and 97.5%, respectively. Thus, the authors found that the Kawasaki equation may have performed better than the other equations at Chinese Tibetan population level assessment, but none of these equations are suitable for use or perform well at the individual level. A more accurate method of using a spot urine sample to evaluate individual 24‐hour USE for Tibetans is needed.
The molecular mechanism underlying mitophagy‐mediated hippocampal neuron apoptosis in diabetes‐related depression
Authors: Liu Jian , Liu Lin , Han Yuan‐Shan , Yi Jian , Guo Chun , Zhao Hong‐Qing , Ling Jia , Wang Yu‐Hong
Published: July 2021

Diabetes‐related depression (DD) is a major complication of diabetes mellitus. Our previous studies indicated that glutamate (Glu) and hippocampal neuron apoptosis are key signal and direct factor leading to diabetes‐related depression, respectively. However, the accurate pathogenesis remains to be unclear. We hypothesized that diabetes‐related depression might be associated with the mitophagy‐mediated hippocampal neuron apoptosis, triggered by aberrant Glu‐glutamate receptor2 (GluR2)‐Parkin pathway. To testify this hypothesis, here the rat model of DD in vivo and in vitro were both established so as to uncover the potential mechanism of DD based on mitophagy and apoptosis. We found that DD rats exhibit an elevated glutamate levels followed by monoamine neurotransmitter deficiency and depressive‐like behaviour, and DD modelling promoted autophagosome formation and caused mitochondrial impairment, eventually leading to hippocampal neuron apoptosis via aberrant Glu‐GluR2‐Parkin pathway. Further, in vitro study demonstrated that the simulated DD conditions resulted in an abnormal glutamate and monoamine neurotransmitter levels followed by autophagic flux increment, mitochondrial membrane potential reduction and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and lactic dehydrogenase elevation. Interestingly, both GluR2 and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) receptor blocker aggravated mitophagy‐induced hippocampal neuron apoptosis and abnormal expression of apoptotic protein. In contrast, both GluR2 and mTOR receptor agonist ameliorated those apoptosis in simulated DD conditions. Our findings revealed that mitophagy‐mediated hippocampal neuron apoptosis, triggered by aberrant Glu‐GluR2‐Parkin pathway, is responsible for depressive‐like behaviour and monoamine neurotransmitter deficiency in DD rats. This work provides promising molecular targets and strategy for the treatment of DD.
Extraction of surface‐active polymers from the compost of olive processing waste
Authors: Koliastasi Aikaterini , Kompothekra Vasiliki , Giotis Charilaos , Moustakas Antonios K. , Skotti Efstathia P. , Gerakis Argyrios , Kalogianni Eleni P. , Petridis Dimitris , Ritzoulis Christos
Published: July 2021

Polysaccharides and proteins with potential use as emulsifiers and thickeners are extracted at pH 5, 7, and 9 from olive processing wastes, from the onset to the end of a full compost cycle (6 months). The aim is to monitor the temporal evolution of parameters which are related to the emulsifying ability, such as surface tension, macromolecular populations distribution, and chemical composition of the produced materials. The products are characterized using size exclusion chromatography (SEC–MALLS/UV), Fourier‐transform infra‐red spectroscopy (FTIR), and equilibrium surface tension. The initial extracts comprise of a large array of macromolecules; following 2 months of composting, the polysaccharides are considerably smaller than the ones at the onset of the composting. During the subsequent months, disintegration of the olive matrix enhances the extraction. At pH 7, a variety of proteins is produced as compared to the equivalent process at pH 5, which is attributed to the charge of proteins, while parts of the cellulosic matrix and some peptidic entities are only released from the humus at the end of the composting. At pH 9 the extraction of polysaccharides is enhanced due to the charged side chains and the elimination of positive charges. These are confirmed from FTIR. The oil (miglyol)–water interfacial tension is higher at the low‐pH extracts, leaving interesting room for adjusting the emulsification capacity (favored at low pH) and the extract composition (macromolecules favored at high pH). This makes for a promising source of valuable additives from the by‐products of the olive processing industry.

Practical Applications

In this work, we reclaim surface‐active polysaccharides and proteins with potential use as emulsifiers and thickeners, from olive processing wastes, as these undergo a 6‐months composting cycle. The products are characterized for their composition and oil–water interface activity, a key parameter for their performance as emulsifiers. We highlight the evolution of the extracts composition and their properties as they are reclaimed at different stages of the composting process. This work can provide information on the valorization of highly polluting food processing waste as precursors of high added value food ingredients, with the relevant impact on the environment, the local economy, and the green labeling of foods.
Laser in surgical scar clearance: An update review
Authors: Chowdhury Barnali , Kassir Martin , Salas‐Alanis Julio , Nistico Steven , Galadari Hassan , Fritz Klaus , Salavastru Carmen , Blicharz Leszek , Goldust Mohamad
Published: July 2021

Scar formation is a consequence of wound healing that developed from damaged tissue either from physical injury or surgical incision. A hypertrophic scar develops due to an abnormal healing response to trauma. It might lead to serious functional and cosmetic disability. There are numerous methods mentioned in the literature to treat such scars but to date, no single method has been known to cure them. In this review, we focused on differences between various types of nonsurgical management of hypertrophic scar focusing on the indication, mechanism of action, and efficacy of the pulsed dye laser (PDL), fractional carbon dioxide laser (fCO2), Er‐YAG laser, and intense pulse light (IPL). The literature research included peer‐reviewed articles (clinical trials or scientific reviews) which were identified by searching electronic databases like PubMed till January 2021 and reference lists of respective articles. Only articles published in the English language were included.
Diagnosing housing fever with an econometric thermometer
Authors: Shi Shuping , Phillips Peter C.B.
Published: July 2021

Housing fever is a popular term to describe an overheated housing market or housing price bubble. Like other financial asset bubbles, housing fever can inflict harm on the real economy, as indeed the U.S. housing bubble did in the period following 2006 leading up to the general financial crisis and great recession. One contribution that econometricians can make to minimize the harm created by a housing bubble is to provide a quantitative “thermometer” for diagnosing ongoing housing fever. Early diagnosis can enable prompt and effective policy action that reduces long‐term damage to the real economy. This paper provides a selective review of the relevant literature on econometric methods for identifying housing bubbles together with some new methods of research and an empirical application. We first present a technical definition of a housing bubble that facilitates empirical work and discuss significant difficulties encountered in practical work and the solutions that have been proposed in the past literature. A major challenge in all econometric identification procedures is to assess prices in relation to fundamentals, which requires measurement of fundamentals. One solution to address this challenge is to estimate the fundamental component from an underlying structural relationship involving measurable variables. A second aim of the paper is to improve the estimation accuracy of fundamentals by means of an easy‐to‐implement reduced‐form approach. Since many of the relevant variables that determine fundamentals are nonstationary and interdependent we use the endogenous instrumental variable based method (IVX) to estimate the reduced‐form model to reduce the finite sample bias which arises from highly persistent regressors and endogeneity. The recursive evolving test proposed by Phillips, Shi, and Yu (PSY) is applied to the estimated nonfundamental component for the identification of speculative bubbles. The new bubble test developed here is referred to as PSY‐IVX. An empirical application to the eight Australian capital city housing markets over the period 1999–2017 shows that bubble testing results are sensitive to different ways of controlling for fundamentals and highlights the importance of accurate estimation of these housing market fundamentals.
The information content of the Solvency II ratio relative to earnings
Authors: Mukhtarov Sanan , Schoute Martijn , Wielhouwer Jacco L.
Published: July 2021

We examine the information content of disclosures of solvency and earnings information of European insurance companies under the Solvency I and Solvency II regulatory regimes. Using an event‐study research design, we investigate a sample of 571 announcements of 46 insurance firms during the 2012–2018 period. We find that under the Solvency I directive, investors find unexpected earnings to be informative but not the unexpected solvency ratio. However, under the Solvency II directive, both unexpected earnings and the unexpected solvency ratio are relevant to investors. Based on a decomposition of explained variance, we find that under the Solvency II directive, investors' attention has partly shifted away from earnings information toward solvency information. Our results indicate that the disclosed solvency ratios contain value relevant information under the risk‐based Solvency II framework and that the requirements under this framework shift investor attention toward solvency information and away from earnings of European insurance companies.