bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Running or crossing? Children's expression of voluntary motion in English, German, and French
Authors: HENDRIKS Henriëtte , HICKMANN Maya , PASTORINO-CAMPOS Carla
Published: April 2021

Much research has focused on the expression of voluntary motion (Slobin, 2004; Talmy, 2000). The present study contributes to this body of research by comparing how children (three to ten years) and adults narrated short, animated cartoons in English and German (satellite-framedlanguages) vs. French (verb-framed). The cartoons showed agents displacing themselves in variable Manners along different Paths (Path saliency and variance were specifically manipulated in four item types). Results show an increase with age across languages in how much information participants expressed. However, at all ages, more motion information was encoded in English and German than in French. Furthermore, language-specific features impacted the content and its organization within utterances in discourse, showing more variation within and across Path types in French than in the satellite-framed languages, resulting in later achievement of adult-like descriptions in this language. The discussion highlights the joint impact of cognitive and typological features on language development.
Explicit methods for the Hasse norm principle and applications toAnandSnextensions
Authors: MACEDO ANDRÉ , NEWTON RACHEL
Published: April 2021

LetK/kbe an extension of number fields. We describe theoretical results and computational methods for calculating the obstruction to the Hasse norm principle forK/kand the defect of weak approximation for the norm one torus\[R_{K/k}^1{\mathbb{G}_m}\]. We apply our techniques to give explicit and computable formulae for the obstruction to the Hasse norm principle and the defect of weak approximation when the normal closure ofK/khas symmetric or alternating Galois group.
X-ray powder diffraction data for N,N-dimethyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-amine, C9H11N3
Authors: Lin Xia , Chen Dan-dan , Lin Xiao-hui , Liu An-tao , Zong Bao , Zou Lian-jia
Published: April 2021

X-ray powder diffraction data, unit-cell parameters, and space group for N,N-dimethyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-amine, C9H11N3, are reported [a = 11.379(3) Å, b = 10.227(5) Å, c = 7.151(1) Å, α = 90°, β = 90°, γ = 90°, unit-cell volume V = 832.318 Å3, Z = 4, ρcal = 1.286 g cm−3, and space group P21212]. All measured lines were indexed and were consistent with the P21212 space group. No detectable impurities were observed.
Is Acheulean Handaxe Shape the Result of Imposed ‘Mental Templates’ or Emergent in Manufacture? Dissolving the Dichotomy through Exploring ‘Communities of Practice’ at Boxgrove, UK
Authors: Hutchence Laurie , Scott Christopher
Published: April 2021

This paper examines the debate over whether Acheulean handaxe shape results from the intentional imposition of a priorly held mental template upon the lithic material substrate or, alternatively, whether a knapper's intentions related to shape ‘emerge’ through the engagement (in action) of human agency and material affordances. We suggest that imposition of form and emergence of form are not mutually exclusive, and use Lave and Wenger's concept of ‘communities of practice’ to knit these opposed views together to explain the consolidation of homogenous handaxe shape at Boxgrove,c. 500,000 years ago. Here we propose that the consistency in handaxe shape found at sites like Boxgrove is a consequence of the emergent actions of individual knappers being simultaneously constrained by the imposition of social norms. Social norms are referred to in action and are negotiated, understood, and adhered to at the wider group level. Therefore, we propose that contextualizing Acheulean handaxe manufacture within its wider social context will show that handaxe shape was both imposed and emergent, not one or the other.
Development of a Prehospital Care Rotation for Emergency Medicine Residents in Haiti
Authors: Kivlehan Sean M. , Colinet Lourdes Rachelle Faikha , Edmond Cassandre , Song Hank , Wei Chen , Rimpel Linda , Rouhani Shada A. , Checkett Keegan A.
Published: April 2021

Background:

Prehospital care is a key component of an emergency care system. Prehospital providers initiate patient care in the field and transition it to the emergency department. Emergency Medicine (EM) specialist training programs are growing rapidly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and future emergency physicians will oversee emergency care systems. Despite this, no standardized prehospital care curriculum exists for physicians in these settings. This report describes the development of a prehospital rotation for an EM residency program in Central Haiti.

Methods:

Using a conceptual framework, existing prehospital curricula from high-income countries (HICs) were reviewed and adapted to the Haitian context. Didactics covering prehospital care from LMICs were also reviewed and adapted. Regional stakeholders were identified and engaged in the curriculum development.

Results:

A one-week long, 40-hour curriculum was developed which included didactic, clinical, evaluation, and assessment components. All senior residents completed the rotation in the first year. Feedback was positive from residents, field sites, and students.

Conclusions:

A standardized prehospital rotation for EM residents in Haiti was successfully implemented and well-received. This model of adaptation and local engagement can be applied to other residency programs in low-income countries to increase physician engagement in prehospital care.
Risk-based diabetes screening in a Hungarian general practice: comparison of laboratory methods and diagnostic criteria
Authors: Galvács Henrietta , Szabó János , Balogh Zoltán
Published: April 2021

Aim:

Aim of cross-sectional study was to survey the risk of diabetes mellitus in a severely disadvantaged Hungarian community and then to use laboratory tests to screen for potential carbohydrate metabolism disorders among those in the moderate- and high-risk groups.

Background:

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus shows a worrisome trend worldwide. Low socio-economic status significantly affects the development of diabetes, healthy life years and life expectancy.

Method:

Diabetes risk of the population was surveyed with the FINDRISC (Finnish Diabetes Risk Score) questionnaire, followed by oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and glycated haemoglobin test of moderate- and high-risk patients.

Findings:

In sample of 551 subjects, moderate or high risk for diabetes was confirmed in 147 patients (26.68%). There was significant correlation between increased risk and age (P< 0.001) and between increased risk and body mass index (P< 0.001). Significant difference was confirmed between incidences for disease based on the results of OGTT and glycated haemoglobin test when two different criteria systems were used. Age was the strongest predictor of pre-diabetes/diabetes (P= 0.016). The presence of metabolic syndrome increased the level of glycated haemoglobin by an average of 0.2% in normal glycemic status.
American Indians and the Right to Vote: United States v. Elm (1877), Its Origins, and Its Impact
Authors: Hauptman Laurence M.
Published: April 2021

In November 1876, two Oneida Indians, Abram Elm and Lewis Doxtator, were arrested for voting illegally in the twenty-third congressional district election in New York. Their trial was held the next year in a federal court in the Northern District of New York, the same venue where Susan B. Anthony had been tried and convicted on a similar charge four years earlier. This essay focuses on the significance of the historically neglected United States v. Elm case, its origins, why the decision was rendered, and its short-term and long-term impact. Importantly, United States v. Elm has cast a long shadow over Supreme Court decisions—from the time of Elk v. Wilkins in 1884 right up to City of Sherrill v. Oneida Indian Nation in New York in 2005. In going to the polls, the two Native Americans were not trying to deny their Oneida identity; they saw themselves as dual citizens advocating a different course of resistance.
Backscattering cross-section from a metamaterial coated sphere covered with a metasurface
Authors: Abbasi Farah R. , Awan Z. A. , Hussain Arshad
Published: April 2021

An analysis about the backscattering characteristics of a metamaterial coated magnetodielectric sphere covered with a metasurface has been presented. The effects of various types of metamaterial coatings and surface reactances of lossless metasurface upon the backscattering cross-section of a metamaterial coated magnetodielectric sphere covered with a metasurface have been studied. It is shown that the negligible backscattering cross-section from a double near-zero metamaterial coated magnetodielectric sphere can be enhanced significantly by using specific types of lossless metasurfaces. These types of enhanced backscattering cross-section find applications in the radar detection problems. The proposed theory is also extended to the lossy double negative metamaterial coated magnetodielectric sphere covered with a lossless metasurface. During the study, it is found that for a specific part of the lossy double negative metamaterial bandwidth, two specific types of lossless metasurfaces can be used to reduce the backscattering cross-section as compared to the backscattering cross-section of a lossy double negative metamaterial coated magnetodielectric sphere without metasurface.
Not Only Reliability!
Authors: Szczygieł Monika
Published: April 2021

Abstract. The measurement of math anxiety in adults is justified based on observations that math anxiety in parents and teachers predicts children’s math anxiety and achievement. Although there are many very good math anxiety measures intended for children and adolescents, their usefulness (e.g., AMAS, MARS) for adults is debatable. The most important objection against using these scales for adults is their ecological validity. The measurement of anxiety associated with math tests, classes, teachers, and homework is adequate for students of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), but not for students of social sciences and humanities (HS) and non-students (e.g., parents and preschool and early education teachers). In response to this gap, the Math Anxiety Questionnaire for Adults (MAQA) was developed; it is designed to measure math anxiety related to math problem-solving in various groups of adults (especially non-students and HS students, as well as STEM students). The content, construct, criterion, and ecological validity of the MAQA were tested, and its internal and test-retest reliability was established. The results confirm that the MAQA is a valid and reliable measurement of math anxiety; therefore, it may be recommended for use in various groups of adults (e.g., students, teachers, and parents).
Wildfire Smoke Is Associated With an Increased Risk of Cardiorespiratory Emergency Department Visits in Alaska
Authors: Hahn M. B. , Kuiper G. , O'Dell K. , Fischer E. V. , Magzamen S.
Published: April 2021

Alaskan wildfires have major ecological, social, and economic consequences, but associated health impacts remain unexplored. We estimated cardiorespiratory morbidity associated with wildfire smoke (WFS) fine particulate matter with a diameter less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) in three major population centers (Anchorage, Fairbanks, and the Matanuska‐Susitna Valley) during the 2015–2019 wildfire seasons. To estimate WFS PM2.5, we utilized data from ground‐based monitors and satellite‐based smoke plume estimates. We implemented time‐stratified case‐crossover analyses with single and distributed lag models to estimate the effect of WFS PM2.5on cardiorespiratory emergency department (ED) visits. On the day of exposure to WFS PM2.5, there was an increased odds of asthma‐related ED visits among 15–65 year olds (OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.08, 1.16), people >65 years (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.01, 1.31), among Alaska Native people (OR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.09, 1.23), and in Anchorage (OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.05, 1.15) and Fairbanks (OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.07, 1.17). There was an increased risk of heart failure related ED visits for Alaska Native people (Lag Day 5 OR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.02, 1.25). We found evidence that rural populations may delay seeking care. As the frequency and magnitude of Alaskan wildfires continue to increase due to climate change, understanding the health impacts will be imperative. A nuanced understanding of the effects of WFS on specific demographic and geographic groups facilitates data‐driven public health interventions and fire management protocols that address these adverse health effects.
Hints on the Multiscale Nature of Geomagnetic Field Fluctuations During Quiet and Disturbed Periods
Authors: Santarelli L. , De Michelis P. , Consolini G.
Published: April 2021

We analyze the geomagnetic data recorded at 78 stations from 13 to 31 March 2015. Using the empirical mode decomposition (EMD) method, we focus our attention on geomagnetic signal due to sources which are external to the Earth, that is, due to current systems flowing in the ionosphere and magnetosphere. We analyze the short timescale fluctuations (τ < 200 min) of this magnetic signal, their dependence on magnetic latitude, magnetic local time, and geomagnetic activity. At high geomagnetic latitudes (>|60°|), these short timescale fluctuations constitute more than 30% of the external magnetic field. Their maximum contribution occurs along the auroral oval suggesting that they are mainly triggered by the ionospheric electric current systems active in these regions. A discussion of the relevance of these short timescale magnetic fluctuations to result in a more significant modeling and prediction of geomagnetically induced currents in the auroral zones is also provided.
Electron Energy Interplay in the Geomagnetic Trap Below the Auroral Acceleration Region
Authors: Khazanov George V. , Glocer Alex , Chu Mike
Published: April 2021

This publication addresses the collisional superthermal electron dynamics below the auroral acceleration region (AAR). This region is the portion of an auroral field line with a field‐aligned electric field that leads to the formation of precipitating monoenergetic keV electron fluxes that produce the discrete auroral displays observable from the ground. It is assumed that these precipitating electron fluxes are monoenergetic and accelerated through a potential drop, V, such that these electrons are peaked at an energy E0 = eV, where e is the electron charge. Monoenergetic electrons precipitating into the upper atmosphere degrade to lower energies via many different collisional processes and produce the secondary electron population with energies of 10–100s eV which escapes back to magnetospheric altitudes and becomes geomagnetically trapped between the AAR and the upper ionosphere. The secondary electrons in this geomagnetic trap transfer energy via elastic Coulomb collisions to the thermal electrons. That energy is then returned to the topside ionosphere as heat flux carried by the electron thermal conduction which is essential to maintaining the topside electron temperature.
Global Distribution of Nighttime MSTIDs and Its Association With E Region Irregularities Seen by CHAMP Satellite
Authors: Lee Woo Kyoung , Kil Hyosub , Paxton Larry J.
Published: April 2021

We investigate the correlation of sporadic E (Es) with the occurrence of medium‐scale traveling ionospheric disturbances (MSTIDs) at night in middle latitudes (25°–40°N and 25°–40°S magnetic latitudes) by examining their occurrence climatology. The occurrence climatology of Es and MSTIDs is derived using the Challenging Minisatellite Payload satellite data acquired in 2001–2008 and 2001–2009, respectively. Electron density irregularities and radio scintillations are used as the detection proxies of MSTIDs and Es, respectively. The occurrence rate of MSTIDs shows a semi‐annual variation with the primary peak during June solstices and the secondary peak during December solstices in both hemispheres. However, the occurrence rate of Es shows a seasonal variation with a pronounced peak in summer in both hemispheres. The occurrence of MSTIDs during local summer and equinoxes is correlated with the occurrence of local Es, but the high occurrence rate of MSTIDs in local winter is not correlated with local winter hemisphere Es. MSTIDs in the winter hemisphere are correlated with magnetically conjugate MSTIDs in the summer hemisphere; these summer hemisphere MSTIDs are correlated with the occurrence of Es in the summer hemisphere. The occurrence rate of MSTIDs clearly shows an increase with decreasing solar activity, but the solar cycle dependence of Es is not obvious from the data. This observation suggests that the generation of MSTIDs is significantly affected by factors other than Es such as the growth rate of the Perkins instability, atmospheric gravity waves, and the F region conductance.
Dislocation Creep of Olivine: Backstress Evolution Controls Transient Creep at High Temperatures
Authors: Hansen Lars N. , Wallis David , Breithaupt Thomas , Thom Christopher A. , Kempton Imogen
Published: April 2021

Transient creep occurs during geodynamic processes that impose stress changes on rocks at high temperatures. The transient is manifested as evolution in the viscosity of the rocks until steady‐state flow is achieved. Although several phenomenological models of transient creep in rocks have been proposed, the dominant microphysical processes that control such behavior remain poorly constrained. To identify the intragranular processes that contribute to transient creep of olivine, we performed stress‐reduction tests on single crystals of olivine at temperatures of 1,250°C–1,300°C. In these experiments, samples undergo time‐dependent reverse strain after the stress reduction. The magnitude of reverse strain is ∼10−3 and increases with increasing magnitude of the stress reduction. High‐angular resolution electron backscatter diffraction analyses of deformed material reveal lattice curvature and heterogeneous stresses associated with the dominant slip system. The mechanical and microstructural data are consistent with transient creep of the single crystals arising from accumulation and release of backstresses among dislocations. These results allow the dislocation‐glide component of creep at high temperatures to be isolated, and we use these data to calibrate a flow law for olivine to describe the glide component of creep over a wide temperature range. We argue that this flow law can be used to estimate both transient creep and steady‐state viscosities of olivine, with the transient evolution controlled by the evolution of the backstress. This model is able to predict variability in the style of transient (normal vs. inverse) and the load‐relaxation response observed in previous work.
The Relationship Between Large Scale Thermospheric Density Enhancements and the Spatial Distribution of Poynting Flux
Authors: Billett D. D. , Perry G. W. , Clausen L. B. N. , Archer W. E. , McWilliams K. A. , Haaland S. , Reistad J. P. , Burchill J. K. , Patrick M. R. , Humberset B. K. , Anderson B. J.
Published: April 2021

Large thermospheric neutral density enhancements in the cusp region have been examined for many years. The Challenging Minisatellite Payload (CHAMP) satellite for example has enabled many observations of the perturbation, showing that it is mesoscale in size and exists statistically over solar cycle timescales. Further studies examining the relationship with magnetospheric energy input have shown that fine‐scale Poynting fluxes are associated with the density perturbations on a case‐by‐case basis, whilst others have found that mesoscale downward fluxes also exist in the cusp region statistically. In this study, we use nearly 8 years of the overlapping Super Dual Auroral Radar Network and Active Magnetosphere and Planetary Electrodynamics Response Experiment datasets to generate global‐scale patterns of the high‐latitude and height‐integrated Poynting flux into the ionosphere, with a time resolution of 2 min. From these, average patterns are generated based on the interplanetary magnetic field orientation. We show the cusp is indeed an important feature in the Poynting flux maps, but the magnitude does not correlate well with statistical neutral mass density perturbations observed by the CHAMP satellite on similar spatial scales. Importantly, the lack of correlation between mesoscale height‐integrated Poynting fluxes and the cusp neutral mass density enhancement gives possible insight into other processes that may account for the discrepancy, such as energy deposition at finer scale sizes or at higher altitudes than captured.
Deep-sea shipwrecks represent island-like ecosystems for marine microbiomes
Authors: Hamdan Leila J , Hampel Justyna J , Moseley Rachel D , Mugge Rachel L , Ray Anirban , Salerno Jennifer L , Damour Melanie
Published: April 2021

Biogeography of macro- and micro-organisms in the deep sea is, in part, shaped by naturally occurring heterogeneous habitat features of geological and biological origin such as seeps, vents, seamounts, whale and wood-falls. Artificial features including shipwrecks and energy infrastructure shape the biogeographic patterns of macro-organisms; how they influence microorganisms is unclear. Shipwrecks may function as islands of biodiversity for microbiomes, creating a patchwork of habitats with influence radiating out into the seabed. Here we show microbiome richness and diversity increase as a function of proximity to the historic deep-sea shipwreck Anona in the Gulf of Mexico. Diversity and richness extinction plots provide evidence of an island effect on microbiomes. A halo of core taxa on the seabed was observed up to 200 m away from the wreck indicative of the transition zone from shipwreck habitat to the surrounding environment. Transition zones around natural habitat features are often small in area compared to what was observed at Anona indicating shipwrecks may exert a large sphere of influence on seabed microbiomes. Historic shipwrecks are abundant, isolated habitats with global distribution, providing a means to explore contemporary processes shaping biogeography on the seafloor. This work is a case study for how built environments impact microbial biodiversity and provides new information on how arrival of material to the seafloor shapes benthic microbiomes.
Discovery of electrochemically induced grain boundary transitions
Authors: Nie Jiuyuan , Hu Chongze , Yan Qizhang , Luo Jian
Published: April 2021

Electric fields and currents, which are used in innovative materials processing and electrochemical energy conversion, can often alter microstructures in unexpected ways. However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms. Using ZnO-Bi2O3 as a model system, this study uncovers how an applied electric current can change the microstructural evolution through an electrochemically induced grain boundary transition. By combining aberration-corrected electron microscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, first-principles calculations, a generalizable thermodynamic model, and ab initio molecular dynamics, this study reveals that electrochemical reduction can cause a grain boundary disorder-to-order transition to markedly increase grain boundary diffusivities and mobilities. Consequently, abruptly enhanced or abnormal grain growth takes place. These findings advance our fundamental knowledge of grain boundary complexion (phase-like) transitions and electric field effects on microstructural stability and evolution, with broad scientific and technological impacts. A new method to tailor the grain boundary structures and properties, as well as the microstructures, electrochemically can also be envisioned.
Quantitative imaging of intracellular nanoparticle exposure enables prediction of nanotherapeutic efficacy
Authors: Yin Qingqing , Pan Anni , Chen Binlong , Wang Zenghui , Tang Mingmei , Yan Yue , Wang Yaoqi , Xia Heming , Chen Wei , Du Hongliang , Chen Meifang , Fu Chuanxun , Wang Yanni , Yuan Xia , Lu Zhihao , Zhang Qiang , Wang Yiguang
Published: April 2021

Nanoparticle internalisation is crucial for the precise delivery of drug/genes to its intracellular targets. Conventional quantification strategies can provide the overall profiling of nanoparticle biodistribution, but fail to unambiguously differentiate the intracellularly bioavailable particles from those in tumour intravascular and extracellular microenvironment. Herein, we develop a binary ratiometric nanoreporter (BiRN) that can specifically convert subtle pH variations involved in the endocytic events into digitised signal output, enabling the accurately quantifying of cellular internalisation without introducing extracellular contributions. Using BiRN technology, we find only 10.7–28.2% of accumulated nanoparticles are internalised into intracellular compartments with high heterogeneity within and between different tumour types. We demonstrate the therapeutic responses of nanomedicines are successfully predicted based on intracellular nanoparticle exposure rather than the overall accumulation in tumour mass. This nonlinear optical nanotechnology offers a valuable imaging tool to evaluate the tumour targeting of new nanomedicines and stratify patients for personalised cancer therapy.
Structural variation at the maize WUSCHEL1 locus alters stem cell organization in inflorescences
Authors: Chen Zongliang , Li Wei , Gaines Craig , Buck Amy , Galli Mary , Gallavotti Andrea
Published: April 2021

Structural variation in plant genomes is a significant driver of phenotypic variability in traits important for the domestication and productivity of crop species. Among these are traits that depend on functional meristems, populations of stem cells maintained by the CLAVATA-WUSCHEL (CLV-WUS) negative feedback-loop that controls the expression of the WUS homeobox transcription factor. WUS function and impact on maize development and yield remain largely unexplored. Here we show that the maize dominant Barren inflorescence3 (Bif3) mutant harbors a tandem duplicated copy of the ZmWUS1 gene, ZmWUS1-B, whose novel promoter enhances transcription in a ring-like pattern. Overexpression of ZmWUS1-B is due to multimerized binding sites for type-B RESPONSE REGULATORs (RRs), key transcription factors in cytokinin signaling. Hypersensitivity to cytokinin causes stem cell overproliferation and major rearrangements of Bif3 inflorescence meristems, leading to the formation of ball-shaped ears and severely affecting productivity. These findings establish ZmWUS1 as an essential meristem size regulator in maize and highlight the striking effect of cis-regulatory variation on a key developmental program.
Mechanism and toxicity evaluation of catalytic ozonation over Cu/Ce–Al2O3 system aiming at degradation of humic acid in real wastewater
Authors: Tang Xi , Zhang Yifei , Li Weiqi , Geng Jinju , Ren Hongqiang , Xu Ke
Published: April 2021

Humic acid (HA) is the main component of organic matter in effluent from wastewater treatment. The effective removal of HA is significant. In this study, a novel catalyst was prepared using a transition metal oxide as the active component and Al2O3as a granular carrier. The mechanism of catalytic ozonation of HA under neutral pH conditions and its efficiency were investigated. Under the chosen conditions (an ozone concentration of 2.2 mg/L, 50 mg/L HA solution, catalyst dosage of 5 g/L and initial pH of 6.49), the Cu/Ce–Al2O3bimetallic catalyst led to 54.79% TOC removal rate after 30 min; the removal rate by ozone alone was only 20.49%. The characteristics of organic compounds determined by FT-IR and GC–MS showed that organic compounds were degraded significantly by the catalytic treatment. The addition of catalysts could effectively degrade toxic intermediates and reduce the acute toxicity produced by ozonation. Humic acid substances were largely removed and transformed into biodegradable intermediates. This study proposes a new and efficient ozonation catalyst for practical applications in advanced wastewater treatment.
Clinicopathological factors associated with synchronous distant metastasis and prognosis of stage T1 colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Li Qiken , Wang Gang , Luo Jun , Li Bo , Chen Weiping
Published: April 2021

It is rare and understudied for patients with stage T1 colorectal cancer to have synchronous distant metastasis. This study was to determine the clinicopathological factors associated with distant metastasis and prognosis. T1 colorectal cancer patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2015 were obtained from the SEER database. Logistic regression was applied to determine risk factors related to distant metastasis. Cox-proportional hazard models were used to identify the prognostic factors for patients with distant metastasis. Among 21,321 patients identified, 359 (1.8%) had synchronous distant metastasis and 1807 (8.5%) had lymph node metastasis. Multivariate analysis revealed that younger age, positive serum CEA, larger tumor size, positive tumor deposit, perineural invasion, lymph node metastasis, histology of non-adenocarcinoma and poorer differentiation were significantly associated with the increased risk of synchronous distant metastasis. Older age, female, Black, positive CEA, positive lymph node metastasis, positive tumor deposit, larger tumor size, no chemotherapy, inadequate lymph node harvesting and no metastasectomy were correlated with worse survival in these patients with synchronous distant metastasis. Patients with metastasis to the liver displayed the highest rate of positive CEA. We conclude that T1 colorectal cancer patients with multiple risk factors need thorough examinations to exclude synchronous distant metastasis. Chemotherapy, adequate lymph node cleaning and metastasectomy are associated with improved survival for those patients with distant metastases. Positive serum CEA may be useful in predicting distant metastases in patients at stage T1.
Fabrication and characterization of keratin starch biocomposite film from chicken feather waste and ginger starch
Authors: Oluba Olarewaju M. , Obi Chibugo F. , Akpor Oghenerobor B. , Ojeaburu Samuel I. , Ogunrotimi Feyikemi D. , Adediran Adeolu A. , Oki Makanjuola
Published: April 2021

The disposal of chicken feather through burning or burying is not environmentally compliant due to the accompanying release of greenhouse gas and underground water contamination. Thus, the transformation of this bio-waste into a bio-composite film is considered not only a sustainable strategy for disposal of this solid wastes but also an attractive alternative to developing an efficient nanostructured biomaterial from renewable bio resource. In the present study keratin extracted from chicken feather waste in combination with ginger starch were fabricated into a bio-composite film. The fabricated bio-composite films were characterized, using different analytical techniques. The physicochemical characteristics of ginger starch showed a moisture content of 33.8%, pH of 6.21, amylose and amylopectin contents of 39.1% and 60.9%, respectively. The hydration capacity of the starch was 132.2% while its gelatinization temperature was 65.7 °C. Physical attributes of the bio-composite film, such as surface smoothness and tensile strength increased significantly (p < 0.05) with increasing keratin content, while its transparency and solubility showed significant (p < 0.05) decrease with increasing keratin level. The various blends of the bio-composite films decayed by over 50% of the original mass after 12 days of complete burial in soil. Based on the results obtained in this study, the addition of keratin to starch bio-composite showed remarkable improvement in mechanical properties, such as tensile strength and surface smoothness. The bio-composite film exhibited appropriate stability in water, although future study should be carried out to evaluate its thermal stability. Nonetheless, the fabricated keratin-starch bio-composite showed desirable characteristics that could be optimized for industrial applications.
Scrt1, a transcriptional regulator of β-cell proliferation identified by differential chromatin accessibility during islet maturation
Authors: Sobel Jonathan , Guay Claudiane , Elhanani Ofer , Rodriguez-Trejo Adriana , Stoll Lisa , Menoud Véronique , Jacovetti Cécile , Walker Michael D. , Regazzi Romano
Published: April 2021

Glucose-induced insulin secretion, a hallmark of mature β-cells, is achieved after birth and is preceded by a phase of intense proliferation. These events occurring in the neonatal period are decisive for establishing an appropriate functional β-cell mass that provides the required insulin throughout life. However, key regulators of gene expression involved in functional maturation of β-cells remain to be elucidated. Here, we addressed this issue by mapping open chromatin regions in newborn versus adult rat islets using the ATAC-seq assay. We obtained a genome-wide picture of chromatin accessible sites (~ 100,000) among which 20% were differentially accessible during maturation. An enrichment analysis of transcription factor binding sites identified a group of transcription factors that could explain these changes. Among them, Scrt1 was found to act as a transcriptional repressor and to control β-cell proliferation. Interestingly, Scrt1 expression was controlled by the transcriptional repressor RE-1 silencing transcription factor (REST) and was increased in an in vitro reprogramming system of pancreatic exocrine cells to β-like cells. Overall, this study led to the identification of several known and unforeseen key transcriptional events occurring during β-cell maturation. These findings will help defining new strategies to induce the functional maturation of surrogate insulin-producing cells.
Consumption of caffeinated beverages and kidney function decline in an elderly Mediterranean population with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Díaz-López Andrés , Paz-Graniel Indira , Ruiz Verónica , Toledo Estefanía , Becerra-Tomás Nerea , Corella Dolores , Castañer Olga , Martínez J. Alfredo , Alonso-Gómez Ángel M. , Wärnberg Julia , Vioque Jesús , Romaguera Dora , López-Miranda José , Estruch Ramon , Tinahones Francisco J. , Lapetra José , Serra-Majem Luís , Bueno-Cavanillas Aurora , Tur Josep A. , Sánchez Vicente Martín , Pintó Xavier , Delgado-Rodríguez Miguel , Matía-Martín Pilar , Vidal Josep , Vázquez Clotilde , Daimiel Lidia , Villa Tania Fernandez , Ros Emilio , Eguaras Sonia , Babio Nancy , Sorlí Jose V. , Goday Albert , Abete Itziar , Sierra Lucas Tojal , Barón-López Francisco Javier , Torres-Collado Laura , Morey Marga , Garcia-Rios Antonio , Casas Rosa , Bernal-López María Rosa , Santos-Lozano José Manuel , Navarro Adela , Gonzalez Jose I. , Zomeño María Dolores , Zulet Maria Angeles , Luna Jessica Vaquero , Ramallal Raul , Fitó Montse , Salas-Salvadó Jordi
Published: April 2021

It remains unclear whether caffeinated beverages could have deleterious renal effects in elderly population with underlying comorbid conditions. We investigated the associations between coffee, tea, or caffeine intake and 1-year changes in glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in a large Spanish cohort of overweight/obese elderly with metabolic syndrome (MetS). This prospective analysis includes 5851 overweight/obese adults (55–75 years) with MetS from the PREDIMED-Plus study. We assessed coffee, tea, and caffeine consumption from a validated food-frequency questionnaire and creatinine-based eGFR using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation. Multivariate-adjusted regression models were applied to test associations between baseline coffee, tea, or caffeine intake and 1-year eGFR changes. Caffeinated coffee (> 2 cups/day) and tea (at least 1 cup/day) drinkers had 0.88 and 0.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 greater eGFR decrease respectively, compared to those with less than 1 cup/day of coffee consumption or non-tea drinkers. Furthermore, caffeinated coffee consumption of > 2 cups/day was associated with 1.19-fold increased risk of rapid eGFR decline > 3 mL/min/1.73 m2 (95% CI 1.01–1.41). Similarly, individuals in the highest (median, 51.2 mg/day) tertile of caffeine intake had a 0.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 greater eGFR decrease. Decaffeinated coffee was not associated with eGFR changes. In conclusion, higher consumption of caffeinated coffee, tea, and caffeine was associated with a greater 1-year eGFR decline in overweight/obese adults with MetS.
Author Correction: Synthesis, characterization and catalytic testing of MCM-22 derived catalysts for n-hexane cracking
Authors: Ahmad Ali , Naqvi Salman Raza , Rafque Muhammad , Nasir Habib , Sarosh Ali
Published: April 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Projected effects of ocean warming on an iconic pelagic fish and its fishery
Authors: Moltó Vicenç , Palmer Miquel , Ospina-Álvarez Andrés , Pérez-Mayol Sílvia , Benseddik Amina Besbes , Gatt Mark , Morales-Nin Beatriz , Alemany Francisco , Catalán Ignacio A.
Published: April 2021

Increasing sea temperature is a driver of change for many fish traits, particularly for fast-growing epipelagic species with short life spans. With warming, altered spawning phenology and faster growth may produce substantially larger body sizes of the new cohort, affecting fishery productivity. We present an individual-based model (IBM) that predicts the distribution of fish length at catch under observed and projected thermal scenarios, accounting for mortality, temperature-dependent spawning phenology, temperature- and photoperiod- dependent growth. This IBM was demonstrated with Coryphaena hippurus (common dolphinfish), a circumglobally-distributed and highly thermophilic species sustaining commercial and recreational fisheries where it is present. The model projected a 13.2% increase in the average length at catch under marine heatwave conditions compared to the current thermal regime (1995–2005 average). Projections under RCP scenarios 4.5 and 8.5 by the end of the century led to 5.1% and 12.8% increase in average length, respectively. Furthermore, these thermal scenarios affected spawning phenology differently, producing higher variance in body size under RCP 8.5 scenario with respect to marine heatwave conditions. This study highlights how the environmental effects of climate change can alter the distribution of species length at catch.
Identification of transcriptional subtypes in lung adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma through integrative analysis of microarray and RNA sequencing data
Authors: Fauteux François , Surendra Anuradha , McComb Scott , Pan Youlian , Hill Jennifer J.
Published: April 2021

Classification of tumors into subtypes can inform personalized approaches to treatment including the choice of targeted therapies. The two most common lung cancer histological subtypes, lung adenocarcinoma and lung squamous cell carcinoma, have been previously divided into transcriptional subtypes using microarray data, and corresponding signatures were subsequently used to classify RNA-seq data. Cross-platform unsupervised classification facilitates the identification of robust transcriptional subtypes by combining vast amounts of publicly available microarray and RNA-seq data. However, cross-platform classification is challenging because of intrinsic differences in data generated using the two gene expression profiling technologies. In this report, we show that robust gene expression subtypes can be identified in integrated data representing over 3500 normal and tumor lung samples profiled using two widely used platforms, Affymetrix HG-U133 Plus 2.0 Array and Illumina HiSeq RNA sequencing. We tested and analyzed consensus clustering for 384 combinations of data processing methods. The agreement between subtypes identified in single-platform and cross-platform normalized data was then evaluated using a variety of statistics. Results show that unsupervised learning can be achieved with combined microarray and RNA-seq data using selected preprocessing, cross-platform normalization, and unsupervised feature selection methods. Our analysis confirmed three lung adenocarcinoma transcriptional subtypes, but only two consistent subtypes in squamous cell carcinoma, as opposed to four subtypes previously identified. Further analysis showed that tumor subtypes were associated with distinct patterns of genomic alterations in genes coding for therapeutic targets. Importantly, by integrating quantitative proteomics data, we were able to identify tumor subtype biomarkers that effectively classify samples on the basis of both gene and protein expression. This study provides the basis for further integrative data analysis across gene and protein expression profiling platforms.
The study on a new method of preparing PMMA forming composite bipolar plate
Authors: Wu Shinn-Dar , Chiou Ai-Huei
Published: April 2021

The recent oil resource shortage has prompted the development of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) system. PEMFC is a possible source of power that can be used in aircraft, household electricity, agriculture, fishing, motor vehicles, ships, submarines, bicycles, and other portable power systems in the future. This paper emphasizes the production of lightweight bipolar plates to solve several existing problems in the PEMFC system, including weight, cost, and integration. Conventional bipolar plates account for approximately 90% of the weight of battery packs. Therefore, an injection molded flow-field plate constructed from polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is developed herein to reduce the weight of the PEMFC system. Computer-aided engineering (CAE) mold flow analysis is then used to simulate the experimental design based on the finished products. Experimental analysis is also performed on the adhesion results of the plates. The results indicate that the establishment of the injection mold using CAE simulation improves mold development and reduces cost. Mechanical coarsening on the surface of the PMMA results in improved adhesion (> 50 N) at temperatures higher than 80 °C. Thus, mechanical coarsening is suitable for the PEMFC system. The problem of conventional weight is solved by reducing the weight by 70%.
A prognostic value of CD45RA+, CD45RO+, CCL20+ and CCR6+ expressing cells as ‘immunoscore’ to predict cervical cancer induced by HPV
Authors: Fernandes Ana Teresa G. , Carvalho Maria Odete O. , Avvad-Portari Elyzabeth , Rocha Natália P. , Russomano Fabio , Roma Eric Henrique , Bonecini-Almeida Maria da Gloria
Published: April 2021

The interplay between cervical cancer (CC) and immune cells, mainly intratumoral lymphocytes, has a pivotal role in carcinogenesis. In this context, we evaluated the distribution of CD45RA+ and CD45RO+ cells as well as CCR6+ and CCL20+ cells in intraepithelial (IE) and marginal stroma (MS) areas from cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) I–III, and CC as ‘immunoscore’ for HPV-induced CC outcome. We observed increased CD45RA+ and CD45RO+ cells distribution in IE and MS areas in the CC group compared to CIN groups and healthy volunteers. Interestingly, there is a remarkable reduction of CCL20+ expressing cells distribution according to lesion severity. The CC group had a significant decrease in CCL20+ and CCR6+-expressing cells distribution in both IE and MS areas compared to all groups. Using the ‘immunoscore’ model, we observed an increased number of women presenting high CD45RA+/CD45RO+ and low CCL20+/CCR6+ ‘immunoscore’ in the CC group. Our results suggested a pattern in cervical inflammatory process with increasing CD45RA+/CD45RO+, and decreasing CCL20+/CCR6+ expression in accordance with CIN severity. Taken together, these markers could be evaluated as ‘immunoscore’ predictors to CC response. A more comprehensive analysis of longitudinal studies should be conducted to associate CD45RA+/CD45RO+ and CCL20+/CCR6+ ‘immunoscore’ to CC progression and validate its value as a prognosis method.
Co-existence of chlorosis inducing strain of Cucumber mosaic virus with tospoviruses on hot pepper (Capsicum annuum) in India
Authors: Vinodhini J. , Rajendran L. , Abirami R. , Karthikeyan G.
Published: April 2021

Cucumo- and tospoviruses are the most destructive viruses infecting hot pepper (chilli). A diagnostic survey was conducted to assess the prevalence of cucumo and tospoviruses in chilli growing tracts of Tamil Nadu. Infected plants showing mosaic with chlorotic and necrotic rings, veinal necrosis, mosaic mottling, leaf filiformity and malformation were collected. Molecular indexing carried out through reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with coat protein gene specific primer of Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and tospovirus degenerate primer corresponding to the L segment (RdRp). Ostensibly, amplifications were observed for both CMV and tospoviruses as sole as well for mixed infections. The sequence analysis indicated that the Capsicum chlorosis virus (CaCV) and Groundnut bud necrosis virus (GBNV) to be involved with CMV in causing combined infections. The co-infection of CMV with CaCV was detected in 10.41% of the symptomatic plant samples and combined infection of CMV with GBNV was recorded in around 6.25% of the symptomatic plants surveyed. The amino acid substitution of Ser129 over conserved Pro129 in coat protein of CMV implies that CMV strain involved in mixed infection as chlorosis inducing strain. Further, the electron microscopy of symptomatic plant samples explicated the presence of isometric particles of CMV and quasi spherical particles of tospoviruses. This is the first molecular evidence for the natural co-existence of chlorosis inducing CMV strain with CaCV and GBNV on hot pepper in India.
Effects of endothelial defects and venous interposition grafts on the acute incidence of thrombus formation within microvascular procedures
Authors: Ritschl Lucas M. , Hofmann Marie-Kristin , Wolff Constantin T. , Schmidt Leonard H. , Wolff Klaus-Dietrich , Fichter Andreas M. , Mücke Thomas
Published: April 2021

Endothelial defects (ED) and the usage of interposition vein grafts (IVG) are known risk factors for free flap failure. This experimental study aimed to compare both situations of thrombus formation and fluorescence angiographic behavior. Indocyanine green videoangiography (ICGVA) with the FLOW 800 tool was systematically performed in groups I = ED, II = IVG, and III = ED and IVG (each n = 11). ICGVA was able to detect thrombosis in five animals and safely ruled it out in 26 with two false-positive cases (sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 100%, 90%, 62%, and 100%, respectively). The difference between visually and ICGVA-assisted ED measurements was significant (p = 0.04). The areas of thrombosis showed no significant difference. Moreover, ICGVA detected a decrease of all parameters at the ED area and/or within the IVG section in all groups. The presence of an endothelial defect had a higher impact on thrombus formation than the IVG usage. ICGVA is qualitatively able to detect endothelial defects and clinically evident thrombosis. However, the quantitative values are not yet attributable to one of the clinical scenarios that may jeopardize free flap transfer.