bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced tribological properties of aligned graphene-epoxy composites
Authors: Du Yuefeng , Zhang Zhenyu , Wang Dong , Zhang Lezhen , Cui Junfeng , Chen Yapeng , Wu Mingliang , Kang Ruiyang , Lu Yunxiang , Yu Jinhong , Jiang Nan
Published: April 2021

The random distribution of graphene in epoxy matrix hinders the further applications of graphene-epoxy composites in the field of tribology. Hence, in order to fully utilize the anisotropic properties of graphene, highly aligned graphene-epoxy composites (AGEC) with horizontally oriented structure have been fabricated via an improved vacuum filtration freeze-drying method. The frictional tests results indicated that the wear rate of AGEC slowly increased from 5.19×10−6 mm3/(N·m) to 2.87×10−5 mm3/(N·m) with the increasing of the normal load from 2 to 10 N, whereas the friction coefficient (COF) remained a constant of 0.109. Compared to the neat epoxy and random graphene-epoxy composites (RGEC), the COF of AGEC was reduced by 87.5% and 71.2%, and the reduction of wear rate was 86.6% and 85.4% at most, respectively. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations illustrated that a compact graphene self-lubricant film was formed on the worn surface of AGEC, which enables AGEC to possess excellent tribological performance. Finally, in light of the excellent tribological properties of AGEC, this study highlights a pathway to expand the tribological applications of graphene-epoxy composites.
The Abbasid Caliphate
Authors: El-Hibri Tayeb
Published: April 2021

The period of the Abbasid Caliphate (750–1258) has long been recognized as the formative period of Islamic civilization with its various achievements in the areas of science, literature, and culture. This history of the Abbasid Caliphate from its foundation in 750 and golden age under Harun al-Rashid to the conquest of Baghdad by the Mongols in 1258 examines the Caliphate as an empire and institution, and probes its influence over Islamic culture and society. Ranging widely to survey the entire five-century history of the Abbasid dynasty, Tayeb El-Hibri examines the resilience of the Caliphate as an institution, as a focal point of religious definitions, and as a source of legitimacy to various contemporary Islamic monarchies. The study revisits ideas of 'golden age' and 'decline' with a new reading, tries to separate Abbasid history from the myths of the Arabian Nights, and shows how the legacy of the caliphs continues to resonate in the modern world in direct and indirect ways.
Minority Rights and Hindu Nationalism in India
Authors: van der Veer Peter
Published: April 2021

In this paper, I want to focus on some aspects of the political process in India that have an impact on the treatment of religious minorities. Much of the discussion on multicultural jurisdictions deals with differentiated citizenship rights that allow religious groups to maintain their normative universe. This literature shows the tensions surrounding individual and group rights. I want to approach the question of religious freedom from a rather different angle. I want to first focus on the protection of bare life in the face of religious violence and then examine the issue of conversion from one religion to another. The issues of human security and conversion are linked in India, since Hindu nationalists see Muslims as forcibly converted Hindus who should be reconverted. To highlight the importance of majoritarian nationalism rather than political systems in the treatment of religious minorities, I offer a brief comparison with China.
Genetic and environmental effects on weaning weight in crossbred beef cattle (Bos taurus × Bos indicus)
Authors: Dominguez-Castaño P. , Maiorano A. M. , de Oliveira M.H.V. , dos Santos Correia L.E.C. , Silva J.A.II.V.
Published: April 2021

This work aimed to evaluate the effects of sire's and dam's biological type, dam's age class at calving and individual heterozygosis, and to estimate variance components for weaning weight adjusted to 210 days (WW210) in beef cattle of different breed groups. Records of 13 687 animals, obtained from 2000 to 2007, were used. Bulls from the biological types Zebu (N), Adapted (A), British (B), Continental (C) and ¼N|¼A|¼B|¼C were mated with purebred zebu (N) and crossbred females (½C|½N and ½B|½N). Dam age at calving was 3–12 years. The influence of several effects on WW210 was tested using the least square method. Variance component analysis was performed using a Bayesian approach. The model included contemporary group, dam's age class at calving, sire's and dam's biological types as systematic effects, animal's age and individual heterozygosis as linear covariates, and direct and maternal additive genetic, maternal permanent environmental and residual effects as random effects. The progeny of bulls from biological type B and the crossbred cows showed higher WW210 means. Cows at 6–7 years old weaned heavier calves. Direct and maternal heritability estimates for WW210 were 0.5 ± 0.04 and 0.1 ± 0.02, respectively. Calves with 100% individual heterozygosis weighed on average 25.98 kg more at weaning compared to progenies from pure breeds. Sire's and dam's biological types influence the WW210 of the crossed progenies. Crossbred cows produce heavier calves compared to biological type N cows. These results and the obtained direct and maternal heritabilities suggest it is possible to choose the lines of sires and dams that could be used to make the crosses to obtain progenies with better performance for WW210.
Subjective voice analysis in patients with muscular tension dysphonia: comparison between clinician and patient evaluation
Authors: Mateos-Serrano B , García-López I , Toledano A , Gavilán J
Published: April 2021

Background

This study evaluated the correlation between patient and clinician subjective voice analysis in a group of patients suffering from muscular tension dysphonia. This disease does not usually present with organic lesions, and voice analysis is crucial to evaluate it.

Methods

A retrospective study with 75 patients was performed. Correlation between grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia and strain scale and voice handicap index-10 was analysed. Any possible influence of the type of muscular tension dysphonia on these two scales was studied.

Results

There are only a few studies that correlate voice handicap index-10 and the grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia and strain scale; however, none of them are specific for patients suffering from muscular tension dysphonia. A moderate correlation (r = 0.56) was found. No influence of muscular tension dysphonia type on voice handicap index-10 score was found, but muscular tension dysphonia type 4 had worse grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia and strain scale scores than other muscular tension dysphonia types. This could be explained if muscular tension dysphonia type 4 is considered to be the most severe form of this disease.

Conclusion

The use of assessment scales based on the opinion of both the clinician and patient must be considered as complementary clinical tools in order to perform a complete assessment of dysphonia.
Genetic and drug-induced hypomagnesemia: different cause, same mechanism
Authors: Bosman Willem , Hoenderop Joost G. J. , de Baaij Jeroen H. F.
Published: April 2021

Magnesium (Mg2+) plays an essential role in many biological processes. Mg2+deficiency is therefore associated with a wide range of clinical effects including muscle cramps, fatigue, seizures and arrhythmias. To maintain sufficient Mg2+levels, (re)absorption of Mg2+in the intestine and kidney is tightly regulated. Genetic defects that disturb Mg2+uptake pathways, as well as drugs interfering with Mg2+(re)absorption cause hypomagnesemia. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the molecular mechanisms underlying genetic and drug-induced Mg2+deficiencies. This leads to the identification of four main mechanisms that are affected by hypomagnesemia-causing mutations or drugs: luminal transient receptor potential melastatin type 6/7-mediated Mg2+uptake, paracellular Mg2+reabsorption in the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop, structural integrity of the distal convoluted tubule and Na+-dependent Mg2+extrusion driven by the Na+/K+-ATPase. Our analysis demonstrates that genetic and drug-induced causes of hypomagnesemia share common molecular mechanisms. Targeting these shared pathways can lead to novel treatment options for patients with hypomagnesemia.
The Samaritan’s Curse: moral individuals and immoral groups
Authors: Basu Kaushik
Published: April 2021

In this paper, I revisit the question of how and in what sense can individuals comprising a group be held responsible for morally reprehensible behaviour by that group. The question is tackled by posing a counterfactual: what would happen if selfish individuals became moral creatures? A game called the Samaritan’s Curse is developed, which sheds light on the dilemma of group moral responsibility, and raises new questions concerning ‘conferred morality’ and self-fulfilling morals, and also forces us to question some implicit assumptions of game-theory.
Phenotyping for resistance to pre-harvest sprouting in grain sorghum
Authors: Rodríguez María Verónica , Arata Gonzalo Joaquín , Díaz Sandra Mabel , Rentería Santiago , Benech-Arnold Roberto L.
Published: April 2021

Pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) is a common threat to cereal crops in which the grain maturation phase takes place under rainy, moist conditions. Susceptibility to PHS is higher in sorghum genotypes displaying low levels of seed dormancy before harvest maturity. Other attributes such as glume or panicle morphology may also affect susceptibility to PHS. Breeding for resistance to PHS in grain sorghum requires the identification of grain physiological and morphological attributes affecting this trait, and a protocol for phenotyping and rating genotypes according to their susceptibility to PHS. In this work, we tested germination under laboratory conditions using detached grains and intact panicles for a panel of 20 sorghum genotypes including 11 parental lines, 6 hybrids and 3 reference inbred lines with contrasting PHS response. Records for natural sprouting in the field for these genotypes were also included in the analysis. Multivariate analyses of germination data allowed separation of genotypes into two major categories (resistant and susceptible to PHS). Laboratory germination data correlated significantly with PHS in the field. In most genotypes, the glumes had a significant, inhibitory effect on germination. The low levels of grain dormancy were observed among high tannin backgrounds, and vice versa, indicating that a pigmented testa alone does not provide resistance to PHS. Altogether, the phenotyping protocol allowed the classification of sorghum genotypes according to their susceptibility to PHS and the identification of different attributes useful for breeding for PHS resistance in this crop.
Sunken ships and screaming banshees: metaphor and evaluation in film reviews
Authors: FUOLI MATTEO , LITTLEMORE JEANNETTE , TURNER SARAH
Published: April 2021

It has been suggested that metaphor often performs some sort of evaluative function. However, there have been few empirical studies addressing this issue. Moreover, little is known about the extent to which a metaphor needs to becreativein order to perform an evaluative function, or whether there are differences according to the type of evaluation, such as its degree of explicitness and its polarity. In order to investigate these questions, 94 film reviews from the Internet Movie Database (IMDB) were annotated for creative and conventional metaphor, and for positive and negative, inscribed and invoked evaluation. Approximately half of the metaphors in our corpus were found to perform an evaluative function. Creative metaphors were significantly more likely to perform an evaluative function than conventional metaphors. Metaphorical evaluation was found to be significantly more negative than non-metaphorical evaluation. Both creative and conventional metaphors were used more frequently to perform inscribed evaluation than invoked evaluation. However, the tendency towards inscribed evaluation was stronger for conventional metaphors than for creative metaphors. From a theoretical perspective, these findings call into question fundamental assumptions about the role of metaphor in performing evaluation, such as the claim, made in the Systemic Functional Linguistics literature, that metaphor invariably ‘provokes’ attitudinal meanings. We have shown that itcando so, but that it does notalwaysdo so. The study also offers methodological contributions, by introducing a new protocol for the annotation of creative metaphors as well as detailed guidelines for coding evaluation at different levels of explicitness.
Perkutane koronare Revaskularisation beim chronischen Koronarsyndrom: wann sinnvoll, wann nicht?
Authors: Jakob Philipp , Holy Erik W. , Siegrist Patrick , Michel Jonathan , Manka Robert , Kasel Markus , Maier Willibald , Ruschitzka Frank , Templin Christian , Stähli Barbara E.
Published: April 2021

Zusammenfassung. Die koronare Herzkrankheit gehört zu den häufigsten Erkrankungen weltweit. Sie ist mit einer substanziellen Morbidität und Mortalität vergesellschaftet. In den neuen Leitlinien der ESC wird die stabile koronare Herzkrankheit neu als chronisches Koronarsyndrom (Chronic Coronary Syndrome, CCS) bezeichnet. Lebensstilveränderungen und eine optimale medikamentöse Therapie stellen im Rahmen der Sekundärprävention die Hauptpfeiler in der Behandlung von Patienten mit koronarer Herzkrankheit dar. Der Stellenwert der koronaren Revaskularisation bei Patienten mit chronischem Koronarsyndrom wird seit Jahren intensiv diskutiert. Grundsätzlich wird sie aus prognostischer oder symptomatischer Indikation durchgeführt. Wir diskutieren Aspekte der koronaren Revaskularisation bei Patienten mit chronischem Koronarsyndrom basierend auf den aktuellen Leitlinien, wobei ein besonderer Fokus auf der Indikationsstellung der perkutanen Revaskularisation und der Vorgehensweise bei nicht-obstruktiver koronarer Herzkrankheit liegt.
Demographic Assessment of Mono(2‐ethylhexyl) Phthalate (MEHP) and Monoethyl Phthalate (MEP) Concentrations in Common Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) From Sarasota Bay, FL, USA
Authors: Dziobak M. K. , Wells R. S. , Pisarski E. C. , Wirth E. F. , Hart L. B.
Published: April 2021

Common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) have previously demonstrated exposure to phthalate esters. Phthalates and phthalate esters are commonly added to consumer goods to enhance desirable properties. As the amount of plastic marine debris increases, these chemicals can easily leach from these products into the surrounding environment. To evaluate demographic variability in exposure, eight phthalate metabolites were quantified in urine samples collected from free‐ranging bottlenose dolphins sampled in Sarasota Bay, FL, USA (2010–2019; n = 51). Approximately 75% of individual dolphins had detectable concentrations of at least one phthalate metabolite. The most frequently detected metabolites were mono(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP; n = 28; GM = 4.57 ng/mL; 95% CI = 2.37–8.80; KM mean = 7.95; s.d. = 15.88) and monoethyl phthalate (MEP; GM = 4.51 ng/mL; 95% CI = 2.77–7.34; ROS mean = 2.24; s.d. = 5.58). Urinary concentrations of MEHP and MEP were not significantly different between sex (MEHP p = 0.09; MEP p = 0.22) or age class (i.e., calf/juvenile vs. adult; MEHP p = 0.67; MEP p = 0.13). Additionally, there were no significant group differences in the likelihood of MEHP or MEP detection for any demographic as determined by a Peto‐Peto test. Frequency of detection was similar for both metabolites between males and females (MEHP p = 0.10; MEP p = 0.40) as well as between juveniles and adults (MEHP p = 0.50; MEP: p = 0.60). These findings suggest ubiquitous exposure risk for both sexes and age classes, warranting further investigation into potential sources and health implications.
Evaluation of Water Use Efficiency Algorithms for Flux Variance Similarity‐Based Evapotranspiration Partitioning in C3 and C4 Grain Crops
Authors: Wagle Pradeep , Skaggs Todd H. , Gowda Prasanna H. , Northup Brian K. , Neel James P. S. , Anderson Ray G.
Published: April 2021

Despite the high sensitivity of Flux Variance Similarity (FVS) partitioning to leaf‐level water use efficiency (WUE), relatively little work has been done comparing WUE algorithms. We evaluated four intercellular CO2 concentration parameterizations (constant_ppm, constant_ratio, and linear and square root functions of vapor pressure deficit) and one optimized WUE approach using eddy covariance data for three C3 (wheat – Triticum aestivum L., canola – Brassica napus L., and soybean – Glycine max L.) and two C4 (maize – Zea mays L. and sorghum – Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) grain crops. The different data requirements of the WUE models resulted in discrepancies in the number of partitioned outputs among WUE algorithms. The transpiration:evapotranspiration (T:ET) ratios found with the five WUE algorithms varied by 6%–8% for soybean and maize, 12%–13% for wheat and canola, and 22% for sorghum. The crops producing larger variations in computed T:ET also tended to have higher estimated WUE magnitudes. The constant_ppm and constant_ratio parameterizations showed better potential to partition ET in all crops, except soybean. The linear and square root WUE models failed to produce reduced T:ET ratios during wet periods in all crops, except soybean. The optimized WUE approach has potential as a benchmark for comparing other WUE algorithms for C3 crops. The applicability of the linear and optimized WUE approaches was uncertain in C4 crops. Agreement and disagreement among the five WUE algorithms in multiple crops provide new perspectives for applying FVS partitioning to a range of biomes and climate conditions.
From purines to purinergic signalling: molecular functions and human diseases
Authors: Huang Zhao , Xie Na , Illes Peter , Di Virgilio Francesco , Ulrich Henning , Semyanov Alexey , Verkhratsky Alexei , Sperlagh Beata , Yu Shu-Guang , Huang Canhua , Tang Yong
Published: April 2021

Purines and their derivatives, most notably adenosine and ATP, are the key molecules controlling intracellular energy homoeostasis and nucleotide synthesis. Besides, these purines support, as chemical messengers, purinergic transmission throughout tissues and species. Purines act as endogenous ligands that bind to and activate plasmalemmal purinoceptors, which mediate extracellular communication referred to as “purinergic signalling”. Purinergic signalling is cross-linked with other transmitter networks to coordinate numerous aspects of cell behaviour such as proliferation, differentiation, migration, apoptosis and other physiological processes critical for the proper function of organisms. Pathological deregulation of purinergic signalling contributes to various diseases including neurodegeneration, rheumatic immune diseases, inflammation, and cancer. Particularly, gout is one of the most prevalent purine-related disease caused by purine metabolism disorder and consequent hyperuricemia. Compelling evidence indicates that purinoceptors are potential therapeutic targets, with specific purinergic agonists and antagonists demonstrating prominent therapeutic potential. Furthermore, dietary and herbal interventions help to restore and balance purine metabolism, thus addressing the importance of a healthy lifestyle in the prevention and relief of human disorders. Profound understanding of molecular mechanisms of purinergic signalling provides new and exciting insights into the treatment of human diseases.
Functional genome-centric view of the CO-driven anaerobic microbiome
Authors: Duan Haowen , He Pinjing , Shao Liming , Lü Fan
Published: April 2021

CO is a promising substrate for producing biochemicals and biofuels through mixed microbial cultures, where carboxydotrophs play a crucial role. The previous investigations of mixed microbial cultures focused primarily on overall community structures, but under-characterized taxa and intricate microbial interactions have not yet been precisely explicated. Here, we undertook DNA-SIP based metagenomics to profile the anaerobic CO-driven microbiomes under 95 and 35% CO atmospheres. The time-series analysis of the isotope-labeled amplicon sequencing revealed the essential roles of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria under high and low CO pressure, respectively, and Methanobacterium was the predominant archaeal genus. The functional enrichment analysis based on the isotope-labeled metagenomes suggested that the microbial cultures under high CO pressure had greater potential in expressing carboxylate metabolism and citrate cycle pathway. The genome-centric metagenomics reconstructed 24 discovered and 24 under-characterized metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), covering more than 94% of the metagenomic reads. The metabolic reconstruction of the MAGs described their potential functions in the CO-driven microbiomes. Some under-characterized taxa might be versatile in multiple processes; for example, under-characterized Rhodoplanes sp. and Desulfitobacterium_A sp. could encode the complete enzymes in CO oxidation and carboxylate production, improving functional redundancy. Finally, we proposed the putative microbial interactions in the conversion of CO to carboxylates and methane.
Genome-wide CRISPR screens reveal synthetic lethal interaction between CREBBP and EP300 in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Nie Man , Du Likun , Ren Weicheng , Joung Julia , Ye Xiaofei , Shi Xi , Ciftci Sibel , Liu Dongbing , Wu Kui , Zhang Feng , Pan-Hammarström Qiang
Published: April 2021

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common type of aggressive lymphoid malignancy and a highly heterogeneous disease. In this study, we performed whole-genome and transcriptome sequencing, and a genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9-knockout screen to study an activated B-cell-like DLBCL cell line (RC-K8). We identified a distinct pattern of genetic essentialities in RC-K8, including a dependency on CREBBP and MDM2. The dependency on CREBBP is associated with a balanced translocation involving EP300, which results in a truncated form of the protein that lacks the critical histone acetyltransferase (HAT) domain. The synthetic lethal interaction between CREBBP and EP300 genes, two frequently mutated epigenetic modulators in B-cell lymphoma, was further validated in the previously published CRISPR-Cas9 screens and inhibitor assays. Our study suggests that integration of the unbiased functional screen results with genomic and transcriptomic data can identify both common and unique druggable vulnerabilities in DLBCL and histone acetyltransferases inhibition could be a therapeutic option for CREBBP or EP300 mutated cases.
The long non-coding RNA MIR31HG regulates the senescence associated secretory phenotype
Authors: Montes Marta , Lubas Michal , Arendrup Frederic S. , Mentz Bettina , Rohatgi Neha , Tumas Sarunas , Harder Lea M. , Skanderup Anders J. , Andersen Jens S. , Lund Anders H.
Published: April 2021

Oncogene-induced senescence provides a barrier against malignant transformation. However, it can also promote cancer through the secretion of a plethora of factors released by senescent cells, called the senescence associated secretory phenotype (SASP). We have previously shown that in proliferating cells, nuclear lncRNA MIR31HG inhibits p16/CDKN2A expression through interaction with polycomb repressor complexes and that during BRAF-induced senescence, MIR31HG is overexpressed and translocates to the cytoplasm. Here, we show that MIR31HG regulates the expression and secretion of a subset of SASP components during BRAF-induced senescence. The SASP secreted from senescent cells depleted for MIR31HG fails to induce paracrine invasion without affecting the growth inhibitory effect. Mechanistically, MIR31HG interacts with YBX1 facilitating its phosphorylation at serine 102 (p-YBX1S102) by the kinase RSK. p-YBX1S102 induces IL1A translation which activates the transcription of the other SASP mRNAs. Our results suggest a dual role for MIR31HG in senescence depending on its localization and points to the lncRNA as a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of senescence-related pathologies.
Initiation and amplification of SnRK2 activation in abscisic acid signaling
Authors: Lin Zhen , Li Yuan , Wang Yubei , Liu Xiaolei , Ma Liang , Zhang Zhengjing , Mu Chen , Zhang Yan , Peng Li , Xie Shaojun , Song Chun-Peng , Shi Huazhong , Zhu Jian-Kang , Wang Pengcheng
Published: April 2021

The phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) is crucial for plant responses to environmental challenges. The SNF1-regulated protein kinase 2s (SnRK2s) are key components in ABA-receptor coupled core signaling, and are rapidly phosphorylated and activated by ABA. Recent studies have suggested that Raf-like protein kinases (RAFs) participate in ABA-triggered SnRK2 activation. In vitro kinase assays also suggest the existence of autophosphorylation of SnRK2s. Thus, how SnRK2 kinases are quickly activated during ABA signaling still needs to be clarified. Here, we show that both B2 and B3 RAFs directly phosphorylate SnRK2.6 in the kinase activation loop. This transphosphorylation by RAFs is essential for SnRK2 activation. The activated SnRK2s then intermolecularly trans-phosphorylate other SnRK2s that are not yet activated to amplify the response. High-order Arabidopsis mutants lacking multiple B2 and B3 RAFs show ABA hyposensitivity. Our findings reveal a unique initiation and amplification mechanism of SnRK2 activation in ABA signaling in higher plants.
A role for circular code properties in translation
Authors: Giannerini Simone , Gonzalez Diego Luis , Goracci Greta , Danielli Alberto
Published: April 2021

Circular codes represent a form of coding allowing detection/correction of frame-shift errors. Building on recent theoretical advances on circular codes, we provide evidence that protein coding sequences exhibit in-frame circular code marks, that are absent in introns and are intimately linked to the keto-amino transformation of codon bases. These properties strongly correlate with translation speed, codon influence and protein synthesis levels. Strikingly, circular code marks are absent at the beginning of coding sequences, but stably occur 40 codons after the initiator codon, hinting at the translation elongation process. Finally, we use the lens of circular codes to show that codon influence on translation correlates with the strong-weak dichotomy of the first two bases of the codon. The results can lead to defining new universal tools for sequence indicators and sequence optimization for bioinformatics and biotechnological applications, and can shed light on the molecular mechanisms behind the decoding process.
A prospective case–control pilot study to evaluate bone microarchitecture in children and teenagers on long-term parenteral nutrition using HR-pQCT
Authors: Louazon Typhaine , Poinsot Pierre , Restier Lioara , Belmalih Abdelouahed , Loras-Duclaux Irène , Marotte Stéphanie , Heissat Sophie , Barnoud Didier , Chambrier Cécile , Confavreux Cyrille B. , Lachaux Alain , Bacchetta Justine , Peretti Noel
Published: April 2021

Long-term parenteral nutrition (PN) may induce bone complications. Tridimensional bone imaging techniques such as high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) allow the assessment of both compartmental volumetric densities and microarchitecture. Our aim was to evaluate these parameters in children and teenagers receiving long-term PN. This cross-sectional, case–control study included children older than 9 years undergoing PN for at least 2 years. They were age-, gender- and puberty-matched with healthy controls (1:2). Evaluation included biological assessment of bone metabolism (serum calcium, phosphate, and albumin; urinary calcium and creatinine; 25-OH vitamin D, osteocalcin and PTH), dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and HR-pQCT at the ultradistal tibia and radius. Results are presented as median [range]. Eleven patients (3 girls) with a median age of 16 [9–19] years were included. Bone parameters assessed by HR-pQCT at the ultradistal radius and tibia were similar in patients and controls. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were higher (14 [7–115] vs 16 [12–27]) and osteocalcin levels were lower (44 [15–65] vs 65 [38–142]) in patients than in controls, although within the normal range. Conclusions: there were no differences for compartmental bone densities and microarchitecture in patients undergoing chronic PN. Further longitudinal studies are required to confirm these quite reassuring preliminary results.
Transcriptome analysis of gravitational effects on mouse skeletal muscles under microgravity and artificial 1 g onboard environment
Authors: Okada Risa , Fujita Shin-ichiro , Suzuki Riku , Hayashi Takuto , Tsubouchi Hirona , Kato Chihiro , Sadaki Shunya , Kanai Maho , Fuseya Sayaka , Inoue Yuri , Jeon Hyojung , Hamada Michito , Kuno Akihiro , Ishii Akiko , Tamaoka Akira , Tanihata Jun , Ito Naoki , Shiba Dai , Shirakawa Masaki , Muratani Masafumi , Kudo Takashi , Takahashi Satoru
Published: April 2021

Spaceflight causes a decrease in skeletal muscle mass and strength. We set two murine experimental groups in orbit for 35 days aboard the International Space Station, under artificial earth-gravity (artificial 1 g; AG) and microgravity (μg; MG), to investigate whether artificial 1 g exposure prevents muscle atrophy at the molecular level. Our main findings indicated that AG onboard environment prevented changes under microgravity in soleus muscle not only in muscle mass and fiber type composition but also in the alteration of gene expression profiles. In particular, transcriptome analysis suggested that AG condition could prevent the alterations of some atrophy-related genes. We further screened novel candidate genes to reveal the muscle atrophy mechanism from these gene expression profiles. We suggest the potential role of Cacng1 in the atrophy of myotubes using in vitro and in vivo gene transductions. This critical project may accelerate the elucidation of muscle atrophy mechanisms.
NH787 EMS mutant of rice variety Nagina22 exhibits higher phosphate use efficiency
Authors: Poli Yugandhar , Nallamothu Veronica , Hao Ai , Goud Muddapuram Deeksha , Wang Xiaowen , Desiraju Subrahmanyam , Mangrauthia Satendra K. , Jain Ajay
Published: April 2021

Rice (Oryza sativa L.), a major dietary source, is often cultivated in soils poor in available inorganic orthophosphate (Pi), which is a key nutrient for growth and development. Poor soils are amended by phosphorus (P) fertilizer, which is derived from the non-renewable rock phosphate reserves. Therefore, there is a need for developing rice varieties with high productivity under low P conditions. At the ICAR-IIRR, ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mutagenized rice genotype Nagina22 (N22) were screened for high grain yield in Pi-deprived soil, which led to the identification of ~ 10 gain-of-function mutants including NH787. Here, detailed comparative morphophysiological, biochemical, and molecular analyses of N22 and NH787 were carried out in hydroponics and potting soil under different Pi regimes. Under Pi-deprived condition, compared with N22, NH787 exhibited higher root and vegetative biomass, the number of tillers, and grain yield. The augmented agronomic traits of NH787 were corroborated with significantly higher photosynthetic rate, pollen fertility, stigma receptivity, and the activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Further, several genes involved in the maintenance of Pi homeostasis (GPH) were differentially regulated. The study thus revealed a wide-spectrum influence of the mutation in NH787 that contributed towards its higher Pi use efficiency (PUE).
Digital Display Precision Predictor: the prototype of a global biomarker model to guide treatments with targeted therapy and predict progression-free survival
Authors: Lazar Vladimir , Magidi Shai , Girard Nicolas , Savignoni Alexia , Martini Jean-François , Massimini Giorgio , Bresson Catherine , Berger Raanan , Onn Amir , Raynaud Jacques , Wunder Fanny , Berindan-Neagoe Ioana , Sekacheva Marina , Braña Irene , Tabernero Josep , Felip Enriqueta , Porgador Angel , Kleinman Claudia , Batist Gerald , Solomon Benjamin , Tsimberidou Apostolia Maria , Soria Jean-Charles , Rubin Eitan , Kurzrock Razelle , Schilsky Richard L.
Published: April 2021

The expanding targeted therapy landscape requires combinatorial biomarkers for patient stratification and treatment selection. This requires simultaneous exploration of multiple genes of relevant networks to account for the complexity of mechanisms that govern drug sensitivity and predict clinical outcomes. We present the algorithm, Digital Display Precision Predictor (DDPP), aiming to identify transcriptomic predictors of treatment outcome. For example, 17 and 13 key genes were derived from the literature by their association with MTOR and angiogenesis pathways, respectively, and their expression in tumor versus normal tissues was associated with the progression-free survival (PFS) of patients treated with everolimus or axitinib (respectively) using DDPP. A specific eight-gene set best correlated with PFS in six patients treated with everolimus: AKT2, TSC1, FKB-12, TSC2, RPTOR, RHEB, PIK3CA, and PIK3CB (r = 0.99, p = 5.67E−05). A two-gene set best correlated with PFS in five patients treated with axitinib: KIT and KITLG (r = 0.99, p = 4.68E−04). Leave-one-out experiments demonstrated significant concordance between observed and DDPP-predicted PFS (r = 0.9, p = 0.015) for patients treated with everolimus. Notwithstanding the small cohort and pending further prospective validation, the prototype of DDPP offers the potential to transform patients’ treatment selection with a tumor- and treatment-agnostic predictor of outcomes (duration of PFS).
Elucidating the origin of the toxicity of nano-CeO2 to Chlorella pyrenoidosa: the role of specific surface area and chemical composition
Authors: Xie Changjian , Ma Yuhui , Zhang Peng , Zhang Junzhe , Li Xiaowei , Zheng Kang , Li Ao , Wu Weiwei , Pang Qiuxiang , He Xiao , Zhang Zhiyong
Published: April 2021

Specific surface area is the key parameter that influencing the toxicity of nano-CeO2 to algae.
Deep indentation and puncture of a rigid cylinder inserted into a soft solid
Authors: Barney Christopher W. , Chen Chao , Crosby Alfred J.
Published: April 2021

Digital image correlation was used to quantify the deformation field around a flat cylinder during deep indentation and puncture of a soft solid.
A fluorescence biosensor for Salmonella typhimurium detection in food based on the nano-self-assembly of alendronic acid modified upconversion and gold nanoparticles
Authors: Chen Min , Pan Leiqing , Tu Kang
Published: April 2021

A simple and quick-response fluorescent biosensor for Salmonella typhimurium detection based on the recognition of an aptamer coupled with alendronic acid (ADA)@upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) has been developed.
Reactions of a diborylstannylene with CO2 and N2O: diboration of carbon dioxide by a main group bis(boryl) complex
Authors: Protchenko Andrey V. , Fuentes M. Ángeles , Hicks Jamie , McManus Caitilín , Tirfoin Rémi , Aldridge Simon
Published: April 2021

Reactions of a bis(boryl) tin complex towards carbon dioxide proceed via insertion into the Sn–B bond(s), with subsequent B–O reductive elimination leading to the net diboration of CO2.
Correction: Room temperature iron catalyzed transfer hydrogenation using n-butanol and poly(methylhydrosiloxane)
Authors: Linford-Wood Thomas G. , Coles Nathan T. , Webster Ruth L.
Published: April 2021

Correction for ‘Room temperature iron catalyzed transfer hydrogenation using n-butanol and poly(methylhydrosiloxane)’ by Thomas G. Linford-Wood et al., Green Chem., 2021, 23, 2703–2709, DOI: 10.1039/D0GC04175K.
Polarization-dependent optical band gap energy of aligned semiconducting titanium oxide nanowire deposits
Authors: Taner Camci Merve , Pauly Matthias , Lefevre Christophe , Bouillet Corinne , Maaloum Mounir , Decher Gero , Martel David
Published: April 2021

A polarization dependent optical band gap of more than 100 meV at ambient temperature is reported for deposits of highly oriented titanium oxide nanowires. Unaligned nanowires show no polarization dependency.
Copper-catalyzed synthesis of pyrido-fused quinazolinones from 2-aminoarylmethanols and isoquinolines or tetrahydroisoquinolines
Authors: Nguyen Thao T. , Nguyen Khang X. , Pham Phuc H. , Ly Duc , Nguyen Duyen K. , Nguyen Khoa D. , Nguyen Tung T. , Phan Nam T. S.
Published: April 2021

Pyrido-fused quinazolinones were synthesized via copper-catalyzed cascade C(sp2)–H amination and annulation of 2-aminoarylmethanols with isoquinolines or pyridines.
Photosensitizer-free synthesis of β-keto sulfones via visible-light-induced oxysulfonylation of alkenes with sulfonic acids
Authors: Peng Zhen , Hong Yun-Yun , Peng Sha , Xu Xiang-Qun , Tang Shan-Shan , Yang Li-Hua , Xie Long-Yong
Published: April 2021

A practical and environment-friendly methodology for the construction of β-keto sulfones through visible-light induced direct oxysulfonylation of alkenes with sulfonic acids under open-air and photosensitizer-free conditions was developed.
Activation of different C–F bonds in fluoropolymers for Cu(0)-mediated single electron transfer radical polymerization
Authors: Peng Biyun , Wang Jian , Li Meng , Wang Miao , Tan Shaobo , Zhang Zhicheng
Published: April 2021

The graft polymerization of MMA initiated from PVDF-based fluoropolymers via single electron transfer controlled radical polymerization (SET-CRP) is reported.
CO2 adsorption mechanisms on MOFs: a case study of open metal sites, ultra-microporosity and flexible framework
Authors: Maia Renata Avena , Louis Benoît , Gao Wanlin , Wang Qiang
Published: April 2021

In this review the CO2 adsorption mechanisms of MOF-74-Mg, HKUST-1, SIFSIX-3-M, and ZIF-8 are explored, highlighting their preferential adsorption sites, CO2–MOF complex configuration, adsorption dynamics, bonding angle, and water stability.
Oxidative additions of alkynyl/vinyl iodides to gold and gold-catalyzed vinylation reactions triggered by the MeDalphos ligand
Authors: Rodriguez Jessica , Tabey Alexis , Mallet-Ladeira Sonia , Bourissou Didier
Published: April 2021

The hemilabile Ad2P(o-C6H4)NMe2 ligand promotes fast, quantitative and irreversible oxidative addition of alkynyl and vinyl iodides to gold.
Capture of toxic gases in MOFs: SO2, H2S, NH3 and NOx
Authors: Martínez-Ahumada Eva , Díaz-Ramírez Mariana L. , Velásquez-Hernández Miriam de J. , Jancik Vojtech , Ibarra Ilich A.
Published: April 2021

MOFs are promising candidates for the capture of toxic gases such as SO2, H2S, NH3 and NOx. Understanding the role of different chemical functionalities, within the pores of MOFs, is the key for accomplishing superior captures of these toxic gases.
Biodegradable zwitterionic poly(carboxybetaine) microgel for sustained delivery of antibodies with extended stability and preserved function
Authors: Erfani Amir , Hanna Abanoub , Zarrintaj Payam , Manouchehri Saeed , Weigandt Katie , Aichele Clint P. , Ramsey Joshua D.
Published: April 2021

Zwitterionic microscale hydrogel for delivery of monoclonal antibodies.
The radio emission from active galactic nuclei
Authors: Radcliffe J. F. , Barthel P. D. , Garrett M. A. , Beswick R. J. , Thomson A. P. , Muxlow T. W. B.
Published: April 2021

Context. For nearly seven decades, astronomers have been studying active galaxies, that is to say, galaxies with actively accreting central supermassive black holes: active galactic nuclei (AGN). A small fraction are characterized by luminous, powerful radio emission: This class is known as radio-loud AGN. A substantial fraction, the so-called radio-quiet AGN population, display intermediate or weak radio emission. However, an appreciable fraction of strong X-ray-emitting AGN are characterized by the absence of radio emission, down to an upper limit of about 10−7 times the luminosity of the most powerful radio-loud AGN.

Aims. We wish to address the nature of these – seemingly radio-silent – X-ray-luminous AGN and their host galaxies to determine if there is any radio emission, and, if so, where it originates.

Methods. Focusing on the GOODS-N field, we examine the nature of these objects, employing stacking techniques on ultra-deep radio data obtained with the JVLA. We combine these radio data with Spitzer far-infrared data.

Results. We establish the absence, or totally insignificant contribution, of jet-driven radio emission in roughly half of the otherwise normal population of X-ray-luminous AGN, which appear to reside in normal star-forming galaxies.

Conclusions. AGN- or jet-driven radio emission is simply a mechanism that may be at work or may be dormant in galaxies with actively accreting black holes. The latter cases can be classified as radio-silent AGN.
Une moisson de nouvelles structures de mTORC1
Authors: Nawrotek Agata , Cherfils Jacqueline
Published: April 2021

mTORC1 est un acteur central de la croissance cellulaire, un processus étroitement régulé par la disponibilité de nutriments et qui contrôle diverses étapes du métabolisme dans la cellule normale et au cours de maladies, comme les cancers. mTORC1 est un complexe multiprotéique de grande taille constitué de nombreuses sous-unités, parmi lesquelles deux types de GTPases, Rag et RheB, contrôlent directement sa localisation membranaire et son activité kinase. Dans cette revue, nous faisons le point sur une moisson de structures récentes, déterminées pour la plupart par cryo-microscopie électronique, qui sont en passe de reconstituer le puzzle de l’architecture de mTORC1. Nous discutons ce que ces structures révèlent sur le rôle des GTPases, et ce que leur connaissance ouvre comme perspectives pour comprendre comment mTORC1 fonctionne à la membrane du lysosome.
Efficacy of retailer rebates and delayed incentives under customer heterogeneity
Authors: Muzaffar Asif , Nasir Malik Muhammad , Deng Shiming
Published: April 2021

In automobile and household appliances, the manufacturer’s decision to offer retailer rebates to retailers or delayed incentives directly to end customers is very important. Under game theoretic environment, we show that delayed incentive is an important tool not only for price discrimination but it also provides more flexibility to the manufacturer. We differentiate the impact of delayed incentives and retailer rebates. We draw implications for optimal rebate strategies for both retailer rebates and delayed incentives. We also discuss delayed incentives in the form coupons that give more control to the manufacturer, whereas retailer rebates require retailer’s participation. Analysis and numerical insights show that the manufacturer prefers better observance of retail price. We provide a decision rule to the manufacturer on how to select the rebate type based on customer heterogeneity.
Friedel sum rule at finite temperature in hot dense plasmas
Authors: Faussurier Gérald , Blancard Christophe
Published: April 2021

We study the notion of Friedel sum rule at finite temperature in hot dense plasmas. Using the average-atom model, we establish expressions for the Friedel sum rule at zero and finite temperature using non-relativistic or relativistic approaches. Formulas are also given using the Born approximation for the phase shifts. Numerical examples are provided. The Friedel sum rule is a stringent test of the internal consistency of a quantum average-atom model. The question of normalization of free wavefunctions is also discussed.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the reduction of electricity demand and the integration of renewable energy into the power grid
Authors: Tingting Xu A. , Weijun Gao B. , Yanxue Li C. , Fanyue Qian D.
Published: April 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant negative influence on energy consumption in 2020. On April 7, 2020, in response to the rapid spread of the infection, the Japanese government imposed a state of emergency. This action impacted energy consumption, energy production, and electricity prices. This study compares the impact of a reduction in load demand on renewable energy in the Japan public power grid under a state of emergency declaration (April to May 2020). Using publicly available data, comparisons are made for Kyushu, Tokyo, Kansai, and Hokkaido and assessed in relation to epidemic severity and geographical distribution. The results can be summarized as follows. (1) The consumption profiles and amounts of power consumption reduction are different in different areas. Tokyo shows the largest share of reduced load, followed by Kansai, Kyushu, and Hokkaido. The load reduction was mainly seen during the day, which reflects the differences in people's activities relative to the same period in 2019. (2) Different means of power dispatch, including power generators, energy storage systems, and transmission lines are used and compared in terms of responses to the changes in electricity consumption profile. (3) The overall fall in total load demand and the change in load sequence affected the integration and curtailment of photovoltaic power generation and consequentially caused the electricity price to drop. This paper clarifies the effects of COVID-19 on the public power grids of Japan. Further, it establishes the impact on policymakers in relation to the development of renewable energy.
Spiral antennas for the generation of bessel beams with tunable nondiffractive range
Authors: Benedetti Alessio , Fuscaldo Walter , Comite Davide , Tofani Silvia , Baccarelli Paolo , Galli Alessandro , Burghignoli Paolo
Published: April 2021

Backward cylindrical leaky waves radiating in the direction of their central axis represent an efficient solution for generating nondiffracting Bessel-like beams. The structures proposed so far to support such waves, constituted by concentric metal rings printed on a grounded dielectric slab, ensure the formation of nondiffractive field patterns with preset unchangeable configurations at a given frequency. Here, we propose the adoption of subwavelength spiral filaments with controlled patterning of the envelope figure by dynamic mechanical deformations, in order to achieve spatial tuning of the nondiffractive region in its size and shape. Precise guidelines and examples are provided to describe the proposed design technique and underline the inherent advantages of this alternative technological solution.
Comparison of highly-compressed C2/m-SnH12 superhydride with conventional superconductors
Authors: Talantsev E F
Published: April 2021

Satterthwaite and Toepke (1970 Phys. Rev. Lett.
25 741) predicted high-temperature superconductivity in hydrogen-rich metallic alloys, based on an idea that these compounds should exhibit high Debye frequency of the proton lattice, which boosts the superconducting transition temperature, T
c. The idea has got full confirmation more than four decades later when Drozdov et al (2015 Nature
525 73) experimentally discovered near-room-temperature superconductivity in highly-compressed sulphur superhydride, H3S. To date, more than a dozen of high-temperature hydrogen-rich superconducting phases in Ba–H, Pr–H, P–H, Pt–H, Ce–H, Th–H, S–H, Y–H, La–H, and (La, Y)–H systems have been synthesized and, recently, Hong et al (2021 arXiv:2101.02846) reported on the discovery of C2/m-SnH12 phase with superconducting transition temperature of T
c ∼ 70 K. Here we analyse the magnetoresistance data, R(T, B), of C2/m-SnH12 phase and report that this superhydride exhibits the ground state superconducting gap of Δ(0) = 9.2 ± 0.5 meV, the ratio of 2Δ(0)/k
B
T
c = 3.3 ± 0.2, and 0.010 < T
c/T
F < 0.014 (where T
F is the Fermi temperature) and, thus, C2/m-SnH12 falls into unconventional superconductors band in the Uemura plot.