bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning during COVID-19: the role of self-regulated learning, motivation, and procrastination for perceived competence
Authors: Pelikan Elisabeth Rosa , Lüftenegger Marko , Holzer Julia , Korlat Selma , Spiel Christiane , Schober Barbara
Published: March 2021

In March 2020 schools in Austria temporarily closed and switched to distance learning to contain the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). The resulting situation posed great challenges to teachers, guardians and students (Huber and Helm 2020). Research has shown that perceived competence (Deci and Ryan 2000) affects selfregulated learning (SRL), intrinsic motivation and procrastination, however few studies have considered these variables in context of distance learning among adolescents. This study investigated differences in students who perceived themselves as high vs. low in competence with respect to these constructs. In an online questionnaire, 2652 Austrian secondary school students answered closed questions regarding SRL, intrinsic motivation and procrastination as well as open-ended questions about challenges, successes and need for support in distance. Structural equation modeling was applied for the quantitative analysis which was complemented by thematic analysis for the qualitative questions (Braun and Clarke 2006). Results showed that students who experienced themselves as highly competent use SRL strategies (goal setting and planning, time management, metacognitive strategies) more often and are more intrinsically motivated than students with lower perceived competence. They also procrastinate less. Furthermore, qualitative analysis revealed that although all students face similar challenges (e.g., independent learning, time and task management, learning on the computer, lack of contact with teachers and peers), students who perceived themselves as highly competent seemed to cope better, and have less need for support. Implications for distance learning and future research are discussed.
Convexity limit angles for isoptics
Authors: Skrzypiec Magdalena
Published: March 2021

Given an oval C in the plane, the $$\alpha $$
α
-isoptic $$C_\alpha $$

C
α

of C is the plane curve composed of the points from which C can be seen under the angle $$\pi -\alpha $$

π
-
α

. We consider isoptics of ovals parametrized with the support function $$p(t)=a+\cos n t$$

p
(
t
)
=
a
+
cos
n
t

, $$n\in \mathbb {N}$$

n
∈
N

, and present an example of an oval such that when $$\alpha $$
α
increases, the $$\alpha $$
α
-isoptics begin to be convex, then lose their convexity and finally are convex again along a curve intersecting the isoptics orthogonally. Next we give an example of a curve from the same family, for which the curvature of the isoptics changes its sign three times. These changes occur on the symmetry axes of the oval C and coincide with the orthogonal trajectories which start at the points with extremal curvature. Finally, we formulate the hypothesis concerning the general case where we expect $$n-1$$

n
-
1

convexity limit angles for the isoptics of an oval parametrized by $$p(t)=a+\cos n t$$

p
(
t
)
=
a
+
cos
n
t

.
Catalytic ketonization of propionic acid. Green chemistry in practice
Authors: Ulkowska Urszula , Gliński Marek
Published: March 2021

We present an experiment offered as a course for undergraduate students at our Faculty. During the laboratory classes, students synthesized 20%wtMnO2/Al2O3catalyst, which is then used in the catalytic reaction—the propionic acid ketonization leading to 3-pentanone. The reaction is carried out in a flow system, in the presence of a solid catalyst bed, in the range of temperatures from 573 to 673 K. Students also perform thermodynamic calculations regarding the reaction. They estimate Gibbs free energy, then calculate equilibrium constant and the conversion of substrate—propionic acid.
Study on the adsorption selection of CH$$_4$$ on CuO (110) versus (111) surfaces: a density functional theory study
Authors: Lin Long , Yao Linwei , Li Shaofei , Shi Zhengguang , Xie Kun , Tao Hualong , Zhang Zhi , Zhang Zhanying
Published: March 2021

Finding the active sites of suitable metal oxides is a key prerequisite for detecting CH$$_4$$

4

. The purpose of the paper is to investigate the adsorption of CH$$_4$$

4

on intrinsic and oxygen-vacancies CuO (111) and (110) surfaces using density functional theory calculations. The results show that CH$$_4$$

4

has a strong adsorption energy of −0.370 to 0.391 eV at all site on the CuO (110) surface. The adsorption capacity of CH$$_4$$

4

on CuO (111) surface is weak, ranging from −0.156 to −0.325 eV. In the surface containing oxygen vacancies, the adsorption capacity of CuO surface to CH$$_4$$

4

is significantly stronger than that of intrinsic CuO surface. The results indicate that CuO (110) has strong adsorption and charge transfer capacity for CH$$_4$$

4

, which may provide experimental guidance.
Fabrication of aluminum bipolar plates with Archimedes' screw-shaped channels: a rubber pad forming process assessment
Authors: Hashemi S. J. , Roohi Amir H.
Published: March 2021

Bipolar plates are one of the most important components of polymer membrane fuel cells. In this manuscript, the rubber pad forming of aluminum bipolar plates with Archimedes' screw-shaped channels and draft angle of 90$$^\circ$$

∘

has been investigated. Hence, all possible combinations of the process parameters were determined and corresponding experimentations performed in order to investigate the effects of the rubber hardness, punch speed and the hydraulic press force. In this regard, three rubber pads including polyurethane, silicone and natural rubber were used. Channel depth and thinning percentage in the corner of the channel are measured and the effect of each parameter is analyzed. Based on the results, the maximum channel depth was achieved using a silicone pad with a hardness of 60 Shore A. Using a rubber pad with a very high and low hardness number, both, reduces the depth of channel. Furthermore, as the punch speed increases, the channel depth increases and the thinning percentage, as well.
Venus and the Arts of Love in Renaissance Florence
Authors: Compton Rebekah
Published: March 2021

In this volume, Rebekah Compton offers the first survey of Venus in the art, culture, and governance of Florence from 1300 to 1600. Organized chronologically, each of the six chapters investigates one of the goddess's alluring attributes – her golden splendor, rosy-hued complexion, enchanting fashions, green gardens, erotic anatomy, and gifts from the sea. By examining these attributes in the context of the visual arts, Compton uncovers an array of materials and techniques employed by artists, patrons, rulers, and lovers to manifest Venusian virtues. Her book explores technical art history in the context of love's protean iconography, showing how different discourses and disciplines can interact in the creation and reception of art. Venus and the Arts of Love offers new insights on sight, seduction, and desire, as well as concepts of gender, sexuality, and viewership from both male and female perspectives in the early modern era.
Orbifold expansion and entire functions with bounded Fatou components
Authors: PARDO-SIMÓN LETICIA
Published: March 2021

Many authors have studied the dynamics of hyperbolic transcendental entire functions; these are functions for which the postsingular set is a compact subset of the Fatou set. Equivalently, they are characterized as being expanding. Mihaljević-Brandt studied a more general class of maps for which finitely many of their postsingular points can be in their Julia set, and showed that these maps are also expanding with respect to a certain orbifold metric. In this paper we generalize these ideas further, and consider a class of maps for which the postsingular set is not even bounded. We are able to prove that these maps are also expanding with respect to a suitable orbifold metric, and use this expansion to draw conclusions on the topology and dynamics of the maps. In particular, we generalize existing results for hyperbolic functions, giving criteria for the boundedness of Fatou components and local connectivity of Julia sets. As part of this study, we develop some novel results on hyperbolic orbifold metrics. These are of independent interest, and may have future applications in holomorphic dynamics.
Radio-echo sounding and waveform modeling reveal abundant marine ice in former rifts and basal crevasses within Crary Ice Rise, Antarctica
Authors: Hillebrand Trevor R. , Conway Howard , Koutnik Michelle , Martín Carlos , Paden John , Winberry J. Paul
Published: March 2021

Crary Ice Rise formed after the Ross Ice Shelf re-grounded ~1 kyr BP. We present new ice-penetrating radar data from two systems operating at center frequencies of 7 and 750 MHz that confirm the ice rise is composed of a former ice shelf buried by subsequent accumulation. Stacks of englacial diffraction hyperbolas are present almost everywhere across the central ice rise and extend up to ~350 m above the bed. In many cases, bed reflections beneath the diffraction hyperbolas are obscured for distances up to 1 km. Waveform modeling indicates that the diffraction hyperbolas are likely caused by marine ice deposits in former basal crevasses and rifts. The in-filling of rifts and basal crevasses may have strengthened the connection between the ice rise and the surrounding ice shelf, which could have influenced local and regional ice dynamics. Three internal reflection horizons mark the upper limit of disturbed ice and diffraction hyperbolas in different sections of the ice rise, indicating at least three stages of flow stabilization across the ice rise. A surface lineation visible in MODIS imagery corresponds spatially to deepening and strong deformation of these layers, consistent with the characteristics of former grounding lines observed elsewhere in Antarctica.
Der Einsatz der RehaGoal App durch Menschen mit einer intellektuellen Beeinträchtigung bei der Arbeit zu Hause während der Corona-Pandemie
Authors: Ertas Funda , Aust Jasmin , Lorenz Tom , Schiering Ina , Brunner Katharina , Müller Sandra Verena
Published: March 2021

Zusammenfassung. Infolge der Corona-Pandemie 2019 und den damit einhergehenden Restriktionen verloren Menschen mit einer intellektuellen Beeinträchtigung – wie andere auch – ihre Praktikumsplätze oder wurden in das Szenario „Arbeit zu Hause“ geschickt. In einer für den ersten Lockdown konzipierten 3-wöchigen Pilotstudie zur Untersuchung einer mobilen Applikation zur Handlungsplanung kochten drei Teilnehmer*innen mit exekutiver Dysfunktion – und daraus resultierenden Schwierigkeiten in der Handlungsplanung – begleitet von Jobcoaches mithilfe der RehaGoal App. Zur Erfassung der Usability dieser App wurde ein teilstandardisierter Fragebogen von den Teilnehmer*innen und ihren Angehörigen beantwortet. Es zeigte sich, dass die Teilnehmer*innen die RehaGoal App gut einsetzen konnten und sich sicher in der Benutzung fühlten. Zudem gaben die Angehörigen an, sich vorstellen zu können, die App für weitere häusliche Aufgaben zu nutzen.
Preliminary Factor Structure of the Parental Attitudes of Gender Expansiveness Scale for Parents (PAGES-P)
Authors: Reguitti Vanessa , Poquiz Jonathan L. , Jackson Kathryn , Coyne Claire A. , Hidalgo Marco A. , Forbes Catherine , Chen Diane
Published: March 2021

Objective: Parental acceptance and support are associated with positive psychosocial outcomes among transgender and gender expansive (TGE) adolescents. Understanding the degree of parental acceptance and support of gender identity and expression is an important component of gender affirmative pediatric assessment and can inform intervention. Although there are reliable measures assessing general family support, there are no existing parent self-report measures assessing acceptance and support of their gender expansive children. The present study examines the factor structure of the Parental Attitudes of Gender Expansiveness Scale for Parents (PAGES-P). Methods: Participants included 739 parents who completed the PAGES-P as standard of care during their child’s gender health clinic visit within a children’s hospital in the midwestern United States. A principal component analysis was used to identify subscales reflected in the PAGES-P. Results: The principal component analysis yielded 4 subscales reflecting the following domains: (a) support and affirmation, (b) guilt and loss, (c) gender concealment, and (d) pride. Conclusions: This study provides preliminary evidence of the factor structure of the PAGES-P. The resulting subscales lend insight into the thoughts and behaviors of parents of TGE youth and can inform clinical practice to facilitate parental support and promote overall well-being in TGE youth.

Implications for Impact Statement

The Parental Attitudes of Gender Expansiveness Scale for Parents includes four subscales: (a) support and affirmation, (b) guilt and loss, (c) gender concealment, and (d) pride. This questionnaire can be used clinically to identify parents who may benefit from intervention to better support their transgender and gender expansive children.
Clinical and prognostic significance of small paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria clones in myelodysplastic syndrome and aplastic anemia
Authors: Fattizzo Bruno , Ireland Robin , Dunlop Alan , Yallop Deborah , Kassam Shireen , Large Joanna , Gandhi Shreyans , Muus Petra , Manogaran Charles , Sanchez Katy , Consonni Dario , Barcellini Wilma , Mufti Ghulam J. , Marsh Judith C. W. , Kulasekararaj Austin G.
Published: March 2021

In this large single-centre study, we report high prevalence (25%) of, small (<10%) and very small (<1%), paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) clones by high-sensitive cytometry among 3085 patients tested. Given PNH association with bone marrow failures, we analyzed 869 myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and 531 aplastic anemia (AA) within the cohort. PNH clones were more frequent and larger in AA vs. MDS (p = 0.04). PNH clone, irrespective of size, was a good predictor of response to immunosuppressive therapy (IST) and to stem cell transplant (HSCT) (in MDS: 84% if PNH+ vs. 44.7% if PNH−,p = 0.01 for IST, and 71% if PNH+ vs. 56.6% if PNH− for HSCT; in AA: 78 vs. 50% for IST,p < 0.0001, and 97 vs. 77%,p = 0.01 for HSCT). PNH positivity had a favorable impact on disease progression (0.6% vs. 4.9% IPSS-progression in MDS,p < 0.005; and 2.1 vs. 6.9% progression to MDS in AA,p = 0.01), leukemic evolution (6.8 vs. 12.7%,p = 0.01 in MDS), and overall survival [73% (95% CI 68–77) vs. 51% (48–54),p < 0.0001], with a relative HR for mortality of 2.37 (95% CI 1.8–3.1;p < 0.0001) in PNH negative cases, both in univariate and multivariable analysis. Our data suggest systematic PNH testing in AA/MDS, as it might allow better prediction/prognostication and consequent clinical/laboratory follow-up timing.
Broadband vectorial ultrathin optics with experimental efficiency up to 99% in the visible region via universal approximators
Authors: Getman F. , Makarenko M. , Burguete-Lopez A. , Fratalocchi A.
Published: March 2021

Integrating conventional optics into compact nanostructured surfaces is the goal of flat optics. Despite the enormous progress in this technology, there are still critical challenges for real-world applications due to the limited operational efficiency in the visible region, on average lower than 60%, which originates from absorption losses in wavelength-thick (≈ 500 nm) structures. Another issue is the realization of on-demand optical components for controlling vectorial light at visible frequencies simultaneously in both reflection and transmission and with a predetermined wavefront shape. In this work, we developed an inverse design approach that allows the realization of highly efficient (up to 99%) ultrathin (down to 50 nm thick) optics for vectorial light control with broadband input–output responses in the visible and near-IR regions with a desired wavefront shape. The approach leverages suitably engineered semiconductor nanostructures, which behave as a neural network that can approximate a user-defined input–output function. Near-unity performance results from the ultrathin nature of these surfaces, which reduces absorption losses to near-negligible values. Experimentally, we discuss polarizing beam splitters, comparing their performance with the best results obtained from both direct and inverse design techniques, and new flat-optics components represented by dichroic mirrors and the basic unit of a flat-optics display that creates full colours by using only two subpixels, overcoming the limitations of conventional LCD/OLED technologies that require three subpixels for each composite colour. Our devices can be manufactured with a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS)-compatible process, making them scalable for mass production at low cost.
Laser printed two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides
Authors: Abbas Omar Adnan , Lewis Adam Henry , Aspiotis Nikolaos , Huang Chung-Che , Zeimpekis Ioannis , Hewak Daniel W. , Sazio Pier , Mailis Sakellaris
Published: March 2021

Laser processing is a highly versatile technique for the post-synthesis treatment and modification of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs). However, to date, TMDCs synthesis typically relies on large area CVD growth and lithographic post-processing for nanodevice fabrication, thus relying heavily on complex, capital intensive, vacuum-based processing environments and fabrication tools. This inflexibility necessarily restricts the development of facile, fast, very low-cost synthesis protocols. Here we show that direct, spatially selective synthesis of 2D-TMDCs devices that exhibit excellent electrical, Raman and photoluminescence properties can be realized using laser printing under ambient conditions with minimal lithographic or thermal overheads. Our simple, elegant process can be scaled via conventional laser printing approaches including spatial light modulation and digital light engines to enable mass production protocols such as roll-to-roll processing.
Limited flexibility in departure timing of migratory passerines at the East-Mediterranean flyway
Authors: Aharon-Rotman Yaara , Perlman Gidon , Kiat Yosef , Raz Tal , Balaban Amir , Iwamura Takuya
Published: March 2021

The rapid pace of current global warming lead to the advancement of spring migration in the majority of long-distance migratory bird species. While data on arrival timing to breeding grounds in Europe is plentiful, information from the African departure sites are scarce. Here we analysed changes in arrival timing at a stopover site in Israel and any links to Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) on the species-specific African non-breeding range in three migratory passerines between 2000–2017. Differences in wing length between early and late arriving individuals were also examined as a proxy for migration distance. We found that male redstart, but not females, advanced arrival to stopover site, but interestingly, not as a response to EVI phenology. Blackcap and barred warbler did not shift arrival timing significantly, although the arrival of blackcap was dependent on EVI. Barred warbler from the early arrival phase had longer wings, suggesting different populations. Our study further supports the existence species-specific migration decisions and inter-sexual differences, which may be triggered by both exogenous (local vegetation condition) and endogenous cues. Given rapid rate of changes in environmental conditions at higher latitudes, some migrants may experience difficulty in the race to match global changes to ensure their survival.
No time to rest: seasonal dynamics of non-structural carbohydrates in twigs of three Mediterranean tree species suggest year-round activity
Authors: Davidson Anna M. , Le Sylvia T. , Cooper Katelyn B. , Lange Eden , Zwieniecki M. A.
Published: March 2021

Perennial plants in temperate climates evolved short and long-term strategies to store and manage reserves in the form of non-structural carbohydrates (NSC; soluble sugars (SC) and starch (St)). NSC storage allows plants to survive seasonal periods of photosynthetic inactivity (dormancy). To study year-to-year seasonal patterns of trees’ NSC dynamics that control phenology and yields, we established a large scale, multi-year study called the “Carbohydrate Observatory” using a citizen science approach with ~ 590 sites throughout the Central Valley of California. Monthly sampling tracked seasonal trends of starch and sugar levels in both xylem and phloem of twigs in Prunus dulcis, Pistacia vera and Juglans regia. Presented is the initial technical analysis of the first 3 years. With no exception, levels of reserves changed continuously throughout the year suggesting that even during dormancy, the average concentration of NSC, starch and sugars varies seasonally. In general, carbohydrate reserves are highest entering dormancy. During winter, NSCs slowly decrease to depletion during bloom time and remain low during summer until recovery near harvest. Starch is the major reserve compound in the wood of P. dulcis and P. vera while soluble sugars are the major reserves in J. regia. NSC content fluctuates throughout a season and significantly varies between years suggesting intrinsic and climatic effects on trees’ energy reserves.
A two-tiered targeted proteomics approach to identify pre-diagnostic biomarkers of colorectal cancer risk
Authors: Harlid Sophia , Harbs Justin , Myte Robin , Brunius Carl , Gunter Marc J. , Palmqvist Richard , Liu Xijia , Van Guelpen Bethany
Published: March 2021

Colorectal cancer prognosis is dependent on stage, and measures to improve early detection are urgently needed. Using prospectively collected plasma samples from the population-based Northern Sweden Health and Disease Study, we evaluated protein biomarkers in relation to colorectal cancer risk. Applying a two-tiered approach, we analyzed 160 proteins in matched sequential samples from 58 incident colorectal cancer case–control pairs. Twenty-one proteins selected from both this discovery phase and the literature were then analyzed in a validation set of 450 case–control pairs. Odds ratios were estimated by conditional logistic regression. LASSO regression and ROC analysis were used for multi-marker analyses. In the main validation analysis, no proteins retained statistical significance. However, exploratory subgroup analyses showed associations between FGF-21 and colon cancer risk (multivariable OR per 1 SD: 1.23 95% CI 1.03–1.47) as well as between PPY and rectal cancer risk (multivariable OR per 1 SD: 1.47 95% CI 1.12–1.92). Adding protein markers to basic risk predictive models increased performance modestly. Our results highlight the challenge of developing biomarkers that are effective in the asymptomatic, prediagnostic window of opportunity for early detection of colorectal cancer. Distinguishing between cancer subtypes may improve prediction accuracy. However, single biomarkers or small panels may not be sufficient for effective precision screening.
A signed network perspective on the government formation process in parliamentary democracies
Authors: Fontan Angela , Altafini Claudio
Published: March 2021

In parliamentary democracies, government negotiations talks following a general election can sometimes be a long and laborious process. In order to explain this phenomenon, in this paper we use structural balance theory to represent a multiparty parliament as a signed network, with edge signs representing alliances and rivalries among parties. We show that the notion of frustration, which quantifies the amount of “disorder” encoded in the signed graph, correlates very well with the duration of the government negotiation talks. For the 29 European countries considered in this study, the average correlation between frustration and government negotiation talks ranges between 0.42 and 0.69, depending on what information is included in the edges of the signed network. Dynamical models of collective decision-making over signed networks with varying frustration are proposed to explain this correlation.
Using the Microwell-mesh to culture microtissues in vitro and as a carrier to implant microtissues in vivo into mice
Authors: Monterosso Melissa E. , Futrega Kathryn , Lott William B. , Vela Ian , Williams Elizabeth D. , Doran Michael R.
Published: March 2021

Prostate cancer (PCa) patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) are commonly propagated by serial transplantation of “pieces” of tumour in mice, but the cellular composition of pieces is not standardised. Herein, we optimised a microwell platform, the Microwell-mesh, to aggregate precise numbers of cells into arrays of microtissues, and then implanted the Microwell-mesh into NOD-scid IL2γ−/− (NSG) mice to study microtissue growth. First, mesh pore size was optimised using microtissues assembled from bone marrow-derived stromal cells, with mesh opening dimensions of 100×100 μm achieving superior microtissue vascularisation relative to mesh with 36×36 μm mesh openings. The optimised Microwell-mesh was used to assemble and implant PCa cell microtissue arrays (hereafter microtissues formed from cancer cells are referred to as microtumours) into mice. PCa cells were enriched from three different PDX lines, LuCaP35, LuCaP141, and BM18. 3D microtumours showed greater in vitro viability than 2D cultures, but neither proliferated. Microtumours were successfully established in mice 81% (57 of 70), 67% (4 of 6), 76% (19 of 25) for LuCaP35, LuCaP141, and BM18 PCa cells, respectively. Microtumour growth was tracked using live animal imaging for size or bioluminescence signal. If augmented with further imaging advances and cell bar coding, this microtumour model could enable greater resolution of PCa PDX drug response, and lead to the more efficient use of animals. The concept of microtissue assembly in the Microwell-mesh, and implantation in vivo may also have utility in implantation of islets, hair follicles or other organ-specific cells that self-assemble into 3D structures, providing an important bridge between in vitro assembly of mini-organs and in vivo implantation.
Ambient noise exposure induces long-term adaptations in adult brainstem neurons
Authors: Siveke Ida , Myoga Mike H. , Grothe Benedikt , Felmy Felix
Published: March 2021

To counterbalance long-term environmental changes, neuronal circuits adapt the processing of sensory information. In the auditory system, ongoing background noise drives long-lasting adaptive mechanism in binaural coincidence detector neurons in the superior olive. However, the compensatory cellular mechanisms of the binaural neurons in the medial superior olive (MSO) to long-term background changes are unexplored. Here we investigated the cellular properties of MSO neurons during long-lasting adaptations induced by moderate omnidirectional noise exposure. After noise exposure, the input resistance of MSO neurons of mature Mongolian gerbils was reduced, likely due to an upregulation of hyperpolarisation-activated cation and low voltage-activated potassium currents. Functionally, the long-lasting adaptations increased the action potential current threshold and facilitated high frequency output generation. Noise exposure accelerated the occurrence of spontaneous postsynaptic currents. Together, our data suggest that cellular adaptations in coincidence detector neurons of the MSO to continuous noise exposure likely increase the sensitivity to differences in sound pressure levels.
Japanese Macaques’ (Macaca fuscata) sensitivity to human gaze and visual perspective in contexts of threat, cooperation, and competition
Authors: Castellano-Navarro Alba , Macanás-Martínez Emilio , Xu Zhihong , Guillén-Salazar Federico , MacIntosh Andrew J. J. , Amici Federica , Albiach-Serrano Anna
Published: March 2021

Gaze sensitivity allows us to interpret the visual perspective of others, inferring their intentions and attentional states. In order to clarify the evolutionary history of this ability, we assessed the response of free-ranging Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) to human gaze in three contexts: threat (Experiment 1), cooperation (Experiment 2), and competition (Experiment 3). Subjects interpreted the direct gaze of an approaching human as a sign of threat, showing a greater flight initiation distance and more threats towards the human in this condition than when the human gazed in another direction. Subjects also adapted their behavior to the attentional cues of a human who gave them food, by for example moving into his visual field. However, the macaques did not seem to take the visual perspective of a human competing with them over food, as they failed to first retrieve the food that was not visible to the human (i.e., located behind an opaque barrier). Our results support the idea that Japanese macaques can respond to a human’s gaze flexibly depending on the context. Moreover, they highlight the importance of studying animal behavior across different species and contexts to better understand the selective pressures that might have led to its evolution.
Sonoporation generates downstream cellular impact after membrane resealing
Authors: Duan Xinxing , Zhou Qian , Wan Jennifer M. F. , Yu Alfred C. H.
Published: March 2021

Sonoporation via microbubble-mediated ultrasound exposure has shown potential in drug and gene delivery. However, there is a general lack of mechanistic knowledge on sonoporation-induced cellular impact after membrane resealing, and this issue has made it challenging to apply sonoporation efficiently in practice. Here, we present new evidence on how sonoporation, without endangering immediate cell viability, may disrupt downstream cellular hemostasis in ways that are distinguished from the bioeffects observed in other sonicated and unsonoporated cells. Sonoporation was realized on HL-60 leukemia cells by delivering pulsed ultrasound (1 MHz frequency, 0.50 MPa peak negative pressure; 10% duty cycle; 30 s exposure period; 29.1 J/cm2 acoustic energy density) in the presence of lipid-shelled microbubbles (1:1 cell-to-bubble ratio). Results showed that 54.6% of sonoporated cells, despite remaining initially viable, underwent apoptosis or necrosis at 24 h after sonoporation. Anti-proliferation behavior was also observed in sonoporated cells as their subpopulation size was reduced by 43.8% over 24 h. Preceding these cytotoxic events, the percentages of sonoporated cells in different cell cycle phases were found to be altered by 12 h after exposure. As well, for sonoporated cells, their expressions of cytoprotective genes in the heat shock protein-70 (HSP-70) family were upregulated by at least 4.1 fold at 3 h after exposure. Taken altogether, these findings indicate that sonoporated cells attempted to restore homeostasis after membrane resealing, but many of them ultimately failed to recover. Such mechanistic knowledge should be taken into account to devise more efficient sonoporation-mediated therapeutic protocols.
Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 and risk of past or future sick leave
Authors: Dillner Joakim , Elfström K. Miriam , Blomqvist Jonas , Eklund Carina , Lagheden Camilla , Nordqvist-Kleppe Sara , Hellström Cecilia , Olofsson Jennie , Andersson Eni , Jernbom Falk August , Bergström Sofia , Hultin Emilie , Pin Elisa , Månberg Anna , Nilsson Peter , Hedhammar My , Hober Sophia , Mattsson Johan , Mühr Laila Sara Arroyo , Conneryd Lundgren Kalle
Published: March 2021

The extent that antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 may protect against future virus-associated disease is unknown. We invited all employees (n = 15,300) at work at the Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden to participate in a study examining SARS-Cov-2 antibodies in relation to registered sick leave. For consenting 12,928 healthy hospital employees antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 could be determined and compared to participant sick leave records. Subjects with viral serum antibodies were not at excess risk for future sick leave (adjusted odds ratio (OR) controlling for age and sex: 0.85 [95% confidence interval (CI) (0.85 (0.43–1.68)]. By contrast, subjects with antibodies had an excess risk for sick leave in the weeks prior to testing [adjusted OR in multivariate analysis: 3.34 (2.98–3.74)]. Thus, presence of viral antibodies marks past disease and protection against excess risk of future disease. Knowledge of whether exposed subjects have had disease in the past or are at risk for future disease is essential for planning of control measures.

Trial registration: First registered on 02/06/20, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04411576.
A SPRY1 domain cardiac ryanodine receptor variant associated with short-coupled torsade de pointes
Authors: Touat-Hamici Zahia , Blancard Malorie , Ma Ruifang , Lin Lianyun , Iddir Yasmine , Denjoy Isabelle , Leenhardt Antoine , Yuchi Zhiguang , Guicheney Pascale
Published: March 2021

Idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (IVF) causes sudden death in young adult patients without structural or ischemic heart disease. Most IVF cases are sporadic and some patients present with short-coupled torsade de pointes, the genetics of which are poorly understood. A man who had a first syncope at the age of 35 presented with frequent short-coupled premature ventricular beats with bursts of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and then died suddenly. By exome sequencing, we identified three rare variants: p.I784F in the SPRY1 of the ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2), p.A96S in connexin 40 (Cx40), reported to affect electrical coupling and cardiac conduction, and a nonsense p.R244X in the cardiac-specific troponin I-interacting kinase (TNNI3K). We assessed intracellular Ca2+ handling in WT and mutant human RYR2 transfected HEK293 cells by fluorescent microscopy and an enhanced store overload-induced Ca2+ release in response to cytosolic Ca2+ was observed in RyR2-I784F cells. In addition, crystal structures and thermal melting temperatures revealed a conformational change in the I784F-SPRY1 domain compared to the WT-domain. The novel RyR2-I784F variant in SPRY1 domain causes a leaky channel under non-stress conditions. The presence of several variants affecting Ca2+ handling and cardiac conduction suggests a possible oligogenic origin for the ectopies originating from Purkinje fibres.
Lower spinal postural variability during laptop-work in subjects with cervicogenic headache compared to healthy controls
Authors: Mingels Sarah , Dankaerts Wim , van Etten Ludo , Bruckers Liesbeth , Granitzer Marita
Published: March 2021

Spinal postural variability (SPV) is a prerequisite to prevent musculoskeletal complaints during functional tasks. Our objective was to evaluate SPV in cervicogenic headache (CeH) since CeH is characterized by such complaints. A non-randomized repeated-measure design was applied to compare SPV between 18 participants with reporting CeH aged 29–51 years, and 18 matched controls aged 26–52 years during a 30-min-laptop-task. Habitual spinal postures (degrees) of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine were analysed using 3D-Vicon motion analysis. SPV, to express variation in mean habitual spinal posture, was deducted from the postural analysis. Mean SPV of each spinal segment was lower in the CeH-group compared to the control-group. Within the CeH-group, SPV of all except one spinal segment (lower-lumbar) was higher compared to the group’s mean SPV. Within the control-group, SPV was more comparable to the group’s mean SPV. SPV differed between groups. Averaging data resulted in decreased SPV in the CeH-group compared to the control-group during the laptop-task. However, the higher within-group-SPV in the CeH-group compared to the group’s mean SPV accentuated more postural heterogeneity. It should be further determined if addressing individual SPV is a relevant intervention.
Alloying effect on the order–disorder transformation in tetragonal FeNi
Authors: Tian Li-Yun , Gutfleisch Oliver , Eriksson Olle , Vitos Levente
Published: March 2021

Tetragonal ($${\hbox{L1}}_{0}$$

L1
0

) FeNi is a promising material for high-performance rare-earth-free permanent magnets. Pure tetragonal FeNi is very difficult to synthesize due to its low chemical order–disorder transition temperature ($$\approx {593}$$

≈
593

 K), and thus one must consider alternative non-equilibrium processing routes and alloy design strategies that make the formation of tetragonal FeNi feasible. In this paper, we investigate by density functional theory as implemented in the exact muffin-tin orbitals method whether alloying FeNi with a suitable element can have a positive impact on the phase formation and ordering properties while largely maintaining its attractive intrinsic magnetic properties. We find that small amount of non-magnetic (Al and Ti) or magnetic (Cr and Co) elements increase the order–disorder transition temperature. Adding Mo to the Co-doped system further enhances the ordering temperature while the Curie temperature is decreased only by a few degrees. Our results show that alloying is a viable route to stabilizing the ordered tetragonal phase of FeNi.
N-Glycosylation can selectively block or foster different receptor–ligand binding modes
Authors: Vuorio Joni , Škerlová Jana , Fábry Milan , Veverka Václav , Vattulainen Ilpo , Řezáčová Pavlína , Martinez-Seara Hector
Published: March 2021

While DNA encodes protein structure, glycans provide a complementary layer of information to protein function. As a prime example of the significance of glycans, the ability of the cell surface receptor CD44 to bind its ligand, hyaluronan, is modulated by N-glycosylation. However, the details of this modulation remain unclear. Based on atomistic simulations and NMR, we provide evidence that CD44 has multiple distinct binding sites for hyaluronan, and that N-glycosylation modulates their respective roles. We find that non-glycosylated CD44 favors the canonical sub-micromolar binding site, while glycosylated CD44 binds hyaluronan with an entirely different micromolar binding site. Our findings show (for the first time) how glycosylation can alter receptor affinity by shielding specific regions of the host protein, thereby promoting weaker binding modes. The mechanism revealed in this work emphasizes the importance of glycosylation in protein function and poses a challenge for protein structure determination where glycosylation is usually neglected.
Potential neutralizing antibodies discovered for novel corona virus using machine learning
Authors: Magar Rishikesh , Yadav Prakarsh , Barati Farimani Amir
Published: March 2021

The fast and untraceable virus mutations take lives of thousands of people before the immune system can produce the inhibitory antibody. The recent outbreak of COVID-19 infected and killed thousands of people in the world. Rapid methods in finding peptides or antibody sequences that can inhibit the viral epitopes of SARS-CoV-2 will save the life of thousands. To predict neutralizing antibodies for SARS-CoV-2 in a high-throughput manner, in this paper, we use different machine learning (ML) model to predict the possible inhibitory synthetic antibodies for SARS-CoV-2. We collected 1933 virus-antibody sequences and their clinical patient neutralization response and trained an ML model to predict the antibody response. Using graph featurization with variety of ML methods, like XGBoost, Random Forest, Multilayered Perceptron, Support Vector Machine and Logistic Regression, we screened thousands of hypothetical antibody sequences and found nine stable antibodies that potentially inhibit SARS-CoV-2. We combined bioinformatics, structural biology, and Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations to verify the stability of the candidate antibodies that can inhibit SARS-CoV-2.
Comprehensive comparative morphology and developmental staging of final instar larvae toward metamorphosis in the insect order Odonata
Authors: Okude Genta , Fukatsu Takema , Futahashi Ryo
Published: March 2021

The order Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) is among the most ancestral groups of winged insects with drastic morphological changes upon metamorphosis, and thus important for understanding evo-devo aspects of insects. However, basic developmental descriptions of Odonata have been scarce. In an attempt to establish the foundation of developmental and experimental biology of Odonata, we present an unprecedentedly comprehensive survey of dragonflies and damselflies, in total 158 larvae representing 49 species and 14 families, wherein morphological changes of all the final and/or penultimate instar larvae were photographed and monitored everyday. Although their morphology and development were diverse, we consistently identified two visually recognizable morphogenetic events in the final larval instar, namely start of wing expansion and onset of melanization on the wing sheaths, thereby categorizing the final instar into three stages. While the duration of the first stage ranged 4–66 days across diverse Odonata species, the second or third stages exhibited relatively small variation ranging 3–22 days or 1–8 days, respectively, probably reflecting the steady and irreversible metamorphosis process after stage 2. We also described other characteristic morphological changes during the larval development, although they were observed only in some Odonata species and lineages.
Effect of Auger recombination on transient optical properties in XUV and soft X-ray irradiated silicon nitride
Authors: Tkachenko Victor , Lipp Vladimir , Büscher Martin , Capotondi Flavio , Höppner Hauke , Medvedev Nikita , Pedersoli Emanuele , Prandolini Mark J. , Rossi Giulio M. , Tavella Franz , Toleikis Sven , Windeler Matthew , Ziaja Beata , Teubner Ulrich
Published: March 2021

Spatially encoded measurements of transient optical transmissivity became a standard tool for temporal diagnostics of free-electron-laser (FEL) pulses, as well as for the arrival time measurements in X-ray pump and optical probe experiments. The modern experimental techniques can measure changes in optical coefficients with a temporal resolution better than 10 fs. This, in an ideal case, would imply a similar resolution for the temporal pulse properties and the arrival time jitter between the FEL and optical laser pulses. However, carrier transport within the material and out of its surface, as well as carrier recombination may, in addition, significantly decrease the number of carriers. This would strongly affect the transient optical properties, making the diagnostic measurement inaccurate. Below we analyze in detail the effects of those processes on the optical properties of XUV and soft X-ray irradiated Si$${_3}$$

3

N$$_4$$

4

, on sub-picosecond timescales. Si$${_3}$$

3

N$$_4$$

4

is a wide-gap insulating material widely used for FEL pulse diagnostics. Theoretical predictions are compared with the published results of two experiments at FERMI and LCLS facilities, and with our own recent measurement. The comparison indicates that three body Auger recombination strongly affects the optical response of Si$${_3}$$

3

N$$_4$$

4

after its collisional ionization stops. By deconvolving the contribution of Auger recombination, in future applications one could regain a high temporal resolution for the reconstruction of the FEL pulse properties measured with a Si$${_3}$$

3

N$$_4$$

4

-based diagnostics tool.
Semi-automated tracking of pain in critical care patients using artificial intelligence: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Kobayashi Naoya , Shiga Takuya , Ikumi Saori , Watanabe Kazuki , Murakami Hitoshi , Yamauchi Masanori
Published: March 2021

Monitoring the pain intensity in critically ill patients is crucial because intense pain can cause adverse events, including poor survival rates; however, continuous pain evaluation is difficult. Vital signs have traditionally been considered ineffective in pain assessment; nevertheless, the use of machine learning may automate pain assessment using vital signs. This retrospective observational study was performed at a university hospital in Sendai, Japan. Objective pain assessments were performed in eligible patients using the Critical-Care Pain Observation Tool (CPOT). Three machine-learning methods—random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), and logistic regression (LR)—were employed to predict pain using parameters, such as vital signs, age group, and sedation levels. Prediction accuracy was calculated as the harmonic mean of sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Furthermore, 117,190 CPOT assessments were performed in 11,507 eligible patients (median age: 65 years; 58.0% males). We found that pain prediction was possible with all three machine-learning methods. RF demonstrated the highest AUROC for the test data (RF: 0.853, SVM: 0.823, and LR: 0.787). With this method, pain can be objectively, continuously, and semi-automatically evaluated in critically ill patients.
Characteristics of the spinopelvic parameters of patients with sacroiliac joint pain
Authors: Tonosu Juichi , Oka Hiroyuki , Watanabe Kenichi , Abe Hiroaki , Higashikawa Akiro , Kawai Takuya , Yamada Koji , Nakarai Hiroyuki , Tanaka Sakae , Matsudaira Ko
Published: March 2021

To evaluate the characteristics of the spinopelvic parameters on radiography in patients with sacroiliac joint pain (SIJP). Two hundred fifty patients were included and divided into the SIJP group (those diagnosed with SIJP based on physical findings and response to analgesic periarticular injections; n = 53) and the non-SIJP group (those with low back pain [LBP] because of other reasons; n = 197). We compared their demographic characteristics and spinopelvic parameters using radiography. All differences found in the patients’ demographic characteristics and spinopelvic parameters were analyzed. More female participants experienced SIJP than male participants (P = 0.0179). Univariate analyses revealed significant differences in pelvic incidence (PI) (P = 0.0122), sacral slope (SS) (P = 0.0034), and lumbar lordosis (LL) (P = 0.0078) between the groups. The detection powers for PI, SS, and LL were 0.71, 0.84, and 0.66, respectively. Logistic regression analyses, after adjustment for age and sex, revealed significant differences in PI (P = 0.0308) and SS (P = 0.0153) between the groups, with odds ratios of 1.03 and 1.05, respectively. More female participants experienced SIJP than male participants. Higher PI and SS values were related to SIJP among LBP patients.
X-ray microscopy reveals the outstanding craftsmanship of Siberian Iron Age textile dyers
Authors: Späth Andreas , Meyer Markus , Huthwelker Thomas , Borca Camelia N. , Meßlinger Karl , Bieber Manfred , Barkova Ludmilla L. , Fink Rainer H.
Published: March 2021

The excellent craftsmanship of ancient Oriental and Central Asian textile dyers is already demonstrated in the remarkable brilliance and fastness of the colours of the so-called Pazyryk carpet, the by far oldest pile carpet found to date. This specimen resembles the advanced craftsmanship of Iron Age Central Asian textile production. We have employed synchrotron-based µ-XRF imaging to detect the distribution of metal organic pigments within individual fibres of the Pazyryk carpet (about 2500 years old) and compare the results to wool fibres, which we prepared according to traditional Anatolian dyeing recipes. We observe congruent pigment distribution within specimens from the Pazyryk carpet and natural wool fibres that we have fermented prior to dyeing. Therefore, we conclude that the superior fermentation technique has been utilized about 2000 years earlier than known so far.