bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surveillance tools for detection of recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma: An evidence‐based review and recommendations
Authors: Thamboo Andrew , Tran Kim H. , Ye Annette X. , Shoucair Issraa , Jabarin Basel , Prisman Eitan , Garnis Cathie
Published: January 2021

Objective

Nasopharyngeal carcinomas (NPC) are tumors arising from epithelium of the nasopharynx. The 5‐year survival rate of primary NPC is 80% with significant risks of recurrence. The objective here is to provide an evidence‐based systemic review of the diagnostic value of different modalities in detecting local, regional, and distal recurrent NPC, as well as the associated costs with these modalities.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane review database were queried. Two hundred and twenty‐three abstracts were generated using the inclusion criteria: patients >18 years of age; histopathological reference standard; and modalities pertaining to imaging or microbiology.

Results

Twenty‐four manuscripts fulfilled the inclusion criteria and 5 surveillance tools identified: endoscopy, MR, FDG‐PET, Tc‐99m MIBI and 201TI SPECT, and EBV DNA.

Conclusions

For local surveillance, endoscopy is the gold standard recommendation, with increased efficacy if Narrow Band Imaging or contact endoscopy are utilized. MRI and FDG‐PET is also recommended to help with local to distal spread; however, Tc‐99m MIBI and 201TI SPECT are options as well. EBV DNA is recommended as a cheap and accessible adjunct surveillance tool if an available as an option.
Borders and Boundaries in and around Dutch Jewish History
Authors: Wertheim David , Frishman Judith , Haan Ido de , Cahen Joel
Published: January 2021

The widespread and long-held preconception that all Jews lived in ghettos and were relentlessly subject to discrimination prior to the Enlightenment has only slowly eroded. Geographically speaking, Jews rarely lived in ghettos and have never been confined within the borders of one nation or country. Power struggles and wars often led to the creation of new national borders that divided communities once united. But if identity formation is subject to change and negotiation, it does not depend solely on shifting geographical borders. A variety of boundaries were and are still being constructed and maintained between ethnic and other collective identities. The contributors to this book, like other post-modernist historians, turn their gaze to a wide range of identities once taken for granted, identities located on the border lines between one country and the next, between Jews and non-Jews as well as on those between one group of Jews and another.
The Digital Archive of Artists’ Publishing (DAAP): An email conversation with Ami Clarke and Lozana Rossenova
Authors: Clarke Ami , Rossenova Lozana , Grandal Montero Gustavo
Published: January 2021

Gustavo Grandal Montero (ALJ):Could you give an overview of the main aims and context of the project?

Ami Clarke (AC): The Digital Archive of Artists’ Publishing (DAAP) is an interactive, user-driven, searchable database of artists’ books and publications, that acts as a hub to engage with others, built by artists, publishers and a community of creative practitioners in contemporary artists’ publishing, developed via an ethically-driven design process, and supported by Wikimedia UK and Arts Council England. The project is inspired by the site of Banner Repeater's public Archive of Artists’ Publishing on Hackney Downs train station, with 11,000 people passing a day, in response to the need for a similarly dynamic approach to archiving in an online context.
Moving everything out – a risk assessment: Off-site storage for the Frick Art Reference Library, analysed by an ARIAH-RIHA Professional Exchange Fellow
Authors: Posch Cornelia
Published: January 2021

In the fall of 2019, I received the ARIAH-RIHA Professional Exchange Fellowship, which gave me the opportunity to spend time in New York City, working on a project that aligned with my research and practice interest in emergency preparedness. The Frick Art Reference Library hosted me for three weeks, during which I could apply some of my theoretical knowledge and gain practical experience, while contributing to their preparedness by assessing risks related to an impending move of the collection. Working on prevention and preparedness in my own institution at the time, I wanted to get a sense of the steps that another library, similar in size and scope, was taking to ensure the integrity of its holdings in preparation of such a complex activity as a relocation of the entire collection.
Advancing medical technology innovation and clinical translation via a model of industry-enabled technical and educational support: Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute’s Medical Technology Advance Program
Authors: Brightman Andrew O. , Coffee R. Lane , Garcia Kara , Lottes Aaron E. , Sors Thomas G. , Moe Sharon M. , Wodicka George R.
Published: January 2021

The success rate for translation of newly engineered medical technologies into clinical practice is low. Traversing the “translational valleys of death” requires a high level of knowledge of the complex landscape of technical, ethical, regulatory, and commercialization challenges along a multi-agency path of approvals. The Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute developed a program targeted at increasing that success rate through comprehensive training, education, and resourcing. The Medical Technology Advance Program (MTAP) provides technical, educational, and consultative assistance to investigators that leverages partnerships with experts in the health products industry to speed progress toward clinical implementation. The training, resourcing, and guidance are integrated through the entire journey of medical technology translation. Investigators are supported through a set of courses that cover bioethics, ethical engineering, preclinical and clinical study design, regulatory submissions, entrepreneurship, and commercialization. In addition to the integrated technical and educational resources, program experts provide direct consultation for planning each phase along the life cycle of translation. Since 2008, nearly 200 investigators have gained assistance from MTAP resulting in over 100 publications and patents. This support via medicine–engineering–industry partnership provides a unique and novel opportunity to expedite new medical technologies into clinical and product implementation.
Michael Moran, 1946–2018: An Intellectual Memoir
Authors: Gamble Andrew
Published: January 2021

Michael Moran's intellectual journey is a remarkable one. Starting from quite a narrow focus on industrial relations in the 1970s, he switched his main research interest to the politics of banking and to changes in financial regulation during the 1980s. In the 1990s he extended this interest in regulation to write about the emergence of the British regulatory state, which culminated in his major publication, The British Regulatory State: High Modernism and Hyper-Innovation (Moran 2003). After 2008 he turned his attention to the nature of contemporary capitalism and how it might be reformed. A subsidiary but important second theme was his broad interest in British politics, which led through various publications to a major single-authored textbook, Politics and Governance in the UK (Moran 2011), as well as the very successful co-authored text Politics UK (Jones et al. 1990) and what turned out to be his valedictory work, The End of British Politics? (Moran 2017).
Infrastructure Strategies for Achieving the Global Development Agendas in Small Islands
Authors: Adshead Daniel , Roman Orlando , Thacker Scott , Hall Jim W.
Published: January 2021

Small island developing states face particular challenges to ensure their infrastructure promotes social, economic, and environmental well‐being. Closing the achievement gap for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) involves prioritization and coordination across multiple sectors. With an application to the country of Saint Lucia, this paper develops a stakeholder‐driven analysis framework integrating four interdependent infrastructure sectors (electricity, water, wastewater, and solid waste). Drawing on extensive consultation with decision‐makers in‐country—134 stakeholders from 18 government ministries, agencies, academia, or the private sector—the analysis identifies specific interventions that could be implemented over the next decades to meet future needs for sustainable infrastructure services. These interventions are congruent with the government's development plans. Long‐term, cross‐sectoral portfolios of investments and policies (“strategies”) are developed which demonstrably reach the targets of the SDGs and Saint Lucia's emissions reduction commitments under the Paris Agreement. The sequencing of these investments or policies is designed to optimize their efficiency and impact over time, identifying “quick wins” while ensuring that there is sufficient action to provide services in the long‐term sustainably. A comparison of costs associated with each strategy suggests that accounting for interdependencies and taking a long‐term perspective can save costs over the life of infrastructure investments. This process of infrastructure assessment is applicable beyond the small island context, allowing practitioners a means to undertake systematic assessment of a country's future infrastructure needs and to develop appropriate solutions aligned with its national objectives and international commitments.
Hydrogeologic and Geochemical Distinctions in Freshwater‐Brine Systems of an Andean Salar
Authors: Munk L. A. , Boutt D. F. , Moran B. J. , McKnight S. V. , Jenckes J.
Published: January 2021

The Salar de Atacama contains one of the world's most important lithium resources and hosts unique and fragile desert ecosystems. Water use issues of the hyper‐arid region have placed it at the center of global attention. This work combines geochemical and hydrogeologic data with remote sensing analysis to address differences in water zones in the marginal environments of the salar. Water samples from across the inflow to brine transition were collected over the period 2012–2016 and analyzed for ẟD, 3H, 87Sr/86Sr and major and minor elements. The ẟD values range from about −64‰ to +20‰, 3H as Rmod from 0.01 to 0.36 and the 87Sr/86Sr from 0.70750 to 0.70804 with highest ẟD and 3H occurring in the regions of open water. Geochemical modeling results indicate inflow and shallow transition zone waters are saturated with respect to calcite, whereas all others are saturated with respect to calcite, gypsum, and halite. Long‐term remote‐sensing of surface water body extents indicate that extreme precipitation events are the primary driver of surface area changes as exemplified by an increase in size of the lagoons by a factor of 2.7 after a storm. A new conceptual model of the freshwater to brine transition zone that incorporates variability in aquifer geology, hydrology and geochemistry to explain important marginal water bodies is presented. The subsurface brines in the transition zone and the halite nucleus are geochemically distinct compared to the groundwater discharge features (e.g., lagoons) over modern time scales which aids in conceptualizing the transition zone system.
A Review of Health Issues Related to Child Labor and Violence Within Artisanal and Small‐Scale Mining
Authors: Schwartz Franklin W. , Lee Sangsuk , Darrah Thomas H.
Published: January 2021

This review examines health issues around human/social determinants of health within artisanal and small‐scale mining (ASM). The focus is on working children and violence. Within the area of violence, the collection of health risks is broad, ranging from self‐directed impacts such as suicide or neglect, to interpersonal impacts such as child or intimate partner abuse, and to collective violence such as trafficking, fighting for resources and ultimately war. Discussions on such impacts are less about accidents and illnesses and more about psychological issues. We review studies shedding light on health implications of ASM for children at sites in Suriname and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These studies helped to dispel the perception that the long list of hazards and health risks commonly cited are present at every mining site. Although worker and community interviews provide useful information about accidents and other common ailments, they cannot replace formal medical screenings for serious health problems. There are likely health effects related to criminality and violence. Detailed interviews from Domaine Marial, DRC, with respect to violence to children and intimate women partners are sobering. Violence has also developed with takeovers by local gangs, domestic and transnational organized criminal groups, and insurgent and terrorist groups. Human health can be negatively impacted by worsened working conditions, collateral damage due to fighting among criminal groups and violence more generally, loss of employment or displacement. The negative impacts of ASM can be reduced through policy interventions based on an understanding of what is happening in various countries.
Multievent Study of Characteristics and Propagation of Naturally Occurring ELF/VLF Waves Using High‐Latitude Ground Observations and Conjunctions With the Arase Satellite
Authors: Martinez‐Calderon C. , Katoh Y. , Manninen J. , Santolik O. , Kasahara Y. , Matsuda S. , Kumamoto A. , Tsuchiya F. , Matsuoka A. , Shoji M. , Teramoto M. , Shinohara I. , Shiokawa K. , Miyoshi Y.
Published: January 2021

We report the properties of the ionospheric exit point and characteristics of several types of very low frequency waves, including chorus and quasiperiodic emissions, based on a comprehensive dataset of simultaneous observations between ground and space. Whistler‐mode waves were observed at Kannuslehto (L = 5.5, KAN), Finland, and in the inner magnetosphere by the Japanese Arase satellite. During the 2017–2018 winter campaign, we found 13 cases showing one‐to‐one correspondence of wave spectra between KAN and Arase. This is the first time that such a large number of conjugated events have been reported at once. The duration of the events ranged from a few minutes up to 3 h, with 90% of events detected in the afternoon sector. While the occurrence rate is higher during daytime, this can also be related to a majority of the detected waves being quasiperiodic emissions, a known dayside phenomenon. Arase was usually located within 30° of the equator, at L ∼4–5, and detected mostly waves propagating at oblique angles (≥20°). Frequently, the ionospheric magnetic footprint of Arase was located equatorwards (south) from KAN, often in the same geographical area. We investigated the probable location of the ionospheric exit point of the waves from the location of the footprint of Arase and the angle of arrival of waves detected at KAN. Using density measurements at Arase we discuss magnetospheric wave propagation; we find that, in most cases, waves were unducted in their propagation from the satellite to the ground.
Aquatic Biogeochemical Eddy Covariance Fluxes in the Presence of Waves
Authors: Long Matthew H.
Published: January 2021

The eddy covariance (EC) technique is a powerful tool for measuring atmospheric exchange rates that was recently adapted by biogeochemists to measure aquatic oxygen fluxes. A review of aquatic biogeochemical EC literature revealed that the majority of studies were conducted in shallow waters where waves were likely present, and that waves biased sensor and turbulence measurements. This review identified that larger measurement heights shifted turbulence to lower frequencies, producing a spectral gap between turbulence and wave frequencies. However, some studies sampled too close to the boundary to allow for a spectral turbulence‐wave gap, and a change in how EC measurements are conducted and analyzed is needed to remove wave‐bias. EC fluxes have only been derived from the time‐averaged product of vertical velocity and oxygen, often resulting in wave‐bias. Presented is a new analysis framework for removing wave‐bias by accumulation of cross‐power spectral densities below wave frequencies. This analysis framework also includes new measurement guidelines based on wave period, currents, and measurement heights. This framework is applied to sand, seagrass, and reef environments where traditional EC analysis resulted in wave‐bias of 7.0% ± 9.2% error in biogeochemical (oxygen and H+) fluxes, while more variable and higher error was evident in momentum fluxes (10.5% ± 21.0% error). It is anticipated that this framework will lead to significant changes in how EC measurements are conducted and evaluated, and help overcome the major limitations caused by wave‐sensitive and slow‐response sensors, potentially expanding new chemical tracer applications and more widespread use of the EC technique.
Simultaneous Observations of Turbulent Reynolds Stress in the Ocean Surface Boundary Layer and Wind Stress over the Sea Surface
Authors: Huang Chuan Jiang , Qiao Fangli
Published: January 2021

This study used high‐frequency acoustic instruments mounted on an offshore observation platform to obtain simultaneous in situ measurements of sea surface winds and ocean currents. The acquired data were used to compare quantitatively the turbulent Reynolds stress in the ocean surface boundary layer (OSBL) and the wind stress over the sea surface. During the study period (∼10 d), the sea state was largely dominated by swell and breaking wind waves. The eddy covariance method was used to estimate the two stresses. A combination of the synchrosqueezed wavelet transform (SWT) method and a moving average was employed for wave‐turbulence decomposition of the oceanic velocities. Results showed that the turbulent Reynolds stress in the OSBL is affected greatly by surface gravity waves and that it scales with the wave characteristics. Direct comparison revealed that the turbulent Reynolds stress in the OSBL could be larger than the wind stress in certain circumstances, which differs from the traditional view that the former cannot be greater than the latter. In certain extreme cases, their ratio can be up to one order of magnitude. Therefore, we conclude that surface waves can enhance significantly the turbulent Reynolds stress in the OSBL.
Terahertz and Photonics Seamless Short‐Distance Links for Future Mobile Networks
Authors: Kawanishi T. , Inagaki K. , Kanno A. , Yamamoto N. , Aiba T. , Yasuda H. , Wakabayashi T.
Published: January 2021

High‐speed data transfer and high‐performance imaging can be realized by using radio‐waves in high‐frequency bands, such as millimeter‐waves and THz‐waves, where wide frequency bands are available. However, the cell size would be smaller than a few hundred meters, due to large free space propagation loss and large atmospheric attenuation. Thus, many base stations, which are connected by networks, are required to offer nationwide or global network services by such high‐frequency radio‐bands. The networks would be constructed by various transmission media including optical fibers and fixed wireless links, where many media converters are required. This paper reviews various technologies for seamless bridges between radio and optical links. For the time being, congestion of radio spectrum in THz bands is not significant. However, if we look at the history of radio‐wave technologies, spectral congestion has been high even in newly developed high frequency bands. In active radio services in millimeter‐wave or THz‐wave bands, interference mitigation with passive services such as radio astronomy and Earth observation satellites is an important issue, as of now. This paper describes research trends of THz‐wave technologies from the point of view of a figure of merit defined by a product of the carrier frequency and spectral efficiency, to discuss the significance of spectral efficiency enhancement in the high‐frequency region. Analysis of power consumption of short‐distance radio systems is also shown to discuss expected performance of THz‐wave links.
Tectonic Inversion and Geomorphic Evolution of the Algerian Margin Since Messinian Times: Insights From New Onshore/Offshore Analog Modeling Experiments
Authors: Strzerzynski Pierre , Dominguez Stéphane , Boudiaf Azzedine , Déverchère Jacques
Published: January 2021

Tectonic inversion of passive margins is a common but poorly documented process preceding subduction inception. We perform here a comprehensive land‐sea experimental modeling of this key process by reproducing the morphotectonic and sedimentary evolution of the central Algerian margin over the last 6 Myr. Our approach is based on scaled analog models integrating interactions between crustal shortening and surface processes, including erosion, water transport, sedimentation, gravitational instabilities, and base‐level changes. A challenge was to simulate the effects of the Messinian Salinity Crisis (MSC) through a major sea‐level oscillation and halite deposition. By using realistic boundary conditions, adapted analog material, and robust, first‐order parameters for physiography setups, we successfully reproduce the morphotectonic domains and the time‐dependent geometrical relationships between fluvio‐deltaic sedimentary systems, erosional surfaces, and thrust faults as observed since Messinian times. Our results highlight (1) the key role played by the MSC sea‐level oscillation on an ultra‐fast building, destruction and re‐sedimentation of fans and deltas from the upper slope to the abyssal plain; (2) the development of a large popup structure subparallel to the coastline, with progressive strain migration from the backthrust on land toward a frontal thrust of opposite vergence at mid‐slope and the margin toe; and (3) the importance of lateral changes in initial wedge shape and strain distribution for determining the non‐cylindrical geometry of the margin and progradation of piggy‐back basins during tectonic inversion. Our results support that the central Algerian margin is witnessing the early building of an accretionary wedge combining thin‐skinned and thick‐skinned tectonic styles.
Ta�no Stilt Houses May Have Been an Adaptation to Climate Change
Authors: Supriya Lakshmi
Published: January 2021

A coastal village in the Caribbean flourished during a period of increased hurricanes. Research suggests the Ta�no designed their dwellings to persist through the greater storm surges.
PIWIL2 interacting with IKK to regulate autophagy and apoptosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Xu , Huang Lian , Lu Yilu , Jiang Wenhao , Song Yue , Qiu Bojun , Tao Dachang , Liu Yunqiang , Ma Yongxin
Published: January 2021

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common malignancies and cause of death from cancer in China. Previous studies showed that autophagy and apoptosis inhibition are critical for the survival of ESCC cells. However, the underlying mechanisms remain to be clarified. Recently, we found that PIWIL2, a novel cancer testis protein, is highly expressed in ESCC and associated with high T-stage and poor 5-year survival rate in patients. Our further study showed that PIWIL2 can directly bind to IKK and promote its phosphorylation, leading to phosphorylation of IκB and subsequently nuclear translocation of NF-κB for apoptosis inhibition. Meanwhile, PIWIL2 competitively inhibits binding of IKK to TSC1, and thus deactivate mTORC1 pathway which suppresses ULK1 phosphorylation and initiation of autophagy. The mouse xenograft model suggested that PIWIL2 can promote ESCC growth in an IKK-dependent manner. This present work firstly revealed that PIWIL2 can play a role in regulating autophagy and apoptosis, and is associated with poor prognosis in ESCC patients, providing novel insights into the roles of PIWIL2 in tumorigenesis.
Histone methyltransferase WHSC1 inhibits colorectal cancer cell apoptosis via targeting anti-apoptotic BCL2
Authors: Wang Yu , Zhu Liming , Guo Mei , Sun Gang , Zhou Kun , Pang Wenjing , Cao Dachun , Tang Xin , Meng Xiangjun
Published: January 2021

WHSC1 is a histone methyltransferase that facilitates histone H3 lysine 36 dimethylation (H3K36me2), which is a permissive mark associated with active transcription. In this study, we revealed how WHSC1 regulates tumorigenesis and chemosensitivity of colorectal cancer (CRC). Our data showed that WHSC1 as well as H3K36me2 were highly expressed in clinical CRC samples, and high WHSC1 expression is associated with poorer prognosis in CRC patients. WHSC1 reduction promoted colon cancer cell apoptosis both in vivo and in vitro. We found that B cell lymphoma-2 (BCL2) expression, an anti-apoptotic protein, is markedly decreased in after WHSC1 depletion. Mechanistic characterization indicated that WHSC1 directly binds to the promoter region of BCL2 gene and regulate its H3K36 dimethylation level. What’s more, our study indicated that WHSC1 depletion promotes chemosensitivity in CRC cells. Together, our results suggested that WHSC1 and H3K36me2 modification might be optimal therapeutic targets to disrupt CRC progression and WHSC1-targeted therapy might potentially overcome the resistance of chemotherapeutic agents.
Global tissue transcriptomic analysis to improve genome annotation and unravel skin pigmentation in goldfish
Authors: Gan Wu , Chung-Davidson Yu-Wen , Chen Zelin , Song Shiying , Cui Wenyao , He Wei , Zhang Qinghua , Li Weiming , Li Mingyou , Ren Jianfeng
Published: January 2021

Goldfish is an ornamental fish with diverse phenotypes. However, the limited genomic resources of goldfish hamper our understanding of the genetic basis for its phenotypic diversity. To provide enriched genomic resources and infer possible mechanisms underlying skin pigmentation, we performed a large-scale transcriptomic sequencing on 13 adult goldfish tissues, larvae at one- and three-days post hatch, and skin tissues with four different color pigmentation. A total of 25.52 Gb and 149.80 Gb clean data were obtained using the PacBio and Illumina platforms, respectively. Onto the goldfish reference genome, we mapped 137,674 non-redundant transcripts, of which 5.54% was known isoforms and 78.53% was novel isoforms of the reference genes, and the remaining 21,926 isoforms are novel isoforms of additional new genes. Both skin-specific and color-specific transcriptomic analyses showed that several significantly enriched genes were known to be involved in melanogenesis, tyrosine metabolism, PPAR signaling pathway, folate biosynthesis metabolism and so on. Thirteen differentially expressed genes across different color skins were associated with melanogenesis and pteridine synthesis including mitf, ednrb, mc1r, tyr, mlph and gch1, and xanthophore differentiation such as pax7, slc2a11 and slc2a15. These transcriptomic data revealed pathways involved in goldfish pigmentation and improved the gene annotation of the reference genome.
An economic and disease transmission model of human papillomavirus and oropharyngeal cancer in Texas
Authors: Zhong Chengxue , Xu Li , Peng Ho-Lan , Tam Samantha , Xu Li , Dahlstrom Kristina R. , Wu Chi-Fang , Fu Shuangshuang , Chan Wenyaw , Sturgis Erich M. , Ramondetta Lois M. , Rong Libin , Lairson David R. , Miao Hongyu
Published: January 2021

In 2017, 46,157 and 3,127 new oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) cases were reported in the U.S. and Texas, respectively. About 70% of OPC were attributed to human papillomavirus (HPV). However, only 51% of U.S. and 43.5% of Texas adolescents have completed the HPV vaccine series. Therefore, modeling the demographic dynamics and transmission of HPV and OPC progression is needed for accurate estimation of the economic and epidemiological impacts of HPV vaccine in a geographic area. An age-structured population dynamic model was developed for the U.S. state of Texas. With Texas-specific model parameters calibrated, this model described the dynamics of HPV-associated OPC in Texas. Parameters for the Year 2010 were used as the initial values, and the prediction for Year 2012 was compared with the real age-specific incidence rates in 23 age groups for model validation. The validated model was applied to predict 100-year age-adjusted incidence rates. The public health benefits of HPV vaccine uptake were evaluated by computer simulation. Compared with current vaccination program, increasing vaccine uptake rates by 50% would decrease the cumulative cases by 4403, within 100 years. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of this strategy was $94,518 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. Increasing the vaccine uptake rate by 50% can: (i) reduce the incidence rates of OPC among both males and females; (ii) improve the quality-adjusted life years for both males and females; (iii) be cost-effective and has the potential to provide tremendous public health benefits in Texas.
Increased adiponectin levels are associated with higher radiographic scores in the knee joint, but not in the hand joint
Authors: Xu Haimuzi , Kang Ji-Hyoun , Choi Sung-Eun , Park Dong-Jin , Kweon Sun-Seog , Lee Young-Hoon , Kim Hye-Yeon , Lee Jung-Kil , Shin Min-Ho , Lee Shin-Seok
Published: January 2021

Several studies have evaluated the association between serum adiponectin levels and knee and hand osteoarthritis (OA); mixed results have been reported. We investigated the relationship between OA and serum adiponectin levels according to the radiographic features of knee and hand OA. A total of 2402 subjects was recruited from the Dong-gu Study. Baseline characteristics were collected via a questionnaire, and X-rays of knee and hand joints were scored using a semi-quantitative grading system. The relationship between serum adiponectin levels and radiographic severity was evaluated by linear and logistic regression analysis. Subjects in the higher serum adiponectin levels tertiles were older and had a lower body mass index (BMI) than those in the lower tertiles. Regarding knee joint scores, serum adiponectin levels was positively associated with the total (P < 0.001), osteophyte (P = 0.003), and joint space narrowing (JSN) scores (P < 0.001) after adjustment for age, sex, BMI, smoking, alcohol consumption, education, and physical activity. In terms of hand joint scores, no association was found between serum adiponectin levels and the total, osteophyte, JSN, subchondral cyst, sclerosis, erosion, or malalignment score after the above-mentioned adjustments. Similarly, subjects with serum adiponectin levels above the median had higher total radiographic scores in the knee joints, but not in the hand joints, after adjustment. An increased serum adiponectin levels was associated with a higher radiographic score in the knee joint, but not in the hand joint, suggesting the involvement of different pathophysiologic mechanisms in the development of OA between those joints.
The surprising role of the default mode network in naturalistic perception
Authors: Brandman Talia , Malach Rafael , Simony Erez
Published: January 2021

The default mode network (DMN) is a group of high-order brain regions recently implicated in processing external naturalistic events, yet it remains unclear what cognitive function it serves. Here we identified the cognitive states predictive of DMN fMRI coactivation. Particularly, we developed a state-fluctuation pattern analysis, matching network coactivations across a short movie with retrospective behavioral sampling of movie events. Network coactivation was selectively correlated with the state of surprise across movie events, compared to all other cognitive states (e.g. emotion, vividness). The effect was exhibited in the DMN, but not dorsal attention or visual networks. Furthermore, surprise was found to mediate DMN coactivations with hippocampus and nucleus accumbens. These unexpected findings point to the DMN as a major hub in high-level prediction-error representations.
The Divider Assay is a high-throughput pipeline for aggression analysis in Drosophila
Authors: Chowdhury Budhaditya , Wang Meng , Gnerer Joshua P. , Dierick Herman A.
Published: January 2021

Aggression is a complex social behavior that remains poorly understood. Drosophila has become a powerful model system to study the underlying biology of aggression but lack of high throughput screening and analysis continues to be a barrier for comprehensive mutant and circuit discovery. Here we developed the Divider Assay, a simplified experimental procedure to make aggression analysis in Drosophila fast and accurate. In contrast to existing methods, we can analyze aggression over long time intervals and in complete darkness. While aggression is reduced in the dark, flies are capable of intense fighting without seeing their opponent. Twenty-four-hour behavioral analysis showed a peak in fighting during the middle of the day, a drastic drop at night, followed by re-engagement with a further increase in aggression in anticipation of the next day. Our pipeline is easy to implement and will facilitate high throughput screening for mechanistic dissection of aggression.
Organisational and neuromodulatory underpinnings of structural-functional connectivity decoupling in patients with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Zarkali Angeliki , McColgan Peter , Leyland Louise-Ann , Lees Andrew J. , Rees Geraint , Weil Rimona S.
Published: January 2021

Parkinson’s dementia is characterised by changes in perception and thought, and preceded by visual dysfunction, making this a useful surrogate for dementia risk. Structural and functional connectivity changes are seen in humans with Parkinson’s disease, but the organisational principles are not known. We used resting-state fMRI and diffusion-weighted imaging to examine changes in structural-functional connectivity coupling in patients with Parkinson’s disease, and those at risk of dementia. We identified two organisational gradients to structural-functional connectivity decoupling: anterior-to-posterior and unimodal-to-transmodal, with stronger structural-functional connectivity coupling in anterior, unimodal areas and weakened towards posterior, transmodal regions. Next, we related spatial patterns of decoupling to expression of neurotransmitter receptors. We found that dopaminergic and serotonergic transmission relates to decoupling in Parkinson’s overall, but instead, serotonergic, cholinergic and noradrenergic transmission relates to decoupling in patients with visual dysfunction. Our findings provide a framework to explain the specific disorders of consciousness in Parkinson’s dementia, and the neurotransmitter systems that underlie these.
A corset function of exoskeletal ECM promotes body elongation in Drosophila
Authors: Tajiri Reiko , Fujiwara Haruhiko , Kojima Tetsuya
Published: January 2021

Body elongation is a general feature of development. Postembryonically, the body needs to be framed and protected by extracellular materials, such as the skeleton, the skin and the shell, which have greater strength than cells. Thus, body elongation after embryogenesis must be reconciled with those rigid extracellular materials. Here we show that the exoskeleton (cuticle) coating the Drosophila larval body has a mechanical property to expand less efficiently along the body circumference than along the anteroposterior axis. This “corset” property of the cuticle directs a change in body shape during body growth from a relatively round shape to an elongated one. Furthermore, the corset property depends on the functions of Cuticular protein 11 A and Tubby, protein components of a sub-surface layer of the larval cuticle. Thus, constructing a stretchable cuticle and supplying it with components that confer circumferential stiffness is the fly’s strategy for executing postembryonic body elongation.
Conjugate faulting and structural complexity on the young fault system associated with the 2000 Tottori earthquake
Authors: Kato Aitaro , Sakai Shin’ichi , Matsumoto Satoshi , Iio Yoshihisa
Published: January 2021

Young faults display unique complexity associated with their evolution, but how this relates to earthquake occurrence is unclear. Unravelling the fine-scale complexity in these systems could lead to a greater understanding of ongoing strain localization in young fault zones. Here we present high-spatial-resolution images of seismic sources and structural properties along a young fault zone that hosted the Tottori earthquake (Mw 6.8) in southwest Japan in 2000, based on data from a hyperdense network of ~1,000 seismic stations. Our precise micro-earthquake catalog reveals conjugate faulting over multiple length scales. These conjugate faults are well developed in zones of low seismic velocity. A vertically dipping seismic cluster of about 200 m length occurs within a width of about 10 m. Earthquake migrations in this cluster have a speed of about 30 m per day, which suggests that fluid diffusion plays a role. We suggest that fine structural complexities influence the pattern of seismicity in a developing fault system.
Multivalency in CXCR4 chemokine receptor targeted iron oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Baghdadi Neazar E. , Burke Benjamin P. , Alresheedi Tahani , Nigam Shubhanchi , Saeed Abdu , Almutairi Farooq , Domarkas Juozas , Khan Abid , Archibald Stephen J.
Published: January 2021

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles have been coated with a low affinity CXCR4 receptor antagonist to give a high affinity multivalent CXCR4 binding construct.
A hybrid plasma electrocatalytic process for sustainable ammonia production
Authors: Sun Jing , Alam David , Daiyan Rahman , Masood Hassan , Zhang Tianqi , Zhou Renwu , Cullen Patrick J. , Lovell Emma C. , Jalili Ali (Rouhollah) , Amal Rose
Published: January 2021

Sustainable ammonia production using water and air through the coupling of plasma-driven intermediary NOx generation and their electrocatalytic conversion.
Fluorinated porous silicon as sensor material for environmentally toxic gases: a first-principles study
Authors: Santana José Eduardo , de Santiago Francisco , Miranda Álvaro , Pérez Luis Antonio , Salazar Fernando , Trejo Alejandro , Cruz-Irisson Miguel
Published: January 2021

Theoretical study of the adsorption of environmentally harmful molecules on fluorinated porous silicon.
Comparison of a dimeric and a monomeric indium-quinolinato complex: synthesis, structure and photoluminescence
Authors: Alexander Orbett T. , Duvenhage Mart M. , Kroon Robin E. , Brink Alice , Visser Hendrik G.
Published: January 2021

Two indium(iii) complexes, mer-[In(Ox)3]·2H2O (1) and [In2(Ox)2Cl2-μ-[κ2-O,O′-(Ox)2]]·C7H8 (2) (Ox = 8-hydroxyquinolinate), were synthesized and characterised for comparison by NMR, X-ray diffraction and photoluminescence.
The role of MnO2/polyaniline/Y-type barium hexaferrite (Al2Y, Mg2Y, and Ni2Y) nanoparticles in the improvement of the microwave absorption properties of polyester coatings
Authors: Rahmani Sina , Seyed Dorraji Mir Saeed , Hosseini Seyyedeh Fatemeh , Amani-Ghadim Alireza , Rasoulifard Mohammad Hossein , Hajimiri Ismael
Published: January 2021

The prepared nanocomposite can be suggested as a promising microwave absorbent with the highest effective absorption at the lowest thickness.
Ultrasensitive and highly selective detection of formaldehyde via an adenine-based biological metal–organic framework
Authors: Wei Yu-Bai , Wang Ming-Jie , Luo Dong , Huang Yong-Liang , Xie Mo , Lu Weigang , Shu Xugang , Li Dan
Published: January 2021

We demonstrate a successful design of an adenine-based BioMOF for highly sensitive formaldehyde recognition without the interference of other VOCs by utilizing its reactivity on Watson–Crick sites and MOF compartmentalization.
Inhibited oxidase mimetic activity of palladium nanoplates by poisoning the active sites for thiocyanate detection
Authors: Kang Ge , Jing Yijia , Liu Wendong , Zhang Chenghui , Lu Lixia , Chen Chuanxia , Lu Yizhong
Published: January 2021

A colorimetric SCN− assay is developed through poisoning the oxidase-mimetic active sites of palladium nanoplates.
Color-tunable tetracoordinated organoboron complexes exhibiting aggregation-induced emission for the efficient turn-on detection of fluoride ions
Authors: Qi Yanyu , Cao Xiaosong , Zou Yang , Yang Chuluo
Published: January 2021

A aggregation-induced emission-characterized tetracoordinated organoboron complex-based probe for the turn-on detection of fluoride ion is reported.
P2X7 receptor antagonism increases regulatory T cells and reduces clinical and histological graft-versus-host disease in a humanised mouse model
Authors: Cuthbertson Peter , Geraghty Nicholas J. , Adhikary Sam R. , Casolin Sienna , Watson Debbie , Sluyter Ronald
Published: January 2021

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a severe inflammatory response arising from allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Previous studies revealed that antagonism of the P2X7 receptor with Brilliant Blue G (BBG) reduced liver GVHD but did not alter clinical GVHD in a humanised mouse model. Therefore, the present study aimed to trial a modified injection regime using more frequent dosing of BBG to improve outcomes in this model of GVHD. NOD-scid IL2Rγnull (NSG) mice were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with 10 × 106 human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMCs) (day 0), then daily with BBG (50 mg/kg) or saline (days 0–10). BBG significantly reduced clinical score, mortality and histological GVHD compared with saline treatment (endpoint). BBG significantly increased proportions of human regulatory T cells (Tregs) and human B cells and reduced serum human interferon-γ compared with saline treatment prior to development of clinical GVHD (day 21). To confirm the therapeutic benefit of P2X7 antagonism, NSG mice were injected i.p. with 10 × 106 hPBMCs (day 0), then daily with pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2′,4′-disulfonic acid (PPADS) (300 mg/kg) or saline (days 0–10). PPADS increased human Treg proportions compared with saline treatment (day 21), but potential clinical benefits were confounded by increased weight loss with this antagonist. To investigate the role of P2X7 antagonism on Treg survival, hPBMCs were cultured in reduced serum conditions to promote cell death. BBG increased proportions of Tregs (and B cells) compared with saline under these conditions. In conclusion, P2X7 antagonism reduces clinical and histological GVHD in a humanised mouse model corresponding to an increase in human Tregs.
Volume and Verve: Understanding Correction/Behavioral Warnings in Teacher–Child Classroom Interactions Involving an African American Kindergarten Student
Authors: Hamilton Megan-Brette , DeThorne Laura
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Using a framework of culturally and linguistically responsive classroom management, this study employed both quantitative and qualitative analyses of ethnographic data to illustrate patterns of corrections/behavioral warnings in teacher–child interactions for an African American child in the classroom.

Method

Three child participants and their teacher were recruited for the study: MJ, an African American kindergartner, the focal child, and two same-sex Filipino classmates who spoke a nonmainstream dialect of English, Ben and Leo, for frame of reference. None of the three boys were diagnosed with language-learning difficulties. Data analyses included (a) categorical analyses of observational field notes taken across a 7-week period of classroom observation and (b) situated discourse analysis taken from video-recorded small group literacy lessons also in the classroom.

Results

Two key findings emerged. First, MJ, the focal participant, received a relatively high frequency of correction/behavioral warnings, both relative to the other forms of teacher-initiated interaction and also relative to his two classmates. Second, the majority of MJ's corrections/behavioral warnings were directed toward his volume and verve—features that have been associated with the communication style of many African American students.

Conclusions

We need to include teachers and administrators in our discussions about the communication style of African American students and broaden these discussions to explicitly consider the influence of nonverbal features, such as volume and verve, on patterns of teacher–student communication interactions. In particular, such communication features may be contributing to high-stakes outcomes for African American children, such as referrals, diagnoses, educational placements, and disciplinary actions.
Language Use and Development in Third-Person Singular Contexts: Assessment Implications
Authors: Newkirk-Turner Brandi L. , Green Lisa
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this assessment-focused clinical focus article is to increase familiarity with African American English (AAE)–speaking children's pattern of language use in third-person singular contexts and to discuss implications for speech-language assessments of developing AAE-speaking children.

Method

The clinical focus draws on descriptive case study data from four typically developing child speakers of AAE who are between the ages of 3 and 5 years. The children's data from three different sources—sentence imitation, story retell, and play-based language samples—were subjected to linguistic analyses.

Results

The three sources of linguistic data offered different insights into the children's production of–sand other linguistic patterns in third-person singular contexts.

Conclusions

This study underscores the importance of exploring developing child AAE from a descriptive approach to reveal different types of information about patterns of morphological marking in different linguistic contexts, which is crucial in assessing developing AAE. Implications for language assessment are discussed.
Teacher Report of Students' Dialect Use and Language Ability
Authors: Hendricks Alison Eisel , Jimenez Carolyn
Published: January 2021

Purpose

For many school-age children, teachers are the first professionals to refer for speech/language services. However, many speech-language pathologists note that students without language disorders who speak non–mainstream American English (NMAE) dialects are referred to speech/language evaluation. This research note presents results of a preliminary study exploring teachers' ability to report student dialect use and how teacher reports of language ability depend on their perception of the student's dialect use.

Method

Teachers completed a brief two-question survey about students' dialect use and a standardized questionnaire about students' language and literacy skills for 254 students (K‑second grades). A subset of 30 students completed a standardized screener of dialect use and language ability.

Results

Teachers reported that 12.2% of students spoke an NMAE dialect, whereas 77.2% did not. In sharp contrast, the Diagnostic Evaluation of Language Variation–Screening Test indicated that 63% of students spoke an NMAE dialect, and 37% spoke MAE, suggesting a discrepancy between teachers' perceptions of dialect use and children's dialect use. Written responses suggested teachers may confuse NMAE dialect use and bilingualism or speech/language difficulties. Interestingly, teachers reported lower language skills among students they believe speak an NMAE dialect (
p
= .021).

Conclusions

These results provide preliminary evidence that teachers may have difficulty determining student dialect use and may report lower language skills for students they believe speak an NMAE dialect. Interprofessional collaborations between teachers and speech-language pathologists may be able to reduce the likelihood of misdiagnosis of language disorders among students who speak NMAE dialects.