bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cuerpos del margen y sufrimientos sociales
Authors: Tijoux María Emilia , Scribano Adrián
Published: April 2021

EDITORIAL
Emociones, agravio y reconocimiento: los lesionados del 22 de Abril de 1992 en Guadalajara, México
Authors: Eufracio Jaramillo Jorge Federico
Published: April 2021

El presente artículo pretende aportar a los debates sobre el papel de las emociones en la acción colectiva. Para ello, se establecieron tres ejes teórico-conceptuales que lo articulan: 1) la sociología y antropología de las emociones; 2) la injusticia y el agravio moral y; 3) las luchas por el reconocimiento.En concreto, el documento tiene el objetivo de explicar las prácticas y sentires de un grupo de lesionados en Guadalajara, México, que fueron víctimas de una catástrofe antropogénica. La información utilizada para ello proviene de la revisión de notas periodísticas, la realización de entrevista y de una inmersión etnográfica de algunos años.Lo propuesto es que su acción colectiva sólo puede ser comprendida, en términos de su génesis, fuerza, objetivos y duración, por la profundidad del daño sentido, así como en las resultantes emociones morales.
Desarrollo Non Sancto. La religión como actor emergente en el debate global sobre el futuro del planeta
Authors: Duhart Smithson Daniel
Published: April 2021

.
Inclusión de derechos indígenas en Chile: Arquetipo constituyente desde América Latina
Authors: Acevedo De La Harpe Carolina
Published: April 2021

La experiencia Latinoamericana en el reconocimiento constitucional sobre derechos indígenas es fundamental para el proceso constituyente que se vivirá en Chile. Sobre la base de un análisis cualitativo comparativo (QCA) de 15 países se busca entender cómo los factores institucionales, políticos y sociales han sido determinantes para explicar un arquetipo de reconocimiento de derechos exitoso para los pueblos indígenas en América Latina. Los resultados del análisis muestran que el tipo de mecanismo institucional para el cambio de la constitución, en particular la asamblea/convención constituyente y la participación de los movimientos indígenas son necesarios para explicar la obtención de mayores derechos indígenas en las constituciones. Este estudio busca aportar en la comprensión de los resultados de los procesos constituyentes a nivel comparado, así como brindar un diálogo académico propicio para el proceso constituyente en materia indígena que vivirá próximamente Chile.
Measuring Indonesia's Commitment to Reducing Plastic Waste in the Sea Through A Legal Approach
Authors: Tarigan Muhammad Insan
Published: April 2021

Indonesia is the second-largest producer of plastic pollution in the world after China. Based on the data in 2018, there were about 1.29 million tonnes plastic waste end up in the ocean per annum. With that regard, Indonesia needs to be responsible for the negligence in doing the international obligation to prevent, reduce, and manage the pollution that affect marine environment. The purpose of this research is to observe Indonesia’s commitment in reducing plastic pollution on marine environment by doing some legal approach. Therefore, this research conducted by normative juridical and using descriptive analysis. Data analysis that obtained is done through literature study. The conclusion of this research is that the commitment of Indonesian Government on preventing plastic waste in marine environment relatively needs to be improved. There are some of regulations which already targeted that has not established yet by Indonesian Government.
With music: Education against university dropout? On the connection between experiential group music sessions and the university dropout process.
Authors: Csehi Agáta
Published: April 2021

'Dropout' is a phenomenon in practice and a defined concept in the literature, one of the most actual issues in education. It is a complex and multifaceted process. The Ratio research group, established at J. Selye University in Slovakia, also launched its research to study this phenomenon based on various objective and subjective aspects. The present study introduces a particular part of this research process. Music education is a crucial part of (pre-school and elementary) teacher training, which includes a unity of theoretical and practical knowledge. It is one of the most demanding subjects, which has been proven to cause difficulties in passing exams, in the successful fulfilment of the study conditions of teacher trainees and university studies. According to this facts, the study aims to assess the opinions of first-year (pre-school and elementary) teacher trainees and the objective and subjective circumstances (defined by them) that have helped or hindered them in meeting the study requirements for the subject of music education. Further, the paper aims to map out students' experiences during the study and exam period, which finally provided reinforcement in their university studies' relationship.
Why (and how) to teach sensible history?
Authors: Vajda Barnabás
Published: April 2021

From time to time, the question over the usefulness of history teaching is being raised. My study contributes to the scientific debate over the aims of history education, which seems to stand at a crossroad of an increasingly uncertain school environment on the one hand, and the booming historical reflections of the wide public on the other. The starting point of my study is a strong statement from the Euroclio, a professional organization representing European history teacher associations: "Many European pupils and students have problems understanding the past [...] pupils and students in many European countries have difficulty in seeing any purpose in studying the past, and [they rather] concentrate on topics which are considered useful for their future lives and careers." (Leeuw-Roord, 2004, 97) Can a pluralistic pedagogical system handle this situation sensibly? In case we make efforts to change this situation, an important question is to be answered: In the European school environment, how much time and space and willingness is to rethink our position? The stress should probably be on the potential history teachers and undergraduates.
Application of QTI query to explore the opinions of teacher students of the Carpathian Basin about ideal teacher interaction
Authors: Horvath Kinga , Tóth Peter
Published: April 2021

Interaction is considered a basic form of interpersonal contacts from communication theory, psychology and sociology. The process of education can be understood as a chain of mutual impacts between individuals (teacher-pupils or pupils-pupils) (Buda, 1986; Morel et al., 2000; Dagarin, 2004; Vincze, 2013). Building on Watzlawick’s communication theory (1967) and Leary’s interpersonal behaviour model (1957), Wubbels et al. (1987) developed their own model and measuring tool (QTI), which is apt to describe and measure the teacher’s interactional behaviour.  QTI is focused on the complex examination of interaction in three dimensions. We conducted our research in the first dimension, which is the assessment of the ideal teacher interaction, using the Hungarian version of the 48-item measurement tool applied by Fisher et al. (1995).  Our objectives were to (1) adapt a Hungarian version of the QTI query, (2) map the opinions formed by the 358 teacher students living in the Carpathian Basin and having Hungarian as their mother tongue on the ideal teacher interaction and finally (3) detect the variances caused by the background variables. According to the gained results, (1) ideal teacher interactions are characterized by directing (DC), helpful (CD), and understanding (CS) manner, while imposingness (DO) and compliance (SC) are evaluated diversely. (2) Concerning the background variables (gender, specialization, country and type of secondary school), significant differences have been found only in terms of the last two QTI variables.    Keywords: teacher interaction, teachers’ interpersonal classroom behaviour, QTI, teacher training
Multiple Crack Detection in Thick-walled Pipes Using Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm
Authors: Banimahd Amir , Amir Rahemi Mohammad
Published: April 2021

An analytical method for diagnosis of cracks in thick-walled pipes with a circular hollow section is investigated in this study. In the proposed method, the defect is assumed to be a non-leaking crack, which is modeled by a massless linear spring with infinitesimal length at the crack location. In order to find the cracks in the pipe, the vibration-based method related to the modal properties of the pipe is utilized. In the modal analysis, the mass and stiffness matrices influence the dynamic properties of the pipe. It is assumed that the mass matrix remains unchanged after the crack initiation, while the corresponding stiffness matrix changes. The stiffness matrix of a cracked element can be formulated by the finite element method with two unknown parameters: location and depth of the crack. Using the eigensolution for an undamped dynamic system to formulate the objective function yields to a complicated optimization problem, which can be solved by an iterative numerical optimization method. Among the optimization approaches, the Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) algorithm is a simple and flexible technique for minimizing the objective function. In this paper, the analytical model is utilized to find the size and position of cracks in a pipe using the ABC algorithm and subsequently some numerical examples are examined in order to assess the accuracy of the method. The results show that the proposed method is able to acceptably estimate the location and depth of multiple cracks in the straight pipes as well as curved ones.
Obesity and chronic kidney disease: prevalence, mechanism, and management
Authors: Yim Hyung Eun , Yoo Kee Hwan
Published: April 2021

The prevalence of childhood obesity is increasing worldwide at an alarming rate. While obesity is known to increase a variety of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, it also acts as a risk factor for the development and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). During childhood and adolescence, severe obesity is associated with an increased prevalence and incidence of the early stages of kidney disease. Importantly, children born to obese mothers are also at increased risk of developing obesity and CKD later in life. The potential mechanisms underlying the association between obesity and CKD include hemodynamic factors, metabolic effects, and lipid nephrotoxicity. Weight reduction via increased physical activity, caloric restriction, treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and judicious bariatric surgery can be used to control obesity and obesity-related kidney disease. Preventive strategies to halt the obesity epidemic in the healthcare community are needed to reduce the widespread deleterious consequences of obesity including CKD development and progression.
Medical students’ pattern of self-directed learning prior to and during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic period and its implications for Free Open Access Meducation within the United Kingdom
Authors: Barton Jack , Rallis Kathrine Sofia , Corrigan Amber Elyse , Hubbard Ella , Round Antonia , Portone Greta , Kuri Ashvin , Tran Tien , Phuah Yu Zhi , Knight Katie , Round Jonathan
Published: April 2021

Purpose: Self-directed learning (SDL) has been increasingly emphasized within medical education. However, little is known about the SDL resources medical students use. This study aimed to identify patterns in medical students’ SDL behaviors, their SDL resource choices, factors motivating these choices, and the potential impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on these variables.Methods: An online cross-sectional survey comprising multiple-choice, ranked, and free-text response questions were disseminated to medical students across all 41 UK medical schools between April and July 2020. Independent study hours and sources of study materials prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic were compared. Motivational factors guiding resource choices and awareness of Free Open Access Meducation were also investigated.Results: The target sample was 75 students per medical school across a total of 41 medical schools within the United Kingdom (3,075 total students), and 1,564 responses were analyzed. University-provided information comprised the most commonly used component of independent study time, but a minority of total independent study time. Independent study time increased as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic (P<0.001). All sub-cohorts except males reported a significant increase in the use of resources such as free websites and question banks (P<0.05) and paid websites (P<0.05) as a result of the pandemic. Accessibility was the most influential factor guiding resource choice (Friedman’s μrank=3.97, P<0.001).Conclusion: The use of learning resources independent of university provision is increasing. Educators must ensure equitable access to such materials while supporting students in making informed choices regarding their independent study behaviors.
Molecular Genetic Analysis of Pinus sylvestris L. and Pinus sibirica Du Tour Populations in Perm Krai Based on Polymorphism ISSR-PCR markers
Authors: Nechaeva Yu. , Pystogova N. , Chertov N. , Boronnikova S.
Published: April 2021

DNA polymorphism has been studied, indicators of genetic diversity and genetic structure of 3 populations of Pinus sylvestris L. and 3 populations of Pinus sibirica Du Tour in the Perm Krai have been determined. In the populations of P. sibirica, 102 ISSR-PCR markers were found, of which 88 were polymorphic (P95 = 0.863), and in the populations of P. sylvestris — 113 ISSR-PCR markers, 100 of which were polymorphic (P95 = 0.885). The populations of the two studied species of woody plants are characterized by high genetic diversity. At the same time, in P. sibirica, the indices of genetic diversity were slightly higher (HE = 0.195; ne = 1.335; na = 1.330) than in P. sylvestris (HE = 0.166; ne = 1.268; na = 1.212). The analysis of the genetic structure showed that the coefficient of genetic subdivision (GST) in the two studied species of the genus Pinus are similar and amount to 0.320 in P. sibirica and 0.303 in P. sylvestris. The populations of Siberian pine and Scots pine are characterized by an average degree of genetic differentiation, since the interpopulation component accounts for 32.0% and 30.3% of the genetic diversity of these species, respectively. Using the Mantel test, a high correlation was found between genetic and geographical distances in P. sibirica populations (R2 = 0.6871), while P. sylvestris showed a low correlation (R2 = 0.0649). The data obtained are relevant for the preservation of the gene pools of the studied two species of the genus Pinus in the Perm Krai.
Morphological and Anatomical Analysis of Vegetative Organs of Avena pilosa (Roem. & Schult.) Bieb.
Authors: Aliyeva I.
Published: April 2021

The article provides information about the structural features of the fodder plant — Avena pilosa (Roem. & Schult.) Bieb., which is widespread on winter pastures in Azerbaijan. As a result of the morphological-anatomical analysis, important structural elements were identified, as well as the morphophysiology and adaptation of this species. As a result of adaptation to drought conditions, this plant showed signs of strong xerophilization. Xerophytes — plants for which the aridity of the norm. Common symptoms of xerophytes — a small evaporating surface, and other structural and physiological symptoms are very diverse. Reduction of leaf area is the main morphological feature of xerophytes
Structure and Ion Conductivity Study of Argyrodite (Li5.5PS4.5Cl1.5) according to Cooling Method
Authors: Park Sangwon , Lee Jin-Woong
Published: April 2021

All solid-state batteries (ASSBs) are now anticipated to be an ultimate solution to the persistent safety issues of conventional lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Contemporary society’s expanding power demands and growing energy consumption require energy storage with greater reliability, safety and capacity, which cannot be easily achieved with current state-of-the-art liquid-electrolyte-based LIBs. In contrast, these conditions are expected to be met by implementing ASSBs with high-performance solid-state electrolytes (SSEs). In this work, we altered the microscopic structure and Li diffusional behaviors of argyrodites (Li6-xPS5-xCl1+x), which were precisely monitored with cooling protocols. It was shown that, at the cooling speed of -3 oC·h-1, as the cooling rate decreased, impurities in Li5.5PS4.5Cl1.5 such as LiCl and Li3PO4 gradually diminished and eventually disappeared. At the same time, differences in the lattice sizes of Li5.5PS4.5Cl1.5 crystallites gradually decreased, resulting in a single phase Li5.5PS4.5Cl1.5. It was also found that the Cl content of the 4d crystallographic sites increased, eventually contributing to the improvement in ionic conductivity. This work also revealed the effect of cooling rates on the crystallographic atomic arrangements, which became weaker as a decrease in x. The correlations between ionic conductivities and structural features were experimentally verified via XRD and solid-state NMR studies.
Fabrication and Surface Deformation of Boron Nitride Nanotubes by RF Plasma and Ion Beam
Authors: Hong Seong Min , Gil Jae Geun
Published: April 2021

Boron Nitride Nanotubes (BNNT) are one of the candidate materials for storing hydrogen by physical adsorption. It has been reported that this hydrogen storage capacity increases as the crystallinity of the nanostructures decreases. Here, BNNT was synthesized using an RF plasma torch system, and the surface of the BNNT was irradiated with nitrogen ions using an ion beam device, and changes in the surface microstructure were subsequently investigated. A multi-walled BNNT with a wall thickness of about 5 nm was synthesized using a 60 kW RF plasma torch. Amorphous impurities generated during the synthesis process were removed by heat treatment and membrane filtering. Then nitrogen ions were irradiated for 40 minutes at energies of 40 keV and 50 keV, respectively, using an ion beam irradiation device. The changes in the microstructure of the BNNT surface following ion beam irradiation were confirmed by HR-TEM, Raman spectrometer and FT-IR spectrometer. The tube walls of the BNNT were disordered by the nitrogen ions irradiation. At 50 keV, the tube walls located in the middle became disordered, which was attributed to an increase in penetration depth due to the higher irradiation energy. The maximum peak in the Raman spectra and FT-IR spectra of the ion irradiated BNNT were also shifted to a lower frequency. Ion irradiation reduced the crystallinity of the nanostructures. The potential improvement in hydrogen storage capacity by nitrogen ion irradiation of BNNT was confirmed.
Aerodynamic investigation of a linear cascade with tip gap using large-eddy simulation
Authors: Régis Koch , Marlène Sanjosé , Stéphane Moreau
Published: April 2021

The flow in a linear compressor cascade with tip gap is simulated using a wall-resolved compressible Large-Eddy Simulation. The cascade is based on the Virginia Tech Low Speed Cascade Wind Tunnel. The Reynolds number based on the chord is 3.88 x 10⁵ and the Mach number is 0.07. The gap considered in this study is 4.0 mm (2.9% of axial chord). An aerodynamic analysis of the tip-leakage flow allow us identifying the main mechanisms responsible for the development and the convection of the tip-leakage vortex downstream of the cascade. A region of high turbulence and vorticity levels is located along an ellipse that borders the top of the tip-leakage vortex. The influence of the airfoil suction side boundary layer development on the tip-leakage vortex is highlighted by tripping the flow. A tripped boundary layer induces a stronger and larger tip-leakage vortex that tends to move further away from the airfoil suction side and from the endwall compared with an untripped flow. The boundary layer turbulent state influences the tip-leakage flow development.
Differential Expression of Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 and Wnt Family Member 4 Correlates With Functional Heterogeneity of Human Dermal Fibroblasts
Authors: Culley Oliver J. , Louis Blaise , Philippeos Christina , Oulès Bénédicte , Tihy Matthieu , Segal Joe M. , Hyliands Della , Jenkins Gail , Bhogal Ranjit K. , Siow Richard C. , Watt Fiona M.
Published: April 2021

Although human dermis contains distinct fibroblast subpopulations, the functional heterogeneity of fibroblast lines from different donors is under-appreciated. We identified one commercially sourced fibroblast line (c64a) that failed to express α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), a marker linked to fibroblast contractility, even when treated with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Gene expression profiling identified insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) as being expressed more highly, and Asporin (ASPN) and Wnt family member 4 (WNT4) expressed at lower levels, in c64a fibroblasts compared to three fibroblast lines that had been generated in-house, independent of TGF-β1 treatment. TGF-β1 increased expression of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL1) in c64a cells to a greater extent than in the other lines. The c64a gene expression profile did not correspond to any dermal fibroblast subpopulation identified by single-cell RNAseq of freshly isolated human skin cells. In skin reconstitution assays, c64a fibroblasts did not support epidermal stratification as effectively as other lines tested. In fibroblast lines generated in-house, shRNA-mediated knockdown of IGF1 increased α-SMA expression without affecting epidermal stratification. Conversely, WNT4 knockdown had no consistent effect on α-SMA expression, but increased the ability of fibroblasts to support epidermal stratification. Thus, by comparing the properties of different lines of cultured dermal fibroblasts, we have identified IGF1 and WNT4 as candidate mediators of two distinct dermal functions: myofibroblast formation and epidermal maintenance.
ORAI1 Ca2+ Channel as a Therapeutic Target in Pathological Vascular Remodelling
Authors: Shawer Heba , Norman Katherine , Cheng Chew W. , Foster Richard , Beech David J. , Bailey Marc A.
Published: April 2021

In the adult, vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) are normally physiologically quiescent, arranged circumferentially in one or more layers within blood vessel walls. Remodelling of native VSMC to a proliferative state for vascular development, adaptation or repair is driven by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). A key effector downstream of PDGF receptors is store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) mediated through the plasma membrane calcium ion channel, ORAI1, which is activated by the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) calcium store sensor, stromal interaction molecule-1 (STIM1). This SOCE was shown to play fundamental roles in the pathological remodelling of VSMC. Exciting transgenic lineage-tracing studies have revealed that the contribution of the phenotypically-modulated VSMC in atherosclerotic plaque formation is more significant than previously appreciated, and growing evidence supports the relevance of ORAI1 signalling in this pathologic remodelling. ORAI1 has also emerged as an attractive potential therapeutic target as it is accessible to extracellular compound inhibition. This is further supported by the progression of several ORAI1 inhibitors into clinical trials. Here we discuss the current knowledge of ORAI1-mediated signalling in pathologic vascular remodelling, particularly in the settings of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and neointimal hyperplasia, and the recent developments in our understanding of the mechanisms by which ORAI1 coordinates VSMC phenotypic remodelling, through the activation of key transcription factor, nuclear factor of activated T-cell (NFAT). In addition, we discuss advances in therapeutic strategies aimed at the ORAI1 target.
Neuronal Replacement in Stem Cell Therapy for Stroke: Filling the Gap
Authors: Palma-Tortosa Sara , Coll-San Martin Berta , Kokaia Zaal , Tornero Daniel
Published: April 2021

Stem cell therapy using human skin-derived neural precursors holds much promise for the treatment of stroke patients. Two main mechanisms have been proposed to give rise to the improved recovery in animal models of stroke after transplantation of these cells. First, the so called by-stander effect, which could modulate the environment during early phases after brain tissue damage, resulting in moderate improvements in the outcome of the insult. Second, the neuronal replacement and functional integration of grafted cells into the impaired brain circuitry, which will result in optimum long-term structural and functional repair. Recently developed sophisticated research tools like optogenetic control of neuronal activity and rabies virus monosynaptic tracing, among others, have made it possible to provide solid evidence about the functional integration of grafted cells and its contribution to improved recovery in animal models of brain damage. Moreover, previous clinical trials in patients with Parkinson’s Disease represent a proof of principle that stem cell-based neuronal replacement could work in humans. Our studies within vivoandex vivotransplantation of human skin-derived cells neurons in animal model of stroke and organotypic cultures of adult human cortex, respectively, also support the hypothesis that human somatic cells reprogrammed into neurons can get integrated in the human lesioned neuronal circuitry. In the present short review, we summarized our data and recent studies from other groups supporting the above hypothesis and opening new avenues for development of the future clinical applications.
Speciation of Inorganic Compounds in Aquatic Systems Using Diffusive Gradients in Thin-Films: A Review
Authors: Galceran Josep , Gao Yue , Puy Jaume , Leermakers Martine , Rey-Castro Carlos , Zhou Chunyang , Baeyens Willy
Published: April 2021

The speciation of trace metals in an aquatic system involves the determination of free ions, complexes (labile and non-labile), colloids, and the total dissolved concentration. In this paper, we review the integrated assessment of free ions and labile metal complexes using Diffusive Gradients in Thin-films (DGT), a dynamic speciation technique. The device consists of a diffusive hydrogel layer made of polyacrylamide, backed by a layer of resin (usually Chelex-100) for all trace metals except for Hg. The best results for Hg speciation are obtained with agarose as hydrogel and a thiol-based resin. The diffusive domain controls the diffusion flux of the metal ions and complexes to the resin, which strongly binds all free ions. By using DGT devices with different thicknesses of the diffusive or resin gels and exploiting expressions derived from kinetic models, one can determine the labile concentrations, mobilities, and labilities of different species of an element in an aquatic system. This procedure has been applied to the determination of the organic pool of trace metals in freshwaters or to the characterization of organic and inorganic complexes in sea waters. The concentrations that are obtained represent time-weighted averages (TWA) over the deployment period.
Impact of the Gut Microbiome on the Progression of Hepatitis B Virus Related Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure
Authors: Yao Xuebing , Yu Haiping , Fan Guoyin , Xiang Haihong , Long Lin , Xu Huili , Wu Zhiguo , Chen Mingfa , Xi Wenna , Gao Zhen , Liu Cuiyun , Gong Wenlan , Yang Aoyu , Sun Ke , Yu Rongyan , Liang Junrong , Xie Baogang , Sun Shuilin
Published: April 2021

The relationship between the progression of hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) and the gut microbiota is poorly understood, and an HBV-ACLF-related microbiome has yet to be identified. In this study alterations in the fecal microbiome of 91 patients with HBV-ACLF (109 stool samples), including a cohort of nine patients at different stages of HBV-ACLF, were determined by high-throughput 16S rDNA sequencing. The operational taxonomic units and Shannon indexes indicated that the diversity and abundance of the gut microbiome significantly decreased with the progression of HBV-ACLF (p <0.05). The relative abundance of theBacteroidetesphylum in the microbiome was significantly reduced, whereas the abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria, such asVeilonella,Streptococcus,Enterococcus, andKlebsiella, was highly enriched in the HBV-ACLF group compared with the healthy control group. The abundance ofBacteroideteswas negatively correlated with the level of serum alpha fetoprotein, and the abundance ofVeilonellawas positively correlated with serum total bilirubin (TBIL). Furthermore, the abundance ofCoprococcuswas significantly negatively correlated with the level of serum TBIL and the international normalized ratio and positively correlated with prothrombin time activity. Our findings suggest that the gut microbiota plays an important role in the development of HBV-ACLF.
IgA Antibodies and IgA Deficiency in SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Quinti Isabella , Mortari Eva Piano , Fernandez Salinas Ane , Milito Cinzia , Carsetti Rita
Published: April 2021

A large repertoire of IgA is produced by B lymphocytes with T-independent and T-dependent mechanisms useful in defense against pathogenic microorganisms and to reduce immune activation. IgA is active against several pathogens, including rotavirus, poliovirus, influenza virus, and SARS-CoV-2. It protects the epithelial barriers from pathogens and modulates excessive immune responses in inflammatory diseases. An early SARS-CoV-2 specific humoral response is dominated by IgA antibodies responses greatly contributing to virus neutralization. The lack of anti-SARS-Cov-2 IgA and secretory IgA (sIgA) might represent a possible cause of COVID-19 severity, vaccine failure, and possible cause of prolonged viral shedding in patients with Primary Antibody Deficiencies, including patients with Selective IgA Deficiency. Differently from other primary antibody deficiency entities, Selective IgA Deficiency occurs in the vast majority of patients as an asymptomatic condition, and it is often an unrecognized, Studies are needed to clarify the open questions raised by possible consequences of a lack of an IgA response to SARS-CoV-2.
Machine Learning-Augmented Propensity Score Analysis of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Over 30 Million Cancer and Non-cancer Patients
Authors: Monlezun Dominique J. , Lawless Sean , Palaskas Nicolas , Peerbhai Shareez , Charitakis Konstantinos , Marmagkiolis Konstantinos , Lopez-Mattei Juan , Mamas Mamas , Iliescu Cezar
Published: April 2021

Background: It is unknown to what extent the clinical benefits of PCI outweigh the risks and costs in patients with vs. without cancer and within each cancer type. We performed the first known nationally representative propensity score analysis of PCI mortality and cost among all eligible adult inpatients by cancer and its types.

Methods: This multicenter case-control study used machine learning–augmented propensity score–adjusted multivariable regression to assess the above outcomes and disparities using the 2016 nationally representative National Inpatient Sample.

Results: Of the 30,195,722 hospitalized patients, 15.43% had a malignancy, 3.84% underwent an inpatient PCI (of whom 11.07% had cancer and 0.07% had metastases), and 2.19% died inpatient. In fully adjusted analyses, PCI vs. medical management significantly reduced mortality for patients overall (among all adult inpatients regardless of cancer status) and specifically for cancer patients (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.75–0.89; p < 0.001), mainly driven by active vs. prior malignancy, head and neck and hematological malignancies. PCI also significantly reduced cancer patients' total hospitalization costs (beta USD$ −8,668.94, 95% CI −9,553.59 to −7,784.28; p < 0.001) independent of length of stay. There were no significant income or disparities among PCI subjects.

Conclusions: Our study suggests among all eligible adult inpatients, PCI does not increase mortality or cost for cancer patients, while there may be particular benefit by cancer type. The presence or history of cancer should not preclude these patients from indicated cardiovascular care.
Precipitation Variations in the Flood Seasons of 1910–2019 in Hunan and Its Association With the PDO, AMO, and ENSO
Authors: Zeng Yuxing , Huang Chao , Tang Yihao , Peng Jiadong
Published: April 2021

Floods in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River threaten thousands of million people, causing casualties and economic loss. Yet, the prediction of floods in this region is still challenging. To better understand the floods in this region, we investigate the interdecadal-interannual rainfall variation of the flood season (April–September) in Hunan province. The relationship between the rainfall and the Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO), Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO), and El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) are also analyzed. The results show that the precipitation in the flood seasons shows an interdecadal oscillation with a period of about 20 years, which is caused by the joint effect of the PDO and AMO. When the PDO and AMO are in the same phase, the corresponding flood season is characterized by more precipitation, and conversely, it is less precipitation. Further analyses show that in the year after El Niño, when the PDO and AMO are both in the positive phase, it is favorable for the west Pacific subtropical high (WPSH) to be stronger and more southward than normal. Such circulation anomaly is conducive to the water vapor transport to the southern China, and as a result there is more precipitation in Hunan. When the PDO and AMO are both in the negative phase, the WPSH is weaker than normal, but the India-Burma trough is obviously stronger, which is also favorable for the southwesterly water vapor transport to the southern China. However, in the next year of the La Niña year, regardless of the phase combination of the PDO and AMO, the southern coast of China are controlled by a negative geopotential height anomaly and the WPSH retreats to the sea, which is not conducive to the northward transport of water vapor, and the precipitation in Hunan is less than normal. But if only the cold SST background in the previous stage is considered (without reaching the standard of a La Niña event),is more precipitation in most of the Hunan Province. Therefore, at the interannual scale, the PDO and AMO also have a modulating effect on the precipitation signal. However, the interannual-scale ENSO signal has a greater influence on the precipitation in Hunan flood seasons. Our results will give implications for the predications of floods in Hunan.
Perspectives for Greening European Fossil-Fuel Infrastructures Through Use of Biomass: The Case of Liquid Biofuels Based on Lignocellulosic Resources
Authors: Karka Paraskevi , Johnsson Filip , Papadokonstantakis Stavros
Published: April 2021

Given the importance of climate change it is vital to find a transition away from fossil fuels. The transition will include electrification of several sectors, for example road transport, but considering the strong dependency on carbon-based fuels and associated infrastructures, it is reasonable to assume that biomass-based hydrocarbon will play a key role to smoothen the transition away from fossil fuels. This study provides an analysis of direct and indirect technological options for liquid biofuels based on lignocellulosic resources in the context of greening European fossil-fuel infrastructures. Direct options are those which result in integration of biogenic feedstock in a fossil-based process and then co-processing in a downstream conventional unit or substituting a conventional part of the production chain of a liquid fuel by a bio-based one. Indirect options are those which pave the way for ramping-up biomass supply chain in the form of infrastructure and market. Examples of direct options in the focus of this study are biomass gasification for production of intermediates and biomass pyrolysis substituting fossil feedstock. Examples of indirect options are co-firing biomass in coal-fired power plants and integrating biomass gasification plants with district heating (DH) networks. Such options are important for establishing biomass supply chains and markets. This study also assesses the potential of biomass use in other industrial sectors not directly related with fossil-based fuel or energy production, such as the pulp and paper industry and the iron and steel industry. In this context, opportunities and barriers for both direct and indirect greening options are discussed, focusing mainly on technological and logistic aspects. It is highlighted that fossil-fuel infrastructures can act as drivers for the development of advanced biofuels production as they can reduce the initial risks, in terms of cost and technological maturity, offering the opportunity to increase gradually the demand for biomass, and develop the logistic infrastructure. It is, however, important to make sure that such biofuel production processes are part of a long-term strategy, which needs incentives to overcome current barriers and eventually phase out fossil infrastructures.
The Unique Immunomodulatory Properties of MSC-Derived Exosomes in Organ Transplantation
Authors: Zheng Qingyuan , Zhang Shuijun , Guo Wen-Zhi , Li Xiao-Kang
Published: April 2021

Methods for suppressing the host immune system over the long term and improving transplantation tolerance remain a primary issue in organ transplantation. Cell therapy is an emerging therapeutic strategy for immunomodulation after transplantation. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are adult multipotent stem cells with wide differentiation potential and immunosuppressive properties, which are mostly used in regenerative medicine and immunomodulation. In addition, emerging research suggests that MSC-derived exosomes have the same therapeutic effects as MSCs in many diseases, while avoiding many of the risks associated with cell transplantation. Their unique immunomodulatory properties are particularly important in the immune system-overactive graft environment. In this paper, we review the effects of MSC-derived exosomes in the immune regulation mechanism after organ transplantation and graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) from various perspectives, including immunosuppression, influencing factors, anti-inflammatory properties, mediation of tissue repair and regeneration, and the induction of immune tolerance. At present, the great potential of MSC-derived exosomes in immunotherapy has attracted a great deal of attention. Furthermore, we discuss the latest insights on MSC-derived exosomes in organ transplantation and GvHD, especially its commercial production concepts, which aim to provide new strategies for improving the prognosis of organ transplantation patients.
Application of Exploratory Modeling in Support of Transdisciplinary Inquiry: Regulation of Fishing Bycatch of Loggerhead Sea Turtles in Gulf of Ulloa, Mexico
Authors: Bojórquez-Tapia Luis A. , Ponce-Díaz Germán , Pedroza-Páez Daniela , Díaz-de-León Antonio J. , Arreguín-Sánchez Francisco
Published: April 2021

The fishing bycatch of the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) epitomizes the challenges of designing fisheries management strategies to protect highly migratory, endangered species. We present here the case of turtle bycatch in the Gulf of Ulloa, Mexico, in which conservation advocacy groups requested the United States Government to apply the legal provisions for preventing fishing bycatch of protected living marine resources (PLMR). Because these provisions implied the possibility of trade sanctions, the Mexican government had to devise policies equivalent to those imposed on the United States’ fleet. While conservation advocacy groups claimed that the effect of fishing bycatch was proven, the federal fisheries agency disregarded the facts for political reasons. Evidently, there was a need for a practical approach to address this highly contested policy-making problem characterized by limited data, deep uncertainties, and urgency for results. Our goal here is to present the implementation of an exploratory modeling rationale to tackle this sort of complex socio-ecological technological problem. We focused on identifying the bycatch level at which the environmental authorities would be compelled by law to act in protecting the loggerheads. We combined ecological risk analysis and area-oriented multiple-use framework to evaluate a wide range of plausible scenarios consistent with the available data. Results identified the bycatch level that indicated a potential critical transition to a low resilience state of the loggerhead population, and the proper multiple-use management scheme. Our findings were used to formulate regulations aimed to set a bycatch cap and a refuge area for the loggerhead population in the region.
Gorgonians Are Foundation Species on Sponge-Dominated Mesophotic Coral Reefs in the Caribbean
Authors: Slattery Marc , Lesser Michael P.
Published: April 2021

Foundation species (FS) regulate ecological processes within communities often facilitating biodiversity and habitat complexity. Typically FS are dominant structure-forming taxa; but less dominant taxa having disproportionate ecological impacts to the community can also be FS. Mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) are deep coral reef (∼30–150 m) communities, often dominated by emergent sponges in the Caribbean Basin. Despite the potential competitive advantage of sponges on MCEs, gorgonians are also common constituents of these reefs. Data from the Bahamas demonstrate increased biodiversity and densities of sponges on mesophotic reefs with gorgonians relative to reefs without these species. Drawing upon fifteen years of field surveys at five sites in the Caribbean Basin we assessed in situ interactions between gorgonians and sponges to quantify outcomes consistent with competition (i.e., tissue necrosis and overgrowth). Gorgonians were effective competitors against a variety of sponges, and two allelochemicals produced by Ellisella elongata were mechanistically important in interactions with Agelas clathrodes. We also examined invertebrate recruitment patterns near gorgonians to assess their role in facilitating MCE biodiversity. Our results indicate that live gorgonians, Antillogorgia bipinnata and E. elongata, facilitate biodiverse recruitment into MCEs, indicating that this process is governed by more than passive hydrodynamics. Collectively, these data indicate that these gorgonians exhibit both positive and negative ecological interactions (i.e., facilitation and competition, respectively) with sponges, and other taxa. Thus, these gorgonians are FS of MCE communities within the Caribbean Basin that display several traits contributing to the ecological structure of these understudied communities.
Identification of Main Oyster Species and Comparison of Their Genetic Diversity in Zhejiang Coast, South of Yangtze River Estuary
Authors: Liu Sheng , Xue Qinggang , Xu Hongqiang , Lin Zhihua
Published: April 2021

Oysters are an important aquaculture species distributed worldwide, including in Zhejiang Province, located on the east coast of China. Because of the high diversity and complicated introduction history of oysters and their seedlings, there has been much disagreement regarding the origin of each species, and the dominant and indigenous species remain unclear. We sampled 16 batches of oysters from seven sites in three aquaculture bays and found two main oyster species, Crassostrea sikamea and Crassostrea angulata. The former occupied the higher intertidal zone and comprised more than 70% of the cultured oysters. Based on the cytochrome oxidase C subunit I (COI) and mitochondrial noncoding region (MNR), C. sikamea showed higher genetic diversity than C. angulata. The analysis of molecular variance among COI sequences of these species from the Xiangshan Bay populations were comparable to those of other populations and showed that most of the molecular variance was within groups, which was consistent with the low pairwise fixation index FST values. The neutrality test revealed that C. sikamea experienced population expansion events, whereas for C. angulata, the significant Fu’s Fs and non-significant Tajima’s D test results may indicate a possible population expansion event, implying that C. sikamea is likely an indigenous species. The method established based on internal transcribed spacer 1 digestion by the HindIII restriction enzyme is useful for identifying C. sikamea and C. angulata in the local region. The specific primers on the MNR sequence show potential for distinguishing C. sikamea from four other important Crassostrea oysters. These results highlight the abundance of C. sikamea on the Zhejiang coast and lay the foundation for protecting and utilizing the local oyster germplasm resources and for the sustainable development of the oyster industry.
Shedding Light on Deep-Sea Biodiversity—A Highly Vulnerable Habitat in the Face of Anthropogenic Change
Authors: Paulus Eva
Published: April 2021

The deep sea is the most extensive habitat on our planet, and it supports surprisingly high biodiversity. With a multitude of different environments and conditions previously thought to be inhabitable, it is unclear how such high diversity was able to develop, but habitat heterogeneity and nutrient flux are certainly important factors to consider. In this review, the different methodologies used to examine biodiversity in the remote depths of the oceans are considered. In addition, the different environments in which biodiversity is studied are presented, and the various hypotheses on how high biodiversity is possible are examined. Unfortunately, this diversity is threatened by human impact similarly to shallow waters, and future endeavors such as deep-sea mineral extraction must be considered as a major threat to the environment. Many mysteries persist in the deep sea, but it is certain that threats such as overfishing, plastic pollution, and changes in ocean chemistry due to climate change are impacting even the most remote places in the oceans. It remains uncertain whether the deep sea is resilient toward anthropogenic disturbances, yet this is difficult to research on short timescales. There is little hope for areas in which exploitation, such as deep-sea mining, will be directly impacting the benthos and proper regulations are required to preserve biodiversity in the deep sea.
Preparation and Characterization of Large Grain UO2 for Accident Tolerant Fuel
Authors: Zhong Yi , Gao Rui , Li Bingqing , Yang Zhenliang , Huang Qiqi , Wang Zhiyi , Duan Limei , Liu Xuxu , Chu Mingfu , Zhang Pengcheng , Bai Bin , Wang Yun , Cheng Liang , Yan Biaojie , Liu Tong , Li Rui
Published: April 2021

Large grain UO2 is considered as an accident tolerant fuel with great application potential due to its competitive advantage of good fission gas retention. In this paper, the influence of preparation parameters such as sintering atmosphere, mixing process, powder pretreatment and grain growth additives on the grain size of UO2 is systematically studied. The result shows that the factors mentioned above have different effects on the grain size of UO2. The grain growth of UO2 pellet sintered in oxidizing atmosphere is better than those in reducing atmosphere. The wet mixing process has a significant advantage over the dry mixing process. In addition, the powder pretreatment has little effect on grain growth while the influence of additives plays the main role. Large grain UO2 pellets with uniform grain size up to 150 μm are successfully prepared. Finally, the thermo-physical properties of the pellets are investigated.