bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activation loop phosphorylation of a non-RD receptor kinase initiates plant innate immune signaling
Authors: Bender Kyle W. , Couto Daniel , Kadota Yasuhiro , Macho Alberto P. , Sklenar Jan , Derbyshire Paul , Bjornson Marta , DeFalco Thomas A. , Petriello Annalise , Font Farre Maria , Schwessinger Benjamin , Ntoukakis Vardis , Stransfeld Lena , Jones Alexandra M. E. , Menke Frank L. H. , Zipfel Cyril
Published: September 2021

Significance

Protein kinases lacking Arg in the catalytic loop HxD motif (i.e., non-RD kinases) are associated with innate immune signaling across kingdoms. Phosphorylation activates plant immune receptor kinases (RKs), but the mechanistic details of activation are limited. Using the non-RD immune RK ELONGATION FACTOR TU RECEPTOR (EFR) as a model, we investigated the role of the receptor cytoplasmic domain in immune signaling and found that the catalytic activity of EFR is dispensable for antibacterial immunity. Nevertheless, ligand-induced EFR-mediated signaling is initiated by activation loop phosphorylation, but not via the catalytic activity of the receptor protein kinase domain. We propose that leucine-rich repeat-receptor kinase complexes containing a non-RD kinase are activated through phosphorylation-dependent conformational changes of the receptor cytoplasmic domain.
A sociolinguistic typology for languages in contact
Authors: Croft William A.
Published: September 2021

Different types of languages evolve in situations of human social contact, depending on the nature of the contact and the attitudes on the part of the speakers towards the societies in contact. Three socially-defined language types are useful for classifying contact languages. One may distinguish between an esoteric language, used for communication within a speech community, and an exoteric language used for communication between different speech communities. The third language type, a neogenic language, results when speech communities merge (e.g., in colonisation). Each language type involves a continuum depending on the degree and asymmetry of the social contact between speech communities. This chapter describes these continua, the “contact” or “mixed” languages that they account for, and their structural linguistic correlates.
Coordination in the Suriname Creoles
Authors: Migge Bettina
Published: September 2021

Although there is a fair amount of research on the morphosyntax of the Suriname Creoles, coordination has received surprisingly little attention. Coordination can be seen as a fundamental aspect of grammar that intersects with a number of seemingly different constructions. Using quantitative and qualitative methods, this chapter provides a comparative overview of coordinate structures in the Eastern Maroon Creole or Nengee, and in one of its Western Maroon sister languages, Matawai. It then focuses on coordinate constructions involving the juxtaposition of sentential constituents. The comparison of the distributional, semantic, and pragmatic properties of coordinate constructions within and across the two sets of Suriname Maroon Creoles reveals striking differences reported here for the first time.
Reflections on Darwin’s natural selection
Authors: Baptista Marlyse
Published: September 2021

In this chapter, I adopt Mufwene's (2001, 2008) concepts of feature pool and feature selection and competition and compare it to Darwin's theory of natural selection (Darwin 1859). Such a comparison brings to light both the descriptive and explanatory adequacy of Mufwene’s theoretical framework, showing how his work has undoubtedly furthered our understanding of language emergence and development. I will examine more specifically how, given Mufwene's biological model of language evolution, variation and diversity can be seen as key factors driving feature competition and selection, ultimately leading to language change. I propose that the ways in which linguistic features emerge, coexist, compete and get selected can find parallels in processes of natural selection in nature.
English as an identity marker in Bangladeshi TV commercials
Authors: Mostafa Massrura , Jones Dylan
Published: September 2021

This paper analyzes the use of English in Bangladeshi commercials from a sociocultural perspective. A semiotic approach describes these multimodal commercials. An identity-construction approach provides a sociolinguistic understanding of them. The results are categorized into three types: monolingual, bilingual, and English loanword-translation commercials. This study confirms that, in the Bangladeshi context, the presence and positive connotations of English and Western culture increase the social and cultural value of the advertised product, engendering satisfaction and symbolic pleasure in consumers. These commercials prove that English is used to reconstruct and recontextualize the Bangla language and Bangla sense of identity on the basis of linguistic, semantic, and contextual references that exemplify metrolingualism. Thus, this paper contributes to the ongoing study of the role played by commercials in promoting the intersection between metrolingualism and the construction of local, national, and global identities within the methodological and theoretical framework of Cultural Linguistics.
Translanguaging in Indian fiction
Authors: Gupta Munmun
Published: September 2021

Translanguaging refers to the way in which multilingual individuals draw on their full linguistic repertoires,
rather than adhering to narrow use of one named language. This concept has important sociolinguistic significance because it
enables individuals to move beyond colonial structures of power and liberates the language practices of multilinguals. The purpose
of this research is to investigate the phenomenon of translanguaging in Indian writing in English, using two anthologies,
She Speaks (Ray et al. 2019) and She Celebrates
(Choudhury et al. 2020), as data sources. Focusing on stories contained in these
anthologies as case studies, the research describes linguistic, cultural and stylistic effects of translanguaging used in these
works, in which Indian writers portray their characters engaging in translanguaging as a way of ‘Indianising’ the English
language. In line with accounts of the process of translanguaging as culture-specific, the study reveals that often authors and
their characters use translanguaging because forms of usage can be difficult to translate – or at least to translate in a way that
conveys the meaning those forms have in the original, vernacular context. The study demonstrates how work at the intersection of
literary studies and linguistics can illuminate cross-cultural aspects of fiction writing.
Programmable and scalable assembly of a flexible hexagonal DNA origami
Authors: Chen Congzhou , Lin Tingting , Ma Mingyuan , Shi Xiaolong , Li Xin
Published: September 2021

Nanoscale structures demonstrate considerable potential utility in the construction of nanorobots, nanomachines, and many other devices. In this study, a hexagonal DNA origami ring was assembled and visualized via atomic force microscopy. The DNA origami shape could be programmed into either a hexagonal or linear shape with an open or folded pattern. The flexible origami was robust and switchable for dynamic pattern recognition. Its edges were folded by six bundles of DNA helices, which could be opened or folded in a honeycomb shape. Additionally, the edges were programmed into a concave-convex pattern, which enabled linkage between the origami and dipolymers. Furthermore, biotin-streptavidin labels were embedded at each edge for nanoscale calibration. The atomic force microscopy results demonstrated the stability and high-yield of the flexible DNA origami ring. The polymorphous nanostructure is useful for dynamic nano-construction and calibration of structural probes or sensors.
Zero-dimensional and pseudo-one-dimensional models of atmospheric-pressure plasma jets in binary and ternary mixtures of oxygen and nitrogen with helium background
Authors: He Youfan , Preissing Patrick , Steuer David , Klich Maximilian , Schulz-von der Gathen Volker , Böke Marc , Korolov Ihor , Schulze Julian , Guerra Vasco , Brinkmann Ralf Peter , Kemaneci Efe
Published: September 2021

A zero-dimensional (volume-averaged) and a pseudo-one-dimensional plug-flow (spatially resolved) model are developed to investigate atmospheric-pressure plasma jets operated with He, He/O2, He/N2 and He/N2/O2 mixtures. The models are coupled with the Boltzmann equation under the two-term approximation to self-consistently calculate the electron energy distribution function. An agreement is obtained between the zero-dimensional model calculations and the spatially averaged values of the plug-flow simulation results. The zero-dimensional model calculations are verified against spatially resolved simulation results and validated against a wide variety of measurement data from the literature. The nitric oxide (NO) concentration is thoroughly characterized for a variation of the gas mixture ratio, helium flow rate and absorbed power. An ‘effective’ and a hypothetical larger rate coefficient value for the reactive quenching

N

2

(

A

3

Σ
,

B

3

Π

)

+
O

(

P

3

)

→
N
O
+
N

(

D

2

)

are used to estimate the role of the species N2(A3Σ, B3Π; v > 0) and multiple higher N2 electronically excited states instead of only N2(A3Σ, B3Π; v = 0) in this quenching. The NO concentration measurements at low power are better and almost identically captured by the simulations using the ‘effective’ and hypothetical values, respectively. Furthermore, the

O

(

P

3

)

density measurements under the same operation conditions are also better predicted by the simulations adopting these values. It is found that the contribution of the vibrationally excited nitrogen molecules N2(v ⩾ 13) to the net NO formation rate gains more significance at higher power. The vibrational distribution functions (VDFs) of molecular oxygen O2(v < 41) and nitrogen N2(v < 58) are investigated regarding their formation mechanisms and their responses to the variation of operation parameters. It is observed that the N2 VDF shows a stronger response than the O2 VDF. The sensitivity of the simulation results with respect to a variation of the VDF resolutions, wall reaction probabilities and synthetic air impurity levels is presented. The simulated plasma properties are sensitive to the variation, especially for a feed gas mixture containing nitrogen. The plug-flow model is validated against one-dimensional experimental data in the gas flow direction, and it is only used in case an analysis of the spatially resolved plasma properties inside the jet chamber is of interest. The increasing NO spatial concentration in the gas flow direction is saturated at a relatively high power. A stationary O2 VDF is obtained along the direction of the mass flow, while a continuously growing N2 VDF is observed until the jet nozzle.
Implementation of an Alternative Method for Assessing Competing Risks: Restricted Mean Time Lost
Authors: Wu Hongji , Yuan Hao , Yang Zijing , Hou Yawen , Chen Zheng
Published: September 2021

In clinical and epidemiologic studies, hazard ratios are often applied to compare treatment effects between 2 groups for survival data. For competing-risks data, the corresponding quantities of interest are cause-specific hazard ratios and subdistribution hazard ratios. However, they both have some limitations related to model assumptions and clinical interpretation. Therefore, we recommend restricted mean time lost (RMTL) as an alternative measure that is easy to interpret in a competing-risks framework. Based on the difference in RMTL (RMTLd), we propose a new estimator, hypothetical test, and sample-size formula. Simulation results show that estimation of the RMTLd is accurate and that the RMTLd test has robust statistical performance (both type I error and statistical power). The results of 3 example analyses also verify the performance of the RMTLd test. From the perspectives of clinical interpretation, application conditions, and statistical performance, we recommend that the RMTLd be reported along with the hazard ratio in analyses of competing-risks data and that the RMTLd even be regarded as the primary outcome when the proportional hazards assumption fails.
Differential plastic responses to temperature and nitrogen deposition in the subalpine plant species, Primula farinosa subsp. modesta
Authors: Jeong Hyungsoon , Cho Yong-Chan , Kim Eunsuk
Published: September 2021

Future environmental changes are projected to threaten plant populations near mountaintops, but plastic responses of plant traits that are related to demographic parameters may reduce the detrimental effects of altered environments. Despite its ecological significance, little is known about the intraspecific variation of plasticity in alpine plant species such as Primula farinosa subsp. modesta. In this study, we investigated the plastic responses of plants at the early developmental stage from four P. farinosa natural populations in response to temperature and nitrogen deposition under laboratory conditions. Measured traits included plant survival, leaf number, rosette diameter, carbon assimilation rate and leaf chlorophyll content. In addition, we conducted a demographic survey of the natural populations to assess the plant’s performance at the early developmental stage in the field and evaluate the ecological implications of our experimental treatments. The seedling stage contributed to the projected population growth rate in natural conditions, and the growth and survival of seedlings in the field were comparable to those grown in the control treatment. In response to high temperature, plants exhibited lower survival but produced larger rosettes with more leaves. Nitrogen deposition had little effect on plant survival and plant size; however, it increased plant survival in one population and altered the effect of temperature on the carbon assimilation rate. Populations exhibited differential plasticity indexes of measured traits in response to environmental treatments. These results suggest that even though the plants suffer from high early mortality under increasing temperature, stimulated growth at a high temperature potentially contributes to the persistence of P. farinosa natural populations. Natural populations might face differential extinction risks due to distinctive plastic responses to altered environments.
Weather stations for Venus
Authors: Strangeways Ian
Published: September 2021

Ian Strangeways looks at the difficulty of operating meteorological instruments on Venus due to its harsh environment, and suggests some possible solutions
Anatomical phenotyping and staging of brain tumours
Authors: Akeret Kevin , Vasella Flavio , Staartjes Victor E , Velz Julia , Müller Timothy , Neidert Marian Christoph , Weller Michael , Regli Luca , Serra Carlo , Krayenbühl Niklaus
Published: September 2021

Unlike other tumours, the anatomical extent of brain tumours is not objectified and quantified through staging. Staging systems are based on understanding the anatomical sequence of tumour progression and its relationship to histopathological dedifferentiation and survival. The aim of this study was to describe the spatiotemporal phenotype of the most frequent brain tumour entities, to assess the association of anatomical tumour features with survival probability and to develop a staging system for WHO grade 2 and 3 gliomas and glioblastoma.

Anatomical phenotyping was performed on a consecutive cohort of 1000 patients with first diagnosis of a primary or secondary brain tumour. Tumour probability in different topographic, phylogenetic and ontogenetic parcellation units was assessed on preoperative MRI through normalization of the relative tumour prevalence to the relative volume of the respective structure. We analysed the spatiotemporal tumour dynamics by cross-referencing preoperative against preceding and subsequent MRIs of the respective patient. The association between anatomical phenotype and outcome defined prognostically critical anatomical tumour features at diagnosis. Based on a hypothesized sequence of anatomical tumour progression, we developed a three-level staging system for WHO grade 2 and 3 gliomas and glioblastoma. This staging system was validated internally in the original cohort and externally in an independent cohort of 300 consecutive patients.

While primary CNS lymphoma showed highest probability along white matter tracts, metastases enriched along terminal arterial flow areas. Neuroepithelial tumours mapped along all sectors of the ventriculocortical axis, while adjacent units were spared, consistent with a transpallial behaviour within phylo-ontogenetic radial units. Their topographic pattern correlated with morphogenetic processes of convergence and divergence of radial units during phylo- and ontogenesis. While a ventriculofugal growth dominated in neuroepithelial tumours, a gradual deviation from this neuroepithelial spatiotemporal behaviour was found with progressive histopathological dedifferentiation. The proposed three-level staging system for WHO grade 2 and 3 gliomas and glioblastoma correlated with the degree of histological dedifferentiation and proved accurate in terms of survival upon both internal and external validation.

In conclusion, this study identified specific spatiotemporal phenotypes in brain tumours through topographic probability and growth pattern assessment. The association of anatomical tumour features with survival defined critical steps in the anatomical sequence of neuroepithelial tumour progression, based on which a staging system for WHO grade 2 and 3 gliomas and glioblastoma was developed and validated.
Prematurity Modifies the Risk of Long-term Neurodevelopmental Impairments After Invasive Group B Streptococcus Infections During Infancy in Denmark and the Netherlands
Authors: Horváth-Puhó Erzsébet , Snoek Linde , van Kassel Merel N , Gonçalves Bronner P , Chandna Jaya , Procter Simon R , van de Beek Diederik , de Gier Brechje , van der Ende Arie , Sørensen Henrik T , Lawn Joy E , Bijlsma Merijn W ,   GBS Danish and Dutch Collaborative Group for Long-term Outcomes, Sørensen Henrik T , Horváth-Puhó Erzsébet , Søgaard Kirstine K , van de Beek Diederik , Bijlsma Merijn W , van Kassel Merel N , Snoek Linde , de Gier Brechje , van der Ende Arie , Hahné Susan J M
Published: September 2021

Background

Preterm birth and neonatal infections are both associated with mortality and long-term neurodevelopmental impairments (NDIs). We examined whether the effect of invasive group B Streptococcus disease (iGBS) on mortality and long-term NDI differs for preterm and term infants, and whether co-occurrence of iGBS and prematurity leads to worse outcome.

Methods

Nationwide cohort studies of children with a history of iGBS were conducted using Danish and Dutch medical databases. Comparison cohorts of children without iGBS were matched on birth year/month, sex, and gestational age. Effects of iGBS on all-cause mortality and NDI were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards and logistic regression. Effect modification by prematurity was evaluated on additive and multiplicative scales.

Results

We identified 487 preterm and 1642 term children with a history of iGBS and 21 172 matched comparators. Dutch preterm children exposed to iGBS had the highest mortality rate by 3 months of age (671/1000 [95% CI, 412–929/1000] person-years). Approximately 30% of this mortality rate could be due to the common effect of iGBS and prematurity. Preterm children with iGBS had the highest NDI risk (8.8% in Denmark, 9.0% in the Netherlands). Of this NDI risk 36% (Denmark) and 60% (the Netherlands) might be due to the combined effect of iGBS and prematurity.

Conclusions

Prematurity is associated with iGBS development. Our study shows that it also negatively impacts outcomes of children who survive iGBS. Preterm infants would benefit from additional approaches to prevent maternal GBS colonization, as this decreases risk of both preterm birth and iGBS.
Nicotinamide and acute kidney injury
Authors: Fontecha-Barriuso Miguel , Lopez-Diaz Ana M , Carriazo Sol , Ortiz Alberto , Sanz Ana Belen
Published: September 2021

In a recent issue of ckj, Piedrafita et al. reported that urine tryptophan and kynurenine are reduced in cardiac bypass surgery patients that develop acute kidney injury (AKI), suggesting reduced activity of the kynurenine pathway of nicotinamide (NAM) adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) synthesis from tryptophan. However, NAM supplementation aiming at repleting NAD+ did not replete kidney NAD+ and did not improve glomerular filtration or reduce histological injury in ischaemic–reperfusion kidney injury in mice. The lack of improvement of kidney injury is partially at odds with prior reports that did not study kidney NAD+, glomerular filtration or histology in NAM-treated wild-type mice with AKI. We now present an overview of research on therapy with vitamin B3 vitamers and derivate molecules {niacin, Nicotinamide [NAM; niacinamide], NAM riboside [Nicotinamide riboside (NR)], Reduced nicotinamide riboside [NRH] and NAM mononucleotide} in kidney injury, including an overview of ongoing clinical trials, and discuss the potential explanations for diverging reports on the impact of these therapeutic approaches on pre-clinical acute and chronic kidney disease.
The Interrelationship Between Female Reproductive Aging and Survival
Authors: Mason Jeffrey B , Habermehl Tracy L , Underwood Kaden B , Schneider Augusto , Brieño-Enriquez Miguel A , Masternak Michal M , Parkinson Kate C
Published: September 2021

The link between survival and reproductive function is demonstrated across many species and is under both long-term evolutionary pressures and short-term environmental pressures. Loss of reproductive function is common in mammals and is strongly correlated with increased rates of disease in both males and females. However, the reproduction-associated change in disease rates is more abrupt and more severe in women, who benefit from a significant health advantage over men until the age of menopause. Young women with early ovarian failure also suffer from increased disease risks, further supporting the role of ovarian function in female health. Contemporary experiments where the influence of young ovarian tissue has been restored in postreproductive-aged females with surgical manipulation were found to increase survival significantly. In these experiments, young, intact ovaries were used to replace the aged ovaries of females that had already reached reproductive cessation. As has been seen previously in primitive species, when the young mammalian ovaries were depleted of germ cells prior to transplantation to the postreproductive female, survival was increased even further than with germ cell-containing young ovaries. Thus, extending reproductive potential significantly increases survival and appears to be germ cell and ovarian hormone-independent. The current review will discuss historical and contemporary observations and theories that support the link between reproduction and survival and provide hope for future clinical applications to decrease menopause-associated increases in disease risks.
CT Muscle Density, D3Cr Muscle Mass, and Body Fat Associations With Physical Performance, Mobility Outcomes, and Mortality Risk in Older Men
Authors: Orwoll Eric S , Blackwell Terri , Cummings Steven R , Cauley Jane A , Lane Nancy E , Hoffman Andrew R , Burghardt Andrew J , Evans William J , Cawthon Peggy M
Published: September 2021

Background

Muscle mass declines with age, while body adiposity increases. Sarcopenic obesity has been proposed to be particularly deleterious. However, previous methods for estimating muscle mass have been inadequate, and the relative contributions of total body fat versus muscle fat to adverse outcomes have been unclear.

Method

In a large cohort of older men (N = 1 017), we measured muscle mass (D3-creatine dilution), muscle density (high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography in the diaphyseal tibia) as a proxy of muscle fat, and total body fat (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry). We examined their associations with physical performance (walking speed, grip strength, chair stand time), the risk of mobility outcomes (mobility limitations, mobility disability), and the risk of death over ~5 years.

Results

In combined models, lower muscle mass and muscle density were independently associated with worse physical performance and the risk of adverse outcomes, while total body fat was minimally related to physical performance and not related to mobility outcomes or mortality. For example, the relative risks for mortality per 1 standardized unit increase in muscle density, muscle mass, and total body fat were 0.84 (95% confidence interval: 0.74, 0.96), 0.70 (0.57, 0.86), and 0.90 (0.64, 1.25), respectively.

Conclusions

Muscle mass and muscle density were associated with physical performance and adverse outcomes, and had independent, additive effects. There was little additional contribution of total body fat.
Anticipatory Coping Diversity: Implications for Emotional, Physical, and Cognitive Reactivity to Daily Stressors
Authors: Neupert Shevaun D
Published: September 2021

Objectives

This study examines the concept of anticipatory coping diversity, reflected in the evenness and richness of anticipatory coping strategies. The overarching goal of this study is to show how individual differences in anticipatory coping diversity are associated with emotional, physical, and cognitive reactivity to daily stressors and to examine whether these dynamic characteristics might differ between younger and older adults.

Methods

107 younger (M age = 19.44, range 18–36) and 116 older (M age = 64.71, range 60–90) participants reported on 1,627 total days via an online daily diary study. Participants reported baseline demographic information (Day 1) and anticipatory coping, stressor exposure, negative affect, physical symptoms, and memory failures (Days 2–9). Anticipatory coping diversity was indexed at the person level using Shannon’s entropy to capture the evenness and richness of anticipatory coping strategies across stressors.

Results

People with more anticipatory coping diversity were less emotionally reactive, but more physically and cognitively reactive to daily stressors. Older adults exhibited less anticipatory coping diversity than younger adults, but the patterns of anticipatory coping diversity differences in reactivity appeared to be consistent across younger and older adults.

Discussion

Anticipatory coping diversity reflects a useful index within the stress process that is associated with benefits as well as costs. These findings bridge dispositional and contextual approaches to coping and highlight the importance of understanding how deployment of coping strategies is related to well-being across the adult life span.
A Diagnostic Dilemma from a Presentation of Shortness of Breath and Chest Pain
Authors: Nichols Matthew , Silversides Candice K , Woo Anna , Leung Felix , Taher Jennifer , Zhou Qianghua , Brinc Davor
Published: September 2021

Introduction

A patient presented to hospital with chest pain and shortness of breath on 2 occasions 4 weeks apart. Clinical examination revealed an elevated jugular venous pressure consistent with heart failure or elevated filling pressures.

Methods

The patient was investigated through various modalities including electrocardiogram (ECG), transthoracic echocardiogram, coronary angiography, MRI, cardiac catheterization, positron emission tomography, and an extensive laboratory workup.

Results

Serial hs TnI measurements consistently revealed grossly elevated troponin I (>10 000 ng/L). In-lab investigation of increased high sensitivity troponin I (hsTnI) showed evidence of falsely increased troponin due to the presence of heterophilic antibodies.

Discussion

This case demonstrates a complex patient presentation and the value of involving the laboratory medicine team when dealing with potentially discrepant results. This is a rare report of grossly elevated troponin due to heterophilic antibodies for high-sensitivity troponin Abbott assay.
Mercury Determination in Certifiable Color Additives Using Thermal Decomposition Amalgamation and Atomic Absorption Spectrometric Analysis
Authors: Phan Kha , Richardson Nicole , Hepp Nancy M
Published: September 2021

Background

Color additives requiring batch certification by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) specification limits for certain elements and are usually analyzed by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF). However, sensitivity for Hg is too low in some color additives.

Objective

The thermal decomposition amalgamation (TDA)-atomic absorption spectrometric (AAS) technique was investigated for providing quick and accurate determinations of Hg in certifiable color additives.

Methods

Tests were performed to optimize conditions and test reliability of Hg determinations at and below the CFR specification limit of 1 mg/kg.

Results

Sensitivity is much improved over XRF, with limits of quantitation of 0.03 mg/kg for highly homogeneous color additives.

Conclusion

The TDA-AAS method can be used for determining Hg concentrations at and below the CFR specification limit. The technique is effective for all color additives, including those that are difficult to analyze by XRF, but less efficient for color additives that quickly deteriorate the catalyst. Regular quality checks using certified reference materials and in-house matrix-matched check standards are essential.

Highlights

The TDA-AAS method is applicable for use in routine color additive batch certification. Certain matrixes (notably those that release nitrogen or sulfur oxides or halogens upon combustion) necessitate more frequent replacement of the catalyst and recalibration, impacting productivity. Color additives containing BaSO4, in color additive lakes, that are difficult to analyze by other techniques, are well suited for TDA-AAS analysis.
Computational design and workspace analysis of a passive motion-scaling mechanism based on pantograph for microsurgery
Authors: Lee Tae-Hoon , Choi Dongeun , Lee Woosub
Published: September 2021

Robot-assisted surgery has been extensively applied in various microsurgical disciplines owing to its enhanced accuracy and dexterity based on the motion-scaling function between a hand and a surgical instrument. However, the surgical robot system developed thus far incurs high manufacturing costs and restricted compatibility due to the complicated control system, including many actuators and sensors. This paper proposes a novel passive mechanism for motion scaling based on the pantograph structure to resolve these drawbacks of robotic assistance devices. As a first step, a design configuration featuring gravity compensation and the duplication of directional motion is suggested. Subsequently, the geometric dimensions required to satisfy the surgical space and structural constraints are defined. Moreover, the mass of elements required to enable gravity compensation is calculated using moment equations. After determining the principal design parameters, the motion scaling of the proposed passive model is identified using a three-dimensional computer-aided design. In addition, for an extremely precise operation in microsurgery, the dynamic reaction force is expected to be constant in any location. Therefore, to investigate dynamic dexterity, the mathematical model is formulated based on the Lagrangian dynamic equation. Then, the dynamic workspace range is analysed from the determinant of the mass matrix. In addition, the analysis results are evaluated through comparative simulations in different workspace ranges; hence, a constant reaction force can be achieved only in the dynamic workspace range.
How and why do bees buzz? Implications for buzz pollination
Authors: Vallejo-Marín Mario
Published: September 2021

Buzz pollination encompasses the evolutionary convergence of specialized floral morphologies and pollinator behaviour in which bees use vibrations (floral buzzes) to remove pollen. Floral buzzes are one of several types of vibrations produced by bees using their thoracic muscles. Here I review how bees can produce these different types of vibrations and discuss the implications of this mechanistic understanding for buzz pollination. I propose that bee buzzes can be categorized according to their mode of production and deployment into: (i) thermogenic, which generate heat with little mechanical vibration; (ii) flight buzzes which, combined with wing deployment and thoracic vibration, power flight; and (iii) non-flight buzzes in which the thorax vibrates but the wings remain mostly folded, and include floral, defence, mating, communication, and nest-building buzzes. I hypothesize that the characteristics of non-flight buzzes, including floral buzzes, can be modulated by bees via modification of the biomechanical properties of the thorax through activity of auxiliary muscles, changing the rate of activation of the indirect flight muscles, and modifying flower handling behaviours. Thus, bees should be able to fine-tune mechanical properties of their floral vibrations, including frequency and amplitude, depending on flower characteristics and pollen availability to optimize energy use and pollen collection.
On the expressive power of Łukasiewicz square operator
Authors: Coniglio Marcelo E , Esteva Francesc , Flaminio Tommaso , Godo Lluís
Published: September 2021

The aim of the paper is to analyze the expressive power of the square operator of Łukasiewicz logic: $\ast x=x\odot x$, where $\odot $ is the strong Łukasiewicz conjunction. In particular, we aim at understanding and characterizing those cases in which the square operator is enough to construct a finite MV-chain from a finite totally ordered set endowed with an involutive negation. The first of our main results shows that, indeed, the whole structure of MV-chain can be reconstructed from the involution and the Łukasiewicz square operator if and only if the obtained structure has only trivial subalgebras and, equivalently, if and only if the cardinality of the starting chain is of the form $n+1$ where $n$ belongs to a class of prime numbers that we fully characterize. Secondly, we axiomatize the algebraizable matrix logic whose semantics is given by the variety generated by a finite totally ordered set endowed with an involutive negation and Łukasiewicz square operator. Finally, we propose an alternative way to account for Łukasiewicz square operator on involutive Gödel chains. In this setting, we show that such an operator can be captured by a rather intuitive set of equations.
Line confusion in spectroscopic surveys and its possible effects: shifts in Baryon Acoustic Oscillations position
Authors: Massara Elena , Ho Shirley , Hirata Christopher M , DeRose Joseph , Wechsler Risa H , Fang Xiao
Published: September 2021

Roman Space Telescope will survey about 17 million emission-line galaxies over a range of redshifts. Its main targets are Hα emission-line galaxies at low redshifts (z < 2) and [O iii] emission-line galaxies at high redshifts (z > 2). The Roman Space Telescope will estimate the redshift of these galaxies with single-line identification. This suggests that other emission-line galaxies may be misidentified as the main targets. In particular, it is hard to distinguish between the H β and [O iii] lines as the two lines are close in wavelength and hence the photometric information may not be sufficient to separate them reliably. Misidentifying H β emitter as [O iii] emitter will cause a shift in the inferred radial position of the galaxy by approximately 90 Mpc h−1. This length-scale is similar to the Baryon Acoustic Oscillation (BAO) scale and could shift and broaden the BAO peak, possibly introduce errors in determining the BAO peak position. We qualitatively describe the effect of this new systematic and further quantify it with a light-cone simulation with emission-line galaxies. Our results show a systematic shift in the recovered isotropic BAO positions that depends on the percentage of interlopers (percentage of ${\rm H}\,\beta$) in the sample. The systematic shift can be as large as $0.1{-}0.3\,\mathrm{ per}\,\mathrm{ cent} \, {\rm x}\, {{\%}}{\rm H}\,\beta$ for analysis performed at redshifts z = 1.3−1.9.
The ultra-hot-Jupiter KELT-16 b: dynamical evolution and atmospheric properties
Authors: Mancini L , Southworth J , Naponiello L , Baştürk Ö , Barbato D , Biagiotti F , Bruni I , Cabona L , D’Ago G , Damasso M , Erdem A , Evans D , Henning Th , Öztürk O , Ricci D , Sozzetti A , Tregloan-Reed J , Yalçınkaya S
Published: September 2021

We present broad-band photometry of 30 planetary transits of the ultra-hot-Jupiter KELT-16 b, using five medium-class telescopes. The transits were monitored through standard $B,\, V,\, R,\, I$ filters and four were simultaneously observed from different places, for a total of 36 new light curves. We used these new photometric data and those from the TESS space telescope to review the main physical properties of the KELT-16 planetary system. Our results agree with previous measurements but are more precise. We estimated the mid-transit times for each of these transits and combined them with others from the literature to obtain 69 epochs, with a time baseline extending over more than 4 yr, and searched for transit time variations. We found no evidence for a period change, suggesting a lower limit for orbital decay at 8 Myr, with a lower limit on the reduced tidal quality factor of $Q^{\prime }_{\star }\gt (1.9 \pm 0.8) \times 10^5$ with $95{{\rm {per\ cent}}}$ confidence. We built up an observational, low-resolution transmission spectrum of the planet, finding evidence of the presence of optical absorbers, although with a low significance. Using TESS data, we reconstructed the phase curve finding that KELT-16 b has a phase offset of 25.25 ± 14.03 °E, a day- and night-side brightness temperature of 3190 ± 61 K and 2668 ± 56 K, respectively. Finally, we compared the flux ratio of the planet over its star at the TESS and Spitzer wavelengths with theoretical emission spectra, finding evidence of a temperature inversion in the planet’s atmosphere, the chemical composition of which is preferably oxygen-rich rather than carbon-rich.
Nucleolar TFIIE plays a role in ribosomal biogenesis and performance
Authors: Phan Tamara , Maity Pallab , Ludwig Christina , Streit Lisa , Michaelis Jens , Tsesmelis Miltiadis , Scharffetter-Kochanek Karin , Iben Sebastian
Published: September 2021

Ribosome biogenesis is a highly energy-demanding process in eukaryotes which requires the concerted action of all three RNA polymerases. In RNA polymerase II transcription, the general transcription factor TFIIH is recruited by TFIIE to the initiation site of protein-coding genes. Distinct mutations in TFIIH and TFIIE give rise to the degenerative disorder trichothiodystrophy (TTD). Here, we uncovered an unexpected role of TFIIE in ribosomal RNA synthesis by RNA polymerase I. With high resolution microscopy we detected TFIIE in the nucleolus where TFIIE binds to actively transcribed rDNA. Mutations in TFIIE affects gene-occupancy of RNA polymerase I, rRNA maturation, ribosomal assembly and performance. In consequence, the elevated translational error rate with imbalanced protein synthesis and turnover results in an increase in heat-sensitive proteins. Collectively, mutations in TFIIE—due to impaired ribosomal biogenesis and translational accuracy—lead to a loss of protein homeostasis (proteostasis) which can partly explain the clinical phenotype in TTD.
Oxidative stress-mediated epigenetic regulation by G-quadruplexes
Authors: Fleming Aaron M , Burrows Cynthia J
Published: September 2021

Many cancer-associated genes are regulated by guanine (G)-rich sequences that are capable of refolding from the canonical duplex structure to an intrastrand G-quadruplex. These same sequences are sensitive to oxidative damage that is repaired by the base excision repair glycosylases OGG1 and NEIL1–3. We describe studies indicating that oxidation of a guanosine base in a gene promoter G-quadruplex can lead to up- and downregulation of gene expression that is location dependent and involves the base excision repair pathway in which the first intermediate, an apurinic (AP) site, plays a key role mediated by AP endonuclease 1 (APE1/REF1). The nuclease activity of APE1 is paused at a G-quadruplex, while the REF1 capacity of this protein engages activating transcription factors such as HIF-1α, AP-1 and p53. The mechanism has been probed by in vitro biophysical studies, whole-genome approaches and reporter plasmids in cellulo. Replacement of promoter elements by a G-quadruplex sequence usually led to upregulation, but depending on the strand and precise location, examples of downregulation were also found. The impact of oxidative stress-mediated lesions in the G-rich sequence enhanced the effect, whether it was positive or negative.
Strategies for Detecting Insincere Respondents in Online Polling
Authors: Kennedy Courtney , Hatley Nicholas , Lau Arnold , Mercer Andrew , Keeter Scott , Ferno Joshua , Asare-Marfo Dorene
Published: September 2021

While the migration of public opinion surveys to online platforms has often lowered costs and enhanced timeliness, it has also created new vulnerabilities. Respondents completing the same survey multiple times from different IP addresses, overseas workers posing as Americans, and algorithms designed to complete surveys are among the threats that have emerged in this new era. This paper is an attempt to measure the prevalence of such respondents and their impact on survey data quality, while demonstrating methodological approaches for doing so. Prior studies typically examine just one platform and rely on closed-ended questions and/or paradata (e.g., IP addresses) to identify untrustworthy interviews. This is problematic because such data are relatively easy for bad actors to fake. We carried out a large-scale study with an eye toward overcoming these limitations. This study examines the threat of insincere respondents using large samples from six online platforms: three opt-in survey panels, two address-recruited survey panels, and a crowdsourced sample. Rather than relying solely on closed-ended responses, we incorporated an analysis of 375,834 open-ended answers. By their very nature, open-ended questions offer a more sensitive indicator of whether a respondent is genuine or not. The study found that the incidence of insincere respondents varied significantly by the type of online sample. Critically, insincere respondents did not just answer at random, but rather they tended to select positive answer choices, introducing a small, systematic bias into estimates like presidential approval. Two common data-quality checks failed to detect most insincere respondents.
miR-23a contributes to T cellular redox metabolism in juvenile idiopathic oligoarthritis
Authors: Rajendiran Anandhi , Klemm Patricia , Schippers Anastasia , Scheufen Anja , Schwarz Tobias , Peitz Joachim , Brandenburg Lars-Ove , Wagner Norbert , Consolaro Alessandro , Raggi Federica , Bosco Maria Carla , Luedde Tom , Foell Dirk , Denecke Bernd , Horneff Gerd , Ohl Kim , Tenbrock Klaus
Published: September 2021

Objective

JIA is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown origin. The regulation of inflammatory processes involves multiple cellular steps including mRNA transcription and translation. Different miRNAs control these processes tightly. We aimed to determine the roles of specific miRNAs within JIA pathogenesis.

Methods

We performed a global miRNA expression analysis in parallel in cells from the arthritic joint and peripheral blood of oligoarticular JIA patients and healthy controls. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis was used to verify expression of miRNA in T cells. Ex vivo experiments and flow cytometric analyses were used to analyse proliferation and redox metabolism.

Results

Global miRNA expression analysis demonstrated a different composition of miRNA expression at the site of inflammation compared with peripheral blood. Bioinformatic analysis of predicted miRNA target genes suggest a huge overrepresentation of genes involved in metabolic and oxidative stress pathways in the inflamed joint. Despite enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels within the local inflammatory milieu, JIA T cells are hyperproliferative and reveal an overexpression of miR-23a, which is an inhibitor of Peptidyl-prolyl isomerase F (PPIF), the regulator of mitochondrial ROS escape. Mitochondrial ROS escape is diminished in JIA T cells, resulting in their prolonged survival.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that miRNA-dependent mitochondrial ROS shuttling might be a mechanism that contributes to T cell regulation in JIA at the site of inflammation.
The Role of Biofilms in Chronic Otitis Media-Active Squamosal Disease: An Evaluative Study
Authors: Singh Gautam Bir , Malhotra Sonali , Yadav Subhash Chandra , Kaur Ravinder , Kwatra Devanshu , Kumar Sunil
Published: September 2021

Objectives:

To study the presence of biofilms in patients of chronic otitis media (COM)-active squamosal disease and to evaluate the microflora and clinical impact of biofilms.

Methods:

A total of 35 patients suffering from COM – active squamosal disease was studied. Cholesteatoma sample was collected at the time of mastoid surgery and the same was used to image for biofilms by scanning electron microscope. The said sample was also analyzed microbiologically.

Results:

Biofilms were present in 25 (72%) patients including 6 cases of fungal biofilms (24%). Biofilms were detected irrespective of the micro-organism growth. No statistically significant relationship was observed between biofilms and discharging ear and complications of COM. Though univariate analysis of our data found some correlation between duration of disease, the extent of cholesteatoma and ossicular necrosis but multivariate analysis revealed no such associations, thereby implying a doubtful association between these factors and biofilm.

Conclusions:

Biofilms are an integral part of cholesteatoma ear disease and sometimes harbors fungal isolates.
A Cohort Study Comparing Importance of Clinical Factors in Determining Diagnosis and Treatment for Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence Syndrome
Authors: Zhang Lisa , Creighton Francis X. , Carey John P.
Published: September 2021

Objective:

To determine which clinical factors have the strongest impact on determining diagnosis and decision for surgical repair for superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome (SCDS).

Patients:

A total of 81 patients presented with a suspicion for SCDS between October 2017 and October 2018. 38 patients ultimately were diagnosed with SCDS, and 28 chose surgical repair.

Methods:

Clinical factors of subjective patient symptoms (autophony, sensitivity to loud sounds, vertigo induced by loud sounds, dizziness, hearing their own heartbeats or other visceral organs) and audiogram findings (low frequency conductive hearing loss [CHL], bone-conduction hyperacusis, low cVEMP threshold [<80 db nHL], increased oVEMP [>17 μV] amplitudes) were analyzed with logistic regression to identify factors that predicted those who would ultimately be diagnosed with SCDS and those who would have surgical repair. Preoperative high-resolution CT imaging was performed on all patients.

Results:

Significant predictors of presence of SCDS from logistic regression included low frequency CHL and increased oVEMP amplitude (p = 0.002 [OR 40, 95%CI 3.8-413], p = 0.001 [OR 93, 95%CI 6.8-1267], respectively). These were also significant predictors of individuals who chose to have surgical repair (p = 0.004 [OR 47, 95%CI 3.5-620], p = 0.001 [OR 126, 95%CI 8.2-1941], respectively). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) for these two variables are 93% for diagnosing SCDS and 94% for predicting choice for surgical repair.

Conclusions:

Low frequency CHL and increased oVEMP amplitude are the strongest predictive factors for making a diagnosis of SCDS and for choosing surgical repair.