bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Total mercury and methylmercury (MeHg) in braised and crude Boletus edulis carpophores during various developmental stages
Authors: Falandysz Jerzy , Saba Martyna , Rutkowska Małgorzata , Konieczka Piotr
Published: August 2021

We collected and processedBoletus edulis(King Bolete) carpophores grouped in four batches based on their developmental stage (button stage, young—white, large—white, and large—yellow). The study aimed, for the first time, to examine theB. eduliscontent and effect of braising and to estimate the intake of total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) from a single meal based on whole (wet) weight (ww) and dry weight (dw). In braised carpophores, THg concentrations ranged from 0.2668 ± 0.0090 to 0.5434 ± 0.0071 mg kg−1ww at different developmental stages, whereas crude products concentrations ranged from 0.1880 ± 0.0247 to 0.2929 ± 0.0030 mg kg−1ww. The button stage crude carpophores were more highly contaminated with THg than at later stages of maturity, but MeHg levels were lower (p< 0.0001). On the other hand, braised button stage carpophores showed more MeHg than at later maturity stages. MeHg contributed at 1.9 ± 0.7% in THg in crude mushrooms and at 1.4 ± 0.3% in braised meals. The effect of braising was to increase the average THg and MeHg contents in fresh mushroom meals by 52 ± 31% and 53 ± 122% respectively, but a reduction of 40 ±14% and 40 ± 49% respectively was seen on a dw basis. The potential intakes of THg and MeHg from braised meals ofB. edulisstudied were small and considered safe.

Graphical abstract
Bridging Capillary-Driven Fragmentation and Grain Transport with Mixed Columnar-Equiaxed Solidification
Authors: Rodrigues Christian M. G. , Wu Menghuai , Zhang Haijie , Ludwig Andreas , Kharicha Abdellah
Published: August 2021

In this study, a first attempt is made to bridge capillary-driven fragmentation and grain transport using a mixed columnar-equiaxed solidification model. Grain transport is an intrinsic feature of the employed solidification model which has been extensively investigated over the years. Regarding the capillary-driven fragmentation event, a new correlation between the number of fragments and interfacial area density of the columnar structure was recently established by Cool and Voorhees (2017) based on experimental research under isothermal conditions. Here, we propose to modify Cool and Voorhees’ equation to extend its range of applicability to the solidification-dominant stage without destroying the agreement with the reported measurements in the coarsening-dominant stage. With this improvement in the mixed columnar-equiaxed solidification model, capillary effects can be isolated from the motion of the phases during fragmentation events, which facilitates understanding of the results. Under pure diffusive solidification conditions (no flow or crystal sedimentation), the simulation results were validated against phase-field simulations. In more realistic scenarios where liquid flow and fragment sedimentation are both considered, the simulations indicate very reasonable results for the detection of columnar-to-equiaxed transition, which suggests that the newly proposed model can be an important tool for industrial casting applications. Moreover, flow direction and intensity were shown to affect the potential for local fragmentation.

Graphic Abstract
Sulfidation of Ceramic-Based Coatings Deposited on Low-Alloyed Steel 16Mo3 Exposed at High Temperature
Authors: Rząd Ewa , Dudziak Tomasz , Polczyk Tomasz , Boroń Łukasz , Figiel Paweł , Oziębło Artur , Chmielewska Danuta , Synowiec Barbara , Pichniarczyk Paweł
Published: August 2021

This study was carried out to evaluate a series of ceramic coatings in a sulfidation atmosphere containing 99% synthetic air and 1% H2S (vol.%) under a flow rate of 50 mL/min. The study was carried out at 773.15 K for 336 hours (heating rate 278.15 K/min). Chemically resistant glass enamels based on SiO2-B2O3-TiO2-Na2O compounds were deposited on the surface of 16Mo3 (16M) low-alloyed steel. Kinetic data were recorded periodically every 168 hours; macro- and microanalyses using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), phase analyses using x-ray diffractometry (XRD) and chemical composition using energy-dispersive x-ray spectrometry along with EDS x-ray mappings were carried out to observe the degradation process of the sulfidized coatings. The results indicated that some of the ceramic coatings exposed in the harsh atmosphere at 773.15 K for 336 hours showed a high degree of protection.
Exploring Quality of Life Reported by Norwegian Older Adults Using Classification Tree Approach on Group Profiles
Authors: Santora Lidia , Byrne Don , Klöckner Christian
Published: August 2021

This study aims to explore the variation between- and within subgroups of older adults with regard to low, medium, and high levels of self-reported quality of life (QoL) measured by the WHOQOL-BREF scale. The contribution of interacting personal and contextual life conditions to QoL was examined in a sample of 1,910 (sample frame 6,000) Norwegian men and women aged 62 to 99 years. The data collected by a postal questionnaire were analyzed using the Chi-square Automatic Interaction Detection (CHAID) classification method in order to detect unique profiles of groups who shared common characteristics. The CHAID model revealed 15 relatively homogenous groups, but distinct from one another, whose profiles were defined by unique constellations of several interacting variables significantly related to a given QoL level. Mental functioning was predominantly linked to perception of life meaning along with health status, and/or in some cases living arrangement, loneliness, neighborhood quality, and satisfaction with income, and placed an individual at different likelihood levels of reporting low, medium, or high QoL. Socio-demographics had no statistically significant impact on QoL for any subgroup. Through this individual-oriented approach, a periodically ongoing assessment of subjective quality of life (QoL) may be sufficiently powerful to allow detecting and addressing personal concerns and specific needs that detract from quality of life in advancing age.
Effects of Augmented Feedback with Error Self-estimates on Vocational High School Students’ Motor Skill Learning
Authors: Lee Yi-Fang , Altschuld James W. , Chiang Fang-Shen , Yue Ching-Syang Jack , Sung Hsiu-Te , Chang Chun-Hsin
Published: August 2021

The influence of augmented feedback and self-estimation of errors on the welding skill learning of vocational high school students was the focus of this study. A quasi-experimental research design was utilized by randomly assigning two classes of car repair students to an experimental group and a control group. Each participant had 9 practice trials, took 3 tests (pre, post, and delayed), and received augmented feedback 3 times during the skill acquisition phase. The experimental group was additionally requested to self-estimate their errors by reviewing their work in comparison to a benchmark piece, assessing the differences, and completing a checklist of criteria, while the control group did not undergo this process. The performance of participants improved through the practice period with the experimental group showing significantly greater changes than those in the control condition. For the delayed-test, both groups declined to some extent from the post-test, but the experimental subjects did better comparatively. Augmented feedback with self-estimation of errors appeared beneficial for vocational high school students’ motor skill learning.
An Eye Tracking Study on Feigned Schizophrenia
Authors: Ales Francesca , Giromini Luciano , Warmelink Lara , Polden Megan , Wilcockson Thomas , Kelly Claire , Winters Christina , Zennaro Alessandro , Crawford Trevor
Published: August 2021

Research on malingering detection has not yet taken full advantage of eye tracking technology. In particular, while several studies indicate that patients with schizophrenia behave notably differently from controls on specific oculomotor tasks, no study has yet investigated whether experimental participants instructed to feign could reproduce those behaviors, if coached to do so. Due to the automatic nature of eye movements, we anticipated that eye tracking analyses would help detect feigned schizophrenic problems. To test this hypothesis, we recorded the eye movements of 83 adult UK volunteers, and tested whether eye movements of healthy volunteers instructed to feign schizophrenia (n = 43) would differ from those of honest controls (n = 40), while engaging in smooth pursuit and pro- and anti-saccade tasks. Additionally, results from our investigation were also compared against previously published data observed in patients with schizophrenia performing similar oculomotor tasks. Data analysis showed that eye movements of experimental participants instructed to feign (a) only partially differed from those of controls and (b) did not closely resemble those from patients with schizophrenia reported in previously published papers. Taken together, these results suggest that examination of eye movements does have the potential to help detecting feigned schizophrenia.
The Theories of Gerbrandus Jelgersma (1859–1942) on the Function of the Cerebellum
Authors: Voogd Jan
Published: August 2021

Gerbrandus Jelgersma published extensively on the (pathological) anatomy of the cerebellum between 1886 and 1934. Based on his observations on the double innervation of the Purkinje cells, he formulated a hypothesis on the function of the cerebellum. Both afferent systems of the cerebellum, the mossy fiber-parallel fiber system and the climbing fibers terminate on the Purkinje cell dendrites. According to Jelgersma, the mossy fiber-parallel fiber system is derived from the pontine nuclei and the inferior olive, and would transmit the movement images derived from the cerebral cortex. Spinocerebellar climbing fibers would transmit information about the execution of the movement. When the Purkinje cell compares these inputs and notices a difference between instruction and execution, it sends a correction through the descending limb of the superior cerebellar peduncle to the anterior horn cells. Jelgersma postulates that this cerebro-cerebellar coordination system shares plasticity with other nervous connections because nerve cell dendritic protrusions possess what he called amoeboid mobility: dendritic protrusions can be extended or retracted and are so able to create new connections or to abolish them. Jelgersma’s theories are discussed against the background of more recent theories of cerebellar function that, similarly, are based on the double innervation of the Purkinje cells. The amoeboid hypothesis is traced to its roots in the late nineteenth century.
Robots for Elderly Care in the Home: A Landscape Analysis and Co-Design Toolkit
Authors: Bardaro Gianluca , Antonini Alessio , Motta Enrico
Published: August 2021

Over the last two decades, several deployments of robots for in-house assistance of older adults have been trialled. However, these solutions are mostly prototypes and remain unused in real-life scenarios. In this work, we review the historical and current landscape of the field, to try and understand why robots have yet to succeed as personal assistants in daily life. Our analysis focuses on two complementary aspects: the capabilities of the physical platform and the logic of the deployment. The former analysis shows regularities in hardware configurations and functionalities, leading to the definition of a set of six application-level capabilities (exploration,identification,remote control,communication,manipulation, anddigital situatedness). The latter focuses on the impact of robots on the daily life of users and categorises the deployment of robots for healthcare interventions using three types of services:support,mitigation, andresponse. Our investigation reveals that the value of healthcare interventions is limited by a stagnation of functionalities and a disconnection between the robotic platform and the design of the intervention. To address this issue, we propose a novel co-design toolkit, which uses an ecological framework for robot interventions in the healthcare domain. Our approach connects robot capabilities with known geriatric factors, to create a holistic view encompassing both the physical platform and the logic of the deployment. As a case study-based validation, we discuss the use of the toolkit in the pre-design of the robotic platform for an pilot intervention, part of the EU large-scale pilot of the EU H2020 GATEKEEPER project.
Effect of buttermilk and skimmed milk powder on the properties of low-fat yoghurt
Authors: Garczewska-Murzyn Anna , Smoczyński Michał , Kotowska Natalia , Kiełczewska Katarzyna
Published: August 2021

The aim of the study was to determine the potential of using buttermilk and skimmed milk powders as additives to standardize the dry matter content of milk in the production of low-fat yoghurt. A batch of yoghurt was produced using a starter culture of Lactobacillus delbruecki ssp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. The rates of milk acidification and pH levels were similar for both variants of yoghurt. After chilled storage (21 days), the yoghurt produced from milk supplemented with buttermilk powder was found to contain higher (P ≤ 0.05) levels of lactic acid (1.179%) than that supplemented with skimmed milk (1.154%). The use of buttermilk powder allowed reducing (not significantly, P > 0.05) syneresis in the stored yoghurt. The milk fat in the buttermilk–supplemented yoghurt showed lower (P ≤ 0.05) phospholipids content and exhibited slightly higher phospholipids loss during storage than the yoghurt produced from milk with addition of milk powder. No differences were found between the profile of fatty acids between the yoghurts enriched with skimmed milk powder and those enriched with buttermilk powder. Buttermilk can be used as an additive to produce a novel yoghurt type with modified functional features.

Research Highlights

The use of buttermilk powder did not affect fermentation process, however increased lactic acid content and water-holding capacity of yoghurt.

The yoghurts with added buttermilk contained less phospholipids when compared with yoghurts supplemented with milk powder.

Buttermilk powder can be incorporated as an ingredient in production of novel yoghurt type with improved functional features.
Microwave induced in-situ formation of SiC nanowires on SiCNO ceramic aerogels with excellent electromagnetic wave absorption performance
Authors: Yuan Keke , Han Daoyang , Liang Junfang , Zhao Wanyu , Li Mingliang , Zhao Biao , Liu Wen , Lu Hongxia , Wang Hailong , Xu Hongliang , Shao Gang , Zhang Rui
Published: August 2021

Electromagnetic absorption (EMA) materials with light weight and harsh environmental robustness are highly desired and crucially important in the stealth of high-speed vehicles. However, meeting these two requirements is always a great challenge, which excluded the most attractive lightweight candidates, such as carbon-based materials. In this study, SiCnw-reinforced SiCNO (SiCnw/SiCNO) composite aerogels were fabricated through the in-situ growth of SiCnw in polymer-derived SiCNO ceramic aerogels by using catalyst-assisted microwave heating at ultra-low temperature and in short time. The phase composition, microstructure, and EMA property of the SiCnw/SiCNO composite aerogels were systematically investigated. The results indicated that the morphology and phase composition of SiCnw/SiCNO composite aerogels can be regulated easily by varying the microwave treatment temperature. The composite aerogels show excellent EMA property with minimum reflection loss of −23.9 dB@13.8 GHz, −26.5 dB@10.9 GHz, and −20.4 dB@14.5 GHz and the corresponding effective bandwidth of 5.2 GHz, 3.2 GHz, and 4.8 GHz at 2.0 mm thickness for microwave treatment at 600 °C, 800 °C, and 1000 °C, respectively, which is much better than that of SiCN ceramic aerogels. The superior EMA performance is mainly attributed to the improved impedance matching, multi-reflection, multi-interfacial polarization, and micro current caused by migration of hopping electrons.
Capillary electroosmosis properties of water lubricants with different electroosmotic additives under a steel-on-steel sliding interface
Authors: Feng Bohua , Luan Zhiqiang , Zhang Tao , Liu Jiawei , Hu Xiaodong , Guan Jiju , Xu Xuefeng
Published: August 2021

The process of lubricant penetration into frictional interfaces has not been fully established, hence compromising their tribological performance. In this study, the penetration characteristics of deionized water (DI water) containing an electroosmotic suppressant (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)) and an electroosmotic promoter (sodium lauriminodipropionate (SLI)), were investigated using steel-on-steel friction pairs. The results indicated that the lubricant with electroosmotic promoter reduced the coefficient of friction and wear scar diameter, whereas that with an electroosmotic suppressant exhibited an opposite behavior compared with DI water. The addition of SLI promoted the penetration of the DI water solution, thus resulting in the formation of a thick lubricating film of iron oxide at the sliding surface. This effectively reduced the abrasion damage, leading to a lower coefficient of friction and wear loss.
Robust scalable reversible strong adhesion by gecko-inspired composite design
Authors: Li Xiaosong , Bai Pengpeng , Li Xinxin , Li Lvzhou , Li Yuanzhe , Lu Hongyu , Ma Liran , Meng Yonggang , Tian Yu
Published: August 2021

Bio-inspired reversible adhesion has significant potential in many fields requiring flexible grasping and manipulation, such as precision manufacturing, flexible electronics, and intelligent robotics. Despite extensive efforts for adhesive synthesis with a high adhesion strength at the interface, an effective strategy to actively tune the adhesion capacity between a strong attachment and an easy detachment spanning a wide range of scales has been lagged. Herein, we report a novel soft-hard-soft sandwiched composite design to achieve a stable, repeatable, and reversible strong adhesion with an easily scalable performance for a large area ranging from ∼1.5 to 150 cm2 and a high load ranging from ∼20 to 700 N. Theoretical studies indicate that this design can enhance the uniform loading for attachment by restraining the lateral shrinkage in the natural state, while facilitate a flexible peeling for detachment by causing stress concentration in the bending state, yielding an adhesion switching ratio of ∼54 and a switching time of less than ∼0.2 s. This design is further integrated into versatile grippers, climbing robots, and human climbing grippers, demonstrating its robust scalability for a reversible strong adhesion. This biomimetic design bridges microscopic interfacial interactions with macroscopic controllable applications, providing a universal and feasible paradigm for adhesion design and control.
Laser pattern-induced unidirectional lubricant flow for lubrication track replenishment
Authors: Liu Chenglong , Guo Feng , Wong Patrick , Li Xinming
Published: August 2021

Effective oil replenishment to the lubrication track of a running bearing is crucial to its sustainable operation. Reliable practical solutions are rare despite numerous theoretical studies were conducted in the last few decades. This paper proposes the use of surface effect, wettability gradient, to achieve the goal. This method is simple and can be nicely implemented using femtosecond laser ablation. A periodic comb-tooth-shaped pattern with anisotropic wetting capability is devised and its effect on the anisotropic spreading behaviour of an oil droplet is studied. Results show that the comb-tooth-shaped pattern enables the rearrangement of oil distribution, thereby escalating oil replenishment to the lubrication track. The effect is due to the unbalanced interfacial force created by the surface pattern. The influence of the shape and the pitch of teeth, which are the two governing factors, on oil transport is also reported. The effects of the newly devised surface pattern on lubrication are experimentally evaluated under the conditions of limited lubricant supply. These results are promising, demonstrating the reduction in bearing friction and the increase in lubricating film thickness.
Water-Dispersible CsPbBr3 Perovskite Nanocrystals with Ultra-Stability and its Application in Electrochemical CO2 Reduction
Authors: Chen Keqiang , Qi Kun , Zhou Tong , Yang Tingqiang , Zhang Yupeng , Guo Zhinan , Lim Chang-Keun , Zhang Jiayong , Žutic Igor , Zhang Han , Prasad Paras N.
Published: August 2021

Thanks to the excellent optoelectronic properties, lead halide perovskites (LHPs) have been widely employed in high-performance optoelectronic devices such as solar cells and light-emitting diodes. However, overcoming their poor stability against water has been one of the biggest challenges for most applications. Herein, we report a novel hot-injection method in a Pb-poor environment combined with a well-designed purification process to synthesize water-dispersible CsPbBr3 nanocrystals (NCs). The as-prepared NCs sustain their superior photoluminescence (91% quantum yield in water) for more than 200 days in an aqueous environment, which is attributed to a passivation effect induced by excess CsBr salts. Thanks to the ultra-stability of these LHP NCs, for the first time, we report a new application of LHP NCs, in which they are applied to electrocatalysis of CO2 reduction reaction. Noticeably, they show significant electrocatalytic activity (faradaic yield: 32% for CH4, 40% for CO) and operation stability (> 350 h).
Impact of a Severe Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Case on Treatment Practices at an Academic Institution Within a Nonendemic Area
Authors: Krawiec Conrad , Ceneviva Gary D. , Zhou Shouhao , Thomas Neal J.
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a bacterial disease associated with morbidity and mortality when untreated. The primary study objectives are to describe clinician diagnostic and treatment practices in a nonendemic area after the occurrence of an unrecognized severe pediatric presumed RMSF case (index case). We hypothesized that inpatient diagnostic testing frequency and initiation of empiric treatment will increase after the index case.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review of patients aged less than 18 y evaluated for RMSF at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital between 2010 and 2019. We divided the study population into 2 groups (preindex and postindex) and evaluated patient characteristics, RMSF testing completion, and timing of doxycycline administration.

Results

Fifty-four patients (14 [26%] preindex and 40 [74%] postindex) were included. Age (median [25th percentile, 75th percentile]) decreased from 14.5 y (8.6, 16) preindex to 8.3 y (3.6, 14) postindex. Twelve (86%) preindex and 31 (78%) postindex patients received empiric doxycycline ( P=0.70). Four years after the index case, a decrease in empiric and urgent initiation of doxycycline administration was noted. One case of severe RMSF was diagnosed 4 y after the index case.

Conclusions

Our study found that inpatient RMSF testing increased after the index case, but not all patients received empiric treatment. This may represent an underappreciation of RMSF severity even after a recent devastating case. We suggest that when severe rare but possibly reversible diseases, such as RMSF occur, all clinicians are educated on the diagnostic and treatment approach to reduce the morbidity and mortality risk.
The WTO Anti-Dumping Agreement
Authors: De Baere Philippe , du Parc Clotilde , Van Damme Isabelle
Published: August 2021

A unique article-by-article commentary on the WTO Anti-Dumping Agreement, offering an essential and comprehensive insight into WTO case-law. This commentary is an indispensable reference tool for government officials, practitioners and academics working on anti-dumping issues. The commentary's structure allows the reader to identify immediately which disputes are relevant for the interpretation of each provision. It offers a clear analysis of the applicable rules and a comprehensive explanation of what, as a result of the WTO case-law, those rules mean. This commentary has been written by practitioners who have all been directly involved in a large number of WTO disputes and who have extensive experience in anti-dumping investigations and in challenging anti-dumping determinations before the WTO and before national courts.
Free-stream coherent structures in parallel compressible boundary-layer flows at subsonic and moderate supersonic Mach numbers
Authors: Johnstone Eleanor C. , Hall Philip
Published: August 2021

As a first step towards the description of coherent structures in compressible shear flows, we present an asymptotic description of nonlinear travelling-wave solutions of the Navier–Stokes equations in the compressible asymptotic suction boundary layer (ASBL). We consider free-stream Mach numbers

$M_\infty$

in the subsonic and moderate supersonic regime so that

$0\leqslant M_\infty \leqslant 2$

. We extend the large-Reynolds-number asymptotic theory of Deguchi & Hall (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 752, 2014, pp. 602–625) describing ‘free-stream’ coherent structures in incompressible ASBL flow to describe a nonlinear interaction in a thin layer situated just below the free stream. Crucially, the nonlinear interaction equations for the velocity field in this layer are identical to those obtained in the incompressible problem, and thus the asymptotic analysis supporting free-stream coherent structures in compressible ASBL is easily deduced from its incompressible counterpart. The nonlinear interaction produces streaky disturbances to both the velocity and temperature fields, which can grow exponentially towards the wall. We complete the description of the growth of the velocity and thermal streaks throughout the flow by solving the compressible boundary-region equations numerically. We show that the velocity and thermal streaks obtain their maximum amplitude in the unperturbed boundary layer. Increasing the free-stream Mach number enhances the thermal streaks and suppresses the velocity streaks, whereas varying the Prandtl number suppresses the velocity streaks, and can either enhance or suppress the thermal streaks depending on whether the flow is in the subsonic or moderate supersonic regime. Such nonlinear equilibrium states have been implicated in shear transition in incompressible flows; therefore, our results indicate that a similar mechanism may also be present in compressible flows.
Associations of choline intake with hypertension and blood pressure among older adults in cross-sectional 2011–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) differ by BMI and comorbidity status
Authors: Taesuwan Siraphat , Thammapichai Paradee , Ganz Ariel B. , Jirarattanarangsri Wachira , Khemacheewakul Julaluk , Leksawasdi Noppol
Published: August 2021

Blood pressure (BP) is a known cardiovascular risk factor that is hypothesised to be inversely related to choline intake. A previous study suggested that this association may be more apparent in older adults and may differ according to demographic and health characteristics. The primary study objectives are to investigate the cross-sectional associations of total choline intake with BP (n843) and prevalent hypertension (n2113) among USA adults aged ≥ 65 years using the sample from the 2011 to 2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Logistic and multiple linear regression models for complex surveys were employed for hypertension status and BP, respectively. Effect modification by sex, race, BMI and comorbidity status were separately investigated using an interaction term. Choline intake interacted with BMI (P–interaction= 0·04) such that choline intake tended to be associated with lower odds of hypertension among people with BMI < 18·5 kg/m2(OR (95 % CI): 0·64 (0·4, 1·00);P= 0·052). Choline intake was not associated with systolic BP (mean ±semchange per 100 mg of choline: −1·03 ± 0·74 mmHg;P= 0·16). In contrast, its relation to diastolic BP differed by cardiovascular comorbidity (P–interaction= 0·03) with a non-significant (P= 0·13) negative direction of association observed among those who were free of comorbidities and a non-significant (P= 0·26) positive direction observed among those with comorbidities. Collectively, these results suggested that the associations of choline intake with BP levels and hypertension risk among older adults are dependent on other risk factors.
Elucidating the role of negative parenting in the genetic v. environmental influences on adult psychopathic traits
Authors: Dotterer Hailey L. , Vazquez Alexandra Y. , Hyde Luke W. , Neumann Craig S. , Santtila Pekka , Pezzoli Patrizia , Johansson Ada , Burt S. Alexandra
Published: August 2021

Background

Psychopathic traits involve interpersonal manipulation, callous affect, erratic lifestyle, and antisocial behavior. Though adult psychopathic traits emerge from both genetic and environmental risk, no studies have examined etiologic associations between adult psychopathic traits and experiences of parenting in childhood, or the extent to which parenting practices may impact the heritability of adult psychopathic traits using a genetically-informed design.

Methods

In total, 1842 adult twins from the community reported their current psychopathic traits and experiences of negative parenting during childhood. We fit bivariate genetic models to the data, decomposing the variance within, and the covariance between, psychopathic traits and perceived negative parenting into their genetic and environmental components. We then fit a genotype × environment interaction model to evaluate whether negative parenting moderated the etiology of psychopathic traits.

Results

Psychopathic traits were moderately heritable with substantial non-shared environmental influences. There were significant associations between perceived negative parenting and three of four psychopathy facets (interpersonal manipulation, erratic lifestyle, antisocial tendencies, but not callous affect). These associations were attributable to a common non-shared environmental pathway and not to overlapping genetic effects. Additionally, we found that primarily shared environmental influences were stronger on psychopathic traits for individuals with a history of greater negative parenting.

Conclusions

Utilizing a genetically-informed design, we found that both genetic and non-shared environmental factors contribute to the emergence of psychopathic traits. Moreover, perceptions of negative parenting emerged as a clear environmental influence on the development of interpersonal, lifestyle, and antisocial features of psychopathy.
Old Facts, New Beginnings: Thinking with Arendt about Algorithmic Decision-Making
Authors: Herzog Lisa
Published: August 2021

More and more decisions in our societies are made by algorithms. What are such decisions like, and how do they compare to human decision-making? I contrast central features of algorithmic decision-making with three key elements—plurality, natality, and judgment—of Hannah Arendt's political thought. In “Arendtian practices,” human beings come together as equals, exchange arguments, and make joint decisions, sometimes bringing something new into the world. With algorithmic decision-making taking over more and more areas of life, opportunities for “Arendtian practices” are under threat. Moreover, there is the danger that algorithms are tasked with decisions for which they are ill-suited. Analyzing the contrast with Arendt's thinking can be a starting point for delineating realms in which algorithmic decision-making should or should not be welcomed.
Constructivist Approaches to First Language Acquisition
Authors: BEHRENS Heike
Published: August 2021

Constructivist approaches to language acquisition predict that form-function mappings are derived from distributional patterns in the input, and their contextual embedding. This requires a detailed analysis of the input, and the integration of information from different contingencies. Regarding the acquisition of morphology, it is shown which types of information leads to the induction of (lexical) categories, and to paradigm building. Regarding the acquisition of word order, it is shown how languages with fixed or variable word order profit from stable syntactic hyperschemas, but require a more detailed analyses of the form-function contingencies to identify the underlying, more specific semantic, syntactic and morphological patterns. At a theoretical level, it is shown how findings from acquisition and processing converge into new linguistic theories that aim to account for regular as well as irregular phenomena in language.
On travelling wave solutions of a model of a liquid film flowing down a fibre
Authors: JI HANGJIE , TARANETS ROMAN , CHUGUNOVA MARINA
Published: August 2021

Existence of non-negative weak solutions is shown for a full curvature thin-film model of a liquid thin film flowing down a vertical fibre. The proof is based on the application of a priori estimates derived for energy-entropy functionals. Long-time behaviour of these weak solutions is analysed and, under some additional constraints for the model parameters and initial values, convergence towards a travelling wave solution is obtained. Numerical studies of energy minimisers and travelling waves are presented to illustrate analytical results.
lncRNA SNHG14 promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of thyroid tumour cells by regulating miR-93-5p
Authors: Tian Fang , Ying Huimin , Liao Shuaiju , Wang Yuanyuan , Wang Quansheng
Published: August 2021

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) exert vital functions in the occurrence and development of various tumours. The aim of this study was to examine the regulatory effect and underlying molecular mechanism of lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 14 (SNHG14) on the proliferation, invasion and migration of thyroid tumour cells. The expression of SNHG14 in thyroid tumour cell lines was determined using qRT-PCR. CCK-8 and western blot were used to detect the effects of SNHG14 on proliferation and apoptosis of thyroid tumour cells. The effect of SNHG14 on the migration and invasion of thyroid tumour cells was analyzed using immunofluorescence, wound-healing and transwell assays. A targeting relationship between SNHG14 and miR-93-5p was determined using bioinformatics software and luciferase reporter assays. In addition, CCK-8, immunofluorescence, wound-healing and transwell assays were applied to demonstrate that SNHG14 promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of thyroid tumour cells by targeting miR-93-5p. The biological function of SNHG14 in vivo was explored through a xenograft model and immunohistochemistry. SNHG14 was upregulated in thyroid tumour cells compared with normal cells. Downregulation of SNHG14 effectively reduced the proliferation, migration and invasion of TPC-1 cells, and induced cell apoptosis. Moreover, SNHG14 directly targeted miR-93-5p and there was a negative correlation between them. Further functional experiments illustrated that miR-93-5p overexpression dramatically reversed the promoting role of SNHG14 in proliferation, migration and invasion of TPC-1 cells. Our results demonstrated that SNHG14 promotes the proliferation, invasion and migration of thyroid tumour cells by downregulating miR-93-5p.
The added value of the electrocardiogram in Noonan syndrome
Authors: Vos Eefke , Leenders Erika , Werkman Sterre R. , Udink ten Cate Floris E. A. , Draaisma Jos M. T.
Published: August 2021

Noonan syndrome is a genetic disorder characteried by short stature, typical facial features, developmental delay, and CHD. In this single-centre retrospective study, we analysed typical Noonan syndrome-related electrocardiographic features in 95 patients with clinically and molecularly confirmed Noonan syndrome. Typical Noonan syndrome-related electrocardiographic features are left axis deviation, small left precordial R-waves, large right precordial S-waves, abnormal Q-wave, and abnormal wide QRS complex. In this representative cohort, CHD was found in 59 patients (62.1%) and typical Noonan syndrome-related electrographic features in 60 patients (63.2%). The typical Noonan syndrome-related electrographic features were also increased over baseline in patients without CHD (41.7%). Of all 95 patients, left axis deviation was seen in 46.3%, small left precordial R-waves in 30.5%, large right precordial S-waves in 5.3%, and abnormal Q-wave and wide QRS complex in 2.1%. There was no significant difference in the frequency of the individual-specific electrographic features between the group with CHD and the group without CHD. However, there were significantly more patients with a small left precordial R-wave in the subgroup with pulmonary stenosis compared to patients without pulmonary stenosis. Conclusion: Specific Noonan syndrome-related electrographic features are frequently present in patients with Noonan syndrome, also in the absence of CHD. These results suggest that there may be a continuum of cardiac anomalies from overt CHD to milder abnormalities that are only seen on electrocardiogram.
Evaluation of iodine nutritional status during pregnancy by estimated 24-h urinary iodine excretion: population variation range and individual accuracy
Authors: Bu Ye , Cai Yan , Ji Chunlei , Zhao Chunyan , Tian Chunyuan , Pang Bo , Shi Mengqi , Li Xin , Liu Ying , Sun Dianjun
Published: August 2021

Objective:

To explore the accuracy of estimated 24-h urinary iodine excretion (24-h UIEest) in assessing iodine nutritional status.

Design:

Fasting venous blood, 24-h and spot urine samples were collected during the day. The urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and urinary creatinine concentration (UCrC) were measured, and the urinary iodine-to-creatinine ratio (UI/Cr), 24-h UIEest, and 24-h urinary iodine excretion (24-h UIE) were calculated. At the population level, correlation and consistency between UIC, UI/Cr, 24-h UIEest and 24-h UIE were assessed using correlation analysis and Bland–Altman plots. At the individual level, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to analyse the accuracy of the above indicators for evaluating insufficient and excessive iodine intake. The reference interval of 24-h UIEest was established based on percentile values.

Setting:

Indicator can accurately evaluate individual iodine nutrition during pregnancy remains controversial.

Participants:

Pregnant women (n 788).

Results:

Using 24-h UIE as standard, the correlation coefficients of 24-h UIEest from different periods of the day ranged from 0·409 to 0·531, and the relative average differences ranged from 4·4 % to 10·9 %. For diagnosis of insufficient iodine intake, the area under the ROC curve of 24-h UIEest was 0·754, sensitivity and specificity were 79·6 % and 65·4 %, respectively. For diagnosis of excessive iodine intake, the area of 24-h UIEest was 0·771, sensitivity and specificity were 66·7 % and 82·0 %, respectively. The reference interval of 24-h UIEest was 58·43–597·65 μg.

Conclusions:

Twenty-four-hour UIEest can better indicate iodine nutritional status at a relatively large sample size in a given population of pregnant women. It can be used for early screening at the individual level to obtain more lead time for pregnant women.
Stadial‐Interstadial Temperature and Aridity Variations in East Central Europe Preceding the Last Glacial Maximum
Authors: Újvári Gábor , Bernasconi Stefano M. , Stevens Thomas , Kele Sándor , Páll‐Gergely Barna , Surányi Gergely , Demény Attila
Published: August 2021

Last glacial North Atlantic climate is characterized by abrupt, centennial‐millennial scale climate oscillations, called Dansgaard‐Oeschger (D‐O) events. Understanding the cause and propagation of these D‐O events into Eurasia is hampered by the scarcity of quantitative paleotemperature estimates from continental archives with precise, independent age models. Here, we present land snail shell carbonate clumped isotope‐based active season paleotemperature estimates and δ13C/δ18O‐based aridity reconstructions from Greenland stadial/interstadials (GS/GI) between 31 and 26.5 ka from the 14C‐dated Dunaszekcső loess section (Hungary). This reconstruction is complemented with a new 230Th‐dated flowstone stable isotope record covering 30‐26 ka. Our snail shell clumped isotope (Δ47) data indicate growing season temperatures (GSTs) of 16°C–18°C and 7°C–14°C for the investigated interstadials and stadials, respectively. Stable carbon and oxygen stable isotope compositions of shells and flowstone calcite reveal milder interstadials with drier summers and more available moisture over the winter season, and colder stadials with annually/seasonally (winter) drier conditions, promoting increased loess/dust deposition. We propose that large‐scale ocean‐atmospheric variability, characterized by NAO phases, may have imparted a major control on transmitting abrupt North Atlantic climate event signals into continental Europe during the last glacial.
Miocene Phosphatization of Rocks From the Summit of Rio Grande Rise, Southwest Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Benites Mariana , Hein James R. , Mizell Kira , Jovane Luigi
Published: August 2021

Marine phosphorites are an important part of the oceanic phosphorus cycle and are related to the effects of long‐term global climate changes. We use petrography, mineralogy, rare earth elements contents, and 87Sr/86Sr‐determined carbonate fluorapatite (CFA) and calcite ages to investigate the paragenesis and history of phosphatization of carbonate sediments, limestones, ferromanganese crusts, and ironstones from the summit of Rio Grande Rise (RGR), Southwest Atlantic Ocean. Phosphatization of all the rock types occurred throughout the Miocene from 20.2 to 6.8 million years ago (Ma), and occasionally during the Quaternary, mainly through the cementation of carbonate sediments by cryptocrystalline CFA, likely involving the dissolution of the smaller size fraction of foraminifera‐nannofossil ooze. Porosity/permeability and abundance of fine calcite material were important factors determining the intensity of phosphatization of the various rock types. Phosphatization was initiated during a transition to a more dynamic circulation system in the South Atlantic Ocean, which remobilized phosphorus from deeper waters and increased primary productivity that culminated with the middle‐Miocene Climatic Optimum between ∼17 and 14.8 Ma. The relatively shallow‐water depth of RGR summit during the Miocene provided proximity to the oxygen minimum zone, a reservoir for reactive phosphorus, especially during periods of enhanced phosphorus cycling spurred by surface primary productivity. The cessation of phosphatization at RGR resulted from a rapidly cooling and dry climate that characterized the Miocene‐Pliocene transition. Our results support previous observations that periods of broadly intensified ocean circulation and local hydrodynamic changes were the key paleoceanographic links to phosphorite formation.
Biological Response to the Interaction of a Mesoscale Eddy and the River Plume in the Northern South China Sea
Authors: Geng Bingxu , Xiu Peng , Liu Na , He Xianqiang , Chai Fei
Published: August 2021

The Pearl River delivers a large amount of freshwater, sediments and nutrients to the northern shelf of the South China Sea (SCS). In June 2015, an anomalously strong phytoplankton bloom was captured by satellite images in the slope region of the northern SCS, which was associated with the southeastward spreading of the river plume on the shelf and a southwestward‐moving eddy along the slope. In this study, the underlying dynamics triggering the bloom was investigated using a coupled physical‐biogeochemical model. Results show that the nutrients supporting the bloom were not directly sourced from the Pearl River, but were transported locally from subsurface. The eddy cross‐slope current advected low salinity water from the Pearl River plume, which interacted with eddy edge and enhanced frontal dynamics with vertical motions. The front‐induced upwelling injected nutrients from subsurface to surface layer and stimulated phytoplankton bloom in the upper layer. Overall, the phytoplankton bloom was attributable to the interaction of freshwater plume on top and the eddy edge induced anomaly in the subsurface. These findings suggest that the eddy‐entrained freshwater could have significant biological consequences through modifying local dynamics in the plume‐influenced region.
Lamin-A interacting protein Hsp90 is required for DNA damage repair and chemoresistance of ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Wang Yixuan , Chen Quan , Wu Di , Chen Qifeng , Gong Guanghui , He Liuqing , Wu Xiaoying
Published: August 2021

Ovarian cancer is the most malignant gynecologic cancer. Previous studies found that lamin-A was associated with DNA damage repair proteins but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. We speculate that this may be related to its interacting proteins, such as Hsp90. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of Hsp90 on DNA damage repair and chemoresistance of ovarian cancer cells. In our research, co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) and mass spectrometry (MS) were used to identify proteins interacting with lamin-A and the interaction domain. Next, the relationship between lamin-A and Hsp90 was explored by Western blotting (WB) and immunofluorescence staining. Then, effect of Hsp90 inhibition on DNA damage repair was assessed through detecting Rad50 and Ku80 by WB. Furthermore, to test the roles of 17-AAG on cell chemosensitivity, CCK-8 and colony formation assay were carried out. Meanwhile, IC50 of cells were calculated, followed by immunofluorescence to detect DNA damage. At last, the mouse xenograft model was used in determining the capacity of 17-AAG and DDP to suppress tumor growth and metastatic potential. The results showed that lamin-A could interact with Hsp90 via the domain of lamin-A1-430. Besides, the distribution of Hsp90 could be affected by lamin-A. After lamin-A knockdown, Hsp90 decreased in the cytoplasm and increased in the nucleus, suggesting that the interaction between lamin-A and Hsp90 may be related to the nucleocytoplasmic transport of Hsp90. Moreover, inhibition of Hsp90 led to an obvious decrease in the expression of DSBs (DNA double-strand break) repair proteins, as well as cell proliferation ability upon DDP treatment and IC50 of DDP, causing more serious DNA damage. In addition, the combination of 17-AAG and DDP restrained the growth of ovarian cancer efficiently in vivo and prolonged the survival time of tumor-bearing mice.
Patched regulates lipid homeostasis by controlling cellular cholesterol levels
Authors: Cadena del Castillo Carla E. , Hannich J. Thomas , Kaech Andres , Chiyoda Hirohisa , Brewer Jonathan , Fukuyama Masamitsu , Færgeman Nils J. , Riezman Howard , Spang Anne
Published: August 2021

Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is essential during development and in organ physiology. In the canonical pathway, Hh binding to Patched (PTCH) relieves the inhibition of Smoothened (SMO). Yet, PTCH may also perform SMO-independent functions. While the PTCH homolog PTC-3 is essential in C. elegans, worms lack SMO, providing an excellent model to probe non-canonical PTCH function. Here, we show that PTC-3 is a cholesterol transporter. ptc-3(RNAi) leads to accumulation of intracellular cholesterol and defects in ER structure and lipid droplet formation. These phenotypes were accompanied by a reduction in acyl chain (FA) length and desaturation. ptc-3(RNAi)-induced lethality, fat content and ER morphology defects were rescued by reducing dietary cholesterol. We provide evidence that cholesterol accumulation modulates the function of nuclear hormone receptors such as of the PPARα homolog NHR-49 and NHR-181, and affects FA composition. Our data uncover a role for PTCH in organelle structure maintenance and fat metabolism.