bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Artificial Lighting at Night on Predator Density and Salmonid Predation
Authors: Nelson Thomas Reid , Michel Cyril J. , Gary Meagan P. , Lehman Brendan M. , Demetras Nicholas J. , Hammen Jeremy J. , Horn Michael J.
Published: November 2020

Predation of juvenile salmonids within California’s Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta (the Delta) has been identified as a contributing factor to low survival during out‐migration through the system. Artificial lighting at night (ALAN) may contribute to increased levels of salmonid predation by attracting predators and prey, increasing predator reaction distance, and boosting foraging success. To assess ALAN effects on predator (piscivorous fishes) density and the relative predation risk of Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha smolts in the Delta, we preformed field‐based experiments with introduced ALAN. We used adaptive resolution imaging sonar cameras to generate predator density estimates in light and dark treatments throughout nightly experiments at 30‐min intervals. We simultaneously deployed predation event recorders to estimate the impact of ALAN intensity (lux) on relative predation risk of Chinook Salmon smolts. Early in the night (1–3 h past sunset), predator density and relative predation risk of smolts were unrelated to ALAN. However, late in the night (3–5 h past sunset), ALAN presence increased predator density, and the relative predation risk of juvenile salmonids increased with increasing lux. Predation risk was also positively related to predator density, and increased late‐night predator density under ALAN, coupled with late‐night foraging benefits of ALAN, likely contributed to the lux–risk relationship. The exact mechanism behind this discrepancy between early‐ and late‐night trends is unknown and could be a result of our experimental design or the predator community sampled here. However, if these temporal trends prove robust to future investigations, late‐night lighting reduction campaigns during out‐migration could maximize the human benefits of ALAN while minimizing the negative impacts on salmonids. Overall, our findings align with others and suggest that ALAN increases juvenile salmonid predation. Although many questions remain unanswered, it appears that reducing artificial illumination is a practical management strategy to reduce predation.
Preparing teachers to work with English learners: A multimodal vocabulary mini‐lesson project
Authors: Zhang Ying
Published: November 2020

In K–12 classrooms, multimodal teaching, such as using visuals and technology, has been commonly embedded at different levels with different student groups. However, it has not been well discussed in English as a second language teacher training. As a response to the call for more research to study how teachers apply multimodal activities in working with English learners (ELs), this article reports a teacher educator’s effort to implement a multimodal vocabulary mini‐lesson project in one teacher education course that aims to train general education preservice teachers to work with ELs. The author describes the project and uses preservice teachers’ presentations, lesson plans, and project reflections as data to answer two questions: What are preservice teachers’ perceptions of designing multimodal teaching materials for all students, including ELs? How does the multimodal mini‐lesson design help preservice teacher candidates understand the key elements of educating ELs? Data indicate that teacher candidates showed positive attitudes toward designing multimodal lessons and materials, and the mini‐lesson appears to have deepened teacher candidates’ concepts of teaching ELs. A discussion of problems on multimodal design and potential solutions is also included.
A retrospective survey of the seroprevalence of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus in wild animals in Japan
Authors: Okada Ayaka , Hotta Akitoyo , Kimura Masanobu , Park Eun‐sil , Morikawa Shigeru , Inoshima Yasuo
Published: November 2020

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) has a high fatality rate and is caused by SFTS virus (SFTSV). Currently, SFTS is endemic to some areas in western Japan, and wild animals are considered to play important roles in the circulation of SFTSV in the environment. Previous retrospective surveys using samples mainly obtained between 2006 and 2015 revealed serological evidence of SFTSV infection in wild animals; however, seroprevalence before 2006 remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the presence of anti‐SFTSV antibodies in a total of 521 serum samples from nine wild animal species collected from 11 prefectures in central and eastern Japan between 1980 and 2000. All samples yielded negative results for antibodies to SFTSV, suggesting that there had been few or no SFTSV infections before 2000 in the sampled areas.
Numerical simulation of microcystin distribution in Liangxi River, downstream of Taihu Lake
Authors: He Xinchen , Wang Hua , Yan Huaiyu , Ao Yanhui
Published: November 2020

Microcystins (MCs), the algal toxins produced by cyanobacteria, raised a worldwide concern in recent decades. Limited monitoring stations for MCs make it hard to map the MC spatial distribution in certain areas. To tackle such problems, we selected Liangxi River as our research area and developed an integrated model to get spatial continuous MC data without too many sampling sites, which integrates a hydro‐environment model and an artificial neural network algorithm (ANN). The ANN algorithm can estimate concentration MCs via environmental factors. In this paper, we selected chl‐a, TN, TP,
,
, NH3‐N, and
as stressors. The ANN model we established showed good performances both in train (R2 = 0.8407) and test set (R2 = 0.7543). In the hydro‐environment model, by inputting river geometry and model boundary data, the spatial continuous water quality data could be simulated. The water quality data returned from the hydro‐environmental model were used as input variables of the well‐trained ANN model; the continuous MC data were derived. To evaluate this model on geo‐mapping the MC distribution in Liangxi River, we compared the performance of this model and spatial interpolation on the test set, it turns out the integrated model showed a better performance. © 2020 Water Environment Federation

Practitioner points

The cost of microcystin (MC) detection is too high for routine monitoring.

We integrated regression method and hydro‐environment model to predict MCs.

Results derived from spatial interpolation are not robust in unmonitored area.

The new integration model can minimize the drawback of spatial interpolation.
Recontextualising partisan outrage online: analysing the public negotiation of Trump support among American conservatives in 2016
Authors: Kelly Anthony
Published: November 2020

This article conceptualises the role of audience agency in the performance of American conservative identities within a hybridised outrage media ecology. Audience agency has been under-theorised in the study of outrage media through an emphasis on outrage as a rhetorical strategy of commercial media institutions. Relatively little has been said about the outrage discourse of audiences. This coincides with a tendency to consider online political talk as transparent and "earnest," thereby failing to recognise the multi-vocality, dynamism, and ambivalence—i.e., performativity—of online user-generated discourse. I argue the concept of recontextualisation offers a means of addressing these shortcomings. I demonstrate this by analysing how the users of the American right-wing partisan media website TheBlaze.com publicly negotiated support for Donald Trump in a below-the-line comment field during the 2016 US presidential election. These processes are situated with respect to the contested, dynamic, and creative construction of partisan identities in the contemporary United States.
Tertiary amine-catalyzed generation of chlorine dioxide from hypochlorous acid and chlorite ions
Authors: Isaza Ferro Estefania , Perrin Jordan , Dawson Owain George John , Vuorinen Tapani
Published: November 2020

The reaction between hypochlorous acid and chlorite ions is the rate limiting step for in situ chlorine dioxide regeneration. The possibility of increasing the speed of this reaction was analyzed by the addition of tertiary amine catalysts in the system at pH 5. Two amines were tested, DABCO (1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane) and its derivative CEM-DABCO (1-carboethoxymethyl-1-azonia-4-aza-bicyclo[2.2.2]octane chloride). The stability of the catalysts in the presence of both reagents and chlorine dioxide was measured, with CEM-DABCO showing to be highly stable with the mentioned chlorine species, whereas DABCO was rapidly degraded by chlorine dioxide. Hence, CEM-DABCO was chosen as a suitable candidate to catalyze the reaction of hypochlorous acid with chlorite ions and it significantly increased the speed of this reaction even at low catalyst dosages. This research opens the door to a faster regeneration of chlorine dioxide and an improved efficiency in chlorine dioxide treatments.
Clinical practice guidance for next-generation sequencing in cancer diagnosis and treatment (edition 2.1)
Authors:   Japanese Society of Medical Oncology, Naito Yoichi ,   Japan Society of Clinical Oncology,   Japanese Cancer Association, Aburatani Hiroyuki , Amano Toraji , Baba Eishi , Furukawa Toru , Hayashida Tetsu , Hiyama Eiso , Ikeda Sadakatsu , Kanai Masashi , Kato Motohiro , Kinoshita Ichiro , Kiyota Naomi , Kohno Takashi , Kohsaka Shinji , Komine Keigo , Matsumura Itaru , Miura Yuji , Nakamura Yoshiaki , Natsume Atsushi , Nishio Kazuto , Oda Katsutoshi , Oda Naoyuki , Okita Natsuko , Oseto Kumiko , Sunami Kuniko , Takahashi Hideaki , Takeda Masayuki , Tashiro Shimon , Toyooka Shinichi , Ueno Hideki , Yachida Shinichi , Yoshino Takayuki , Tsuchihara Katsuya
Published: November 2020

Background

To promote precision oncology in clinical practice, the Japanese Society of Medical Oncology, the Japanese Society of Clinical Oncology, and the Japanese Cancer Association, jointly published “Clinical practice guidance for next-generation sequencing in cancer diagnosis and treatment” in 2017. Since new information on cancer genomic medicine has emerged since the 1st edition of the guidance was released, including reimbursement for NGS-based multiplex gene panel tests in 2019, the guidance revision was made.

Methods

A working group was organized with 33 researchers from cancer genomic medicine designated core hospitals and other academic institutions. For an impartial evaluation of the draft version, eight committee members from each society conducted an external evaluation. Public comments were also made on the draft. The finalized Japanese version was published on the websites of the three societies in March 2020.

Results

The revised edition consists of two parts: an explanation of the cancer genomic profiling test (General Discussion) and clinical questions (CQs) that are of concern in clinical practice. Particularly, patient selection should be based on the expectation that the patient's post-test general condition and organ function will be able to tolerate drug therapy, and the optimal timing of test should be considered in consideration of subsequent treatment plans, not limited to treatment lines.

Conclusion

We expect that the revised version will be used by healthcare professionals and will also need to be continually reviewed in line with future developments in cancer genome medicine.
On the spore ornamentation of the microsoroid ferns (microsoroideae, polypodiaceae)
Authors: Chen Chi-Chuan , Liu Ho-Yih , Chen Cheng-Wei , Schneider Harald , Hyvönen Jaakko
Published: November 2020

Microsoroideae is the third largest of the six subfamilies of Polypodiaceae, containing over 180 species. These ferns are widely distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions of the Old World and Oceania. We documented the spore ornamentation and integrated these data into the latest phylogenetic hypotheses, including a sampling of 100 taxa representing each of 17 major lineages of microsoroid ferns. This enabled us to reconstruct the ancestral states of the spore morphology. The results show verrucate ornamentation as an ancestral state for Goniophlebieae and Lecanoptereae, globular for Microsoreae, and rugulate surface for Lepisoreae. In addition, spore ornamentation can be used to distinguish certain clades of the microsoroid ferns. Among all five tribes, Lecanoptereae show most diversity in spore surface ornamentation.
Correction to: One-step twin-screw extrusion process of cellulose fibers and hydroxyethyl cellulose to produce fibrillated cellulose biocomposite
Authors: Taheri Hesam , Hietala Maiju , Oksman Kristiina
Published: November 2020

In the original publication, the affiliation of all the authors were processed incorrectly. It has been updated in this correction.
Improved detection of sentinel lymph node metastases allows reliable intraoperative identification of patients with extended axillary lymph node involvement in early breast cancer
Authors: Cotarelo Cristina L. , Zschöck-Manus Annemarie , Schmidt Marcus , Schad Arno , Brochhausen Christoph , Kirkpatrick Charles James , Thaler Sonja
Published: November 2020

Background

An improved procedure that allows accurate detection of negative sentinel lymph node (SLN) and of SLN macrometastases during surgery would be highly desirable in order to protect patients from further surgery and to avoid unnecessary costs. We evaluated the accuracy of an intraoperative procedure that combines touch imprint cytology (TIC) and subsequent frozen section (FS) analysis. 2276 SLNs from 1072 patients with clinical node-negative early breast cancer were evaluated during surgery using TIC. Only cytologically-positive SLN were subsequently analysed with a single FS, preserving cytologically-negative SLN for the final postoperative histological diagnosis. Sensitivity, specificity and the accuracy of this approach were analysed by comparing the results from intra- and postoperative SLN and axillary node evaluation. This intraoperative method displayed 100% specificity for SLN metastases and was significantly more sensitive for prognostically relevant macrometastases (85%) than for micrometastases (10%). Sensitivity was highest for patients with two or more positive LNs (96%) than for those with only one (72%). 98% of the patients with final pN2a-pN3a were already identified during surgery. Patients who received primary axillary lymph node dissection had significantly more frequent metastases in further LNs (44.6%). Sensitivity was highest for patients with luminal-B, HER2+ and triple negative breast cancer and for any subtype if Ki-67 > 40%. TIC and subsequent FS of cytologically-positive SLNs is highly reliable for detection of SLN macrometastases, and allows accurate identification of patients with a high risk of extended axillary involvement during surgery, as well as accurate histological diagnosis of negative SLN.
Welfare without rent seeking? Buchanan’s demogrant proposal and the possibility of a constitutional welfare state
Authors: Lehto Otto , Meadowcroft John
Published: November 2020

In a number of works, James M. Buchanan set out a proposal for a ‘demogrant’—a form of universal basic income that applied the principles of generality and non discrimination to the tax and the transfer sides of the scheme and was to be implemented as a constitutional rule outside the realm of day-to-day politics. The demogrant has received surprisingly little scholarly attention, but this article locates it in Buchanan’s broader constitutional political economy project and shows it was a logical application of his theoretical framework to the problem of inefficient and unfair welfare systems when reform to the basic institutions of majoritarian democracy was not forthcoming. The demogrant aims to end the problems of majority cycling and rent seeking that plague contemporary welfare states and therefore offers a model of welfare without rent seeking—a constitutional welfare state. We compare Buchanan’s demogrant model to other universal basic income and negative income tax models and consider the most important criticisms. We conclude that rescuing the demogrant model from relative obscurity would be a fruitful future task of applied constitutional political economy and public choice.
Separatrix crossing and symmetry breaking in NLSE-like systems due to forcing and damping
Authors: Eeltink D. , Armaroli A. , Luneau C. , Branger H. , Brunetti M. , Kasparian J.
Published: November 2020

We theoretically and experimentally examine the effect of forcing and damping on systems that can be described by the nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLSE), by making use of the phase-space predictions of the three-wave truncation. In the latter, the spectrum is truncated to only the fundamental frequency and the upper and lower sidebands. Our experiments are performed on deep water waves, which are better described by the higher-order NLSE, the Dysthe equation. We therefore extend our analysis to this system. However, our conclusions are general for NLSE systems. By means of experimentally obtained phase-space trajectories, we demonstrate that forcing and damping cause a separatrix crossing during the evolution. When the system is damped, it is pulled outside the separatrix, which in the real space corresponds to a phase-shift of the envelope and therefore doubles the period of the Fermi–Pasta–Ulam–Tsingou recurrence cycle. When the system is forced by the wind, it is pulled inside the separatrix, lifting the phase-shift. Furthermore, we observe a growth and decay cycle for modulated plane waves that are conventionally considered stable. Finally, we give a theoretical demonstration that forcing the NLSE system can induce symmetry breaking during the evolution.
First steps in PROMs and PREMs collection in Wales as part of the prudent and value-based healthcare agenda
Authors: Withers Kathleen , Palmer Robert , Lewis Sally , Carolan-Rees Grace
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Patients are experts in their own health and should be treated as equal partners in their care. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are an effective way of gathering patient feedback and can facilitate effectiveness and cost-effectiveness analysis to improve decision making and service improvement. The PROMs, PREMs & Effectiveness Programme was initiated in 2016 and aimed to develop an electronic platform to facilitate collection of PROMs and Patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) from secondary care patients across Wales.

Methods

We worked with all Health Boards in Wales, the NHS Wales Informatics Service (NWIS), and Cedar (a healthcare technology research centre) to identify and meet technical requirements to develop a platform which is fit for purpose. Patient groups were included throughout the development to gather feedback and for extensive testing. Clinical teams helped identify the most appropriate tools, with licences, translations and electronic formatting issues being managed centrally.

Results

The developed platform is integrated with patient administration systems minimising the need for manual input, with processes in place to allow automatic collection triggers according to nationally agreed schedules. We have over 30 nationally agreed PROMs ‘pathways’ with over 110,000 PROMs collected to date. Responses are fed back to clinicians via the electronic patient record and to each health board via feeds to the national data warehouse, making data easily accessible to different teams, maximising use and application.

Discussion

The national platform has provided a co-ordinated approach to PROMs collection in Wales, offering an effective means of communicating with patients outside the traditional clinic visit.
The Value of Autonomy for the Good Life. An Empirical Investigation of Autonomy and Life Satisfaction in Europe
Authors: Steckermeier Leonie C.
Published: November 2020

This paper examines the association of opportunity and choice enhancing societal conditions and perceived autonomy with life satisfaction in Europe. Building on the capability approach, I investigate whether the positive effects of six basic functionings—safety, friendship, health, financial security, leisure, and respect—on people’s life satisfaction are weaker when people have more opportunity and choice. This paper addresses two main questions: (1) Are people more satisfied with their life when they have more opportunity and choice? (2) Do basic functionings play a smaller role for life satisfaction in societies that enable more opportunity and choice and for individuals with more perceived autonomy? The analyses are based on the European Quality of Life Survey (2016), covering 36,460 individuals in 33 European countries and using multilevel linear regressions. My study finds that both choice and opportunity enhancing societal conditions and individual’s perceived autonomy are positively associated with on life satisfaction. Further, all six basic functionings are conducive to individual life satisfaction. The positive effects of health, financial security, respect, and friendship are reduced when people experience a great deal of autonomy over their lives. Societal conditions that provide people with more opportunity and choice further lower the positive effects of financial security, leisure, respect, and safety on individual life satisfaction. This corroborates the importance the capability approach attributes to individual opportunities and freedom of choice.
The State-of-the-Art of Urban Climate Change Modeling and Observations
Authors: Hamdi Rafiq , Kusaka Hiroyuki , Doan Quang-Van , Cai Peng , He Huili , Luo Geping , Kuang Wenhui , Caluwaerts Steven , Duchêne François , Van Schaeybroek Bert , Termonia Piet
Published: November 2020

As an effect of climate change, cities need detailed information on urban climates at decision scale that cannot be easily delivered using current observation networks, nor global and even regional climate models. A review is presented of the recent literature and recommendations are formulated for future work. In most cities, historical observational records are too short, discontinuous, or of too poor quality to support trend analysis and climate change attribution. For climate modeling, on the other hand, specific dynamical and thermal parameterization dedicated to the exchange of water and energy between the atmosphere and the urban surfaces have to be implemented. Therefore, to fully understand how cities are impacted by climate change, it is important to have (1) simulations of the urban climate at fine spatial scales (including coastal hazards for coastal cities) integrating global climate scenarios with urban expansion and population growth scenarios and their associated uncertainty estimates, (2) urban climate observations, especially in Global South cities, and (3) spatial data of high resolution on urban structure and form, human behavior, and energy consumption.
The impact of music making outdoors on primary school aged pupils (aged 7–10 years) in the soundscape of nature from the perspective of their primary school teachers
Authors: Adams Dylan , Beauchamp Gary
Published: December 2020

The benefits of taking pupils’ learning outdoors have been widely reported around the world. However, it is argued the simple act of stepping outside the classroom does not inevitably bring rewards. This study examines teachers’ perceptions of the impact of primary school pupils’ music-making in various outdoor rural locations. It analyses qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with seven teachers from six different primary school classes, who observed their classes as they took part in the music-making. The validity of the teachers’ perceptions is triangulated with evidence from semi-structured interviews with six groups of children from the six different classes. The analyses show the teachers perceived that the space, the new soundscape and the close contact with nature afforded by the different locations engendered enhanced experimentation and expressiveness. The teachers suggested that, as a result, the children became immersed in, and focussed on, their music-making. The study suggests teachers identify potential benefits for children aged 7–10 years in making music in outdoor locations. We conclude greater phenomenological, body-focussed understandings in education and an increased awareness of somaesthetic perspectives may be beneficial for teachers to explore in pupils’ music- making and in other creative areas of the curriculum.
A Bayesian sequential test for the drift of a fractional Brownian motion
Authors: Muravlev Alexey , Zhitlukhin Mikhail
Published: December 2020

We consider a fractional Brownian motion with linear drift such that its unknown drift coefficient has a prior normal distribution and construct a sequential test for the hypothesis that the drift is positive versus the alternative that it is negative. We show that the problem of constructing the test reduces to an optimal stopping problem for a standard Brownian motion obtained by a transformation of the fractional Brownian motion. The solution is described as the first exit time from some set, and it is shown that its boundaries satisfy a certain integral equation, which is solved numerically.
River Sediment Geochemistry as a Conservative Mixture of Source Regions: Observations and Predictions From the Cairngorms, UK
Authors: Lipp Alex G. , Roberts Gareth G. , Whittaker Alexander C. , Gowing Charles J. B. , Fernandes Victoria M.
Published: November 2020

The elemental composition of sediments in rivers is the product of physical and chemical erosion of rocks, which is then transported across drainage networks. A corollary is that fluvial sedimentary geochemistry can be used to understand geologic, climatic, and geomorphic processes. Here, we predict elemental compositions of river sediments using drainage networks extracted from digital elevation data and erosional models. The Geochemical Baseline Survey of the Environment was used to quantify substrate (i.e., source region) chemistry. Sedimentary compositions in rivers downstream are predicted by formally integrating eroding substrates with respect to distance downstream. Different erosional models, including the Stream Power model and uniform incision rates, are tested. Predictions are tested using a new suite of compositions obtained from fine grained (<150 μm) sediments at 67 sites along the Spey, Dee, Don, Deveron, and Tay rivers, Cairngorms, UK. Results show that sedimentary geochemistry can be predicted using simple models that include the topography of drainage networks and substrate compositions as input. The concentration of numerous elements including Magnesium, Rubidium, Uranium, Potassium, Calcium, Strontium, and Beryllium can be accurately predicted using this simple approach. Predictions are insensitive to the choice of erosional model, which we suggest is a consequence of broadly homogeneous rates of erosion throughout the study area. Principal component analysis of the river geochemical data suggests that the composition of most Cairngorms river sediments can be explained by mafic/felsic provenance and conservative mixing downstream. These results suggest that the elemental composition of river sediments can be accurately predicted using simple erosional models and digital elevation data.
Hypoxia induces sorafenib resistance mediated by autophagy via activating FOXO3a in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liang Chao , Dong Zhebin , Cai Xianlei , Shen Jie , Xu Yuan , Zhang Miaozun , Li Hong , Yu Weiming , Chen Wei
Published: November 2020

Sorafenib, a multikinase inhibitor, is considered as the only approved drug to cure the advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, the acquired chemoresistance caused by intratumoral hypoxia through sorafenib long term therapy induces sorafenib inefficacy. We demonstrated here that hypoxia significantly attenuated sensitivity of HCC cells to sorafenib treatment and reduced its proliferation. Autophagy was observed in sorafenib-treated HCC cells in hypoxia, and inhibition of autophagy by 3-MA eliminated hypoxia-induced sorafenib resistance. Further study revealed hypoxia-activated FOXO3a, an important cellular stress transcriptional factor, via inducing its dephosphorylation and nuclear location; and FOXO3a-dependent transcriptive activation of beclin-1 was responsible for hypoxia-induced autophagy in HCC cells. Knockout of FOXO3a inhibited the autophagy induced by sorafenib itself in normoxia and significantly enhanced the cytotoxicity of sorafenib in HCC cells; and it also inhibited the hypoxia-induced autophagy and achieved the same effect in sorafenib sensitivity-enhancement in HCC cells as it in normoxia. Finally, knockout of intratumoral FOXO3a significantly enhanced curative efficacy of sorafenib via inhibition of autophagy in xenograft tumors in nude mice. Collectively, our study suggests that FOXO3a plays a key role in regulating hypoxia-induced autophagy in sorafenib-treated HCC, and FOXO3-targeted therapy may serve as a promising approach to improve clinical prognosis of patients suffering from HCC.
The ZNF750–RAC1 axis as potential prognostic factor for breast cancer
Authors: Butera Alessio , Cassandri Matteo , Rugolo Francesco , Agostini Massimiliano , Melino Gerry
Published: November 2020

The human zinc finger (C2H2-type) protein ZNF750 is a transcription factor regulated by p63 that plays a critical role in epithelial tissues homoeostasis, as well as being involved in the pathogenesis of cancer. Indeed, missense mutations, truncation and genomic deletion have been found in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma. In keeping, we showed that ZNF750 negatively regulates cell migration and invasion in breast cancer cells; in particular, ZNF750 binds and recruits KDM1A and HDAC1 on the LAMB3 and CTNNAL1 promoters. This interaction, in turn, represses the transcription of LAMB3 and CTNNAL1 genes, which are involved in cell migration and invasion. Given that ZNF750 is emerging as a crucial transcription factor that acts as tumour suppressor gene, here, we show that ZNF750 represses the expression of the small GTPase, Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (RAC1) in breast cancer cell lines, by directly binding its promoter region. In keeping with ZNF750 controlling RAC1 expression, we found an inverse correlation between ZNF750 and RAC1 in human breast cancer datasets. More importantly, we found a significant upregulation of RAC1 in human breast cancer datasets and we identified a direct correlation between RAC1 expression and the survival rate of breast cancer patient. Overall, our findings provide a novel molecular mechanism by which ZNF750 acts as tumour suppressor gene. Hence, we report a potential clinical relevance of ZNF750/RAC1 axis in breast cancer.
Multi-isotopic and morphometric evidence for the migration of farmers leading up to the Inka conquest of the southern Andes
Authors: Barberena Ramiro , Menéndez Lumila , le Roux Petrus J. , Marsh Erik J. , Tessone Augusto , Novellino Paula , Lucero Gustavo , Luyt Julie , Sealy Judith , Cardillo Marcelo , Gasco Alejandra , Llano Carina , Frigolé Cecilia , Guevara Daniela , Da Peña Gabriela , Winocur Diego , Benítez Anahí , Cornejo Luis , Falabella Fernanda , Méndez César , Nuevo-Delaunay Amalia , Sanhueza Lorena , Sagredo Francisca Santana , Troncoso Andrés , Zárate Sol , Durán Víctor A. , Cortegoso Valeria
Published: December 2020

We present isotopic and morphometric evidence suggesting the migration of farmers in the southern Andes in the period AD 1270–1420, leading up to the Inka conquest occurring ~ AD 1400. This is based on the interdisciplinary study of human remains from archaeological cemeteries in the Andean Uspallata Valley (Argentina), located in the southern frontier of the Inka Empire. The studied samples span AD 800–1500, encompassing the highly dynamic Late Intermediate Period and culminating with the imperial expansion. Our research combines a macro-regional study of human paleomobility and migration based on a new strontium isoscape across the Andes that allows identifying locals and migrants, a geometric morphometric analysis of cranio-facial morphology suggesting separate ancestral lineages, and a paleodietary reconstruction based on stable isotopes showing that the migrants had diets exceptionally high in C4 plants and largely based on maize agriculture. Significantly, this migration influx occurred during a period of regional demographic increase and would have been part of a widespread period of change in settlement patterns and population movements that preceded the Inka expansion. These processes increased local social diversity and may have been subsequently utilized by the Inka to channel interaction with the local societies.
Three-dimensional imaging of mitochondrial cristae complexity using cryo-soft X-ray tomography
Authors: Polo Carla C. , Fonseca-Alaniz Miriam H. , Chen Jian-Hua , Ekman Axel , McDermott Gerry , Meneau Florian , Krieger José E. , Miyakawa Ayumi A.
Published: December 2020

Mitochondria are dynamic organelles that change morphology to adapt to cellular energetic demands under both physiological and stress conditions. Cardiomyopathies and neuronal disorders are associated with structure-related dysfunction in mitochondria, but three-dimensional characterizations of the organelles are still lacking. In this study, we combined high-resolution imaging and 3D electron density information provided by cryo-soft X-ray tomography to characterize mitochondria cristae morphology isolated from murine. Using the linear attenuation coefficient, the mitochondria were identified (0.247 ± 0.04 µm−1) presenting average dimensions of 0.90 ± 0.20 µm in length and 0.63 ± 0.12 µm in width. The internal mitochondria structure was successfully identified by reaching up the limit of spatial resolution of 35 nm. The internal mitochondrial membranes invagination (cristae) complexity was calculated by the mitochondrial complexity index (MCI) providing quantitative and morphological information of mitochondria larger than 0.90 mm in length. The segmentation to visualize the cristae invaginations into the mitochondrial matrix was possible in mitochondria with MCI ≥ 7. Altogether, we demonstrated that the MCI is a valuable quantitative morphological parameter to evaluate cristae modelling and can be applied to compare healthy and disease state associated to mitochondria morphology.
Impact of HLA class I allele-level mismatch on viral infection within 100 days after cord blood transplantation
Authors: Iemura Tomoki , Arai Yasuyuki , Kanda Junya , Kitawaki Toshio , Hishizawa Masakatsu , Kondo Tadakazu , Yamashita Kouhei , Takaori-Kondo Akifumi
Published: December 2020

Viral infection is more frequently reported in cord blood transplantation (CBT) than in transplantation of other stem cell sources, but its precise mechanism related to antiviral host defenses has not been elucidated yet. To evaluate the effect of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I allele-level incompatibility on viral infection in CBT, we conducted a single-center retrospective study. Total 94 patients were included, and viral infections were detected in 32 patients (34%) within 100 days after CBT. HLA-C mismatches in graft-versus-host direction showed a significantly higher incidence of viral infection (hazard ratio (HR), 3.67; p = 0.01), while mismatches in HLA-A, -B, or -DRB1 were not significant. Overall HLA class I mismatch was also a significant risk factor and the predictor of post-CBT viral infection (≥ 3 mismatches, HR 2.38, p = 0.02), probably due to the insufficient cytotoxic T cell recognition and dendritic cell priming. Patients with viral infection had significantly worse overall survival (52.7% vs. 72.1%; p = 0.02), and higher non-relapse mortality (29.3% vs. 9.8%; p = 0.01) at 5 years. Our findings suggest that appropriate graft selection as well as prophylaxis and early intervention for viral infection in such high-risk patients with ≥ 3 HLA class I allele-level mismatches, including HLA-C, may improve CBT outcomes.
Is supernova SN 2020faa an iPTF14hls look-alike?
Authors: Yang S. , Sollerman J. , Chen T.-W. , Kool E. C. , Lunnan R. , Schulze S. , Strotjohann N. , Horesh A. , Kasliwal M. , Kupfer T. , Mahabal A. A. , Masci F. J. , Nugent P. , Perley D. A. , Riddle R. , Rusholme B. , Sharma Y.
Published: November 2020

Context. We present observations of ZTF20aatqesi (SN 2020faa). This Type II supernova (SN) displays a luminous light curve (LC) that started to rebrighten from an initial decline. We investigate this in relation to the famous SN iPTF14hls, which received a great deal of attention and multiple interpretations in the literature, but whose nature and source of energy still remain unknown.

Aims. We demonstrate the great similarity between SN 2020faa and iPTF14hls during the first 6 months, and use this comparison to forecast the evolution of SN 2020faa and to reflect on the less well observed early evolution of iPTF14hls.

Methods. We present and analyse our observational data, consisting mainly of optical LCs from the Zwicky Transient Facility in the gri bands and of a sequence of optical spectra. We construct colour curves and a bolometric lc, and we compare ejecta-velocity and black-body radius evolutions for the two supernovae (SNe) and for more typical Type II SNe.

Results. The LCs show a great similarity with those of iPTF14hls over the first 6 months in luminosity, timescale, and colour. In addition, the spectral evolution of SN 2020faa is that of a Type II SN, although it probes earlier epochs than those available for iPTF14hls.

Conclusions. The similar LC behaviour is suggestive of SN 2020faa being a new iPTF14hls. We present these observations now to advocate follow-up observations, since most of the more striking evolution of SN iPTF14hls came later, with LC undulations and a spectacular longevity. On the other hand, for SN 2020faa we have better constraints on the explosion epoch than we had for iPTF14hls, and we have been able to spectroscopically monitor it from earlier phases than was done for the more famous sibling.
Estimating ages and metallicities of M31 star clusters from LAMOST DR6
Authors: Wang Shoucheng , Chen Bingqiu , Ma Jun
Published: November 2020

Context. Determining the metallicities and ages of M31 clusters is fundamental to the study of the formation and evolution of M31 itself. The Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope (LAMOST) has carried out a systematic spectroscopic campaign of clusters and candidates in M31.

Aims. We constructed a catalogue of 346 M31 clusters observed by LAMOST. By combining the information of the LAMOST spectra and the multi-band photometry, we developed a new algorithm to estimate the metallicities and ages of these clusters.

Methods. We distinguish young clusters from old using random forest classifiers based on a empirical training data set selected from the literature. Ages of young clusters are derived from the spectral energy distribution fits of their multi-band photometric measurements. Their metallicities are estimated by fitting their observed spectral principal components extracted from the LAMOST spectra with those from the young metal-rich single stellar population (SSP) models. For old clusters we built non-parameter random forest models between the spectral principal components and/or multi-band colours and the parameters of the clusters based on a training data set constructed from the SSP models. The ages and metallicities of the old clusters are then estimated by fitting their observed spectral principal components extracted from the LAMOST spectra and multi-band colours from the photometric measurements with the resultant random forest models.

Results. We derived parameters of 53 young and 293 old clusters in our catalogue. Our resultant parameters are in good agreement with those from the literature. The ages of ∼30 catalogued clusters and metallicities of ∼40 sources are derived for the first time.
Retroperitoneoscopic Pancreatic Necrosectomy: Taming the Relentless March of the Great Marauder
Authors: Rohatgi Yash , Joshi Abhijit
Published: November 2020

We hereby report a case of a 35-year-old male who presented to us with infected pancreatic necrosis, 4 weeks after an episode of acute alcoholic pancreatitis. Imaging investigations showed a predominantly left-sided pancreatic and peripancreatic infected collection. This case was managed successfully in a single sitting by retroperitoneoscopic intervention.
A Retrospective Analysis of the Effects of an Exclusively Human Milk Protein Diet on Neonatal Feeding Tolerance
Authors: Wickland Jessica , Wade Christine , Micetic Becky , Meredith Keith , Martin Gregory
Published: November 2020

Objective This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of human milk protein fortifier (HMPF) versus bovine milk protein fortifier (BMPF) on feeding tolerance defined as the time to reach full feeds and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.

Study Design A retrospective review using the BabySteps Database included 493 infants born ≤33 weeks of gestational age and ≤1,250 g (g) birth weight. A total of 218 infants fed a human milk diet (HMD) with BMPF were compared with 275 infants fed an HMD with HMPF.

Results Full feeds were reached significantly sooner in the HMPF group (median: 14 vs. 16 days, p = 0.04). Weight at full feeds was significantly lower in the HMPF group (1,060 vs. 1110 g, p = 0.03).

Conclusion Using HMPF to provide an exclusively HMD allowed VLBW infants to achieve full feeds sooner, but did not affect rate of NEC compared with using a BMPF with an HMD.

Key Points
Midgut Volvulus Due to a True Jejunal Diverticula
Authors: Saad Melissa Kyriakos , Geahchan Amine , Ghandour Fatimah , Ghandour-Hajj Fatmeh , Malouf Hani , Hajj Imad El , Saikaly Elias
Published: November 2020

Jejunal diverticula is a rare condition quoted to affect between 0.5% and 7% of the individuals. This disease is usually clinically silent but becomes symptomatic when complications develop. Among its complications is small bowel volvulus that is a very rare entity.
Thrombosis of Both Umbilical Arteries of a Female Fetus in a Twin Gestation Causing Fetal Demise
Authors: Bhat Shubha P. , Paul Riturupa , Srinivas Teerthanath , Sonkusare Shipra , Priya Krishna
Published: December 2020

Thrombosis of both umbilical arteries is a rare condition, less common than venous thrombosis. They cause a lot of complications during and after delivery. Umbilical artery thrombosis is associated with both maternal predisposing factors and cord abnormalities and is commonly seen in male fetuses. Presenting symptoms are those of intrauterine growth retardation. Ultrasound abdomen and Doppler flow studies are useful in diagnosing this condition. The prognosis is very poor. Histopathological examination is helpful for confirmation. We present a case of both umbilical arteries thrombosis of a female fetus in a twin gestation causing fetal demise.
Laparoscopic Approaches to Splenic Flexure Mobilization Tailored According to Disease- and Patient-Related Factors
Authors: Saad Melissa Kyriakos , Saikaly Elias
Published: November 2020

Early in the 1990s, minimally invasive surgery manifested in laparoscopic surgery found its way to the field of colorectal surgery. Since then, a rising trend in utilizing laparoscopic approach in colorectal surgery, either for benign or malignant disease, is being noticed. In laparoscopic colorectal surgery, the most difficult and challenging step for colorectal surgeons is the mobilization of the splenic flexure. Laparoscopic mobilization of the splenic flexure is an area of debate, with no universally accepted gold standard approach. Multiple approaches have been described in the medical literature and no approach is considered the standard approach. Hence, colorectal surgeons should be familiar with all the different approaches and they should have the ability of utilizing a tailored splenic flexure mobilization approach modified according to patient- and disease-related factors. Herein, we review the different surgical approaches to laparoscopic splenic flexure mobilization that can be tailored to the surgeons needs according to patient- and disease-related factors.
The susceptibility of seven threatened species to Phytophthora gregata and the aetiology of the disease caused by it
Authors: Wan Justin S. H. , McDougall Keith L. , Liew Edward C. Y.
Published: November 2020

Collar rot associated with the pathogen Phytophthora gregata T. Jung, M.J.C.Stukely & T.Burgess was recently observed on a subalpine wetland shrub, Pimelea bracteata Threlfall, in Kosciuszko National Park, New South Wales. The symptomatic collars of infected plants in the field may mean that P. gregata infects via the collar rather than through roots, as many other Phytophthora species do. In the glasshouse, we tested the susceptibility of seven threatened wetland species to P. gregata. Flooding and stem wound inoculations were applied as treatments. Based on symptoms and reisolations, we found that Boronia deanei ssp. acutifolia Duretto, Correa baeuerlenii F.Muell, Pultenaea parrisiae J.D.Briggs & Crisp and Pimelea bracteata were susceptible to P. gregata. These species were infected following both flood and stem inoculation, and all but C. baeuerlenii displayed very poor health under both treatments; stem wound inoculated C. baeuerlenii plants tended to be less affected than root inoculated plants. The pathogen could not be reisolated from the roots and collars of inoculated plants of Callistemon purpurascens S.M.Douglas & S.David, Grevillea acanthifolia ssp. paludosa Makinson & Albr., and Pultenaea aristata Sieber ex DC. This is the first test of the susceptibility of eastern Australian native plants to P. gregata and the first to investigate the aetiology of the disease caused by this emerging threat. Given the growing body of evidence of the effects of a range of Phytophthora species on native plants, we suggest that the Key Threatening Process listing be broadened to include all destructive Phytophthora species.
Neutrino masses, cosmological inflation and dark matter in a variant U(1)B-L model with type II seesaw mechanism *
Authors: Rodrigues J. G. , Santos A. C. O. , Ferreira Jr J. G. , de S. Pires C. A.
Published: December 2020

In this study, we implemented the type II seesaw mechanism into the framework of the

gauge model. To achieve this, we added a scalar triplet,

, to the canonical particle content of the

gauge model. By imposing that the

gauge symmetry be spontaneously broken at TeV scale, we show that the type II seesaw mechanism is realized at an intermediate energy scale, more precisely, at approximately

GeV. To prevent heavy right-handed neutrinos from disturbing the mechanism, we evoke a

discrete symmetry. Interestingly, as a result, we have standard neutrinos with mass around eV scale and right-handed neutrinos with mass in TeV scale, with the lightest one fulfilling the condition of dark matter. We developed all of these in this study. In addition, we show that the neutral component of

may perform unproblematic non-minimal inflation with loss of unitarity.
New Geiger-Nuttall law for two-proton radioactivity *
Authors: Liu Hong-Ming , Zou You-Tian , Pan Xiao , Chen Jiu-Long , He Biao , Li Xiao-Hua
Published: December 2020

In the present work, a two-parameter empirical formula is proposed, based on the Geiger-Nuttall law, to study two-proton (

) radioactivity. Using this formula, the calculated

radioactivity half-lives are in good agreement with the experimental data as well as with calculated results obtained by Goncalves et al. [Phys. Lett. B
774, 14 (2017)] using the effective liquid drop model (ELDM), Sreeja et al. [Eur. Phys. J. A
55, 33 (2019)] using a four-parameter empirical formula, and Cui et al. [Phys. Rev. C
101: 014301 (2020)] using a generalized liquid drop model (GLDM). In addition, this two-parameter empirical formula is extended to predict the half-lives of 22 possible

radioactivity candidates with

radioactivity released energy

, obtained from the latest evaluated atomic mass table AME2016. The predicted results are highly consistent with those obtained using other theoretical models such as the ELDM, GLDM and four-parameter empirical formula.