bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation between serum carnosinase concentration and renal damage in diabetic nephropathy patients
Authors: Zhou Zhou , Liu Xue-qi , Zhang Shi-qi , Qi Xiang-ming , Zhang Qiu , Yard Benito , Wu Yong-gui
Published: April 2021

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the major complications of diabetes and contributes significantly towards end-stage renal disease. Previous studies have identified the gene encoding carnosinase (CN-1) as a predisposing factor for DN. Despite this fact, the relationship of the level of serum CN-1 and the progression of DN remains uninvestigated. Thus, the proposed study focused on clarifying the relationship among serum CN-1, indicators of renal function and tissue injury, and the progression of DN. A total of 14 patients with minimal changes disease (MCD) and 37 patients with DN were enrolled in the study. Additionally, 20 healthy volunteers were recruited as control. Further, DN patients were classified according to urinary albumin excretion rate into two groups: DN with microalbuminuria (n = 11) and DN with macroalbuminuria (n = 26). Clinical indicators including urinary protein components, serum carnosine concentration, serum CN-1 concentration and activity, and renal biopsy tissue injury indexes were included for analyzation. The serum CN-1 concentration and activity were observed to be the highest, but the serum carnosine concentration was the lowest in DN macroalbuminuria group. Moreover, within DN group, the concentration of serum CN-1 was positively correlated with uric acid (UA, r = 0.376, p = 0.026) and serum creatinine (SCr, r = 0.399, p = 0.018) and negatively correlated with serum albumin (Alb, r = − 0.348, p = 0.041) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGRF, r = − 0.432, p = 0.010). Furthermore, the concentration of serum CN-1 was discovered to be positively correlated with indicators including 24-h urinary protein–creatinine ratio (24 h-U-PRO/CRE, r = 0.528, p = 0.001), urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (Alb/CRE, r = 0.671, p = 0.000), urinary transferrin (TRF, r = 0.658, p = 0.000), retinol-binding protein (RBP, r = 0.523, p = 0.001), N-acetyl-glycosaminidase (NAG, r = 0.381, p = 0.024), immunoglobulin G (IgG, r = 0.522, p = 0.001), cystatin C (Cys-C, r = 0.539, p = 0.001), beta-2-microglobulin (β2-MG, r = 0.437, p = 0.009), and alpha-1-macroglobulin (α1-MG, r = 0.480, p = 0.004). Besides, in DN with macroalbuminuria group, serum CN-1 also showed a positive correlation with indicators of fibrosis, oxidative stress, and renal tubular injury. Taken together, our data suggested that the level of CN-1 was increased as clinical DN progressed. Thus, the level of serum CN-1 might be an important character during the occurrence and progression of DN. Our study will contribute significantly to future studies focused on dissecting the underlying mechanism of DN.
Application of secondary pH measurement method for homogeneity and stability assessment of reference materials
Authors: Koleva Boryana , Dimitrova Lyudmila , Stoica Daniela , Fisicaro Paola
Published: April 2021

In this work, the development and optimization of a secondary method for pH measurement using a differential potentiometric cell are described. The method was optimized and validated by measurement of three certified primary buffer solutions (CRMs) with nominal pH values of 4.005, 6.865 and 9.180 at 25 °C. The method was applied to assess homogeneity and stability of phosphate buffer solution with nominal pH of 7.000 at 25 °C which will be used as test item in proficiency testing schemes for pH measurement of testing laboratories. The experiments carried out and described in this article proved that this particular design of secondary differential potentiometric cell requires small volume of solutions, is fast, accurate and precise and is suitable for the characterization of secondary buffer solutions and assessment of homogeneity and stability of buffer solutions.
The assessment of virtual reality training in antromastoidectomy simulation
Authors: Mickiewicz Patrycja , Gawęcki Wojciech , Gawłowska Maria Bratumiła , Talar Marcin , Węgrzyniak Magdalena , Wierzbicka Małgorzata
Published: April 2021

Virtual reality (VR) may be a good alternative for cadaveric temporal bone surgical dissection courses, which are an important part of otolaryngology resident’s training. The aim of the study was to assess the VR temporal bone surgery simulator in an antromastoidectomy simulation. The VR system was based on the Geomagic Touch Haptic Device from 3D System. The research was designed as a prospective study, with three sessions of VR simulation training. The group of four ENT specialists unexperienced in otosurgery and 11 otorhinolaryngology residents performed a series of virtual dissections of a VR temporal bone model. Two experts with a broad experience in ear surgery participated in the study as supervisors for all the participants. At the end of each session, the experts controlled the accuracy of the simulated surgery performance assigning positive points for each correctly performed step and negative points for each mistake. After each session, participants of the study were asked to fill in the questionnaire concerning their impression of a VR system simulation. The evaluation of every simulation (total score) was based on the duration of a VR session, the quality of performance (positive points) and the number of mistakes (negative points). During consecutive VR sessions, evident shortening of the length of performance, as well as an improvement in the quality of performance and reduction in mistakes, was observed. Sixty percent of study participants answered that signaling damage to the critical elements was good (40%—sufficient), and 67% assessed that they had made a progress in consecutive sessions. After three sessions, 100% of participants indicated higher self-confidence in relation to their own surgical skills. Also, all the participants indicated that VR training should be included in a routine educational program for medical students. VR training provides a structured, safe and supportive environment to familiarize oneself with complex anatomy and practical skills.
Comparing ontologies and databases: a critical review of lifecycle engineering models in manufacturing
Authors: Ramis Ferrer Borja , Mohammed Wael M. , Ahmad Mussawar , Iarovyi Sergii , Zhang Jiayi , Harrison Robert , Martinez Lastra Jose Luis
Published: April 2021

The literature on the modeling and management of data generated through the lifecycle of a manufacturing system is split into two main paradigms: product lifecycle management (PLM) and product, process, resource (PPR) modeling. These paradigms are complementary, and the latter could be considered a more neutral version of the former. There are two main technologies associated with these paradigms: ontologies and databases. Database technology is widespread in industry and is well established. Ontologies remain largely a plaything of the academic community which, despite numerous projects and publications, have seen limited implementations in industrial manufacturing applications. The main objective of this paper is to provide a comparison between ontologies and databases, offering both qualitative and quantitative analyses in the context of PLM and PPR. To achieve this, the article presents (1) a literature review within the context of manufacturing systems that use databases and ontologies, identifying their respective strengths and weaknesses, and (2) an implementation in a real industrial scenario that demonstrates how different modeling approaches can be used for the same purpose. This experiment is used to enable discussion and comparative analysis of both modeling strategies.
The use of ketogenic diets in cancer patients: a systematic review
Authors: Römer Maximilian , Dörfler Jennifer , Huebner Jutta
Published: April 2021

Ketogenic diets are a widely known, yet controversial treatment for cancer patients. In this review, we summarize the clinical evidence for anti-tumor effects, as well as the effects on anthropometry, quality of life, adverse events and adherence in cancer patients. In April 2019, a systematic search was conducted searching five electronic databases (EMBASE, Cochrane, PsychInfo, CINAHL and Medline) to find studies analyzing the use, effectiveness and potential harm of a ketogenic diet in cancer patients of any age as sole or complementary therapy. From all 19.211 search results, 46 publications concerning 39 studies with 770 patients were included in this systematic review. The therapy concepts included all forms of diets with reduced carbohydrate intake, that aimed to achieve ketosis for patients with different types of cancer. Most studies had a low quality, high risk of bias and were highly heterogeneous. There was no conclusive evidence for anti-tumor effects or improved OS. The majority of patients had significant weight loss and mild to moderate side effects. Adherence to the diet was rather low in most studies. Due to the very heterogeneous results and methodological limitations of the included studies, clinical evidence for the effectiveness of ketogenic diets in cancer patients is still lacking.
In search of female sterility causes in the tetraploid and pentaploid cytotype of Pilosella brzovecensis (Asteraceae)
Authors: Janas Agnieszka Barbara , Szeląg Zbigniew , Musiał Krystyna
Published: April 2021

Within the agamic Pilosella complex, apomixis (asexual reproduction through seed) involves apospory, parthenogenesis, and autonomous endosperm development. Observations of reproductive biology in P. brzovecensis throughout four growing seasons in the garden have shown that both tetraploid and pentaploid plants of this species do not produce viable seeds and reproduce exclusively vegetatively by underground stolons. The reasons for the seed development failure were unknown, therefore our research focused on the analysis of reproductive events in the ovules of this taxon. We found that apospory was initiated in the ovules of both cytotypes. Multiple aposporous initial (AI) cells differentiated in close proximity to the megaspore mother cell (MMC) and suppressed megasporogenesis at the stage of early prophase I. However, none of the AI cells was able to further develop into a multi-nucleate aposporous embryo sac (AES) due to the inhibition of mitotic divisions. It was unusual that callose was accumulated in the walls of AI cells and its synthesis was most likely associated with a response to the dysfunction of these cells. Callose is regarded as the isolating factor and its surprising deposition in the ovules of P. brzovecensis may signal disruption of reproductive processes that cause premature termination of the aposporous development pathway and ultimately lead to ovule sterility. The results of our embryological analysis may be the basis for undertaking advanced molecular studies aimed at fully understanding of the causes of female sterility in P. brzovecensis.
Universal Tensor Categories Generated by Dual Pairs
Authors: Chirvasitu Alexandru , Penkov Ivan
Published: April 2021

Let$$V_*\otimes V\rightarrow {\mathbb {C}}$$V∗⊗V→Cbe a non-degenerate pairing of countable-dimensional complex vector spacesVand$$V_*$$V∗. The Mackey Lie algebra$${\mathfrak {g}}=\mathfrak {gl}^M(V,V_*)$$g=glM(V,V∗)corresponding to this pairing consists of all endomorphisms$$\varphi $$φofVfor which the space$$V_*$$V∗is stable under the dual endomorphism$$\varphi ^*: V^*\rightarrow V^*$$φ∗:V∗→V∗. We study the tensor Grothendieck category$${\mathbb {T}}$$Tgenerated by the$${\mathfrak {g}}$$g-modulesV,$$V_*$$V∗and their algebraic duals$$V^*$$V∗and$$V^*_*$$V∗∗. The category$${{\mathbb {T}}}$$Tis an analogue of categories considered in prior literature, the main difference being that the trivial module$${\mathbb {C}}$$Cis no longer injective in$${\mathbb {T}}$$T. We describe the injective hullIof$${\mathbb {C}}$$Cin$${\mathbb {T}}$$T, and show that the category$${\mathbb {T}}$$Tis Koszul. In addition, we prove thatIis endowed with a natural structure of commutative algebra. We then define another category$$_I{\mathbb {T}}$$ITof objects in$${\mathbb {T}}$$Twhich are free asI-modules. Our main result is that the category$${}_I{\mathbb {T}}$$ITis also Koszul, and moreover that$${}_I{\mathbb {T}}$$ITis universal among abelian$${\mathbb {C}}$$C-linear tensor categories generated by two objectsX,Ywith fixed subobjects$$X'\hookrightarrow X$$X′↪X,$$Y'\hookrightarrow Y$$Y′↪Yand a pairing$$X\otimes Y\rightarrow {\mathbf{1 }}$$X⊗Y→1where1is the monoidal unit. We conclude the paper by discussing the orthogonal and symplectic analogues of the categories$${\mathbb {T}}$$Tand$${}_I{\mathbb {T}}$$IT.
Ca2+ overload- and ROS-associated mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to δ-tocotrienol-mediated paraptosis in melanoma cells
Authors: Raimondi Michela , Fontana Fabrizio , Marzagalli Monica , Audano Matteo , Beretta Giangiacomo , Procacci Patrizia , Sartori Patrizia , Mitro Nico , Limonta Patrizia
Published: April 2021

Melanoma is an aggressive tumor with still poor therapy outcomes. δ-tocotrienol (δ-TT) is a vitamin E derivative displaying potent anti-cancer properties. Previously, we demonstrated that δ-TT triggers apoptosis in human melanoma cells. Here, we investigated whether it might also activate paraptosis, a non-canonical programmed cell death. In accordance with the main paraptotic features, δ-TT was shown to promote cytoplasmic vacuolization, associated with endoplasmic reticulum/mitochondrial dilation and protein synthesis, as well as MAPK activation in A375 and BLM cell lines. Moreover, treated cells exhibited a significant reduced expression of OXPHOS complex I and a marked decrease in oxygen consumption and mitochondrial membrane potential, culminating in decreased ATP synthesis and AMPK phosphorylation. This mitochondrial dysfunction resulted in ROS overproduction, found to be responsible for paraptosis induction. Additionally, δ-TT caused Ca2+ homeostasis disruption, with endoplasmic reticulum-derived ions accumulating in mitochondria and activating the paraptotic signaling. Interestingly, by using both IP3R and VDAC inhibitors, a close cause-effect relationship between mitochondrial Ca2+ overload and ROS generation was evidenced. Collectively, these results provide novel insights into δ-TT anti-melanoma activity, highlighting its ability to induce mitochondrial dysfunction-mediated paraptosis.

Graphic Abstract

δ-tocotrienol induces paraptotic cell death in human melanoma cells, causing endoplasmic reticulum dilation and mitochondrial swelling. These alterations induce an impairment of mitochondrial function, ROS production and calcium overload.
Implementing Brazil’s Forest Code: a vital contribution to securing forests and conserving biodiversity
Authors: Brock Rebecca Catherine , Arnell Andy , Simonson Will , Soterroni Aline C. , Mosnier Aline , Ramos Fernando , Ywata de Carvalho Alexandre Xavier , Camara Gilberto , Pirker Johannes , Obersteiner Michael , Kapos Valerie
Published: April 2021

Meeting Brazil’s ambitious national commitments on both climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation depends on securing its reserves of forest carbon and biodiversity. Brazil’s ‘Forest Code’ is a key tool to reconcile environmental preservation and agricultural production; it limits deforestation and requires forest restoration in illegally deforested areas. However, not all provisions of the law’s 2012 revision have yet been implemented and some are facing new challenges. Using modelled land use change projections for the whole of the country, we show that full implementation and enforcement of the law has the potential to contribute to conserving biodiversity. Biodiversity outcomes will be especially positive if (i) deforested areas are restored in ways that support recolonization by native species and (ii) additional measures are implemented to protect native vegetation in areas like Caatinga dry forests and Cerrado savannas, which may experience added pressure displaced from other regions by Forest Code implementation.
Posthuman Affirmative Business Ethics: Reimagining Human–Animal Relations Through Speculative Fiction
Authors: Sayers Janet , Martin Lydia , Bell Emma
Published: April 2021

Posthuman affirmative ethics relies upon a fluid, nomadic conception of the ethical subject who develops affective, material and immaterial connections to multiple others. Our purpose in this paper is to consider what posthuman affirmative business ethics would look like, and to reflect on the shift in thinking and practice this would involve. The need for a revised understanding of human–animal relations in business ethics is amplified by crises such as climate change and pandemics that are related to ecologically destructive business practices such as factory farming. In this analysis, we use feminist speculative fiction as a resource for reimagination and posthuman ethical thinking. By focusing on three ethical movements experienced by a central character named Toby in Margaret Atwood’s MaddAddam trilogy, we show how she is continually becoming through affective, embodied encounters with human and nonhuman others. In the discussion, we consider the vulnerability that arises from openness to affect which engenders heightened response-ability to and with, rather than for, multiple others. This expanded concept of subjectivity enables a more relational understanding of equality that is urgently needed in order to respond affirmatively to posthuman futures.
A High-Fat Diet Increases Activation of the Glucagon-Like Peptide-1-Producing Neurons in the Nucleus Tractus Solitarii: an Effect that is Partially Reversed by Drugs Normalizing Glycemia
Authors: Lietzau Grazyna , Ntika Stelia , Pintana Hiranya , Tracy Linda , Klein Thomas , Nyström Thomas , Darsalia Vladimer , Patrone Cesare , Krizhanovskii Camilla
Published: April 2021

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a peripheral incretin and centrally active peptide produced in the intestine and nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS), respectively. GLP-1 not only regulates metabolism but also improves cognition and is neuroprotective. While intestinal GLP-1-producing cells have been well characterized, less is known about GLP-1-producing neurons in NTS. We hypothesized that obesity-induced type 2 diabetes (T2D) impairs the function of NTS GLP-1-producing neurons and glycemia normalization counteracts this effect. We used immunohistochemistry/quantitative microscopy to investigate the number, potential atrophy, and activation (cFos-expression based) of NTS GLP-1-producing neurons, in non-diabetic versus obese/T2D mice (after 12 months of high-fat diet). NTS neuroinflammation was also assessed. The same parameters were quantified in obese/T2D mice treated from month 9 to 12 with two unrelated anti-hyperglycemic drugs: the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor linagliptin and the sulfonylurea glimepiride. We show no effect of T2D on the number and volume but increased activation of NTS GLP-1-producing neurons. This effect was partially normalized by both anti-diabetic treatments, concurrent with decreased neuroinflammation. Increased activation of NTS GLP-1-producing neurons could represent an aberrant metabolic demand in T2D/obesity, attenuated by glycemia normalization. Whether this effect represents a pathophysiological process preceding GLP-1 signaling impairment in the CNS, remains to be investigated.
Synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism in arsenic (+3) methyltransferase of the Western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) and its gene expression among field populations
Authors: Park Daesik , Propper Catherine R. , Wang Guangning , Salanga Matthew C.
Published: April 2021

Naturally occurring arsenic is toxic at extremely low concentrations, yet some species persist even in high arsenic environments. We wanted to test if these species show evidence of evolution associated with arsenic exposure. To do this, we compared allelic variation across 872 coding nucleotides of arsenic (+3) methyltransferase (as3mt) and whole fish as3mt gene expression from three field populations of Gambusia affinis, from water sources containing low (1.9 ppb), medium-low (3.3 ppb), and high (15.7 ppb) levels of arsenic. The high arsenic site exceeds the US EPA’s Maximum Contamination Level for drinking water. Medium-low and high populations exhibited homozygosity, and no sequence variation across all animals sampled. Eleven of 24 fish examined (45.8%) in the low arsenic population harbored synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in exons 4 and/or 10. SNP presence in the low arsenic population was not associated with differences in as3mt transcript levels compared to fish from the medium-low site, where SNPs were noted; however, as3mt expression in fish from the high arsenic concentration site was significantly lower than the other two sites. Low sequence variation in fish populations from sites with medium-low and high arsenic concentrations suggests greater selective pressure on this allele, while higher variation in the low population suggests a relaxed selection. Our results suggest gene regulation associated with arsenic detoxification may play a more crucial role in influencing responses to arsenic than polymorphic gene sequence. Understanding microevolutionary processes to various contaminants require the evaluation of multiple populations across a wide range of pollution exposures.
Socio-cognitive constraints and opportunities for sustainable intensification in South Asia: insights from fuzzy cognitive mapping in coastal Bangladesh
Authors: Aravindakshan Sreejith , Krupnik Timothy J. , Shahrin Sumona , Tittonell Pablo , Siddique Kadambot H. M. , Ditzler Lenora , Groot Jeroen C. J.
Published: April 2021

Appreciating and dealing with the plurality of farmers’ perceptions and their contextual knowledge and perspectives of the functioning and performance of their agroecosystems—in other words, their ‘mental models’—is central for appropriate and sustainable agricultural development. In this respect, the sustainable development goals (SDGs) aim to eradicate poverty and food insecurity by 2030 by envisioning social inclusivity that incorporates the preferences and knowledge of key stakeholders, including farmers. Agricultural development interventions and policies directed at sustainable intensification (SI), however, do not sufficiently account for farmers’ perceptions, beliefs, priorities, or interests. Considering two contrasting agroecological systems in coastal Bangladesh, we used a fuzzy cognitive mapping (FCM)-based simulation and sensitivity analysis of mental models of respondents of different farm types from 240 farm households. The employed FCM mental models were able to (1) capture farmers’ perception of farming system concepts and relationships for each farm type and (2) assess the impact of external interventions (drivers) on cropping intensification and food security. We decomposed the FCM models’ variance into the first-order sensitivity index (SVI) and total sensitivity index (TSI) using a winding stairs algorithm. Both within and outside polder areas, the highest TSIs (35–68%) were observed for effects of agricultural extension on changes in other concepts in the map, particularly food security and income (SI indicators), indicating the importance of extension programs for SI. Outside polders, drainage and micro-credit were also influential; within polders, the availability of micro-credit appears to affect farmer perceptions of SI indicators more than drainage. This study demonstrated the importance of reflection on the differing perspectives of farmers both within and outside polders to identify entry points for development interventions. In addition, the study underscores the need for micro-farming systems-level research to assess the context-based feasibility of introduced interventions as perceived by farmers of different farm types.
Recovery agenda for sustainable development post COVID-19 at the country level: developing a fuzzy action priority surface
Authors: Ranjbari Meisam , Shams Esfandabadi Zahra , Scagnelli Simone Domenico , Siebers Peer-Olaf , Quatraro Francesco
Published: April 2021

As a response to the urgent call for recovery actions against the COVID-19 crisis, this research aims to identify action priority areas post COVID-19 toward achieving the targets of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) within the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development launched by the United Nations (UN). This paper applies a mixed-method approach to map the post-COVID-19 SDGs targets on a fuzzy action priority surface at the country level in Iran, as a developing country, by taking the following four main steps: (1) using a modified Delphi method to make a list of the SDGs targets influenced by COVID-19; (2) using the best–worst method, as a multi-criteria decision-making tool, to weight the COVID-19 effects on the SDGs targets achievement; also (3) to weight the impact of the SDGs targets on the sustainable development implementation; and finally (4) designing a fuzzy inference system to calculate the action priority scores of the SDGs targets. As a result, reduction of poor people proportion by half (SDG 1.2), development-oriented policies for supporting creativity and job creation (SDG 8.3), end the pandemics and other epidemics (SDG 3.3), reduction of deaths and economic loss caused by disasters (SDG 11.5), and financial support for small-scale enterprises (SDG 9.3) were identified as the highest priorities for action, respectively, in the recovery agenda for sustainable development post COVID-19. The provided fuzzy action priority surface supports the UN’s SDGs achievement and implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in Iran. It also serves as a guideline to help the government, stakeholders, and policy-makers better analyze the long-term effects of the pandemic on the SDGs and their associated targets and mitigate its adverse economic, social, and environmental consequences.

Graphical abstract
Constitutional 2p16.3 deletion including MSH6 and FBXO11 in a boy with developmental delay and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: van Engelen N. , van Dijk F. , Waanders E. , Buijs A. , Vermeulen M. A. , Loeffen J. L. C. , Kuiper R. P. , Jongmans M. C. J.
Published: April 2021

We describe a case of a boy with neurodevelopmental delay and a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in whom we discovered a germline de novo 2p16.3 deletion including MSH6 and part of the FBXO11 gene. A causative role for MSH6 in cancer development was excluded based on tumor characteristics. The constitutional FBXO11 deletion explains the neurodevelopmental delay in the patient. The FBXO11 protein is involved in BCL-6 ubiquitination and BCL-6 is required for the germinal center reaction resulting in B cell differentiation. Somatic loss of function alterations of FBXO11 result in BCL-6 overexpression which is a known driver in DLBCL. We therefore consider that a causative relationship between the germline FBXO11 deletion and the development of DLBCL in this boy is conceivable.
Relational Analysis of the Frauchiger–Renner Paradox and Interaction-Free Detection of Records from the Past
Authors: Waaijer Marijn , Neerven Jan van
Published: April 2021

We present an analysis of the Frauchiger–Renner Gedankenexperiment from the point of view of the relational interpretation of quantum mechanics. Our analysis shows that the paradox obtained by Frauchiger and Renner disappears if one rejects promoting one agent’s certainty to another agent’s certainty when it cannot be validated by records from the past. A by-product of our analysis is an interaction-free detection scheme for the existence of such records.
Verb movement and the lack of verb-doubling VP-topicalization in Germanic
Authors: Hein Johannes
Published: April 2021

In the absence of a stranded auxiliary or modal, VP-topicalization in most Germanic languages gives rise to the presence of a dummy verb meaning ‘do’. Cross-linguistically, this is a rather uncommon strategy as comparable VP-fronting constructions in other languages, e.g. Hebrew, Polish, and Portuguese, among many others, exhibit verb doubling. A comparison of several recent approaches to verb doubling in VP-fronting reveals that it is the consequence of VP-evacuating head movement of the verb to some higher functional head, which saves the (low copy of the) verb from undergoing copy deletion as part of the low VP copy in the VP-topicalization dependency. Given that almost all Germanic languages have such V-salvaging head movement, namely V-to-C movement, but do not show verb doubling, this paper suggests that V-raising is exceptionally impossible in VP-topicalization clauses and addresses the question of why it is blocked. After discussing and rejecting some conceivable explanations for the lack of verb doubling, I propose that the blocking effect arises from a bleeding interaction between V-to-C movement and VP-to-SpecCP movement. As both operations are triggered by the same head, i.e. C, the VP is always encountered first by a downward search algorithm. Movement of VP then freezes it and its lower copies for subextraction precluding subsequent V-raising. Crucially, this implies that there is no V-to-T raising in most Germanic languages. V2 languages with V-to-T raising, e.g. Yiddish, are correctly predicted to not exhibit the blocking effect.
Integrating landscape ecology into landscape practice in Central African Rainforests
Authors: Walters G. , Sayer J. , Boedhihartono A. K. , Endamana D. , Angu Angu K.
Published: April 2021

Context

We describe how large landscape-scale conservation initiatives involving local communities, NGOs and resource managers have engaged with landscape scientists with the goal of achieving landscape sustainability. We focus on two landscapes where local people, practitioners and landscape ecologists have co-produced knowledge to design conservation interventions.

Objective

We seek to understand how landscape ecology can engage with practical landscape management to contribute to managing landscapes sustainably.

Methods

We focus on two large tropical landscapes: the Sangha Tri-National landscape (Cameroon, Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic) and the Batéké-Léfini Landscape (Gabon and Republic of Congo). We evaluate (1) a participatory method used in the Sangha Tri-National landscape that embeds interdisciplinary researchers and practitioners within a landscape to apply transdisciplinary learning to landscape conservation and (2) a participatory landscape zoning method where interdisciplinary teams of conservation practitioners analyse local land and resource use in the Batéké-Léfini landscape.

Results

We find that landscape ecology’s tradition of understanding the historical context of resource use can inform landscape conservation practice and natural resource mapping. We also find that the Sangha Group provides an example for landscape ecology on how to integrate local people and their knowledge to better understand and influence landscape processes.

Conclusions

Place-based engagement as well as the uptake of co-produced knowledge by policy makers are key in enabling sustainable landscapes. Success occurs when researchers, local communities and resource managers engage directly with landscape processes.
Pathogen infection influences a distinct microbial community composition in sorghum RILs
Authors: Masenya K. , Thompson G. D. , Tekere M. , Makhalanyane T. P. , Pierneef R. E. , Rees D. J. G.
Published: April 2021

Aims

The rhizosphere microbiome substantially affects plant health, yet comparatively little is known regarding the foliar community dynamics. Here, we examine the relationship between the microbiota and their response to natural infection by pathogens.

Methods

We established an experimental system using a set of sorghum recombinant inbred lines (RILS). These RILS included four models denoted as resistant, moderately resistant, susceptible and highly susceptible. A combination of 16S rRNA and ITS gene amplicon approaches was used to assess bacteria and fungi, respectively, in foliar samples.

Results

We show that the foliar microbiome differs substantially in asymptomatic and symptomatic RILs subsequent to natural infection by pathogens. A significant association was found between plant health and microbial community structure. Our analyses revealed several distinct fungal and bacterial pathogens. These pathogens includedGibberellaandPantoeagenera, which were associated with the highly susceptible group. In addition to these pathogens, we also found signatures forAscochyta, a known plant pathogenic genus. Members of the bacterial genusMethylorubrumand the fungal genusHannaella,both known to exhibit plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits, were associated with the resistant and moderately resistant groups. These data also reveal numerous highly diverse fungal and bacterial taxa in RILs that did not show symptoms. We also found taxonomic differences between the microbiota hosted by the symptomatic and asymptomatic RILs.

Conclusions

Together, these data suggest that pathogen infection may result in distinct microbiota. These results suggest that highly diverse microbiome may promote the plants ability to resist the effects of pathogens potentially contributing to plant health.
The Gender Backlash in the Vote for Brexit
Authors: Green Jane , Shorrocks Rosalind
Published: April 2021

Despite a relationship between gender and support for populist causes in cross-national research, including in the 2016 US Presidential election, the role of gender has been missing in analysis of support for Brexit, most likely because women and men showed no average aggregate-level differences in voting Leave or Remain. This misses an important explanation for Britain’s vote to leave the European Union. We demonstrate how gender-based resentment motivated Leave votes in the EU referendum through perceptions of discrimination against men, among men. Using novel survey measures, we demonstrate (i) the distinct nature of perceptions of discrimination towards men in comparison with discrimination towards women; (ii) the sociological sources of perceptions that men are discriminated against; and (iii) the role of these perceptions in Brexit support. Our findings reveal that the Brexit referendum provided an opportunity to express broader social grievances than have, to date, been identified as relevant. The paper therefore offers a novel contribution to understanding the cultural backlash behind Britain’s vote to leave the EU, and by so doing, insight into the potential for gender-based backlash effects in elections where gender isn’t significantly primed, unlike the 2016 US presidential election where gender was a major political focus.
Validation of snoring detection using a smartphone app
Authors: Chiang Jui-Kun , Lin Yen-Chang , Lin Chih-Wen , Ting Ching-Shiung , Chiang Yi-Ying , Kao Yee-Hsin
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Snoring is closely related to obstructive sleep apnea in adults. The increasing abundance and availability of smartphone technology has facilitated the examination and monitoring of snoring at home through snoring apps. However, the accuracy of snoring detection by snoring apps is unclear. This study explored the snoring detection accuracy of Snore Clock—a paid snoring detection app for smartphones.

Methods

Snoring rates were detected by smartphones that had been installed with the paid app Snore Clock. The app provides information on the following variables: sleep duration, snoring duration, snoring loudness (in dB), maximum snoring loudness (in dB), and snoring duration rate (%). In brief, we first reviewed the snoring rates detected by Snore Clock; thereafter, an ear, nose, and throat specialist reviewed the actual snoring rates by using the playback of the app recordings.

Results

In total, the 201 snoring records of 11 patients were analyzed. Snoring rates measured by Snore Clock and those measured manually were closely correlated (r = 0.907). The mean snoring detection accuracy rate of Snore Clock was 95%, with a positive predictive value, negative predictive value, sensitivity, and specificity of 65% ± 35%, 97% ± 4%, 78% ± 25%, and 97% ± 4%, respectively. However, the higher the snoring rates, the higher were the false-negative rates for the app.

Conclusion

Snore Clock is compatible with various brands of smartphones and has a high predictive value for snoring. Based on the strong correlation between Snore Clock and manual approaches for snoring detection, these findings have validated that Snore Clock has the capacity for at-home snoring detection.
Development of a Novel Ni-Based Multi-principal Element Alloy Filler Metal, Using an Alternative Melting Point Depressant
Authors: Hardwick Liam , Rodgers Pat , Pickering Ed , Goodall Russell
Published: April 2021

Brazing is a crucial joining technology in industries where nickel-superalloy components must be joined. Nickel-based brazing filler metals are extensively employed, possessing excellent mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and retained strength at elevated temperatures. To function as a filler metal, the alloy melting point must be reduced to below that of the materials being joined, but the addition of melting point depressants (MPDs) such as boron, silicon, and phosphorus can, however, lead to the formation of brittle intermetallics, potentially compromising the joint performance. In the present work, a novel multi-principal element brazing alloy (in the style of a high entropy alloy), utilizing Ge as an alternative MPD along with a reduced B addition, is investigated. The design process considered binary phase diagrams and predictions based on Thermo-Calc software and empirical thermodynamic parameters. The alloy was used to vacuum braze nickel-superalloy Inconel-718, and microstructural and mechanical investigations are reported. The maximum shear strength achieved was 297 MPa with a brazing temperature of 1100 °C and 60-minute hold time, with isothermal solidification completed. Shear strength was only slightly reduced with increased joint width. Assessments are made of the ability to accurately predict properties of multi-principle element alloys using Thermo-Calc software and empirical thermodynamic parameters.
Measuring the social performance of forest management
Authors: Pukkala Timo
Published: April 2021

Forests produce several types of benefits to both forest landowners and society. The social benefit of private forestry is equal to private benefit plus positive externalities minus negative externalities. This study developed alternative metrics for the evaluation of the social benefit of forest management. Forest management was assessed in terms of five criteria: economic, socio-cultural, environmental and ecological performance and the resilience of the forest ecosystem. Each criterion was described with three numerical indicators. Alternative performance indices were calculated from the indicator values using methods developed for multi-criteria decision making. It was concluded that indices based on the multiplicative Cobb–Douglas utility function might be the most recommendable when forestry should produce a balanced combination of different ecosystem services. When the indices were used to compare alternative silvicultural systems in terms of their social performance, continuous cover management was ranked better than even-aged management. The performance of even-aged management improved when it aimed at increasing the share of mixed stands and broadleaf species. Maximizing net present value (NPV) with a 1% discount rate led to better social performance than maximizing NPV with a 4% discount rate.
A Survey on How Ocular Surface Demodex Infestation Interactively Associates with Diabetes Mellitus and Dry Eye Disease
Authors: Huang Chang , Chen Shuze , Fu Sheng , Li Yingli , Li Zhenhao , Li Siqi , Liang Xiaoqian , Wang Zihong , Wang Zhoucheng , Chen Yifan , Deng Qixin , Yi Guoguo , Fu Min
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Prevention of ocular surface (OS) Demodex infestation plays an important role in OS hygiene and variety of factors may be associated with it, in which diabetes mellitus (DM) or dry eye disease (DED) has caught the attention of most scholars. However, there has been no research on whether there was a potential interaction between DM and DED in the process of OS Demodex infestation. This cross-sectional study was implemented in Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University.

Methods

Ophthalmologic interviews, questionnaires, and examinations were conducted. Factors including general information, DM status, dry eye condition, etc. were collected to study the correlation of DM and DED on OS Demodex infestation.

Results

After statistical analysis, we found that both DM (P < 0.001) and DED (P = 0.013 < 0.05) are closely associated with OS Demodex infestation. Compared with DED, DM has higher priority association with OS Demodex infestation, and patients with both diseases have a significant higher risk of OS Demodex infestation (R = 0.197, P < 0.001). Meanwhile, age (R = 0.299, P < 0.001) and hypertension (P < 0.05) were also correlated with OS Demodex infestation.

Conclusion

This study provides a new evidence-based basis for clinical prevention and management of OS Demodex infestation.
Depression and hypertension awareness, treatment, and control in a multiethnic population in the Netherlands: HELIUS study
Authors: Fernald Florence , Snijder Marieke , van den Born Bert-Jan , Lok Anja , Peters Ron , Agyemang Charles
Published: April 2021

Individuals belonging to ethnic minority groups are more susceptible to depression and comorbid hypertension than European host populations. Yet, data on how depression is related to hypertension in ethnic groups in Europe are lacking. Therefore, we studied the association between significant depressed mood (SDM) and hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control among ethnic groups. Data from the HELIUS study included 22,165 adults (aged 18–70) from six ethnic backgrounds in the Netherlands. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the association between SDM and hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control with adjustment for age, sex, and for sensitivity analysis purposes also for anti-depressants. After adjustment for age and sex, Dutch with SDM had an increased odds of hypertension (OR 95% CI 1.67; 1.08–2.59). Among Turkish, SDM was associated with higher odds of hypertension awareness (2.09; 1.41–3.09), treatment (1.92; 1.27–2.90) and control (1.72; 1.04–2.83). Among Moroccans, SMD was associated with an increased odds of hypertension awareness (1.91; 1.14–3.21) but decreased odds of hypertension control (0.42; 0.20–0.89). Additional adjustment for anti-depressant medications did not change the results. There were no associations between SDM and hypertension, awareness, treatment and control in South-Asian Surinamese, African Surinamese and Ghanaian participants. The results underline significant differences in the association between SDM and hypertension awareness, treatment and control between ethnic groups. Our findings emphasize the necessity to further study ethnicity-related factors that may influence the association between SDM and hypertension to promote hypertension control especially, among Moroccans with SDM.
Carbon-ion radiotherapy subsequent to balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration for hepatocellular carcinoma with hepatic encephalopathy: a multidisciplinary approach
Authors: Osu Naoto , Shiba Shintaro , Shibuya Kei , Okazaki Shohei , Miyasaka Yuhei , Okamoto Masahiko , Ohno Tatsuya
Published: April 2021

Radical treatments of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with hepatic encephalopathy (HE) can be often difficult due to poor liver function or disturbance of consciousness. An effective treatment requires a combinatorial approach incorporating a treatment for HE and radical therapy for HCC that does not compromise liver function. Here, we report a case of a 78-year-old Japanese male with HCC and HE caused by splenorenal shunt. Serum ammonia levels were high. He was not suitable for surgery, percutaneous radiofrequency ablation, or transarterial chemoembolization due to the location of the tumor and poor liver function, which included HE. Thus, he underwent BRTO, with an immediate improvement in both HE and serum ammonia levels. After BRTO, he received C-ion RT as a radical treatment for HCC. After treatment, HCC was well controlled; however, at 35 months post-initiation of C-ion RT, he developed local recurrence without a further reduction in liver function status. Therefore, we repeated C-ion RT. The patient remains alive at 3 months post-treatment, with no evidence of local recurrence, distant metastasis, or toxicity. Although this is a single case report, it suggests that a combinatorial treatment consisting of BRTO and C-ion RT may increase survival rates of patients with HCC and HE.
Kinetics and isotherm modeling of Pb(II) and Cd(II) sequestration from polluted water onto tropical ultisol obtained from Enugu Nigeria
Authors: Umeh Theresa C. , Nduka John K. , Akpomie Kovo G.
Published: April 2021

Deterioration in soil–water environment severely contributed by heavy metal bioavailability and mobility on soil surface and sub-surface due to irrational increase in wastewater discharge and agrochemical activities. Therefore, the feasibility of adsorption characteristics of the soil is paramount in curbing the problem of micropollutant contamination in the farming vicinity. Soil from a farming site in a populated area in Enugu, Nigeria was collected and tested to measure the lead and cadmium contents using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The adsorption potency of the ultisol soil was estimated for identifiable physicochemical properties by standard technique. The mean activity concentration of Pb2+and Cd2+was 15.68 mg/kg and 3.01 mg/kg. The pH, temperature, metal concentration and contact time adsorptive effect on the Pb2+and Cd2+uptake was evaluated by batch adsorption technique. The Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin models were fitted into equilibrium adsorption data and the calculated results depict a better and satisfactory correlation for Langmuir with higher linear regression coefficients (Pb2+, 0.935 and Cd2+, 0.971). On the basis of sorption capacity mechanism of the soil, pseudo-second-order model best described the kinetics of both metal ions retention process. The results of the present study indicated that the soil being a low cost-effective adsorbent can be utilized to minimize the environmental risk impact of these metal ions.
Serum concentrations of dihydrotestosterone are associated with symptoms of hypogonadism in biochemically eugonadal men
Authors: Sansone A. , Kliesch S. , Dugas M. , Sandhowe-Klaverkamp R. , Isidori A. M. , Schlatt S. , Zitzmann M.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Symptoms of hypogonadism are often reported by subjects with normal serum testosterone (T) levels. We aimed to assess the association between clinical symptoms in andrological outpatients and sex steroids levels.

Methods

This is a retrospective cross-sectional cohort study in an Academic clinic and research unit. International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF, EF domain) and Aging Males Symptoms scale (AMS) questionnaires were completed by 635 and 574 men, respectively (mean age: 47.3 ± 13.9 and 47.4 ± 13.8 years, p = 0.829), free of interfering medications with complaints possibly related to hypogonadism.

Results

Serum total/free T as well as dihydro-T (DHT) was associated with IIEF-EF and AMS scores in the overall population using univariate analyses. Multivariate approaches revealed DHT concentrations in subjects with normal T levels (n = 416, Total T > 12 nmol/L) to be significant predictors of AMS scores. A 0.1 nmol/l serum DHT increase within the eugonadal range was associated with a 4.67% decrease in odds of having worse symptoms (p = 0.011). In men with biochemical hypogonadism (Total T < 12 nmol/L), total and free T rather than DHT were associated with AMS results. This association was not found for IIEF-EF scores. Indirect effects of age and BMI were seen for relations with hormone concentrations but not questionnaire scores.

Conclusion

DHT can be associated with symptoms of hypogonadism in biochemically eugonadal men. Serum DHT measurement might be helpful once the diagnosis of hypogonadism has been ruled out but should not be routinely included in the primary diagnostic process.