bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Small cats in big trouble? Diet, activity, and habitat use of jungle cats and leopard cats in threatened dry deciduous forests, Cambodia
Authors: Rostro‐García Susana , Kamler Jan F. , Minge Christin , Caragiulo Anthony , Crouthers Rachel , Groenenberg Milou , Gray Thomas N. E. , In Visattha , Pin Chanratana , Sovanna Prum , Kéry Marc , Macdonald David W.
Published: March 2021

Dry deciduous dipterocarp forests (DDF) cover about 15%–20% of Southeast Asia and are the most threatened forest type in the region. The jungle cat (Felis chaus) is a DDF specialist that occurs only in small isolated populations in Southeast Asia. Despite being one of the rarest felids in the region, almost nothing is known about its ecology. We investigated the ecology of jungle cats and their resource partitioning with the more common leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis) in a DDF‐dominated landscape in Srepok Wildlife Sanctuary, Cambodia. We used camera‐trap data collected from 2009 to 2019 and DNA‐confirmed scats to determine the temporal, dietary and spatial overlap between jungle cats and leopard cats. The diet of jungle cats was relatively diverse and consisted of murids (56% biomass consumed), sciurids (15%), hares (Lepus peguensis; 12%), birds (8%), and reptiles (8%), whereas leopard cats had a narrower niche breadth and a diet dominated by smaller prey, primarily murids (73%). Nonetheless, dietary overlap was high because both felid species consumed predominantly small rodents. Both species were primarily nocturnal and had high temporal overlap. Two‐species occupancy modelling suggested jungle cats were restricted to DDF and had low occupancy, whereas leopard cats had higher occupancy and were habitat generalists. Our study confirmed that jungle cats are DDF specialists that likely persist in low numbers due to the harsh conditions of the dry season in this habitat, including annual fires and substantial decreases in small vertebrate prey. The lower occupancy and more diverse diet of jungle cats, together with the broader habitat use of leopard cats, likely facilitated the coexistence of these species. The low occupancy of jungle cats in DDF suggests that protection of large areas of DDF will be required for the long‐term conservation of this rare felid in Southeast Asia.
Upregulation of CCR4 in activated CD8+ T cells indicates enhanced lung homing in patients with severe acute SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Spoerl Silvia , Kremer Anita N. , Aigner Michael , Eisenhauer Nina , Koch Pauline , Meretuk Lina , Löffler Patrick , Tenbusch Matthias , Maier Clara , Überla Klaus , Heinzerling Lucie , Frey Benjamin , Lutzny‐Geier Gloria , Winkler Thomas H. , Krönke Gerhard , Vetter Marcel , Bruns Heiko , Neurath Markus F. , Mackensen Andreas , Kremer Andreas E. , Völkl Simon
Published: March 2021

COVID‐19 is a life‐threatening disease leading to bilateral pneumonia and respiratory failure. The underlying reasons why a smaller percentage of patients present with severe pulmonary symptoms whereas the majority is only mildly affected are to date not well understood.

Comparing the immunological phenotype in healthy donors and patients with mild versus severe COVID‐19 shows that in COVID‐19 patients, NK‐/B‐cell activation and proliferation are enhanced independent of severity. As an important precondition for effective antibody responses, T‐follicular helper cells and antibody secreting cells are increased both in patients with mild and severe SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Beyond this, T cells in COVID‐19 patients exhibit a stronger activation profile with differentiation toward effector cell phenotypes. Importantly, when looking at the rates of pulmonary complications in COVID‐19 patients, the chemokine receptor CCR4 is higher expressed by both CD4 and CD8 T cells of patients with severe COVID‐19. This raises the hypothesis that CCR4 upregulation on T cells in the pathogenesis of COVID‐19 promotes stronger T‐cell attraction to the lungs leading to increased immune activation with presumably higher pulmonary toxicity.

Our study contributes significantly to the understanding of the immunological changes during COVID‐19, as new therapeutic agents, preferentially targeting the immune system, are highly warranted.
Forecasts and decisions: A commentary on Lustick and Tetlock 2021
Authors: Popper Steven W. , Lempert Robert J. , Davis Paul K. , McDonald Tim
Published: March 2021

Lustick and Tetlock (2021) present a distinctive, persuasive case for theory‐guided simulation and its use in the intelligence community (IC). The usefulness of their insight can be expanded by recognizing the relationship between the forecasting project, the decision‐aiding project, and the knowledge project. We point out further issues for consideration with theory‐guided simulation and the foresight project. We argue that when uncertainty prevails to the extent that forecasting becomes challenged, the real measures of merit should be better decisions, not better predictions. Recent advances in decision‐making under deep uncertainty (DMDU) offer the prospect of providing just such aid to planning and decision. This, in turn, suggests a reconsideration of the IC (and other knowledge project endeavors’) roles in supporting policy deliberations. Potential intersection and cross‐fertilization between DMDU concepts and methods and forecasting technique might prove to be to the mutual benefit of both the forecasting and decision‐aiding projects and transformative to conceptualization of the nature of the knowledge project.
Geochemistry of Eocene felsic volcanic rocks from the Mesa Virgen‐Calerilla, Zacatecas, Mexico: Implications for the magma source and tectonic setting
Authors: Verma Sanjeet K. , Torres‐Sánchez Darío , Hernández‐Martínez Karla R. , Malviya Vivek P. , Singh Pradip K. , Torres‐Hernández José R. , Rivera‐Escoto Beatriz A.
Published: March 2021

The Mesa Virgen Calerilla (MVC) is located in the state of Zacatecas, Mexico. The most intense volcanism, which occurred during the Eocene, formed extensive ignimbrite deposits exposed in some parts as lava spills of rhyolitic (felsic) composition. This felsic volcanism may represent much of the MVC. This study describes whole‐rock geochemistry and mineralogy data from felsic volcanic rocks in the MVC to address their petrogenesis and tectonic setting. The MVC covers a compositional spectrum ranging from trachyte, dacite, to high‐silica rhyolite. The petrography and mineral assemblages indicate that the felsic rocks are composed of K‐feldspar (sanidine), quartz, plagioclase, and biotite. The felsic volcanic rocks have a composition of 64.08–78.17 wt% (SiO2)adj, 0.14–0.69 wt% (TiO2)adj, and 0.11–0.62 wt% (MgO)adj with 12–54 Mg number [Mg# = 100 × (Mg2+/[Mg2+ + Fe2+])]. These felsic volcanic rocks showed enrichment in light rare earth elements (LREE; [La/Sm]N = 3.80–7.19), and are depleted in heavy rare earth elements [HREE; (Tb/Yb)N ratios 0.35–1.84], along with negative Ba, Nb, Sr, P, Eu, and Ti anomalies. The geochemical characteristics and petrogenetic modelling indicate that felsic volcanic rocks are derived from partial melting process of an upper‐middle continental crust. The tectono‐magmatic model and multidimensional tectonic discrimination diagram indicate that an extensional‐related setting prevails for the MVC.
A Pandemic Diary
Authors: Cardwell Mark
Published: March 2021

In mid‐March 2020, The Hastings Center pivoted to work on public health and clinical ethics questions sparked by the Covid‐19 pandemic. The Center created a hub page on our website for ethics resources on the pandemic and published the first in a series of Covid‐19 ethics frameworks for health care providers. The pandemic has illuminated staggering health inequities, particularly for people of color, prompting the Center to launch a series of webinars called Securing Health in a Troubled Time: Equity, Ethics, & the Common Good.
A novel application of superior thyroid artery perforator flaps for medium‐sized intraoral reconstructions: Retrospective analysis of 12 cases
Authors: Ma Chun‐Yue , Guo Bing , Shen Yi , Zheng Zhi‐Wei , Wang Liang , Zhu Dan , Haugen Thorsen W. , Sun Jian
Published: March 2021

Background

To describe the indications, technique, and preliminary experience in the application of the superior thyroid artery perforator flap (STAPF) for the reconstruction of various medium‐sized intraoral defects.

Methods

From September 2018 to September 2019, 12 consecutive cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma underwent reconstruction with a STAPF. Clinical details were collected, and postoperative function was analyzed.

Results

The venous drainage of the STAPF is variable with drainage into the internal jugular vein in six cases, into both the internal and external jugular veins in four cases, and into the external jugular vein in two cases. Ten cases were harvested as pedicled flaps, while two cases required a venous anastomosis due to inadequate length of the venous pedicle. Ten flaps survived completely, whereas two flaps had partial necrosis that ultimately resolved with secondary healing.

Conclusions

STAPF is a reliable method for the reconstruction of medium‐sized intraoral defects.
The 2020 Nobel Prize for Medicine or Physiology for the Discovery of Hepatitis C Virus: A Triumph of Curiosity and Persistence
Authors: Ghany Marc G. , Lok Anna S.F. , Dienstag Jules L. , Feinstone Stephen M. , Hoofnagle Jay H. , Jake Liang T. , Seeff Leonard B. , Cohen David E. , Bezerra Jorge A. , Chung Raymond T.
Published: March 2021

The 2020 Nobel Prize in Medicine or Physiology was awarded to Drs. Harvey Alter, Michael Houghton, and Charles Rice for their contributions to the discovery and characterization of the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Their achievements represent a remarkable triumph of biomedical science which allowed the development of curative therapy for HCV, that will save countless lives. This tribute provides a historical perspective of the laureates' seminal work leading to the discovery of the HCV and a synopsis of a forum hosted by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases to honor the laureates in which they offered their perspectives, advice for young investigators and what's left to accomplish in the field. Finally, others in the research community who have worked closely with one or more of the laureates, share some of their personal reflections and anecdotes.
Protein‐energy malnutrition in older Australians: A narrative review of the prevalence, causes and consequences of malnutrition, and strategies for prevention
Authors: Scholes Gemma
Published: March 2021

Issue addressed

Protein‐energy malnutrition (PEM) is a condition of involuntary weight and muscle loss caused by inadequate nutritional intake. In Australia, it is predominantly associated with chronic diseases, as are common in the older population. Given the ageing population of Australia, and the poor outcomes associated with PEM, there is a need to identify the contributing factors, and to explore strategies to prevent PEM.

Methods

Two databases were searched for pertinent keywords, including malnutrition, Australia and elderly, with relevant articles selected for inclusion. The citations and references of these articles were also searched for further articles.

Results

PEM is associated with increasing age and institutionalisation. The contributing factors are multifactorial, and include physiological, pathophysiological and structural causes. PEM is a significant public health issue for Australia, in terms of its consequences on both quality of life for older adults, and the burden on the healthcare system. However, there are strategies that can be implemented at the community, organisation and policy level to prevent PEM.

Conclusion

PEM is a common problem for older Australians, and this has important physiological and public health consequences, especially in the context of the ageing Australian population. However, there is significant scope for preventing PEM.

So what?

Readers can be advised that PEM is a significant public health issue that will increase in importance as the population continues to age. It is important that communities, organisations and governments develop strategies to prevent PEM.
Dietary inflammatory potential, oxidative balance score, and risk of breast cancer: Findings from the Sister Study
Authors: Park Yong‐Moon Mark , Shivappa Nitin , Petimar Joshua , Hodgson M. Elizabeth , Nichols Hazel B. , Steck Susan E. , Hébert James R. , Sandler Dale P.
Published: March 2021

Diet, inflammation, and oxidative stress may be important in breast carcinogenesis, but evidence on the role of the inflammatory and prooxidative potential of dietary patterns is limited. Energy adjusted‐Dietary Inflammatory Index (E‐DII™) and dietary oxidative balance score (D‐OBS) were calculated for 43 563 Sister Study cohort participants who completed a Block 1998 food frequency questionnaire at enrollment in 2003–2009 and satisfied eligibility criteria. D‐OBS was validated using measured F2‐isoprostanes and metabolites. High E‐DII score and low D‐OBS represent a more proinflammatory and prooxidant diet, respectively, and associations of quartiles of each index with breast cancer (BC) risk were estimated using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression. There were 2619 BCs diagnosed at least 1 year after enrollment (mean follow‐up 8.4 years). There was no overall association between E‐DII and BC risk, whereas there was a suggestive inverse association for the highest vs lowest quartile of D‐OBS (HR 0.92 [95% CI, 0.81‐1.03]). The highest quartile of E‐DII was associated with risk of triple‐negative BC (HR 1.53 [95% CI, 0.99‐2.35]). When the two indices were combined, a proinflammatory/prooxidant diet (highest tertile of E‐DII and lowest tertile of D‐OBS) was associated with increased risk for all BC (HR 1.13 [95% CI, 1.00‐1.27]) and for triple‐negative BC (1.72 [95% CI, 1.10‐2.70]), compared to an antiinflammatory/antioxidant diet (lowest tertile of E‐DII and highest tertile of D‐OBS). Diets with increased inflammatory potential and reduced oxidative balance were positively associated with overall and triple‐negative BC.
Seroprevalence of CMV IgG and IgM in Korean women of childbearing age
Authors: Choi Rihwa , Lee Sukjung , Lee Sang Gon , Lee Eun Hee
Published: March 2021

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection using the serologic status of CMV IgG and IgM antibodies in Korean women of childbearing age.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed CMV IgG and IgM test results from Korean women aged 15–49 years who underwent testing between January 2009 and December 2019. Seroprevalence of CMV IgG and IgM by year and age was investigated.

Results

The study period was 11 years, and among 6837 samples tested, 95.8% were CMV IgG–positive. The seropositivity in women aged 15‐ <20 years was significantly lower (77.5%) than older age groups. Among 6837 total CMV IgG tests, 75.9% (5186) had concurrently measured CMV IgM results among which 2.4% were IgM‐positive.

Conclusion

Considering the low CMV seropositivity of women younger than 20 years, they may need prenatal education for CMV infection.
RFC4 promotes the progression and growth of Oral Tongue squamous cell carcinoma in vivo and vitro
Authors: Zhang Jian , Wang Linlin , Xie Xiao
Published: March 2021

Objective

Currently, many studies have found that RFC4 was up‐regulated in various cancers, and related to the progression and development. While the effects of RFC4 in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma remain unclear, the main purpose of this research is to explore the role of RFC4 in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma.

Methods

The expression of RFC4 in various cancers was analyzed in GEPIA database, and the results were further verified by IHC assay. The relationship between RFC4 and several clinical parameters was analyzed; the proliferation was further observed by knockdown RFC4 in vitro. Finally, we constructed related nude mouse models by planting cells subcutaneous of nude mice, and the discrepancy was observed.

Results

Based on GEPIA database, RFC4 was up‐regulated in various cancers, including colorectal cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, and liver cancer. RFC4 was up‐regulated in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma compared with the normal tissue from GEPIA online database; we further found that the expression of RFC4 was tightly associated with TNM stage (p = 0.005), but not with age, gender, and differentiation (p > 0.05). We further found that the proliferation of oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma was obviously restrained in vitro, and the carcinogenesis was also inhibited in vivo.

Conclusions

We found that RFC4 was up‐regulated and related to the progression of oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma, and knockdown RFC4 could restrain the proliferation and progression. RFC4 might serve a potential biomarker and provide a new treatment strategy for lots of patients with oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma.
Protective factors in preventing delinquency: Caregiver support, caregiver monitoring, and school engagement
Authors: Lamari‐Fisher Alexandra , Bond Mark A.
Published: March 2021

Youth who are potential victims of maltreatment are more likely to commit delinquent acts, which may lead to incarceration. Applying a resiliency framework may shift the focus to positive adaptation. For instance, protective mechanisms promote social, academic, and conduct competencies for at‐risk youth. This analysis estimated the protective effects of caregiver perceived support, and caregiver monitoring, and school engagement. It used delinquency as a measure of conduct competence. A latent variable structural equation model was developed using a sample of 1054 youth aged 11–17 who were involved with Child Protective Services. Participants were drawn from the second National Survey for Child and Adolescent Well‐Being. Results indicated that perceived support and school engagement reduced minor offenses, and the latter additionally reduced crimes against persons and property. Perceived caregiver monitoring, in contrast, increased minor offenses and crimes against persons. Generally, delinquent acts were associated with lower levels of the protective mechanisms, which, in turn, led to future delinquent acts. Results highlight the important role schools play as a resource for at‐risk youth. Additionally, caregiver monitoring may better serve as a protective mechanism when youth voluntarily offer information. Strengths and limitations are discussed.
TRPV1 channels regulate the automaticity of embryonic stem cell‐derived cardiomyocytes through stimulating the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger current
Authors: Zhao Rui , Liu Xianji , Qi Zenghua , Yao Xiaoqiang , Tsang Suk Ying
Published: March 2021

Calcium controls the excitation–contraction coupling in cardiomyocytes. Embryonic stem cell‐derived cardiomyocytes (ESC‐CMs) are an important cardiomyocyte source for regenerative medicine and drug screening. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channels are nonselective cation channels that permeate sodium and calcium. This study aimed to investigate whether TRPV1 channels regulate the electrophysiological characteristics of ESC‐CMs. If yes, what is the mechanism behind? By immunostaining and subcellular fractionation, followed by western blotting, TRPV1 was found to locate intracellularly. The staining pattern of TRPV1 was found to largely overlap with that of the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase, the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) marker. By electrophysiology and calcium imaging, pharmacological blocker of TRPV1 and the molecular tool TRPV1β (which could functionally knockdown TRPV1) were found to decrease the rate and diastolic depolarization slope of spontaneous action potentials, and the amplitude and frequency of global calcium transients. By calcium imaging, in the absence of external calcium, TRPV1‐specific opener increased intracellular calcium; this increase was abolished by preincubation with caffeine, which could deplete SR calcium store. The results suggest that TRPV1 controls calcium release from the SR. By electrophysiology, TRPV1 blockade and functional knockdown of TRPV1 decreased the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) currents from both the forward and reverse modes, suggesting that sodium and calcium through TRPV1 stimulate the NCX activity. Our novel findings suggest that TRPV1 activity is important for regulating the spontaneous activity of ESC‐CMs and reveal a novel interplay between TRPV1 and NCX in regulating the physiological functions of ESC‐CMs.
Nanotechnology in plants: recent advances and challenges
Authors: Fiol Diego F , Terrile María C , Frik Jesica , Mesas Florencia A , Álvarez Vera A , Casalongué Claudia A
Published: March 2021

Nanotechnology application in agriculture has been increasing over recent years and constitutes a valuable tool to reach the goal of sustainable food production worldwide. A wide array of nanomaterials has been used to develop strategies of delivery of bioactive compounds aimed to boost the production and protection of crops. The controlled delivery of molecules from different sources including pesticides, fertilizers, DNA/RNA and proteins opens a field of vast opportunities to utilize nanovehicles in plants. However, their extensive use is being held back because of a limited understanding of their mechanism of action, as they may cause either growth‐promoting effects or cytotoxicity, depending on application dose. The interlinkages of nanomaterials with plant, soil and also holobiont systems are fundamental for interpreting their behavior in each complex ecosystem. In this review we summarize recent advances in the field, focusing on the uptake and translocation mechanisms and the omics studies that allow us to integrate data and provide insight into the nature of soil–plant–nanoparticle interactions. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Catalyst free synthesis of 2‐Aryl‐2H‐benzo[b][1,4]oxazines and 3‐Aryl‐2H‐benzo[b][1,4]thiazin‐2‐ones: An ultrasonication‐assisted strategy
Authors: Teli Bisma , Waseem Malik Abdul , Rashid Showkat , Ganaie Bilal Ahmad , Bhat Bilal A.
Published: March 2021

An ultrasonication‐assisted synthesis of 2‐Aryl‐2H‐benzo[b][1,4]oxazines and 3‐aryl‐2H‐benzo[b][1,4]thiazin‐2‐ones has been established by reacting phenacyl bromides with 2‐aminophenol and 2‐aminothiophenol, respectively. This approach fosters flexibility in generating a diverse range of 1,4‐benzoxazines and 1,4‐benzothiazinones under catalyst‐free reaction conditions. Further scope toward the synthesis of rarely occurring bis‐benzoxazine adduct has also been explored, which enabled us to propose the reaction mechanism.
Real‐world re‐treatment outcomes of direct‐acting antiviral therapy failure in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Elhence Anshuman , Singh Achintya , Anand Abhinav , Kumar Ramesh , Ashraf Anzar , Kumar Sonu , Pradhan Dibyabhaba , Pathak Piyush , Vaishnav Manas , Rajput Mahendra Singh , Banyal Vikas , Nayak Baibaswata , Shalimar
Published: March 2021

Direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) drugs are associated with high (>95%) sustained virological response at 12 weeks (SVR12) in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients. There is a paucity of data regarding the characteristics and re‐treatment outcomes of DAA treatment failure patients. In a retrospective analysis of the prospectively collected database, we assessed the outcomes of re‐treatment among patients with previous DAA failure. Patients' characteristics, viral characteristics, including resistance‐associated substitutions (RAS) in a subgroup of patients, SVR12, and clinical outcomes were studied. Of 40 patients with DAA failure, among whom 36 were retreated, mean age was 45.7 years, 63.9% (n = 23) were male, 63.9% (n = 23) had a genotype‐3 infection and 63.9% (n = 23) were cirrhotic. The re‐treatment regimens included a combination of pan‐genotypic DAA, mainly sofosbuvir and velpatasvir with or without ribavirin. Three patients who declined retreatment and one who was still on treatment was excluded. For patients who completed re‐treatment, SVR12 was 100% irrespective of genotypes. SVR12 among genotype 3 was 75% (15 of 20) when lost to follow‐up was considered a treatment failure. Six patients died due to liver‐related causes, including five (83.3%) with hepatocellular carcinoma. RAS analysis in 17 randomly selected patients did not reveal any dominant substitutions in NS5A or NS5B region affecting SVR12, though several novel mutations were observed. In conclusion, re‐treatment of CHC patients with prior DAA failure using pan‐genotypic DAA is associated with high SVR12 rates irrespective of genotype or the presence of RAS.
Comparison of the simultaneous conjunctiva and oropharynx–nasopharynx swab results in patients applying to the SARS‐CoV‐2 outpatient clinic for the first time
Authors: Gunduz Ayten , Firat Murat , Turkoglu Gamze
Published: March 2021

The aim is to comparatively evaluate the results of simultaneous conjunctiva and oropharynx–nasopharynx (ONP) swabs in patients who had presented to the outpatient department with a suspicion of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). An ONP sample was obtained following bilateral conjunctiva swabs in 85 subjects with a contact history or symptoms but unknown SARS‐CoV‐2 status and with no ocular symptoms or findings. The results were evaluated according to the patient's symptoms and how the swab was taken. The conjunctiva swab was positive in 29 (34.1%) cases and the ONP swab in 20 (23.5%) cases. Both methods produced positive results in 11 (14.1%) cases. The mean cycle threshold (Ct) value was 30.15 ± 3.41 in symptomatic cases and 33.62 ± 1.76 in asymptomatic cases (p = .008). The mean Ct value was 24.37 ± 3.48 when only the ONP swab was positive and 31.22 ± 1.99 when only the conjunctiva swab was positive. In cases that were positive by both methods, the mean Ct value was 25.21 ± 4.94 for the ONP swab and 30.29 ± 5.05 for the conjunctiva swab. We found higher SARS‐CoV‐2 detection rates with the conjunctiva swab than the ONP swab in cases with unknown SARS‐CoV‐2 status in the early period. In addition, the conjunctival viral load seemed to be higher in symptomatic cases than in asymptomatic cases. We, therefore, believe a conjunctiva swab could be an alternative method to detect SARS‐CoV‐2 at the time of the first presentation to the outpatient department.
A chemosynthetic ecotone—“chemotone”—in the sediments surrounding deep‐sea methane seeps
Authors: Ashford Oliver S. , Guan Shuzhe , Capone Dante , Rigney Katherine , Rowley Katelynn , Orphan Victoria , Mullin Sean W. , Dawson Kat S. , Cortés Jorge , Rouse Greg W. , Mendoza Guillermo F. , Lee Raymond W. , Cordes Erik E. , Levin Lisa A.
Published: March 2021

Ecotones have been described as “biodiversity hotspots” from myriad environments, yet have not been studied extensively in the deep ocean. While physiologically challenging, deep‐water methane seeps host highly productive communities fueled predominantly by chemosynthetic pathways. We hypothesized that the biological and geochemical influence of methane seeps extends into background habitats, resulting in the formation of a “chemotone” where chemosynthesis‐based and photosynthesis‐based communities overlap. To investigate this, we analyzed the macrofaunal assemblages and geochemical properties of sediments collected from “active,” “transition” (potential chemotone), and “background” habitats surrounding five Costa Rican methane seeps (depth range 377–1908 m). Sediment geochemistry demonstrated a clear distinction between active and transition habitats, but not between transition and background habitats. In contrast, biological variables confirmed the presence of a chemotone, characterized by intermediate biomass, a distinct species composition (including habitat endemics and species from both active and background habitats), and enhanced variability in species composition among samples. However, chemotone assemblages were not distinct from active and/or background assemblages in terms of faunal density, biological trait composition, or diversity. Biomass and faunal stable isotope data suggest that chemotones are driven by a gradient in food delivery, receiving supplements from chemosynthetic production in addition to available photosynthetic‐based resources. Sediment geochemistry suggests that chemosynthetic food supplements are delivered across the chemotone at least in part through the water column, as opposed to reflecting exclusively in situ chemosynthetic production in sediments. Management efforts should be cognisant of the ecological attributes and spatial extent of the chemotone that surrounds deep‐sea chemosynthetic environments.
1H NMR‐based metabolomics of paired esophageal tumor tissues and serum samples identifies specific serum biomarkers for esophageal cancer
Authors: Ye Wei , Lin Yan , Bezabeh Tedros , Ma Changchun , Liang Jiahao , Zhao Jiayun , Ouyang Ting , Tang Wan , Wu Renhua
Published: March 2021

Serum metabolites of healthy controls and esophageal cancer (EC) patients have previously been compared to predict cancer‐specific profiles. However, the association between metabolic alterations in serum samples and esophageal tissues in EC patients remains unclear. Here, we analyzed 50 pairs of EC tissues and distant noncancerous tissues, together with patient‐matched serum samples, using1H NMR spectroscopy and pattern recognition algorithms. EC patients could be differentiated from the controls based on the metabolic profiles at tissue and serum levels. Some overlapping discriminatory metabolites, including valine, alanine, glucose, acetate, citrate, succinate and glutamate, were identified in both matrices. These results suggested deregulation of metabolic pathways, and potentially revealed the links between EC and several metabolic pathways, such as the tricarboxylic acid cycle, glutaminolysis, short‐chain fatty acid metabolism, lipometabolism and pyruvate metabolism. Perturbation of the pyruvate metabolism was most strongly associated with EC progression. Consequently, an optimal serum metabolite biomarker panel comprising acetate and pyruvate was developed, as these two metabolites are involved in pyruvate metabolism, and changes in their serum levels were significantly correlated with alterations in the levels of some other esophageal tissue metabolites. In comparison with individual biomarkers, this panel exhibited better diagnostic efficiency for EC, with an AUC of 0.948 in the test set, and a good predictive ability of 82.5% in the validation set. Analysis of key genes related to pyruvate metabolism in EC patients revealed patterns corresponding to the changes in serum pyruvate and acetate levels. These correlation analyses demonstrate that there were distinct metabolic characteristics and pathway aberrations in the esophageal tumor tissue and in the serum. Changes in the serum metabolic signatures could reflect the alterations in the esophageal tumor profile, thereby emphasizing the importance of distinct serum metabolic profiles as potential noninvasive biomarkers for EC.
TEMOBIC: Phase II Trial of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Unresectable Anaplastic Gliomas: An ANOCEF Study
Authors: Tabouret Emeline , Fabbro Michel , Autran Didier , Hoang-Xuan Khe , Taillandier Luc , Ducray François , Barrie Maryline , Sanson Marc , Kerr Christine , Cartalat-Carel Stephanie , Loundou Anderson , Guillevin Remy , Mokhtari Karima , Figarella-Branger Dominique , Delattre Jean-Yves , Chinot Olivier
Published: March 2021

Lessons Learned

Background

The optimal treatment for unresectable large anaplastic gliomas remains debated.

Methods

Adult patients with histologically proven unresectable anaplastic oligodendroglioma or mixed gliomas (World Health Organization [WHO] 2007) were eligible. Treatment consisted of BCNU (150 mg/m2) and temozolomide (110 mg/m2 for 5 days) every 6 weeks for six cycles before radiotherapy.

Results

Between December 2005 and December 2009, 55 patients (median age of 53.1 years; range, 20.5–70.2) were included. Forty percent of patients presented with wild-type IDH1 gliomas, and 30% presented with methylated MGMT promoter. Median progression-free survival (PFS), centralized PFS, and overall survival (OS) were 16.6 (95% confidence interval [CI], 12.8–20.3), 15.4 (95% CI, 10.0–20.8), and 25.4 (95% CI, 17.5–33.2) months, respectively. Complete and partial responses under chemotherapy were observed for 28.3% and 17% of patients, respectively. Radiotherapy completion was achieved for 75% of patients. Preservation of functional status and self-care capability (Karnofsky performance status [KPS] ≥70) were preserved until disease progression for 69% of patients. Grade ≥ 3 toxicities were reported for 52% of patients, and three deaths were related to treatment. By multivariate analyses including age and KPS, IDH mutation was associated with better prognostic for both PFS and OS, whereas MGMT promoter methylation was associated with better OS.

Conclusion

The association of BCNU and temozolomide upfront is active for patients with unresectable anaplastic gliomas, but toxicity limits its use.
Designing of U‐shaped acceptor molecules for indoor and outdoor organic solar cell applications
Authors: Mehboob Muhammad Yasir , Hussain Riaz , Irshad Zobia , Adnan Muhammad
Published: March 2021

Efficient molecular modeling approaches draw great attention from the scientific community to further boost the photovoltaic performances of the solar cell's materials. For this purpose, various end‐capped and bridged‐core modifications have been carried out to construct a suitable molecule best fitted for solar cell applications. Herein, we have designed a small‐molecule‐based fullerene‐free acceptor materials (IOD1–IOD7) for organic solar cells (OSCs) by doing end‐capped modifications and characterized them theoretically by employing various quantum chemical density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent (DFT) approaches. Designed molecules IOD1–IOD7 disclosed narrow band gap (Eg = 2.104 to 2.194 eV) as compared to reference molecule (2.197 eV). Further, red shifting in absorption spectrum of designed molecules (λmax = 751 to 771 nm) is noted as compared to reference molecule (λmax = 749 nm), which suggested that designed molecules are efficient near infrared light absorber. Low reorganizational energy of electron in designed molecules (λe = 0.0159 to 0.0189 Eh) offers high charge mobility as compared to reference molecule. Low excitation energies (Ex = 2.10 to 2.43 eV) and low binding energies (Eb = 0.034 to 0.084 eV) are noted in designed molecules as compared to reference molecule (Ex = 2.56 eV and Eb = 0.087 eV) which demonstrated that designed molecules are better candidates for high‐performance organic solar cells. Open‐circuit voltages (Voc) values, electronic structures, frontier molecular orbitals, and charge transfer phenomenon have also been studied theoretically. The outcomes of these theoretical characterizations revealed that all the newly designed non‐fullerene acceptor materials exhibit a wide‐ranging absorption efficiency and exciton dissociation constant values, with quite lower LUMO energy level, ensuring a boost in various photo‐physical and in optoelectronic properties of the designed materials, which will eventually improve the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the OSCs devices.
The effect of vacancy defect on quantum capacitance, electronic and magnetic properties of Sc2CF2 monolayer
Authors: Cui Xing‐Hao , Li Xiao‐Hong , Li Shan‐Shan , Cui Hong‐Ling
Published: March 2021

Two‐dimensional (2D) MXene materials have attracted much attention in recent years because of their excellent properties. In this paper, we theoretically investigated the quantum capacitance, electronic and optical properties of pristine Sc2CF2 and the vacancy‐doping Sc2CF2 monolayers by first principles calculations. Pristine Sc2CF2 is the most stable structure among the four investigated systems according to the analysis of binding energy, and the introduction of vacancy does not improve the stability of the system. The introduction of vacancy produced the defect energy levels, which pass through the Fermi energy level and result in the semiconductor–metal transition. For Pristine Sc2CF2, the introduction of VSc results in the strong magnetism with 1.0 μB, which is mainly from the contribution of C‐pz, Sc‐dz2, Sc‐dxz states. The analysis of optical properties indicates that the introduction of the vacancy not only makes the system more sensitive to the infrared light, but also improves the reflectivity, especially in the infrared region. The introduction of vacancy improves the Cdiff of the systems at 0 V, and drastically increases the maximum Cint of the vacancy‐doping systems. Charge transfer is further explored.
Impact of place‐based socioscientific issues instruction on students' contextualization of socioscientific orientations
Authors: Herman Benjamin C. , Newton Mark H. , Zeidler Dana L.
Published: March 2021

This investigation examined how a 6 week environmental topics course that included place‐based socioscientific issues (SSI) instruction in the Greater Yellowstone Area (GYA) in the United States of America influenced 21 postsecondary students' expressed socioscientific orientations of Ecological Worldviews (including Interconnectedness and Sustainable Development); Social and Moral Compassion (including Moral and Ethical Sensitivity, Perspective Taking, and Empathetic Concern); Socioscientific Accountability (including Feelings of Responsibility and Willingness to Act); and Scientific Evidence Views (including Affordances and Constraints of Scientific Evidence). The students, who were enrolled in diverse academic majors, provided significantly different and better contextualizedtu qualitative responses across all eight socioscientific orientation dimensions after the SSI course. For instance, the students often referred to SSI they experienced, such as when indicating feeling more connected to nature and accountable for compassionate and sustainable environmental issues resolution. Moreover, the students were better able to utilize the perspectives of those they interacted with who were incurring SSI impacts (e.g., ranchers and Native Americans in the GYA) to knowledgably articulate how effective SSI resolution requires weighing scientific evidence in juxtaposition with sociocultural and ethical considerations. The coherence to which our methodological approaches and socioscientific orientation rubrics revealed how the students expressed complex cognitive, emotive, and intentional variables highlight the importance of the SSI field's need to use such standardized qualitative measures. Pedagogical considerations addressed include how to effectively implement place‐based instruction where students engage diverse groups of people experiencing and resolving SSI where they occur.
Electrocatalytic, Kinetic, and Mechanism Insights into the Oxygen‐Reduction Catalyzed Based on the Biomass‐Derived FeOx@N‐Doped Porous Carbon Composites
Authors: Lu Zhiwei , Chen Jinpeng , Wang WenLi , Li Wenjin , Sun Mengmeng , Wang Yanying , Wang Xianxiang , Ye Jianshan , Rao Hanbing
Published: March 2021

A valid strategy for amplifying the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) efficiency of non‐noble electrocatalyst in both alkaline and acid electrolytes by decorated with a layer of biomass derivative nitrogen‐doped carbon (NPC) is proposed. Herein, a top‐down strategy for the generally fabricating NPC matrix decorated with trace of metal oxides nanoparticles (FeOx NPs) by a dual‐template assisted high‐temperature pyrolysis process is reported. A high‐activity FeOx/FeNC (namely Hemin/NPC‐900) ORR electrocatalyst is prepared via simply carbonizing the admixture of Mg5(OH)2(CO3)4 and NaCl as dual‐templates, melamine and acorn shells as nitrogen and carbon source, hemin as a natural iron and nitrogen source, respectively. Owing to its unique 3D porous construction, large BET areas (819.1 m2∙g−1), and evenly dispersed active sites (FeNx, CN, and FeO parts), the optimized Hemin/NPC‐900 catalyst displays comparable ORR catalytic activities, remarkable survivability to methanol, and preferable long‐term stability in both alkali and acid electrolyte compared with benchmark Pt/C. More importantly, density function theory computations certify that the interaction between Fe3O4 nanoparticles and arm‐GN (graphitic N at armchair edge) active sites can effectually promote ORR electrocatalytic performance by a lower overpotential of 0.81 eV. Accordingly, the research provides some insight into design of low‐cost non‐precious metal ORR catalysts in theory and practice.
Dare‐to‐Share: Collaborative privacy‐preserving recommendations with (almost) no crypto
Authors: Russo Pietro , Bracciale Lorenzo , Bianchi Giuseppe
Published: March 2021

Collaborative recommending systems aim to predict a potential user‐item rating on the basis of remaining ones. Since, in several contexts, sharing of other users' ratings may be prevented by confidentiality concerns, several works have effectively addressed the design of privacy preserving recommenders. Still, most of the proposed solutions rely on advanced cryptographic methodologies, whose may conflict with the simplicity and viability requirements of real world deployments. In contrast, we propose an approach which does not require any complex cryptography. We show that whenever we can tolerate recommendations based on average values, we can transform the recommender into a privacy‐preserving one, by using two noncolluding replicas of the same system, and by distributing randomly “blinded” data to these replicas. To protecting each user's rating, a key asset of our approach is the ability to conceal which specific items are rated by which users. Our proposal is secure under the honest‐but‐curious attacker's assumption, and we show how it can be extended to guarantee robustness also against malicious adversaries. Finally, as a proof‐of‐concept, we present an implementation of the proposed approach for our motivating use case—collaborative assessment of computer/network vulnerabilities without revealing which of them affect one own infrastructure.
Whole Maize Flour and Isolated Maize Starch for Production of Citric Acid by Aspergillus niger: A Review
Authors: Tong Zhenyu , Tong Yi , Wang Donghai , Shi Yong‐Cheng
Published: March 2021

Citric acid is consumed in the largest tonnage among organic acids; it is also the second largest fermentation product after ethanol. Citric acid has high economic value due to its numerous applications. The production of citric acid is increasing steadily, along with improved yield efficiency and more advanced technologies. The focus of this review is the two categories of processes producing citric acid using Aspergillus niger, the first starting with whole maize flour and the second starting from maize starch. Alternate substrates and recent methods to improve citric acid fermentation are discussed. The latest patents on production of citric acid are listed and summarized.
Long noncodingRNA MCF2L‐AS1promotes the cancer stem cell‐like traits in non‐small cell lung cancer cells through regulatingmiR‐873‐5p level
Authors: Li Shouguo , Lin Liancheng
Published: March 2021

The roles of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) MCF2L‐AS1 have been identified in colorectal cancer, however, its roles in lung cancer progression have never been revealed. Here, we found that lncRNA MCF2L‐AS1 was highly expressed in lung cancer tissues and cells, especially in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Functional experiments showed that MCF2L‐AS1 knockdown suppressed the cancer stem cell (CSC)‐like traits of NSCLC cells through qRT‐PCR, western blot, tumor‐sphere formation, and ALDH activity detection. Additionally, bioinformatic assay combined with RNA pull down and luciferase reporter analysis confirmed that MCF2L‐AS1 downregulated miR‐873‐5p level. Furthermore, miR‐873‐5p expression exhibited a lower level in lung cancer tissues and cells, and a negative correlation with MCF2L‐AS1 expression in lung cancer tissues. Moreover, miR‐873‐5p inhibition partially reversed the suppression of MCF2L‐AS1 on the CSC‐like traits on NSCLC cells. Thus, this work identifies a novel MCF2L‐AS1/miR‐873‐5p regulatory axis responsible for the CSC‐like traits of NSCLC cells.
Size Matters: the Influence of Trap and Mesh Size on Turtle Captures
Authors: Ennen Joshua R. , Cecala Kristen K. , Gould Philip , Colvin Robert , Denison Jeremy , Garig Dustin F. , Hyder Saidee , Recker Lewis , Davenport Jon M.
Published: March 2021

Methods used in wildlife ecology can influence population‐ and community‐level estimates, such as species richness, sex ratio, age and size structure, occupancy and detection probabilities, and community composition. Various trapping and sampling biases exist for freshwater turtles including bait and trap choice and survey technique. To date, no study has investigated the influence of hoop net and mesh size on various population‐ and community‐level estimates. Here, we use detection models to determine if trap and mesh size influence detection probability of nine species of freshwater turtles over 3 consecutive years (2016–2018) in west Tennessee. Additionally, we use multivariate models to determine if freshwater turtle community composition was influenced by hoop trap and mesh sizes. Our results indicated that there was a bias related to mesh size in detection probabilities and community composition. Smaller mesh sized traps were better at detecting smaller‐bodied turtle species, which then changed community species richness but not catch‐per‐unit‐effort estimates (i.e., abundance). Additionally, larger mesh sized traps were better at detecting common snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina), which supports previous research. Our results suggest that researchers should account for the variation in detection probabilities by mesh size when conducting mark‐recapture and occupancy analyses. Moreover, erroneous inferences about population trends and changes in diversity within turtle communities through time could cause managers to misidentify population declines and conservation value of a site. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.
Sidestepping Rights: An Analysis of the Intersection of Human Rights Obligations and Their Practical Implications for Older Migrants
Authors: Lui Gallassi Ada , Harrysson Lars
Published: March 2021

This chapter concerns human rights, and its international legal setting in relation to migration and older age, and its implications for experiences of civic exclusion. There is a lack of scientific literature exploring the labour status of migrants, the relationship between labour experiences and civic and socio-cultural exclusionary processes, and the implications for socio-economic exclusion outcomes. The principles of equality and non-discrimination enshrined in several international human rights legal instruments will be presented within an international mobility perspective to assess whether the protection mechanisms of human and labour rights are in line with the migratory phenomenon brought by globalization. In this context, the chapter’s focus will be on the rights to work and social security as two main human rights provisions to circumvent mechanisms of civic exclusion, and secure better socio-economic outcomes for older migrants. A case derived from a research project concerning migrants and pensions in a Swedish municipality will provide an illustrative example of some of the principal dilemmas illuminated in the intersection of generalized rights and practical outcomes.