bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advanced MR techniques in glioblastoma imaging—upcoming challenges and how to face them
Authors: Auer Timo A.
Published: April 2021

Key Points

• The management of gliomas has changed dramatically since the presentation of the revised WHO Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System in 2016 emphasizing the tumor heterogeneity based on their molecular profile.

• The need for a more noninvasive characterization of glioblastomas (GBM) by establishing reliable imaging biomarkers to predict patient outcome and improve therapy monitoring is bigger than ever.

• Multiparametric MRI, including promising newer techniques like electrical property tomography and mapping, may have the potential to provide enough information for intelligent imaging postprocessing algorithms to face the challenge by decoding GBM heterogeneity noninvasively.
Population dynamics and genotypic richness of threatened Acropora species and their hybrid in the U.S. Virgin Islands
Authors: Nylander-Asplin Hannah F. , Hill Ronald L. , Doerr Jennifer C. , Greer Lisa , Fogarty Nicole D.
Published: April 2021

Acropora cervicornisandA. palmatahave experienced substantial losses in coral cover throughout the Caribbean, but their hybrid (A. prolifera) appears to be increasing at some sites. The shifts in relative abundance could result from hybridization with subsequent asexual fragmentation, recent increased hybridization, or a disproportionate loss in the parental species. Here, acroporid taxa from three U.S. Virgin Islands sites were genotyped revealing 35 hybrid genotypes, suggesting multiple hybridization events. Genotypic richness inA. cervicornis(0.62),A. prolifera(0.64), andA. palmata(0.68) was not significantly different across sites. To further explore acroporid dynamics at these sites, we analyzed existing photo transects from 2009 to 2017 to reveal significant losses ofA. cervicornisbut stable hybrid percent cover. High genotypic richness and stable populations suggest acroporid hybrids may become the primary shallow reef-builders in some locations previously occupied by the parental species.
Passive flow control mechanisms with bioinspired flexible blades in cross-flow tidal turbines
Authors: Hoerner Stefan , Abbaszadeh Shokoofeh , Cleynen Olivier , Bonamy Cyrille , Maître Thierry , Thévenin Dominique
Published: April 2021

State-of-the-art technologies for wind and tidal energy exploitation focus mostly on axial turbines. However, cross-flow hydrokinetic tidal turbines possess interesting features, such as higher area-based power density in array installations and shallow water, as well as a generally simpler design. Up to now, the highly unsteady flow conditions and cyclic blade stall have hindered deployment at large scales because of the resulting low single-turbine efficiency and fatigue failure challenges. Concepts exist which overcome these drawbacks by actively controlling the flow, at the cost of increased mechatronical complexity. Here, we propose a bioinspired approach with hyperflexible turbine blades. The rotor naturally adapts to the flow through deformation, reducing flow separation and stall in a passive manner. This results in higher efficiency and increased turbine lifetime through decreased structural loads, without compromising on the simplicity of the design.

Graphic abstract
A Comparison of Reliability Coefficients for Ordinal Rating Scales
Authors: de Raadt Alexandra , Warrens Matthijs J. , Bosker Roel J. , Kiers Henk A. L.
Published: April 2021

Kappa coefficients are commonly used for quantifying reliability on a categorical scale, whereas correlation coefficients are commonly applied to assess reliability on an interval scale. Both types of coefficients can be used to assess the reliability of ordinal rating scales. In this study, we compare seven reliability coefficients for ordinal rating scales: the kappa coefficients included are Cohen’s kappa, linearly weighted kappa, and quadratically weighted kappa; the correlation coefficients included are intraclass correlation ICC(3,1), Pearson’s correlation, Spearman’s rho, and Kendall’s tau-b. The primary goal is to provide a thorough understanding of these coefficients such that the applied researcher can make a sensible choice for ordinal rating scales. A second aim is to find out whether the choice of the coefficient matters. We studied to what extent we reach the same conclusions about inter-rater reliability with different coefficients, and to what extent the coefficients measure agreement in a similar way, using analytic methods, and simulated and empirical data. Using analytical methods, it is shown that differences between quadratic kappa and the Pearson and intraclass correlations increase if agreement becomes larger. Differences between the three coefficients are generally small if differences between rater means and variances are small. Furthermore, using simulated and empirical data, it is shown that differences between all reliability coefficients tend to increase if agreement between the raters increases. Moreover, for the data in this study, the same conclusion about inter-rater reliability was reached in virtually all cases with the four correlation coefficients. In addition, using quadratically weighted kappa, we reached a similar conclusion as with any correlation coefficient a great number of times. Hence, for the data in this study, it does not really matter which of these five coefficients is used. Moreover, the four correlation coefficients and quadratically weighted kappa tend to measure agreement in a similar way: their values are very highly correlated for the data in this study.
Testicular cancer follow-up costs in Germany from 2000 to 2015
Authors: Michaeli Thomas , Michaeli Julia , Michaeli Daniel
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Advances in testicular cancer screening and therapy increased 10-year survival to 97% despite a rising incidence; eventually expanding the population of survivors requiring follow-up. We analyzed 10-year follow-up costs after testicular cancer treatment in Germany during 2000, 2008, and 2015.

Methods

Testicular cancer follow-up guidelines were extracted from the European Association of Urology. Per patient costs were estimated with a micro-costing approach considering direct and indirect medical expenses derived from expert interviews, literature research, and official scales of tariffs. Three perspectives covering costs for patients, providers, and insurers were included to estimate societal costs. Cost progression was compared across cancer histology, stage, stakeholders, resource use, and follow-up years.

Results

Mean 10-year follow-up costs per patient for stage I seminomatous germ-cell tumors (SGCT) on surveillance declined from EUR 11,995 in 2000 to EUR 4,430 in 2015 (p < 0.001). Advanced SGCT spending shrank from EUR 13,866 to EUR 9,724 (p < 0.001). In contrast, expenditure for stage II SGCT increased from EUR 7,159 to EUR 9,724 (p < 0.001). While insurers covered 32% of costs in 2000, only 13% of costs were reimbursed in 2015 (p < 0.001). 70% of SGCT follow-up resources were consumed by medical imaging (x-ray, CT, ultrasound, FDG-PET). Spending was unevenly distributed across follow-up years (years 1–2: 50%, years 3–5: 39%, years 5–10: 11%).

Conclusions

The increasing prevalence of testicular cancer survivors caused German statutory insurers to cut per patient cost by up to 80% by budgeting services and decreasing reimbursement rates. The economic burden was gradually redistributed to patients and providers.
The adult orthodontic patient over 40 years of age: association between periodontal bone loss, incisor irregularity, and increased orthodontic treatment need
Authors: Meyer-Marcotty Philipp , Klenke Daniela , Knocks Larissa , Santander Petra , Hrasky Valentina , Quast Anja
Published: April 2021

Objectives

Adult orthodontic treatment, especially in patients over 40 years, is steadily increasing. One causal factor for the treatment need in this age group is periodontal breakdown. The aim of this study was to detect correlations between periodontal problems and orthodontic parameters in interdisciplinary patients.

Methods

This observational, cross-sectional study included 118 patients over 40 years (51 men/67 women; mean age, 58.03 years) classified into three groups according to periodontal breakdown (group I, controls; group II, moderate periodontitis; group III, severe periodontitis). Clinical periodontal and orthodontic parameters as well as the index of orthodontic treatment need (IOTN) were assessed and compared between the groups.

Results

A gradual deterioration of all periodontal and orthodontic parameters according to periodontal bone loss (lowest values in group I; highest values in group III) was observed. Especially groups I and III differed significantly regarding the overjet (p < 0.001) and the little indices of the maxilla (p < 0.001) and mandible (p < 0.010). The IOTN was highest in group III: 90% of the patients with severe periodontitis were classified to have moderate to very great treatment need.

Conclusions

The higher the degree of periodontal breakdown was, the more severe were overjet, overbite, irregularity of the anterior teeth, and the orthodontic treatment need.

Clinical relevance

Adult patients over 40 years represent a challenge for an orthodontic/periodontal treatment approach with high incidence of pathologic tooth migration, orthodontic treatment need, and periodontal breakdown. Therefore, this special patient collective requires a focus in clinical orthodontics and research.
A systematic review of shared decision making interventions in child and youth mental health: synthesising the use of theory, intervention functions, and behaviour change techniques
Authors: Hayes Daniel , Edbrooke-Childs Julian , Town Rosa , Wolpert Miranda , Midgley Nick
Published: April 2021

Reviews around interventions to improve shared decision making (SDM) for child and youth mental health have produced inconclusive findings on what approaches increase participation. Importantly, the previous reviews did not explore the use of theory, as well as mechanisms of change (intervention functions) and active units of change (behaviour change techniques). The aim of this review was to explore these factors and ascertain how, if at all, these contribute to SDM. Five databases were searched up until April 2020. Studies met inclusion criteria if they were: (a) an intervention to facilitate SDM; (b) aimed at children, adolescence, or young people aged up to 25, with a mental health difficulty, or their parents/guardians; and (c) included a control group. Data were extracted on patient characteristics, study design, intervention, theoretical background, intervention functions, behaviour change techniques, and SDM. Quality assessment of the studies was undertaken using the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) quality assessment tool. Eight different interventions met inclusion criteria. The role of theory to increase SDM remains unclear. Specific intervention functions, such as ‘education’ on SDM and treatment options and ‘environmental restructuring’ using decision aids, are being used in SDM interventions, as well as ‘training’ for clinicians. Similarly, behaviour change techniques linked to these, such as ‘adding objects to the environment’, ‘discussing pros/cons’, and clinicians engaging in ‘behavioural practice/rehearsal’. However, as most studies scored low on the quality assessment criteria, as well as a small number of studies included and a low number of behaviour change techniques utilised, links between behaviour change techniques, intervention functions and increased participation remain tentative. Intervention developers and clinicians may wish to consider specific intervention functions and behaviour change techniques to facilitate SDM.
Scene Walk: a non-photorealistic viewing tool for first-person video
Authors: Wang Xiaomeng , Blackwell Alan F. , Jones Richard , Nguyen Hieu T.
Published: April 2021

Scene Walk is a video viewing technique suited to first-person video recorded from wearable cameras. It integrates a 2D video player and visualisation of the camera trajectory into a non-photorealistic partial rendering of the 3D environment as reconstructed from image content. Applications include forensic analysis of first-person video archives, for example as recorded by emergency response teams. The Scene Walk method is designed to support the viewer’s construction and application of a cognitive map of the context in which first-person video was captured. We use methods from wayfinding research to assess the effectiveness of this non-photorealistic approach in comparison to actual physical experience of the scene. We find that Scene Walk does allow viewers to create a more accurate and effective cognitive map of first-person video than is achieved using a conventional video browsing interface and that this model is comparable to actually walking through the original environment.
Removal of sacral neuromodulation quadripolar tined-lead using a straight stylet: description of a surgical technique
Authors: Agnello M. , Vottero M. , Bertapelle P.
Published: April 2021

Background

Up to 7.5% of tined-lead removals in patients having sacral neuromodulation (SNM) therapy are associated with a lead breakage. It is still unclear what adverse effects can be caused by unretrieved fragments. The aim of our study was to describe the lead removal technique we have been using for the last 2 years in our centre.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled patients who had lead removal between January 2018 and January 2020 using our standardized technique. The novelty of the technique is in the use of the straight stylet, which is available in the quadripolar tined-lead kit. The stylet gives the electrode greater stiffness, reducing interactions with surrounding tissues and probability of damage or breakage during removal.

Results

In 59 patients (42 women, mean age 57.2 years [range 40–79 years]) the lead was removed using our standardized technique. In 44 of 59 patients, the tined-lead was removed within 2 months from the SNM-test, due to lack of beneficial effects. In 15 patients the electrode was removed because of failure of definitive implantation. Meantime from definitive implantable pulse generator (IPG) implantation to lead removal was 67.9 months. We recorded only 1 case of lead-breakage during removal: a female patient with a non-tined lead fixed on sacral bone, placed 18 years previously using an open technique.

Conclusions

Lead breakage during removal is not uncommon and adverse effects of retained fragments may occur. Our technique has been safely used for the last 2 years in our centre, with no episodes of lead breakage or retained fragments, except for one non-tined electrode.
“It's Not Just in My Head, and It's Not Just Irrelevant”: Autistic Negotiations of Menopausal Transitions
Authors: Karavidas Marianna , de Visser Richard O.
Published: April 2021

Physical and psychological changes during menopause can be especially tumultuous for autistic people: difficulties with sensory sensitivity and daily functioning may be exacerbated. Through individual interviews, we examined the language used by seven peri- or post-menopausal autistic people to construct their experiences, and to consider the implications for their wellbeing and identities. Our analysis, which utilised thematic decomposition, yielded three discursive themes. The theme “Uncertainty about Changes” addressed how limited awareness and understanding of menopause combined with difficulties recognising internal states. However, with “Growing Self-Awareness and Self-Care”, some participants made conscious efforts to resist negative societal constructions of both autism and menopause. The theme “Navigating Support Options” addressed the interpersonal and systemic barriers participants faced when seeking support. There is a need for accessible information for autistic people experiencing menopause, and greater professional awareness.
Management of sepsis and septic shock in the emergency department
Authors: Gavelli Francesco , Castello Luigi Mario , Avanzi Gian Carlo
Published: April 2021

Early management of sepsis and septic shock is crucial for patients’ prognosis. As the Emergency Department (ED) is the place where the first medical contact for septic patients is likely to occur, emergency physicians play an essential role in the early phases of patient management, which consists of accurate initial diagnosis, resuscitation, and early antibiotic treatment. Since the issuing of the Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines in 2016, several studies have been published on different aspects of sepsis management, adding a substantial amount of new information on the pathophysiology and treatment of sepsis and septic shock. In light of this emerging evidence, the present narrative review provides a comprehensive account of the recent advances in septic patient management in the ED.
Evaluation of Histopathological Risk Model in a Cohort of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients Treated with Accompanying Neck Dissection
Authors: Rahman N. , Conn B.
Published: April 2021

To investigate the applicability of the validated histological risk model in a cohort of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma patients treated concurrently with neck dissections. Primary tumours from 85 patients with primary excision of T1 and T2 Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas (TNM 7th edition) including neck dissection were scored by three pathologists in consensus according to the validated risk model. The risk score data, along with traditional dataset values, were analysed to determine possible association with nodal metastasis and extracapsular spread. Seventy-two patients (54%) were classified with low or intermediate risk and 62 (46%) patients were ‘high risk’. A chi squared test showed that cases with nodal metastasis were highly statistically significant with the overall risk model score (X2 = 22.62 p = 0.0001). None of the neck dissections from tumours with low risk score showed evidence of metastasis (NPV = 100%) suggesting the risk score may also be a useful tool for predicting an absence of metastasis. Risk assessment of low-stage oral squamous cell carcinoma primary tumours may be predictive of the presence or absence of metastasis at presentation. Knowledge of the risk score and its constituent parts may inform treatment decisions at multidisciplinary meetings. Low risk squamous cell carcinoma may be a rare variant with low metastatic potential and excellent long-term survival.
Effect of glutamic acid foliar applications on lettuce under water stress
Authors: Franzoni Giulia , Cocetta Giacomo , Ferrante Antonio
Published: April 2021

The yield and quality of leafy vegetables can be compromised by reduced water availability. Glutamic acid is involved in different biological processes and among them it plays an important role in chlorophyll and proline biosynthesis. The aim of this work was to evaluate the possible efficacy of glutamic acid in counteracting water stress in romaine lettuce. Lettuce plants were grown in pots filled with substrate and subjected to water deprivation. A glutamic acid solution (1.9 mM) was applied as foliar treatment, both in stressed and non-stressed plants. The effect of the treatment was evaluated at different time points during the experiment in order to evaluate changes at a molecular, physiological, biochemical and agronomic level. Yield was reduced by 35% in stressed plants, while no significant changes in quality parameters were observed, except for nitrate content, which increased under water stress. At a molecular level, the expression of genes encoding for ROS scavenging enzymes was monitored but, apparently, glutamic acid did not significantly prevent the water stress response. Slightly positive effects deriving from glutamic acid application were found for nitrate and proline contents, suggesting that a possible mode of action of glutamic acid would involve a role for these molecules. Further studies are required, also on other crop species, for confirming these results. Different concentrations and application modes should be also tested.
Effects of Variations in Resistance Training Frequency on Strength Development in Well-Trained Populations and Implications for In-Season Athlete Training: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Cuthbert Matthew , Haff G. Gregory , Arent Shawn M. , Ripley Nicholas , McMahon John J. , Evans Martin , Comfort Paul
Published: April 2021

Background

In-season competition and tournaments for team sports can be both long and congested, with some sports competing up to three times per week. During these periods of time, athletes need to prepare technically, tactically and physically for the next fixture and the short duration between fixtures means that, in some cases, physical preparation ceases, or training focus moves to recovery as opposed to progressing adaptations.

Objective

The aim of this review was to investigate the effect of training frequency on muscular strength to determine if a potential method to accommodate in-season resistance training, during busy training schedules, could be achieved by utilizing shorter more frequent training sessions across a training week.

Methods

A literature search was conducted using the SPORTDiscus, Ovid, PubMed and Scopus databases. 2134 studies were identified prior to application of the following inclusion criteria: (1) maximal strength was assessed, (2) a minimum of two different training frequency groups were included, (3) participants were well trained, and finally (4) compound exercises were included within the training programmes. A Cochrane risk of bias assessment was applied to studies that performed randomized controlled trials and consistency of studies was analysed using I2 as a test of heterogeneity. Secondary analysis of studies included Hedges’ g effect sizes (g) and between-study differences were estimated using a random-effects model.

Results

Inconsistency of effects between pre- and post-intervention was low within-group (I2 = 0%), and moderate between-group (I2 ≤ 73.95%). Risk of bias was also low based upon the Cochrane risk of bias assessment. Significant increases were observed overall for both upper (p ≤ 0.022) and lower (p ≤ 0.008) body strength, pre- to post-intervention, when all frequencies were assessed. A small effect was observed between training frequencies for upper (g ≤ 0.58) and lower body (g ≤ 0.45).

Conclusion

Over a 6–12-week period, there are no clear differences in maximal strength development between training frequencies, in well-trained populations. Such observations may permit the potential for training to be manipulated around competition schedules and volume to be distributed across shorter, but more frequent training sessions within a micro-cycle rather than being condensed into 1–2 sessions per week, in effect, allowing for a micro-dosing of the strength stimuli.
A Local Random Glandular Flap for oncoplastic breast conserving surgery
Authors: Alipour Sadaf , Foroutan Zohreh
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT

Background:

Oncoplastic breast cancer surgeries involve a combination of oncologic surgery and esthetic techniques, to excise breast malignant tumors with appropriate clear margins, and maintain or create a pleasant breast contour and shape. Various techniques have been presented up to now, and each one has its advantages and disadvantages. We present our Local Random Glandular Flap, which is practical for many tumor locations and sizes; and yields acceptable, almost symmetrical outcomes.

Methods:

We collected data of patients who had been operated on between 2014 and 2019 using this technique. Information gathered consisted of tumor characteristics, flap characteristics, and results of surgery regarding oncologic and cosmetic outcomes in a five-point Likert scale.

Results:

Data of 25 patients were collected. The mean size of tumors was around 25 mm. There was no involved margin except for one case that had diffuse malignant cells in many foci around the margins in her permanent histologic reviews and underwent mastectomy afterwards. Cosmetic outcomes as rated by the patients were very good and good in about 79% and 21% of the patients, respectively; and very good, good, medium, bad and very bad in around 71%, 16.5%, 8%, 0% and 4%, respectively as rated by the surgeon.

Conclusions:

The LRGF technique allows a wide resection of malignant breast tumors with excellent oncologic results, satisfactory cosmetic outcomes and nearly no need for contralateral symmetrization procedures. This procedure has interesting novel features: the scar is minimal, no skin is removed, the shape of the breast is largely conserved so that symmetrization of the contralateral breast is not necessary, and areolar re-centralization is not needed.
UK spies promise to use AI and biometrics ‘ethically’
Authors: Ring Tim
Published: April 2021

Britain's main intelligence agency, GCHQ, has surprisingly backed rights campaigners’ calls for AI and biometrics to be used ethically while protecting privacy, reports Tim Ring.
Bhakti versus rīti? The Sants’ perspective
Authors: Rajpurohit Dalpat S.
Published: April 2021

Scholars have rightly questioned the periodization of early modern Hindi literature (fourteenth to mid-nineteenth century) into two major thematic and temporal categories, often described as binaries: an early bhaktikāl (era of devotion), and the later rītikāl (era of mannerism). It is now common to understand bhakti and rīti as complementary modes of poetic expression rather than oppositional styles that poets had to identify with entirely. This paper uses the perspective of poet-saints (sants) to argue that, although the sants share many features with the rīti poets in terms of genres and register, they diverge fundamentally from them on the topic of the proper motives of composing verse. The criticism that the sants register with selected rīti themes – conflicts which would later figure in the writings of Hindi literary historians in the nationalist era – can be seen as anticipating the modern bhakti versus rīti distinction.
Cultural generativity in perspective: motivations of older Jewish volunteers
Authors: O'Dea Eireann , Wister Andrew , Canham Sarah L.
Published: April 2021

The physical, mental and social benefits for older adults who volunteer are well-documented. Absent from this area of research is an understanding of volunteer motivations among ethnoculturally diverse older adults. This paper addresses this research gap by examining motivations to volunteer related to cultural generativity among Jewish older adults, a group that remains underexplored in research. Cultural generativity is defined as an impulse to pass down one's culture to the next generation, and thus to outlive the self. The Jewish community is notable for possessing high levels of social capital, indicated by close community ties and the large number of faith and culturally based organisations, and therefore makes them an important ethnocultural group to study. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 20 adult volunteers age 65 and over. The guiding research questions for this study are: What are the motivations to volunteer among older Jewish adults? and Do these motivations align with the concept of generativity applied to Jewish culture? Data analysis identified three themes related to cultural generativity: volunteering to preserve and pass down Jewish traditions and teachings; a Jewish ethic of giving back perceived as a duty; and experiences of anti-Semitism and discrimination motivating Jewish participants to volunteer. Findings suggest the ways in which cultural generativity may be expressed through volunteerism.
A cross-cultural investigation of the conceptualisation of frailty in northern Tanzania
Authors: Lewis Emma G. , Rogathi Jane , Kissima John , Breckons Matthew , Lee Richard , Urasa Sarah
Published: April 2021

Frailty prevalence is higher in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) compared with high-income countries when measured by biomedical frailty models, the most widely used being the frailty phenotype. Frailty in older people is becoming of global public health interest as a means of promoting health in old age in LMICs. As yet, little work has been done to establish to what extent the concept of frailty, as conceived according to ‘western’ biomedicine, has cross-cultural resonance for a low-income rural African setting. This study aimed to investigate the meaning of frailty contextually, using the biomedical concept of the frailty phenotype as a framework. Qualitative interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of older adults, their care-givers and community representatives in rural northern Tanzania. Thirty interview transcripts were transcribed, translated from Kiswahili to English and thematically analysed. Results reveal that despite superficial similarities in the understanding of frailty, to a great extent the physical changes highlighted by the frailty phenotype were naturalised, except when these were felt to be due to a scarcity of resources. Frailty was conceptualised as less of a physical problem of the individual, but rather, as a social problem of the community, suggesting that the frailty construct may be usefully applied cross-culturally when taking a social equity focus to the health of older people in LMICs.
Folliculogenesis-related genes are differently expressed in secondary and tertiary ovarian follicles
Authors: Moura L.B.S. , Magalhães-Padilha D.M. , Morais A.N.P. , Aguiar F.L.N. , Geisler–Lee J. , Wischral A. , Gastal M.O. , Fonseca G.R. , Geisler M. , Figueiredo J.R.
Published: April 2021

The relative mRNA abundance of 10 genes associated with folliculogenesis was compared between late preantral (secondary) and early antral (tertiary) ovarian follicles in goats. In total, 100 follicles in each category were mechanically isolated. The relative transcript abundance of the mRNAs were determined by qPCR. Data were analyzed using unpaired Student’s t-test. Of the 10 tested genes, ABLIM mRNA was not detected in either follicle category, six genes (SLIT3, TYMS, GTPBP1, AKR1C4, PIK3R6, and MAOB) were upregulated in secondary follicles compared with tertiary follicles, and three genes (ARHGEF12, CLEC6A, and CYTL1) showed similar mRNA abundances in both secondary and tertiary follicles. In conclusion, SLIT3, GTPBP1, AKR1C4, and PIK3R6 mRNA abundance was upregulated in secondary follicles (preantral phase) compared with in tertiary follicles (antral phase) in goats.
Bacterial influence on the formation of hematite: implications for Martian dormant life
Authors: Wickramarathna Sudeera , Chandrajith Rohana , Senaratne Atula , Paul Varun , Dash Padmanava , Wickramasinghe Saumya , Biggs Patrick J.
Published: April 2021

Previous exploration missions have revealed Mars as a potential candidate for the existence of extraterrestrial life. If life could have existed beneath the Martian subsurface, biosignatures would have been preserved in iron-rich minerals. Prior investigations of terrestrial biosignatures and metabolic processes of geological analogues would be beneficial for identifying past metabolic processes on Mars, particularly morphological and chemical signatures indicative of past life, where biological components could potentially be denatured following continued exposure to extreme conditions. The objective of the research was to find potential implications for Martian subsurface life by characterizing morphological, mineralogical and microbial signatures of hematite deposits, both hematite rock and related soil samples, collected from Highland Complex of Sri Lanka. Rock samples examined through scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) spectroscopy. Analysis showed globular and spherical growth layers nucleated by bacteria. EDX results showed a higher iron to oxygen ratio in nuclei colonies compared to growth layers, which indicated a compositional variation due to microbial interaction. X-ray diffraction analysis of the hematite samples revealed variations in chemical composition along the vertical soil profile, with the top surface soil layer being particularly enriched with Fe2O3, suggesting internal dissolution of hematite through weathering. Furthermore, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry analyses carried out on both rock and soil samples showed a possible indication of microbially induced mineral-weathering, particularly release of trapped trace metals in the parent rock. Microbial diversity analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that the rock sample was dominated byActinobacteriaandProteobacteria, specifically, members of iron-metabolizing bacterial genera, includingMycobacterium,Arthrobacter,Amycolatopsis,NocardiaandPedomicrobium. These results suggest that morphological and biogeochemical clues derived from studying the role of bacterial activity in hematite weathering and precipitation processes can be implemented as potential comparative tools to interpret similar processes that could have occurred on early Mars.
Motivational Climate Measures in Sport: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lacerda Adriana , Filgueiras Alberto , Campos Marianna , Keegan Richard , Landeira-Fernández Jesús
Published: April 2021

Motivational climate can be defined as the environmental status of sport that influences motivation levels. The present study aimed to systematically identify the most widely used measures examining motivational climate. The databases for searching werePsycNET, PubMedandScienceDirect.The search returned a total of 378 studies of which 8 met the inclusion criteria for analysis. The results show that the most used instruments for evaluation of motivational climate have good psychometric characteristics of reliability, validity and factorial structure. On the other hand, there was a lack of studies that analyzed invariance of measures, which may be a critical consideration. Finally, the review points out the need for development of new theoretical perspectives, potential new instruments that extend beyond the socio-cognitive approach and instruments that allow the measurement of other environmental, personal and structural variables other than parents, coaches and athletes.
Psychometric Validation of a Parent-Reported Measure of Childhood	Alexithymia
Authors: Brown Ruth Harriet , Murray Aja , Stewart Mary E. , Auyeung Bonnie
Published: April 2021

Abstract. Alexithymia can be defined as difficulties in describing one’s emotions and is of interest within clinical and developmental psychology as a potential mediating and exacerbating factor across multiple forms of psychopathology. Measuring alexithymia via self-reports can be challenging, as those with heightened alexithymia may have difficulties in recognizing their alexithymia traits due to impaired metacognitive skills. Thus, there would be considerable benefits to the availability of a psychometrically validated parent-reported alexithymia measure that may circumvent the issue of self-reports. We, therefore, examined the psychometric properties of a new parent-reported alexithymia measure, the Alexithymia Questionnaire for Children – Parent (AQC-P) in a community sample of 257 child-parent dyads. Furthermore, we examined the level of agreement between the parent-rated AQC-P and its self-rated counterpart, the Alexithymia Questionnaire for Children (AQC). Confirmatory factor analysis found that an oblique three-factor structure provided the best model for both AQC-P and AQC, with this structure showing measurement invariance across child gender. All subscales had omega internal consistency values > .70, supporting their reliability. Cross-informant consistency was supported by significant correlations between AQC and AQC-P scores. Results support the use of the AQC-P as a measure of parent-reported alexithymia in children.
Serpentinization, Carbonation, and Metasomatism of Ultramafic Sequences in the Northern Apennine Ophiolite (NW Italy)
Authors: Schwarzenbach Esther M. , Vogel Monica , Früh‐Green Gretchen L. , Boschi Chiara
Published: April 2021

Fluid‐rock interaction in ultramafic rocks considerably affects the chemical and isotopic composition of the oceanic lithosphere. We present a geochemical and petrological study of serpentinites and ophicalcites of the Northern Apennine ophiolite, Italy. This ophiolite sequence represents fragments of Jurassic oceanic lithosphere that have been denuded by low angle detachment faults, exposing peridotites on the ocean floor and triggering hydrothermal alteration. Seawater circulation is documented by (Jurassic) seawater‐like 87Sr/86Sr values and δ13C values of 1.1–3.0‰ in carbonate veins of the ophicalcites. Bulk rock ophicalcites have low 87Sr/86Sr values of 0.70489–0.70599, elevated SiO2 contents, and talc druses filling calcite veins that record Si‐metasomatism. In contrast, underlying serpentinites have 87Sr/86Sr values above Jurassic seawater values. Bulk rock δD and δ18O values of ophicalcites and serpentinites suggest interaction with an evolved seawater‐derived and/or magmatic fluid. These chemical signatures result from a complex history of serpentinization, carbonation, and metasomatism. Multiphase water‐rock interaction includes infiltration of basement‐derived fluids during initial mantle upwelling within an opening ocean basin, followed by localized high‐temperature fluid infiltration, extensive seawater circulation resulting in carbonation, and oxidation near the seawater‐exposed surface, and finally, fluid‐rock interaction with overlying mafic lithologies leading to Si‐metasomatism.

The studied sequence represents an excellent example of the evolution from serpentinite to ophicalcite during continuous uplift and exposure of ultramafic rocks on the seafloor and documents the complex hydrothermal evolution of ultramafic rocks associated with this process. The extensive chemical transformation of mantle peridotites likely has an impact on geochemical cycles and subduction zone processes.
Many U.S. Cities Severely Underreport Their CO2 Emissions
Authors: Wilkerson Jordan
Published: April 2021

Although unintentional, these errors may undercut local government efforts to tackle climate change.
Black Carbon Emission Reduction Due to COVID‐19 Lockdown in China
Authors: Jia Mengwei , Evangeliou Nikolaos , Eckhardt Sabine , Huang Xin , Gao Jian , Ding Aijun , Stohl Andreas
Published: April 2021

During the Lunar New Year Holiday of 2020, China implemented an unprecedented lockdown to fight the COVID‐19 outbreak, which strongly affected the anthropogenic emissions. We utilized elemental carbon observations (equivalent to black carbon, BC) from 42 sites and performed inverse modeling to determine the impact of the lockdown on the weekly BC emissions and quantify the effect of the stagnant conditions on BC observations in densely populated eastern and northern China. BC emissions declined 70% (eastern China) and 48% (northern China) compared to the first half of January. In northern China, under the stagnant conditions of the first week of the lockdown, the observed BC concentrations rose unexpectedly (29%) even though the BC emissions fell. The emissions declined substantially thereafter until a week after the lockdown ended. On the contrary, in eastern China, BC emissions dropped sharply in the first week and recovered synchronously with the end of the lockdown.
Leukemia inhibitory factor regulates Schwann cell proliferation and migration and affects peripheral nerve regeneration
Authors: Chen Qianqian , Liu Qianyan , Zhang Yunsong , Li Shiying , Yi Sheng
Published: April 2021

Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a pleiotropic cytokine that stimulates neuronal development and survival. Our previous study has demonstrated that LIF mRNA is dysregulated in the peripheral nerve segments after nerve injury. Here, we show that LIF protein is abundantly expressed in Schwann cells after rat sciatic nerve injury. Functionally, suppressed or elevated LIF increases or decreases the proliferation rate and migration ability of Schwann cells, respectively. Morphological observations demonstrate that in vivo application of siRNA against LIF after peripheral nerve injury promotes Schwann cell migration and proliferation, axon elongation, and myelin formation. Electrophysiological and behavior assessments disclose that knockdown of LIF benefits the function recovery of injured peripheral nerves. Differentially expressed LIF affects the metabolism of Schwann cells and negatively regulates ERFE (Erythroferrone). Collectively, our observations reveal the essential roles for LIF in regulating the proliferation and migration of Schwann cells and the regeneration of injured peripheral nerves, discover ERFE as a downstream effector of LIF, and extend our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying peripheral nerve regeneration.
Noiseless photonic non-reciprocity via optically-induced magnetization
Authors: Hu Xin-Xin , Wang Zhu-Bo , Zhang Pengfei , Chen Guang-Jie , Zhang Yan-Lei , Li Gang , Zou Xu-Bo , Zhang Tiancai , Tang Hong X. , Dong Chun-Hua , Guo Guang-Can , Zou Chang-Ling
Published: April 2021

The realization of optical non-reciprocity is crucial for many applications, and also of fundamental importance for manipulating and protecting the photons with desired time-reversal symmetry. Recently, various new mechanisms of magnetic-free non-reciprocity have been proposed and implemented, avoiding the limitation of the strong magnetic field imposed by the Faraday effect. However, due to the difficulties in separating the signal photons from the drive laser and the noise photons induced by the drive laser, these devices exhibit limited isolation performances and their quantum noise properties are rarely studied. Here, we demonstrate an approach of magnetic-free non-reciprocity by optically-induced magnetization in an atom ensemble. Excellent isolation (highest isolation ratio is $$51.{5}_{-2.5}^{+6.5}\ {\rm{dB}}$$
51
.

5

−
2.5

+
6.5

dB
) is observed over a power dynamic range of 7 orders of magnitude, with the noiseless property verified by quantum statistics measurements. The approach is applicable to other atoms and atom-like emitters, paving the way for future studies of integrated photonic non-reciprocal devices.
Persistent directional growth capability in Arabidopsis thaliana pollen tubes after nuclear elimination from the apex
Authors: Motomura Kazuki , Takeuchi Hidenori , Notaguchi Michitaka , Tsuchi Haruna , Takeda Atsushi , Kinoshita Tetsu , Higashiyama Tetsuya , Maruyama Daisuke
Published: April 2021

During the double fertilization process, pollen tubes deliver two sperm cells to an ovule containing the female gametes. In the pollen tube, the vegetative nucleus and sperm cells move together to the apical region where the vegetative nucleus is thought to play a crucial role in controlling the direction and growth of the pollen tube. Here, we report the generation of pollen tubes in Arabidopsis thaliana whose vegetative nucleus and sperm cells are isolated and sealed by callose plugs in the basal region due to apical transport defects induced by mutations in the WPP domain-interacting tail-anchored proteins (WITs) and sperm cell-specific expression of a dominant mutant of the CALLOSE SYNTHASE 3 protein. Through pollen-tube guidance assays, we show that the physiologically anuclear mutant pollen tubes maintain the ability to grow and enter ovules. Our findings provide insight into the sperm cell delivery mechanism and illustrate the independence of the tip-localized vegetative nucleus from directional growth control of the pollen tube.
Photocatalytic three-component asymmetric sulfonylation via direct C(sp3)-H functionalization
Authors: Cao Shi , Hong Wei , Ye Ziqi , Gong Lei
Published: April 2021

The direct and selective C(sp3)-H functionalization of cycloalkanes and alkanes is a highly useful process in organic synthesis owing to the low-cost starting materials, the high step and atom economy. Its application to asymmetric catalysis, however, has been scarcely explored. Herein, we disclose our effort toward this goal by incorporation of dual asymmetric photocatalysis by a chiral nickel catalyst and a commercially available organophotocatalyst with a radical relay strategy through sulfur dioxide insertion. Such design leads to the development of three-component asymmetric sulfonylation involving direct functionalization of cycloalkanes, alkanes, toluene derivatives or ethers. The photochemical reaction of a C(sp3)-H precursor, a SO2 surrogate and a common α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compound proceeds smoothly under mild conditions, delivering a wide range of biologically interesting α-C chiral sulfones with high regio- and enantioselectivity (>50 examples, up to >50:1 rr and 95% ee). This method is applicable to late-stage functionalization of bioactive molecules, and provides an appealing access to enantioenriched compounds starting from the abundant hydrocarbon compounds.
Universal scaling laws of keyhole stability and porosity in 3D printing of metals
Authors: Gan Zhengtao , Kafka Orion L. , Parab Niranjan , Zhao Cang , Fang Lichao , Heinonen Olle , Sun Tao , Liu Wing Kam
Published: April 2021

Metal three-dimensional (3D) printing includes a vast number of operation and material parameters with complex dependencies, which significantly complicates process optimization, materials development, and real-time monitoring and control. We leverage ultrahigh-speed synchrotron X-ray imaging and high-fidelity multiphysics modeling to identify simple yet universal scaling laws for keyhole stability and porosity in metal 3D printing. The laws apply broadly and remain accurate for different materials, processing conditions, and printing machines. We define a dimensionless number, the Keyhole number, to predict aspect ratio of a keyhole and the morphological transition from stable at low Keyhole number to chaotic at high Keyhole number. Furthermore, we discover inherent correlation between keyhole stability and porosity formation in metal 3D printing. By reducing the dimensions of the formulation of these challenging problems, the compact scaling laws will aid process optimization and defect elimination during metal 3D printing, and potentially lead to a quantitative predictive framework.
Full-length SMRT transcriptome sequencing and microsatellite characterization in Paulownia catalpifolia
Authors: Feng Yanzhi , Zhao Yang , Zhang Jiajia , Wang Baoping , Yang Chaowei , Zhou Haijiang , Qiao Jie
Published: April 2021

Paulownia catalpifolia is an important, fast-growing timber species known for its high density, color and texture. However, few transcriptomic and genetic studies have been conducted in P. catalpifolia. In this study, single-molecule real-time sequencing technology was applied to obtain the full-length transcriptome of P. catalpifolia leaves treated with varying degrees of drought stress. The sequencing data were then used to search for microsatellites, or simple sequence repeats (SSRs). A total of 28.83 Gb data were generated, 25,969 high-quality (HQ) transcripts with an average length of 1624 bp were acquired after removing the redundant reads, and 25,602 HQ transcripts (98.59%) were annotated using public databases. Among the HQ transcripts, 16,722 intact coding sequences, 149 long non-coding RNAs and 179 alternative splicing events were predicted, respectively. A total of 7367 SSR loci were distributed throughout 6293 HQ transcripts, of which 763 complex SSRs and 6604 complete SSRs. The SSR appearance frequency was 28.37%, and the average distribution distance was 5.59 kb. Among the 6604 complete SSR loci, 1–3 nucleotide repeats were dominant, occupying 97.85% of the total SSR loci, of which mono-, di- and tri-nucleotide repeats were 44.68%, 33.86% and 19.31%, respectively. We detected 112 repeat motifs, of which A/T (42.64%), AG/CT (12.22%), GA/TC (9.63%), GAA/TTC (1.57%) and CCA/TGG (1.54%) were most common in mono-, di- and tri-nucleotide repeats, respectively. The length of the repeat SSR motifs was 10–88 bp, and 4997 (75.67%) were ≤ 20 bp. This study provides a novel full-length transcriptome reference for P. catalpifolia and will facilitate the identification of germplasm resources and breeding of new drought-resistant P. catalpifolia varieties.