bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Local Soviet nomenclature of the BSSR of late Stalinism (1945–1953)
Authors: Elizarov Sergey A.
Published: December 2021

The article examines the process of restoration and development of the nomenclature mechanism of personnel policy in the BSSR in the first post-war decade, which received the name «late Stalinism» in modern historiography. The main attention is paid to the leading employees of local government bodies – the executive committees of the Soviets of Working People’s Deputies. The article describes the main trends in the transformation of the organisation of nomenclature practice – centralisation and decentralisation. The main hierarchical levels of nomenclatures are highlighted (from the Central Committee of the all-Union Communist Party(b) – the CPSU to the district and city committees of the CP(b)B – CPB), their specific content is shown in the time dynamics. It is noted that the existing hierarchy of nomenclature positions in many respects more accurately than their official administrative status determined the real position of an employee in the structure of power and management. Initially the high level of renewal of the composition of the chairmen of local executive committees was replaced in the early 1950s by its relative stabilisation. They tried to appoint Communists with pre-war experience who had already been tested in various leadership positions to senior positions in the local structures of the state administration apparatus. The level of education played a role only at the district and city levels of the local administrative hierarchy, for its highest level – the chairmen of regional executive committees – the main importance was still the experience of leadership work. The work experience in the positions held and the general experience of managerial work increased somewhat, the level of education of the chairmen of district and city executive committees increased, which made it possible to move to a higher level of requirements in the selection of personnel (the availability of specialised higher, technical or agricultural, education).
The concept of the Polish Biographical Dictionary
Authors: Barzycka-Paździor Agata
Published: December 2021

The aim of the article is to present a concept of the Polish Biographical Dictionary (Polski Słownik Biograficzny, PSB), which has been published in Krakow since 1935 as a multi-volume publication of the Polish Academy of Sciences (PAN) and the Polish Academy of Arts and Sciences (PAU), and realised by the Tadeusz Manteuffel Institute of History of the PAN. Over 28,000 biographies of people associated with Poland (and with the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, the Commonwealth of Both Nations, and their fiefs), who lived or operated in the country and abroad from the time of legendary Duke Popiel (9th century) to 2000, have been published in 52 volumes so far. The concept of the PSB is presented in the historiographic context as well as the context of contemporary problems and challenges that the PSB is facing.
Investigating the Moderating Effect of Marketing Capability on the Relationship between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Practice and Corporate Reputation in Small Medium Enterprises Food Operators
Authors: Mohd Aidil Riduan Awang Kader  , Suhana Mohezar  , Nor Khairunnisa Mat Yunus  , Roslina Ali  , Mohamad Nazri
Published: December 2021

This study expanded on the existing research on corporate social responsibility (CSR) in food supply chains by investigating the moderating effect of marketing capability on the relationship between CSR practice and corporate reputation in the context of Malaysian small medium enterprises (SMEs). Data were collected from 264 SMEs operating in the Malaysian food supply chain using a questionnaire and analysed using Partial Least Square (PLS). The objectives of this study are as follows: 1) to investigate the awareness of CSR and the trends among local food SMEs, 2) to analyse the factors that motivate SMEs to implement CSR, and 3) to examine the moderating effect of marketing capability on the relationship between CSR practice and corporate reputation. This study found that supply chain partners’ pressure and government support were the antecedent factors for CSR practice. In addition, this study also highlighted that CSR practice enhances the responding firms’ corporate reputation. However, this study did not find substantial evidence to support the moderating role of marketing capability. The implication of this study implies that food operators should respond to the rising importance of CSR practice due to their powerful influence on a company's reputation. They should enter a collaborative relationship with their supply chain partners to gain access to resources needed for CSR implementation.
Палеоантропологические материалы из могильников Донецкой и Луганской областей. Часть I
Authors: Ходжайов Т.К. , Ходжайова Г.К. , Фризен С.Ю.
Published: December 2021

Статья посвящена публикации краниологических материалов из могильника Маяки Донецкой области. Приводится краткое описание археологического памятника, особенностей погребального обряда и итоги исследования палеоантропологических материалов. Основной задачей является введение в научный оборот индивидуальных данных краниологической серии из могильника.
Краниологическая дифференциация большой монголоидной расы. Часть 2. Характеристика краниосерий восточных монголоидов
Authors: Пестряков А.П. , Григорьева О.М. , Пеленицына Ю.В.
Published: December 2021

По литературным источникам по 11 метрическим признакам размера и формы черепной коробки исследовались 42 современных краниосерии восточных монголоидов (дальневосточная малая раса, входящая в большую монголоидную расу). В число изученных вошли: 21 серия китайцев (вместе с единственной серией хуэй (китайских мусульман), 2 серии корейцев, 13 серий японцев и 6 серий гаошань (докитайского населения Тайваня). Подавляющее большинство этих краниосерий оказались принадлежащими к панойкуменному краниотипу пацифидов, в отличие от северных монголоидов, принадлежащих к панойкуменному краниотипу голарктидов. В отличие от северных монголоидов восточные, при приблизительно такой величине черепной коробки, характеризуются значительно абсолютно и относительно более узкой её формой и значительно большей величиной свода черепа. Среди исследованных краниосерий восточных монголоидов три серии по своим характеристикам дали основание считать их смешанными с северными монголоидами. Это две серии китайцев крайнего северо-запада их расселения (китайцы Монголии и китайцы Джунгарии), т.е. с территории пограничной с ареалом северных монголоидов, и серия хуэй (китайских мусульман), религиозная конфессия которых предполагает их смешение с мусульманами Центральной Азии. Две серии корейцев, существенно отличаясь как от классических пацифидов, так и от классических голарктидов, требуют дальнейшего изучения и использования индивидуальных данных черепов этих серий.
Этничность и религиозность молодых жителей Татарстана (по материалам этносоциологического исследования 2020 г.)
Authors: Титова Т.А. , Фролова Е.В.
Published: December 2021

Актуальность статьи обусловлена необходимостью изучения этнических и религиозных процессов в молодежной среде в регионах Российской Федерации. Статья написана на материалах этносоциологического исследования, проведенного в Татарстане осенью 2020 г. среди молодых жителей, проживающих в городах республики. Цель статьи заключается в анализе этнических и религиозных установок в среде молодежи Республики Татарстан. Авторами рассмотрены место и роль этнического и конфессионального факторов в структуре социальной идентичности молодых респондентов; обозначены установки на этноцентризм и межэтническое взаимодействие, в частности, с мигрантами. Проанализированы вопросы, связанные с религиозным фактором в системе ценностей молодежи. Сделан вывод о том, что этнический и религиозный аспекты идентичности присутствуют у респондентов во всех исследуемых группах и актуализированы примерно в равной степени, что указывает на их непротиворечивый характер. Показано, что при довольно высоком уровне этнической солидарности, представители молодежи в целом демонстрируют установки на благоприятное и бесконфликтное межэтническое взаимодействие. Материалы статьи могут быть полезными для социологов, психологов, социальных и культурных антропологов, политологов, а также представителей органов и структур, курирующих вопросы молодежной политики.
Climate Change Impact Assessment and Adaptation Strategies for Rainfed Wheat in Contrasting Climatic Regions of Iran
Authors: Nazari Meisam , Mirgol Behnam , Salehi Hamid
Published: December 2021

This is the first large-scale study to assess the climate change impact on the grain yield of rainfed wheat for three provinces of contrasting climatic conditions (temperate, cold semi-arid, and hot arid) in Iran. Five integrative climate change scenarios including +0.5°C temperature plus−5% precipitation, +1°C plus−10%, +1.5°C plus−15%, +2°C plus−20%, and +2.5°C plus−25% were used and evaluated. Nitrogen fertilizer and shifting planting dates were tested for their suitability as adaptive strategies for rainfed wheat against the changing climate. The climate change scenarios reduced the grain yield by −6.9 to −44.8% in the temperate province Mazandaran and by −7.3 to −54.4% in the hot arid province Khuzestan but increased it by +16.7% in the cold semi-arid province Eastern Azarbaijan. The additional application of +15, +30, +45, and +60 kg ha−1 nitrogen fertilizer as urea at sowing could not, in most cases, compensate for the grain yield reductions under the climate change scenarios. Instead, late planting dates in November, December, and January enhanced the grain yield by +6 to +70.6% in Mazandaran under all climate change scenarios and by +94 to +271% in Khuzestan under all climate change scenarios except under the scenario +2.5°C temperature plus−25% precipitation which led to a grain yield reduction of −85.5%. It is concluded that rainfed wheat production in regions with cold climates can benefit from the climate change, but it can be impaired in temperate regions and especially in vulnerable hot regions like Khuzestan. Shifting planting date can be regarded as an efficient yield-compensating and environmentally friendly adaptive strategy of rainfed wheat against the climate change in temperate and hot arid regions.
Targeting Metabolic Pathways of Myeloid Cells Improves Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Li Jianying , Bolyard Chelsea , Xin Gang , Li Zihai
Published: December 2021

Tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells are a prominent pro-tumorigenic immune cell population that limit host anti-tumor immunity and present a significant obstacle for many cancer immunotherapies. Targeting the mechanisms regulating myeloid cell function within the tumor microenvironment may overcome immunotherapy resistance in some cancers. Recent discoveries in the emerging field of immunometabolism reveal that the metabolic profiles of intratumoral myeloid cells are rewired to adapt to the nutrition-limited tumor microenvironment, and this shapes their pro-tumor phenotypes. Interestingly, metabolic modulation can shift these myeloid cells toward the immune-stimulating anti-tumor phenotype. In this review, we will highlight the roles of specific metabolic pathways in the activation and function of myeloid cells, and discuss the therapeutic value of metabolically reprogramming myeloid cells to augment and improve outcomes with cancer immunotherapy.
Loss of PDK1 Induces Meiotic Defects in Oocytes From Diabetic Mice
Authors: Ge Juan , Zhang Na , Tang Shoubin , Hu Feifei , Hou Xiaojing , Sun Hongzheng , Han Longsen , Wang Qiang
Published: December 2021

Maternal diabetes has been shown to impair oocyte quality; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, using a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mouse model, we first detected and reduced expression of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1) in diabetic oocytes, accompanying with the lowered phosphorylation of serine residue 232 on α subunit of the pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) complex (Ser232-PDHE1α). Importantly, forced expression of PDK1 not only elevated the phosphorylation level of Ser232-PDHE1α, but also partly prevented the spindle disorganization and chromosome misalignment in oocytes from diabetic mice, with no beneficial effects on metabolic dysfunction. Moreover, a phospho-mimetic S232D-PDHE1α mutant is also capable of ameliorating the maternal diabetes-associated meiotic defects. In sum, our data indicate that PDK1-controlled Ser232-PDHE1α phosphorylation pathway mediates the effects of diabetic environment on oocyte competence.
Timeline Visualization Uncovers Gaps in Archived Tsunami Water Level Data
Authors: Sweeney Aaron D.
Published: December 2021

We demonstrate that data abstraction via a timeline visualization is highly effective at allowing one to discover patterns in the underlying data. We describe the rapid identification of data gaps in the archival time-series records of deep-ocean pressure and coastal water level observations collected to support the NOAA Tsunami Program and successful measures taken to rescue these data. These data gaps had persisted for years prior to the development of timeline visualizations to represent when data were collected. This approach can be easily extended to all types of time-series data and the author recommends this type of temporal visualization become a routine part of data management, whether one collects data or archives data.
Multimodality Imaging in the Diagnosis of Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis: A Brief Review
Authors: Eder Maxwell D. , Upadhyaya Krishna , Park Jakob , Ringer Matthew , Malinis Maricar , Young Bryan D. , Sugeng Lissa , Hur David J.
Published: December 2021

Infective endocarditis is a common and treatable condition that carries a high mortality rate. Currently the workup of infective endocarditis relies on the integration of clinical, microbiological and echocardiographic data through the use of the modified Duke criteria (MDC). However, in cases of prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) echocardiography can be normal or non-diagnostic in a high proportion of cases leading to decreased sensitivity for the MDC. Evolving multimodality imaging techniques including leukocyte scintigraphy (white blood cell imaging), 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET), multidetector computed tomographic angiography (MDCTA), and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) may each augment the standard workup of PVE and increase diagnostic accuracy. While further studies are necessary to clarify the ideal role for each of these imaging techniques, nevertheless, these modalities hold promise in determining the diagnosis, prognosis, and care of PVE. We start by presenting a clinical vignette, then evidence supporting various modality strategies, balanced by limitations, and review of formal guidelines, when available. The article ends with the authors' summary of future directions and case conclusion.
Two-step Gravity Inversion Reveals Variable Architecture of African Cratons
Authors: Haas Peter , Ebbing Jörg , Celli Nicolas L. , Rey Patrice F.
Published: December 2021

The lithospheric build-up of the African continent is still to a large extent unexplored. In this contribution, we present a new Moho depth model to discuss the architecture of the three main African cratonic units, which are: West African Craton, Congo Craton, and Kalahari Craton. Our model is based on a two-step gravity inversion approach that allows variable density contrasts across the Moho depth. In the first step, the density contrasts are varied for all non-cratonic units, in the second step for the three cratons individually. The lateral extension of the tectonic units is defined by a regionalization map, which is calculated from a recent continental seismic tomography model. Our Moho depth is independently constrained by pointwise active seismics and receiver functions. Treating the constraints separately reveals a variable range of density contrasts and different trends in the estimated Moho depth for the three cratons. Some of the estimated density contrasts vary substantially, caused by sparse data coverage of the seismic constraints. With a density contrast of Δρ= 200 kg/m3the Congo Craton features a cool and undisturbed lithosphere with smooth density contrasts across the Moho. The estimated Moho depth shows a bimodal pattern with average Moho depth of 39–40 km for the Kalahari and Congo Cratons and 33–34 km for the West African Craton. We link our estimated Moho depth with the cratonic extensions, imaged by seismic tomography, and with topographic patterns. The results indicate that cratonic lithosphere is not necessarily accompanied by thick crust. For the West African Craton, the estimated thin crust, i.e. shallow Moho, contrasts to thick lithosphere. This discrepancy remains enigmatic and requires further studies.
Multidimensional Assessment and Alleviation of Global Energy Poverty Aligned With UN SDG 7
Authors: Che Xiahui , Jiang Minxing , Fan Cheng
Published: December 2021

There are increasing concerns that energy poverty across nations is weakening the global efforts toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A systematic assessment of energy poverty is, therefore, essential to track the spatiotemporal pattern of SDG 7 and monitor the global efforts in alleviating energy poverty. This article develops the first Multidimensional Energy Poverty Assessment Index (MEAI), incorporating energy availability, affordability, and efficiency applicable to quantify the spatiotemporal dynamics of energy poverty development at global, regional, and national scales. Our analyses indicate that the overall MEAI and indices in all dimensions decreased from 2001 to 2016 at a global level with energy affordability experiencing the highest decline. The MEAI at the national level declines within the same period, showing significant regional heterogeneity in terms of the sub-index. Energy efficiency in developed and less-developed regions is characterized by high carbon emissions and low energy modernization, respectively. The energy availability indices are lower in developed nations and in nations with abundant energy resources. Overall, our results highlight a sudden increase in MEAI for Central America in 2014 and a gradual decline in MEAI for East Asia during 2014–2016. A call for regional actions is critically needed to solve energy poverty from different facets.
Experimental and Modeling Study of Kinetics for Hydrate Decomposition Induced by Depressurization in a Porous Medium
Authors: Ruan Xuke , Xu Chun-Gang , Yan Ke-Feng , Li Xiao-Sen
Published: December 2021

The hydrate decomposition kinetics is a key factor for the gas production from hydrate-saturated porous media. Meanwhile, it is also related to other factors. Among them, the permeability and hydrate dissociation surface area on hydrate dissociation kinetics have been studied experimentally and numerically in this work. First, the permeability to water was experimentally determined at different hydrate saturations (0%, 10%, 17%, 21%, 34%, 40.5%, and 48.75%) in hydrate-bearing porous media. By the comparison of permeability results from the experimental measurements and theoretical calculations with the empirical permeability models, it was found that, for the lower hydrate saturations (less than 40%), the experimental results of water permeability are closer to the predicted values of the grain-coating permeability model, whereas, for the hydrate saturation above 40%, the tendencies of hydrate accumulation in porous media are quite consistent with the pore-filling hydrate habits. A developed two-dimensional core-scale numerical code, which incorporates the models for permeability and hydrate dissociation surface area along with the hydrate accumulation habits in porous media, was used to investigate the kinetics of hydrate dissociation by depressurization, and a “shrinking-core” hydrate dissociation driven by the radial heat transfer was found in the numerical simulations of hydrate dissociation induced by depressurization in core-scale porous media. The numerical results indicate that the gas production from hydrates in porous media has a strong dependence on the permeability and hydrate dissociation surface area. Meanwhile, the simulation shows that the controlling factor for the dissociation kinetics of hydrate switches from permeability to hydrate dissociation surface area depending on the hydrate saturation and hydrate accumulation habits in porous media.
Two-Dimensional Semiconductor Heterojunctions for Optoelectronics and Electronics
Authors: Wang Qian , Zhang Lin , Liu Xuejuan , Li Sha
Published: December 2021

Two-dimensional (2D) layered semiconductors are current research hotspots on account of their wide variety of applications in electronics and optoelectronics due to their particular ultrathin nature. In this review, the band alignment engineering in heterojunctions composed of 2D van der Waals (vdW) layered semiconductors and their device applications in optoelectronics are provided. Various approaches that induced adjustability of vdW heterojunctions are summarized, mainly including composition and thickness modulations, strain, and electric fields. Furthermore, their perspectives on future developments in optoelectronics and electronics devices based on the newly unique physical and chemical properties are outlined.
The Impact of Heterogeneous Environmental Regulations on Location Choices of Pollution-Intensive Firms in China
Authors: Tang Chenghui , Dou Jianmin
Published: December 2021

The spatial transfer pattern and dynamic mechanisms of pollution-intensive industries are key issues for national and regional sustainable development. Although previous studies have emphasized the impact of environmental regulations on the transfer of pollution industries, there is a lack of firm-level analysis of the combined effects of different types of environmental regulations and other factors on them, which has led to the pollution haven hypothesis remaining contested. In order to provide micro evidence to test the pollution haven hypothesis, this paper reveals the temporal and spatial evolution of pollution-intensive foreign firms’ distribution in China, and explores the impact of heterogeneous environmental regulations on the location choices by using spatial analysis and zero-inflated negative binomial regression. The empirical results were as follows: Firstly, pollution-intensive foreign firms were highly concentrated in the eastern developed region and have a strong path dependency in China. Secondly, environmental regulations, especially the market-based environmental regulation, had a significant negative impact on the location choices of pollution-intensive foreign firms. Thirdly, the spatial distribution of pollution-intensive foreign firms was strongly influenced by new economic and geographic factors. Fourthly, pollution-intensive foreign firms have a significant pollution border effects in developed regions but not in economically less-developed regions due to transportation costs. The governments are expected to adopt heterogeneous environmental regulations based on the level of regional economic development to avoid the pollution haven phenomenon, thus achieving a sustainable development.
Ensuring the Long-Term Provision of Heathland Ecosystem Services—The Importance of a Functional Perspective in Management Decision Frameworks
Authors: Walmsley David C. , Delory Benjamin M. , Alonso Isabel , Temperton Vicky M. , Härdtle Werner
Published: December 2021

The ecosystem services framework can be used as a way of balancing economic, ecological and societal drivers in land management decision-making processes. As heathland management is typically linked directly to services, the aim of this study was to quantify trade-offs related to the effects of five common heathland management measures (grazing, mowing, burning, choppering, and sod-cutting) using quantitative data from empirical studies within a northwestern heathland in Germany. Besides important services (groundwater recharge and quality, carbon stocks and appreciation by the general public) we included ecosystem functions (balances of nitrogen, phosphorus and major cations) and the net cost of management implementation as trade-off components. We found that all management practices have advantages and disadvantages leading to unavoidable trade-offs. The effect of a management practice on the trade-off components was often closely related to the amount of biomass and/or soil removed during a management cycle (Rannual). Choppering and sod-cutting (large Rannual by involving soil removal) were very good at maintaining a low N system whilst concurrently increasing groundwater recharge, albeit at the cost of all other components considered. If the aim is to preserve heathlands and their associated ecosystem services in the long-term this trade-off is inevitable, as currently only these high-intensity measures are capable of removing enough nitrogen from the system to prevent the transition to non-heather dominated habitat types. Our study, therefore, shows that in order to maintain structural integrity and thereby the service potential a habitat provides, management decision frameworks may need to prioritize ecosystem functioning over ecosystem services. Burning and mowing (low Rannual) were best at retaining phosphorus, cations and carbon and had the lowest costs. Grazing (intermediate Rannual) provided the highest relative benefit in terms of groundwater quality and appreciation. Together these results can help identify management combinations in both space and time, which will be more beneficial for functions and services than management practices considered in isolation. Furthermore, our study assists in recognizing key areas of action for the development of novel management practices and can help raise awareness of the diversity of rare species and potential benefits to people that protected cultural landscapes provide.
Case Report: Christianson Syndrome Caused by SLC9A6 Mutation: From Case to Genotype-Phenotype Analysis
Authors: Lan Yueyun , Yi Sheng , Li Mengting , Wang Jinqiu , Yang Qi , Yi Shang , Chen Fei , Huang Limei , Ruan Yiyan , Shen Yiping , Luo Jingsi , Qin Zailong
Published: December 2021

Christianson syndrome (CS) is an X-linked neurodevelopmental syndrome characterized by microcephaly, epilepsy, ataxia, and severe generalized developmental delay. Pathogenic mutations in the SLC9A6 gene, which encodes the Na+/H+ exchanger protein member 6 (NHE6), are associated with CS and autism spectrum disorder in males. In this study, whole exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing revealed a novel de novo frameshift variant c.1548_1549insT of SLC9A6 in a 14-month-old boy with early-onset seizures. According to The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG)/the Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) guidelines, the variant was classified as pathogenic. The proband presented with several core symptoms of typical epilepsy, including microcephaly, motor delay, distal muscle weakness, micrognathia, occasional unprovoked laughter, swallowing and speech difficulties. Electroencephalography (EEG) showed spikes-slow waves in frontal pole, frontal, anterior temporal and frontal midline point areas. Gesell development schedules (GDS) indicated generalized developmental delay. We also summarized all the reported variants and analyzed the correlation of genotype and phenotype of CS. Our study extends the mutation spectrum of the SLC9A6 gene, and it might imply that the phenotypes of CS are not correlated with SLC9A6 genotypes.
Effects of the Sex Chromosome Complement, XX, XO, or XY, on the Transcriptome and Development of Mouse Oocytes During Follicular Growth
Authors: Yamazaki Wataru , Badescu Dunarel , Tan Seang Lin , Ragoussis Jiannis , Taketo Teruko
Published: December 2021

The sex chromosome complement, XX or XY, determines sexual differentiation of the gonadal primordium into a testis or an ovary, which in turn directs differentiation of the germ cells into sperm and oocytes, respectively, in eutherian mammals. When the X monosomy or XY sex reversal occurs, XO and XY females exhibit subfertility and infertility in the mouse on the C57BL/6J genetic background, suggesting that functional germ cell differentiation requires the proper sex chromosome complement. Using these mouse models, we asked how the sex chromosome complement affects gene transcription in the oocytes during follicular growth. An oocyte accumulates cytoplasmic components such as mRNAs and proteins during follicular growth to support subsequent meiotic progression, fertilization, and early embryonic development without de novo transcription. However, how gene transcription is regulated during oocyte growth is not well understood. Our results revealed that XY oocytes became abnormal in chromatin configuration, mitochondria distribution, and de novo transcription compared to XX or XO oocytes near the end of growth phase. Therefore, we compared transcriptomes by RNA-sequencing among the XX, XO, and XY oocytes of 50–60 µm in diameter, which were still morphologically comparable. The results showed that the X chromosome dosage limited the X-linked and autosomal gene transcript levels in XO oocytes whereas many genes were transcribed from the Y chromosome and made the transcriptome in XY oocytes closer to that in XX oocytes. We then compared the transcript levels of 3 X-linked, 3 Y-linked and 2 autosomal genes in the XX, XO, and XY oocytes during the entire growth phase as well as at the end of growth phase using quantitative RT-PCR. The results indicated that the transcript levels of most genes increased with oocyte growth while largely maintaining the X chromosome dosage dependence. Near the end of growth phase, however, transcript levels of some X-linked genes did not increase in XY oocytes as much as XX or XO oocytes, rendering their levels much lower than those in XX oocytes. Thus, XY oocytes established a distinct transcriptome at the end of growth phase, which may be associated with abnormal chromatin configuration and mitochondria distribution.
IFNγ and iNOS-Mediated Alterations in the Bone Marrow and Thymus and Its Impact on Mycobacterium avium-Induced Thymic Atrophy
Authors: Barreira-Silva Palmira , Melo-Miranda Rita , Nobrega Claudia , Roque Susana , Serre-Miranda Cláudia , Borges Margarida , Armada Gisela , de Sá Calçada Daniela , Behar Samuel M. , Appelberg Rui , Correia-Neves Margarida
Published: December 2021

Disseminated infection with the high virulence strain ofMycobacterium avium25291 leads to progressive thymic atrophy. We previously showed thatM. avium-induced thymic atrophy results from increased glucocorticoid levels that synergize with nitric oxide (NO) produced by interferon gamma (IFNγ) activated macrophages. Where and how these mediators act is not understood. We hypothesized that IFNγ and NO promote thymic atrophy through their effects on bone marrow (BM) T cell precursors and T cell differentiation in the thymus. We show thatM. aviuminfection cause a reduction in the percentage and number of common lymphoid progenitors (CLP). Additionally, BM precursors from infected mice show an overall impaired ability to reconstitute thymi of RAGKO mice, in part due to IFNγ. Thymi from infected mice present an IFNγ and NO-driven inflammation. When transplanted under the kidney capsule of uninfected mice, thymi from infected mice are unable to sustain T cell differentiation. Finally, we observed increased thymocyte deathviaapoptosis after infection, independent of both IFNγ and iNOS; and a decrease on active caspase-3 positive thymocytes, which is not observed in the absence of iNOS expression. Together our data suggests thatM. avium-induced thymic atrophy results from a combination of defects mediated by IFNγ and NO, including alterations in the BM T cell precursors, the thymic structure and the thymocyte differentiation.
Persistent Inflammation and Nitric Oxide Dysregulation Are Transcriptomic Blueprints of Subglottic Stenosis
Authors: Nguyen Hoang C. B. , Chao Tiffany N. , Cohen Noam A. , Mirza Natasha
Published: December 2021

Subglottic stenosis (SGS) is a recurrent, obstructive, fibroinflammatory disease of the upper airway resulting in severe dyspnea, dysphonia, as well as other potentially fatal complications. Although aberrant inflammation and wound-healing are commonly associated with pathogenesis, the mechanism through which such processes occur and recur in affected patients remains poorly studied. Here we report that transcriptomic profiling of laryngotracheal regions from minimally-invasive mucosal swabs of SGS patients reveals a distinctively pro-inflammatory gene signature. Surprisingly, comparative genomics between SGS patients and mice with direct laryngotracheal injury suggest that SGS patients bear more resemblance to the acute than chronic phase of injury. Furthermore, functional and regulatory network analyses identify neutrophilic involvement through hyper-activation of NF-κB and its downstream inflammasome as a potential master regulator. Interestingly, nitric oxide synthesis was found to be downregulated in SGS patients compared to healthy controls. Thus, SGS represents a state of immunodeficiency whereby defective immune clearance triggers recurrent, long-lasting production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Reduced CCR5 Expression and Immune Quiescence in Black South African HIV-1 Controllers
Authors: Picton Anabela C. P. , Paximadis Maria , Koor Gemma W. , Bharuthram Avani , Shalekoff Sharon , Lassauniere Ria , Ive Prudence , Tiemessen Caroline T.
Published: December 2021

Unique Individuals who exhibit either suppressive HIV-1 control, or the ability to maintain low viral load set-points and preserve their CD4+ T cell counts for extended time periods in the absence of antiretroviral therapy, are broadly termed HIV-1 controllers. We assessed the extent to which black South African controllers (n=9), differ from uninfected healthy controls (HCs, n=22) in terms of lymphocyte and monocyte CCR5 expression (density and frequency of CCR5-expressing cells), immune activation as well as peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) mitogen-induced chemokine/cytokine production. In addition, relative CD4+ T cell CCR5 mRNA expression was assessed in a larger group of controllers (n=20) compared to HCs (n=10) and HIV-1 progressors (n=12). Despite controllers having significantly higher frequencies of activated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells (HLA-DR+) compared to HCs, CCR5 density was significantly lower in these T cell populations (P=0.039 andP=0.064, respectively). This lower CCR5 density was largely attributable to controllers with higher VLs (>400 RNA copies/ml). Significantly lower CD4+ T cell CCR5 density in controllers was maintained (P=0.036) when HCs (n=12) and controllers (n=9) were matched for age. CD4+ T cell CCR5 mRNA expression was significantly less in controllers compared to HCs (P=0.007) and progressors (P=0.002), whereas HCs and progressors were similar (P=0.223). The levels of soluble CD14 in plasma did not differ between controllers and HCs, suggesting no demonstrable monocyte activation. While controllers had lower monocyte CCR5 density compared to the HCs (P=0.02), significance was lost when groups were age-matched (P=0.804). However, when groups were matched for both CCR5 promoter haplotype and age (n=6 for both) reduced CCR5 density on monocytes in controllers relative to HCs was highly significant (P=0.009). Phytohemagglutinin-stimulated PBMCs from the controllers produced significantly less CCL3 (P=0.029), CCL4 (P=0.008) and IL-10 (P=0.028) compared to the HCs, which was largely attributable to the controllers with lower VLs (<400 RNA copies/ml). Our findings support a hypothesis of an inherent (genetic) predisposition to lower CCR5 expression in individuals who naturally control HIV-1, as has been suggested for Caucasian controllers, and thus, likely involves a mechanism shared between ethnically divergent population groups.
Interspecific Analysis of Sea Urchin Adhesive Composition Emphasizes Variability of Glycans Conjugated With Putative Adhesive Proteins
Authors: Gaspar Lisa , Flammang Patrick , José Ricardo , Luis Ricardo , Ramalhosa Patrício , Monteiro João , Nogueira Natacha , Canning-Clode João , Santos Romana
Published: December 2021

Sea urchins possess specialized adhesive organs, tube feet. Although initially believed to function as suckers, it is currently accepted that they rely on adhesive and de-adhesive secretions to attach and detach repeatedly from the substrate. Given the biotechnological potential of their strong reversible adhesive, sea urchins are under investigation to identify the protein and glycan molecules responsible for its surface coupling, cohesion and polymerization properties. However, this characterization has only focused on a single species, Paracentrotus lividus. To provide a broader insight into sea urchins adhesion, a comparative study was performed using four species belonging to different taxa and habitats: Diadema africanum, Arbacia lixula, Paracentrotus lividus and Sphaerechinus granularis. Their tube feet external morphology and histology was studied, together with the ultrastructure of their adhesive secretory granules. In addition, one antibody and five lectins were used on tube foot histological sections and extracts, and on adhesive footprints to detect the presence of adhesion-related (glyco)proteins like those present in P. lividus in other species. Results confirmed that the antibody raised against P. lividus Nectin labels the adhesive organs and footprints in all species. This result was further confirmed by a bioinformatic analysis of Nectin-like sequences in ten additional species, increasing the comparison to seven families and three orders. The five tested lectins (GSL II, WGA, STL, LEL, and SBA) demonstrated that there is high interspecific variability of the glycans involved in sea urchin adhesion. However, there seems to be more conservation among taxonomically closer species, like P. lividus and S. granularis. In these species, lectin histochemistry and lectin blots indicated the presence of high molecular weight putative adhesive glycoproteins bearing N-acetylglucosamine residues in the form of chitobiose in the adhesive epidermis and footprints. Our results emphasize a high selective pressure for conservation of functional domains in large putative cohesive proteins and highlight the importance of glycosylation in sea urchin adhesion with indications of taxonomy-related conservation of the conjugated glycans.
Response of Water Environment to Land Reclamation in Jiaozhou Bay, China Over the Last 150 Years
Authors: Xu Chunyang , Zhou Chunyan , Ma Kao , Wang Peng , Yue Xihe
Published: December 2021

Jiaozhou Bay (JZB), located at Qingdao City, north China, is a semi-enclosed shallow bay that has undergone large-scale land reclamation and is suffering from a deteriorated water environment. Long-term evolution of JZB with respect of coastline, tidal prism, tidal dynamics, water-exchange capacity, and pollutant transport from 1863 to 2020 was investigated in this paper, using remote sensing images, historical charts, and a numerical model. The JZB was predominated by natural evolution from 1863 to 1935, during which the coastline barely changed. Thereafter, human intervention became intense and more and more natural tidal flats were replaced by salt ponds, aquaculture area, and reclamation very quickly. As a result, tidal prism, area of tidal flats, and area of JZB decreased sharply by 0.290 km3, 182 km2, and 223 km2, respectively, from 1935 to 2020, corresponding to annual decreasing rates being of 123 times, 10 times, 12 times, respectively, as that of before 1935. A numerical model showed that the residual current in JZB tended to be weaker due to the change of coastline and bathymetry, which is not favoring the water-exchange and pollutant transport, especially in the northeast of JZB. The basin residence time increased from 15.5 days in 1935 to 17.6 days in 2020, because of weaker residual tidal current and smaller tidal prism. Local residence time increased significantly near the area with large land reclamation, especially in the northeast and west of JZB. Distribution of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), in each year, which is the dominant pollutant in JZB, indicated higher DIN concentration and weaker transport along with reclamation. The research on JZB evolution over the last 150 years can provide useful suggestions for the decision-makers of the local government to improve the marine ecosystem. The systematic method to investigate long-term water environment evolution of JZB can be used to study other semi-closed bays.
Northeast Arctic Cod and Prey Match-Mismatch in a High-Latitude Spring-Bloom System
Authors: Vikebø Frode B. , Broch Ole Jacob , Endo Clarissa Akemi Kajiya , Frøysa Håvard G. , Carroll JoLynn , Juselius Jonas , Langangen Øystein
Published: December 2021

By combining an ocean model, a nutrient-phytoplankton-zooplankton-detritus-model and an individual-based model for early life stages of Northeast Arctic cod we systematically investigate food limitations and growth performance for individual cod larvae drifting along the Norwegian coast from spawning grounds toward nursery areas in the Barents Sea. We hypothesize that there is food shortage for larvae spawned early and late in the 2-monthlong spawning period, and to a larger degree to the north and south of the main spawning grounds in the Lofoten. Model results for three contrasting years (1995, 2001, and 2002) show that spawning early in the season at spawning grounds in the Lofoten and farther north is favorable for larval growth close to their size- and temperature-dependent potential. Still, both early and late spawned larvae experience slower growth than individuals originating closer to the time of peak spawning late March/early April. The reasons are low temperatures and shortage in suitable prey, respectively, and this occurs more frequent in areas of strong currents about 1–2 months post hatching. In particular, late spawned larvae grow relatively slow despite higher temperatures later in the season because they are outgrown by their preferred prey.
Temperature and Stress Dependence of Screw Dislocation Mobility in Nb-V-Ta Alloys Using Kinetic Monte Carlo Simulations
Authors: Zhou Xinran , Marian Jaime
Published: December 2021

In this work we present simulations of thermally-activated screw dislocation motion in Nb-Ta-V alloys for two distinct scenarios, one where kink propagation is solely driven by chemical energy changes, i.e., thermodynamic energy differences, and another one where a migration barrier of 1.0 eV is added to such changes. The simulations have been performed using a kinetic Monte Carlo model for screw dislocation kinetics modified for complex lattice-level chemical environments. At low stresses, we find that dislocation motion in the case with no barrier is controlled by long waiting times due to slow nucleation rates and extremely fast kink propagation. Conversely, at high stress, the distribution of sampled time steps for both kink-pair nucleation and kink propagation events are comparable, resulting in continuous motion and faster velocities. In the case of the 1.0-eV kink propagation energy barrier, at low stresses kink motion becomes the rate-limiting step, leading to slow dynamics and large kink lateral pileups, while at high stresses both kink pair nucleation and kink propagation coexist on similar time scales. In the end, dislocation velocities differ by more than four orders of magnitude between both scenarios, emphasizing the need to have accurate calculations of kink energy barriers in the complex chemical environments inherent to these alloys.
Bond–Slip Law Between Steel Bar and Different Cement-Based Materials Considering Anchorage Position Function
Authors: Xiao Jie , Long Xiang , Ye Ming , Jiang Haibo , Liu Lingfei , Mo Fan , Deng Dejun , Huang Zikang
Published: December 2021

The bond performance between steel bar and cement-based materials was the prerequisite for the two materials to work together, and previous studies showed that the bond behavior of the steel bars and cement-based materials will vary with the kinds of cement-based materials. For this reason, this paper adopted 12 direct pullout test specimens including three types of concrete and two types of steel bars. The strain of the steel bar at six measuring points was measured with a strain gauge. Based on the measured strain and free end slip of the steel bars, the distribution of steel stress, bond stress, and relative slip and the bond slip relation along the anchorage length were obtained and analyzed for different concrete and different steel bars. Based on these test results of steel strain and relative slip at six measuring points, the anchorage position function could be established in consideration of anchorage position, which was conducive to the establishment of an accurate bond–slip relationship. In addition, the anchorage length of the steel bar in Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) calculated from the equilibrium equation of critical limit state is only half of the anchorage length calculated in the current Code for Design of Concrete Structures (GB 50010-2010) in China. It is suggested to establish the critical anchorage length formula suitable for ECC in future studies.
Retinal Microvascular Reactivity in Chronic Cigarette Smokers and Non-smokers: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Xu Huan , Zong Yuan , Yu Jian , Jiang Chunhui , Zhu Haohao , Sun Xinghuai
Published: December 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the changes in the retinal microvasculature and its reactivity in chronic cigarette smokers.

Methods: Thirty-four male chronic cigarette smokers and 18 male non-smokers were enrolled. Optical coherence tomography angiography was used to measure the perfused retinal vessel densities (PVDs) of the peripapillary and parafoveal areas at baseline and during phase IV of the Valsalva maneuver (VM-IV). Systemic blood pressure and intraocular pressure were also measured.

Results: The baseline PVD in the peripapillary area of the smokers was significantly lower than the non-smokers (59.56 ± 2.26% vs. 61.67 ± 3.58%, respectively; P = 0.005). However, there was no significant difference in the foveal avascular zone or parafoveal PVD between the two groups. During VM-IV, the peripapillary PVD of the smokers decreased by 1.13 ± 3.50%, which was significantly less than that of the non-smokers (−3.83 ± 4.26%, P < 0.05). Similarly, the parafoveal PVD of the smokers decreased by 5.49 ± 9.70%, which was significantly less than the percentage change of the non-smokers (−13.01 ± 8.39%, P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the percentage change in systemic blood pressure parameters between the two groups.

Conclusion: The retinal microvasculature and its reactivity were impaired in chronic smokers compared with non-smokers. The extent of impairment differed among different regions of the fundus.