bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lake water based isoscape in central-south Chile reflects meteoric water
Authors: Scott Wesley P. , Contreras Sergio , Bowen Gabriel J. , Arnold T. Elliott , Bustamante-Ortega Ramón , Werne Josef P.
Published: April 2021

Warming across the globe is expected to alter the strength and amount of regional precipitation, but there is uncertainty associated with the magnitude of these expected changes, and also how these changes in temperature and the hydrologic cycle will affect humans. For example, the climate in central-south Chile is projected to become significantly warmer and drier over the next several decades in response to anthropogenically driven warming, but these anthropogenic changes are superimposed on natural climate variability. The stable isotope composition of meteoric water provides significant information regarding the moisture source, pathways, and rain-out history of an air mass, but precipitation samples suitable for stable isotope measurements require long-term placement of field equipment making them difficult to obtain. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Global Network of Isotopes in Precipitation (GNIP) stations generate isotopic and ancillary data of precipitation from many locations around the world, but remote areas of developing countries like Chile typically have sparse networks of meteorological stations, which inhibit our ability to accurately model regional precipitation. Central-south Chile, in particular, has a sparse network of GNIP stations and, as a result, the isotopic composition of meteoric water is underrepresented in the global database complicating efforts to constrain modern day hydroclimate variability as well as paleohydrologic reconstruction for southern South America. In this study, we measured the stable isotope compositions of hydrogen (δ2H) and oxygen (δ18O) in surface lacustrine waters of central-south Chile to determine what physical and/or climatic features are the dominant controls on lacustrine δ18O and δ2H composition, assess whether or not the isotopic composition of the lakes record time-averaged isotope composition of meteoric water, and determine whether an isoscape map based on lake surface waters could predict the H and O isotope compositions of precipitation at the few GNIP stations in the region.
Study of risk factor of urinary calculi according to the association between stone composition with urine component
Authors: Wang Pan , Zhang Hongxian , Zhou Jiansuo , Jin Shangjia , Liu Chong , Yang Boxin , Cui Liyan
Published: April 2021

Urolithiasis is a common urinary disease with high recurrence. The risk factor for the recurrence of calculi is not very clear. The object of the present study was to evaluate the association between calculi composition and urine component and analyse the risk factor for the recurrence of urolithiasis. In this study, a total of 223 patients with calculi and healthy control were enrolled, and the components of the calculi and urina sanguinis collected before surgery were analysed. Of the 223 patients, 157 were males and 66 were females. According to the stone composition, the case group was subdivided into three groups. 129 patients had single calcium oxalate stones, 72 had calcium oxalate stones mixed with other stones and 22 had other type of stones excluding calcium oxalate stones. Urine biochemicals were analysed and the associations were found between the chemicals in each group. Multivariate logistic analysis demonstrated that reduced urinary magnesium and uric oxalic acid were independent risk factors when comparing all cases with normal controls. Only decreased urinary magnesium was found to be a risk factor comparing the single calcium oxalate group with normal control group. Low level of urinary magnesium and uric oxalic acid were found to be risk factors comparing the mixed calcium oxalate group with normal control group. No risk factor was found comparing the other stone group with normal control group. In conclusion, there were clear relationships between stone components and urine chemicals. Urine chemicals might be risk factors to predicate the occurrence of urolithiasis.
Anomalous negative longitudinal magnetoresistance and violation of Ohm's law deep in the topological insulating regime in Bi$$_{1-x}$$Sb$$_x$$
Authors: Vashist Amit , Gopal R. K. , Singh Yogesh
Published: April 2021

Bi$$_{1-x}$$

1
-
x

Sb$$_x$$

x

is a topological insulator (TI) for $$x \approx 0.03$$

x
≈
0.03

–0.20. Close to the Topological phase transition at $$x = 0.03$$

x
=
0.03

, a magnetic field induced Weyl semi-metal (WSM) state is stabilized due to the splitting of the Dirac cone into two Weyl cones of opposite chirality. A signature of the Weyl state is the observation of a Chiral anomaly [negative longitudinal magnetoresistance (LMR)] and a violation of the Ohm’s law (non-linear $$I{-}V$$

I
-
V

). We report the unexpected discovery of Chiral anomaly-like features in the whole range ($$x = 0.032, 0.072, 0.16$$

x
=
0.032
,
0.072
,
0.16

) of the TI state. This points to a field induced WSM state in an extended x range and not just near the topological transition at $$x = 0.03$$

x
=
0.03

. Surprisingly, the strongest Weyl phase is found at $$x = 0.16$$

x
=
0.16

with a non-saturating negative LMR much larger than observed for $$x = 0.03$$

x
=
0.03

. The negative LMR vanishes rapidly with increasing angle between B and I. Additionally, non-linear I–V is found for $$x = 0.16$$

x
=
0.16

indicating a violation of Ohm’s law. This unexpected observation of a strong Weyl state in the whole TI regime in Bi$$_{1-x}$$

1
-
x

Sb$$_x$$

x

points to a gap in our understanding of the detailed crystal and electronic structure evolution in this alloy system.
Macro- and micro-structural cerebellar and cortical characteristics of cognitive empathy towards fictional characters in healthy individuals
Authors: Picerni Eleonora , Laricchiuta Daniela , Piras Fabrizio , Vecchio Daniela , Petrosini Laura , Cutuli Debora , Spalletta Gianfranco
Published: April 2021

Few investigations have analyzed the neuroanatomical substrate of empathic capacities in healthy subjects, and most of them have neglected the potential involvement of cerebellar structures. The main aim of the present study was to investigate the associations between bilateral cerebellar macro- and micro-structural measures and levels of cognitive and affective trait empathy (measured by Interpersonal Reactivity Index, IRI) in a sample of 70 healthy subjects of both sexes. We also estimated morphometric variations of cerebral Gray Matter structures, to ascertain whether the potential empathy-related peculiarities in cerebellar areas were accompanied by structural differences in other cerebral regions. At macro-structural level, the volumetric differences were analyzed by Voxel-Based Morphometry (VBM)- and Region of Interest (ROI)-based approaches, and at a micro-structural level, we analyzed Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) data, focusing in particular on Mean Diffusivity and Fractional Anisotropy. Fantasy IRI-subscale was found to be positively associated with volumes in right cerebellar Crus 2 and pars triangularis of inferior frontal gyrus. The here described morphological variations of cerebellar Crus 2 and pars triangularis allow to extend the traditional cortico-centric view of cognitive empathy to the cerebellar regions and indicate that in empathizing with fictional characters the cerebellar and frontal areas are co-recruited.
Determining the optimal pulse number for theta burst induced change in cortical excitability
Authors: McCalley Daniel M. , Lench Daniel H. , Doolittle Jade D. , Imperatore Julia P. , Hoffman Michaela , Hanlon Colleen A.
Published: April 2021

Theta-burst stimulation (TBS) is a form of non-invasive neuromodulation which is delivered in an intermittent (iTBS) or continuous (cTBS) manner. Although 600 pulses is the most common dose, the goal of these experiments was to evaluate the effect of higher per-dose pulse numbers on cortical excitability. Sixty individuals were recruited for 2 experiments. In Experiment 1, participants received 600, 1200, 1800, or sham (600) iTBS (4 visits, counterbalanced, left motor cortex, 80% active threshold). In Experiment 2, participants received 600, 1200, 1800, 3600, or sham (600) cTBS (5 visits, counterbalanced). Motor evoked potentials (MEP) were measured in 10-min increments for 60 min. For iTBS, there was a significant interaction between dose and time (F = 3.8296, p = 0.01), driven by iTBS (1200) which decreased excitability for up to 50 min (t = 3.1267, p = 0.001). For cTBS, there was no overall interaction between dose and time (F = 1.1513, p = 0.33). Relative to sham, cTBS (3600) increased excitability for up to 60 min (t = 2.0880, p = 0.04). There were no other significant effects of dose relative to sham in either experiment. Secondary analyses revealed high within and between subject variability. These results suggest that iTBS (1200) and cTBS (3600) are, respectively, the most effective doses for decreasing and increasing cortical excitability.
Division of labor in work shifts by leaf-cutting ants
Authors: Constantino Pedro B. , Valentinuzzi Veronica S. , Helene André F.
Published: April 2021

Foraging rhythms in eusocial insects are determined by the colony´s overall pattern. However, in leaf-cutting ant workers, individual rhythms are not fully synchronized with the colonies’ rhythm. The colony as a whole is nocturnal, since most worker activity takes place at night; however some workers forage during the day. Previous studies in individualized ants suggest nocturnal and diurnal workers coexistence. Here observations within the colony, in leaf-cutting ants, showed that workers have differential foraging time preference, which interestingly is associated to body size and differential leaf transportation engagement. Nocturnal ants are smaller and less engaged in leaf transportation whereas diurnal ants are bigger and more engaged in leaf carriage. Mechanisms underlying division of labor in work shifts in ants are still unknown but much can be extrapolated from honeybees; another social system bearing a similar pattern. A collective organization like this favors constant exploitation of food sources while preserving natural individual rhythm patterns, which arise from individual differences, and thermal tolerance, given by the size polymorphism presented by this species.
Characterization of the upstream and intron promoters of the gene encoding TAR DNA-binding protein
Authors: Hasegawa-Ogawa Minami , Okano Hirotaka James
Published: April 2021

TAR DNA-binding protein (TDP-43, encoded by TARDBP) is a multifunctional protein that regulates transcription and RNA metabolism by binding DNA or RNA. TDP-43 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) because abnormal accumulation of cleaved and phosphorylated C-terminal fragments of TDP-43 in motor neurons is a pathological hallmark of ALS. Here, we cloned and analyzed the promoter region of the TARDBP gene. TARDBP upstream sequences and/or intron/luciferase constructs were generated, and their promoter activity was experimentally assessed. The upstream region predictably exhibited promoter activity and identified putative cis-acting elements, including the i-motif, was relevant for the regulation of TDP-43 expression. The cellular abundance of TDP-43 is strictly controlled, and its constancy is critically important for motor neuron survival. A machinery serving to maintain a constant level of TDP-43 is autoregulation via control of mRNA stability, a negative feedback system involving binding to the 3′ untranslated region of its own pre-mRNA. However, whether transcriptional mechanisms contribute to TDP-43 autoregulation is unclear. We further showed that TDP-43 negatively regulates the TARDBP promoter and, surprisingly, that disease-causing TDP-43 mutants lacked this regulatory activity. These results allowed the elucidation of a novel transcriptional autoregulatory mechanism of TDP-43.
Chikungunya virus entry is strongly inhibited by phospholipase A2 isolated from the venom of Crotalus durissus terrificus
Authors: Santos Igor Andrade , Shimizu Jacqueline Farinha , de Oliveira Débora Moraes , Martins Daniel Oliveira Silva , Cardoso-Sousa Léia , Cintra Adélia Cristina Oliveira , Aquino Victor Hugo , Sampaio Suely Vilela , Nicolau-Junior Nilson , Sabino-Silva Robinson , Merits Andres , Harris Mark , Jardim Ana Carolina Gomes
Published: April 2021

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is the etiologic agent of Chikungunya fever, a globally spreading mosquito-borne disease. There is no approved antiviral or vaccine against CHIKV, highlighting an urgent need for novel therapies. In this context, snake venom proteins have demonstrated antiviral activity against several viruses, including arboviruses which are relevant to public health. In particular, the phospholipase A2CB (PLA2CB), a protein isolated from the venom of Crotalus durissus terrificus was previously shown to possess anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, antibacterial and antiviral activities. In this study, we investigated the multiple effects of PLA2CB on the CHIKV replicative cycle in BHK-21 cells using CHIKV-nanoluc, a marker virus carrying nanoluciferase reporter. The results demonstrated that PLA2CB possess a strong anti-CHIKV activity with a selectivity index of 128. We identified that PLA2CB treatment protected cells against CHIKV infection, strongly impairing virus entry by reducing adsorption and post-attachment stages. Moreover, PLA2CB presented a modest yet significant activity towards post-entry stages of CHIKV replicative cycle. Molecular docking calculations indicated that PLA2CB may interact with CHIKV glycoproteins, mainly with E1 through hydrophobic interactions. In addition, infrared spectroscopy measurements indicated interactions of PLA2CB and CHIKV glycoproteins, corroborating with data from in silico analyses. Collectively, this data demonstrated the multiple antiviral effects of PLA2CB on the CHIKV replicative cycle, and suggest that PLA2CB interacts with CHIKV glycoproteins and that this interaction blocks binding of CHIKV virions to the host cells.
Effect of linagliptin on glucose metabolism and pancreatic beta cell function in patients with persistent prediabetes after metformin and lifestyle
Authors: Alvarez-Canales Mildred Fátima de la Luz , Salazar-López Sara Stephania , Farfán-Vázquez Diana , Martínez-López Yosceline Estrella , González-Mena Jessica Noemí , Jiménez-Ceja Lilia Marisela , Vargas-Ortiz Katya , Evia-Viscarra María Lola , Montes de Oca-Loyola María Luisa , Folli Franco , Aguilar-García Alberto , Guardado-Mendoza Rodolfo
Published: April 2021

The goal of the study was to evaluate the effect of adding linagliptin to metformin and lifestyle on glucose levels and pancreatic β-cell function in patients with persistent impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) after 12 months of metformin and lifestyle. A single center parallel double-blind randomized clinical trial with 6 months of follow-up was performed in patients with persistent IGT after 12 months of treatment with metformin and lifestyle; patients were randomized to continue with metformin 850 mg twice daily (M group, n = 12) or linagliptin/metformin 2.5/850 mg twice daily (LM group, n = 19). Anthropometric measurements were obtained by standard methods and by bioelectrical impedance; glucose was measured by dry chemistry, insulin by chemiluminescence, and pancreatic β-cell function was calculated with the disposition index using glucose and insulin values during oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and adjusting by insulin sensitivity. The main outcomes were glucose levels during OGTT and pancreatic β-cell function. Patients in the LM group had a reduction in weight (−1.7 ± 0.6, p < 0.05) and body mass index (BMI, −0.67 ± 0.2, p < 0.05). Glucose levels significantly improved in LM group with a greater reduction in the area under the glucose curve during OGTT (AUCGluc0_120min) as compared to the M group (−4425 ± 871 vs −1116 ± 1104 mg/dl/120 min, p < 0.001). Pancreatic β-cell function measured with the disposition index, improved only in LM group (2.3 ± 0.23 vs 1.7 ± 0.27, p 0.001); these improvements persisted after controlling for OGTT glucose levels. The differences in pancreatic β-cell function persisted also after pairing groups for basal AUCGluc0_120min. The addition of linagliptin to patients with persistent IGT after 12 months of treatment with metformin and lifestyle, improved glucose levels during OGTT and pancreatic β-cell function after 6 months of treatment.

Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov with the ID number NCT04088461
Transcriptome integrated metabolic modeling of carbon assimilation underlying storage root development in cassava
Authors: Kamsen Ratchaprapa , Kalapanulak Saowalak , Chiewchankaset Porntip , Saithong Treenut
Published: April 2021

The existing genome-scale metabolic model of carbon metabolism in cassava storage roots, rMeCBM, has proven particularly resourceful in exploring the metabolic basis for the phenotypic differences between high and low-yield cassava cultivars. However, experimental validation of predicted metabolic fluxes by carbon labeling is quite challenging. Here, we incorporated gene expression data of developing storage roots into the basic flux-balance model to minimize infeasible metabolic fluxes, denoted as rMeCBMx, thereby improving the plausibility of the simulation and predictive power. Three different conceptual algorithms, GIMME, E-Flux, and HPCOF were evaluated. The rMeCBMx-HPCOF model outperformed others in predicting carbon fluxes in the metabolism of storage roots and, in particular, was highly consistent with transcriptome of high-yield cultivars. The flux prediction was improved through the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway in cytosol, as has been reported in various studies on root metabolism, but hardly captured by simple FBA models. Moreover, the presence of fluxes through cytosolic glycolysis and alanine biosynthesis pathways were predicted with high consistency with gene expression levels. This study sheds light on the importance of prediction power in the modeling of complex plant metabolism. Integration of multi-omics data would further help mitigate the ill-posed problem of constraint-based modeling, allowing more realistic simulation.
The role of a two-assay serological testing strategy for anti-HCV screening in low-prevalence populations
Authors: Huang Yanfang , Pan Huifen , Gao Qin , Lv Panpan , Xu Xiaoqin , Zhao Zhen
Published: April 2021

HCV screening depends mainly on a one-assay anti-HCV testing strategy that is subject to an increased false-positive rate in low-prevalence populations. In this study, a two-assay anti-HCV testing strategy was applied to screen HCV infection in two groups, labelled group one (76,442 people) and group two (18,415 people), using Elecsys electrochemiluminescence (ECL) and an Architect chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA), respectively. Each anti-HCV-reactive serum was retested with the other assay. A recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA) and HCV RNA testing were performed to confirm anti-HCV positivity or active HCV infection. In group one, 516 specimens were reactive in the ECL screening, of which CMIA retesting showed that 363 (70.3%) were anti-HCV reactive (327 positive, 30 indeterminate, 6 negative by RIBA; 191 HCV RNA positive), but 153 (29.7%) were not anti-HCV reactive (4 positive, 29 indeterminate, 120 negative by RIBA; none HCV RNA positive). The two-assay strategy significantly improved the positive predictive value (PPV, 64.1% & 90.1%, P < 0.05). In group two, 87 serum specimens were reactive according to CMIA screening. ECL showed that 56 (70.3%) were anti-HCV reactive (47 positive, 8 indeterminate, 1 negative by RIBA; 29 HCV RNA positive) and 31 (29.7%) were anti-HCV non-reactive (25 negative, 5 indeterminate, 1 positive by RIBA; none HCV RNA positive). Again, the PPV was significantly increased (55.2% & 83.9%, P < 0.05). Compared with a one-assay testing strategy, the two-assay testing strategy may significantly reduce false positives in anti-HCV testing and identify inactive HCV infection in low-seroprevalence populations.
Barrier properties of fungal fruit body skins, pileipelles, contribute to protection against water loss
Authors: Lendzian Klaus J. , Beck Andreas
Published: April 2021

The permeability of intact fungal fruit body skins (pileipelles) with respect to water and oxygen was determined for the first time. Methods that have been successfully applied to plant surfaces were used to study isolated pileipelles. Mechanically isolated skins from five genera of Basidiomycota (species of Amanita, Russula, Stropharia, Tapinella, and Tricholomopsis) were mounted between two compartments simulating the inner (fruit body) and the outer (aerial) space. Fluxes of water and oxygen across the skins were measured. Water loss via intact skins differed markedly from evaporation of water from a water surface. The skins reduced water loss by factors of 10 to 30, with permeability ranging from 2.8 to 9.8 × 10−4 ms−1. Oxygen permeability was much lower and ranged from 0.8 to 6.0 × 10−6 ms−1. Chloroform-extractable substances play a minor, but significant role as transport barrier during water permeance. Water and oxygen permeability were dependent on the humidity in the aerial compartment. Higher humidity in the air increased permeability and the hydration/water content of the skins. The ecological implications include impacts to fungal growth, sporulation and spore release.
Nonlinear magnetoelectric effects in Al-substituted strontium hexaferrite
Authors: Liu Ying , Popov Maksym , Zavislyak Igor , Qu Hongwei , Zhang T. , Zhang Jitao , Page M. R. , Balbashov A. M. , Srinivasan G.
Published: April 2021

This report is on the observation and theory of electric field E induced non-linear magnetoelectric (NLME) effects in single crystal platelets of ferrimagnetic M-type strontium aluminum hexagonal ferrite. Using microwave measurement techniques, it was found that a DC electric field along the hexagonal c-axis results in significant changes in the saturation magnetization and uniaxial magneto-crystalline anisotropy field and these changes are proportional to the square of the applied static electric field. The NLME effects were present with or without an external bias magnetic field. The E-induced variation in magnetic order parameters is attributed to weakening of magnetic exchange and spin–orbit interactions since conduction electrons in the ferrite are effectively excluded from both interactions while being in transit from one Fe ion to another. We present a phenomenological theory which considers magneto-bielectric effects characterized by a quadratic term in electric field E in the free energy density. The coefficients for the NLME coupling terms have been calculated from experimental data and they do show variations with the Al substitution level and the largest rates of change of the saturation magnetization and anisotropy constant change with the applied power were observed for x = 0.4. It was also clear from the study that strength of the NLME effect does not depend on the amount Al substitution, but critically depends on the electrical conductivity of the sample with the highest NLME coefficients estimated for the sample with the highest conductivity. Results of this work are of importance for a new family of electric field tunable, miniature, high frequency ferrite devices.
Soil zinc, serum zinc, and the potential for agronomic biofortification to reduce human zinc deficiency in Ethiopia
Authors: De Groote Hugo , Tessema Masresha , Gameda Samuel , Gunaratna Nilupa S.
Published: April 2021

Human zinc deficiency is a global public health problem. Many African soils are zinc deficient (ZnD), indicating fertilizers could increase crop yields and grain Zn levels, thereby increasing Zn in the food supply and alleviating human Zn deficiency. To analyze associations among soil Zn, human Zn deficiency, and child nutritional status, we combined the Ethiopian soil Zn map and the Ethiopian National Micronutrient Survey (ENMS). ENMS provides representative, georeferenced data on child nutritional status using anthropometry of children under five years old (CU5) and on human Zn deficiency among CU5 and women of reproductive age (WRA) using the recommended biomarker, serum Zn. ZnD soils mostly occur in lower altitudes, which are less populated and outside the main crop-producing areas. Serum Zn deficiencies were high, and correlated to soil Zn for children, but not for WRA. About 4 million Ethiopian CU5 are ZnD, and, of these, about 1.5 million live on low-Zn soils (< 2.5 mg/kg), while 0.3 million live on ZnD soils (< 1.5 mg/kg). Therefore, if Zn fertilizers are only applied on ZnD soils, their impact on child Zn deficiency may be limited. Greater impact is possible if Zn fertilizers are applied to soils with sufficient Zn for plant growth and if this results in increased grain Zn. Optimal soil Zn levels for plant and human nutrition may be different, and context-specific optimal levels for the latter must be determined to develop nutrition-sensitive fertilizer policies and recommendations.
Nutricosmetic effects of Asparagus officinalis: a potent matrix metalloproteinase-1 inhibitor
Authors: Sriyab Suwannee , Laosirisathian Nachtharinee , Punyoyai Chanun , Anuchapreeda Songyot , Tima Singkome , Chiampanichayakul Sawitree , Chaiyana Wantida
Published: April 2021

This study aimed to investigate the nutricosmetic effect of Asparagus officinalis extracts. The tip and spear of A. officinalis were successively extracted with 95% ethanol. The rutin, phenolic, and flavonoid contents of A. officinalis extracts were investigated. The antioxidant activities were determined by 2,2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) and a ferric reducing antioxidant power assay. Matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), elastase, and hyaluronidase inhibition were determined by in vitro enzyme reaction assay. The cytotoxicity was analyzed on peripheral blood mononuclear cellss. Findings revealed that drying temperature and drying duration had significant effects on the chemical composition and biological activity of A. officinalis extract. A. officinalis tips dried at 50 °C for 24 h contained the (significantly) highest flavonoid and rutin content. The most potent extract was from A. officinalis spears since it possessed the (significantly) highest MMP-1, elastase, and hyaluronidase inhibition rates of 83.4 ± 1.5%, 70.4 ± 4.1%, and 75.2 ± 1.0%, respectively. Interestingly, at the same concentration, the A. officinalis spear extract was more potent in MMP-1 inhibition than oleanolic acid and epigallocatechin gallate, the well-known natural MMP-1 inhibitors. The results show that A. officinalis extract is an attractive source of natural anti-skin-wrinkle ingredients.
Declines and recovery in endangered Galapagos pinnipeds during the El Niño event
Authors: Páez-Rosas Diego , Torres Jorge , Espinoza Eduardo , Marchetti Adrian , Seim Harvey , Riofrío-Lazo Marjorie
Published: April 2021

Currently, the Galapagos sea lion (GSL, Zalophus wollebaeki) and Galapagos fur seal (GFS, Arctocephalus galapagoensis) are among the most important endemic species for conservation in the Galapagos Archipelago. Both are classified as “Endangered” since their populations have undergone drastic declines over the last several decades. In this study we estimated the abundance of both otariids, and their population trends based using counts conducted between 2014 and 2018 in all their rookeries, and we analyzed the influence of environmental variability on pup production. The GSL population size in 2018 in the archipelago was estimated to be between 17,000 to 24,000 individuals and has increased at an average annual rate of 1% over the last five years after applying correction factors. The highest number of GSL counted in the archipelago was in 2014 followed by a population decline of 23.8% in 2015 that was associated with the El Niño event that occurred during that year. Following this event, the population increased mainly in the northern, central and southeastern rookeries. The GSL pup abundance showed a decreasing trend with the increase in intensity of the El Niño. The GFS population in 2018 was counted in 3,093 individuals and has increased at an annual rate of 3% from 2014 to 2018. A high number of GFS counted in 2014 was followed by a population decrease of 38% in 2015, mainly in the western rookeries. There was interannual population fluctuations and different growth trends among regions of the archipelago. GSL and GFS pup abundance has a strong decreasing tendency with the increase in the subthermocline temperature (ST) and the El Niño 1 + 2 index. Our results provide evidence that both species are highly vulnerable to periodic oceanographic-atmospheric events in the Galapagos Archipelago which impact prey abundance and the flow of energy in the unique Galapagos ecosystem.
Pallidal versus subthalamic deep-brain stimulation for meige syndrome: a retrospective study
Authors: Liu Jiayu , Ding Hu , Xu Ke , Liu Ruen , Wang Dongliang , Ouyang Jia , Liu Zhi , Miao Zeyu
Published: April 2021

Deep-brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective treatment for patients with Meige syndrome. The globus pallidus interna (GPi) and the subthalamic nucleus (STN) are accepted targets for this treatment. We compared 12-month outcomes for patients who had undergone bilateral stimulation of the GPi or STN. Forty-two Asian patients with primary Meige syndrome who underwent GPi or STN neurostimulation were recruited between September 2017 and September 2019 at the Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University People’s Hospital. The primary outcome was the change in motor function, including the Burke–Fahn–Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale movement (BFMDRS-M) and disability subscale (BFMDRS-D) at 3 days before DBS (baseline) surgery and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Secondary outcomes included health-related quality of life, sleep quality status, depression severity, and anxiety severity at 3 days before and 12 months after DBS surgery. Adverse events during the 12 months were also recorded. Changes in BFMDRS-M and BFMDRS-D scores at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months with DBS and without medication did not significantly differ based on the stimulation target. There were also no significant differences in the changes in health-related quality of life (36-Item Short-Form General Health Survey) and sleep quality status (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) at 12 months. However, there were larger improvements in the STN than the GPi group in mean score changes on the 17-item Hamilton depression rating scale (− 3.38 vs. − 0.33 points; P = 0.014) and 14-item Hamilton anxiety rating scale (− 3.43 vs. − 0.19 points; P < 0.001). There were no significant between-group differences in the frequency or type of serious adverse events. Patients with Meige syndrome had similar improvements in motor function, quality of life and sleep after either pallidal or subthalamic stimulation. Depression and anxiety factors may reasonably be included during the selection of DBS targets for Meige syndrome.
Route towards efficient magnetization reversal driven by voltage control of magnetic anisotropy
Authors: One Roxana-Alina , Béa Hélène , Mican Sever , Joldos Marius , Veiga Pedro Brandão , Dieny Bernard , Buda-Prejbeanu Liliana D. , Tiusan Coriolan
Published: April 2021

The voltage controlled magnetic anisotropy (VCMA) becomes a subject of major interest for spintronics due to its promising potential outcome: fast magnetization manipulation in magnetoresistive random access memories with enhanced storage density and very low power consumption. Using a macrospin approach, we carried out a thorough analysis of the role of the VCMA on the magnetization dynamics of nanostructures with out-of-plane magnetic anisotropy. Diagrams of the magnetization switching have been computed depending on the material and experiment parameters (surface anisotropy, Gilbert damping, duration/amplitude of electric and magnetic field pulses) thus allowing predictive sets of parameters for optimum switching experiments. Two characteristic times of the trajectory of the magnetization were analyzed analytically and numerically setting a lower limit for the duration of the pulses. An interesting switching regime has been identified where the precessional reversal of magnetization does not depend on the voltage pulse duration. This represents a promising path for the magnetization control by VCMA with enhanced versatility.
Transcriptomic analysis identifies differences in gene expression in actinic keratoses after treatment with imiquimod and between responders and non responders
Authors: Trager Megan H. , Rizk Emanuelle , Rose Sharon , Zhu Kuixi , Lau Branden , Fullerton Benjamin T. , Pradhan Jaya , Moore Michael , Srivastava Ayush C. , Singer Giselle , Gartrell Robyn , Chang Rui , Geskin Larisa J. , Saenger Yvonne M. , Goldenberg Gary
Published: April 2021

The presence of actinic keratoses (AKs) increases a patient’s risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma by greater than six-fold. We evaluated the effect of topical treatment with imiquimod on the tumor microenvironment by measuring transcriptomic differences in AKs before and after treatment with imiquimod 3.75%. Biopsies were collected prospectively from 21 patients and examined histologically. RNA was extracted and transcriptomic analyses of 788 genes were performed using the nanoString assay. Imiquimod decreased number of AKs by study endpoint at week 14 (p < 0.0001). Post-imiquimod therapy, levels of CDK1, CXCL13, IL1B, GADPH, TTK, ILF3, EWSR1, BIRC5, PLAUR, ISG20, and C1QBP were significantly lower (adjusted p < 0.05). Complete responders (CR) exhibited a distinct pattern of inflammatory gene expression pre-treatment relative to incomplete responders (IR), with alterations in 15 inflammatory pathways (p < 0.05) reflecting differential expression of 103 genes (p < 0.05). Presence of adverse effects was associated with improved treatment response. Differences in gene expression were found between pre-treatment samples in CR versus IR, suggesting that higher levels of inflammation pre-treament may play a part in regression of AKs. Further characterization of the immune micro-environment in AKs may help develop biomarkers predictive of response to topical immune modulators and may guide therapy.
In silico prediction of the in vitro behavior of polymeric gene delivery vectors
Authors: Bono Nina , Coloma Smith Bárbara , Moreschi Francesca , Redaelli Alberto , Gautieri Alfonso , Candiani Gabriele
Published: April 2021

The authors describe a novel screening tool to test bench non-viral transfectants enabling to foresee the most suitable conditions for the complexation of relevant siRNA-polycation assemblies.
Two 6/10-connected Cu12S6 cluster-based organic frameworks: crystal structure and proton conduction
Authors: Li Jia-Ming , Xu Tian-Yang , Zhao Ya-Li , Hu Xing-Liang , He Kun-Huan
Published: April 2021

Two 6/10-connected Cu(i)–organic frameworks with a Cu12S6 cluster, were synthesized and showed the proton conductivities of 3.63 × 10−5 and 2.75 × 10−5 S cm−1 at 60 °C and 98% RH.
A new generation of terminal copper nitrenes and their application in aromatic C–H amination reactions
Authors: Thomas Fabian , Oster Matthias , Schön Florian , Göbgen Kai C. , Amarouch Benedikt , Steden Dominik , Hoffmann Alexander , Herres-Pawlis Sonja
Published: April 2021

Bis(pyrazolyl)methane copper nitrene complexes are used for the amination of different substrates. They are characterised with UV/VIS and NMR spectroscopy, cryo ESI mass spectrometry and DFT calculations.
Assembly of ZIF-67 nanoparticles and in situ grown Cu(OH)2 nanowires serves as an effective electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution
Authors: Ye Lei , Zhang Yeqing , Wang Limin , Zhao LinXiu , Gong Yaqiong
Published: April 2021

A self-supporting binder-free electrocatalyst named Cu(OH)2@ZIF-67/CF was successfully synthesized at room temperature, which posses a unique three-dimensional structure and excellent OER performance and durability under alkaline conditions.
Transition metal sulfides meet electrospinning: versatile synthesis, distinct properties and prospective applications
Authors: Zhu Wendong , Cheng Ya , Wang Ce , Pinna Nicola , Lu Xiaofeng
Published: April 2021

We highlight the recent developments in the preparation of electrospun nanomaterials to produce metal sulfides with distinct chemical and physical properties for a broad range of applications.
Functionalization and metathesis polymerization induced self-assembly of an alternating copolymer into giant vesicles
Authors: Song Wei , Shen Jiamin , Li Xiang
Published: April 2021

Fluorine (FL) and perylene diimide-based (PDI) α,ω-dienes and α,ω-diacrylates were used to synthesise a series of homopolymers and alternating copolymers and provide spherical vesicles and micelles by metathesis polymerization.
Three-dimensional mesoporous PtM (M = Co, Cu, Ni) nanowire catalysts with high-performance towards methanol electro-oxidation reaction and oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Sun Junzhe , Hou Yubo , Wang Xuetao , Kou Tianyi , Liu Na , Zhang Ruijie , Zhang Zhonghua
Published: April 2021

Alloying with transition elements is proven to be an effective way to improve the methanol electro-oxidation reaction (MOR) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activities of Pt catalysts for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs).
Air activation of charcoal monoliths for capacitive energy storage
Authors: Ma Yu , Liang Hanqin , Yin Jinwei , Yao Dongxu , Xia Yongfeng , Zuo Kaihui , Zeng Yu-Ping
Published: April 2021

Charcoal monoliths derived from waste wood were activated with air for the application of electrochemical capacitor electrodes and an insight was given into the activation mechanism.
Correction: Multi-targeting of functional cysteines in multiple conserved SARS-CoV-2 domains by clinically safe Zn-ejectors
Authors: Sargsyan Karen , Lin Chien-Chu , Chen Ting , Grauffel Cédric , Chen Yi-Ping , Yang Wei-Zen , Liang Jian-Jong , Liao Chun-Che , Lin Yi-Ling , Yuan Hanna S. , Lim Carmay
Published: April 2021

Correction for ‘Multi-targeting of functional cysteines in multiple conserved SARS-CoV-2 domains by clinically safe Zn-ejectors’ by Karen Sargsyan et al., Chem. Sci., 2020, 11, 9904–9909, DOI: 10.1039/D0SC02646H.
Ordering leads to multiple fast tracks in simulated collective escape of human crowds
Authors: Cheng Chen , Li Jinglai , Yao Zhenwei
Published: April 2021

Emergence of multiple fast tracks resulting from the spontaneously formed crystal structure in the escaping crowd.
Propelling microdroplets generated and sustained by liquid–liquid phase separation in confined spaces
Authors: Zhang Xuehua , You Jae Bem , Arends Gilmar F. , Qian Jiasheng , Chen Yibo , Lohse Detlef , Shaw John M.
Published: April 2021

Liquid transport in a confined space can be enhanced via propelling microdroplets. These microdroplets form spontaneously from localized liquid–liquid phase separation as a ternary mixture is diluted by a diffusing poor solvent.
Confined assembly of ultrathin dual-functionalized Z-MXene nanosheet intercalated GO nanofilms with controlled structure for size-selective permeation
Authors: Liao Fangqun , Xu Zehai , Fan Zixuan , Meng Qin , Lv Bosheng , Ye Xiaowei , Shen Chong , Zhang Guoliang
Published: April 2021

Confined assembly of ultrathin dual-functionalized Z-MXene nanosheet intercalated GO nanofilms with controlled structure was realized for size-selective permeation.
Printed solid state electrolyte carbon nanotube thin film transistors for sub-1 V fully printed flexible CMOS inverters
Authors: Gao Tianqi , Deng Jie , Li Xiaoqian , Ren Yunfei , Gu Weibing , Robin Malo , Zhao Jianwen
Published: April 2021

Flexible fully-printed single-walled carbon nanotube CMOS inverters with low operating voltage that exhibit excellent voltage gains, noise margins and static power consumption, and good mechanical flexibility have been achieved.
Electrochemical epitaxial (200) PbSe submicron-plates on single-layer graphene for an ultrafast infrared response
Authors: Yang Chan , Feng Shuanglong , Yu Yinye , Shen Jun , Wei Xingzhan , Shi Haofei
Published: April 2021

In suit epitaxial growth of highly oriented PbSe submicron crystals on graphene via ECALE method. The hybrid PbSe/graphene structure presents a fast response and outstanding photoresponsivity under illumination of 2.7 μm light at room temperature.
Highly sensitive, broad-band organic photomultiplication-type photodetectors covering UV-Vis-NIR
Authors: Liu Ming , Wang Jian , Yang Kaixuan , Zhao Zijin , Zhou Zhengji , Ma Yao , Shen Liang , Ma Xiaoling , Zhang Fujun
Published: April 2021

Broad-band organic photomultiplication-type photodetectors were successfully fabricated with one photon harvesting layer and one photomultiplication layer, exhibiting broad response range from 300 to 1000 nm and over 50400% EQE at 360 nm.
Children With Cochlear Implants Use Semantic Prediction to Facilitate Spoken Word Recognition
Authors: Blomquist Christina , Newman Rochelle S. , Huang Yi Ting , Edwards Jan
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Children with cochlear implants (CIs) are more likely to struggle with spoken language than their age-matched peers with normal hearing (NH), and new language processing literature suggests that these challenges may be linked to delays in spoken word recognition. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether children with CIs use language knowledge via semantic prediction to facilitate recognition of upcoming words and help compensate for uncertainties in the acoustic signal.

Method

Five- to 10-year-old children with CIs heard sentences with an informative verb (
draws
) or a neutral verb (
gets
) preceding a target word (
picture
). The target referent was presented on a screen, along with a phonologically similar competitor (
pickle
). Children's eye gaze was recorded to quantify efficiency of access of the target word and suppression of phonological competition. Performance was compared to both an age-matched group and vocabulary-matched group of children with NH.

Results

Children with CIs, like their peers with NH, demonstrated use of informative verbs to look more quickly to the target word and look less to the phonological competitor. However, children with CIs demonstrated less efficient use of semantic cues relative to their peers with NH, even when matched for vocabulary ability.

Conclusions

Children with CIs use semantic prediction to facilitate spoken word recognition but do so to a lesser extent than children with NH. Children with CIs experience challenges in predictive spoken language processing above and beyond limitations from delayed vocabulary development. Children with CIs with better vocabulary ability demonstrate more efficient use of lexical-semantic cues. Clinical interventions focusing on building knowledge of words and their associations may support efficiency of spoken language processing for children with CIs.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.14417627
Reducing conversion range in wavelength exchange networks
Authors: Lin Bey‐Chi
Published: April 2021

All‐optical cross‐connects need to perform switching not only in the space domain, but also in the wavelength domain. Switching in the wavelength domain requires wavelength converters (WCs), and WCs capable of simultaneously performing multiple wavelength conversions have been invented. We can use multiple stages of such WCs to form a wavelength exchange network to allow an even larger number of simultaneous wavelength conversions. However, WCs with a full conversion range are often difficult to implement. In the paper, we develop new techniques and theories that can reduce the conversion range requirement and still maintain the full connectivity of all‐optical space/wavelength switches.
A tunable detector for distributed targets when signal mismatch occurs
Authors: Cui Yufeng , Liu Weijian , Du Qinglei , Liu Jun , Wang Yong‐Liang
Published: April 2021

Aiming at the problem of distributed target detection when there is signal mismatch, this paper proposes a tunable detector, which is characterised by a tunable parameter. The proposed detector can realise the flexible detection of mismatch signals by adjusting the tunable parameter, and hence the directivity (robustness or selectivity to mismatched signals) of the tunable detector can be smoothly adjusted. In addition, the tunable detector can obtain approximately the same detection performance as the corresponding generalised likelihood ratio test in the absence of signal mismatch. The proposed tunable detector also possesses the constant false alarm rate property. Numerical examples illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed detector.
Proton implantation in just above active region for improvement of power conversion efficiency of VCSELs
Authors: Miyamoto Tomoyuki , Sakamoto Hayato
Published: April 2021

Improving the power conversion efficiency of vertical cavity surface‐emitting lasers (VCSELs) by three‐dimensionally control of the carrier concentration, which is the main mechanism of the electrical resistance and optical absorption has been investigated using the proton implantation technique just above the active region. The fabricated VCSELs showed improved power conversion efficiency of approximately 3 points without serious deterioration of threshold current and operating voltage. Improvement of slope efficiency from 0.5 W/A to 0.6 W/A is the main cause and these improved the output power by 1.2 times.
Description of space charge transport in oil‐paper insulation using adaptive time‐stepping transient upstream finite element method
Authors: Liu Jiefeng , Shi Mingchen , Zhang Yiyi , Gao Bing , Zhang Wei , Liang Shuo
Published: April 2021

The charge transport and accumulation in oil–paper can cause the insulation degradation. So far, the most widely used model to simulate space charge transport and accumulation is the bipolar charge transport (BCT) model, which can well simulate the space charge dynamics. However, there are two shortcomings in the algorithms for solving the BCT model. One is that there is almost no use of vectorisation technology, which may increase the complexity of the algorithm, the other is the usage of fixed step size which might bring extra computation cost. In view of this, an adaptive time‐stepping transient upstream finite element method (FEM) is developed to solve the BCT model considering trapping/detrapping, as well as the recombination phenomenon under DC condition in this article. Then, a vectorisation technology is used in the method to optimise the algorithm. Moreover, the adaptive time‐stepping method is introduced in simulation to reduce computation time and calculation amount. Simulation results are obtained by programing and later presented, which are basically consistent with the corresponding experimental results. Therefore, the proposed method is expected to promote the optimization design of the oil–paper insulation system.
Transient fault identification method for bipolar short‐circuit fault on MMC‐HVDC overhead lines based on hybrid HVDC breaker
Authors: Li Botong , Li Chunbo , Li Bin , Wen Weijie , Cui Hanqing , Su Jiang
Published: April 2021

A bipolar short‐circuit transient fault identification method for overhead transmission lines in modular multi‐level converter‐based high voltage direct current (MMC‐HVDC) grid based on the hybrid HVDC breaker is proposed. The circuit breakers on both sides of the positive and negative overhead transmission lines will trip after a bipolar short‐circuit fault in the MMC‐HVDC grid. In order to identify whether the fault is a transient fault, the isolating switch of the DC breaker on one line side is reclosed first, and the voltage change on this line side in the case of transient and permanent faults is analysed. By comparing the electrical characteristics of the voltage on the line side under transient and permanent faults, a transient fault identification method is proposed, and the calculation method of the setting value of the criterion is obtained. Finally, by building the MMC‐HVDC system model for simulation in power systems computer aided design, the accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed method for transient fault identification are verified.