bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On trigonometric cosine, square, sawtooth, and triangular wave‐type rotational modulations on triple‐diffusive convection in salted water
Authors: Rudziva M. , Sibanda P. , Noreldin O. A. I. , Goqo S.
Published: June 2021

The effect of sinusoidal (trigonometric cosine) and nonsinusoidal (square, sawtooth, and triangular) rotational modulations on triple‐diffusive convection in a Newtonian fluid is studied in this paper. The derived Ginzburg–Landau equation for the stationary mode of convection is used to quantify heat and mass transport. The enhancement of heat and mass transport in water due to the addition of different salts is explained in terms of the thermophysical properties of the fluid and the aqueous solutes. The flow equations are reduced to a Lorenz‐type scheme of nonlinear evolution equations using a truncated Fourier series. The equations describing the growth of convection amplitudes are solved using the multidomain spectral collocation method. With the aid of thermophysical properties of the fluid, numerical computations are performed for different values of the revised Rayleigh number (), Taylor number (), the amplitude of modulation , and modulation frequency . A comparison of heat and mass transport in different combinations of aqueous solutions is made. The study reveals that all modes of rotational modulation can control the rate of heat and mass transport. It is noted that amongst all other modulations, the square wave modulation is the most destabilizing one.
Computations of mixed convection slip flow around the surface of a sphere: Effects of thermophoretic transportation and viscous dissipation
Authors: Ashraf Muhammad , Abbas Amir , Oztop Hakan F. , Nisar Kottakkaran S. , Khan Ilyas
Published: June 2021

The effects of thermophoretic motion and viscous dissipation on the two‐dimensional fluid flowing along different positions of a sphere are inspected by considering slip flow. The leading set of partial differential equations is altered as a set of nonlinear primitive partial differential equations utilizing primitive variable transformation. The finite difference method is used to solve the governing equations numerically. The impacts of appropriate parameters, such as Eckert number slip flow parameters, mixed convection parameter, and thermophoresis parameter on unknown variables, such as velocity profile, mass concentration, and temperature profile are analyzed and displayed with the help of graphs by using the highly technical software, Tecplot 360. And also, we have observed the effects of the identical parameters on skin friction coefficient, rate of heat, and rate of mass transfers by means of graphs. From the outcomes, we noted that (a) the velocity profile is dominant at position  rad and the temperature distribution and mass concentration are dominant at position  rad for increasing values of Eckert number. (b) Slip parameter boosts the velocity at position  rad but temperature and mass concentration are maximum at position  rad. (c) The thermophoretic parameter is also having a very strong impact on heat and fluid flow mechanics. The slip flow provides benefits in improving heat and mass transfer mechanisms along with skin friction. It is also predicted that the concentration boundary layer will be thinner during thermophoresis around the different positions. The novelty of the predicted work is holding slip flow with the inclusion of mechanical energy and thermophoretic motion around different positions of the sphere. It is worth mentioning that the obtained results predicted in graphs are satisfied by the prescribed boundary conditions, which yield the corrected skin friction, rate of heat transfer, and rate of mass transfer.
Experimental catchments in the Pampa biome: Database on hydrology in grasslands and eucalyptus plantations in subtropical Brazil
Authors: Reichert José Miguel , de Deus Junior José Carlos , Borges Junior Norton , Cavalcante Rosane Barbosa Lopes
Published: June 2021

The introduction of exotic, fast‐growing forest species in the Pampa biome (Southern Grasslands) is a controversial topic, considering the potential effect on water and soil resources. This repository contains hydrologic data (rainfall, discharge and turbidity) collected since 2011 in three small (≤1.1 km2), paired experimental catchments of the “Ponta da Canas” site, in the Pampa biome in subtropical Brazil. Two catchments are predominantly covered with eucalyptus plantations, and one with livestock‐grazing degraded grassland. For each catchment, the collected data include 10‐min resolution rainfall, streamflow, and turbidity (except for one of the eucalyptus catchments), automatically recorded in 10‐min intervals. In each catchment, rainfall is measured with an automatic tipping‐bucket rain gauge; stream depth is determined with a pressure transducer at the spillway, and a rating curve is used to estimate discharge; and turbidity is measured with a turbidimeter. The collected data are being used to understand water balance and sediment production under the distinct land uses, to improve forest management, and comply with State legislation.
Quantifying the impact of no‐till on sediment yield in southern Brazil at the hillslope and catchment scales
Authors: Londero Ana L. , Minella Jean P. G. , Schneider Fabio J. A. , Deuschle Dinis , Merten Gustavo H. , Evrard Olivier , Boeni Madalena
Published: June 2021

No‐till (NT) is a soil management system designed to protect soil resources from water erosion and provide numerous benefits compared to conventional tillage through the increase of organic matter inputs into the soil. However, NT in isolation is not sufficient to control erosion processes caused by an excessive production of surface runoff. This study evaluated soil losses on agricultural hillslopes under no‐till characterized by contrasted water, soil, and crop management conditions. To this end, water and soil losses were monitored between 2014 and 2018 at two scales, including four macroplots (0.6 ha; 27 events) and two paired zero‐order catchments (2.4 ha; 63 events). The resulting dataset covered a wide range of rainfall conditions that occurred in contrasted soil, crop, and runoff management conditions. Hyetographs, hydrographs, and sedigraphs were constructed, and these data were used to evaluate the impact of management on sediment yields, including that of terraces, scarification, and phytomass on sediment yield. The installation of terraces reduced sediment yield by 58.7%, mainly through surface runoff control. Crop management including an increased phytomass input efficiently controlled soil losses (63%), although it did not reduce runoff volume and peak flow. In contrast, scarification had no impact on runoff and soil losses. The current research demonstrated the need to combine the installation of terraces and leaving a high amount of phytomass on the soil to control surface runoff and erosion and reduce sediment yield. The current research therefore reinforces the relevance of the monitoring strategy conducted at the scale of macroplots and zero‐order catchments to evaluate the impact of contrasted water, soil, and crop management methods and select the most effective conservation agriculture practices.
Birth, breastfeeding, psychological flexibility and self‐compassion as predictors of mother–infant emotional availability in a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Whittingham Koa , Mitchell Amy E.
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to examine relationships between objective childbirth and breastfeeding events, subjective childbirth and breastfeeding experiences, and emotional availability in the mother–infant relationship. Further, it aimed to test two psychological variables, psychological flexibility and self‐compassion, as predictors of emotional availability. A convenience sample of 396 mothers of infants (<2 years) from Australia and New Zealand completed an online cross‐sectional survey. Objective breastfeeding events (difficulties), negative subjective birth/breastfeeding experiences, poorer psychological flexibility, and lower self‐compassion correlated with poorer emotional availability. After controlling for objective birth and breastfeeding variables using multiple linear regressions, better subjective breastfeeding experiences, psychological flexibility, and self‐compassion predicted the mutual attunement aspect of emotional availability, whereas better subjective birth experiences and psychological flexibility predicted the affect quality aspect of emotional availability. Mothers’ subjective experiences of birth and breastfeeding are important in understanding the early mother–infant relationship. Psychological flexibility and self‐compassion are important predictors of emotional availability and may be useful targets for psychological intervention aimed at optimising early mother–infant relationships.
Progress in thermal stability of all‐solid‐state‐Li‐ion‐batteries
Authors: Wu Yujing , Wang Shuo , Li Hong , Chen Liquan , Wu Fan
Published: June 2021

Thermal safety is one of the major issues for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) used in electric vehicles. The thermal runaway mechanism and process of LIBs have been extensively studied, but the thermal problems of LIBs remain intractable due to the flammability, volatility and corrosiveness of organic liquid electrolytes. To ultimately solve the thermal problem, all‐solid‐state LIBs (ASSLIBs) are considered to be the most promising technology. However, research on the thermal stability of solid‐state electrolytes (SEs) is still in its initial stage, and the thermal safety of ASSLIBs still needs further validation. Moreover, the specified reviews summarizing the thermal stability of ASSLIBs and all types of SEs are still missing. To fill this gap, this review systematically discussed recent progress in the field of thermal properties investigation for ASSLIBs, form levels of materials and interface to the whole battery. The thermal properties of three major types of SEs, including polymer, oxide, and sulfide SEs are systematically reviewed here. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the thermal stability of SEs for the benign development of ASSLIBs and their promising application under practical operating conditions.

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Modeling the efficiency of UV at 254 nm for disinfecting the different layers within N95 respirators
Authors: Abdalrhman Abdallatif Satti , Wang Chengjin , Manalac Angelica , Weersink Madrigal , Yassine Abdul‐Amir , Betz Vaughn , Barbeau Benoit , Lilge Lothar , Hofmann Ron
Published: June 2021

The study presented a Monte Carlo simulation of light transport in eight commonly used filtered facepiece respirators (FFRs) to assess the efficacy of UV at 254 nm for the inactivation of SARS‐CoV‐2. The results showed different fluence rates across the thickness of the eight different FFRs, implying that some FFR models may be more treatable than others, with the following order being (from most to least treatable): models 1512, 9105s, 1805, 9210, 1870+, 8210, 8110s and 1860, for single side illumination. The model predictions did not coincide well with some previously reported experimental data on virus inactivation when applied to FFR surfaces. The simulations predicted that FFRs should experience higher log reductions (>>6‐log) than those observed experimentally (often limited to ~5‐log). Possible explanations are virus shielding by aggregation or soiling, and a lack of the Monte Carlo simulations considering near‐field scattering effects that can create small, localized regions of low UV photon probability on the surface of the fiber material. If the latter is the main cause in limiting practical UV viral decontamination, improvement might be achieved by exposing the FFR to UV isotropically from all directions, such as by varying the UV source to the FFR surface angle during treatment.
Patient‐reported outcomes following autologous stem cell transplant for patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Biran Noa , Zhai Wanting , Jensen Roxanne E. , Mandelblatt Jeanne , Kumka Susan , Unawane Rashmi , Graves Kristi D. , Vesole David H , Siegel David S , Potosky Arnold L.
Published: June 2021

We evaluated changes in patient‐reported outcomes and cognitive function from pre‐ to 3–6 months post‐treatment among 42 newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma undergoing transplant with complete data using PROMIS‐29. There were statistically significant improvements in physical (p < .001) and mental health (p < .001) but not cognition from pre‐treatment to 3–6 month follow‐up. Similar results were seen within age or comorbidity strata. Patients with myeloma undergoing transplant experienced generally improved short‐term health outcomes with no significant declines in cognition.
Next‐generation sequencing reveals the presence of DDX41 mutations in acute lymphoblastic leukemia and aplastic anemia
Authors: Zhang Yang , Wang Fang , Chen Xue , Liu Hong , Wang Xiaoliang , Chen Jiaqi , Cao Panxiang , Ma Xiaoli , Liu Hongxing
Published: June 2021

Limited studies have been described DEAD‐box helicase 41 (DDX41) mutations in hematological diseases other than myeloid neoplasms. In this study, DDX41 mutations were identified in 0.8% of myeloid neoplasms, 0.9% of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and 1.0% of aplastic anemia (AA). A total of 15 causal DDX41 variants in 14 patients were detected; seven of which have not been reported previously. In myeloid neoplasms, the median age of patients with germline missense was lower than that of germline nonsense mutations. In ALL, the characteristics of DDX41 mutation were distinct. This study first reported DDX41 mutations in ALL and AA, expanding its mutation and phenotypic spectrum.
The effect of urbanization on temperature indices in the Philippines
Authors: Manalo John A. , Matsumoto Jun , Takahashi Hiroshi G. , Villafuerte Marcelino Q. , Olaguera Lyndon Mark P. , Ren Guoyu , Cinco Thelma A.
Published: June 2021

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the effect of urbanization on the surface air temperature (SAT) from 1951 to 2018 in the Philippines. The daily minimum temperature (Tmin) and daily maximum temperature (Tmax) records from 34 meteorological stations were used to derive extreme temperature indices. These stations were then classified as urban or rural based on satellite night‐lights. The results showed a significant difference in the SAT trends between urban and rural stations, indicative of the effect of urbanization in the country. Larger and more significant warming trends were observed in indices related to Tmin than those related to Tmax. In particular, the effects of urbanization were significant in the annual index series of Tmin, diurnal temperature range, minimum Tmin, percentage of days when Tmin was less than the 10th percentile (TN10p), percentage of days when Tmin was greater than 90th percentile (TN90p), and the number of coldest nights. The effects of urbanization were not as clear on the index series of maximum Tmax (TXx), minimum Tmax (TXn), percentage of days when Tmax was less than 10th percentile (TX10p), and the number of hottest days. The effects of urbanization on the annual series of extreme temperature indices were statistically significant at the 95% confidence level, with the exception of Tmax, TXn, TXx, TX10p, and the number of hottest days. Further analysis revealed that the effect of urbanization was the greatest during the DJF (December–January–February) season. These findings serve as a baseline study that focuses on the countrywide effect of urbanization on SAT trends in the Philippines.
SIE‐Climate: A methodological and technological tool for predicting local climate variability in managing socio‐ecological systems
Authors: Sierra‐Cárdenas Erika , Usaquén‐Perilla Olga , Fonseca‐Molano Mauricio , Ochoa‐Echeverría Mauricio , Díaz‐Gómez Jaime , del Jesus Manuel
Published: June 2021

Climate variability, as an element of uncertainty in water management, affects community, sectoral, and individual decision‐making. Long‐range prediction models are tools that offer the potential for integration and joint analysis with the hydrological, hydrodynamic, and management response of the socio‐ecological systems to which they are linked. The main objective of this article is to present a seasonal climate prediction model, the open‐source algorithm SIE‐Climate, whose application consists of three phases (exploration, development, and evaluation), and to describe its application to the Lake Sochagota socio‐ecological system (Paipa, Boyacá, Colombia). The K‐nearest neighbours method is used when defining a target matrix that represents and integrates macro‐ and micro‐climatic phenomena (Oceanic Niño Index, local temperature, and local rainfall) to identify periods of similar climatic behaviour. Considering a 1‐year horizon and management purposes the tool is calibrated and validated in periods with and without climatic anomalies (2000–2018), giving reliable adjustment results (RSME:4.86; R2: 0.95; PBIAS: −8.89%; EFF: 0.85). SIE‐Climate can be adapted to various contexts, variables of interest, and temporal and spatial scales, with an appropriate technological and computational cost for regional water management.
Psychometric properties of vaginal penetration cognition questionnaire (VPCQ) in Iranian women with sexual pain disorders
Authors: Banaei Mojdeh , Kariman Nourossadat , Ozgoli Giti , Sharif Nia Hamid , Nasiri Malihe
Published: June 2021

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Vaginal Penetration Cognition Questionnaire (VPCQ).

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

This research was conducted in two phases from June 2019 to February 2020. Phase I: The World Health Organization Protocol of forward–backward translation and an expert panel in order to determine face and content validity. Phase II: Survey development with 352 eligible women with sexual pain disorders, construct validity, internal consistency and construct reliability were evaluated.

Results

The exploratory factor analysis showed that the Persian version of VPCQ has three factors that explained 53.94% of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis also confirmed the fit of the three‐factor model. Convergent and divergent validity were confirmed for all factors. The average measure ICC was 0.99 (95% CI 0.98 to 0.99). The absolute reliability with estimated SEM of 2.67 and MDC% of 28% approved the reliability of the questionnaire.
What women want: General population perspectives and access to preconception expanded carrier screening
Authors: Rabkina Liya , Swanson Amy , Aufox Sharon , Propst Lauren , Fiddler Morris , Wagner Andrew , Arjunan Aishwarya
Published: June 2021

Objective

Expanded carrier screening (ECS) assesses the risk of individuals and couples of having a child affected with a set of genetic conditions. Carriers have options available to optimize pregnancy outcomes based on personal values and preferences. The greatest range of options is available prior to pregnancy, therefore professional societies recommend this screening be performed preconception. This study aimed to assess awareness of, and interest in, ECS in women preconception. Additionally, it aimed to evaluate preferences for timing and location of education and availability of ECS.

Methods

A total of 260 nulliparous women from the general population were surveyed through Qualtrics, a national market research survey platform. Data were delineated using descriptive statistics.

Results

Of this cohort, 43.5% reported being aware of ECS prior to the survey and 77.8% indicated interest. Those previously aware were first informed by family, friends, or independent online research. Interest was primarily driven by a desire for reassurance and to make informed decisions about future pregnancies. Interested respondents indicated a willingness to request testing from providers. Participants showed a preference for education and access from a healthcare provider in person.

Conclusion

These findings provide insight regarding when and where to best educate and reach women prior to pregnancy about ECS to maximize pregnancy outcomes.
Prescriptive standards of echocardiographic morphometric and functional parameters in uncomplicated monochorionic diamniotic fetuses
Authors: Torres Ximena , Martínez Josep M. , Gómez Olga , MartÍnez‐Portilla Raigam J. , García‐Otero Laura , Crispi Fátima , Masoller Narcís , Sepúlveda‐Martínez Álvaro , Marimón Edda , Gratacós Eduard , Figueras Francesc , Bennasar Mar
Published: June 2021

Objective

To create prescriptive standards of cardiac morphometric and functional parameters in a cohort of uncomplicated monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twins.

Method

Fetal echocardiography was performed in a cohort of uncomplicated monochorionic twin fetuses scanned longitudinally, including comprehensive morphometric and functional parameters, using 2‐D imaging, M‐mode and conventional Doppler. A multilevel polynomial hierarchical model adjusted by gestational age and estimated fetal weight was used to fit each cardiac parameter.

Results

The global heart dimensions including the atrial and ventricular areas, the ventricles dimensions and myocardial wall thicknesses and most of the functional parameters, such as the longitudinal myocardial motion and the biventricular cardiac output showed a positive quadratic increment throughout pregnancy. On the other hand, the left ejection fraction, shortening fraction and right fractional area change decreased with gestational age. Scatterplots for the main structural and functional parameters and ratios by gestational age, with mean, 5th, 10th, 90th, and 95th percentiles are provided. Regression equations by estimated fetal weight are also created.

Conclusion

We provide specific comprehensive echocardiographic prescriptive standards for uncomplicated MCDA twin fetuses following current standardized methodology. The implementation of these charts will potentially help to better identify abnormal cardiovascular parameters associated to monochorionic complications.
Does non‐invasive prenatal testing affect the livebirth prevalence of Down syndrome in the Netherlands? A population‐based register study
Authors: de Groot‐van der Mooren Maurike , de Graaf Gert , Weijerman Michel E , Hoffer Mariette J. V , Knijnenburg Jeroen , van der Kevie‐Kersemaekers Anne‐Marie M. F , Kooper Angelique J. A , Voorhoeve Els , Sikkema‐Raddatz Birgit , van Zutven Laura J. C. M , Srebniak Malgorzata Ilona , Huijsdens‐van Amsterdam Karin , Engelen John J. M , Smeets Dominique , van Kaam Anton H , Cornel Martina C
Published: June 2021

Objective

To evaluate if non‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) affects livebirth (LB) prevalence of Down syndrome (DS) in the Netherlands.

Method

Data from clinical genetics laboratories and the Working Party on Prenatal Diagnosis and Therapy (2014–2018) and previous published data (1991–2013) were used to assess trends for DS LB prevalence and reduction percentage (the net decrease in DS LBs resulting from selective termination of pregnancies). Statistics Netherlands provided general population data.

Results

DS LB prevalence increased from 11.6/10,000 in 1991 to 15.9/10,000 in 2002 (regression coefficient 0.246 [95% CI: 0.105–0.388; p = 0.003]). After 2002, LB prevalence decreased to 11.3/10,000 in 2014 and further to 9.9/10,000 in 2018 (regression coefficient 0.234 (95% CI: −0.338 to −0.131; p < 0.001). The reduction percentage increased from 26% in 1991 to 55.2% in 2018 (regression coefficient 0.012 (95% CI: 0.010–0.013; p < 0.001)). There were no trend changes after introducing NIPT as second‐tier (2014) and first‐tier test (2017).

Conclusions

Introducing NIPT did not change the decreasing trend in DS LB prevalence and increasing trend in reduction percentage. These trends may be caused by a broader development of more prenatal testing that had already started before introducing NIPT.
RosettaCM for antibodies with very long HCDR3s and low template availability
Authors: Kodali Pranav , Schoeder Clara T. , Schmitz Samuel , Crowe James E. , Meiler Jens
Published: June 2021

Antibody‐antigen co‐crystal structures are a valuable resource for the fundamental understanding of antibody‐mediated immunity. Determination of structures with antibodies in complex with their antigens, however, is a laborious task without guarantee of success. Therefore, homology modeling of antibodies and docking to their respective antigens has become a very important technique to drive antibody and vaccine design. The quality of the antibody modeling process is critical for the success of these endeavors. Here, we compare different computational protocols for predicting antibody structure from sequence in the biomolecular modeling software Rosetta—all of which use multiple existing antibody structures to guide modeling. Specifically, we compare protocols developed solely to predict antibody structure (RosettaAntibody, AbPredict) with a universal homology modeling protocol (RosettaCM). Following recent advances in homology modeling with multiple templates simultaneously, we propose that the use of multiple templates over the same antibody regions may improve modeling performance. To evaluate whether multi‐template comparative modeling with RosettaCM can improve the modeling accuracy of antibodies over existing methods, this study compares the performance of the three modeling algorithms when modeling human antibodies taken from antibody‐antigen co‐crystal structures. In these benchmarking experiments, RosettaCM outperformed other methods when modeling antibodies with long HCDR3s and few available templates.
Cannabidiol‐mediated RISK PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK pathways decreasing reperfusion myocardial damage
Authors: Franco‐Vadillo Antonio , Toledo‐Blass Mireille , Rivera‐Herrera Zeltzin , Guevara‐Balcazar Gustavo , Orihuela‐Rodriguez Oscar , Morales‐Carmona Jose A. , Kormanovski‐Kovzova Alexandre , Lopez‐Sanchez Pedro , Rubio‐Gayosso Ivan , Castillo‐Hernandez Maria del Carmen
Published: June 2021

Myocardial ischemia continues to be the first cause of morbimortality in the world; the definitive treatment is reperfusion; however, this action causes additional damage to ischemic myocardial tissue; this forces to seek therapies of cardioprotection to reduce this additional damage. There are many cardioprotective agents; within these, cannabinoids have shown to have beneficial effects, mainly cannabidiol (CBD). CBD is a non psychoactive cannabinoid. To evaluate the effect in experimental models of CBD in myocardial ischemia reperfusion in rats, twelve‐week‐old male rats have been used. The animals were divides in 3 groups: control(C), ischemia reperfusion (IR) and CBD pretreatment (1/day/5mg/kg /10days). Langendorff organ isolate studies were performed, and the area of infarction was assessed with triphenyl tetrazolium, in addition to molecular analysis of AT1 and AT2 receptors and Akt and Erk proteins and their phosphorylated forms related to RISK pathways. It was observed that there is an improvement with the use of CBD increasing inotropism and cardiac lusitropism, improving considerably the cardiovascular functionality. These could be related to the reduction of the area of infarction and activation of the AT2 receptor and the RISK pathway with absence of activation of the AT2 receptor (these could relate the reduction of the infarct area and the restoration of cardiovascular function with the activation of the AT2 receptor and the RISK pathway with the absence of activation of the AT2 receptor). The use of cannabinoids was shown to have beneficial effects when used as a treatment for myocardial reperfusion damage.
Stathmin dynamics modulate the activity of eribulin in breast cancer cells
Authors: Yoshie Mikihiro , Ishida Akari , Ohashi Haruka , Nakachi Nami , Azumi Mana , Tamura Kazuhiro
Published: June 2021

Stathmin, a phosphoprotein that modulates microtubule dynamics, is highly expressed in breast cancer cells. Eribulin, a microtubule‐depolymerizing agent, is used to treat patients with advanced breast cancer. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying the action of eribulin during microtubule catastrophe, and the interaction between eribulin and stathmin dynamics, remain unclear. Here, we investigated the role of stathmin in the antiproliferative activity of eribulin in breast cancer cells. Eribulin induced phosphorylation of stathmin in MCF7 and MDA‐MB‐231 cells; this was attenuated by an inhibitor of protein kinase A (H89) and an inhibitor of Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent kinase II (KN62). In addition, expression of phosphorylated stathmin was reduced by the protein phosphatase PP2A activator FTY720 but increased by the PP2A inhibitor okadaic acid. Of note, expression of PP2A subunits in eribulin‐treated cells decreased, although eribulin did not affect the phosphatase activity of recombinant PP2A directly. Furthermore, the antiproliferative effect of eribulin was stronger in stathmin‐overexpressing cells. These results suggest that stathmin dynamics are closely associated with the antiproliferative effects of eribulin and stathmin is a possible biomarker for predicting the therapeutic effects of eribulin in breast cancer patients.
Varying contributions of three ryanodine receptor point mutations to diamide insecticide resistance in Plutella xylostella
Authors: Jiang Dong , Qian Cheng , Wang Danhui , Wang Falong , Zhao Shan , Yang Yihua , Baxter Simon W , Wang Xingliang , Wu Yidong
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Although decoding the molecular mechanisms underlying insecticide resistance has often proven difficult, recent progress has revealed that specific mutations in the ryanodine receptor (RyR) of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, can confer resistance to diamide insecticides. The extent to which specific RyR mutations contribute to the diamide resistance phenotype, the associated genetic traits and fitness costs remain limited.

RESULTS

Three field‐evolved PxRyR mutations (G4946E, I4790 M, and I4790 K) were respectively introgressed into a common susceptible background strain (IPP‐S) of P. xylostella with marker‐assisted backcrossing. The mutations alone can result in moderate to high levels of resistance to five commercial diamides (flubendiamide, chlorantraniliprole, cyantraniliprole, tetraniliprole, and cyclaniliprole), and the resistance intensity mediated by the three mutations was hierarchical in order of I4790 K (1199‐ to >2778‐fold) > G4946E (39‐ to 739‐fold) > I4790 M (16‐ to 57‐fold). Flubendiamide resistance was autosomal and incompletely recessive, and was significantly linked with the introgressed mutations in the three constructed strains. In addition, the resistance levels to flubendiamide of hybrid progeny from any two resistant strains fell in between the status of their parents. Furthermore, by comparing the net replacement rate, the fitness of 4946E, 4790 M and 4790 K strains were 0.77, 0.93 and 0.92 relative to the IPP‐S strain, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Three independent PxRyR mutations confer varying degrees of resistance to diamides in P. xylostella. Among the three mutations, I4790 K confers highest levels of resistance (> 1000‐fold) to all five commercial diamides. The findings can guide resistance management practices for diamides in P. xylostella and other arthropods.
Endometrial polyps with increased plasma cells are associated with chronic endometritis in infertility patients: Hysteroscopic findings and post‐polypectomy pregnancy rates
Authors: Nomiyama Mari , Yamasaki Fumio , Tokunaga Mariko , Ohbuchi Yukari , Sago Naka , Arima Kaoru , Nishiyama Wakako , Hashiguchi Mariko , Kojima Kayoko
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The relationship between endometrial polyps (EPs), chronic endometritis (CE), hysteroscopic findings, and antimicrobial in infertility patients was determined.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 115 infertility patients with suspected EPs who underwent office hysteroscopy. Patients were divided into 3 groups: 38 with increased plasma cells in EPs (group 1); 31 without increased plasma cells in EPs (group 2); and 46 without EPs (group 3). The 3 groups underwent hysteroscopy with or without polypectomies, and immediately thereafter, an endometrial aspiration biopsy (EAB) was performed. CE was diagnosed based on plasma cell infiltration in the non‐polypoid endometrium obtained by EAB.

Results

The percentage of CE was 68.4%, 32.2%, and 28.3% in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. CE was more frequent in group 1 than group 2 or 3 (P = .01 and P = .002, respectively). The number of polyps was higher in group 1 than group 2. After adjustment for age and assisted reproductive technology, antibiotic therapy was not associated with pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio, 0.44; 95% confidence interval, 0.05‐3.57) in patients with EPs and CE.

Conclusions

Group 1 was associated with CE, and hysteroscopic findings were different from group 2. Antibiotic therapy after polypectomy for EPs with CE may not always be necessary.
Present variants of concern and variants of interest of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2: Their significant mutations in S‐glycoprotein, infectivity, re‐infectivity, immune escape and vaccines activity
Authors: Chakraborty Chiranjib , Bhattacharya Manojit , Sharma Ashish Ranjan
Published: June 2021

Newly arising variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) are now a threat to global public health and are creating COVID‐19 surges in different countries. At the same time, there is limited knowledge about these emerging variants. Even if research data are available, it is varyingly scattered. In this review, we have discussed the appearance of significant alarming SARS‐CoV‐2 variants in the entire world. The study also discusses the properties of the substantial variant of concern (VOC) variants such as B.1.1.7 (Alpha), B.1.351 (Beta), P.1 (Gamma), B.1.427 (Epsilon) and B.1.429 (Epsilon). At the same time, the characteristic properties of some significant variant of interest (VOI) variants like B.1.525 (Eta), B.1.526 (Iota) (sublineage B.1.526.1), B.1.617 (sublineages B.1.617.1 (Kappa), B.1.617.2 (Delta) and B.1.617.3), P.2 (Zeta), P.3 (Theta), B.1.616 and B.1.427 have also been discussed. Here, we have explained some essential mutations for the VOC and VOI variants such as K417T/N, L452R, E484K, N501Y, D614G and P681R. Consecutively, we also highlighted the crucial clinical characteristics of the variants, such as transmissibility, infectivity, re‐infectivity, immune escape, vaccine activity and vaccine escape. Our comprehensive review will provide updated information on the newly appearing variants of SARS‐CoV‐2 and help the researchers to formulate strategies to curtail the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Manganese‐coated IRIS to document reducing soil conditions
Authors: Rabenhorst Martin C. , Drohan Patrick J. , Galbraith John M. , Moorberg Colby , Spokas Lesley , Stolt Mark H. , Thompson James A. , Turk Judith , Vasilas Bruce L. , Vaughan Karen L.
Published: June 2021

Iron‐coated indicatorof reduction in soils (IRIS) devices have been used for nearly two decades to help assess and document reducing conditions in soils, and official guidance has been approved for interpreting these data. Interest in manganese (Mn)‐coated IRIS devices has increased because Mn oxides are reduced under more moderately reducing conditions than iron (Fe) oxides (which require strongly reducing conditions), such that they are expected to be better proxies for some important ecosystem services like denitrification. However, only recently has the necessary technology become available to produce Mn‐coated IRIS, and the need is now emerging for guidance in interpreting data derived from Mn IRIS. Ninety‐six data sets collected over a 2‐yr period from 40 plots at 18 study sites among eight states were used to compare the performance of Mn‐coated IRIS with Fe‐coated IRIS and to assess the effect of duration of saturation and soil temperature as environmental drivers on the reduction and removal of the oxide coating. It appears that the current threshold prescribed by the National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils for Fe‐coated IRIS is appropriate for periods when soil temperatures are warmer (>11 °C), but is unnecessarily conservative when soil temperatures are cooler (5–11 °C). In contrast, Mn‐coated devices are particularly useful early in the growing season when soil temperatures are cool. Our data show that when using a threshold of 30% removal of Mn oxide coatings there is essentially 100% confidence of the presence of reducing soil conditions under cool (<11 °C) conditions.
Temporal associations among loneliness, anxiety, and depression during the COVID‐19 pandemic period
Authors: Wu Jianfen , Wu Yunpeng , Tian Yu
Published: June 2021

Numerous studies have reported that individuals' loneliness, anxiety, and depression levels increased during the COVID‐19 pandemic period. However, reciprocal associations among loneliness, anxiety, and depression, as well as gender differences in these associations, have not been investigated. Therefore, temporal associations among loneliness, anxiety, and depression and gender differences in these associations were examined in a longitudinal study during the COVID‐19 pandemic period. The loneliness, anxiety, and depression levels of 458 university students were evaluated at three timepoints (T1, T2, and T3) during the COVID‐19 pandemic period in China. The timepoints were separated by 1 month. Cross‐lagged panel designs were used to examine reciprocal associations among loneliness, anxiety, and depression as well as the stability and gender differences of these associations. Cross‐lagged panel analysis revealed that T1 depression positively predicted T2 anxiety and loneliness, T1 loneliness positively predicted T2 depression, T2 anxiety positively predicted T3 depression, T2 depression positively predicted T3 anxiety and loneliness, T2 loneliness positively predicted T3 depression, and T1 loneliness positively predicted T3 anxiety through the mediating role of T2 depression. No gender differences were observed in the cross‐lagged associations. During the COVID‐19 pandemic period, loneliness and depression predicted each other across time, and loneliness predicted anxiety across time, mediated by depression. No gender differences were observed in the cross‐lagged associations among loneliness, anxiety, and depression.
Transcutaneous Measurement of Essential Vitamins Using Near‐Infrared Fluorescent Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotube Sensors
Authors: Bakh Naveed A. , Gong Xun , Lee Michael A. , Jin Xiaojia , Koman Volodymyr B. , Park Minkyung , Nguyen Freddy T. , Strano Michael S.
Published: June 2021

Vitamins such as riboflavin and ascorbic acid are frequently utilized in a range of biomedical applications as drug delivery targets, fluidic tracers, and pharmaceutical excipients. Sensing these biochemicals in the human body has the potential to significantly advance medical research and clinical applications. In this work, a nanosensor platform consisting of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with nanoparticle corona phases engineered to allow for the selective molecular recognition of ascorbic acid and riboflavin, is developed. The study provides a methodological framework for the implementation of colloidal SWCNT nanosensors in an intraperitoneal SKH1‐E murine model by addressing complications arising from tissue absorption and scattering, mechanical perturbations, as well as sensor diffusion and interactions with the biological environment. Nanosensors are encapsulated in a polyethylene glycol diacrylate hydrogel and a diffusion model is utilized to validate analyte transport and sensor responses to local concentrations at the boundary. Results are found to be reproducible and stable after exposure to 10% mouse serum even after three days of in vivo implantation. A geometrical encoding scheme is used to reference sensor pairs, correcting for in vivo optical and mechanical artifacts, resulting in an order of magnitude improvement of p‐value from 0.084 to 0.003 during analyte sensing.
Abnormal Properties of Low‐Dimensional Confined Water
Authors: Wang Dianyu , Tian Ye , Jiang Lei
Published: June 2021

Water molecules confined to low‐dimensional spaces exhibit unusual properties compared to bulk water. For example, the alternating hydrophilic and hydrophobic nanodomains on flat silicon wafer can induce the abnormal spreading of water (contact angles near 0°) which is caused by the 2D capillary effect. Hence, exploring the physicochemical properties of confined water from the nanoscale is of great value for understanding the challenges in material science and promoting the applications of nanomaterials in the fields of mass transport, nanofluidic designing, and fuel cell. The knowledge framework of confined water can also help to better understand the complex functions of the hydration layer of biomolecules, and even trace the origin of life. In this review, the physical properties, abnormal behaviors, and functions of the confined water are mainly summarized through several common low‐dimensional water formats in the fields of solid/air–water interface, nanochannel confinement, and biological hydration layer. These researches indicate that the unusual behaviors of the confined water depend strongly on the confinement size and the interaction between the molecules and confining surface. These diverse properties of confined water open a new door to materials science and may play an important role in the future development of biology.
3D Printing‐Enabled Nanoparticle Alignment: A Review of Mechanisms and Applications
Authors: Xu Weiheng , Jambhulkar Sayli , Ravichandran Dharneedar , Zhu Yuxiang , Kakarla Mounika , Nian Qiong , Azeredo Bruno , Chen Xiangfan , Jin Kailong , Vernon Brent , Lott David G. , Cornella Jeffrey L. , Shefi Orit , Miquelard‐Garnier Guillaume , Yang Yang , Song Kenan
Published: June 2021

3D printing (additive manufacturing (AM)) has enormous potential for rapid tooling and mass production due to its design flexibility and significant reduction of the timeline from design to manufacturing. The current state‐of‐the‐art in 3D printing focuses on material manufacturability and engineering applications. However, there still exists the bottleneck of low printing resolution and processing rates, especially when nanomaterials need tailorable orders at different scales. An interesting phenomenon is the preferential alignment of nanoparticles that enhance material properties. Therefore, this review emphasizes the landscape of nanoparticle alignment in the context of 3D printing. Herein, a brief overview of 3D printing is provided, followed by a comprehensive summary of the 3D printing‐enabled nanoparticle alignment in well‐established and in‐house customized 3D printing mechanisms that can lead to selective deposition and preferential orientation of nanoparticles. Subsequently, it is listed that typical applications that utilized the properties of ordered nanoparticles (e.g., structural composites, heat conductors, chemo‐resistive sensors, engineered surfaces, tissue scaffolds, and actuators based on structural and functional property improvement). This review's emphasis is on the particle alignment methodology and the performance of composites incorporating aligned nanoparticles. In the end, significant limitations of current 3D printing techniques are identified together with future perspectives.
Educational Games and Online Resources
Authors: Danielsson Kristina , Selander Staffan
Published: June 2021

The importance of games and simulations within education are increasing.
Natural Sciences
Authors: Danielsson Kristina , Selander Staffan
Published: June 2021

We have chosen a section dealing with the “the celestial bodies in the solar system
Recognition of Formal and Non-formal Training in Data Science
Authors: Menasalvas Ernestina , Swoboda Nik , Moreno Ana , Metzger Andreas , Rothweiler Aristide , Pavlopoulou Niki , Curry Edward
Published: June 2021

The fields of Big Data, Data Analytics and Data Science, which are key areas of current and future industrial demand, are quickly growing and evolving. Within Europe, there is a significant skills gap which needs to be addressed. A key activity is to ensure we meet future needs for skills and align the supply of educational offerings with the demands from industry and society. In this chapter, we detail one step in this direction, a programme to recognise Data Science skills. The chapter introduces the data skills challenge and the importance of formal and non-formal education. It positions data skills within a framework for skills and education, and it reviews key projects which have advanced the data skills agenda. It then introduces recognition frameworks for formal and non-formal Data Science training, and it details a methodology to achieve consensus between interested stakeholders in both academia and industry, and the platforms needed to be deployed for the proposal. Finally, we present a case study of the application of recognition frameworks within an online educational portal for students.
Trade Union Approaches to Global Value Chains: The Indonesian Experience
Authors: Zimmer Reingard
Published: June 2021

The evident failure of voluntary corporate codes of conduct and their monitoring has further intensified debates over the purchasing practices and legal accountability of transnational corporations. This article analyses the development of International Framework Agreements as an alternative approach advanced by trade unions and describes the characteristics of these instruments, pointing out their strengths and weaknesses concerning implementation and monitoring. It specifically focuses on the Indonesian Protocol on Freedom of Association, a special framework agreement concluded between Indonesian trade unions and international sportswear firms to protect freedom of association and trade union rights in the Indonesian textile, garment and footwear industries. After presenting the protocol’s content, the article discusses findings concerning the implementation and monitoring of the agreement, based on interviews conducted by the author in Indonesia between November 2018 and January 2019. It identifies several key factors that led to the successful promotion of strong trade union rights in the formation phase of the agreement, namely public awareness due to intensive campaigning around a mega sporting event, strong support from different civil society actors and the presence of a neutral facilitator. Overall, the Indonesian Protocol on Freedom of Association is an example of a bottom-up process that strengthens the signatory trade unions and thus serves as a potential model for actors in other countries.