bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Elemental Stoichiometric Ratios in Microorganisms Respond to Thinning Management in Larix principis-rupprechtti Mayr. Plantations of the Warm Temperate Zone in China
Authors: Cai Mengke , Xing Shiping , Cheng Xiaoqing , Liu Li , Peng Xinhao , Shang Tianxiong , Han Hairong
Published: May 2021

The stoichiometric ratios of elements in microorganisms play an important role in biogeochemical cycling and evaluating the nutritional limits of microbial growth, but the effects of thinning treatment on the stoichiometric ratio of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in microorganisms remain unclear. We conducted research in a Larix principis-rupprechtti Mayr. plantation to determine the main factors driving microbial carbon (C): nitrogen (N): phosphorus (P) stoichiometry following thinning and the underlying mechanisms of these effects. The plantation study varied in thinning intensity from 0% tree removal (control), 15% tree reduction (high density plantation, HDP), 35% tree reduction (medium density plantation, MDP), and 50% tree reduction (low density plantation, LDP). Our results indicated that medium density plantation significantly increased litter layer biomass, soil temperature, and other soil properties (e.g., soil moisture and nutrient contents). Understory vegetation diversity (i.e., shrub layer and herb layer) was highest in the medium density plantation. Meanwhile, thinning had a great influence on the biomass of microbial communities. For example, the concentration of phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA) for bacteria and fungi in the medium density plantation (MDP) was significantly higher than in other thinning treatments. Combining Pearson correlation analysis, regression modeling, and stepwise regression demonstrated that the alteration of the microbial biomass carbon: nitrogen was primarily related to gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria, soil temperature, and soil available phosphorus. Variation in bacteria, actinomycetes, gram-positive bacteria, gram–negative bacteria, and soil total phosphorus was primarily associated with shifts in microbial biomass carbon: phosphorus. Moreover, changes in microbial biomass nitrogen: phosphorus were regulated by actinomycetes, gram-negative bacteria, and soil temperature. In conclusion, our research indicates that the stoichiometric ratios of elements in microorganisms could be influenced by thinning management, and emphasizes the importance of soil factors and microbial communities in driving soil microbial stoichiometry.
Use of Genomic Resources to Assess Adaptive Divergence and Introgression in Oaks
Authors: Lazic Desanka , Hipp Andrew L. , Carlson John E. , Gailing Oliver
Published: May 2021

Adaptive divergence is widely accepted as a contributor to speciation and the maintenance of species integrity. However, the mechanisms leading to reproductive isolation, the genes involved in adaptive divergence, and the traits that shape the adaptation of wild species to changes in climate are still largely unknown. In studying the role of ecological interactions and environment-driven selection, trees have emerged as potential model organisms because of their longevity and large genetic diversity, especially in natural habitats. Due to recurrent gene flow among species with different ecological preferences, oaks arose as early as the 1970s as a model for understanding how speciation can occur in the face of interspecific gene flow, and what we mean by “species” when geographically and genomically heterogeneous introgression seems to undermine species’ genetic coherence. In this review, we provide an overview of recent research into the genomic underpinnings of adaptive divergence and maintenance of species integrity in oaks in the face of gene flow. We review genomic and analytical tools instrumental to better understanding mechanisms leading to reproductive isolation and environment-driven adaptive introgression in oaks. We review evidence that oak species are genomically coherent entities, focusing on sympatric populations with ongoing gene flow, and discuss evidence for and hypotheses regarding genetic mechanisms linking adaptive divergence and reproductive isolation. As the evolution of drought- and freezing-tolerance have been key to the parallel diversification of oaks, we investigate the question of whether the same or a similar set of genes are involved in adaptive divergence for drought and stress tolerance across different taxa and sections. Finally, we propose potential future research directions on the role of hybridization and adaptive introgression in adaptation to climate change.
Social and Educational Coexistence in Adolescents’ Perception in Current Social Problems through Networks
Authors: Sánchez-Romero Cristina , Muñoz-Jiménez Eva María
Published: May 2021

The use of social networks as a social and educational environment emphasizes an approach to social problems (bullying, cyberbullying, sexism, racism) that has emerged in today’s society. Social networks offer a unique opportunity to increase channels for communication and socialization. The aim of this study is to analyze the adolescents’ attitudes in sports practice in their extracurricular environment, and it highlights the importance of didactic communication as a tool for social cohesion to guarantee the interaction between adolescents. This objective has been evaluated through the “Sport and Social Integration. Survey on Secondary Schools in Italy” questionnaire. In this paper, we focus our attention on Section II to go deeper into the participants’ opinion on previously mentioned social problems. The methods of research for this study were conducted through a descriptive, inferential, quantitative, and ex post facto design. The sample consisted of 286 Italian adolescents aged between 12 and 15 years old. Results show that there are positive correlations in the following variables: gender and verbal, psychological, or physical violence (Bullying) (r = 0.260) (Sig. = 0.000); gender and threats, crimes, and persecutions through the Internet (Cyberbullying) (r = 0.226) (Sig. = 0.000); gender and discrimination against women (Sexism) (r = 0.133) (Sig. = 0.025). In conclusion, this article underlines the importance of investing more systematically in the effort to prevent bullying and digital inclusion from an early age for the critical use of mobile devices and social networks.
The Crossroads between RAS and RHO Signaling Pathways in Cellular Transformation, Motility and Contraction
Authors: Soriano Olga , Alcón-Pérez Marta , Vicente-Manzanares Miguel , Castellano Esther
Published: May 2021

Ras and Rho proteins are GTP-regulated molecular switches that control multiple signaling pathways in eukaryotic cells. Ras was among the first identified oncogenes, and it appears mutated in many forms of human cancer. It mainly promotes proliferation and survival through the MAPK pathway and the PI3K/AKT pathways, respectively. However, the myriad proteins close to the plasma membrane that activate or inhibit Ras make it a major regulator of many apparently unrelated pathways. On the other hand, Rho is weakly oncogenic by itself, but it critically regulates microfilament dynamics; that is, actin polymerization, disassembly and contraction. Polymerization is driven mainly by the Arp2/3 complex and formins, whereas contraction depends on myosin mini-filament assembly and activity. These two pathways intersect at numerous points: from Ras-dependent triggering of Rho activators, some of which act through PI3K, to mechanical feedback driven by actomyosin action. Here, we describe the main points of connection between the Ras and Rho pathways as they coordinately drive oncogenic transformation. We emphasize the biochemical crosstalk that drives actomyosin contraction driven by Ras in a Rho-dependent manner. We also describe possible routes of mechanical feedback through which myosin II activation may control Ras/Rho activation.
Novel Structural Variation and Evolutionary Characteristics of Chloroplast tRNA in Gossypium Plants
Authors: Zhang Ting-Ting , Yang Yang , Song Xiao-Yu , Gao Xin-Yu , Zhang Xian-Liang , Zhao Jun-Jie , Zhou Ke-Hai , Zhao Chang-Bao , Li Wei , Yang Dai-Gang , Ma Xiong-Feng , Li Zhong-Hu
Published: May 2021

Cotton is one of the most important fiber and oil crops in the world. Chloroplast genomes harbor their own genetic materials and are considered to be highly conserved. Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) act as “bridges” in protein synthesis by carrying amino acids. Currently, the variation and evolutionary characteristics of tRNAs in the cotton chloroplast genome are poorly understood. Here, we analyzed the structural variation and evolution of chloroplast tRNA (cp tRNA) based on eight diploid and two allotetraploid cotton species. We also investigated the nucleotide evolution of chloroplast genomes in cotton species. We found that cp tRNAs in cotton encoded 36 or 37 tRNAs, and 28 or 29 anti-codon types with lengths ranging from 60 to 93 nucleotides. Cotton chloroplast tRNA sequences possessed specific conservation and, in particular, the Ψ-loop contained the conserved U-U-C-X3-U. The cp tRNAs of Gossypium L. contained introns, and cp tRNAIle contained the anti-codon (C-A-U), which was generally the anti-codon of tRNAMet. The transition and transversion analyses showed that cp tRNAs in cotton species were iso-acceptor specific and had undergone unequal rates of evolution. The intergenic region was more variable than coding regions, and non-synonymous mutations have been fixed in cotton cp genomes. On the other hand, phylogeny analyses indicated that cp tRNAs of cotton were derived from several inferred ancestors with greater gene duplications. This study provides new insights into the structural variation and evolution of chloroplast tRNAs in cotton plants. Our findings could contribute to understanding the detailed characteristics and evolutionary variation of the tRNA family.
Genetic Predisposition to Alzheimer’s Disease Is Associated with Enlargement of Perivascular Spaces in Centrum Semiovale Region
Authors: Ciampa Iacopo , Operto Grégory , Falcon Carles , Minguillon Carolina , Castro de Moura Manuel , Piñeyro David , Esteller Manel , Molinuevo Jose , Guigó Roderic , Navarro Arcadi , Gispert Juan , Vilor-Tejedor Natalia ,   for the ALFA Study
Published: May 2021

This study investigated whether genetic factors involved in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are associated with enlargement of Perivascular Spaces (ePVS) in the brain. A total of 680 participants with T2-weighted MRI scans and genetic information were acquired from the ALFA study. ePVS in the basal ganglia (BG) and the centrum semiovale (CS) were assessed based on a validated visual rating scale. We used univariate and multivariate logistic regression models to investigate associations between ePVS in BG and CS with BIN1-rs744373, as well as APOE genotypes. We found a significant association of the BIN1-rs744373 polymorphism in the CS subscale (p value = 0.019; OR = 2.564), suggesting that G allele carriers have an increased risk of ePVS in comparison with A allele carriers. In stratified analysis by APOE-ε4 status (carriers vs. non-carriers), these results remained significant only for ε4 carriers (p value = 0.011; OR = 1.429). To our knowledge, the present study is the first suggesting that genetic predisposition for AD is associated with ePVS in CS. These findings provide evidence that underlying biological processes affecting AD may influence CS-ePVS.
The Volcanic Relief within the Kos-Nisyros-Tilos Tectonic Graben at the Eastern Edge of the Aegean Volcanic Arc, Greece and Geohazard Implications
Authors: Nomikou Paraskevi , Krassakis Pavlos , Kazana Stavroula , Papanikolaou Dimitrios , Koukouzas Nikolaos
Published: May 2021

The active Kos-Nisyros-Tilos volcanic field is located in the eastern sector of the Aegean Volcanic Arc resulting from the subduction of the African plate beneath the Aegean plate. The volcanic activity is developed since Middle Pleistocene and it occurs within a tectonic graben with several volcanic outcrops both onshore and offshore. Data obtained from previous offshore geophysical surveys and ROV exploration, combined with geospatial techniques have been used to construct synthetic maps of the broader submarine area. The volcanic relief is analyzed from the base of the volcanic structures offshore to their summits onshore reaching 1373 m of height and their volumes have been computed with 24.26 km3 for Nisyros Island and a total volume of 54.42 km3 for the entire volcanic area. The volcanic structures are distinguished in: (1) volcanic cones at the islands of Nisyros (older strato-volcano), Pergousa, Yali and Strongyli, (2) volcanic domes at the islands of Pachia, East Kondeliousa and Nisyros (younger Prophitis Ilias domes), (3) submarine volcanic calderas (Avyssos and Kefalos). Submarine volcanic debris avalanches have been also described south of Nisyros and undulating features at the eastern Kefalos bay. Submarine canyons and channels are developed along the Kos southern margin contrary to the Tilos margin. Ground truth campaigns with submarine vessels and ROVs have verified the previous analysis in several submarine volcanic sites. The geohazards of the area comprise: (1) seismic hazard, both due to the activation of major marginal faults and minor intra-volcanic faults, (2) volcanic hazard, related to the recent volcanic structures and long term iconic eruptions related to the deep submarine calderas, (3) tsunami hazard, related to the seismic hazard as well as to the numerous unstable submarine slopes with potential of gravity sliding.
Social Anxiety in Victimization and Perpetration of Cyberbullying and Traditional Bullying in Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Liu Tai-Ling , Hsiao Ray C. , Chou Wen-Jiun , Yen Cheng-Fang
Published: May 2021

Victimization and perpetration of cyberbullying and traditional bullying are prevalent among adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The aims of this study were to examine the role of social anxiety in victimization and perpetration of cyberbullying and traditional bullying in adolescents with ASD and ADHD in Taiwan. A total of 219 adolescents with ASD and 287 adolescents with ADHD aged 11–18 years and their caregivers were recruited from the child psychiatry outpatient clinics into this study. The associations of social anxiety with victimization and perpetration of cyberbullying and traditional bullying were examined using logistic regression analysis. The results indicated that after the effects of sex, age, and autistic social impairment were controlled, social anxiety increased the risk of being a victim of cyberbullying (Odds Ratios (OR) = 1.048; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.013–1.084), a victim of traditional bullying (OR = 1.066; 95% CI: 1.036–1.097), and a perpetrator of traditional bullying (OR = 1.061; 95% CI: 1.027–1.096) in adolescents with ASD. After the effects of sex, age, and ADHD symptoms were controlled for, social anxiety increased the risk of being a victim of traditional bullying in adolescents with ADHD (OR = 1.067; 95% CI: 1.039–1.096). Social anxiety was significantly associated with several forms of bullying involvement in adolescents with ASD and ADHD and warrants being considered into prevention and intervention programs for bullying involvement.
Simulation of the Parameters Effecting the Water Quality Evolution of Xuanwu Lake, China
Authors: Pang Min , Song Weiwei , Liu Yuan , Pang Yong
Published: May 2021

After years of water environment improvement, China’s water quality has improved to some extent in recent years. However, different water areas have different characteristics of water pollution. The paper used mathematical models to investigate the influence of different parameters on the water quality of Xuanwu Lake, China. The predominant focus was on the nutrients concentration due to changing the amount of pollutants, degradation coefficient, water diversion discharge and diffusion coefficient. The results showed that the amount of pollutants had the most significant impact, followed by the degradation coefficient. The total phosphorus and total nitrogen concentrations of Xuanwu Lake increased with the increase of the amount of pollutants. The water quality of Xuanwu Lake decreased significantly with the increase of degradation coefficient. Increasing the water diversion discharge will not only make a big difference in water quality, but it will also worsen the water quality. The effect of the amount of pollutants on Xuanwu Lake total phosphorus and total nitrogen is 4.1 and 5.7 times that of water diversion discharge. The influence of total phosphorus and total nitrogen in the degradation coefficient scheme is 3.5 and 6.2 times that of the water diversion discharge scheme. The diffusion coefficient has almost no effect on the water quality of Xuanwu Lake. From the practical difficulty and implementation effect of water environment improvement, the order of water quality improvement effect from good to bad is as follows: the amount of pollutants scheme, degradation coefficient scheme, water diversion scheme, diffusion coefficient scheme. Under the circumstance of limited water diversion, the lake will effectively improve the water quality. Reducing the discharge of pollutants is the fundamental measure to control water environment problems, and water diversion is an auxiliary measure to improve the water ecology. It will become a trend to combine the reduction of pollutant discharge and water transfer for water environment improvement. This paper is of significance for improving the water quality of Xuanwu Lake, and it also provides a scientific method for water environment improvement of water diversion projects.
Factors Affecting the Public Acceptance of Extramarital Sex in China
Authors: Liu Nian , Lu Zekai , Xie Ying
Published: May 2021

There is a lack of quantitative studies on the acceptance of extramarital sex in China. Based on data from the Chinese General Social Survey 2013 (CGSS2013), this paper used a zero-inflated Poisson regression model to analyze the factors influencing the public’s attitudes toward extramarital sex. When other variables were controlled, groups of younger ages, higher educational levels, and stronger tendencies toward “liberalization” and non-Islamic beliefs were more tolerant toward extramarital sex, whereas gender and Christian beliefs had no significant influence. In this regard, family and marriage counseling, and society’s moral tolerance and social control of religion are discussed, and further research on cross-cultural verification is needed.
Conductive Hearing Loss with Age—A Histologic and Audiometric Evaluation
Authors: Dobrev Ivo , Dillinger Daniel , Meier Letizia , Veraguth Dorothe , Pfiffner Flurin , Probst Rudolf , Röösli Christof
Published: May 2021

A retrospective analysis to quantify age-related changes of the incudo-malleolar joint (IMJ) and incudo-stapedial joint (ISJ), and to analyse changes in the air-bone gap (ABG) with age, was performed. Defined histologic parameters of 153 IMJ and 106 ISJ from subjects aged from birth to 70 years were correlated to age. Additionally, audiograms of 1760 ears of 974 other subjects aged 20 to 80 years were retrospectively analysed and the ABG was correlated to age. The joint space (age group from 0 to 10 compared to 61 to 70 years) became significantly wider with age (IMJ: from a mean of 44 µm to 100 µm, p < 0.001; ISJ: from a mean of 28 µm to 69 µm, p < 0.009. The thickness of cartilage of the incus decreased in the first 20 years of life (IMJ, from a mean of 88 µm to 65 µm, p < 0.01; ISJ: from a mean of 44 µm to 35 µm, p < 0.01). The ABGs of younger ears (20–40 years) was significantly larger at 500 Hz compared to older ears (60–80 years) by 2–4 dB, while it was significantly smaller by 3–5 dB at 4000 Hz (p < 0.0017). Interindividual variations in all age groups were large for both analyses. The increased joint spaces could potentially reduce the stiffness in the joints and explain the increase in ABG at 4000 Hz and the drop at 500 Hz. While the average change is small and of minimal clinical relevance, a larger increase of ABG with age is seen in some subjects.
Treatment Outcomes of Patients with Glomus Tympanicum Tumors Presenting with Pulsatile Tinnitus
Authors: Lee Seung-Jae , Lee Sang-Yeon , An Gwang-Seok , Lee Kyogu , Choi Byung-Yoon , Koo Ja-Won , Song Jae-Jin
Published: May 2021

We reviewed the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients with glomus tympanicum tumors (GTTs) presenting with pulsatile tinnitus (PT). We explored whether transcanal sound recording-spectro-temporal analysis (TSR-STA) usefully evaluated changes in PT. The medical records of 13 patients who underwent surgical removal of GTTs were reviewed retrospectively. Two patients underwent preoperative endovascular embolization. Changes in PT, pre- and postoperative audiometry data, TSR-STA results, and clinical outcomes were evaluated. PT was the chief complaint in eight patients (61.5%) and resolved immediately after surgical intervention in all. Two patients exhibited ipsilateral, pseudo-low-frequency hearing loss (PLFHL); surgical GTT removal elicited postoperative improvements in the ipsilesional low-frequency hearing thresholds. Five patients underwent TSR-STA using previously described methods. TSR-STA revealed definite rise-and-fall patterns; surgical tumor removal abated this pattern in one patient, but, for the other four, the patterns did not change greatly post-intervention. Thus, GTT-related PT can be treated successfully (via surgical GTT removal) without complications. In selected cases, preoperative embolization reduces intraoperative hemorrhage. In PT patients with PLFHL, a detailed otoendoscopic examination of the middle ear is required to rule out a GTT. TSR-STA may usefully (and objectively) assess postoperative improvements in GTT-related PT.
Tumor Recurrence and Graft Survival in Renal Transplant Recipients with a History of Pretransplant Malignancy: A Matched Pair Analysis
Authors: Becker Felix , Mehdorn Anne-Sophie , Getsopulos Vasilios , Schütte-Nütgen Katharina , Reuter Stefan , Suwelack Barbara , Pascher Andreas , Brockmann Jens G. , Bahde Ralf
Published: May 2021

Organ scarcity demands critical decision-making regarding eligible transplant candidates and graft allocation to ensure best benefit from renal transplantation (RTx). Among the controversial relative contraindications is a history of pretransplant malignancy (PTM). While oncological outcomes of PTM-RTx recipients are well described, data on graft-specific outcome are scarce. A retrospective double case control matched pair analysis (60 months follow-up) was carried out and RTx-recipients were stratified for history of PTM. First, PTM-RTx recipients were matched according to age, sex and duration of immunosuppressive therapy. Next, PTM-RTx recipients were matched 1:1 for age, sex and cause of end-stage renal disease. Five-year patient and graft survival as well as oncological outcomes were analyzed. A total of 65 PTM-RTx recipients were identified. Post-RTx recurrence rate was 5%, while 20% developed second de novo malignancy, comparable to 14% in the control group. PTM-RTx recipients had a noticeable lower five-year death-censored as well as overall graft survival and Cox proportional hazard modeling showed a correlation between PTM and inferior graft survival. Although underlying reasons remain not fully understood, this study is the first to show inferior graft survival in PTM-RTx recipients and advocates necessity to focus on more meticulous graft monitoring in PTM recipients in addition to heightened surveillance for cancer recurrence.
Shear Wave Elastography of the Plantar Fascia: Comparison between Patients with Plantar Fasciitis and Healthy Control Subjects
Authors: Baur Daniel , Schwabl Christoph , Kremser Christian , Taljanovic Mihra S. , Widmann Gerlig , Sconfienza Luca Maria , Sztankay Judith , Feuchtner Gudrun , Klauser Andrea S.
Published: May 2021

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate plantar fasciae of healthy subjects and patients with plantar fasciitis by shear wave velocity (SWV) and stiffness with correlation to B-Mode and color Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS) and to establish cut-off values. Methods: This observational study was conducted with the approval of the Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) of our institution. 108 unilateral plantar fasciae were evaluated by including 87 consecutive patients (mean age 51.7; range: 29–82) (66 women and 21 men) with plantar fasciitis and 21 asymptomatic age matched healthy volunteers (mean age 47.3; range: 32–58) (15 women and 6 men). All patients were prospectively imaged between July 2018 and March 2019. B-mode US was used to measure thickness and CDUS to grade vascularity. SWE measurements were repeated 3 times and mean was used for statistical analysis. Results: Mean SWV value in healthy subjects was 6.94 m/s and in patients 4.98 m/s with a mean stiffness value of 152.88 kPa and 93.54 kPa respectively (p < 0.001). For SWV a cut-off value of 6.16 m/s had a specificity of 80.95% and sensitivity of 79.31%. For stiffness a cut-off value of 125.57 kPa had a specificity of 80.95% and sensitivity of 80.46%. No correlation to CDUS was found. The mean thickness of healthy fascias was 3.3 mm (range 2.4–3.9) compared to 6.1 mm (range 2.0–22.0) in plantar fasciitis (p < 0.001) with no correlation to SWV or to stiffness (r² = 0.02, p = 0.06). Conclusion: SWE allows quantitative assessment of plantar fascia stiffness, which decreases in patients with plantar fasciitis. No correlation to the thickness of the plantar fascia was found, therefore it represents an independent factor for the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis and could be helpful in addition to thickness measurement in unclear cases.
Sonographic Signs of Adenomyosis in Women with Endometriosis Are Associated with Infertility
Authors: Decter Dean , Arbib Nissim , Markovitz Hila , Seidman Daniel S. , Eisenberg Vered H.
Published: May 2021

We compared the prevalence of ultrasound signs of adenomyosis in women with endometriosis who underwent surgery to those who were managed conservatively. This was a retrospective study of women evaluated at a tertiary endometriosis referral center who underwent 2D/3D transvaginal ultrasound. Adenomyosis diagnosis was based on the presence of at least three sonographic signs. The study group subsequently underwent laparoscopic surgery while the control group continued conservative management. Statistical analysis compared the two groups for demographics, symptoms, clinical data, and sonographic findings. The study and control groups included 244 and 158 women, respectively. The presence of any, 3+, or 5+ sonographic signs of adenomyosis was significantly more prevalent in the study group (OR = 1.93–2.7, p < 0.004, 95% CI; 1.24–4.09). After controlling for age, for all findings but linear striations, the OR for having a specific feature was higher in the study group. Women in the study group with ≥ 5 sonographic signs of adenomyosis had more than twice the risk of experiencing infertility (OR = 2.31, p = 0.012, 95% CI; 1.20–4.45). Sonographic signs of adenomyosis are more prevalent in women with symptomatic endometriosis who underwent surgery compared with those who continued conservative management. Women with 5+ findings have a significantly increased risk of infertility. Adenomyosis on ultrasound should be considered in the management decisions regarding these patients.
Proteinuria and Psoriasis Risk: A Nationwide Population-Based Study
Authors: Bae Eun Hui , Kim Bongseong , Song Su Hyun , Oh Tae Ryom , Suh Sang Heon , Choi Hong Sang , Kim Chang Seong , Ma Seong Kwon , Han Kyung-Do , Kim Soo Wan
Published: May 2021

Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory dermatosis, has been associated with chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease. However, the association of the changes or amount of proteinuria with psoriasis development has not been evaluated. Using the Korean National Health Screening database, we assessed psoriasis development until 2018 in 6,576,851 Koreans who underwent health examinations in 2009 and 2011. Psoriasis was defined using the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision (ICD-10) code L40. The risk of psoriasis was evaluated according to change in proteinuria (never [Neg (no proteinuria)/Neg], new [Neg/Pos (proteinuria present)], past [Pos/Neg] and persistent [Pos/Pos] proteinuria) and the proteinuria amount. During a median 7.23-year follow-up, 162,468 (2.47%) individuals developed psoriasis. After adjustments, the hazard ratio (HR) for psoriasis was higher in the persistent proteinuria group (1.32 [1.24–1.40]) than in the never proteinuria group. The past proteinuria group showed better renal outcome (1.03 [1.00–1.07]) than the new (1.05 [1.01–1.07]) and never proteinuria (reference, 1.00) groups did. The amount of random urine proteinuria was associated with increased HR for psoriasis. Subgroup analyses for age, sex, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), hypertension and diabetes showed that the persistent proteinuria group had a higher risk of psoriasis than the never proteinuria group, especially at eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Persistent proteinuria is associated with psoriasis risk, and the proteinuria amount significantly affects psoriasis development.
Efficient ROS-Compliant CPU-iGPU Communication on Embedded Platforms
Authors: De Marchi Mirco , Lumpp Francesco , Martini Enrico , Boldo Michele , Aldegheri Stefano , Bombieri Nicola
Published: May 2021

Many modern programmable embedded devices contain CPUs and a GPU that share the same system memory on a single die. Such a unified memory architecture (UMA) allows programmers to implement different communication models between CPU and the integrated GPU (iGPU). Although the simpler model guarantees implicit synchronization at the cost of performance, the more advanced model allows, through the zero-copy paradigm, the explicit data copying between CPU and iGPU to be eliminated with the benefit of significantly improving performance and energy savings. On the other hand, the robot operating system (ROS) has become a de-facto reference standard for developing robotic applications. It allows for application re-use and the easy integration of software blocks in complex cyber-physical systems. Although ROS compliance is strongly required for SW portability and reuse, it can lead to performance loss and elude the benefits of the zero-copy communication. In this article we present efficient techniques to implement CPU–iGPU communication by guaranteeing compliance to the ROS standard. We show how key features of each communication model are maintained and the corresponding overhead involved by the ROS compliancy.
A Microbial Monitoring System Demonstrated on the International Space Station Provides a Successful Platform for Detection of Targeted Microorganisms
Authors: Khodadad Christina L. M. , Oubre Cherie M. , Castro Victoria A. , Flint Stephanie M. , Roman Monsi C. , Ott Charlie Mark , Spern Cory J. , Hummerick Mary E. , Maldonado Vazquez Gretchen J. , Birmele Michele N. , Whitlock Quinn , Scullion Matt , Flowers Christina M. , Wheeler Raymond M. , Melendez Orlando
Published: May 2021

Closed environments such as the International Space Station (ISS) and spacecraft for other planned interplanetary destinations require sustainable environmental control systems for manned spaceflight and habitation. These systems require monitoring for microbial contaminants and potential pathogens that could foul equipment or affect the health of the crew. Technological advances may help to facilitate this environmental monitoring, but many of the current advances do not function as expected in reduced gravity conditions. The microbial monitoring system (RAZOR® EX) is a compact, semi-quantitative rugged PCR instrument that was successfully tested on the ISS using station potable water. After a series of technical demonstrations between ISS and ground laboratories, it was determined that the instruments functioned comparably and provided a sample to answer flow in approximately 1 hour without enrichment or sample manipulation. Post-flight, additional advancements were accomplished at Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, FL, USA, to expand the instrument’s detections of targeted microorganisms of concern such as water, food-borne, and surface microbes including Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Aeromonas hydrophilia. Early detection of contaminants and bio-fouling microbes will increase crew safety and the ability to make appropriate operational decisions to minimize exposure to these contaminants.
The Dilution Effect in High-Power Disk Laser Welding the Steel Plate Using a Nickel-Based Filler Wire
Authors: Chiang Ming-Feng , Lo Tzu-Yuan , Chien Ping-Hui , Chi Chih-Hsien , Chang Kai-Chun , Yeh An-Chou , Shiue Ren-Kae
Published: May 2021

High-power disk laser welding a steel plate using the Inconel 82 (IN82) filler wire with a 1.2 and 3.0 m/min feeding rate has been investigated in the experiment. The rapid thermal cycle combined with convection induced by the keyhole mechanism in laser welding results in the rapid solidification of the fusion zone (FZ). However, the microstructure of the FZ is not homogeneous at the macroscopic scale. The dilution of the FZ is important in determining the final microstructure of the weldment. For the specimen with a 1.2 m/min wire feeding rate, a lower amount of Ni-based IN82 filler is introduced into the weld pool, and the dilution of the FZ is between 65% and 100%. The BCC structure with high density boundaries dominates the entire FZ. For the specimen with a 3.0 m/min wire feeding rate, part of the filler melt is trapped on the top of the weld pool, and solidified into austenite alloyed with a Ni concentration above 15 at%. The range of dilution in the FZ with a 3.0 m/min wire feeding rate is decreased to 50–90%. There are hot cracks initiated/propagated along interdendritic austenite and in the austenite free of boundaries. Boundaries, especially for high-angle ones, in the BCC structure retard hot crack propagation in the FZ. The application of quantitative chemical analyses of Fe or Ni concentrations in the weldment provides a good approximation in evaluating the dilution of the FZ in laser welding. The methodology proposed in this study shows potential to obtain the dilution of any specific location in the FZ for industrial application in the future.
Hyperosmolarity Triggers the Warburg Effect in Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells and Reveals a Reduced Mitochondria Horsepower
Authors: da Veiga Moreira Jorgelindo , De Staercke Lenny , César Martínez-Basilio Pablo , Gauthier-Thibodeau Sandrine , Montégut Léa , Schwartz Laurent , Jolicoeur Mario
Published: May 2021

Tumor cells are known to favor a glycolytic metabolism over oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos), which takes place in mitochondria, to produce the energy and building blocks essential for cell maintenance and cell growth. This phenotypic property of tumor cells gives them several advantages over normal cells and is known as the Warburg effect. Tumors can be treated as a metabolic disease by targeting their bioenergetics capacity. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) and calcium hydroxycitrate (HCA) are two drugs known to target the Warburg effect in tumor cells and hence induce the mitochondria for ATP production. However, tumor cells, known to have an increased flux through glycolysis, are not able to handle the activation of their mitochondria by drugs or any other condition, leading to decoupling of gene regulation. In this study, these drug effects were studied by mimicking an inflammatory condition through the imposition of a hyperosmotic condition in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, which behave similarly to tumor cells. Indeed, CHO cells grown in high osmolarity conditions, using 200 mM mannitol, showed a pronounced Warburg effect phenotype. Our results show that hyperosmolar conditions triggered high-throughput glycolysis and enhanced glutaminolysis in CHO cells, such as during cancer cell proliferation in inflammatory tissue. Finally, we found that the hyperosmolar condition was correlated with increased mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) but mitochondrial horsepower seemed to vanish (h = Δp/ΔΨm), which may be explained by mitochondrial hyperfusion.
Transient Study of Femtosecond Laser–Induced Ge2Sb2Te5 Phase Change Film Morphology
Authors: Zhou Wenju , Zhang Zifeng , Zhang Qingwei , Qi Dongfeng , Xu Tianxiang , Dai Shixun , Shen Xiang
Published: May 2021

Femtosecond laser-induced crystallization and ablation of Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) phase change film is investigated by reflectivity pump-probing technology. Below the ablation threshold, the face-centered cubic structure (FCC) state in the central area can be formed, and cylindrical rims are formed in the peripheral dewetting zone due to the solidification of transported matter. The time of surface temperature dropping to the crystallization point needs about 30 ps for 5.86 mJ/cm2 and 82 ps for 7.04 mJ/cm2, respectively. At higher laser fluence, crystallization GST island structures appear in the central ablation region due to the extremely short heating time (100 ps). Furthermore, crystallization rate is faster than the ablation rate of the GST film, which is caused by different reflectivity.
E/D-Mode GaN Inverter on a 150-mm Si Wafer Based on p-GaN Gate E-Mode HEMT Technology
Authors: Jia Li-Fang , Zhang Lian , Xiao Jin-Ping , Cheng Zhe , Lin De-Feng , Ai Yu-Jie , Zhao Jin-Chao , Zhang Yun
Published: May 2021

AlGaN/GaN E/D-mode GaN inverters are successfully fabricated on a 150-mm Si wafer. P-GaN gate technology is applied to be compatible with the commercial E-mode GaN power device technology platform and a systematic study of E/D-mode GaN inverters has been conducted with detail. The key electrical characters have been analyzed from room temperature (RT) to 200 °C. Small variations of the inverters are observed at different temperatures. The logic swing voltage of 2.91 V and 2.89 V are observed at RT and 200 °C at a supply voltage of 3 V. Correspondingly, low/high input noise margins of 0.78 V/1.67 V and 0.68 V/1.72 V are observed at RT and 200 °C. The inverters also demonstrate small rising edge time of the output signal. The results show great potential for GaN smart power integrated circuit (IC) application.
Monitoring Symptoms of Infectious Diseases: Perspectives for Printed Wearable Sensors
Authors: Al-Halhouli Ala’aldeen , Albagdady Ahmed , Alawadi Ja’far , Abeeleh Mahmoud Abu
Published: May 2021

Infectious diseases possess a serious threat to the world’s population, economies, and healthcare systems. In this review, we cover the infectious diseases that are most likely to cause a pandemic according to the WHO (World Health Organization). The list includes COVID-19, Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), Ebola Virus Disease (EBOV), Marburg Virus Disease (MARV), Lassa Hemorrhagic Fever (LHF), Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Nipah Virus diseases (NiV), and Rift Valley fever (RVF). This review also investigates research trends in infectious diseases by analyzing published research history on each disease from 2000–2020 in PubMed. A comprehensive review of sensor printing methods including flexographic printing, gravure printing, inkjet printing, and screen printing is conducted to provide guidelines for the best method depending on the printing scale, resolution, design modification ability, and other requirements. Printed sensors for respiratory rate, heart rate, oxygen saturation, body temperature, and blood pressure are reviewed for the possibility of being used for disease symptom monitoring. Printed wearable sensors are of great potential for continuous monitoring of vital signs in patients and the quarantined as tools for epidemiological screening.
Ultrafast X-ray Diffraction Study of a Shock-Compressed Iron Meteorite above 100 GPa
Authors: Tecklenburg Sabrina , Colina-Ruiz Roberto , Hok Sovanndara , Bolme Cynthia , Galtier Eric , Granados Eduardo , Hashim Akel , Lee Hae Ja , Merkel Sébastien , Morrow Benjamin , Nagler Bob , Ramos Kyle , Rittman Dylan , Walroth Richard , Mao Wendy L. , Gleason Arianna E.
Published: May 2021

Natural kamacite samples (Fe92.5Ni7.5) from a fragment of the Gibeon meteorite were studied as a proxy material for terrestrial cores to examine phase transition kinetics under shock compression for a range of different pressures up to 140 GPa. In situ time-resolved X-ray diffraction (XRD) data were collected of a body-centered cubic (bcc) kamacite section that transforms to the high-pressure hexagonal close-packed (hcp) phase with sub-nanosecond temporal resolution. The coarse-grained crystal of kamacite rapidly transformed to highly oriented crystallites of the hcp phase at maximum compression. The hcp phase persisted for as long as 9.5 ns following shock release. Comparing the c/a ratio with previous static and dynamic work on Fe and Fe-rich Fe-Ni alloys, it was found that some shots exhibit a larger than ideal c/a ratio, up to nearly 1.65. This work represents the first time-resolved laser shock compression structural study of a natural iron meteorite, relevant for understanding the dynamic material properties of metallic planetary bodies during impact events and Earth’s core elasticity.
Optimization of Ni(II), Pb(II), and Zn(II) Ion Adsorption Conditions on Pliocene Clays from Post-Mining Waste
Authors: Jabłońska Beata
Published: May 2021

Lignite mining results in a significant amount of waste clayey materials—the so-called Pliocene clays, which are often considered useless mineral waste. One method of management is to use them as inexpensive adsorbents in water and wastewater treatment, or as permeable barriers in groundwater remediation. The study is an attempt to use the raw Pliocene clays to remove Pb(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II) ions from wastewaters. The mineralogical composition, physicochemical, granulometric, structural, and surface properties were examined. The value of the point of zero charge pH of the adsorbent was found to be 7.1. To determine the optimal adsorption conditions, the central composite design (CCD) method was used with the pH of the solution, metal ion concentration, and the adsorbent mass as independent variables, and the percentage removal as the response variable. The determined optimal values of the adsorbent mass and the solution pH turned out to be similar for all three metals, with a pH of 6–7 and an adsorbent dose of 18–24 g/dm3. In further tests, the pH was established slightly lower than it would appear from the CCD method in order to avoid the possible precipitation of metals in the form of hydroxides. The kinetics of sorption were investigated and it was found that the sorption process ran for several minutes. The effect of temperature showed that the adsorption was spontaneous and thermodynamically favored. The leachability of the metals indicated that Pb(II) and Zn(II) were strongly bound in the adsorbent, whereas Ni(II) manifested a larger mobility. It was found that the tested clays had quite good sorption properties in relation to the tested metal ions and could be used for water and wastewater treatment.
CFD Modeling and Simulation of the Hydrodynamics Characteristics of Coarse Coal Particles in a 3D Liquid-Solid Fluidized Bed
Authors: Peng Jian , Sun Wei , Han Haisheng , Xie Le
Published: May 2021

In this study, a Eulerian-Eulerian liquid-solid two-phase flow model combined with kinetic theory of granular flow was established to study the hydrodynamic characteristics and fluidization behaviors of coarse coal particles in a 3D liquid-solid fluidized bed. First, grid independence analysis was conducted to select the appropriate grid model parameters. Then, the developed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was validated by comparing the experimental data and simulation results in terms of the expansion degree of low-density fine particles and high-density coarse particles at different superficial liquid velocities. The simulation results agreed well with the experimental data, thus validating the proposed CFD mathematical model. The effects of particle size and particle density on the homogeneous or heterogeneous fluidization behaviors were investigated. The simulation results indicate that low-density fine particles are easily fluidized, exhibiting a certain range of homogeneous expansion behaviors. For the large and heavy particles, inhomogeneity may occur throughout the bed, including water voids and velocity fluctuations.
Origin of the Middle Paleoproterozoic Tiksheozero Ultramafic-Alkaline-Carbonatite Complex, NE Fennoscandian Shield: Evidence from Geochemical and Isotope Sr-Nd-Hf-Pb-Os Data
Authors: Bogina Maria , Belyatsky Boris , Sharkov Evgenii , Chistyakov Alexey , Krymsky Robert
Published: May 2021

This article reports new geochemical, Sr-Nd-Hf-Pb and Re-Os data on the rocks of the Middle Paleoproterozoic (1.99 Ga) Tiksheozero ultramafic-alkaline-carbonatite complex confined to the northeastern margin of the Karelian Craton. We focus on the poorly studied silicate rocks. Based on petrographic and geochemical research, the silicate rocks are subdivided into two groups: an ultramafic-mafic series depleted in REE, and other incompatible elements and an alkaline series enriched in these elements. Isotope studies showed that all rocks have juvenile isotope signatures and were likely derived from a primitive OIB-type mantle source with possible contributions of the subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM). Insignificant crustal contamination is recorded by Pb and Os isotopic compositions. The incompatible element enrichment in the alkaline rocks and depletion in ultramafic-mafic rocks of the mildly alkaline series with allowance for insignificant crustal contamination confirm their derivation from different primary melts. However, a narrow range of Sr, Nd, Hf, and Pb isotope compositions and compact clusters in 207Pb/204Pb-206Pb/204Pb, Nd-87Sr/86Sr and Hf-Nd isotope diagrams indicate their origination from a common mantle source. A model of subsequent two-stage melting is being most consistent with the geochemical data for this complex.
The Role of Serotonin in Breast Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Gwynne William D. , Shakeel Mirza S. , Girgis-Gabardo Adele , Hassell John A.
Published: May 2021

Breast tumors were the first tumors of epithelial origin shown to follow the cancer stem cell model. The model proposes that cancer stem cells are uniquely endowed with tumorigenic capacity and that their aberrant differentiation yields non-tumorigenic progeny, which constitute the bulk of the tumor cell population. Breast cancer stem cells resist therapies and seed metastases; thus, they account for breast cancer recurrence. Hence, targeting these cells is essential to achieve durable breast cancer remissions. We identified compounds including selective antagonists of multiple serotonergic system pathway components required for serotonin biosynthesis, transport, activity via multiple 5-HT receptors (5-HTRs), and catabolism that reduce the viability of breast cancer stem cells of both mouse and human origin using multiple orthologous assays. The molecular targets of the selective antagonists are expressed in breast tumors and breast cancer cell lines, which also produce serotonin, implying that it plays a required functional role in these cells. The selective antagonists act synergistically with chemotherapy to shrink mouse mammary tumors and human breast tumor xenografts primarily by inducing programmed tumor cell death. We hypothesize those serotonergic proteins of diverse activity function by common signaling pathways to maintain cancer stem cell viability. Here, we summarize our recent findings and the relevant literature regarding the role of serotonin in breast cancer.