bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Segregation, fertility, and son preference: the case of the Roma in Serbia
Authors: Battaglia Marianna , Chabé-Ferret Bastien , Lebedinski Lara
Published: March 2021

We study the link between residential segregation and fertility for the socially excluded and marginalized Roma ethnic minority. Using original survey data we collected in Serbia, we investigate whether fertility differs between ethnically homogeneous and mixed neighborhoods. Our results show that Roma in less-segregated areas tend to have significantly fewer children (around 0.8). Most of the difference arises from Roma in less-segregated areas waiting substantially more after having a boy than their counterparts in more-segregated areas. We exploit variation in the share of Serbian sounding first names to provide evidence that a mechanism at play is a shift in preferences toward lower fertility and sons rather than daughters induced by a higher exposure to the Serbian majority culture.
Radiological evaluation of lacrimal apparatus injury after functional endoscopic sinus surgery
Authors: Singh G B , Rana N , Tomar S , Malhotra S , Kumar S
Published: March 2021

Objective

To determine the incidence of nasolacrimal duct injury after functional endoscopic sinus surgery radiologically, using computed tomography.

Methods

Fifty patients of either sex who underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery were evaluated for nasolacrimal duct injury by computed tomography. Computed tomography was conducted pre-operatively, and post-operatively at the end of four weeks, and nasolacrimal duct injury was analysed.

Results

The prevalence of nasolacrimal duct injury dehiscence was 1.16 per cent, with a similar incidence of 1.16 per cent for nasolacrimal duct injury post-operatively. However, no cases of symptomatic nasolacrimal duct injury were recorded.

Conclusion

Computed tomography scan is an effective, non-invasive method to evaluate nasolacrimal duct injury following functional endoscopic sinus surgery, in accordance with evidence-based medicine.
Local well-posedness for Frémond’s model of complete damage in elastic solids
Authors: AKAGI GORO , SCHIMPERNA GIULIO
Published: March 2021

We consider a model for the evolution of damage in elastic materials originally proposed by Michel Frémond. For the corresponding PDE system, we prove existence and uniqueness of a local in time strong solution. The main novelty of our result stands in the fact that, differently from previous contributions, we assume no occurrence of any type of regularising terms.
Infants with pulmonary atresia intact ventricular septum who require balloon atrial septostomy have significantly higher 18-month mortality
Authors: Herrick Nicole L , Courelli Asimina , Lee Jesse W , Ratnayaka Kanishka , Alshawabkeh Laith I , Moore John W , El-Said Howaida G
Published: March 2021

Introduction:

Many newborns with pulmonary atresia/intact ventricular septum require intervention to establish pulmonary flow and sufficient cardiac output. The resulting haemodynamic changes are not well characterised and may have unintended consequences.

Methods:

This is a 30-year (1988–2018) retrospective study of patients with pulmonary atresia intact ventricular septum.

Results:

Eighty-nine patients were included, and median follow-up was 8 years. Fifty-five per cent had coronary sinusoids and 27% had right ventricular-dependent coronary circulation. Most patients were managed with surgical aortopulmonary or modified Blalock–Taussig shunt (73%), and 12 patients underwent balloon atrial septostomy before surgical intervention. The remaining patients (27%) underwent only transcatheter interventions; 7 required an atrial septostomy and 17 required ductal stentings. All-cause mortality was 10%, most deaths (89%) occurred before 18 months of age. Of these early deaths, 87% required a balloon atrial septostomy and 85% had right ventricular-dependent coronary sinusoids. Eighteen-month mortality was significantly higher for patients who required a balloon atrial septostomy compared to those who did not (36% versus 1.4% p < 0.0001).

Discussion:

Patients with pulmonary atresia/intact ventricular septum who require balloon atrial septostomy in the newborn period have significantly higher 18-month mortality. Quantifying the mortality difference may help guide prognostication and expectation setting. Infants who had septostomy and a surgical shunt in the newborn period fared better than those who only underwent septostomy (even when accompanied by ductal stenting). For infants with right ventricular-dependent circulation, atrial septostomy should only be performed on an urgent or emergent basis and these patients should be considered for early surgical intervention and neonatal transplant.
The functional landscape of Golgi membrane protein 1 (GOLM1) phosphoproteome reveal GOLM1 regulating P53 that promotes malignancy
Authors: Song Qi , He Xiang , Xiong Ying , Wang Junlan , Zhang Lei , Leung Elaine Lai-Han , Li Guoping
Published: March 2021

Golgi membrane protein 1 (GOLM1) was implicated in carcinogenesis of multiple types of cancer. However, Phosphoproteome landscapes of GOLM1 overexpression in lung cancer remain largely unknown. In this study, using data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and phosphoproteome, we systematically evaluated the feature of GOLM1 and studied its prognostic value in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The proliferation, migration, and invasion capacities in PC9 cell with GOLM1 overexpression were determined using Trans-well system assay. Tumor engrafts was visualized in mice models and confirmed by ex vivo. An increased expression of GOLM1 had shorter overall survival (OS) in patients with NSCLC in TCGA database. GOLM1 in single gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) related to adherent’s junction, cell cycle, and pathway in cancer. Overexpression of GOLM1 in GOLM1OE PC9 cells promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Decreased migration and invasion potential were also observed in knockdown of GOLM1 in GOLM1KD PC9 cells in migration assay. An increased expression of GOLM1 could significantly increase the growth of tumor in xenograft mice models. phosphoproteome analysis showed 239 upregulated and 331 downregulated Phosphorylated proteins in GOLM1OE PC9 cells. Overexpression of GOLM1 in GSEA was significantly related to P53 in MAPK signaling pathway. Overexpression of GOLM1enhanced the phosphorylation of P53 protein at site S315 but inhibited the formation of P53 tetramers. These results indicate that overexpression GOLM1 enhances non-small-cell carcinoma aggressiveness through inhibited the formation of P53 tetramer.
SARS-CoV-2 engages inflammasome and pyroptosis in human primary monocytes
Authors: Ferreira André C. , Soares Vinicius Cardoso , de Azevedo-Quintanilha Isaclaudia G. , Dias Suelen da Silva Gomes , Fintelman-Rodrigues Natalia , Sacramento Carolina Q. , Mattos Mayara , de Freitas Caroline S. , Temerozo Jairo R. , Teixeira Lívia , Damaceno Hottz Eugenio , Barreto Ester A. , Pão Camila R. R. , Palhinha Lohanna , Miranda Milene , Bou-Habib Dumith Chequer , Bozza Fernando A. , Bozza Patrícia T. , Souza Thiago Moreno L.
Published: March 2021

Infection by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been associated with leukopenia and uncontrolled inflammatory response in critically ill patients. A better comprehension of SARS-CoV-2-induced monocyte death is essential for the identification of therapies capable to control the hyper-inflammation and reduce viral replication in patients with 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Here, we show that SARS-CoV-2 engages inflammasome and triggers pyroptosis in human monocytes, experimentally infected, and from patients under intensive care. Pyroptosis associated with caspase-1 activation, IL-1ß production, gasdermin D cleavage, and enhanced pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in human primary monocytes. At least in part, our results originally describe mechanisms by which monocytes, a central cellular component recruited from peripheral blood to respiratory tract, succumb to control severe COVID-19.
Chromosome-scale genome assembly ofCucumis hystrix—a wild species interspecifically cross-compatible with cultivated cucumber
Authors: Qin Xiaodong , Zhang Zhonghua , Lou Qunfeng , Xia Lei , Li Ji , Li Mengxue , Zhou Junguo , Zhao Xiaokun , Xu Yuanchao , Li Qing , Yang Shuqiong , Yu Xiaqing , Cheng Chunyan , Huang Sanwen , Chen Jinfeng
Published: March 2021

Cucumis hystrix Chakr. (2n = 2x = 24) is a wild species that can hybridize with cultivated cucumber (C. sativus L., 2n = 2x = 14), a globally important vegetable crop. However, cucumber breeding is hindered by its narrow genetic base. Therefore, introgression from C. hystrix has been anticipated to bring a breakthrough in cucumber improvement. Here, we report the chromosome-scale assembly of C. hystrix genome (289 Mb). Scaffold N50 reached 14.1 Mb. Over 90% of the sequences were anchored onto 12 chromosomes. A total of 23,864 genes were annotated using a hybrid method. Further, we conducted a comprehensive comparative genomic analysis of cucumber, C. hystrix, and melon (C. melo L., 2n = 2x = 24). Whole-genome comparisons revealed that C. hystrix is phylogenetically closer to cucumber than to melon, providing a molecular basis for the success of its hybridization with cucumber. Moreover, expanded gene families of C. hystrix were significantly enriched in “defense response,” and C. hystrix harbored 104 nucleotide-binding site–encoding disease resistance gene analogs. Furthermore, 121 genes were positively selected, and 12 (9.9%) of these were involved in responses to biotic stimuli, which might explain the high disease resistance of C. hystrix. The alignment of whole C. hystrix genome with cucumber genome and self-alignment revealed 45,417 chromosome-specific sequences evenly distributed on C. hystrix chromosomes. Finally, we developed four cucumber–C. hystrix alien addition lines and identified the exact introgressed chromosome using molecular and cytological methods. The assembled C. hystrix genome can serve as a valuable resource for studies on Cucumis evolution and interspecific introgression breeding of cucumber.
Melatonin alters the secondary metabolite profile of grape berry skin by promoting VvMYB14-mediated ethylene biosynthesis
Authors: Ma Wanyun , Xu Lili , Gao Shiwei , Lyu Xingning , Cao Xiaolei , Yao Yuxin
Published: March 2021

The interplay between melatonin and ethylene in the regulation of fruit metabolism and the underlying molecular mechanism of this interplay remain largely unclear. Here, widely targeted metabolomics analysis revealed a total of 464 metabolites present in berry skin. Among them, 27 significantly differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were produced in response to melatonin treatment in the presence or absence of 1-MCP. Most of the DAMs were secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, stilbenes, and flavonols. Additionally, the accumulation of 25 DAMs was regulated by melatonin via ethylene. RNA-seq analysis indicated that melatonin primarily regulated the pathways of plant hormone signal transduction and secondary metabolite biosynthesis via ethylene. Gene-metabolite association analysis showed that melatonin regulated the expression of theVvSTS1,VvF3H,VvLAR2, andVvDFRgenes, suggesting that these genes may play key roles in regulating secondary metabolites in the skin; additionally,VvMYB14andVvACS1were suggested to be involved in the regulation of secondary metabolites. Further experiments revealed that melatonin induced the expression ofVvMYB14and that VvMYB14 increased ethylene production by transcriptionally activatingVvACS1, thereby affecting the accumulation of secondary metabolites. Collectively, melatonin promotes ethylene biosynthesis and alters secondary metabolite accumulation through the regulation ofVvACS1by VvMYB14.
The chromosome-based lavender genome provides new insights into Lamiaceae evolution and terpenoid biosynthesis
Authors: Li Jingrui , Wang Yiming , Dong Yanmei , Zhang Wenying , Wang Di , Bai Hongtong , Li Kui , Li Hui , Shi Lei
Published: March 2021

The aromatic shrub Lavandula angustifolia produces various volatile terpenoids that serve as resources for essential oils and function in plant-insect communication. To better understand the genetic basis of the terpenoid diversity in lavender, we present a high-quality reference genome for the Chinese lavender cultivar ‘Jingxun 2’ using PacBio and Hi-C technologies to anchor the 894.50 Mb genome assembly into 27 pseudochromosomes. In addition to the γ triplication event, lavender underwent two rounds of whole-genome duplication (WGD) during the Eocene–Oligocene (29.6 MYA) and Miocene–Pliocene (6.9 MYA) transitions. As a result of tandem duplications and lineage-specific WGDs, gene families related to terpenoid biosynthesis in lavender are substantially expanded compared to those of five other species in Lamiaceae. Many terpenoid biosynthesis transcripts are abundant in glandular trichomes. We further integrated the contents of ecologically functional terpenoids and coexpressed terpenoid biosynthetic genes to construct terpenoid-gene networks. Typical gene clusters, including TPS-TPS, TPS-CYP450, and TPS-BAHD, linked with compounds that primarily function as attractants or repellents, were identified by their similar patterns of change during flower development or in response to methyl jasmonate. Comprehensive analysis of the genetic basis of the production of volatiles in lavender could serve as a foundation for future research into lavender evolution, phytochemistry, and ecology.
TheCorylus mandshuricagenome provides insights into the evolution of Betulaceae genomes and hazelnut breeding
Authors: Li Ying , Sun Pengchuan , Lu Zhiqiang , Chen Jinyuan , Wang Zhenyue , Du Xin , Zheng Zeyu , Wu Ying , Hu Hongyin , Yang Jiao , Ma Jianxiang , Liu Jianquan , Yang Yongzhi
Published: March 2021

Hazelnut is popular for its flavor, and it has also been suggested that hazelnut is beneficial to cardiovascular health because it is rich in oleic acid. Here, we report the first high-quality chromosome-scale genome for the hazelnut species Corylus mandshurica (2n = 22), which has a high concentration of oleic acid in its nuts. The assembled genome is 367.67 Mb in length, and the contig N50 is 14.85 Mb. All contigs were assembled into 11 chromosomes, and 28,409 protein-coding genes were annotated. We reconstructed the evolutionary trajectories of the genomes of Betulaceae species and revealed that the 11 chromosomes of the hazelnut genus were derived from the most ancestral karyotype in Betula pendula, which has 14 protochromosomes, by inferring homology among five Betulaceae genomes. We identified 96 candidate genes involved in oleic acid biosynthesis, and 10 showed rapid evolution or positive selection. These findings will help us to understand the mechanisms of lipid synthesis and storage in hazelnuts. Several gene families related to salicylic acid metabolism and stress responses experienced rapid expansion in this hazelnut species, which may have increased its stress tolerance. The reference genome presented here constitutes a valuable resource for molecular breeding and genetic improvement of the important agronomic properties of hazelnut.
Prospective study of dynamic whole-body 68Ga-DOTATOC-PET/CT acquisition in patients with well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Thuillier Philippe , Bourhis David , Metges Jean Philippe , Le Pennec Romain , Amrane Karim , Schick Ulrike , Blanc-Beguin Frédérique , Hennebicq Simon , Salaun Pierre-Yves , Kerlan Véronique , Karakatsanis Nicolas , Abgral Ronan
Published: March 2021

To present the feasibility of a dynamic whole-body (DWB) 68Ga-DOTATOC-PET/CT acquisition in patients with well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (WD-NETs). Sixty-one patients who underwent a DWB 68Ga-DOTATOC-PET/CT for a histologically proven/highly suspected WD-NET were prospectively included. The acquisition consisted in single-bed dynamic acquisition centered on the heart, followed by the DWB and static acquisitions. For liver, spleen and tumor (1–5/patient), Ki values (in ml/min/100 ml) were calculated according to Patlak's analysis and tumor-to-liver (TLR-Ki) and tumor-to-spleen ratios (TSR-Ki) were recorded. Ki-based parameters were compared to static parameters (SUVmax/SUVmean, TLR/TSRmean, according to liver/spleen SUVmean), in the whole-cohort and according to the PET system (analog/digital). A correlation analysis between SUVmean/Ki was performed using linear and non-linear regressions. Ki-liver was not influenced by the PET system used, unlike SUVmax/SUVmean. The regression analysis showed a non-linear relation between Ki/SUVmean (R2 = 0.55,0.68 and 0.71 for liver, spleen and tumor uptake, respectively) and a linear relation between TLRmean/TLR-Ki (R2 = 0.75). These results were not affected by the PET system, on the contrary of the relation between TSRmean/TSR-Ki (R2 = 0.94 and 0.73 using linear and non-linear regressions in digital and analog systems, respectively). Our study is the first showing the feasibility of a DWB 68Ga-DOTATOC-PET/CT acquisition in WD-NETs.
A partially demineralized allogeneic bone graft: in vitro osteogenic potential and preclinical evaluation in two different intramembranous bone healing models
Authors: Tournier Pierre , Guicheux Jérôme , Paré Arnaud , Maltezeanu Aymeric , Blondy Thibaut , Veziers Joëlle , Vignes Caroline , André Manon , Lesoeur Julie , Barbeito Ana , Bardonnet Raphaël , Blanquart Christophe , Corre Pierre , Geoffroy Valérie , Weiss Pierre , Gaudin Alexis
Published: March 2021

In skeletal surgical procedures, bone regeneration in irregular and hard-to-reach areas may present clinical challenges. In order to overcome the limitations of traditional autologous bone grafts and bone substitutes, an extrudable and easy-to-handle innovative partially demineralized allogenic bone graft in the form of a paste has been developed. In this study, the regenerative potential of this paste was assessed and compared to its clinically used precursor form allogenic bone particles. Compared to the particular bone graft, the bone paste allowed better attachment of human mesenchymal stromal cells and their commitment towards the osteoblastic lineage, and it induced a pro-regenerative phenotype of human monocytes/macrophages. The bone paste also supported bone healing in vivo in a guide bone regeneration model and, more interestingly, exhibited a substantial bone-forming ability when implanted in a critical-size defect model in rat calvaria. Thus, these findings indicate that this novel partially demineralized allogeneic bone paste that combines substantial bone healing properties and rapid and ease-of-use may be a promising alternative to allogeneic bone grafts for bone regeneration in several clinical contexts of oral and maxillofacial bone grafting.
The influence of dielectric permittivity of water on the shape of PtNPs synthesized in high-pressure high-temperature microwave reactor
Authors: Wojnicki Marek , Luty-Błocho Magdalena , Kwolek Przemysław , Gajewska Marta , Socha Robert P. , Pędzich Zbigniew , Csapó Edit , Hessel Volker
Published: March 2021

In this paper, a novel method for the synthesis of Pt nanoparticles (PtNPs) using a microwave autoclave reactor is proposed. For benchmarking, the obtained results are compared with the traditional, batch method. A novel process window is proposed, which is the application of high-temperature and high-pressure. The main finding is that this only brings advantage, when the ionic strength of the system is enough low. It is explained, that at high pressure and high temperature, water behaves like only a slightly polar solvent, approaching a subcritical state. This reduces the electrostatic stabilization of the particles. Moreover, a change in the Pt particle shape is observed under high pressure and temperature conditions, suggesting that additional physical–chemical processes are involved.
Pyridylacetic acids and related systems as alkylheteroarene surrogates in asymmetric decarboxylative Michael addition
Authors: Frankowski Sebastian , Kowalska Justyna , Albrecht Anna
Published: March 2021

This manuscript describes application of 2-pyridylacetic acids as alkylpyridine synthons in asymmetric, decarboxylative Michael addition.
Facile preparation of hydrophilic In2O3 nanospheres and rods with improved performances for photocatalytic degradation of PFOA
Authors: Liu Xiaoqing , Xu Bentuo , Duan Xiaoguang , Hao Qiang , Wei Wei , Wang Shaobin , Ni Bing-Jie
Published: March 2021

This study used metal–organic-framework (MOF) derived In2O3 for the photocatalytic degradation of PFOA for the first time. MOF derived In2O3 demonstrated significantly enhanced performance for PFOA decomposition compared to commercial In2O3.
All-organic fast intersystem crossing assisted exciplexes exhibiting sub-microsecond thermally activated delayed fluorescence
Authors: Traskovskis Kaspars , Sebris Armands , Novosjolova Irina , Turks Māris , Guzauskas Matas , Volyniuk Dmytro , Bezvikonnyi Oleksandr , Grazulevicius Juozas V. , Mishnev Anatoly , Grzibovskis Raitis , Vembris Aivars
Published: March 2021

Molecules with fast intersystem crossing characteristics can be used as components for sub-microsecond TADF exciplexes.
Functionalized polyoxometalate microspheres ensure selective adsorption of phosphoproteins and glycoproteins
Authors: Xu Wang , Cao Jian-Fang , Lin Yan-Na , Shu Yang , Wang Jian-Hua
Published: March 2021

Lacunary polyoxometalate, [PW9O34]9−, grafts with a boronic acid group and self-assembles into microspheres. It ensures simultaneous and selective adsorption of phosphoproteins and glycoproteins.
Unmasking the elusive 1,4-diazabutatrienes: the stabilizing role of the N-substituents
Authors: Alajarin Mateo , Marin-Luna Marta
Published: March 2021

Challenging 1,4-diazabutatrienes are computed to be more stabilized by substituents with either good π-donor or σ-acceptor capability.
The oxidation and thermal stability of two-dimensional transition metal carbides and/or carbonitrides (MXenes) and the improvement based on their surface state
Authors: Zheng Zixiang , Guo Chunyu , Wang Enhui , He Zhijun , Liang Tongxiang , Yang Tao , Hou Xinmei
Published: March 2021

This work provides a comprehensive review focusing on the current research on the stability of MXenes and the methods to improve their stability.
Highly efficient red thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitters by manipulating the molecular horizontal orientation
Authors: Zhou Changjiang , Cao Chen , Yang Dezhi , Cao Xiaosong , Liu He , Ma Dongge , Lee Chun-Sing , Yang Chuluo
Published: March 2021

A highly efficient red TADF emitter with a horizontal ratio of 85% of the emitting dipole orientation is reported.
Constructing a small core–multishell nanostructure for Ho-based red upconversion emission
Authors: Lin Hao , Cheng Zhiyuan , Xu Dekang , Zheng Xuegang , Ge Jun , Xu Liqin , Ma Ying , Yang Shenghong , Zhang Yueli
Published: March 2021

Ho-based red dominant emission can be obtained through Tb3+-mediated interfacial energy transfer and energy migration.
Real‐time classification on oral ulcer images with residual network and image enhancement
Authors: Guo Jianbin , Wang Haolin , Xue Xingsi , Li Mengting , Ma Zhongxiong
Published: March 2021

With the advances of deep learning research in the past few years, healthcare and smart medicines have been significantly developed. Inspired by the wide application of deep learning in medical image classification and disease diagnosis, this paper further proposes a variant of the Residual Network framework to classify the oral ulcer images in real‐time. In particular, image pre‐processing and enhancement techniques are used to enrich the datasets and reduce model overfitting. Besides, the transfer learning is further introduced into the residual blocks to improve the classification accuracy, with the later layers trained from the labeled datasets. To validate the performance of authors' proposal, it is compared with other classic deep learning models with respect to the classification sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. The experimental results show that authors' approach outperforms those classic classification networks when the oral ulcers are classified and diagnosed in real‐time.
Real‐time predictive eco‐driving assistance considering road geometry and long‐range radar measurements
Authors: Fleming James , Yan Xingda , Allison Craig , Stanton Neville , Lot Roberto
Published: March 2021

Eco‐driving assistance systems incorporating predictive or feedforward information are a promising technique to increase energy‐efficiency and reduce emissions from road transportation. This work gives details of such a system that was recently developed by the authors, which uses real‐time data from GPS and automotive radar to perform a predictive optimisation of a vehicle's speed profile and coaches a driver into fuel‐saving and ‐reducing behaviour. A repeated‐measures study carried out in a fixed‐base driving simulator indicated an overall reduction in fuel consumption of 6.09%, which was significantly greater than improvements expected from reductions in average speed. Adjusted for average speed, fuel‐efficiency improvements when using the system are similar to those observed in unassisted eco‐driving, but with improvements in travel time in motorway situations. Finally, an on‐road prototype is described in which the optimisation is solved using data from vehicle sensors, successfully demonstrating that real‐time implementation of the system is feasible.
A well‐conditioned integral equation for electromagnetic scattering from composite inhomogeneous bi‐anisotropic material and closed perfect electric conductor objects
Authors: Liu Jinbo , Yuan Jin , Li Zengrui , Song Jiming
Published: March 2021

A well‐conditioned volume‐surface integral equation, called the volume integral equation‐combined field integral equation, is applied to analyse electromagnetic (EM) scattering from arbitrarily shaped three‐dimensional composite objects comprising both inhomogeneous bi‐anisotropic material and closed perfect electric conductors (PECs). The equivalent surface and volume currents are respectively expanded using the commonly used RWG and SWG basis functions, while a matrix equation is derived by the method of moments. Because the magnetic field integral equation is involved in modelling the surface electric current, and the constitutive parameters are all tensors, some new kinds of singularities are encountered and properly handled in the filling process of the impedance matrix. Several numerical results of EM scattering from composite bi‐anisotropy and closed PEC objects are shown to illustrate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed scheme. The validity of the continuity condition of electric flux enforced on the bi‐anisotropy‐PEC interfaces, which can be used to eliminate the volumetric electric unknowns, is also verified.
Control method for improvement of power quality in single interlinking converter hybrid AC‐DC microgrids
Authors: Baharizadeh Mehdi , Karshenas Hamid R. , Golsorkhi Esfahani Mohammad S.
Published: March 2021

Hybrid AC‐DC microgrids (HMGs) are formed by interconnecting AC microgrids (MGs) and DC microgrids via AC‐DC interlinking converters (ICs). In the islanded mode, apart from power sharing in a single MG, power sharing expansion throughout HMG is desirable. Conventionally, this is achieved by employing an IC control mechanism in coordination with the droop characteristics of sources. Because the conventional control strategy of IC relies on measuring the frequency variations in AC MG, accurate coordination necessitates a wide range of frequency deviation. Also, this strategy employs the current‐controlled method, which fails to accomplish superior voltage quality during load transients and in the presence of an unbalanced load obtainable by the voltage‐controlled method (VCM). An IC control strategy for single IC HMGs is proposed that does not require the measurement of frequency variation and employs VCM in the inner control loop. As a consequence, the power quality of AC MG is improved. The proposed control strategy is phase locked‐loop‐less. In addition, by supporting the related MG with the disconnection of sources in AC MG or DC MG, it provides a uniform control property. Time domain simulations and experimental results are provided to verify the efficacy of the proposed strategy.
Genetics of Menopause and Primary Ovarian Insufficiency: Time for a Paradigm Shift?
Authors: Laven Joop S. E.
Published: March 2021

This review summarizes the existing information concerning the genetic background of menopause and primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). There is overwhelming evidence that majority of genes are involved in double-strand break repair, mismatch repair, and base excision repair. The remaining loci were involved in cell energy metabolism and immune response. Gradual (or in case of rapid POI) accumulation of unrepaired DNA damage causes (premature) cell death and cellular senescence. This in turn leads to exhaustion of cell renewal capacity and cellular dysfunction in affected organs and eventually to aging of the entire soma. Similar erosion of the genome occurs within the germ cell line and the ovaries. Subsequently, the systemic “survival” response intentionally suppresses the sex-steroid hormonal output, which in turn may contribute to the onset of menopause. The latter occurs in particular when age-dependent DNA damage accumulation does not cease. Both effects are expected to synergize to promote (premature) ovarian silencing and install (early) menopause. Consequently, aging of the soma seems to be a primary driver for the loss of ovarian function in women. This challenges the current dogma which implies that loss of ovarian function initiates aging of the soma. It is time for a paradigm shift!
Supply Chain: Effizienz versus Resilienz
Authors: Schlüchtermann Jörg
Published: March 2021

Die Corona-Pandemie hat gezeigt, dass Wertschöpfungsketten für Krisen gewappnet sein müssen. Dabei bilden Resilienz, Effizienz und Nachhaltigkeit ein Zieldreieck mit sehr unterschiedlichen Abhängigkeiten.
Sensoren Für den Körper: Wearables als Medizinprodukte
Authors: Kleinhans Jennifer , Schülke Fabian
Published: March 2021

Wearables sind immer präsenter. Wie der Branchenverband Bitkom berichtete nutzte im Jahr 2019 mehr als jeder dritte Deutsche über 16 Jahren (36 Prozent) zumindest gelegentlich privat eine Smartwatch. Gegenüber dem Jahr 2015 ist dieser Wert um 30 Prozent gestiegen. Smartwatches, die derzeit beliebteste Gruppe der Wearables, sind in der Bevölkerung angekommen. Können Kliniken und ihre Patientinnen und Patienten davon profitieren?
Nonequilibrium dynamics and action at a distance in transcriptionally driven DNA supercoiling
Authors: Fosado Yair A. G. , Michieletto Davide , Brackley Chris A. , Marenduzzo Davide
Published: March 2021

Significance

Positive and negative supercoiling refers to the overwinding or underwinding, respectively, of a DNA double helix. Supercoiling is important and ubiquitous, as all cells, from bacterial to human, deploy proteins to keep their genome negatively supercoiled to facilitate transcription and replication. Additionally, as a polymerase transcribes a gene, its action generates twin domains of supercoils of opposite sign. Here we characterize, by simulations, the three-dimensional geometry of such domains, and show that supercoiling can be exploited to act at a distance on DNA-binding proteins, for instance, unwrapping a nucleosome long before the polymerase reaches it. We also quantify the dynamics of double-stranded DNA supercoiling, and the striking timescale separation between the diffusive relaxation of twist and writhe.
Attitudinal research into Caribbean Englishes
Authors: Wilson Guyanne , Westphal Michael
Published: March 2021

Language attitude research is crucial for a deeper understanding of New Englishes. However, the most common
attitude research methods often cause problems when applied to New Englishes contexts. We discuss the benefits and challenges of
different methods used in two attitude studies on the perception of linguistic variation in Jamaica and Trinidad. Five major
issues arise out of the discussion: the careful consideration of abstract labels, the need for contextualized research and
authentic source material, the limited view of written data collection with closed questions, the crucial role of the researcher,
and the opportunities of mixed-methods research. These conclusions are particularly relevant for research on New Englishes but
also for language attitude research in general.
Drilling for fissures and exploiting common ground in the discourse of oil production
Authors: Chen Wenge , Bartlett Tom , Peng Huiling
Published: March 2021

This is the second part of a two-part article which proposes an enhanced approach to eco-discourses after weighing
the (dis)advantages of mainstream Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and Positive Discourse Analysis (PDA). Part I (Chen et al. 2021) explored the
theoretical grounding for an enhanced PDA, introduced the research method and then, based on the adapted analytic framework of
Stibbe (2016), undertook a critical analysis of the discourses of Shell Oil Company
(SOC). Part II uses the same analytic framework to analyse Greenpeace USA’s (GPU) discourse and compare it to the SOC discourse.
The emphasis in Part II is on the exploration of potential fissures in the discourses across difference, and the possible common
grounds upon which to design alternative discourses that are empathetic, comprehensible and legitimate to a coalition of social
forces. Practically, Part II finds that the two groups use similar discourse strategies, such as salience and framing, but with
different orientations. Methodologically, Part II argues that corpus-aided comparative discourse analysis, with a focus on
discourse semantics, will facilitate the identification of ‘greenwashing’ strategies that strengthen and stabilize current
hegemonic social order. This part also points to avenues of alternative discourses which exploit the inherent contradictions or
fissures within that hegemonic order. Theoretically, the paper suggests that within an enhanced Positive Discourse Analysis
approach, it is also important to seek out points of convergence between progressive positions and to articulate these within a
hybrid, counter-hegemonic discourse that maximizes its potential for uptake, while it destabilizes the prevailing discourses at
precisely the fissure points identified.
French Abstracts for Volume 32, Issue 10, 2020
Authors: Søren Birkeland , Mikkel Brabrand , Kurt Mikkelsen , Søren Bogh
Published: March 2021

Objectifs: étudier les effets de la réorganisation sur le contenu des demandes de dommages et intérêts des patients en lien avec la qualité des soins de santé et la sécurité des patients.

Plan et contexte: les soins d’urgence se sont considérablement développés au Danemark au cours des dernières décennies, notamment dans le cadre d’une réorganisation majeure visant à améliorer la qualité des soins de santé et la sécurité des patients en assurant un meilleur accès à un traitement spécialisé. Une analyse des types de demande de dommages et intérêts est utilisée pour évaluer les effets de ces modifications apportées au système de soins de santé.

Participants, interventions et mesures principales: un échantillon de 1613 demandes de dommages et intérêts adressées à l’organisation de l’assurance des patients au Danemark a été évalué suivant une taxonomie standardisée (l’outil HCAT, ‘Healthcare Complaints Analysis Tool’). Nous avons comparé, par analyse de tendance, les proportions de demandes catégorisées dans les domaines, les catégories de problème et les sous-catégories de l’outil HCAT avant et après la réorganisation en mettant l’accent an particulier sur le domaine « problèmes cliniques » couvrant les questions de qualité des soins de santé et de sécurité des patients.

Résultats: Nous avons observé une augmentation initiale des demandes liées à des problèmes cliniques (P < 0,01), mais cette augmentation a été moins prononcée après la réorganisation. Cette observation semble être due principalement à une diminution des demandes liées aux aptitudes des cliniciens (P = 0,03) et aux négligences dans les soins de santé (P = 0,01). Cependant, les demandes liées à des erreurs de diagnostic et aux résultats pour les patients ont eu tendance à augmenter (résultat non significatif).

Conclusions: Il semble que la réorganisation des soins d’urgence ait été suivie d’un déplacement du contenu des demandes, avec moins de demandes concernant une négligence dans les soins de santé et les compétences du personnel, bien que les demandes liées à d’autres questions aient pu devenir plus fréquentes. Ces analyses des tendances dans les demandes de dommages et intérêts devront être complétées par des études de l’effet utilisant des mesures classiques telles que la mortalité et les taux de réhospitalisation.
Modulatory effects of catechin hydrate on benzo[a]pyrene-induced nephrotoxicity in adult male albino rats
Authors: Khattab Samah A , Hussien Wafaa F , Raafat Nermin , Ahmed Alaa El-Din Eman
Published: March 2021

Benzo [a] pyrene (B[a]P) is a potent mutagen and carcinogen, considered one of the commonest concomitants in the environment. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of catechin hydrate on benzo pyrene-induced kidney toxicity. Thirty-six adult male albino rats were divided into six groups: group I untreated control, group II received 10 mL/kg of corn oil (solvent of benzo [a] pyrene) twice a week, group III received 1 mL/kg 0.5% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) (solvent of catechin) once per day, group IV received 50 mg/kg body weight of benzo[a]pyrene twice a week, group V received 20 mg/kg body weight of catechin in 1 mL/kg 0.5% DMSO once daily, and group VI received both catechin+benzo [a] pyrene with the same doses. All treatment was given by oral gavage for four weeks. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected for biochemical investigations, tissues were obtained for genotoxicity, RT-PCR, and histopathological studies. B[a]P exposure induced an increase in serum urea and creatinine levels along with severe renal histopathological changes. Our results showed a subsequent decrease in the antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase and superoxide dismutase), and conversely, (malondialdehyde) levels markedly elevated. Also, B[a]P induced DNA damage as well as activated an apoptotic pathway confirmed by upregulation of Bax, caspase-3, and downregulation of Bcl-2 expression. However, treatment with catechin-corrected kidney functions and antioxidant enzymes as well as regulated apoptosis. Histological results also supported the protective effects of catechin. These findings suggested that catechin hydrate is an effective natural product that attenuates benzo pyrene-induced kidney toxicity.
Escherichia coli EC93 deploys two plasmid-encoded class I contact-dependent growth inhibition systems for antagonistic bacterial interactions
Authors: Wäneskog Marcus , Halvorsen Tiffany , Filek Klara , Xu Feifei , Hammarlöf Disa L. , Hayes Christopher S. , Braaten Bruce A. , Low David A. , Poole Stephen J. , Koskiniemi Sanna
Published: March 2021

The phenomenon of contact-dependent growth inhibition (CDI) and the genes required for CDI (cdiBAI) were identified and isolated in 2005 from an

Escherichia coli

isolate (EC93) from rats. Although the cdiBAI
EC93 locus has been the focus of extensive research during the past 15 years, little is known about the EC93 isolate from which it originates. Here we sequenced the EC93 genome and find two complete and functional cdiBAI loci (including the previously identified cdi locus), both carried on a large 127 kb plasmid. These cdiBAI systems are differentially expressed in laboratory media, enabling EC93 to outcompete

E. coli

cells lacking cognate cdiI immunity genes. The two CDI systems deliver distinct effector peptides that each dissipate the membrane potential of target cells, although the two toxins display different toxic potencies. Despite the differential expression and toxic potencies of these CDI systems, both yielded similar competitive advantages against

E. coli

cells lacking immunity. This can be explained by the fact that the less expressed cdiBAI system (cdiBAIEC93-2
) delivers a more potent toxin than the highly expressed cdiBAIEC93-1
system. Moreover, our results indicate that unlike most sequenced CDI+ bacterial isolates, the two cdi loci of

E. coli

EC93 are located on a plasmid and are expressed in laboratory media.
The impact of genomic structural variation on the transcriptome, chromatin, and proteome in the human brain
Authors: Vialle Ricardo A. , de Paiva Lopes Katia , Bennett David A. , Crary John F. , Raj Towfique
Published: March 2021

Structural variants (SVs), defined as any genomic rearrangements of 50 or more bp, are an important source of genetic diversity and have been linked to many diseases. However, their contribution to molecular traits in the brain and impact on neurodegenerative diseases remains unknown. Here, we report 170,996 SVs which were constructed using 1,760 short-read whole genomes from aging and Alzheimer’s disease subjects. We quantified the impact of cis-acting SVs on several molecular traits including histone modification, gene expression, mRNA splicing, and protein abundance in post-mortem brain tissues. More than 3,800 genes were associated with at least one molecular phenotype, and 712 (18%) with more than one phenotype, with a significant positive correlation in the direction of effect between RNA, histone peaks, and protein levels. SV associations with RNA and protein levels shared the same direction of effect in more than 87% of SV-gene pairs. We found reproducibility of SV-eQTLs across three groups of samples and multiple brain regions ranging from 81 to 98%, including the innate immune system related genes ERAP2 and GBP3. Additionally, associations of SVs with progressive supranuclear palsy, an amyloid-independent primary tauopathy, identified previously known and novel SVs at the 17q.21.31 MAPT locus and several other novel suggestive associations. Our study provides a comprehensive view of the mechanisms linking structural variation to gene regulation and provides a valuable resource for understanding the functional impact of SVs in the aged human brain.
Cardiometabolic risk factors associated with brain age and accelerate brain ageing
Authors: Beck Dani , de Lange Ann-Marie G. , Pedersen Mads L. , Alnæs Dag , Maximov Ivan I. , Voldsbekk Irene , Richard Geneviève , Sanders Anne-Marthe , Ulrichsen Kristine M. , Dørum Erlend S. , Kolskår Knut K. , Høgestøl Einar A. , Steen Nils Eiel , Djurovic Srdjan , Andreassen Ole A. , Nordvik Jan E. , Kaufmann Tobias , Westlye Lars T.
Published: March 2021

The structure and integrity of the ageing brain is interchangeably linked to physical health, and cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRs) are associated with dementia and other brain disorders. In this mixed cross-sectional and longitudinal study (interval mean and standard deviation = 19.7 ± 0.5 months), including 1062 datasets from 790 healthy individuals (mean (range) age = 46.7 (18-94) years, 54% women), we investigated CMRs and health indicators including anthropometric measures, lifestyle factors, and blood biomarkers in relation to brain structure using MRI-based morphometry and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). We performed tissue specific brain age prediction using machine learning and performed Bayesian multilevel modelling to assess changes in each CMR over time, their respective association with brain age gap (BAG), and their interaction effects with time and age on the tissue-specific BAGs. The results showed credible associations between DTI-based BAG and blood levels of phosphate and mean cell volume (MCV), and between T1-based BAG and systolic blood pressure, smoking, pulse, and C-reactive protein (CRP), indicating older-appearing brains in people with higher cardiometabolic risk (smoking, higher blood pressure and pulse, low-grade inflammation). Longitudinal evidence supported interactions between both BAGs and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and between DTI-based BAG and systolic blood pressure and smoking, indicating accelerated ageing in people with higher cardiometabolic risk (smoking, higher blood pressure, and WHR). The results demonstrate that cardiometabolic risk factors are associated with brain ageing. While randomised controlled trials are needed to establish causality, our results indicate that public health initiatives and treatment strategies targeting modifiable cardiometabolic risk factors may also improve risk trajectories and delay brain ageing.
Leveraging genetic data to elucidate the relationship between Covid-19 and ischemic stroke
Authors: Zuber Verena , Cameron Alan , Myserlis Evangelos P. , Bottolo Leonardo , Fernandez-Cadenas Israel , Burgess Stephen , Anderson Christopher D. , Dawson Jesse , Gill Dipender
Published: March 2021

Background

The relationship between coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) and ischemic stroke is poorly defined. We aimed to leverage genetic data to investigate reported associations.

Methods

Genetic association estimates for liability to Covid-19 and cardiovascular traits were obtained from large-scale consortia. Analyses primarily focused on critical Covid-19, defined as hospitalization with Covid-19 requiring respiratory support or resulting in death. Cross-trait linkage disequilibrium score regression was used to estimate genetic correlations of critical Covid-19 with ischemic stroke, other related cardiovascular outcomes, and risk factors common to both Covid-19 and cardiovascular disease (body mass index, smoking and chronic inflammation, estimated using C-reactive protein). Mendelian randomization analysis was performed to investigate whether liability to critical Covid-19 was associated with increased risk of any of the cardiovascular outcomes for which genetic correlation was identified.

Results

There was evidence of genetic correlation between critical Covid-19 and ischemic stroke (rg=0.29, FDRp-value=4.65×10−3), body mass index (rg=0.21, FDR-p-value=6.26×10−6) and C-reactive protein (rg=0.20, FDR-p-value=1.35×10−4), but none of the other considered traits. In Mendelian randomization analysis, liability to critical Covid-19 was associated with increased risk of ischemic stroke (odds ratio [OR] per logOR increase in genetically predicted critical Covid-19 liability 1.03, 95% confidence interval 1.00-1.06,p-value=0.03). Similar estimates were obtained when considering ischemic stroke subtypes. Consistent estimates were also obtained when performing statistical sensitivity analyses more robust to the inclusion of pleiotropic variants, including multivariable Mendelian randomization analyses adjusting for potential genetic confounding through body mass index, smoking and chronic inflammation. There was no evidence to suggest that genetic liability to ischemic stroke increased the risk of critical Covid-19.

Conclusions

These data support that liability to critical Covid-19 is associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke. The host response predisposing to severe Covid-19 is likely to increase the risk of ischemic stroke, independent of other potentially mitigating risk factors.