bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Female Sexual Signaling in a Capital Breeder, the European Glow-Worm Lampyris noctiluca
Authors: Baudry Gautier , Hopkins Juhani , Watts Phillip C. , Kaitala Arja
Published: January 2021

Theory predicts that because costs constrain female sexual signaling, females are expected to have a low signaling effort that is increased with passing time until mating is secured. This pattern of signaling is expected to result from females balancing the costs associated with a higher than optimal signaling effort and those costs associated with a low signaling effort that increase the likelihood of delayed mating. We tested whether this prediction applies in the common glow-worm Lampyris noctiluca (Coleoptera, Lampyridae), a capital breeding species in which females glow at night to attract males. Contrary to predictions, we found that the duration of female sexual signaling significantly decreased with time. Moreover, when females experienced multiple light/dark cycles within 24 h, both signaling duration and intensity significantly decreased. These results imply that females attempt to signal as much as possible at first, with the decrease in signaling duration and intensity likely being due to female resource depletion. Because in capital breeding females the costs of a delayed mating are likely greater than the costs of sexual signaling, females should mate as soon as possible and thus always invest into signaling as much as possible.
Morphological study of TNPO3 and SRSF1 interaction during myogenesis by combining confocal, structured illumination and electron microscopy analysis
Authors: Costa Roberta , Rodia Maria Teresa , Zini Nicoletta , Pegoraro Valentina , Marozzo Roberta , Capanni Cristina , Angelini Corrado , Lattanzi Giovanna , Santi Spartaco , Cenacchi Giovanna
Published: January 2021

Transportin3 (TNPO3) shuttles the SR proteins from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. The SR family includes essential splicing factors, such as SRSF1, that influence alternative splicing, controlling protein diversity in muscle and satellite cell differentiation. Given the importance of alternative splicing in the myogenic process and in the maintenance of healthy muscle, alterations in the splicing mechanism might contribute to the development of muscle disorders. Combining confocal, structured illumination and electron microscopy, we investigated the expression of TNPO3 and SRSF1 during myogenesis, looking at nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments. We investigated TNPO3 and its interaction with SRSF1 and we observed that SRSF1 remained mainly localized in the nucleus, while TNPO3 decreased in the cytoplasm and was strongly clustered in the nuclei of differentiated myotubes. In conclusion, combining different imaging techniques led us to describe the behavior of TNPO3 and SRSF1 during myogenesis, showing that their dynamics follow the myogenic process and could influence the proteomic network necessary during myogenesis. The combination of different high-, super- and ultra-resolution imaging techniques led us to describe the behavior of TNPO3 and its interaction with SRSF1, looking at nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments. These observations represent a first step in understanding the role of TNPO3 and SRFSF1 in complex mechanisms, such as myogenesis.
The Empire at the Opéra
Authors: Everist Mark
Published: January 2021

Although nineteenth-century legislation had tried to ensure a precise separation between genre and institution for Parisian music in the theatre, it had inadvertently laid out a field on which the politics of genre could be played out as agents and actors of all types deployed various forms of artistic power. During the Second Empire, from 1854 until 1870, the state took over day-to-day control of the Opéra in ways that were without precedent. Every element of the Opéra's activity was subjugated to the exigency of Empire; the selection or artists, works and more general questions of artistic policy were handed over to politicians. The Opéra effectively became a branch of government. The result was a stagnation of the Opéra's repertory, and beneficiaries were the composers of larger-scale works for competing organisations: the Opéra Comique and the Théâtre Lyrique.
A Concise History of Greece
Authors: Clogg Richard
Published: January 2021

Now reissued in a fourth, updated edition, this book provides a concise, illustrated introduction to the modern history of Greece, from the first stirrings of the national movement in the late eighteenth century to the present day. As Greece emerges from a devastating economic crisis, this fourth edition offers analyses of contemporary political, economic and social developments. It includes additional illustrations, together with updated tables and suggestions for further reading. A new concluding chapter considers the trajectory of Greek history over the two hundred years since the beginning of the War of Independence in 1821. Designed to provide a basic introduction, the first edition of this hugely successful Concise History won the Runciman Award for a best book on an Hellenic topic in 1992 and has been translated into thirteen languages, including all the languages of the Balkans.
Gender inequality, the welfare state, disability, and distorted commodification of care in Turkey
Authors: Atasü-Topcuoğlu Reyhan
Published: January 2021

Reforming care regimes to cover the care deficit and enhancing the marketization of care to promote individualism and gender equality have been on the European agenda since the 1990s. However, both implementation and results have been path-dependent. This study first underlines some specificities in the Turkish case—namely, the limited welfare state, a large shadow economy, gender roles, patriarchal backlash, Islamization, and neoliberalism, all of which receive little treatment in the welfare state literature. It then analyzes how these specificities interact in the construction of the care regime in Turkey, conceptualizing the outcome as distorted commodification of care—namely, the continuing ambiguity of care services despite these activities producing precarity and positional suffering for caregivers and recipients. Finally, the study provides concrete examples from the less studied topic of long-term disability care. It presents a perspective on Turkey that foregrounds the connections between gendered care imagery and case-specific qualities of the commodification of care shaped by the long-standing shadow economy, the outsourcing of disability services to for-profit private companies, and the introduction of the cash-for-care policy. The study analyzes the outcomes of distorted commodification of care under these conditions in Turkey vis-à-vis visibility, valuation of work, working conditions, and gender inequality.
‘Under construction’: everyday anxieties and the proliferating social meanings of China in Kenya
Authors: Kimari Wangui
Published: January 2021

Much has been said about the presence of China in Africa over the last fifteen years, with, for the most part, these discussions affirming either a ‘for’ or ‘against’ position. Working from a micro-level perspective, this ethnographic article looks at how the everyday associations of ‘China’ and ‘the Chinese’ in Kenya are increasing, engendering expansive signifiers that proliferate as Kenya's relationship with China deepens. Although I anchor this argument in the local discursive practices that shape the proposed Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)–Westlands expressway, I trace how references to China and the Chinese expand beyond construction to take up social meanings that are continuously being assembled. Although the referents may seem unrelated in their diversity, I argue that they index wider local anxieties that de-centre China and re-centre the Kenyan government in practices that place the burdens of ‘development’ on the country's already burdened citizens.
Rewriting Bondage: Literacy and Slavery in a Qing Native Domain
Authors: Mueggler Erik
Published: January 2021

The article examines legal plaints authored by the household slaves, bondsmen, bonded tenants, concubine, wife, sisters, and affines of the chieftain of a native domain in northern Yunnan Province, China in 1760. These kin and enslaved persons of the chiefly house were struggling over whether a slave baby should become the chieftain of this sprawling realm. The documents were preserved in the hereditary house of the native chieftain along with some 500 manuscripts in an indigenous script now called Nasu, which carried its own assumptions about what writing was and what it could do. I read the Chinese-language legal documents with an eye to the tradition of Nasu ritual writing. I argue that a group of bondsmen accused of rebelling against the chiefly household were actually seeking to preserve it by extending the ritualized tasks of writing ancestry and descent into the realm of Qing legal practice. This allows me to extend the first of two methodological suggestions: that the kinship of bondage and the bondage of kinship are best seen as participating reciprocally in a single field of relations. I then follow a group of domestic slaves as they travel to the administrative city and search for a litigation master to write up their own legal plaint. With this exercise, I propose a second methodological argument: that reading and writing are complex human skills, often partly available even to those who cannot use pen and paper, and involving the coordination of forms of textuality across different planes of inscription.
The value added of attachment theory, research, and intervention for US child care and early childhood education: Reflecting and carrying forward the legacy of Edward Zigler
Authors: Berlin Lisa J.
Published: January 2021

Edward Zigler pioneered and insisted upon the integration of science, practice, and policy development to support vulnerable children and families, reduce poverty, and improve US wellbeing, writ large. His far-reaching scholarship in turn critically shaped developmental science and US policy in multiple areas. This review reflects upon Zigler's influence on US child care, Head Start, Early Head Start, and prekindergarten programs. It describes the integration of one major area of developmental science, the field of attachment theory, research, and intervention, with US child care and early childhood education programs and policy. The integration of attachment into these systems not only epitomizes Zigler's overarching canon but also has improved services and advanced attachment theory and research. Throughout the review, I suggest next steps for leveraging attachment theory, research, and intervention to improve US child care and early childhood education systems in ways that both reflect and carry forward the legacy of Edward Zigler.
Short-term storage of Chinese sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis) ovain vitro
Authors: Tan Chun , Liu Xueqing , Yang Jing , Liu Juanjuan , Du Hejun
Published: January 2021

In this study, we tried to maintain the vitality of Chinese sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis) ova before fertilization with several treatmentsin vitro. The ovulated eggs were allocated to groups with different incubation medium (coelomic fluid and artificial media), temperature (4°C and 16°C) and storage duration (2 h and 6 h). The maximum fertilization and hatching rate were observed for the control group in which the ova were fertilized immediately after spawning, with the values of 82.45% and 84.73%, respectively. Compared with the control group, the fertilization and hatching rate of all the treatment groups stored at 4°C or in coelomic fluid decreased significantly (P< 0.05). The fertilization rate of the treatment group stored in artificial medium at 16°C did not change obviously in the first 2 h (P> 0.05), but declined dramatically (P< 0.05) after 6 h. In comparison with the control group, no significant (P> 0.05) reduction was shown in hatching rate of the treatment group stored in artificial medium at 16°C for 6 h. The results showed that the ova of Chinese sturgeon can be stored for at least 6 h at 16°C in artificial medium without weakening; this provides a practical application method for the routine hatchery practice of Chinese sturgeon, as well as certain relevant research.
C57BL/6J mouse superovulation: schedule and age optimization to increase oocyte yield and reduce animal use
Authors: Lamas Sofia , Carvalheira Júlio , Gartner Fátima , Amorim Irina
Published: January 2021

Superovulation protocols have been described for different mouse strains, however the numbers of animals used are still high and still little information is known about hormone administration schedules and estrous cycle phases. In this study, we aimed to optimize a superovulation protocol by injecting 5 IU of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin followed by 5 IU of hCG 48 h later, using three different schedules related to the beginning of the dark cycle (3, 5 and 7 pm) in a light cycle of 7 am to 7 pm, with light on at 7 am. C57BL/6J mice at 3, 4 and 5 weeks of age were used and the estrous cycle phase for times of PMSG and hCG injections was also analyzed. Total oocyte number was counted in the morning after hCG injection. Hormones given at 3 weeks of age at 3 pm (59 ± 15 oocytes) and 7 pm (61 ± 10 oocytes) produced a significantly higher oocyte number compared with oocytes numbers collected from females at the same age at 5 pm (P = 0.0004 and <0.0001 respectively). Females at 4 and 5 weeks of age produced higher numbers of oocytes when superovulated at 7 pm. No statistical differences between females at different phases of the estrous cycle were found. These results showed that in C57BL/6J mice, hormones should be given at 3 or 7 pm for females at 3 weeks of age, however older females should be superovulated closer to the beginning of the dark cycle to reduce female mouse use and increase the numbers of oocytes produced per female.
Global Estimates of Marine Gross Primary Production Based on Machine Learning Upscaling of Field Observations
Authors: Huang Yibin , Nicholson David , Huang Bangqin , Cassar Nicolas
Published: January 2021

Approximately half of global primary production occurs in the ocean. While the large‐scale variability in net primary production (NPP) has been extensively studied, ocean gross primary production (GPP) has thus far received less attention. In this study, we derived two satellite‐based GPP models by training machine learning algorithms (Random Forest) with light‐dark bottle incubations (GPPLD) and the triple isotopes of dissolved oxygen (GPP17Δ). The two algorithms predict global GPPs of 9.2 ± 1.3 × 1015 and 15.1 ± 1.05 × 1015 mol O2 yr−1 for GPPLD and GPP17Δ, respectively. The projected GPP distributions agree with our understanding of the mechanisms regulating primary production. Global GPP17Δ was higher than GPPLD by an average factor of 1.6 which varied meridionally. The discrepancy between GPP17Δ and GPPLD simulations can be partly explained by the known biases of each methodology. After accounting for some of these biases, the GPP17Δ and GPPLD converge to 9.5 ∼ 12.6 × 1015 mol O2 yr−1, equivalent to 103 ∼ 150 Pg C yr−1. Our results suggest that global oceanic GPP is 1.5–2.2 fold larger than oceanic NPP and comparable to GPP on land.
A Later Onset of the Rainy Season in California
Authors: Luković Jelena , Chiang John C. H. , Blagojević Dragan , Sekulić Aleksandar
Published: January 2021

Californian hydroclimate is strongly seasonal and prone to severe water shortages. Recent changes in climate trends have induced shifts in seasonality, thus exacerbating droughts, wildfires, and adverse water shortage effects on the environment and economy. Previous studies have examined the timing of the seasonal cycle shifts mainly as temperature driven earlier onset of the spring season. In this paper, we address quantitative changes in the onset, amounts, and termination of the precipitation season over the past 6 decades, as well as the large‐scale atmospheric circulation underpinning the seasonal cycle changes. We discover that the onset of the rainy season has been progressively delayed since the 1960s, and as a result the precipitation season has become shorter and sharper in California. The progressively later onset of the rainy season is shown to be related to the summer circulation pattern extending into autumn across the North Pacific, in particular, a delay in the strengthening of the Aleutian Low and later southward displacement of the North Pacific westerlies.
Deep Meteoric Water Circulation in Earth's Crust
Authors: McIntosh Jennifer C. , Ferguson Grant
Published: January 2021

Deep meteoric waters comprise a key component of the hydrologic cycle, transferring water, energy, and life between the Earth's surface and deeper crustal environments, yet little is known about the nature and extent of meteoric water circulation. Using water stable isotopes, we show that maximum circulation depths of meteoric waters across North America vary considerably from <1 to 5 km, with the deepest circulation in Western North America in areas of greater topographic relief. Shallower circulation occurs in sedimentary and shield‐type environments with subdued topography. The amount of topographic relief available to drive regional groundwater flow and flush saline fluids is an important control on the extent of meteoric water circulation, in addition to permeability. The presence of an active flow system in the upper few kilometers of the Earth's crust and stagnant brines trapped by negative buoyancy offers a new framework for understanding deep groundwater systems.
Slab Dehydration in Sumatra: Implications for Fast and Slow Earthquakes and Arc Magmatism
Authors: Ji Yingfeng , Yan Ruyu , Zeng Deng , Xie Chaodi , Zhu Weiling , Qu Rui , Yoshioka Shoichi
Published: January 2021

The catastrophic 2004 Sumatra‐Andaman Mw9.1 earthquake associated with destructive tsunamis has characterized Sumatra as one of the most dangerous convergence zones. Nevertheless, the effects of the thermohydrous state on the strongly coupled megathrust of the incoming plate remain enigmatic. By using a three‐dimensional (3‐D) thermomechanical model to compute the temperature variation and the complicated phase transition process of the water‐bearing descending plate which generates unstable thrust slips, we find that Sumatran earthquakes at varying depths are likely under the control of the inter or intraplate hydrothermal regime, which occurs in or close to the petrological metamorphism transition area. The slab dehydration of the water‐rich mid‐ocean‐ridge basalts (MORB) and the ultramafic rocks in the oceanic lithosphere releases a large amount of fluid to the continental wedge and further facilitates arc magmatism. The fluids are prone to upwelling following the subduction channel along the plate interface and thus contribute to the clustering of earthquakes updip of the dehydration front beneath offshore Sumatra. Brittle failure and dehydration embrittlement at depth, along with the temperature differences caused by variant slab geometry, are conjectured to greatly influence the occurrence of fast and slow earthquakes in Sumatra.
Future Changes in Northern Hemisphere Summer Weather Persistence Linked to Projected Arctic Warming
Authors: Kornhuber Kai , Tamarin‐Brodsky Talia
Published: January 2021

Understanding the response of the large‐scale atmospheric circulation to climatic change remains a key challenge. Specifically, changes in the equator‐to‐pole temperature difference have been suggested to affect the midlatitudes, potentially leading to more persistent extreme weather, but a scientific consensus has not been established so far. Here we quantify summer weather persistence by applying a tracking algorithm to lower tropospheric vorticity and temperature fields to analyze changes in their propagation speeds. We find significant links between slower propagating weather systems and a weaker equator‐to‐pole temperature difference in observations and models. By end of the century, the propagation of temperature anomalies over midlatitude land is projected to decrease by −3%, regionally strongest in southern North America (−45%) under a high emission scenario (CMIP5 RCP8.5). Even higher decreases are found (−10%, −58%) in models which project a decreasing equator‐to‐pole temperature difference. Our findings provide evidence that hot summer weather might become longer‐lasting, bearing the risk of more persistent heat extremes.
Challenging the Use of Ring Current Indices During Geomagnetic Storms
Authors: Sandhu J. K. , Rae I. J. , Walach M.‐T.
Published: January 2021

The ring current experiences dramatic enhancements during geomagnetic storms; however, understanding the global distribution of ring current energy content is restricted by spacecraft coverage. Many studies use ring current indices as a proxy for energy content, but these indices average over spatial variations and include additional contributions. We have conducted an analysis of Van Allen Probes' data, identifying the spatial distribution and storm‐time variations of energy content. Ion observations from the HOPE and RBSPICE instruments were used to estimate energy content in L‐MLT bins. The results show large enhancements particularly in the premidnight sector during the main phase, alongside reductions in local time asymmetry and intensity during the recovery phase. A comparison with estimated energy content using the Sym‐H index was conducted. In agreement with previous results, the Sym‐H index significantly overestimates (by up to ∼4 times) the energy content, and we attribute the difference to contributions from additional current systems. A new finding is an observed temporal discrepancy, where energy content estimates from the Sym‐H index maximize 3–9 h earlier than in‐situ observations. Case studies reveal a complex relationship, where variable degrees of agreement between the Sym‐H index and in‐situ measurements are observed. The results highlight the drawbacks of ring current indices and emphasize the variability of the storm time ring current.
Contrast Relationships Between Arctic Oscillation and Ozone in the Stratosphere Over the Arctic in Early and Mid‐to‐Late Winter
Authors: Liu Meichen , Hu Dingzhu
Published: January 2021

Previous studies paid more attention on the winter‐mean relationship between the surface Arctic Oscillation (AO) and stratospheric ozone over the Arctic. However, few studies focused on the subseasonal relationship between the stratospheric ozone and surface AO in boreal winter. We investigated the subseasonal relationship between the AO and stratospheric ozone over the Arctic in each boreal winter month during 1980–2017 that is independent on the El Niño–Southern Oscillation and Quasi‐Biennial Oscillation signals using Modern‐Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications version 2 reanalysis data sets. Results showed that the positive AO phases correspond to two negative anomalous ozone centers located in the middle stratosphere (∼30 hPa) and upper troposphere–lower stratosphere over the Arctic in each month. There is an in‐phase relationship between the AO and the Arctic ozone at 70–100 hPa in December, which is opposite to the out‐of‐phase relationship between these two metrics in mid‐to‐late winter. In December, the subtropical jet in the Pacific under the positive AO phase shifts poleward with strengthened planetary wavenumber‐2 waves in the lower stratosphere. The strengthened wavenumber‐2 wave flux contributes to the positive ozone anomalies at 70–100 hPa via modifying the asymmetric component of polar vortex. However, in January and February, the subtropical jet weakens during the positive AO years, along with less planetary wavenumber‐1 waves propagating into the Arctic lower stratosphere. This weakened wavenumber‐1 wave tends to result in the negative ozone anomalies via weakening the downwelling branch of Brewer–Dobson circulation and strengthening the stratospheric Arctic vortex.
Heat Flux Constraints From Variance Spectra of Pluto and Charon Using Limb Profile Topography
Authors: Conrad J. W. , Nimmo F. , Beyer R. A. , Bierson C. J. , Schenk P. M.
Published: January 2021

We derive a topography data set from images of Pluto and Charon that contain the body edge (i.e., limb profiles) which will help in understanding the comparative history of the binary system. We use the profiles to derive topographic variance spectra and find that while the variance spectrum of Pluto fits a single power law, Charon's spectrum displays a clear breakpoint at ∼150 km wavelength. Assuming the breakpoint is a result of topographic flexure, we find that Charon's elastic thickness must have been 20 ± 10 km during topography formation. A lack of a breakpoint for Pluto sets a minimum elastic thickness for Pluto of 60 km. We use these elastic thickness estimates to calculate a maximum heat flux of ∼13 m Wm−2 on Pluto during and after topography formation. On Charon, however, we find that the heat flux during topography formation was m Wm−2. This range of values far exceeds the likely radiogenic heat production and is consistent with either heat released following the Charon‐forming impact event or (more likely) tidal heating during Charon's early history.
Gondwanan Inheritance on the Building of the Western Central Andes (Domeyko Range, Chile): Structural and Thermochronological Approach (U‐Pb and40Ar/39Ar)
Authors: Espinoza M. , Oliveros V. , Vásquez P. , Giambiagi L. , Morgan L. , González R. , Solari L. , Bechis F.
Published: January 2021

Tectonics inheritance controls the evolution of many orogens. To unravel the role of the Gondwanan heritage (late Paleozoic to Triassic) over the building of the Central Andes in northern Chile (Domeyko Range), we performed detrital U‐Pb zircon and40Ar/39Ar muscovite geochronology along with structural analyses (kinematics and structural balancing).40Ar/39Ar dating of detrital muscovite reveals contrasting cooling histories for the Paleozoic basement of Triassic rift sub‐basins, indicating that NW‐striking crustal structures segmented the Andean forearc since at least the middle Permian, likely related to an accretional fabric developed along SW Gondwana. These structures can be inferred based on scattered faults, gravimetric data, and basement age disruptions. During the Late Triassic, NS‐striking master faults and secondary NW‐ to NNW‐striking faults configured an oblique rift, primarily driven by subduction dynamics. We suggest that along SW Gondwana, the slab‐pull would have controlled the development of subduction‐related rift basins close to the trench whereas Triassic inland rifts were mainly driven by Pangea‐breakup stresses. Compressional tectonics began in the Late Cretaceous, yet the inversion of the Triassic rift would have started during the Eocene with the inception of the metallogenic‐fertile transpressional Domeyko fault system. Thus, the structural style of this range was determined by the architecture of the Triassic rift, where the inversion of deep‐seated faults accounted for west‐vergent thick‐ and thin‐skinned structures. Pre‐Andean NW‐striking structures also accommodated tectonic rotations during the Incaic orogeny (Eocene‐Oligocene) and may delimit the rupture zone of large earthquakes, suggesting an underestimated role of such ancient discontinuities in Andean neotectonics.
Hourly Prediction of Phytoplankton Biomass and Its Environmental Controls in Lowland Rivers
Authors: Pathak Devanshi , Hutchins Michael , Brown Lee , Loewenthal Matthew , Scarlett Peter , Armstrong Linda , Nicholls David , Bowes Michael , Edwards François
Published: January 2021

High‐resolution river modeling is valuable to study diurnal scale phytoplankton dynamics and understand biomass response to short‐term, rapid changes in its environmental controls. Based on theory contained in the Quality Evaluation and Simulation Tool for River‐systems model, a new river model is developed to simulate hourly scale phytoplankton growth and its environmental controls, thus allowing to study diurnal changes thereof. The model is implemented along a 62 km stretch in a lowland river, River Thames (England), using high‐frequency water quality measurements to simulate flow, water temperature, dissolved oxygen, nutrients, and phytoplankton concentrations for 2 years (2013–2014). The model satisfactorily simulates diurnal variability and transport of phytoplankton with Nash and Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) > 0.7 at all calibration sites. Even without high‐frequency data inputs, the model performs satisfactorily with NSE > 0.6. The model therefore can serve as a powerful tool both for predictive purposes and for hindcasting past conditions when hourly resolution water quality monitoring is unavailable. Model sensitivity analysis shows that the model with cool water diatoms as dominant species with an optimum growth temperature of 14°C performs the best for phytoplankton prediction. Phytoplankton blooms are mainly controlled by residence time, light and water temperature. Moreover, phytoplankton blooms develop within an optimum range of flow (21–63 m3 s−1). Thus, lowering river residence time with short‐term high flow releases could help prevent major bloom developments. The hourly model improves biomass prediction and represents a step forward in high‐resolution phytoplankton modeling and consequently, bloom management in lowland river systems.
NOTCH3, a crucial target of miR-491-5p/miR-875-5p, promotes gastric carcinogenesis by upregulating PHLDB2 expression and activating Akt pathway
Authors: Kang Wei , Zhang Jinglin , Huang Tingting , Zhou Yuhang , Wong Chi Chun , Chan Ronald C. K. , Dong Yujuan , Wu Feng , Zhang Bin , Wu William K. K. , Chan Michael W. Y. , Cheng Alfred S. L. , Yu Jun , Wong Nathalie , Lo Kwok Wai , To Ka Fai
Published: January 2021

Aberrant Notch activation has been implicated in multiple malignancies and the identification of NOTCH receptors and related pathways is critical for targeted therapy. In this study, we aim to delineate the most prominent dysregulated NOTCH receptor and comprehensively reveal its deregulation in gastric cancer (GC). In the four Notch members, NOTCH3 was found uniformly upregulated and associated with poor clinical outcomes in multiple GC datasets. siRNA-mediated NOTCH3 knockdown demonstrated antitumor effects by suppressing cell proliferation, inhibiting monolayer formation, and impairing cell invasion abilities. Its depletion also induced early and late apoptosis. NOTCH3 was confirmed to be a direct target of two tumor suppressor microRNAs (miRNAs), namely miR-491-5p and miR-875-5p. The activation of NOTCH3 is partly due to the silence of these two miRNAs. Through RNA-seq profiling and functional validation, PHLDB2 was identified as a potent functional downstream modulator for NOTCH3 in gastric carcinogenesis. PHLDB2 expression demonstrated a positive correlation with NOTCH3, but was negatively correlated with miR-491-5p. Akt-mTOR was revealed as the downstream signaling of PHLDB2. The NOTCH3-PHLDB2-Akt co-activation was found in 33.7% GC patients and the activation of this axis predicted poor clinical outcome. GC cells treated with siNOTCH3, siPHLDB2, miR-491-5p, miR-875-5p, were more sensitive to Cisplatin and 5-FU. Taken together, the NOTCH3-PHLDB2-Akt cascade plays oncogenic role in gastric carcinogenesis and serves as a therapeutic target. Our study provided insights into Notch-mediated underlying molecular mechanisms and implied translational potential.
Assessment of planning reproducibility in three-dimensional field-in-field radiotherapy technique for breast cancer: impact of surgery-simulation interval
Authors: Lee Dong Soo , Lee Young Kyu , Kang Young Nam , Won Yong Gyun , Park Seung Hwan , Kim Yong Seok , Kim Jeong Soo , Won Hye Sung
Published: January 2021

The three-dimensional field-in-field (3-D FIF) technique for radiotherapy is an advanced, state-of-the-art method that uses multileaf collimators to generate a homogeneous and conformal dose distribution via segmental subfields. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the dosimetric reproducibility of 3-D FIF plans using the original simulation computed tomography (iCT) scans and re-simulation CT (rCT) scans for whole breast irradiation (WBI) schedule. This study enrolled a total of 34 patients. The study population underwent iCT scans for standard WBI and took rCT scans after 45 Gy of WBI for cone down boost plans. The dosimetric parameters (V105%, V103%, V100%, V98%, V95%, V90%, V50%), plan quality indices (conformity index, homogeneity index) and clinical parameters (isocenter-breast axis, isocenter-lung axis, soft tissue volumes within radiation field, lung volumes within radiation field) were assessed. The median time interval from surgery to iCT was 33 days and from iCT to rCT was 35 days. All dosimetric parameters exhibited statistically significant differences between iCT and rCT among cohorts with a surgery-iCT interval of < 60 days. Homogeneity index showed a statistically significant increase from iCT to rCT among all cohorts. Soft tissue volumes (p = 0.001) and isocenter-breast axis (p = 0.032) exhibited statistically significant differences among cohorts with surgery-iCT interval < 60 days. Regarding the reproducibility of the 3-D FIF WBI plans, significant changes were observed in dosimetric and clinical factors, particularly in study cohorts with a surgery-simulation interval < 60 days. The main contributing factor of these transitions seemed to be the changes in volume of the soft tissue within the WBI field. Further confirmative studies are necessary to determine the most suitable timing and technique for WBI.
Diagnostic accuracy of Fusobacterium nucleatum IgA and IgG ELISA test in colorectal cancer
Authors: Kurt Melike , Yumuk Zeki
Published: January 2021

The colorectal cancer is a serious health problem. The diagnosis of the disease mostly relies on an invasive procedure. A non-invasive diagnostic test such as an immunoassay, may facilitate diagnosis of colorectal cancer. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the use of antibodies against Fusobacterium nucleatum in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). Totally 78 patients in three groups were included in the study. F. nucleatum in the tissues was detected using quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay. F. nucleatum IgA and IgG were measured using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. F. nucleatum was detected in 86.7% and 73.1% cases of CRC and precancerous-benign colon disease (P-BCD), respectively. The OD values from F. nucleatum IgA and IgG ELISA tests were higher in CRC group compared with healthy individuals. The sensitivity of IgA ELISA test varied between 31.8 and 95.5% depending on the chosen cut-off values. The positivity rate of antibodies in patients with high amount of F. nucleatum in tissue was significantly greater than in the negative group. The F. nucleatum IgA and IgG antibodies in CRC were higher than the ones in healthy controls but the discriminative ability of the ELISA test was not adequate to be considered as a diagnostic tool.
Evaluation of poor prognostic factors of respiratory related death in microscopic polyangiitis complicated by interstitial lung disease
Authors: Matsuda Shogo , Kotani Takuya , Suzuka Takayasu , Kiboshi Takao , Fukui Keisuke , Wakama Minako , Ishida Takaaki , Fujiki Youhei , Shiba Hideyuki , Nagai Koji , Hata Kenichiro , Shoda Takeshi , Ito Yuri , Makino Shigeki , Takeuchi Tohru
Published: January 2021

The prognosis of microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) with interstitial lung disease (ILD) is significantly worse than that of MPA without ILD. However, the clinical characteristics in MPA-ILD, especially poor prognostic factors, are not elucidated. We evaluated demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiological findings, treatments, and outcomes of 80 patients with MPA, and investigated prognostic factors of respiratory-related death in patients with myeloperoxidase (MPO)-anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) positive MPA-ILD. Ground-glass opacity and fibrosis were evaluated as scores on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT). The presence of ILD was consistent with a high risk of respiratory-related death (hazard ratio, 4.8; P = 0.04). Multivariable logistic regression analyses using propensity scoring showed right or left lower lobe fibrosis score to be significantly associated with respiratory-related death (P = 0.0005 and 0.0045, respectively). A right or left lower lobe fibrosis score ≥ 2, indicating the presence of honeycombing at 1 cm above the diaphragm, was determined to be the best cut-off value indicating a poor prognosis. The 5-year survival rate was significantly lower in patients with right or left lower lobe fibrosis score ≥ 2 (survival rates: 37% and 19%, respectively) than those with a score < 2 (71% and 68%, respectively) (P = 0.002 and 0.0007, respectively). These findings suggest that the presence of honeycomb lesions in bilateral lower lobes on chest HRCT was associated with respiratory-related death in patients with MPO-ANCA positive MPA-ILD.
Enzymatic production of β-glucose 1,6-bisphosphate through manipulation of catalytic magnesium coordination
Authors: Wood Henry P. , Baxter Nicola J. , Cruz-Navarrete F. Aaron , Trevitt Clare R. , Hounslow Andrea M. , Waltho Jonathan P.
Published: January 2021

Green synthesis strategy generating a valuable metabolite through manipulation of the catalytic magnesium coordination of an enzyme.
Metal-free photocatalytic aerobic oxidation of biomass-based furfural derivatives to prepare γ-butyrolactone
Authors: Zhu Rui , Zhou Gongyu , Teng Jia-nan , Liang Wanying , Li Xinglong , Fu Yao
Published: January 2021

A heterogeneous metal-free photocatalytic system was developed for photocatalytic aerobic oxidation of biomass-based furfural derivatives to prepare γ-butyrolactone under mild conditions (visible light, room temperature, no base, and O2 balloon).
Determination of micronutrient elements in soil using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy assisted by laser-induced fluorescence
Authors: Zhou Ran , Liu Ke , Tang Zhiyang , Hao Zhongqi , Li Xiangyou , Zeng Xiaoyan
Published: January 2021

LIBS assisted by laser-induced fluorescence was introduced to solve the matrix effect and self-absorption effect in the determination of essential micronutrient elements in soil.
Cardiovascular microphysiological systems (CVMPS) for safety studies – a pharma perspective
Authors: Pointon Amy , Maher Jonathan , Davis Myrtle , Baker Thomas , Cichocki Joseph , Ramsden Diane , Hale Christopher , Kolaja Kyle L. , Levesque Paul , Sura Radhakrishna , Stresser David M. , Gintant Gary
Published: January 2021

The integrative responses of the cardiovascular (CV) system are essential for maintaining blood flow to provide oxygenation, nutrients, and waste removal for the entire body.
Correction: Enhanced brightness and electron affinity of terrylenediimide with sulfone-bridged substituents on the bay region
Authors: Zhang Yan , Zhou Huanying , Wang Xu , Li Xinwei , Wei Juandi , Qiao Yanjun , Song Yifang , Gao Baoxiang
Published: January 2021

Correction for ‘Enhanced brightness and electron affinity of terrylenediimide with sulfone-bridged substituents on the bay region’ by Yan Zhang et al., Chem. Commun., 2021, DOI: 10.1039/d0cc06956f.
The effect of Irisin on bone cells in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Buccoliero Cinzia , Oranger Angela , Colaianni Graziana , Pignataro Patrizia , Zerlotin Roberta , Lovero Roberto , Errede Mariella , Grano Maria
Published: January 2021

The myokine Irisin, produced during physical exercise, has an anabolic effect on bone, both in vitro and in vivo. Very recently, using a controlled in vitro 3D cell model to mimic the bone microenvironment aboard the International Space Station, it has been shown that Irisin treatment in microgravity prevents the down-regulation of the transcription factors Atf4, Runx2 and Osterix, as well as Collagen I and Osteoprotegerin proteins, crucial for osteoblast differentiation in physiologic conditions. Irisin action has also been investigated in human subjects, in which it correlates with bone health status, supporting its physiological importance also in human bone, both in healthy subjects and in patients suffering from diseases related to bone metabolism, such as hyperparathyroidism and type 1 diabetes. Low levels of circulating Irisin have been found in post-menopausal women affected by hyperparathyroidism. Furthermore, Irisin is positively correlated with bone strength in athletes and bone mineral density in football players. Moreover, in healthy children, Irisin is positively associated with bone mineral status and in children with type 1 diabetes, Irisin is positively correlated with improved glycemic control and skeletal health. In this review, we will focus on recent findings about Irisin action on microgravity induced bone loss and on osteocyte activity and survival through its αV/β5 integrin receptor.
Simulation network-level relationships of traffic flow
Authors: Zyryanov Vladimir
Published: January 2021

This paper describes possibilities of the macroscopic fundamental diagram (MFD) of traffic flow to predict the conditions of operation of the road network in urban areas. This study examines relationships between traffic flow parameters on the network level. Microscopic traffic simulation has provided important data on the estimation of road capacity, velocity, trip time, and detection of congestions reasons. Data of spatial distribution density in network useful for implementing approach based on gating policy on subnetwork using MFD. It presents the results of a simulation using the example of central area of Rostov-on-Don
Elasticity coefficient for forecasting of the developing alternative routes results
Authors: Zyryanov Vladimir , Bulatova Оlga
Published: January 2021

This article represents the methodology of the transport flows elasticity in condition of two alternative routes. The planning of alternative routes demands the methodology of transport flows elasticity. As an example was taken one of the routes in Rostov-on-Don (Russia). A transport tunnel as alternative route was offered to redistribute transport flows. To assume transport flows behavior the elasticity coefficient was calculated. It showed the effect of tunnel implementation. Considering coefficient gives a clear idea if the implementation alternative route is efficient.
Evaluation of road safety measures efficiency in conditions of uncertainty
Authors: Chernyshev Vladimir , Klyavin Vladimir , Suvorov Vladimir
Published: January 2021

Scientific approaches and methods are considered of the social-economic evaluation of the efficiency of a set of measures on improving road safety in conditions of uncertainty are considered. The risk levels for the adopted social-economic indicators were determined with the help of expert evaluation presented as a fuzzy number. In order to make a decision on a set of measures to be implemented, the scenario method, fuzzy linear programming, production rules were used. An integral indicator of the social-economic efficiency of measures is proposed as an objective means of assessment.
Intelligent road traffic management based on the system of fuzzy situational management and virtual cyberspace
Authors: Korjagin Sergey , Polupan Ksenia , Klachek Pavel , Pyatikop Alexey , Koryagin Evgeniy
Published: January 2021

Theoretical and applied ideas and tools of traffic intelligent management on the basis of fuzzy situational management and virtual cyberspace are developed through the system approach, artificial intelligence methods, modern achievements in the field of the creation of intelligent transport systems (ITS). The proposed scientifically-methodical foundations and software and hardware tools allow the creation of intelligent transport systems at a new level, synchronizing the development of road traffic infrastructure and virtual cyberspace, allowing to solve effectively a rather large range of theoretical and applied problems in the field of traffic management, transport modelling and planning.
Assessment of the Impact of the Motor Transport Complex on the Ecological and Demographic Situation in the Region
Authors: Gordon Vladimir , Pilipenko Olga , Poturaeva Tatiana
Published: January 2021

The aim of this work is to build a mathematical model of the dynamics and mutual influence of the population and environmental factors – pollution of the atmosphere and surface water bodies – on an urbanized territory. The paper proposes a simulation model of dynamics and interaction of external and internal directions in biosphere-compatible city activities. The external direction of city’s activities is removal of resources from the Biosphere and emission of waste polluting water, air and soil into it. The internal direction is the impact on the population: environmental state, health assessment, life expectancy, human potential. Motor transport and objects of the road infrastructure bring the main volume of all waste and emissions polluting the urban environment. The method of forecasting the ecological and demographic situation of an urbanized territory is constructed using a relatively simple, non-linear, with variable coefficients, mathematical model that reflects the interaction of several subsystems: population, pollution of the atmosphere and water bodies.
On Some Issues of Developing a new Public Transport Movement Scheme
Authors: Borovskoy Alexey , Glushchenko Evgeny , Borovskaya Olga , Khodov Stanislav
Published: January 2021

Currently, the city is actively developing and expanding, but with this comes the problems associated with the transport network. The number of vehicles is growing, and sometimes there is no way to expand the roads. This means that it is necessary to establish a public transport movement for the convenience of residents, so that it is more convenient to travel around the city, unlike personal transport.
Strategy of Organization and Safety of Road Traffic in the Russian Federation in the Conditions of Modern Urbanization
Authors: Pugachev Igor , Kulikov Jrii , Markelov Gennadii
Published: January 2021

Abstract Directions of the modern approach to the organization and safety of traffic in the conditions of the emerging tendency to creation of agglomerations in the Russian Federation are defined. The complex of innovative concepts in the country related to the effective development of these agglomerations is considered. The functions of the Center providing the unifying beginning of the concepts under consideration are defined.
To the Issue of Organization of Transport Service of Limited Mobility People
Authors: Bludyan Norair
Published: January 2021

This article represents the analysis results of normative legal regulation in the transport services field for people with limited mobility (LMP) and assessment methods of transport services quality provided by public transport for the same social group. The main conclusions of the significance examination of quality parameters are given below. The essential problems of transport accessibility provision were defined by materials of sociological polls.
Analytical Determination of Fuel Economy Characteristics of Earth-Moving Machines
Authors: Zhulai Vladimir , Tyunin Vitaly , Shchiyenko Alex , Krestnikov Alexander
Published: January 2021

The article considers the problem of the analytical determination of the fuel economy performance of earth-moving machines by the example of the road grader. The values of the road grader fuel consumption when performing the technological operations have been obtained and analyzed. The fuel balance of the EMM in the traction mode is presented. The fuel balance of the motor grader when digging soil has been defined and analyzed.
Maximum Entropy on the Mean approach to solve generalized inverse problems with an application in computational thermodynamics
Authors: Gamboa Fabrice , Guéneau Christine , Klein Thierry , Lawrence Eva
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we study entropy maximisation problems in order to reconstruct functions or measures subject to very general integral constraints. Our work has a twofold purpose. We first make a global synthesis of entropy maximisation problems in the case of a single reconstruction (measure or function) from the convex analysis point of view, as well as in the framework of the embedding into the Maximum Entropy on the Mean (MEM) setting. We further propose an extension of the entropy methods for a multidimensional case.