bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reanalysing the factor structure of the moral foundations questionnaire
Authors: Harper Craig A. , Rhodes Darren
Published: February 2021

The moral foundations theory (MFT) is an influential multifactorial model that posits how decision‐making in the moral context originates from a set of six intuitive moral foundations: care, fairness, authority, loyalty, purity, and liberty. The established measure of these foundations—the Moral Foundations Questionnaire (MFQ)—has been used extensively in a range of empirical projects. However, recent analyses of its factor structure and the internal consistency of each of the foundation clusters have called its validity into question. In this paper, data from a large sample of British voters were used to re‐examine the factor structure of the MFQ. As opposed to a 6‐factor structure, only three meaningful clusters emerged in an exploratory principal factors analysis (Study 1; N = 428): traditionalism, compassion, and liberty. This structure was broadly confirmed in an independent sample (Study 2; N = 322). Concurrent validity was established via correlations with measures of ‘social change’ and ‘systemic inequality’ insecurities (Study 1) and voting behaviour and preferences (Study 2). Significant differences on each of the three factors of the revised MFQ (MFQ‐r) were observed between the voters of different political parties (Study 1) and sides of the Brexit issue (Study 2). Implications for moral foundations theory and its measurement are discussed.
Cystathionine‐gamma‐lyase overexpression in T cells enhances antitumor effect independently of cysteine autonomy
Authors: Lancien Melanie , Gueno Lucile , Salle Sonia , Merieau Emmanuel , Beriou Gaelle , Nguyen Tuan H. , Abidi Ahmed , Dilek Nahzli , Solomon Pierre , Poschmann Jeremie , Michielin Olivier , Vuillefroy de Silly Romain , Vanhove Bernard , Louvet Cedric
Published: February 2021

T cells could be engineered to overcome the aberrant metabolic milieu of solid tumors and tip the balance in favor of a long‐lasting clinical response. Here, we explored the therapeutic potential of stably overexpressing cystathionine‐gamma‐lyase (CTH, CSE, or cystathionase), a pivotal enzyme of the transsulfuration pathway, in antitumor CD8+ T cells with the initial aim to boost intrinsic cysteine metabolism. Using a mouse model of adoptive cell transfer (ACT), we found that CTH‐expressing T cells showed a superior control of tumor growth compared to control T cells. However, contrary to our hypothesis, this effect was not associated with increased T cell expansion in vivo or proliferation rescue in the absence of cysteine/cystine in vitro. Rather than impacting methionine or cysteine, ACT with CTH overexpression unexpectedly reduced glycine, serine, and proline concentration within the tumor interstitial fluid. Interestingly, in vitro tumor cell growth was mostly impacted by the combination of serine/proline or serine/glycine deprivation. These results suggest that metabolic gene engineering of T cells could be further investigated to locally modulate amino acid availability within the tumor environment while avoiding systemic toxicity.
Tumor‐associated macrophages promote the metastasis and growth of non‐small‐cell lung cancer cells through NF‐κB/PP2Ac‐positive feedback loop
Authors: Liang Zhan‐Wen , Ge Xin‐Xin , Xu Meng‐Dan , Qin Hualong , Wu Meng‐Yao , Shen Meng , Zhang Yan , Liu Xiao‐Meng , Chen Kai , Li Wei , Duan Weiming , Qin Songbing
Published: February 2021

Non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with its aggressive biological behavior, is one of the most diagnosed cancers. Tumor‐associated inflammatory cells play important roles in the interaction between chronic inflammation and lung cancer, however the mechanisms involved are far from defined. In the present study, by developing an orthotopic NSCLC mouse model based on chronic inflammation, we proved that an inflammatory microenvironment accelerated the growth of orthotopic xenografts in vivo. Tumor‐associated macrophages, the most abundant population of inflammatory cells, were identified. Treatment with macrophage‐conditioned medium (MCM) promoted the growth and migration of NSCLC cells. Using bioinformatics analysis, we identified downregulated PP2Ac expression in NSCLC cells upon treatment with MCM. We further confirmed that this downregulation was executed in an NF‐κB pathway‐dependent manner. As IκB kinase (IKK) has been proved to be a substrate of PP2Ac, inhibition on PP2Ac could result in amplification of NF‐κB pathway signaling. Overexpression of PP2Ac, or the dominant‐negative forms of IKK or IκB, attenuated the acceleration of growth and metastasis by MCM. Using bioinformatics analysis, we further identified that CXCL1 and COL6A1 could be downstream of NF‐κB/PP2Ac pathway. Luciferase assay and ChIP assay further confirmed the location of response elements on the promoter regions of CXCL1 and COL6A1. Elevated CXCL1 facilitated angiogenesis, whereas upregulated COL6A1 promoted proliferation and migration.
Young Children’s Prosocial Behavior Protects Against Academic Risk in Neighborhoods With Low Socioeconomic Status
Authors: Armstrong‐Carter Emma , Miller Jonas G. , Hill Liam J. B. , Domingue Benjamin W.
Published: February 2021

Children raised in neighborhoods with low socioeconomic status (SES) are at risk for low academic achievement. Identifying factors that help children from disadvantaged neighborhoods thrive is critical for reducing inequalities. We investigated whether children’s prosocial behavior buffers concurrent and subsequent academic risk in disadvantaged neighborhoods in Bradford, UK. Diverse children (N = 1,175) were followed until age seven, with measurements taken at four times. We used governmental indices of neighborhood‐level SES, teacher observations of prosocial behaviors, and direct assessments of academic achievement. Neighborhood SES was positively associated with academic achievement among children with low levels of prosocial behavior, but not among children with high levels of prosocial behavior. Prosocial behavior may mitigate academic risk across early childhood.
Masseter muscle activity of conventional denture, fixed prosthesis, and milled bar overdenture used for All‐on‐4 implant rehabilitation: A within‐subject study
Authors: ELsyad Moustafa Abdou , El‐asfahani Iman Adel , Kortam Sahar Ahmed , Mourad Samah Ibrahim
Published: February 2021

Purpose

to examine the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the masseter muscles in patients with conventional dentures and compare it to EMG activity of fixed prosthesis, and milled bar overdentures used to rehabilitate mandibular atrophied ridges according to the All‐on‐4 concept.

Methods

Eighteen edentulous subjects with atrophied mandibles received complete dentures (CD, control). After 3 months, four implants were installed between the mental foramina according to the “All‐on‐4” protocol and loaded immediately. After osseointegration, fixed prostheses (FPD) or milled bar overdentures (MBO) were given to the patients in random order. Primary (amplitude), and secondary (chewing rate, time of the masticatory cycle, time of masticatory burst, and masticatory time) outcomes were evaluated 3 months after using CD, FPD, and MBO. The evaluations were made during mastication of carrot (hard) and cake (soft) foods.

Results

FPD and MBO were associated with a significantly higher (amplitude, time of masticatory cycle, and time of masticatory burst), and significantly lower (chewing rate and masticatory time) compared with conventional dentures. Primary and secondary outcomes did not differ between FPD and MBO. Carrot had significantly higher amplitude, chewing rate, time of masticatory burst, and masticatory time than cake, while cake had a significantly higher time of masticatory cycle than carrot.

Conclusions

Within limitations of this study, milled bar overdentures for All‐on‐4 implant rehabilitation of atrophied mandible is not less efficient than fixed prostheses in terms of electromyographic activity of the masseter muscle. Both prostheses significantly improve muscle activity, chewing rate, time of masticatory cycle, time of masticatory burst, and masticatory time compared with conventional dentures.
A 5 to 7‐year case series on single angulated implants installed following papilla‐sparing flap elevation
Authors: Wessels Retief , Cosyn Jan , Eghbali Aryan , De Bruyn Hugo , Christiaens Véronique
Published: February 2021

Background

Bony concavities at the buccal aspect may cause a distortion between the implant axis and ideal prosthetic axis. Angulated implants can overcome this problem, yet long‐term data are lacking. In addition, papilla‐sparing incisions have been proposed to reduce tissue loss, yet aesthetic outcomes have not been published.

Purpose

To evaluate the 5 to 7‐year outcome of single angulated implants installed following papilla‐sparing flap elevation.

Materials and Methods

Patients who had been consecutively treated with a single angulated implant (Co‐axis®, Southern Implants, Irene, South Africa) in the anterior maxilla were re‐examined after 5 to 7 years. Available data at 1 year (T1) were compared to those obtained at 5 to 7 years (T2).

Results

Twenty out of 22 treated patients (11 females, 9 males, mean age of 52) with 22 implants attended the 5 to 7‐year reassessment. All implants survived and stable clinical conditions could be reached with mean marginal bone loss of 1.28 mm at T2. Papilla‐sparing flap elevation resulted in Pink Esthetic Score of 9.83 at T1 and 8.23 at T2 (p = 0.072). Mucosal Scarring Index was 4.61 at T1 and 3.50 at T2 (p = 0.165). The overall appearance of scarring significantly improved over time (p = 0.032), yet 59% of the cases still demonstrated scarring at T2.c

Conclusions

Within the limitations of the study, angulated implants (Co‐axis®, Southern Implants) reached stable clinical conditions. Papilla‐sparing incisions may not be recommended in aesthetically demanding patients due to high risk of scarring.
Safety and incidence of complications associated with bronchoscopy in an obese population
Authors: Salahuddin Moiz , Salamo Oriana , Karanth Siddharth , Faiz Saadia A. , Estrada‐Y‐Martin Rosa M. , Cherian Sujith V.
Published: February 2021

Introduction

The safety of bronchoscopy in obese patients and those with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is unclear. Our objective was to evaluate the incidence of complications during bronchoscopy under moderate sedation in obese patients and to assess the impact of OSA, body mass index (BMI), and duration of the procedure.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study in adult patients undergoing bronchoscopy from January 2010 to August 2019. All patients with BMI > 30 kg/m2 were included. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify the factors associated with all‐complications and respiratory complications.

Results

A total of 345 obese patients were identified. The average BMI in our cohort was 35.3 ± 5.1 kg/m2. During the pre‐procedure risk assessment, 165 (47.8%) patients were labelled as “suspected OSA.” The most common doses of sedation given during the bronchoscopies were fentanyl 50 mcg (34.5%) and midazolam 3 mg (33.6%). The incidence of major complications was 0.6% and minor complications were 41.2%. Minor respiratory (22.9%) and cardiac (26.4%) complications were common. No deaths occurred due to bronchoscopy. Factors that were associated with increased respiratory complications were female gender, suspected OSA, and bronchoscopy duration 20‐30 minutes and bronchoscopy duration greater than 1 hour.

Conclusion

Bronchoscopy under moderate sedation performed in obese patients is safe; however, increased risk may exist with females, increased procedure time, and suspected OSA.
Opposing health effects of hybridization for conservation
Authors: Klemme Ines , Hendrikx Lysanne , Ashrafi Roghaieh , Sundberg Lotta‐Riina , Räihä Ville , Piironen Jorma , Hyvärinen Pekka , Karvonen Anssi
Published: February 2021

The continuing decline of many natural plant and animal populations emphasizes the importance of conservation strategies. Hybridization as a management tool has proven successful in introducing gene flow to small, inbred populations, but can be also associated with health risks. For example, hybridization can change susceptibility to infection in either direction due to heterosis (hybrid vigor) and outbreeding depression, but such health effects have rarely been considered in the genetic management of populations. Here, we investigated the effects of experimental outcrossing between the critically endangered Saimaa landlocked salmon (Salmo salar m. sebago) and the genetically more diverse Atlantic salmon (S. salar) on infection susceptibility. We exposed the parent populations and their hybrids to two parasites that commonly infect these species, the bacterium Flavobacterium columnare and the macroparasitic fluke Diplostomum pseudospathaceum. We found that landlocked salmon had lower survival during the bacterial epidemic, but higher resistance against the fluke, compared with Atlantic salmon. Hybrids showed intermediate survival and resistance, suggesting that hybridization decreased susceptibility to one parasite, but concurrently increased it to another. Our results emphasize the importance of considering health effects of different types of infections when employing hybridization for conservation.
The effects of lean implementation on hospital financial performance
Authors: Narayanan Sriram , Vickery Shawnee K. , Nicolae Mariana L. , Castel Matthew J. , McLeod Michael K.
Published: February 2021

This study examines lean implementation's effects on hospital financial performance using survey and secondary data for a large sample of US hospitals. Using sociotechnical systems theory, a social context is identified that should motivate the use of lean process improvement tools (LPT) in a hospital setting and accentuate its performance benefits. Shah and Ward's employee involvement (EI) construct is adapted to a hospital setting to define a supportive social context for LPT, which is further shaped by organizational psychological safety (PS). The research model depicts PS as amplifying the effect of EI on LPT, which, in turn, influences a hospital's return on assets (ROA) via three potential pathways: (a) through enhanced revenues; and/or (b) through reduced hospital discharge costs; and/or (c) directly. The results show that EI engenders LPT and that this effect is heightened as PS improves. LPT is shown to positively impact ROA indirectly through higher revenues, but not through lower discharge costs. The findings reveal positive, indirect effects of EI on revenue and profitability at moderate/high levels of PS. Robustness is investigated using an alternate performance metric—hospital excess margin—with consistent results. Post hoc analyses explore potential mechanisms through which lean implementation may increase hospital revenues, including hospital throughput (discharges), readmission rate, experiential quality, length of stay, and overall patient recommendation. The analyses reveal that the impact of LPT on hospital revenue is potentially realized through higher hospital discharges. Overall, the study demonstrates that lean implementation as a sociotechnical system contributes to superior performance.
Heterogeneity across Families in the Impact of Compulsory Schooling Laws
Authors: Domnisoru Ciprian
Published: February 2021

This paper aims to reconcile diverging results in the literature on the effects of compulsory schooling reforms on earnings. I point out, through a simple model of human capital accumulation, the importance of identifying parental education information to better target the set of potential compliers. Using parental background data, the empirical analysis uncovers the large and positive effects of a French school leaving age reform previously shown to have produced zero and statistically insignificant effects on the earnings of impacted cohorts. The analysis suggests that identifying parental background information is likely a crucial effort in analysing contemporary compulsory schooling policies.
Sexual freedom and family ties: Evidence from China's ethnic minorities
Authors: Wang Danli , Yang Yixin
Published: February 2021

In a culture with a high degree of sexual freedom, an individual is less likely to know who his male ancestors are, thereby leading to loose family links. We establish an inverse relationship between sexual freedom and family ties using individual survey and minority‐level data from China. By employing traditional minority‐level marriage customs and labour intensity to instrument for contemporary individual attitudes towards sexual freedom, the two‐stage least‐squares estimates confirm the causal relationship between sexual freedom and family ties. Moreover, loose family ties tend to result in limited trust among family members and more reliance on contracts rather than blood relations when engaging in business with relatives. We confirm the hypothesis using individual survey and minority‐level data.
Trade agreements and Global Value Chain (GVC) participation: Evidence from Chinese industries
Authors: Zeng Ka , Lu Yue , Li Ya‐wei
Published: February 2021

The growing fragmentation of production across national borders and the proliferation of preferential trade agreements (PTAs) have become salient features of the global economy in the past decades. This paper examines the role of PTAs in promoting the integration of domestic industries into global value chains (GVCs) based on the experience of China, a country that has emerged as a key link in East Asian and global production networks in recent years. We conjecture that both the presence of PTAs and the depth of these agreements matter for GVC participation. Furthermore, PTAs that contain strong provisions with regard to investment protection and services are particularly likely to stimulate the expansion of GVC linkages. This is because strong investment protection provisions may reduce the disruptions that hostile government policy may generate for the entire production chain. Rigorous PTA provisions regarding services may help facilitate the provision of services, which are not only critical in enabling the emergence of GVCs, but are also becoming essential inputs in GVC trade. Empirical analysis of the effect of the PTAs signed by China on the GVC participation of 16 Chinese industries between 2005 and 2015 lends substantial support to our hypotheses.
Evaluation of dental trauma in inmates of the most highly populated Brazilian prison complex
Authors: de Carvalho Fabiana Menezes Teixeira , dos Santos Ana Sofia Vieira , Lins‐Filho Paulo Cardoso , de Vasconcelos Márcia Maria Vendiciano Barbosa , Caldas Júnior Arnaldo de França , Godoy Gustavo Pina
Published: February 2021

Background/Aim

Due to the increase in incarceration rates, the prison community has attracted much concern in the recent past. Although people in prison are often socially disadvantaged and vulnerable to a range of health problems, there is a lack of information on the oral health conditions of prisoners. Thus, the aim of this study was to survey the oral problems of a sample of the male incarcerated population of Brazil, focusing on dental trauma.

Material and Methods

The research was undertaken over a three‐month period in 2017. It was a cross‐sectional study of 756 prisoners of the Curado Prison Complex, located in Recife, PE. Using a previously calibrated examiner, dental trauma was measured with the Andreasen index. Etiology of dental trauma and socio‐demographic data were collected with questions developed for this survey. Standard descriptive statistics were used to report frequency estimates. The chi‐square test, Fisher's exact test, and Mann–Whitney U‐test were used to compare groups. In addition, a binary logistic regression was performed to identify whether the studied variables could predict the occurrence of dental trauma.

Results

The prevalence of dental trauma in the sample was 10.8% and most of the cases (42.7%) occurred due to violent events. A higher frequency of violent etiology was observed in cases that occurred during imprisonment (p = 0.037). Individuals that suffered dental trauma during incarceration were more likely to have been incarcerated for longer periods of time (p = 0.043). The main type of injury found was enamel and dentin fracture without pulp exposure (68%). The most affected tooth was the upper right central incisor (40%).

Conclusion

These results underline the high prevalence of dental trauma experienced by men in prison.
Water temperature influences larval survival of the amphidromous goby Sicyopterus lagocephalus
Authors: Teichert Nils , Lagarde Raphael , Occelli Nicolas , Ponton Dominique , Gaudin Philippe
Published: February 2021

Water warming induced by human activities can impact fish larvae survival, notably because it influences larval development and prey abundances. Amphidromous gobies of the subfamily Sicydiinae are particularly sensitive to this threat as the newly hatched free embryos are poorly developed and the first feeding opportunity only occurs after they reach the ocean. Here, we studied how water temperature (21, 23, 25, 29 and 31°C) impacts early development stages of Sicyopterus lagocephalus in both freshwater and marine aquaria (salinity 35). We monitored survival time, larval condition and the occurrence of critical developmental events such as mouth opening, yolk sac and oil globule resorption. In freshwater, the survival exceeded 150 hours at 21°C, while it dropped below 50 hours at 31°C. In seawater, the larval development of unfed larvae was significantly affected by temperature, survival time being greatly reduced in warmer waters. Accounting for the observed duration between mouth opening and the resorption of the oil globule, we estimated that larvae need to find suitable prey in seawater within a short time: around 30 hours during the peak of reproduction in summer. Otherwise, their endogenous reserves become depleted and their condition degrades. This study emphasises the sensitivity of free embryos to stream flow alterations, which contributes to the increase in water temperature and to the slowing down of larvae drift to the ocean. We conclude that once in seawater the temperature and feeding conditions experienced by amphidromous larvae are critical for survival.
Pre‐exposure of voglibose exerts cerebroprotective effects through attenuating activation of the polyol pathway and inflammation
Authors: Chavda Vishal , Shah Pooja , Patel Snehal S. , Bhadada Shraddha
Published: February 2021

Chronic hyperglycemia induces activation of the polyol‐sorbitol pathway, which is a major contributor to microvascular complications like stroke. The current study was designed to elucidate the therapeutic role of α‐glucose inhibitor in chronic hyperglycemia‐induced impaired polyol pathway and associated micro‐complications. Male albino‐Wistar rats (200–250 g) were treated with voglibose 10 mg kg−1 day−1/p.o. for 2 weeks before middle cerebral artery occlusion; 72 hr after surgery, neurological score was evaluated and blood was collected for the assessment of various serum biochemical parameters like CRP, CK‐MB, LDH, lipid profile, and blood glucose levels. In the end, brain samples were excised for determination of brain infarct volume, brain hemisphere weight difference, Na+‐K+ ATPase activity oxidative stress‐related parameters, aldose reductase activity, and gene expression studies. Results from the present study indicate that pre‐treatment with voglibose showed significant improvement in lipid parameters but did not impact glucose levels. Voglibose has shown a statistically significant (p < .05) reduction in neurological score and brain infarct volume, and the difference in brain hemisphere weight as compared to the disease control group. Voglibose significantly (p < .05) improve all biochemical parameters and reduced Na+‐K+ ATPase and aldose reductase activity. Moreover, voglibose produced a significant reduction in oxidative stress and down‐regulation of TNF‐α and BCl‐2 gene expression which reduces the risk of factors related to stroke. In conclusion, the pleiotropic effect of voglibose on cerebrovascular complications may be due to inhibition of aldose reductase or anti‐inflammatory pathways.
Automatic detection of fatigue crack paths using digital image correlation and convolutional neural networks
Authors: Strohmann Tobias , Starostin‐Penner Denis , Breitbarth Eric , Requena Guillermo
Published: February 2021

The occurrence of fatigue cracks is an inherent part of the design of engineering structures subjected to nonconstant loads. Thus, the accurate description of cracks in terms of location and evolution during service conditions is mandatory to fulfill safety‐relevant criteria. In the present work, we implement a deep convolutional neural network to detect crack paths together with their crack tips based on displacement fields obtained using digital image correlation. To this purpose, fatigue crack propagation experiments were performed for AA2024‐T3 rolled sheets using specimens with different geometries. Several hundred datasets were acquired by digital image correlation during the experiments. A part of the displacement data from one of the specimens was then used to train the neural network. The results show that the method can accurately detect the shape and evolution of the cracks in all specimens. Adding synthetic data generated by finite element analyses to the training step improved the accuracy for cracks with stress intensity factors that exceeded the range of the original training data.
Influence of plastic prestraining on the fatigue crack propagation rate of S355MC and S460MC structural steels
Authors: Prosgolitis Christos G. , Kermanidis Alexis T. , Kamoutsi Helen , Haidemenopoulos Gregory N. , Karamanos Spyros A.
Published: February 2021

Cold forming induces significant plastic deformation at corner locations of structural steel members, resulting in both material strain hardening and the development of residual stresses, which influence the fatigue resistance of the steel members. Reliable fatigue assessment at such critical locations requires knowledge of the influence of pre‐existing plastic deformation on material behavior. The effect of plastic prestraining on the fatigue crack growth resistance of S355MC and S460MC structural steels has been evaluated experimentally. A comparative study, including fatigue crack growth and fracture resistance tests for both reference (non‐prestrained) and prestrained materials, has been performed. The experimental results, which are correlated to examined microstructural features and fracture characteristics of the materials revealed that fatigue crack growth rates of the prestrained material are higher than the reference material in the low Δκ region. Also, the S460MC steel exhibits higher crack growth rates compared to S355MC steel within the examined Δκ range.
Reduced photosynthetic thermal acclimation capacity under elevated ozone in poplar (Populus tremula) saplings
Authors: Dai Lulu , Xu Yansen , Harmens Harry , Duan Honglang , Feng Zhaozhong , Hayes Felicity , Sharps Katrina , Radbourne Alan , Tarvainen Lasse
Published: February 2021

The sensitivity of photosynthesis to temperature has been identified as a key uncertainty for projecting the magnitude of the terrestrial carbon cycle response to future climate change. Although thermal acclimation of photosynthesis under rising temperature has been reported in many tree species, whether tropospheric ozone (O3) affects the acclimation capacity remains unknown. In this study, temperature responses of photosynthesis (light‐saturated rate of photosynthesis (Asat), maximum rates of RuBP carboxylation (Vcmax), and electron transport (Jmax) and dark respiration (Rdark) of Populus tremula exposed to ambient O3 (AO3, maximum of 30 ppb) or elevated O3 (EO3, maximum of 110 ppb) and ambient or elevated temperature (ambient +5°C) were investigated in solardomes. We found that the optimum temperature of Asat (ToptA) significantly increased in response to warming. However, the thermal acclimation capacity was reduced by O3 exposure, as indicated by decreased ToptA, and temperature optima of Vcmax (ToptV) and Jmax (ToptJ) under EO3. Changes in both stomatal conductance (gs) and photosynthetic capacity (Vcmax and Jmax) contributed to the shift of ToptA by warming and EO3. Neither Rdark measured at 25°C () nor the temperature response of Rdark was affected by warming, EO3, or their combination. The responses of Asat, Vcmax, and Jmax to warming and EO3 were closely correlated with changes in leaf nitrogen (N) content and N use efficiency. Overall, warming stimulated growth (leaf biomass and tree height), whereas EO3 reduced growth (leaf and woody biomass). The findings indicate that thermal acclimation of Asat may be overestimated if the impact of O3 pollution is not taken into account.
Lengthening of maize maturity time is not a widespread climate change adaptation strategy in the US Midwest
Authors: Abendroth Lori J. , Miguez Fernando E. , Castellano Michael J. , Carter Paul R. , Messina Carlos D. , Dixon Philip M. , Hatfield Jerry L.
Published: February 2021

Increasing temperatures in the US Midwest are projected to reduce maize yields because warmer temperatures hasten reproductive development and, as a result, shorten the grain fill period. However, there is widespread expectation that farmers will mitigate projected yield losses by planting longer season hybrids that lengthen the grain fill period. Here, we ask: (a) how current hybrid maturity length relates to thermal availability of the local climate, and (b) if farmers are shifting to longer season hybrids in response to a warming climate. To address these questions, we used county‐level Pioneer brand hybrid sales (Corteva Agriscience) across 17 years and 650 counties in 10 Midwest states (IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, MO, ND, OH, SD, and WI). Northern counties were shown to select hybrid maturities with growing degree day (GDD°C) requirements more closely related to the environmentally available GDD compared to central and southern counties. This measure, termed “thermal overlap,” ranged from complete 106% in northern counties to a mere 63% in southern counties. The relationship between thermal overlap and latitude was fit using split‐line regression and a breakpoint of 42.8°N was identified. Over the 17‐years, hybrid maturities shortened across the majority of the Midwest with only a minority of counties lengthening in select northern and southern areas. The annual change in maturity ranged from −5.4 to 4.1 GDD year−1 with a median of −0.9 GDD year−1. The shortening of hybrid maturity contrasts with widespread expectations of hybrid maturity aligning with magnitude of warming. Factors other than thermal availability appear to more strongly impact farmer decision‐making such as the benefit of shorter maturity hybrids on grain drying costs, direct delivery to ethanol biorefineries, field operability, labor constraints, and crop genetics availability. Prediction of hybrid choice under future climate scenarios must include climatic factors, physiological‐genetic attributes, socio‐economic, and operational constraints.
A Spatial Scan Statistic to Detect Spatial Communities of Vehicle Movements on Urban Road Networks
Authors: Liu Qiliang , Zhu Sancheng , Deng Min , Liu Wenkai , Wu Zhihui
Published: February 2021

Identifying spatial communities in massive vehicle trajectory data greatly facilitates the understanding of spatial interactions in a city. However, it is still challenging to identify irregularly shaped and statistically significant spatial communities in vehicle movements. To overcome this challenge, we develop a spatial scan statistic based on ant colony optimization. A spatially embedded network was constructed with road segments as nodes and the numbers of vehicle trips between the road segments as weights. To evaluate the statistical significance of spatial communities, we first defined a random graph with a given expected strength sequence, and then, constructed a new likelihood ratio test statistic. To detect irregularly shaped spatial communities without a brute‐force search, a significance test was first used to identify road segments highly interacting with other road segments, and then, a contiguity‐constrained ant colony optimization was employed to combine these road segments to form spatial communities. The statistical significance of the spatial communities was evaluated using Monte Carlo simulation. Experiments on both the simulated and observed trajectories showed that the proposed method outperforms the five state‐of‐the‐art methods in detecting irregularly shaped spatial communities and ensures that the detected spatial communities are statistically significant.
Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide induces interleukin‐6 and c‐c motif chemokine ligand 2 expression in cultured hCMEC/D3 human brain microvascular endothelial cells
Authors: Sato Natsu , Matsumoto Takeshi , Kawaguchi Shogo , Seya Kazuhiko , Matsumiya Tomoh , Ding Jiangli , Aizawa Tomomi , Imaizumi Tadaatsu
Published: February 2021

Objective

This paper describes the effect of Porphyromonas gingivalis (P gingivalis) lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the expression of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and C‐C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) in cultured hCMEC/D3 human brain microvascular endothelial cells.

Background

P gingivalis is one of the important pathogens in periodontitis, and periodontitis is a risk factor for brain disorders including cerebrovascular diseases and Alzheimer's disease. However, the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of P gingivalis‐mediated brain diseases are incompletely understood. Effects of P gingivalis LPS on brain endothelial cells are not known well.

Methods

The hCMEC/D3 human brain microvascular endothelial cells were cultured and treated with P gingivalis LPS. The expression of IL‐6 and CCL2 mRNA and protein was examined using quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Effect of inhibitors of Toll‐like receptor (TLR) 2, TLR4, nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB), p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) was also investigated. Phosphorylation of NF‐κB p65, p38 MAPK and JNK was examined using Western blotting.

Results

P gingivalis LPS‐induced mRNA and protein expression of IL‐6 and CCL2 in hCMEC/D3 cells in a concentration‐dependent manner at the concentration of 0.5‐50 µg/mL. Maximal mRNA expression of IL‐6 and CCL2 was found 2 and 4 hours after stimulation, respectively. Induction of IL‐6 and CCL2 by P gingivalis LPS was almost completely inhibited by pretreatment of cells with TLR4 inhibitor but not by TLR2 inhibitor. Treatment of cells with P gingivalis LPS for up to 2 hours induced phosphorylation of NF‐κB p65, p38 MAPK and JNK. IL‐6 induction was decreased by pretreatment of cells with NF‐κB inhibitor SN50 or p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580, while CCL2 induction was reduced by SN50 or JNK inhibitor SP600125.

Conclusions

IL‐6 and CCL2 produced upon P gingivalis LPS stimulation may contribute to the inflammatory reactions in brain endothelial cells and subsequent neurological disorders such as cerebrovascular and Alzheimer's diseases.
Predictors of home being the preferred place of death among Japanese older people: JAGES cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ishikawa Takako , Haseda Maho , Kondo Naoki , Kondo Katsunori , Fukui Sakiko
Published: February 2021

Aim

There is a large discrepancy between people's preferred and actual place of death in Japan. To manage this discrepancy, this study aimed to identify the variability in preferred places of death and their associated factors among Japanese older people.

Methods

Cross‐sectional survey data were collected in 2016 as part of the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study, in which 20 204 participants were asked about their preferred place of death. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the final determinants for home as the preferred place of death.

Results

Based on survey data, 35.8% of respondents preferred home as the place of death, 42.7% preferred some sort of facility and 21.5% were unsure. Those who preferred to be at home when receiving end‐of‐life care were more likely to be older in age, live with others, be employed, be homeowners, have lived in their current residence for a longer period, not be vaccinated for influenza in the past year, engage in physical work or intense sports, not have participated in end‐of‐life discussions regarding preferred place of death, have experienced relatives dying at home, practice norms of reciprocity, have a sense of attachment to their neighborhood, receive instrumental social support, interact with neighbors and live in a rural area.

Conclusions

Factors related to community attachment were associated with choosing home as the preferred place of death. To fulfill the preferences of Japanese older people, a broad range of demographic, health, behavioral, social, cultural and environmental factors should be considered. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 345–352.
The networked character of migration and transnationalism
Authors: Bilecen Başak , Lubbers Miranda J.
Published: February 2021

Acknowledgement of the prominent role of social networks in migration studies marked a significant departure from earlier studies, suggesting that social networks determine migration decisions, trajectories, and outcomes. While social network analytical tools have not always been used in empirical investigations of migratory phenomena, studies on migration that use relational approaches also show an inherent network thinking. In this paper, we review the state of the art of the literature on migration and social networks, highlighting the advances made by empirical research using network thinking, particularly in different stages of migration and for operationalizing transnational phenomena related to migration. Based on this review, we detect the role of networks in different stages of migration, and we reflect on the remaining challenges for future research regarding the role of social networks within migration scholarship.
Advantage of 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing in Helicobacter pylori diagnosis
Authors: Gantuya Boldbaatar , El Serag Hashem B. , Saruuljavkhlan Batsaikhan , Azzaya Dashdorj , Matsumoto Takashi , Uchida Tomohisa , Oyuntsetseg Khasag , Oyunbileg Nyamdorj , Davaadorj Duger , Yamaoka Yoshio
Published: February 2021

Background

16S rRNA amplicon sequencing is an accurate method of detecting microbial infection without culture. It is unclear if sequencing has additional benefits over routine diagnostic methods for Helicobacter pylori testing.

Methods

We enrolled Mongolian volunteers with dyspepsia. Using routine diagnostic methods, positive H. pylori was defined as positive results on histology/immunohistochemistry, culture, rapid urease test, or serology; negative H. pylori was defined by negative results from all these tests. We performed 16S rRNA sequencing on gastric biopsy specimens and calculated cutoffs for operational taxonomic units (OTUs) and relative abundance (RA) to define positive results using ROC curves.

Results

We examined 161 individuals with a mean age of 43.6 years, and 64.6% were women. Using routine diagnostic methods, 122 (75.8%) participants were H. pylori positive, the sensitivity and specificity for 16S rRNA sequencing were 94.3% and 82.1% or 93.4% and 82.1% when cutoff values were set to 1113 (OTU number) or 4.4% RA, respectively (both p < .001). When combining the validated values, the concordance rate was high (91.1%); however, 16S rRNA sequencing had additional positive yield in 9 cases (5.6%) compared with routine diagnostic methods, and much greater additional positive yield compared to histopathology/IHC, culture, RUT, serology separately with 12 (7.4%), 37 (23.0%) and 43 (26.7%).

Conclusion

16S rRNA amplicon sequencing detects potentially important proportion of H. pylori‐positive cases that test negative with routine diagnostic methods. The quantitative number of H. pylori can help to understand how it can be changing by diseases and RA give opportunity to understand how H. pylori communicate with other microbiota.
Abnormal fucosylation of alpha‐fetoprotein in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Nouso Kazuhiro , Furubayashi Yoshie , Kariyama Kazuya , Wakuta Akiko , Miyake Nozomi , Inoue Kanae , Nagai Yuta , Murakami Shiho , Adachi Takuya , Oyama Atsushi , Wada Nozomu , Takeuchi Yasuto , Sakata Masahiro , Yasunaka Tetsuya , Onishi Hideki , Shiraha Hidenori , Takaki Akinobu , Shiota Shohei , Yasuda Satoshi , Toyoda Hidenori , Kawanaka Miwa , Kumada Takashi , Okada Hiroyuki
Published: February 2021

Aim

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a risk factor for nonvirus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma, which is increasing in prevalence. The aim of this study was to clarify the clinical application of fucosylated alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP‐L3) in the process of nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) disease development.

Methods

Serum samples from 115 diabetes mellitus (DM), 36 NAFL, and 119 NASH patients were analyzed for AFP‐L3 expression using raw data of a micro total analysis system. These data were then compared with the clinical characteristics of the patients. A validation study was also undertaken with 55 samples (17 NAFL and 38 NASH).

Results

Trace amounts of AFP‐L3 were detected in 3.5%, 16.7%, and 58.0% of patients with DM, NAFL, and NASH, respectively. The odds ratio of AFP‐L3 positivity for the diagnosis of NASH in multivariate analysis was 9.81 (95% confidence interval, 3.77–25.5). The rates in patients without fibrosis or with stage 1, stage 2, stage 3, and stage 4 fibrosis were 14.7%, 31.3%, 63.0%, 86.2%, and 100%, respectively. The rates were significantly increased according to the advancement of liver fibrosis (p < 0.001); however, no difference in the positive rate of AFP‐L3 was observed between patients with and without fatty livers and between patients with normal and abnormal transaminase. The same relationship was also observed in the validation cohort.

Conclusion

Abnormal fucosylation of AFP occurred in patients with NASH, so it could be useful for the screening of NASH in patients with DM, as well as for the differential diagnosis of NASH and the evaluation of fibrosis.
Trace‐element zoning patterns in porphyroblastic garnets in low‐T eclogites: Parameter optimization of the diffusion‐limited REE‐uptake model
Authors: Fukushima Ryo , Tsujimori Tatsuki , Aoki Shogo , Aoki Kazumasa
Published: February 2021

Compositional zoning patterns of the major elements and REEs in prograde‐zoned garnets whose Mg/(Mg + Fe) atomic ratios increase rimward have been widely used to understand the metamorphic P–T–t trajectories, and the diffusion‐limited REE‐uptake model is a promising way to interpret their growth rates and the REE diffusion kinetics in the low‐temperature eclogite. In order to elucidate their growth kinetics with Skora et al.'s (2006) diffusion‐limited REE uptake model for prograde‐zoned garnets, we examine the trace‐element zoning patterns of two prograde‐zoned porphyroblastic garnets (~6 mm in size) in low‐temperature eclogites from two different localities. Core‐to‐rim trace‐element profiles in a garnet (prp5–9alm61–67sps1–3grs24–30) of a glaucophane‐bearing epidote eclogite of Syros (Cyclades, Greece) are characterized by the presence of Y + HREE peaks in the mantle, which might be attributed to a continuous breakdown of the titanite to form rutile during the garnet growth. In contrast, those in a garnet (prp4–7alm61–68sps3–10grs23–24) extracted from a lawsonite‐eclogite of the South Motagua Mélange (SMM) (Guatemala) have prominent central peaks of Y + HREEs. Although the REE profiles of both the garnets can be explained by the diffusion‐limited uptake, their Mn profiles suggest that their growth‐rate laws are different: i.e., diffusion‐controlled (Syros) and interface‐controlled (SMM). Prior to the model application, we optimize the number of the parameters as the garnet grows with the interface‐controlled processes based on the growth Péclet number. In particular, we propose the ratio of the REE diffusivity in the eclogitic matrix to the garnet growth rate as the new parameter. Visualizing the values of the new parameters allows to readily understand the relationship between the REE profiles and the REE‐diffusion/garnet‐growth kinetics in low‐T eclogite. Our model refinement leads to the simple quantitative characterization of core‐to‐rim REE profiles in garnet in low‐temperature eclogites.
Potential prebiotic functions of a characterised Ehretia macrophylla Wall. fruit polysaccharide
Authors: Xu Dan , Li Lin , Tang Xin , Chen Juncheng , Yan Wenbing , Wang Lei , Zhang Xia , Li Bing , Yao Hong
Published: February 2021

Ehretia macrophylla Wall. fruit (EWMF) is a common functional food in Hunan Province, China. However, the constituents involving in maintaining human health remain unclear. In this study, a EWMF polysaccharide (EWMFP) was purified and characterised. An in vitro fermentation model simulating human colon micro‐ecosystem was used to investigate the potential gut health effects in terms of microbiota diversity maintenance, microbial compositional shifts, short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA) and SCFA precursors production. The results indicated that (i) EWMFP consists of 4 monosaccharides and the molecular weight is 12.45 KDa; (ii) EWMFP could better maintain microbiota diversity than inulin; (iii) compared with inulin, EWMFP could alter gut microbial compositions differently and produce higher concentration of butyrate at the end of fermentation; (iv) EWMFP and inulin might produce different compositions of SCFA in different pathways during fermentation. Our studies indicated that EWMFP could be a new potential prebiotic in regulating colonic health.
Saltiness perception related to salt release of surimi emulsified sausages: modulation in texture and microstructure by polysaccharides
Authors: Wang Xuejiao , Feng Tingting , Xia Shuqin
Published: February 2021

The effect of κ‐carrageenan (CG), high acyl gellan (HAG), xanthan gum (XG) and locust bean gum (LBG) on the salt release and saltiness perception of surimi emulsified sausages was investigated. CG, LBG and XG significantly reduced the fracture strain to 62.62%, 58.56% and 58.23%, causing the formation of disintegrating gels. Microstructure observation showed that sausages with CG or LBG had porous structure, but the former formed an interpenetrating network and promoted hydrophobic interactions and the formation of disulphide bonds, while the latter was physically filled in the protein network. The maximum salt release was observed in the sausage with CG due to rapid salt diffusion from porous and interpenetrating network structure. Sensory analysis further proved that the saltiness perception of sausages was enhanced by CG. The present work provided an approach for salt reduction in sausages by facilitating salt release achieved by modulating the texture attributes and microstructure using polysaccharides.
Polar compounds: a quantitative indicator for life cycle assessment during protracted semi‐continuous deep fat frying simulation
Authors: Abdalla Brata , Christianti Isti , Wassell Paul
Published: February 2021

Total Polar Compound (TPC) analysis was used to evaluate fry life cycle of oils and shortenings with differing fatty acids compositions, and to understand if longer trisaturated material (Tribehenin), could influence total fry life, during protracted, semi‐continuous deep frying simulations. Results showed, when TPC reached 25% max, the TOTOX and FFA revealed correlated values. However, both FFA and Totox were deemed unreliable indicators of oil quality. TPCs were more acutely accurate, especially during oil filtration and top‐up procedures, where peak TPC onset showed stronger correlation for assessing oil degradation. Unsaturated frying oil, SBO (PUFA based), resulted with the shortest fry life of 132 fry‐cycles; POL (MUFA based) 138 fry‐cycles and MPS (MUFA based + Tribehenin) achieving up to 146 fry‐cycles, suggesting Tribehenin may apparently extend fry life longevity.