bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The investigation of pedestrians’ accident according the place where they are thrown
Authors: Sachelarie A , Gaiginschi R
Published: December 2020

The place where a pedestrian was thrown after being hit on the side of a vehicle is relatively easy to set up due to the traces of organic substances left on the runway or the information given by the people who saw the accident or were the first to have arrived at the crime scene. The work proposes to consider whether a driver involved in such an accident has been guilty or not, if he has taken the best decisions in time according to the concrete situation, compared to the behaviour of another in a similar situation but who has reacted in normal time, and took measures to avoid or minimize the consequences in such situations. In the comparative assessment of the driver's behaviour it is necessary to know: the distance between the place where the victim was left on the road and the frontal part of the vehicle stopped; the place where the pedestrian is located when the driver has the ability to identify the danger of an accident; the area in which the pedestrian speeds are located; the distance travelled by the pedestrian from the moment the hazard is triggered and until it is hit by the vehicle, etc.
Model based diagnosis of gasoline injection engine
Authors: Singureanu M , Copae I
Published: December 2020

The paper approaches one of the most effective diagnosis solutions used on engines equipped with sensors, actuators and microcontrollers. The principles and advantages of this type of diagnosis are outlined. Functional models and possible fault types are presented. Differential equations for dynamic operation of sensors and actuators are deduced. It presents the problems related to the isolation of the faults, as well as the one corresponding to the generation and evaluation of the residual. The aspects related to fault detection are highlighted. The case of diagnosing the engine air supply system is exemplified. There are presented various schemes and relations of calculation corresponding to the model-based diagnosis. Important theoretically and practically conclusions are drawn. The paper benefits from the experimental data obtained on the tests of an A6 Audi car equipped with a gasoline engine. During the experiments, various faults of some constructive parts of the engine were deliberately made.
Intelligent system for driver assistance in overtaking manoeuvres using multiple Camera and Radar Sensors -part1
Authors: Zamfir S , Drosescu R , Gaiginschi R
Published: December 2020

This paper describes a method and an associate device to analysis overtaking or lane changing manoeuvres to be performed or those in which the vehicle is already engaged. The device assists the driver in the overtaking manoeuvres by automatic analysis of distances, speeds and accelerations of the overtaken and the incoming vehicles from the opposite sense, having the possibility of optical and acoustic warning in the event of a prohibited, dangerous or risky overtaking, or validating a safe manoeuvre that can be performed risk-free. The studied sensors are FMCW radar and video cameras cooperating in a “sensor-fusion” concept. The paper describes a series of experimental tests designed to establish the necessary parameters that the respective sensors must meet to ensure the effective monitoring of an overtaking maneuver. The main parameters theoretically designed and experimentally measured are perception distance to the objects of interest (small, medium, large cars, motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, etc.), the maximum relative speed that can be noticed, the minimal angular resolution for correct perception of two nearby vehicles.
In situ study on the condensate latent heat recovery and its economic impact in the case of a 60 kW condensing boilers system
Authors: Bălănescu D T , Homutescu V M , Ianuş G , Popescu A
Published: December 2020

Implementation of the Energy Related Products directive in September 2015 had focused attention on the condensing boilers more than ever before since they are the unique boiler technology complying with the requirements of this new regulation. The main benefit of condensing boilers comes from the latent heat recovery by condensing the water vapors from flue gas; the higher the condensation fraction, the higher the energy saving is. The experimental study refers on the heat gained and fuel cost saving by condensing water vapors from flue gas in the case of a heating system with two condensing boilers having nominal outputs of 25 kW and 35 kW, respectively. The maximum condensation fraction of the heating system, determined in real operating conditions, was 0.52, which corresponds to an energy saving rate of roughly 2 MJ/m3 of fuel. The cost of the energy saved, converted into fuel saving cost, is 22.28 Euro/1000 m3 for the natural gas price of 426 Euro/1000 m3 (39.9 Euro/MWh or 0.01108 Euro/MJ) in Ia.i, Romania, February 2020.
Considerations on pollution from the use of biofuels
Authors: Gruia A , Bică M , Istrate A
Published: December 2020

While, for thousands of years, natural pollution has reversible effects on environment, thanks to biological and biochemical cycles, the artificial pollution produced by industrial activities disturbs natural cycles and in most cases has irreversible consequences. Among the most polluting vehicles made by humans, we find the vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines. In the past decades, global automotive vehicles manufacturing has reached a high level thanks to his positive impact on people mobility. Therefore, reducing exhaust gas emissions from internal combustion engines represent a research topic for specialists around the world. The use of biofuels is a promising research direction. The EU authorities has issued different sets of standards for the harmful emissions that affect the quality of the environment. In this paper we present the results obtained in the laboratory using different biodiesel concentrations at different load and speed regimes.
2020 Security Review: A Year That Shook IT
Authors: O'Connor Patrick
Published: December 2020

Reviewing IT security incidents in 2020, Patrick O'Connor MBCS CISSP CEH, finds that while society may have slowed to a crawl in the face of Covid-19 the cyber security world is more active than ever.
Retrospective Survey of Borrelia spp. From Rodents and Ticks in Thailand
Authors: Takhampunya Ratree , Thaloengsok Sasikanya , Tippayachai Bousaraporn , Promsathaporn Sommai , Leepitakrat Surachai , Gross Katelynn , Davidson Silas A
Published: December 2020

Borrelia is a genus of spirochetal bacteria with several species known to cause disease in humans. The distribution of Borrelia has rarely been studied in Thailand. In this study, a retrospective survey of Borrelia was conducted in ticks and wild rodents to better characterize the prevalence, diversity, and distribution of Borrelia across Thailand. Several pools of DNA from tick samples were positive for Borrelia spp. (36/258, 13.9%). Borrelia theileri/B. lonestari was found in 17 tick samples (16 pools of Haemaphysalis bandicota and 1 pool of Rhipicephalus sp.), and Borrelia yangtzensis was found in 8 tick samples (2 pools of H. bandicota and 6 pools of Ixodes granulatus). Borrelia spp. were detected at low prevalence levels in rodent tissue samples (24/2001, 1.2%), with 19 identified as B. theileri or B. lonestari and 5 identified as B. miyamotoi. Several geographic and species-specific infection trends were apparent, with Ixodes ticks infected with B. yangtzensis and Haemaphysalis and Rhipicephalus ticks infected with both B. yangtzensis and B. theileri/B. lonestari. Notably, B. yangtzensis showed a similar geographic distribution to B. miyamotoi, which was identified in new areas of Thailand in this study. The flagellin gene sequence from B. miyamotoi was more similar to European (99.3–99.9%) than Japanese (96.9–97.6%) genotypes. This study greatly expands the knowledge of Borrelia in Thailand and identified several Borrelia species for the first time. It also found several ticks and rodents infected with the pathogen that were not previously known to carry Borrelia.
Smudge Cells in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Pathophysiology, Laboratory Considerations, and Clinical Significance
Authors: Marionneaux Steven M , Keohane Elaine M , Lamanna Nicole , King Thomas C , Mehta Shashi R
Published: December 2020

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most commonly encountered leukemia in the clinical laboratory. Cytoskeletal defects in CLL lymphocytes can result in the formation of up to 75% smudge cells (SCs) during blood film preparation. Failure to account for these damaged lymphocytes in the white blood cell (WBC) differential diminishes the accuracy and reproducibility of the results. Lacking clear practice standards on handling SCs in CLL, different laboratories may employ different methods to mitigate SC-induced errors. This review explores the pathophysiology of SCs, their effect on WBC differentials in CLL, and how these results can impact clinical decisions. The pros and cons of various SC corrective methods are described to assist laboratories in developing an optimized protocol to reduce errors and inconsistencies in WBC differentials. Finally, the potential utility of SC enumeration as an indicator of CLL prognosis is discussed in terms of laboratories with differing access to technology.
Erythropoiesis and Iron Parameters in Transfusion-dependent and Nontransfusion-dependent Thalassemias
Authors: Ozturk Zeynep , Gumuslu Saadet , Yalcin Koray , Kupesiz Alphan
Published: December 2020

Introduction:

To clarify mechanisms of ineffective erythropoiesis on iron metabolism, studies on erythroid factors that regulating hepcidin suppression have been carried out. The aim of the current study is to identify associations between erythropoiesis and iron homeostasis parameters in β-thalassemias.

Materials and Methods:

This study consisted of 83 subjects: 21 thalassemia major (TM), 20 thalassemia intermedia (TI), 20 thalassemia trait (TT), and 22 healthy subjects (HS). Erythroferrone (ERFE), hepcidin, growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF15), erythropoietin (EPO), and iron status parameters were measured.

Results:

Our results showed that TM and TI patients had higher hepcidin than the TT and control groups. The hepcidin/ferritin in TM patients was significantly lower than the other groups. GDF15 in TM and TI patients was significantly higher than in the TT and control groups. Also, TI group had significantly higher ERFE concentration and EPO activity when compared with the TM, TT, and HS groups. EPO activity showed positive correlation with ERFE and GDF15 concentrations. We could not find any correlation between ERFE and hepcidin concentrations.

Conclusions:

ERFE may be one of the parameters used to demonstrate erythropoietic activity level in thalassemias. More detailed studies are needed to clarify the role of ERFE in iron metabolism in the patients with thalassemias.
Cilium induction triggers differentiation of glioma stem cells
Authors: Goranci-Buzhala Gladiola , Mariappan Aruljothi , Ricci-Vitiani Lucia , Josipovic Natasa , Pacion Simone , Gottardo Marco , Ptok Johannes , Callaini Giuliano , Rajalingam Krishnaraj , Dynlacht Brian , Hadian Kamyar , Papantonis Argyris , Pallini Roberto , Gopalakrishnan Jay
Published: December 2020

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) possesses glioma stem cells (GSCs) that promote self-renewal, tumor propagation, and relapse. GBM has a poor prognosis, and currently, there are no curative options exist. Understanding the mechanisms of GSCs self-renewal can offer targeted therapeutic interventions. However, insufficient knowledge of the fundamental biology of GSCs is a significant bottleneck hindering these efforts. Here, we show that patient-derived GSCs recruit an elevated level of proteins that ensure the temporal cilium disassembly, leading to suppressed ciliogenesis. Depleting the cilia disassembly complex components at the ciliary base is sufficient to induce ciliogenesis in a subset of GSCs. Importantly, restoring ciliogenesis caused GSCs to behave like healthy NPCs switching from self-renewal to differentiation. Finally, using an organoid-based glioma invasion assay and brain xenografts in mice, we establish that ciliogenesis-induced differentiation can prevent the infiltration of GSCs into the brain. Our findings illustrate a crucial role for cilium as a molecular switch in determining GSCs’ fate and suggest that cilium induction is an attractive strategy to intervene in GSCs proliferation.
CLN5 and CLN3 function as a complex to regulate endolysosome function
Authors: Yasa Seda , Sauvageau Etienne , Modica Graziana , Lefrancois Stephane
Published: December 2020

CLN5 is a soluble endolysosomal protein whose function is poorly understood. Mutations in this protein cause a rare neurodegenerative disease, Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis. We previously found that depletion of CLN5 leads to dysfunctional retromer, resulting in the degradation of the lysosomal sorting receptor, sortilin. However, how a soluble lysosomal protein can modulate the function of a cytosolic protein, retromer, is not known. In this work, we show that deletion of CLN5 not only results in retromer dysfunction, but also in impaired endolysosome fusion events. This results in delayed degradation of endocytic proteins and in defective autophagy. CLN5 modulates these various pathways by regulating downstream interactions between CLN3, an endolysosomal integral membrane protein whose mutations also result in Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis, Rab7A, and a subset of Rab7A effectors. Our data supports a model where CLN3 and CLN5 function as an endolysosome complex regulating various functions.

Summary Statement

We have previously demonstrated that CLN3 is required for efficient endosome-to-trans Golgi Network (TGN) trafficking of sortilin by regulating retromer function. In this work, we show that CLN5, which interacts with CLN3, regulates retromer function by modulating key interactions between CLN3, Rab7A, retromer, and sortilin. Therefore, CLN3 and CLN5 serve as endosomal switch regulating the itinerary of the lysosomal sorting receptors.
Consequences of ignoring variable and spatially-autocorrelated detection probability in spatial capture-recapture
Authors: Moqanaki Ehsan M. , Milleret Cyril , Tourani Mahdieh , Dupont Pierre , Bischof Richard
Published: December 2020

Context

Spatial capture-recapture (SCR) models are increasingly popular for analyzing wildlife monitoring data. SCR can account for spatial heterogeneity in detection that arises from individual space use (detection kernel), variation in the sampling process, and the distribution of individuals (density). However, unexplained and unmodeled spatial heterogeneity in detectability may remain due to cryptic factors, intrinsic and extrinsic to the study system.

Objectives

We identify how the magnitude and configuration of unmodeled, spatially variable detection probability influence SCR parameter estimates.

Methods

We simulated realistic SCR data with spatially variable and autocorrelated detection probability. We then fitted a single-session SCR model ignoring this variation to the simulated data and assessed the impact of model misspecification on inferences.

Results

Highly autocorrelated spatial heterogeneity in detection probability (Moran’sI= 0.85 - 0.96), modulated by the magnitude of that variation, can lead to pronounced negative bias (up to 75%), reduction in precision (249%), and decreasing coverage probability of the 95% credible intervals associated with abundance estimates to 0. Conversely, at low levels of spatial autocorrelation (median Moran’sI= 0), even severe unmodeled heterogeneity in detection probability did not lead to pronounced bias and only caused slight reductions in precision and coverage of abundance estimates.

Conclusions

Unknown and unmodeled variation in detection probability is liable to be the norm, rather than the exception, in SCR studies. We encourage practitioners to consider the impact that spatial autocorrelation in detectability has on their inferences and urge the development of SCR methods that can take structured unknown or partially unknown spatial variability in detection probability into account.
Microclimate structures communities, predation and herbivory in the High Arctic
Authors: Kankaanpää Tuomas , Abrego Nerea , Vesterinen Eero , Roslin Tomas
Published: December 2020

In a warming world, changes in climate may result in species‐level responses as well as changes in community structure through knock‐on effects on ecological interactions such as predation and herbivory. Yet, the links between these responses at different levels are still inadequately understood. Assessing how microclimatic conditions affect each of them at local scales provides information essential for understanding the consequences of macroclimatic changes projected in the future.

Focusing on the rapidly changing High Arctic, we examine how a community based on a common resource species (avens, Dryas spp.), a specialist insect herbivore (Sympistis zetterstedtii) and natural enemies of lepidopteran herbivores (parasitoids) varies along a multidimensional microclimatic gradient. We ask (a) how parasitoid community composition varies with local abiotic conditions, (b) how the community‐level response of parasitoids is linked to species‐specific traits (koino‐ or idiobiont life cycle strategy and phenology) and (c) whether the effects of varying abiotic conditions extend to interaction outcomes (parasitism rates on the focal herbivore and realized herbivory rates).

We recorded the local communities of parasitoids, herbivory rates on Dryas flowers and parasitism rates in Sympistis larvae at 20 sites along a mountain slope. For linking community‐level responses to microclimatic conditions with parasitoid traits, we used joint species distribution modelling. We then assessed whether the same abiotic variables also affect parasitism and herbivory rates, by applying generalized linear and additive mixed models.

We find that parasitism strategy and phenology explain local variation in parasitoid community structure. Parasitoids with a koinobiont strategy preferred high‐elevation sites with higher summer temperatures or sites with earlier snowmelt and lower humidity. Species of earlier phenology occurred with higher incidence at sites with cooler summer temperatures or later snowmelt. Microclimatic effects also extend to parasitism and herbivory, with an increase in the parasitism rates of the main herbivore S. zetterstedtii with higher temperature and lower humidity, and a matching increase in herbivory rates.

Our results show that microclimatic variation is a strong driver of local community structure, species interactions and interaction outcomes in Arctic ecosystems. In view of ongoing climate change, these results predict that macroclimatic changes will profoundly affect arctic communities.
Endodontic management of a patient with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa: A case report
Authors: Turkyilmaz Ali , Bulut Ali Can , Hancerliogullari Dilek
Published: December 2020

Epidermolysis bullosa is a congenital genetic disease that causes blistering and erosion of the skin and mucosa. The main known forms include simple, junction, dystrophic and mixed subtypes. This case report presents the endodontic management and 1‐year follow‐up of a 27‐year‐old female patient with epidermolysis bullosa who was referred to the Faculty of Dentistry, Kırıkkale University, Turkey. An extraoral examination showed that the patient had multiple scars and blisters. The intraoral examination revealed ankyloglossia, microstomia, shallow buccal and vestibular sulci, enamel hypoplasia, gingival inflammation, mouth ulcers, symptomatic and asymptomatic deep caries, a tooth with an apical lesion and a tooth with pulpitis. The dental treatment was divided into four stages: (i) oral hygiene motivation and elimination of gingival bleeding, (ii) restorative and/or endodontic procedures, (iii) extractions and prosthetic treatments and (iv) recall appointments. A 1‐year follow‐up radiographic examination of the periapical status of the root canal treatments was clear.
Impact of revascularization in patients with post‐infarction left ventricular aneurysm and ventricular tachyarrhythmia
Authors: Ning Xiaohui , Yang Zihe , Ye Xuerui , Si Yanhua , Wang Fang , Zhang Xiaoli , Zhang Shu
Published: December 2020

Background

Ventricular arrhythmia is a leading cause of cardiac death among patients with post‐infarction left ventricular aneurysm (PI‐LVA). The effect of coronary revascularization in PI‐LVA patients with ventricular tachyarrhythmia remains unknown. This study aims to investigate the impact of revascularization therapy on clinical outcomes in these patients.

Methods

A total of 238 PI‐LVA patients were enrolled, and 59 patients were presented with sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF). Patients were classified into 4 groups by treatment strategies (medical or revascularization) and the presence of VT/VF: group 1 (n = 57): VT/VF− and revascularization−; group 2 (n = 122): VT/VF− and revascularization+; group 3 (n = 34): VT/VF+ and revascularization+; and group 4 (n = 25): VT/VF+ and revascularization‐. The clinical outcomes were compared, and the primary endpoint was cardiac death or heart transplantation.

Results

Patients were followed up for 45 ± 16 months, and 41 patients (17.2%) reached the primary endpoint. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that in VT/VF− patients, revascularization associated with higher cardiac survival compared with medical therapy (log‐rank p = .002), but in VT/VF+ patients, revascularization did not predict better cardiac outcome (log‐rank p = .901). Cox regression analysis revealed PET‐EF (HR 4.41, 95% CI: 1.72–11.36, p = .002) and moderate/severe mitral regurgitation (HR 2.32, 95% CI: 1.02–5.30, p = .046) as independent predictors of adverse cardiac outcome in patients with VT/VF.

Conclusion

PI‐LVA patients with VT/VF are at high risk of adverse cardiac outcome, and coronary revascularization does not mitigate this risk, although revascularization was associated with higher cardiac survival in PI‐LVA patients without VT/VF.
Contribution of Executive Functions to Learning Sequential Actions in Young Children
Authors: Yanaoka Kaichi , Saito Satoru
Published: December 2020

This study examined whether executive functions impact how flexibly children represent task context in performing repeated sequential actions. Japanese children in Experiments 1 (N = 52; 3–6 years) and 2 (N = 50, 4–6 years) performed sequential actions repeatedly; one group received reminders. Experiment 1 indicated that reminders promote flexible changes in contextual representations. Experiment 2 observed such effects in younger children and showed executive functions were associated with the flexible representation of task context. Reminders did not perfectly compensate for the role of executive functions but wiped out individual differences in executive functions that contribute to children’s acquisition of routines. Therefore, setting goals before context‐dependent actions is necessary, but not sufficient, to modulate contextual representations in routines.
A mortality risk score for septuagenarians undergoing orthotopic heart transplantation
Authors: Diaz‐Castrillon Carlos E. , Seese Laura , Hong Yeahwa , Dufendach Keith , Hickey Gavin , Sultan Ibrahim , Kilic Arman
Published: December 2020

Background

With septuagenarians undergoing orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) more frequently, we aimed to develop a risk score for 1‐year mortality in this population.

Methods

Septuagenarian OHT recipients were identified from the UNOS registry between 1987 and 2018. The primary outcome was 1‐year post‐OHT mortality. Patients were randomly divided into derivation and validation cohorts. Associated covariates were entered into a multivariable logistic regression model. A risk score was created using the magnitudes of the odds ratios from the derivation cohort, and its 1‐year post‐OHT mortality prediction capacity was tested in the validation cohort.

Results

A total of 1156 septuagenarians were included, and they were randomly divided into derivation (66.7%, n = 771) and validation (33.3%, n = 385) cohorts. An 11‐point risk score incorporating 4 variables was created, which included mechanical ventilation, serum bilirubin, serum creatinine, and donor age. The predicted 1‐year mortality ranged from 4.2% (0 points) to 48.1% (11‐points) (p < .001). After cross‐validation, the c‐index was 0.67 with a Brier score of 0.10. Risk scores above 3 points portended a survival disadvantage at 1‐year follow‐up (p < .001).

Conclusions

This 11‐point risk score for septuagenarians is predictive of mortality within 1‐year of OHT and has potential utilization in improving recipient evaluation and selection of elderly patients.
Implementation of pre‐captured videos for remote diagnosis of cervical cytology specimens
Authors: Archondakis Stavros , Roma Maria , Kaladelfou Evropi
Published: December 2020

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of implementing short videos captured by static telecytological applications for remote evaluation of cervical smears prepared by means of liquid‐based cytology.

Methods

The study was performed on representative short videos captured from a total of 404 cervical smears (benign, 135; atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, 92; low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, 62; high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, 87; squamous cell carcinoma, 26; adenocarcinoma, 2) that were sent via file transfer protocol to password‐protected accounts for remote review by three independent cytopathologists. In addition to diagnosis, reviewers commented on the overall digital video quality. Contributors’ and reviewers’ diagnoses were collected, recorded, and statistically evaluated.

Results

Statistical evaluation detected no significant difference in diagnostic accuracy between cytological diagnoses based on short videos versus conventional slides. The overall interobserver agreement ranged from substantial to almost perfect with κ values of 0.74‐0.91.

Conclusions

Short videos produced by static telecytology applications can be used as an alternative method for telecytological diagnosis of cervical smears, particularly for quality control purposes. It is a prompt and valid method for quality assessment and proficiency testing and can be integrated into the daily workflow. Short pre‐captured videos of cervical smears can be used for rapid and accurate diagnosis, diminishing turnaround times and improving small cytology departments’ quality indices. They can also be used for archiving, teleconsultation, and second opinion purposes, improving the performance of already existing static telecytology stations.
Diagnosis of Double‐chambered Left Ventricle of Superior–inferior Type by Echocardiography: A Retrospective Study of 9 Subjects across Two Heart Centers
Authors: Bao Sheng‐Fang , Wu Li‐Jun , Zhang Yu‐Qi , Hong Wen‐Jing , Chen Li‐Jun , Wang Qian
Published: December 2020

Background

Double‐chambered left ventricle (DCLV) is extremely rare. Challenges remain in accurate diagnosis of DCLV by echocardiography, because it is easily confused with left ventricular diverticulum, left ventricular aneurysm, ventricular septal defect, etc. Herein, we reviewed echocardiographic characteristics of DCLV and evaluated the accuracy of echocardiographic diagnosis.

Methods

Clinical and echocardiographical databases of two heart centers were reviewed. Nine children with DCLV of superior–inferior arrangement were studied retrospectively.

Results

Normal elliptical geometry of LV cavity is preserved in DCLV. Fibromuscluar bundles separate LV into the main chamber and the accessory chamber. The associated malformations included ventricular septal defects, mitral regurgitation, mitral valve stenosis, pulmonary stenosis, and left ventricular noncompaction in our study. Eight of nine subjects with DCLV of superior–inferior arrangement were diagnosed correctly by initial echocardiographic examination, and one case was mistaken as left ventricular diverticulum.

Conclusions

Double‐chambered left ventricle could be diagnosed and followed up by echocardiography. The morphological classification is a simplified way to improve diagnostic accuracy.
ReMind, a smartphone application for psychotic relapse prediction: A longitudinal study protocol
Authors: Hui Christy Lai‐Ming , Lam Bertha Sze‐Ting , Wong Andreas Kar‐Hin , Tao Tiffany Junchen , Ho Elise Chun‐Ning , Suen Yi‐Nam , Lee Edwin Ho‐Ming , Chan Sherry Kit‐Wa , Chang Wing‐Chung , Chong Catherine Shiu‐Yin , Siu Clara Man‐Wah , Lo William Tak‐Lam , Chen Eric Yu‐Hai
Published: December 2020

Background

Psychotic disorders are associated with a high rate of relapse. In addition to medication non‐adherence, some psychosocial factors have been found to be predictive of relapse (e.g., poor premorbid adjustment, high expressed emotion and substance misuse). Impairments in cognitive functions including general memory functioning, set shifting, attention, processing speed and working memory have also been indicative of a subsequent psychotic episode. As clinical appointments do not always allow for timely or accurate detection of these early warning signs, the ReMind app is developed to explore potential relapse predictors and enhance the process of relapse monitoring.

Aim

The ReMind app aims (1) to assess whether verbal or visual working memory predicts psychotic relapse in 1 year and (2) to determine whether social factors such as stressful life events, level of expressed emotion and medication adherence also predict relapse in 1 year.

Methods

This is a one‐year prospective follow‐up study involving 176 remitted patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or non‐affective psychoses. Monthly relapse predictor assessments will be conducted via ReMind throughout the one‐year study duration. These assessments include neurocognitive tasks and psychosocial questionnaires.

Results

Recruitment began in August 2017 and is still ongoing. Preliminary user feedback suggested an overall positive experience with the app.

Conclusion

The ReMind app presents a step forward to the identification and sensitive detection of reliable psychosis relapse predictors. With its anticipated success, it may offer an alternative means of monitoring relapse for the Chinese‐speaking population in the future.
Le français non‐binaire: Linguistic forms used by non‐binary speakers of French
Authors: Knisely Kris Aric
Published: December 2020

In response to shifting sociocultural constructions of gender and the emerging visibility of non‐binary subject positions, grammatically binary linguistic systems, such as French, are being challenged, subverted, and adapted. This paper describes and analyzes formal, structural, and ideological aspects of how contemporary French speakers are confronting and innovating beyond the gender binary, highlighting the lack of scholarly attention and increase in public salience afforded to these issues. Survey data from 174 adult speakers of French are used to outline the forms used by non‐binary Francophones, the degree of form variance, and the self‐reported comprehensibility ratings of these forms. The findings establish consistent trends in the non‐binary language forms used and their comprehensibility, while highlighting the importance of variance for individual agency in non‐binary Francophone communities. These findings are foundational to a consideration of the of teaching non‐binary forms in foreign language classrooms and curricula for inclusivity and competence development.
Coexistence of predatory caddisfly species may be facilitated by variations in the morphology of feeding apparatus and diet
Authors: Lancaster Jill
Published: December 2020

The hypothesis of community‐wide character displacement (CWCD) predicts that coexisting species in the same guild should differ in morphological traits associated with resource acquisition, such that interspecific competition is unlikely. Hypothesis tests often focus on trophic structures involved in food acquisition, because variations in the morphology of foraging apparatus and diet composition may be directly related. Empirical evidence of such associations among sympatric guild members is, however, uncommon.

The predatory larvae of caddisflies in the family Hydrobiosidae are ideal for studies of CWCD because the morphology of the prehensile foreleg, used to capture prey, varies markedly among genera. Further, hydrobiosids typically occur as species‐rich guilds, often with 10–20 species in a single community. Although the larvae are known to be predatory, detailed information on the diet of coexisting species is scarce. This study tested whether larval diet varied among multiple, sympatric species of hydrobiosid caddisflies that differed in foreleg morphology.

Larval specimens were collected in summer and primarily from one river in central Victoria, Australia. Gut contents of late instar larvae were examined to describe diet composition, and diet was compared among taxa using measures of diet breadth and overlap.

Seven sympatric species from six genera that differed in foreleg morphology were collected and late instar larvae were exclusively carnivorous. Diet composition and breadth varied markedly among some species, and diet was associated with morphology of the prehensile foreleg. Specialist predator species consumed predominantly chironomids and had high diet overlap. Generalists consumed primarily chironomids and mayflies, but overlap varied depending upon the preferred mayfly family and representation of other prey items, such as blackflies and insect eggs. All predator species consumed some caseless caddisflies and intraguild predation was strong in at least one species.

The marked differences in diet and foreleg morphology among hydrobiosid species are consistent with the notion that CWCD influences guild membership and may facilitate species coexistence within guilds that are typically species‐rich. Although rarely considered for freshwater communities, CWCD may help explain species membership within other guilds. The magnitude of diet variations among genera within this family are more usually found across multiple families or orders, demonstrating that assumptions about the diet of even closely related taxa may be erroneous.
A 571 million‐year‐old alkaline volcanic lake photosynthesizing microbial community, the Anti‐atlas, Morocco
Authors: Chraiki Ibtissam , Bouougri El Hafid , Chi Fru Ernest , Lazreq Nezha , Youbi Nasrrddine , Boumehdi Ahmed , Aubineau Jérémie , Fontaine Claude , El Albani Abderrazak
Published: December 2020

The Ediacaran period coincides with the emergence of ancestral animal lineages and cyanobacteria capable of thriving in nutrient deficient oceans which together with photosynthetic eukaryotic dominance, culminated in the rapid oxygenation of the Ediacaran atmosphere. However, ecological evidence for the colonization of the Ediacaran terrestrial biosphere by photosynthetic communities and their contribution to the oxygenation of the biosphere at this time is very sparse. Here, we expand the repertoire of Ediacaran habitable environments to a specific microbial community that thrived in an extreme alkaline volcanic lake 571 Myr ago in the Anti‐atlas of Morocco. The microbial fabrics preserve evidence of primary growth structures, comprised of two main microbialitic units, with the lower section consisting of irregular and patchy thrombolytic mesoclots associated with composite microbialitic domes. Calcirudite interbeds, dominated by wave‐rippled sandy calcarenites and stromatoclasts, fill the interdome troughs and seal the dome tops. A meter‐thick epiclastic stromatolite bed grading upwards from a dominantly flat to wavy laminated base, transitions into low convex laminae consisting of decimeter to meter‐thick dome‐shaped stromatolitic columns, overlies the thrombolitic and composite microbialitic facies. Microbialitic beds constructed during periods of limited clastic input, and underlain by coarse‐grained microbialite‐derived clasts and by the wave‐rippled calcarenites, suggest high‐energy events associated with lake expansion. High‐resolution microscopy revealed spherulitic aggregates and structures reminiscent of coccoidal microbial cell casts and mineralized extra‐polymeric substances (EPS). The primary fabrics and multistage diagenetic features, represented by active carbonate production, photosynthesizing microbial communities, photosynthetic gas bubbles, gas escape structures, and tufted mats, suggest specialized oxygenic photosynthesizers thriving in alkaline volcanic lakes, contributed toward oxygen variability in the Ediacaran terrestrial biosphere.
Delayed seroreversion of specifical antibody against HIV in HIV‐exposed infants: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Liu A , Zhang L , Zhang X , Zhang HW , Tian YM , Li JW , Li QY , Shao Y , Ye JZ , Li ZC , Wang H , Sun LJ
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To investigate the seroreversion time in HIV‐1‐exposed but uninfected infants from two tertiary hospitals in China.

Methods

This study retrospectively investigated the data of perinatal, HIV‐1‐exposed infants from hospitals in Beijing and Shenzhen. Maternal and infant medical records from both hospitals from January 2009 to December 2019 were reviewed, and the HIV antibody seroreversion times of infants were determined. From 2009 to 2019, a total of 485 HIV‐1‐exposed but uninfected infants were enrolled. The majority of infants were born at term with normal birth weight.

Results

The seroreversion rates were 89.3%, 94.2% and 100% at 12, 18 and 24 months of age, respectively. There were no significant associations between seroreversion and several risk factors, such as gender, birth weight, gestational age, mode of delivery, postpartum prophylaxis and antiretroviral treatment duration. The mean value of HIV‐specific immunoglobulin G concentration decreased from 15.4 at day 42 to 0.03 after 24 months in HIV‐exposed, uninfected infants.

Conclusions

Clearance of HIV antibodies could take more than 18 months in a small number of perinatally exposed infants. Caution should be used in excluding or diagnosing perinatal HIV infection in children with long persistence of HIV antibodies.
Onward Migration Aspirations and Transnational Practices of Migrant Construction Workers Amidst Economic Crisis: Exploring New Opportunities and Facing Barriers
Authors: Dimitriadis Iraklis
Published: December 2020

Considering onward migration aspirations of Albanian migrants in Italy and Greece, this article investigates the reproduction of transnational practices in relation to preferred destinations before new settlements take place. Drawing on qualitative data, it introduces the concept of explorative transnational practices and sheds light on the interplay between aspirations and transnationalism, showing how the desire to leave the first country may be shaped by transnational ties, and how this may trigger occasional transnational physical activity to explore new destinations. On one hand, this version of transnational mobility may engender remigration, but, on the other, this may be transformed into income‐oriented work trips due to structural constraints (legal status, immigrant networks) and a lack of linguistic and economic capital, as well as other factors such as integration processes, intergenerational relationships and experiences in new destinations. This questions the very presumptions of the transnationalist approach that underscore agentic dimensions of transnational migrants.
Serum growth differentiation factor 15 is closely associated with metabolic abnormalities in Chinese pregnant women
Authors: Li Enhao , Chen Peihong , Lu Jun , Dai Jiarong , Yi Jufen , Zhang Shan , Jin Hua , Guo Meixiang , Wang Hongtao , Yu Xuemei
Published: December 2020

Aims

To explore the relationship between serum growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) and metabolic abnormalities in Chinese pregnant women.

Materials and Methods

We recruited 200 patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and 211 matched normal control within 24–28 weeks of pregnancy. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the serum GDF15 levels of all participants. Then we grouped participants according to the number of metabolic abnormalities (including blood glucose, blood lipids and blood pressure), divided them into a normal metabolic group, one metabolic abnormality group, two or more metabolic abnormalities group. Finally, multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the odds radio (OR) and 95% CIs expressing the association between GDF15 and metabolic abnormalities in pregnant women.

Results

Through bivariate correlation analysis, we found that serum GDF15 is linearly correlated with glucose metabolism indices, such as 1h‐PG, 2h‐PG, HbA1c (all P < 0.05). In addition, serum GDF15 and triglycerides were linearly correlated (P < 0.05). Grouping by the number of metabolic abnormalities, we found that as GDF15 levels increased, the risk of metabolic abnormalities also increased (OR > 1), and the risk of multiple metabolic abnormalities was higher. As the number of metabolic abnormalities increased, serum GDF15 levels also were elevated (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The results suggest that serum GDF15 levels are closely associated with metabolic abnormalities in pregnant women and may be used as a predictor of metabolic abnormalities during pregnancy.
MiR‐153‐3p inhibits osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells through KDM6A‐induced demethylation of H3K27me3
Authors: Jiang Hao , Jia Peizeng
Published: December 2020

Background and objective

Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) have potential for osteogenic differentiation and show a great foreground in treating bone diseases. Histone three lysine 27 (H3K27) demethylase lysine demethylase 6A (KDM6A) is a critical epigenetic modifier and plays an important role in regulating osteogenic differentiation. Multiple microRNAs have been found to play important roles in osteogenesis. The aim of this study was to explore the mechanisms underlying the roles of miR‐153‐3p and KDM6A in PDLSC osteogenesis.

Methods

The levels of the osteogenic markers alkaline phosphatase (ALP), runt‐related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), and osteopontin (OPN) were measured by western blotting. Osteoblast activity and mineral deposition were detected by ALP and Alizarin red S (ARS) staining. The levels of miR‐153‐3p and KDM6A were measured by quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR). A luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm the interaction between KDM6A and miR‐153‐3p. Gain‐of‐function and loss‐of‐function assays were performed to identify the roles of miR‐153‐3p and KDM6A in the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs.

Results

In osteogenic PDLSCs, the expression of KDM6A, ALP, Runx2, and OPN was upregulated, whereas that of miR‐153‐3p was downregulated. miR‐153‐3p downregulation or KDM6A overexpression promoted the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs, as demonstrated by increases in ALP activity, matrix mineralization, and ALP, Runx2, and OPN expression. KDM6A was confirmed to be a target of miR‐153‐3p, and KDM6A overexpression reversed the inhibitory effect of miR‐153‐3p mimic on PDLSC osteogenesis. KDM6A promoted ALP, Runx2, and OPN expression through the demethylation of H3K27me3 on the promoter regions of these genes.

Conclusion

miR‐153‐3p inhibited PDLSC osteogenesis by targeting KDM6A and inhibiting ALP, Runx2, and OPN transcription. These findings provide latent hope for PDLSCs application in periodontal therapy.
Responses of photosynthesis and antioxidants to simulated acid rain in mulberry seedlings
Authors: Zhang Zihui , Teng Zhiyuan , Wang Nan , Zhang Meng , Sun Guangyu , Hu Yanbo , Zhang Xiuli
Published: December 2020

Acid rain, which has negative impacts on the vegetation of ecological systems, is widespread in Northern and Southern China. However, relatively little is known about the effects of acid rain on the growth and yield of economically important tree species in China. To address this issue, we studied the responses of mulberry seedlings to simulated acid rain (SAR) at different pH values. At pH 4.5, SAR induced increased antioxidant activities, total antioxidant capacity, and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (OFR) relative to controls. However, the growth of the seedlings under SAR treatments at pH 4.5 and pH 5.6 was greater than controls. No significant differences in photosynthesis and chlorophyll a fluorescence quenching parameters were observed between the SAR treatments at pH 4.5 and pH 5.6 and controls. However, the SAR treatment at pH 3.5 resulted in altered leaf surface characteristics and changes to chloroplast ultrastructure, together with an increase in membrane electrical conductivity and an accumulation of OFR and malondialdehyde. In contrast, leaf antioxidant enzyme activities were decreased, together with electron transport parameters and photosynthesis. Taken together, these results show that the effects of acid rain on the growth and leaf physiology of mulberry seedling are dependent on pH. Moreover, mulberry seedlings had a high tolerance to acid rain at pH 4.5.
Mortality Benefits and Control Costs of Improving Air Quality in Mexico City: The Case of Heavy Duty Diesel Vehicles
Authors: Evans John S. , Rojas‐Bracho Leonora , Hammitt James K. , Dockery Douglas W.
Published: December 2020

Diesel vehicles are significant contributors to air pollution in Mexico City. We estimate the costs and mortality benefits of retrofitting heavy‐duty vehicles with particulate filters and oxidation catalysts. The feasibility and cost‐effectiveness of controls differ by vehicle model‐year and type. We evaluate 1985 to 2014 model‐year vehicles from 10 vehicle classes and five model‐year groups. Our analysis shows that retrofitting all vehicles with the control that maximizes expected net benefits for that vehicle type and model‐year group has the potential to reduce emissions of primary fine particles (PM2.5) by 950 metric tons/year; cut the population‐weighted annual mean concentration of PM2.5 in Mexico City by 0.90 µg/m3; reduce the annual number of deaths attributable to air pollution by over 80; and generate expected annual health benefits of close to 250 million US$. These benefits outweigh expected costs of 92 million US$ per year. Diesel retrofits are but one step that should viewed in the context of other efforts––such as development of an integrated public transportation system, promotion of the rational use of cars, reduction of emissions from industrial sources and fires, and redesign of the Mexico City Metropolitan Area to reduce urban sprawl––that must be analyzed and implemented to substantially control air pollution and protect public health. Even if considering other potential public health interventions, which would offer greater benefits at the same or lower costs, only by conducting, promoting, and publishing this sort of analyses, we can make strides to improve public health cost‐effectively.