bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
VIRDOCD: A VIRtual DOCtor to predict dengue fatality
Authors: Chattopadhyay Amit K , Chattopadhyay Subhagata
Published: September 2021

Clinicians make routine diagnosis by scrutinizing patients' medical signs and symptoms, a skill popularly referred to as ‘Clinical Eye’. This skill evolves through trial‐and‐error and improves with time. The success of the therapeutic regime relies largely on the accuracy of interpretation of such sign‐symptoms, analysing which a clinician assesses the severity of the illness. The present study is an attempt to propose a complementary medical front by mathematically modelling the ‘Clinical Eye’ of a VIRtual DOCtor, using statistical and machine intelligence tools (SMI), to analyse Dengue epidemic infected patients (100 case studies with 11 weighted sign‐symptoms). The SMI in VIRDOCD reads medical data and translates these into a vector comprising multiple linear regression (MLR) coefficients to predict infection severity grades of dengue patients that clone the clinician's experience‐based assessment. Risk managed through ANOVA, the dengue severity grade prediction accuracy from VIRDOCD is found higher (ca 75%) than conventional clinical practice (ca 71.4%, mean accuracy profile assessed by a team of 10 senior consultants). Free of human errors and capable of deciphering even minute differences from almost identical symptoms (to the Clinical eye), VIRDOCD is uniquely individualized in its decision‐making ability. The algorithm has been validated against Random Forest classification (RF, ca 63%), another regression‐based classifier similar to MLR that can be trained through supervised learning. We find that MLR‐based VIRDOCD is superior to RF in predicting the grade of Dengue morbidity. VIRDOCD can be further extended to analyse other epidemic infections, such as COVID‐19.
Carbon reservoir perturbations induced by Deccan volcanism: Stable isotope and biomolecular perspectives from shallow marine environment in Eastern India
Authors: Roy Sohom , Ghosh Sambit , Sanyal Prasanta
Published: September 2021

The Deccan Traps in Western India is hypothesized to have caused significant fluctuations in climatic condition and organic matter (OM) productivity across the Cretaceous‐Paleogene Boundary (K/PgB). The periodic release of large amounts of volatiles into the atmosphere is thought to drive these changes. Yet, direct impact of volcanism on the carbon cycle and ecosystem remains relatively unconstrained. For the first time, we attempt to trace changes in both marine and terrestrial carbon reservoirs from pre‐ and intervolcanic sedimentary units (infra‐ and inter‐trappeans respectively) from Rajahmundry, ~1500 km SE of main eruption sites in Western India. Molecular level characterization of OM and stable isotope composition of carbonates (δ13Ccarb), bulk OM (δ13Corg), and n‐alkane (δ13Calk and δDalk) have been analysed to provide a chemo‐stratigraphic framework. In Rajahmundry, high CO2 concentration estimated from infra‐trappean carbonate nodule is synchronous with the onset of the Deccan Traps and the Late Maastrichtian warming episode. Impact of the warming event is reflected in Rajahmundry from a major shift in the terrestrial ecosystem. Marine OM production also seems to have been low throughout the infra‐trappean. A steady decrease in δ13Ccarb values, increase in mortality rates and dwarfism in invertebrates immediately below the first volcanic units in Rajahmundry suggest stressed conditions from eruption in the western part of India ~40–60 kyrs prior to K/PgB. A significant increase in heterotrophic activity is observed after the volcanic deposits in Rajahmundry that seems to have controlled the marine carbon reservoir for a maximum of ~200 kyrs after the boundary. Advent of pteridophytes, increase in carbon content and positive shifts in δ13Ccarb and δ13Calk values in the upper inter‐trappean units mark the onset of recovery in terrestrial and marine environments. Overall, our results suggest significant perturbations in the carbon reservoir as a consequence of the Deccan eruption.
Importin α2 association with chromatin: Direct DNA binding via a novel DNA‐binding domain
Authors: Jibiki Kazuya , Kodama Takashi S. , Suenaga Atsushi , Kawase Yota , Shibazaki Noriko , Nomoto Shin , Nagasawa Seiya , Nagashima Misaki , Shimodan Shieri , Kikuchi Renan , Okayasu Mina , Takashita Ruka , Mehmood Rashid , Saitoh Noriko , Yoneda Yoshihiro , Akagi Ken‐ichi , Yasuhara Noriko
Published: September 2021

The nuclear transport of proteins is important for facilitating appropriate nuclear functions. The importin α family proteins play key roles in nuclear transport as transport receptors for copious nuclear proteins. Additionally, these proteins possess other functions, including chromatin association and gene regulation. However, these nontransport functions of importin α are not yet fully understood, especially their molecular‐level mechanisms and consequences for functioning with chromatin. Here, we report the novel molecular characteristics of importin α binding to diverse DNA sequences in chromatin. We newly identified and characterized a DNA‐binding domain—the Nucleic Acid Associating Trolley pole domain (NAAT domain)—in the N‐terminal region of importin α within the conventional importin β binding (IBB) domain that is necessary for nuclear transport of cargo proteins. Furthermore, we found that the DNA binding of importin α synergistically coupled the recruitment of its cargo protein to DNA. This is the first study to delineate the interaction between importin α and chromatin DNA via the NAAT domain, indicating the bifunctionality of the importin α N‐terminal region for nuclear transport and chromatin association.
Primary cutaneous adenoid cystic carcinoma: a clinicopathologic, immunohistochemical, and fluorescence in‐situ hybridisation study of 13 cases
Authors: Lv Jiao‐Jie , Ren Min , Cai Xu , Hu Jue , Kong Jin‐Cheng , Kong Yun‐Yi
Published: September 2021

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the clinical, histological, immunohistochemical and chromosomal features of primary cutaneous adenoid cystic carcinoma (PCACC).

Methods and results

We retrospectively analysed 13 cases identified on their clinicopathological features and performed fluorescence in‐situ hybridisation (FISH) on six available cases. Head and neck (46.2%) were most commonly involved. The median age was 53 years, with a male predilection. Histologically, tumours were classified as grades 1 (eight), 2 (four) and 3 with high‐grade transformation (HGT) (one). The HGT component was demonstrated as poorly differentiated carcinoma with multifocal necrosis and myoepithelial differentiation. Patients with one of the following factors: longest diameter of the lesion (≥ 1 cm), involvement of subcutaneous fat tissue and widely infiltrative border had a relatively higher rate of local recurrence, distant metastasis and death. Five of six cases were confirmed to have MYB translocation, while nuclear staining for MYB proto‐oncogene, transcription factor (MYB) protein was found in four cases. During the follow‐up (median = 64 months), two patients experienced local recurrences. One patient, who was classified as grade III PCACC with HGT, developed multiple metastases and died of disease. Another patient was alive with multiple metastases.

Conclusions

This is the largest single‐institution study, to our knowledge, of PCACC in an Asian population. We describe the first case of scalp PCACC with HGT, which is the only death case in our series. PCACC tends to recur locally and has metastatic potential. PCACC with HGT has a poor prognosis.
Measuring depth of invasion of submucosa – invasive adenocarcinoma in oesophageal endoscopic specimens: how good are we?☆
Authors: Karamchandani Dipti M , Gonzalez Raul S , Westerhoff Maria , Westbrook Lindsey M , Panarelli Nicole C , Al‐Nuaimi Mayyadah , King Tonya , Arnold Christina A
Published: September 2021

Aims

Emerging data support that submucosa‐invasive (pT1b) esophageal adenocarcinomas are cured via endoscopic resection, provided that invasion measures ≤500 μm, they lack other histological features predictive of nodal metastasis and have negative margins. Hence, pathologists’ measurement of the depth of submucosal invasion in endoscopic resections may dictate further management (i.e. endoscopic follow‐up versus oesophagectomy). In this study, we assessed the interobserver agreement in measuring the depth of submucosal invasion in oesophageal endoscopic resections.

Methods and results

Six subspecialised gastrointestinal (GI) pathologists from five academic centres independently measured the depth of submucosal invasion in μm from the deepest muscularis mucosae on 37 oesophageal endoscopic resection slides (round 1 scoring). A consensus meeting with a systematic approach for measuring and discussion of pitfalls was undertaken and remeasuring (round 2 scoring) was conducted. Interobserver agreement was assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Cohen’s kappa statistics. A lack of agreement was seen among the six reviewers with a poor ICC for both rounds: 1 [0.40, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.26–0.56] and 2 (0.49, 95% CI = 0.34–0.63). When measurements were categorised as < or >500 μm, the overall agreement among the six reviewers was only fair for both rounds: 1 (kappa = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.22–0.53) and 2 (kappa = 0.29, 95% CI = 0.12–0.46).

Conclusions

Our study shows a lack of agreement among gastrointestinal pathologists in measuring the depth of submucosal invasion in oesophageal endoscopic resections despite formulating a consensus approach for scoring. If important management decisions continue to be based upon this parameter, more reproducible and concrete guidelines are needed.
Silicon nitride–silicon carbide micro/nanocomposites: A review
Authors: Hampshire Stuart , Kennedy Tríona
Published: September 2021

This paper reviews investigations of silicon nitride–silicon carbide micro–nanocomposites from the original work of Niihara, who proposed the concept of structural ceramic nanocomposites, to more recent work on strength and creep resistance of these unique materials. Various different raw materials are described that lead to the formation of nanosized SiC within the Si3N4 grains (intragranular) and at grain boundaries (intergranular). The latter exert a pinning effect on the amorphous grain boundary phases in the silicon nitride and also act as nucleation sites for β‐Si3N4, which limits grain growth during sintering. This finer microstructure results in strengths higher than for the monolithic silicon nitride. Intragranular SiC particles enhance strength and fracture toughness as a result of residual compressive thermal stresses within the nanocomposites. High temperature strength and creep resistance are also much higher than for monolithic silicon nitride and a few investigations of these topics are briefly reviewed and the proposed mechanisms are described. Within the context of other studies cited, work on Si3N4–SiC micro–nanocomposites by the current authors describes an aqueous processing route for better dispersion of commercial powders prior to sintering.
Effects of NaCl and soy protein isolate on the physicochemical, water distribution, and mobility in frankfurters
Authors: Kang Zhuang‐Li , Zou Xiao‐Li , Meng Lin , Li Yan‐ping
Published: September 2021

In this study, we investigated the effect of gel and rheological properties, microstructure, and water distribution of frankfurters with various amounts of NaCl (1 and 2%) and soy protein isolate (SPI, 3 and 6%). The frankfurter cooking yield, a*value, and hardness significantly increased with the increasing NaCl and SPI content. However, the frankfurter springiness and cohesiveness were lower in the case of 6% SPI and 2% NaCl content than in the case of 3% SPI and 2% NaCl content. The thermal stability of myosin improved with the increasing NaCl and SPI, resulting in more compact and continuous structures. Meanwhile, the initial T2b, T21, and T22 relaxation times were significantly shorter, and the P21 and P22 peak ratios increased and decreased significantly, respectively, implying the increase of the immobile water content. Overall, the SPI use allowed the production of reduced‐salt frankfurter with desirable quality.
Growth mindset of intelligence reduces counterproductive workplace behavior: A mediation analysis of occupational stress
Authors: Li Mengting , Fan Weiqiao , Leong Frederick T. L.
Published: September 2021

This study examined (1) whether a growth mindset of intelligence (GMI) could reduce counterproductive workplace behavior (CWB) and (2) the mediating role of occupational stress. At Time 1 (the initial time point), the growth‐mindset levels of 450 employees were measured. At Time 2, 352 participants (Mage = 34.52, SDage = 9.53) completed a set of questionnaires about occupational stress that inquired into job pressure and extent of organizational support and both interpersonal and organizational CWB. The results indicated that GMI is negatively related to organizational CWB, and this relationship is significantly mediated by job pressure. This study highlighted the value of improving employees' GMI to reduce CWB.
Lower cognitive scores among toddlers in birth cohorts with acute respiratory illnesses, fevers, and laboratory‐confirmed influenza
Authors: Azziz‐Baumgartner Eduardo , Gonzalez Rosalba , Davis William , Calvo Arlene , Olson Natalie , Grant Lauren , Hess‐Holtz Morgan , Veguilla Vic , Rauda Rafael , Kaydos‐Daniels Susan Cornelia , Sosa Nestor , Aedo Ruíz Evelina I. , Armero Guardado Julio , Porter Rachael , Franco Danilo , Pascale Juan Miguel , Peacock Georgina
Published: September 2021

Background

We established cohorts to assess associations between viral influenza and cognitive development to inform the value proposition of vaccination.

Methods

From 2014 through 2017, we called women seeking care at four prenatal clinics in Panama and El Salvador to identify acute respiratory illnesses (ARIs). Within 2 weeks of childbirth, mothers were asked to enroll their neonates in the cognitive development study. Staff obtained nasopharyngeal swabs from children with febrile ARIs for real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rtPCR) detection of viral RNA. Toddlers were administered Bayley developmental tests at ages 12 and 18–24 months. We used multilevel linear regression to explore associations between Bayley scores, ARIs, fever, and laboratory‐confirmed influenza, controlling for maternal respiratory or Zika illnesses, infant influenza vaccination, birth during influenza epidemics, and the number of children in households.

Results

We enrolled 1567 neonates of which 68% (n = 1062) underwent developmental testing once and 40% (n = 623) twice. Children with previous ARIs scored an average of 3 points lower on their cognitive scores than children without ARIs (p = 0.001). Children with previous fevers scored an average of 2.1 points lower on their cognitive scores than afebrile children (p = 0.02). In the second year, children with previous laboratory‐confirmed influenza scored 4 points lower on their cognitive scores than children without influenza (p = 0.04, after controlling for first Bayley cognitive scores).

Conclusions

ARIs and fever during infancy were associated with lower Bayley scores at 12 months, and laboratory‐confirmed influenza was associated with lower cognitive scores at 24 months suggesting the potential value of vaccination to prevent non‐respiratory complications of influenza.
Lead silicate glass structure: New insights from diffraction and modeling of probable lone pair locations
Authors: Alderman Oliver L. G. , Hannon Alex C. , Holland Diane , Dupree Ray , Lehr Gloria , Vitale Adam , Feller Steve
Published: September 2021

Structures of binary PbO‐SiO2 glasses have been studied in detail over the compositional range 35 to 80 mol% PbO using high‐resolution neutron diffraction, high‐energy X‐ray diffraction, static 207Pb NMR, and structural modeling. The changes in the local environment of Pb(II) are subtle; it has a low coordination to oxygen (∼3 to 4) plus a stereochemically active electron lone pair and, thus, behaves as a glass network forming (or intermediate) cation over the entire composition range. This conclusion contradicts previous reports that Pb(II) is a network modifier at low concentrations, and is supported by an analysis of lead and alkaline earth silicate glass molar volumes. The Pb‐O peak bond length shortens by 0.04 Å with increasing PbO content, indicating stronger, more covalent bonding, and consistent with an increase in the number of short (≤ 2.70 Å) Pb‐O bonds, from 3.3 to 3.6. This is accompanied by increased axial symmetry of the Pb(II) sites, and is interpreted as a gradual transition toward square pyramidal [PbO4] sites such as those found in crystalline PbO polymorphs. An attendant decrease in the periodicity associated with the first sharp diffraction peak (FSDP) toward that of β‐PbO, accompanied by increases in the correlation lengths associated with the plumbite network (FSDP) and silicate anions (neutron prepeak), provides evidence of increased intermediate‐range order and has implications for the glass forming limit imposed by crystallization. Pb(II) electron lone pairs occupy the natural voids within the silicate network at low PbO contents, while at high PbO contents they aggregate to create voids that form part of the plumbite network, analogous to the open channels in Pb11Si3O17 and the layered structures of α‐ and β‐PbO. Si‐O and Pb‐O bond lengths have been correlated with 29Si and 207Pb NMR chemical shifts, respectively. This is the first time that such correlations have been demonstrated for glasses and attests to the accuracy with which pulsed neutron total scattering can measure average bond lengths.
Tensile ductility and necking in consolidated amorphous alumina
Authors: Zhang Yanming , Liu Haidong , Sundararaman Siddharth , Huang Liping , Shi Yunfeng
Published: September 2021

Oxide glass, one of the most transformative materials in the modern world, breaks easily under load due to its brittleness. Using classical molecular dynamics simulations, we prepared amorphous alumina by consolidating glass nanoparticles at room temperature. We showed that consolidated amorphous alumina exhibits work hardening ability, hence deforms homogeneously and fractures via necking under tension, while amorphous alumina obtained from the traditional melt‐quench process fractures catastrophically due to severe shear banding. This finding suggests that if processed properly, amorphous oxides could deform and fracture like ductile metals, which will significantly expand the applications of oxide glasses into new areas where load bearing or mechanical reliability is necessary.
A new candiru of the genus Paracanthopoma (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae) from the Araguaia River basin, central Brazil
Authors: Henschel Elisabeth , Katz Axel M. , Costa Wilson J. E. M.
Published: September 2021

A new species of the candiru genus Paracanthopoma is described from the floodplains of the Bananal Island, a transition area between the Cerrado and Amazon, in the Araguaia River basin, central Brazil. Paracanthopoma cangussu sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners, Paracanthopoma parva and Paracanthopoma saci, by the presence of seven opercular odontodes, five dentary teeth, five median premaxillary teeth, and first dorsal‐fin pterygiophore in a vertical through the centrum of the 23th or 24th vertebra. It is further distinguished from each congener by an exclusive combination of character states, comprising the number of vertebrae, number of precaudal vertebrae, number of dorsal procurrent caudal‐fin rays, number of ventral procurrent caudal‐fin rays, number of dorsal‐fin rays, disposition of pores on the cephalic portion of the latero‐sensory system, absence of an anterior process on the anterior margin of parieto‐supraoccipital, number of dorsal‐fin pteryigiophores and number of interopercular odontodes. Although vandelliines are known for being exclusively hematophagous, with guts gorged with blood, two cleared and stained specimens of P. cangussu sp. nov. had Chironomidae larvae (Insecta) on their guts. Because most specimens of P. cangussu sp. nov. were collected with stomachs filled with blood, it was hypothesized that the species feeds accidentally or occasionally on insects.
Changes in marine turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) epidermis and skin mucus composition during development from bilateral larvae to juvenile flat fish
Authors: Landeira‐Dabarca Andrea , Abreu Cristina S. R. , Álvarez Maruxa , Molist Pilar
Published: September 2021

Alike other flat fish, marine turbot has the particularity that changes from larvae with bilateral symmetry to adult with asymmetry, in terms of the position of the eyes. As expected, the skin configuration of this species is also affected by the development and transformation suffered by fish during metamorphosis. In this context, changes in the epidermis of marine turbot were studied using conventional staining and histochemical techniques using six lectins (UEA‐I, PNA, RCA‐I, WGA, Con A and SBA). During development from larvae to juvenile (3–300 days post‐hatching), the epidermis increased in both thickness and the number of cell layers. In fact, the simple cuboidal epithelium observed in larvae at day 3 already became stratified at days 10–12, which sequentially increase in thickness with fish development. Turbot epidermis is composed basically of four cell types: epithelial and mucous or secretory cells that are present through the development, and pigmented cells and a type that the authors described as club‐like cells that appear during and post‐metamorphosis. The Alcian blue‐periodic acid Schiff (AB‐PAS) histochemical method revealed the presence of neutral glycoconjugates in mucous and club‐like cells at post‐metamorphic stages of fish. Accordingly, lectin analysis showed mucous cells containing glycoproteins rich in fucose (UEA‐I labelling) and glycoconjugates rich in the sequence galactose‐N‐acetyl galactosamine (PNA and RCA‐I labelling) when this cell type appears. Interestingly, melanophores were observed in the dorsal epidermis of post‐metamorphic juveniles. This type of cell contains a black‐to‐brown pigment that provides the skin the typical colour of this fish species. Changes in mucous coat composition were observed during fish development, which was attributed to different roles of the glycoconjugates.
An analysis of the relationship between risk perceptions and willingness‐to‐pay for commodities during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Li Ou , Qian Da
Published: September 2021

The novel coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID‐19) has had a significant impact on the global retail market. Nonetheless, consumers will eventually return to the market once the pandemic is effectively controlled. Therefore, it is critical to consider which features closely linked to COVID‐19 may affect consumer behavior. The present study thus addresses this gap by investigating the relationship of risk perceptions regarding COVID‐19 with an important component of consumer behavior—namely, willingness‐to‐pay (WTP)—and further explores the underlying mechanisms behind this relationship. Data collected from 480 Chinese participants were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results showed that those with a greater risk perception regarding COVID‐19 were more likely to exhibit a higher WTP for various commodities, which can be driven by awe and perceived loss of control induced by COVID‐19. The present study delineates the effect that public health emergencies have on the consumption intentions of the general public.
MR spectroscopy and diffusion imaging in people with human immunodeficiency virus: Relationships to clinical and immunologic findings
Authors: Morgello Susan , Buyukturkoglu Korhan , Murray Jacinta , Veenstra Mike , Berman Joan W. , Byrd Desiree , Inglese Matilde
Published: September 2021

Background and purpose

People with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV; PWH) present a complex array of immunologic and medical disorders that impact brain structure and metabolism, complicating the interpretation of neuroimaging. This pilot study of well‐characterized multi‐morbid PWH examined how medical and immunologic factors predicted brain characteristics on proton MR spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) and diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI).

Methods

Eighteen individuals on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), with mean age of 56 years, underwent medical history review, neuroimaging, and on the day of imaging, blood draw for assay of 20 plasma cytokines and flow cytometric characterization of peripheral blood mononuclear cell subsets. Predictors of n‐acetyl aspartate, choline, myoinositol, glutamate/glutamine, fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity were identified through bivariate correlation; those significant at p < .1000 were advanced to multivariate analysis, with models created for each neuroimaging outcome.

Results

Monocyte subsets and diverse cytokines accounted for 16 of 25 (64%) variables predicting 1H‐MRS spectra in frontal gray and white matter and basal ganglia; monocyte subsets did not predict any DWI characteristic. In contrast, age, presence of hypertension, and duration of HIV infection accounted for 13 of 25 (52%) variables predicting diffusion characteristics in the corpus callosum, thalamic radiations, and basal ganglia but only 3 of 25 (12%) predictors of 1H‐MRS features.

Conclusions

1H‐MRS neurometabolites were most often predicted by immunologic factors sensitive to temporal variation, whereas DWI metrics were more often related to longer‐term disease state. In multi‐morbid cART‐era populations, selection and interpretation of neuroimaging modalities should account for complex temporal and pathogenetic influences of immunologic abnormality, disease state, and aging.
How to get away with liver innate immunity? A viruses’ tale
Authors: Delphin Marion , Desmares Manon , Schuehle Svenja , Heikenwalder Mathias , Durantel David , Faure‐Dupuy Suzanne
Published: September 2021

In their never‐ending quest towards persistence within their host, hepatitis viruses have developed numerous ways to counteract the liver innate immunity. This review highlights the different and common mechanisms employed by these viruses to (i) establish in the liver (passive entry or active evasion from immune recognition) and (ii) actively inhibit the innate immune response (ie modulation of pattern recognition receptor expression and/or signalling pathways, modulation of interferon response and modulation of immune cells count or phenotype).
Higher dietary insulinaemic potential is associated with increased risk of liver steatosis and fibrosis
Authors: Zhu Yu , Peng Zhaohong , Lu Yao , Li Hairong , Zeng Xufen , Zhang Zhuang , Li Xiude , Hu Chunqiu , Hu Anla , Zhao Qihong , Wang Hua , Yang Wanshui
Published: September 2021

Background and Aims

Hyperinsulinaemia and insulin resistance play a central role in the progression of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis, and diet can modulate insulin response. We thus hypothesised that diet with higher insulinaemic potential is associated with an increased risk of these conditions.

Methods

Two empirically dietary indices for hyperinsulinaemia (EDIH) and insulin resistance (EDIR) were derived to identify food groups most predictive of fasting concentrations of C‐peptide and insulin and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance respectively. Hepatic steatosis and fibrosis were defined by controlled attenuation parameter and liver stiffness measurement using transient elastography (TE). Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by logistic regression.

Results

Of the 4171 participants with TE examination, 1436 (age‐standardised prevalence, 33.8%) were diagnosed with steatosis, 255 (5.6%) with advanced fibrosis and 101 (2.2%) with cirrhosis. The multivariable‐adjusted ORs for participants comparing the highest to the lowest EDIH tertile were 1.17 (95% CI: 0.99‐1.39, Ptrend = .005) for steatosis, 1.74 (95% CI: 1.24‐2.44, Ptrend = .001) for advanced fibrosis and 2.05 (95% CI: 1.21‐3.46, Ptrend = .004) for cirrhosis. Similar associations were observed for EDIR with ORs of 1.32 (95% CI: 1.11‐1.55, Ptrend < .001) for steatosis and 1.43 (95% CI: 1.03‐1.99, Ptrend = .006) for advance fibrosis. These positive associations remained among never drinkers and individuals who were free of hepatitis B and/or C.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that hyperinsulinaemia and insulin resistance may partially underlie the influence of diet on hepatic steatosis and fibrosis, and highlight the importance of reducing or avoiding insulinaemic dietary pattern.
Parliaments Day‐by‐Day: A New Open Source Database to Answer the Question of Who Was in What Parliament, Party, and Party‐group, and When
Authors: Turner‐Zwinkels Tomas , Huwyler Oliver , Frech Elena , Manow Philip , Bailer Stefanie , Goet Niels D. , Hug Simon
Published: September 2021

Reliably answering questions about representation and parliamentary behavior requires data about which parliamentarian was where, and at what time. However, parliament membership is not stable over time. For example, it is common for politicians to change office (we find up to 40% turnover between elections). Consequently, parliament membership, as well as party and party group composition change on a daily basis. To address the challenges that these fluctuations present, we introduce a new open‐source database:‘ ‘Parliaments Day‐By‐Day” (PDBD). PDBD currently contains demographic and day‐by‐day membership data for the national parliaments of Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, covering the period between 1947 and 2017, and comprising a total of 21 million parliament‐legislator‐day observations. We demonstrate the usefulness of this high‐resolution data in a concise study of the day‐by‐day development of parliaments in terms of gender and seniority. This reveals hitherto unknown patterns of early turnover, gendered replacement, and seniority.
Twinfilin regulates actin assembly and Hexagonal peroxisome 1 (Hex1) localization in the pathogenesis of rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Xu Rui , Li Yuan‐Bao , Liu Chengyu , Shen Ningning , Zhang Qian , Cao Tingyan , Qin Minghui , Han Li‐Bo , Tang Dingzhong
Published: September 2021

Actin assembly at the hyphal tip is key for polar growth and pathogenesis of the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae. The mechanism of its precise assemblies and biological functions is not understood. Here, we characterized the role of M. oryzae Twinfilin (MoTwf) in M. oryzae infection through organizing the actin cables that connect to Spitzenkörper (Spk) at the hyphal tip. MoTwf could bind and bundle the actin filaments. It formed a complex with Myosin2 (MoMyo2) and the Woronin body protein Hexagonal peroxisome 1 (MoHex1). Enrichment of MoMyo2 and MoHex1 in the hyphal apical region was disrupted in a ΔMotwf loss‐of‐function mutant, which also showed a decrease in the number and width of actin cables. These findings indicate that MoTwf participates in the virulence of M. oryzae by organizing Spk‐connected actin filaments and regulating MoHex1 distribution at the hyphal tip.
Recircumscription of three Merostachys species (Poaceae: Bambusoideae: Bambuseae: Arthrostylidiinae) and description of a new species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Authors: Vinícius‐Silva Ronaldo , Fregonezi Jéferson Nunes , Clark Lynn G. , Santos‐Gonçalves Ana Paula
Published: September 2021

The circumscriptions of three species of Merostachys, M. medullosa, M. procerrima and M. magnispicula, are modified and a new species, M. soderstromii, is described. Reproductive structures of M. procerrima are described for the first time, and the name is epitypified. All four species are illustrated and notes on distribution, ecology, conservation status are provided.
Sialendoscopy‐assisted combined approach for parotid sialolithotomy: Our long‐term experience
Authors: Xie Lisong , Wang Zhijun , Shi Huan , Yu Chuangqi , Zheng Lingyan
Published: September 2021

Objectives

To assess the long‐term outcome of sialendoscopy‐assisted combined approach for parotid sialolithotomy with gland preservation.

Patients and Methods

A retrospective study of patients treated with a combined sialendoscopic and open approach was conducted between 2011 and 2020. Demographic data of patients such as operative technique, stone size, stone location, complications, and symptom relief were collected. Patients were followed up via clinical examination and questionnaires.

Results

Seventy‐four patients were included and underwent endoscopy‐assisted combined operations for the removal of 98 parotid stones. Of the 98 stones, 92(94%) stones were completely removed and 6(6%) were partially removed. At a mean follow‐up of 47.1 ± 35 months, 65 of 74 patients (88%) achieved long‐term success. Patients with stone incomplete removal were significantly more often to develop the recurrence of obstructive symptoms (p = 0.000) There were no cases of facial nerve injury or fistula formation. Gland function was preserved in 73 of 74 patients (99%).

Conclusions

The combined approach for parotid stones is a safe and gland‐preserving alternative to parotidectomy. The techniques described here show high success rates and good long‐term results, and they avoided the need for gland resection in >95% of cases.
Mapping species niche and fitness differences for communities with multiple interaction types
Authors: Spaak Jürg W. , Godoy Oscar , De Laender Frederik
Published: September 2021

Modern coexistence theory (MCT) holds the potential to study the ability of species to avoid extinction (i.e. to persist) across community types but is rarely applied beyond pairs of competing species. Here, we show that this limitation can be overcome by mapping species according to their niche () and fitness differences (). This application provides three main benefits to study processes of multispecies persistence across trophic levels. First,mapping introduces a novel categorization of species and communities according to the high‐level processes at play: frequency dependence (negative or positive), the occurrence of positive species interactions (facilitation and mutualism) and whether persistence is possible without the presence of other species because of trophic interactions, such as herbivory or predation. Therefore, this mapping can be seen as a toolbox to describe how species persistence depends on species interactions. Second,mapping facilitates studying how species persistence responds to environmental changes that shift intrinsic growth rates and the strength and sign of species interactions. Third,mapping has the potential to foster synthesis across community types because it can accommodate co‐occurrence of positive, negative and neutral interactions between species. We, therefore, argue thatmapping can promote collaboration across sub‐fields, as it provides a common concept to link disparate ecological communities.
Highly Efficient Flower‐Like Graphene Quantum Dots‐Based Fuschin Photocatalyst for Selective NAD(P)H Cofactor Regeneration Under Solar Light Irradiation
Authors: Singh Anjita , Yadav Rajesh K. , Yadav Upasana , Kim Tae Wu
Published: September 2021

To meet the energy demands artificial photosynthesis is playing the most promising role these days. Using sunlight directly in a manner that can provide useful chemicals is a sustainable means of generating energy. Studies are going on in this context to make better and effective photocatalyst. In this paper, we study the synthesis of flower‐like graphene quantum dots‐based fuschin (GQDF) photocatalyst from lemon, which is created by a green and sustainable process that is effective and environment friendly. The UV‐visible spectra of prepared GQDF showed a high molar extinction coefficient. A flower‐like GQDF photocatalyst has better catalytic efficiency for the selective creation and regeneration of the NAD(P)H cofactor. A newly designed flower‐like GQDF photocatalyst is used as one of its most effective photocatalysts as they have several additional applications in the removal of CO2 and aqueous contaminants like heavy metals.
Characteristics and Consequences of Having a Political Reputation in Class
Authors: Stattin Håkan , Russo Silvia , Arensmeier Cecilia
Published: September 2021

The study examined the individual characteristics and consequences of psychological group processes that may lead some students to gain a reputation for being politically knowledgeable and verbal in class (a political reputation). Two normal samples of Swedish students were used, 13‐year‐olds (N = 835) and 16‐year‐olds (N = 795). Longitudinal data over one year were analyzed and showed that youths' political reputation in class is established very early. Cross‐sectional predictions showed that political interest predicted political reputation in class positively, and social fear predicted political reputation negatively in both cohorts. In addition, having a political reputation predicted increased political interest and political efficacy over one year. Further, mediation analyses showed that youths' political predispositions, their political interest and political efficacy at T1, significantly operated on interest and efficacy at T2 via the political reputation. This suggests that political reputation partly functions as a booster of youths' initial political predispositions over time. Future research is needed into the long‐term consequences of having a political reputation.
Double‐edged sword role of shrimp miRNA explains an evolutionary language between shrimp‐pathogen interactions that unties the knot of shrimp infection
Authors: B Hari Deva Muthu , Guru Ajay , Sudhakaran Gokul , Murugan Raghul , Arshad Aziz , Arockiaraj Jesu
Published: September 2021

Shrimp production, using a small‐scale enclosed pond system, is a rapidly growing aquaculture sector, which is valued around USD 18.30 billion in 2020. Intensified shrimp culture leads to the outbreak of transmissible diseases to eventually cause a huge loss in the production process and thus the economy. Studies on microRNA (miRNA) reveal that miRNA has an influential role in the host‐pathogen interaction during an infection. Recently, shrimp miRNA has been shown to help pathogen‐like viruses for their replication and infection. Several shrimp miRNAs were reported to be involved in enhancing host immunity against viral infection, especially white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) infection and Vibrio infection caused by bacterial species, whereas some shrimp miRNAs were reported to be hijacked by WSSV and to enhance the viral replication and establish the infection in shrimp. This gives an insight into the double‐edged sword role played by shrimp miRNA during host‐pathogen interaction. In future, this role could be employed against the virus to strengthen the shrimp culture. In this review, we discuss the role of shrimp miRNA and their mechanism(s) associated with the establishment of host‐pathogen interaction during infection, which will reveal the complexity associated with shrimp infection.
Investigating the accuracy of digital image correlation in monitoring strain fields across historical tapestries
Authors: Nwanoro Kenneth , Harrison Philip , Lennard Frances
Published: September 2021

Finite element generated synthetic image deformation is used to assess factors affecting the reliability and accuracy of strain fields measured by the DIC technique, when using the inherent historical tapestry image to track deformations. Compared with direct correlation with the reference image, incremental correlation is found to introduce accumulated error and is less suitable for DIC analysis under low strains. Image quality, for example, variation in resolution, is demonstrated to strongly affect DIC performance. Finally, it is recommended that an iterative approach is required to determine the optimum subset and strain filter size for effective DIC analysis using inherent tapestry patterns, especially at low strain levels.
Phylogeography of the Oriental dobsonfly, Neoneuromus ignobilis Navás, suggests Pleistocene allopatric isolation and glacial dispersal shaping its wide distribution
Authors: Lin Aili , Cao Lijun , Wei Shujun , Liu Xingyue
Published: September 2021

We explored the population structure and demographic history of an endemic but widespread Oriental dobsonfly, Neoneuromus ignobilis Navás (Megaloptera: Corydalidae), based on mitochondrial genomic and microsatellite datasets. Our results show that the 20 geographical populations of N. ignobilis presently sampled in East and Southeast Asia belong to five major lineages discriminated as southern Vietnam, Yunnan + Laos + northwestern Vietnam, southwestern Guangxi, central China and eastern China. We propose that early differentiation of populations probably occurred in Indochina and Yunnan due to vicariance events, and that populations from central and eastern China might have originated from southwestern Guangxi by dispersal. The continuous population expansion since the last interglacial, as revealed by demographic history and niche modelling analyses, explains the widespread pattern of N. ignobilis and highlights the relatively weak impact of the Quaternary glaciations on the East Asian biota.
The upper epidermis of atopic dogs is altered at the functional and structural levels
Authors: Combarros Daniel , Goudounèche Dominique , Cadiergues Marie‐Christine , Simon Michel
Published: September 2021

Background

The pathogenesis of human atopic dermatitis (AD) is complex. Like humans, dogs develop spontaneous AD so this species could be a useful model of study. However, AD has been less characterised in dogs than in humans.

Objectives

To compare the epidermis of normal and spontaneously atopic dogs at the functional and structural levels.

Animals

Six healthy and five atopic laboratory Beagle dogs.

Methods and materials

Dogs were clinically characterised by general examination, Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index, 4th iteration (CADESI‐04) evaluation and trans‐epidermal water loss (TWEL) measurement. Skin biopsies were taken from healthy skin from normal dogs and on nonlesional and lesional skin from atopic dogs. Samples were analysed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Cornified envelopes were extracted and examined for their visual aspects (smooth versus ruffled).

Results

CADESI‐04 and TWEL were significantly higher in atopic dogs. Healthy and nonlesional skin could be distinguished from lesional skin by histopathological evaluation. TEM examination revealed abnormal morphology of the stratum corneum (SC) in atopic skin. The SC compactum corneocyte layer was larger. Thicker and wrinkled corneocytes were more prominent (P = 0.005) in the lesional skin. Similar changes were observed in the nonlesional skin, but less pronounced. The proportion of immature ruffled envelopes was increased in atopic samples (P < 0.05), both from lesional and nonlesional areas.

Conclusions

The morphology of the SC was altered in the lesional and apparently nonlesional skin of spontaneously atopic dogs.
Denken over religie. Deel I Van Xenophanes tot Robertson Smith
Authors: Neckebrouck Valeer
Published: September 2021

Van alle onderwerpen die in de antropologie worden bestudeerd is er geen enkel dat aanleiding heeft gegeven tot zoveel tegenstrijdige verklaringen en conflicterende interpretaties als het fenomeen ‘religie'. In dit chronologisch opgevatte overzicht Denken over religie behandelt Valeer Neckebrouck, die een jarenlange ervaring als antropologisch veldwerker combineert met een grondige kennis van de geschiedenis van de discipline, de belangrijkste denkers die een bijdrage hebben geleverd aan het begrijpen van religie als menselijk fenomeen. In Deel I Van Xenophanes tot Robertson Smith presenteert de auteur op een heldere en toegankelijke manier de belangrijkste denkers van de klassieke Oudheid tot ruwweg 1860.
Infinitesimal structure of the pluricanonical double ramification locus
Authors: Holmes David , Schmitt Johannes
Published: September 2021

We prove that a formula for the ‘pluricanonical’ double ramification cycle proposed by Janda, Pandharipande, Pixton, Zvonkine, and the second-named author is in fact the class of a cycle constructed geometrically by the first-named author. Our proof proceeds by a detailed explicit analysis of the deformation theory of the double ramification cycle, both to first and to higher order.
Development and Application of a Concentration Probe for Mixing Flows Tracking in Turbomachinery Applications
Authors: Babazzi G. , Bacci T. , Picchi A. , Fondelli T. , Lenzi T. , Facchini B. , Cubeda S.
Published: September 2021

Modern gas turbines present important temperature distortions in the core-engine flowpath, mainly in the form of hot and cold streaks imputed to combustor burners and components cooling systems. As they highly influence turbines performance and lifetime, the precise knowledge of the thermal field evolution through the combustor and the high-pressure turbine is fundamental. The majority of the past studies investigated streak migrations directly examining the thermal field, while a limited amount of experimental work employed approaches based on the detection of tracer gases. The latter approach provides a more detailed evaluation of the evolution and mixing of the different flows. However, the slow time response due to the employment of sampling probes and gas analyzers make the investigation of a whole measurement plane extremely time consuming. To tackle this issue, in this study, a commercial oxygen sensor element and its excitation/detection unit were integrated into a newly developed probe to carry out local tracer gas concentration measurements exploiting the fluorescence behavior. The probe was provided with a Kiel-like shield, a pressure port, and a thermocouple, to correct the readings in case of 3D flows with pressure, temperature, and velocity gradients. This article summarizes the probe development and calibration activities, with the characterization of its accuracy for different flow conditions. Finally, two probe applications are described: first, the probe was used to detect tracer gas concentrations on a jet flow; afterward, it was traversed on the interface plane between a nonreactive, lean combustor simulator, and the NGV cascade. The probe has proven to provide accurate and reliable measurements from both a quantitative and qualitative point of view even in highly 3D flow fields typical of gas turbines conditions.
Defect characterization in floating body transistors using a single pulse charge pumping method
Authors: Nguyen Manh-Cuong , Nguyen An Hoang-Thuy , Yim Jiyong , Nguyen Anh-Duy , Kim Mingyu , Kim Jeonghan , Baek Jongyeon , Choi Rino
Published: September 2021

Field-effect transistors on a floating body channel have been used for a range of applications, such as three-dimensional nand flash and high-performance devices on silicon-on-insulator wafers. Conventional techniques to characterize the defect states cannot be implemented because those transistors do not have body contacts. A single-pulse charge pumping (SPCP) method was introduced to characterize the defect state distribution of the floating body transistors. The results extracted from the SPCP method on the three-terminal transistors (without body contact) agreed well with those from a conventional charge pumping method or SPCP on four-terminal transistors (with body contact). The validity of the SPCP measurement of the floating body devices was demonstrated by monitoring the increase in the defect state of the three-terminal poly-Si transistors density during the bias stress test. The SPCP method could detect the defect states of floating body transistors with high resolution.