bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long noncoding RNA SNHG3 promotes glioma tumorigenesis by sponging miR‐485‐5p to upregulate LMX1B expression
Authors: Guo Xu , Zheng Jian , Yu Ming‐Jun , Piao Hao‐Zhe , Zhao Hong‐Yu
Published: June 2021

LIM homeobox transcription factor 1‐beta (LMX1B) has recently been found to be highly expressed in advanced gliomas and is associated with poor survival. However, the regulatory molecular mechanism of LMX1B expression in gliomas remains unclear. In this study, bioinformatics analysis showed that miR‐485‐5p may be the potential upstream regulator of LMX1B, and long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) small nucleolar RNA host gene 3 (SNHG3) may function as a competitive endogenous RNA to sponge miR‐485‐5p. In addition, the expression of SNHG3 and LMX1B in advanced glioma tissues was significantly upregulated, while the expression of miR‐485‐5p was significantly downregulated. SNHG3 overexpression reduced the expression of miR‐485‐5p; increased the expression of LMX1B; and promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of glioma cells. In contrast, miR‐485‐5p overexpression reduced the expression of LMX1B and inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. The luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay further confirmed the interaction between SNHG3 and miR‐485‐5p and between miR‐485‐5p and LMX1B. In addition, subcutaneous and orthotropic xenograft models confirmed that lncRNA SNHG3 silencing or miR‐485‐5p overexpression significantly reduced the growth of glioma xenografts and prolonged survival time. These results indicate that lncRNA SNHG3 can regulate the expression of LMX1B by sponging miR‐485‐5p, thereby promoting the proliferation, migration, and invasion of glioma cells. This study provides the first evidence that the SNHG3/miR‐485‐5p/LMX1B axis is involved in glioma tumorigenesis and highlights the potential of SNHG3 and miR‐485‐5p as therapeutic targets for glioma.
Application of Zwitterionic Polymer Hydrogels to Optical Tissue Clearing for 3D Fluorescence Imaging
Authors: Kojima Chie , Koda Takayuki , Nariai Tetsuro , Ichihara Junji , Sugiura Kikuya , Matsumoto Akikazu
Published: June 2021

Zwitterionic polymers have both anion and cation groups in the side chain and have been used in various biomedical applications because of the unique properties. In this study, zwitterionic polymer hydrogels are applied to optical tissue clearing for 3D fluorescence imaging. Polyacrylamide hydrogels have been employed in Clear Lipid‐exchanged Acrylamide‐hybridized Rigid Imaging/Immunostaining/In situ‐hybridization‐compatible Tissue‐hYdrogel method. Zwitterionic polymer hydrogels are produced using zwitterionic monomers, such as 3‐[(3‐acrylamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]propane‐1‐sulfonate (DAPS) and 2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC), and crosslinkers. The hydrogels made from poly(DAPS‐co‐acrylamide) and MPC homopolymers afford the most transparent tumor tissues. However, the tissues cleared using DAPS copolymers‐containing hydrogels became turbid in a refractive index‐matching solution, which are unable to obtain clear 3D fluorescence images. In contrast, the 3D fluorescence imaging is achieved in the MPC polymer‐treated 2‐mm‐thick brain slices after immunostaining. The 3D fluorescence imaging of lung metastasis that is cleared by the MPC hydrogel to demonstrate the possible application to cancer diagnosis is performed. The results indicate the increased potentials of zwitterionic polymer hydrogels, especially MPC polymer hydrogels, in biomedical applications.
Niche partitioning of bacterial communities along the stratified water column in the Black Sea
Authors: Pavlovska Mariia , Prekrasna Ievgeniia , Dykyi Evgen , Zotov Andrii , Dzhulai Artem , Frolova Alina , Slobodnik Jaroslav , Stoica Elena
Published: June 2021

The Black Sea is the largest semi‐closed permanently anoxic basin on our planet with long‐term stratification. The study aimed at describing the Black Sea microbial community taxonomic and functional composition within the range of depths spanning across oxic/anoxic interface, and to uncover the factors behind both their vertical and regional differentiation. 16S rRNA gene MiSeq sequencing was applied to get the data on microbial community taxonomy, and the PICRUSt pipeline was used to infer their functional profile. The normoxic zone was mainly inhabited by primary producers and heterotrophic prokaryotes (e.g.,Flavobacteriaceae,Rhodobacteraceae,Synechococcaceae) whereas the euxinic zone—by heterotrophic and chemoautotrophic taxa (e.g.,MSBL2,Piscirickettsiaceae, andDesulfarculaceae). Assimilatory sulfate reduction and oxygenic photosynthesis were prevailing within the normoxic zone, while the role of nitrification, dissimilatory sulfate reduction, and anoxygenic photosynthesis increased in the oxygen‐depleted water column part. Regional differentiation of microbial communities between the Ukrainian shelf and offshore zone was detected as well, yet it was significantly less pronounced than the vertical one. It is suggested that regional differentiation within a well‐oxygenated zone is driven by the difference in phytoplankton communities providing various substrates for the prokaryotes, whereas redox stratification is the main driving force behind microbial community vertical structure.
Emerging new‐generation white light‐emitting diodes based on luminescent lead‐free halide perovskites and perovskite derivatives
Authors: Ma Zhuangzhuang , Ji Xinzhen , Wang Meng , Chen Xu , Wu Di , Li Xinjian , Shan Chongxin , Shi Zhifeng
Published: June 2021

Phosphor‐converting white light‐emitting diodes (WLEDs) are promising and particularly appealing solid‐state light sources, which are expected to change the way we light our homes and businesses. Lead‐halide perovskites have recently received extensive research attention as a new class of phosphors in WLEDs owing to their high photoluminescence quantum yield, tunable fluorescence emission, and the facile processing technique. However, the stability issues and the lead toxicity of such perovskites severely restrict their commercialization and practical applications. In this review, we first present a discussion on the recently developed luminescent lead‐free halide perovskites and perovskite derivatives by discussing their various design routes and emission mechanisms. Second, we introduce and compare three types of phosphor‐converting WLEDs with different cell configurations, and then discuss the recent advances and limitations in WLEDs based on lead‐free metal‐halide materials. Finally, we highlight current existing challenges and future development directions for developing high‐performance WLEDs.
Yes‐associated protein regulates the hepatoprotective effect of vitamin D receptor activation through promoting adaptive bile duct remodeling in cholestatic mice
Authors: Xie Jing , Fan Yonggang , Jia Rongjun , Yang Fan , Ma Liman , Li Lihua
Published: June 2021

Mounting clinical evidence has revealed that the vitamin D receptor (VDR) is associated with cholestatic liver injury, although the functions of VDR in this condition remain largely unexplored. Here, we investigated the effects of VDR activation on bile duct ligation (BDL) mice, and the underlying mechanisms were further investigated. A low‐calcemic VDR agonist, paricalcitol (PAL, 200 ng/kg), was intraperitoneally injected into BDL mice every other day for 5 days or 28 days. Liver histology, liver function indicators, cholangiocyte proliferation, fibrosis scores, and inflammation were evaluated. Mice treated with PAL were rescued from the decreased survival rate induced by BDL and liver damage was reduced. Mechanistically, PAL promoted cholangiocyte proliferation, which was likely conducive to proliferating bile duct maturation and increased branching of bile ducts. PAL treatment also increased the expression of Yes‐associated protein (YAP) and its target protein epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCam) and decreased the level of inactive cytoplasmic phosphorylated YAP. YAP knockdown abrogated PAL‐induced primary bile duct epithelial cell proliferation, confirmed with YAP inhibitor administration. In addition, BDL‐induced liver fibrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration were reduced by PAL treatment at both day 5 and day 28 post‐BDL. In conclusion, VDR activation mitigates cholestatic liver injury by promoting adaptive bile duct remodeling through cholangiocytic YAP upregulation. Because PAL is an approved clinical drug, it may be useful for treatment of cholestatic liver disease. © 2021 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
2D Amorphous CoO Incorporated g‐C3N4 Nanotubes for Improved Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Wang Xiao-Rui , Yang Kang-Xin , Ding Shuang-Shuang , Li Yuan-Yuan , Zhou Bing-Xin , Huang Gui-Fang , Hu Wangyu , Huang Wei-Qing
Published: June 2021

CoO nanomaterials have been identified as a potential visible‐light‐driven photocatalyst. However, they suffer from the rapid deactivation derived from the aggregation and thermally induced oxidation of CoO. Herein, a facile and scalable strategy is proposed to effectively inhibit the aggregation and oxidation of CoO via the construction of a 2D/2D amorphous CoO (a‐CoO)/g‐C3N4(CN) nanotubular heterojunction. The synthesized 2D/2D CN/a‐CoO heterojunction shows appreciably improved activity toward rhodamine B (RhB) degradation and no deactivation is detected even after four consecutive photodegradation cycles. Moreover, the optimized 2D/2D CN/a‐CoO heterojunction exhibits hydrogen evolution rate of 428.8 μmol h−1 g−1, which is 5.9 times than that of CN under visible‐light irradiation. The superior photocatalytic performance is attributed to the large interface between 2D components, the amorphous structure of disordered a‐CoO, the multiple scattering in the tubular heterojunction, and the efficient spatial charge‐separation through CoN bond due to the synergistic coupling effects between CN and a‐CoO. This work is helpful to promote the application of a‐CoO in photocatalysis while the unique 2D/2D heterojunction could be the fundamental basis for emerging applications in energy‐related and beyond.
Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis of organic acid profiles in human serum: A protocol of direct ultrasound‐assisted derivatization
Authors: Zhang Ming‐Jia , Chou Jing , Sun Zhi‐Wei , Zhao Jin‐Hui , Guo Jing , Yu Jia‐Ying , Gao Si‐Qi , Tang Ying‐Shu , Liu Li‐Yan
Published: June 2021

Rationale

Low‐molecular‐weight organic acids that generally contain one to three carboxyl groups are involved in many important biological processes; therefore, it is important to develop a quantitative method for analyzing organic acids in serum in order to allow an evaluation of metabolic changes. In this study, we evaluated a protocol for detecting 26 organic acids in serum based on ultrasound‐assisted derivatization by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS).

Methods

Serum samples were prepared using ultrasound‐assisted silane derivatization before GC/MS analysis to quantify concentrations of organic acids. Additionally, we investigated the variables affecting derivatization yields, including the extraction solvent, derivatization reagents, and derivatization conditions (reaction temperature, duration, and sonication parameters). The protocol was ultimately applied to detect organic acid profiles related to obesity.

Results

We used acetone as the extraction solvent and determined suitable derivatization conditions, as follows: BSTFA + 1% TMCS, 50°C, 10 min, and 100% ultrasound power. The protocol showed satisfactory linearity (r = 0.9958–0.9996), a low limit of detection (0.04–0.42 μmol/L), good reproducibility (coefficient of variation (CV) %: 0.32–13.76%), acceptable accuracy (recovery: 82.97–114.96%), and good stability within 5 days (CV%: 1.35–12.01% at room temperature, 1.24–14.09% at 4°C, and 1.01–11.67% at −20°C). Moreover, the protocol was successfully applied to obtain the organic acid profiles from obese and healthy control subjects.

Conclusions

We identified and validated a protocol for ultrasound‐assisted derivatization prior to GC/MS analysis for detecting 26 kinds of organic acids in serum. The results suggest the efficacy of this protocol for clinical applications to determine metabolic changes related to fluctuations in organic acid profiles.
Fourier neural networks as function approximators and differential equation solvers
Authors: Ngom Marieme , Marin Oana
Published: June 2021

We present a Fourier neural network (FNN) that can be mapped directly to the Fourier decomposition. The choice of activation and loss function yields results that replicate a Fourier series expansion closely while preserving a straightforward architecture with a single hidden layer. The simplicity of this network architecture facilitates the integration with any other higher‐complexity networks, at a data pre‐ or postprocessing stage. We validate this FNN on naturally periodic smooth functions and on piecewise continuous periodic functions. We showcase the use of this FNN for modeling or solving partial differential equations with periodic boundary conditions. The main advantages of the current approach are the validity of the solution outside the training region, interpretability of the trained model, and simplicity of use.
Nitrogen and Fluorine Dual Doping of Soft Carbon Nanofibers as Advanced Anode for Potassium Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhong Yun‐lei , Dai Wen‐xue , Liu Dan , Wang Wei , Wang Li‐tong , Xie Jun‐Peng , Li Rong , Yuan Qing‐ling , Hong Guo
Published: June 2021

Potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) are recognized as promising alternatives for lithium‐ion batteries as the next‐generation energy storage systems. However, the larger radius of K+ hinders the K+ insertion into the conventional carbon electrode and results in sluggish potassiation kinetics and poor cycling stability. Here, nitrogen and fluorine dual doping of soft carbon nanotubes (NFSC) anode are synthesized in one pot, achieving extraordinary electrochemical performance for PIBs. It is demonstrated that NFSC with a doping dose of 5.6 at% nitrogen and 1.3 at% fluorine together exhibits the highest reversible capacity of 238 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 and cycling stability of 186 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles at 1 A g−1. The extraordinary electrochemical performance can be attributed to the hollow structure, expanded interlayer distance, nitrogen and fluorine dual doping, and the binding ability of abundant defect sites. Moreover, density functional theory shows that the extra fluorine modification can dramatically enhance the conventional nitrogen doping effect and reduces the formation energy which makes a great contribution to the improvement of electrical conduction and K‐ions insert. This work may promote the development of low‐cost and sustainable carbon‐based materials for PIBs and other advanced energy storage devices.
Kaempferol inhibits the cell migration of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells by suppressing MMP‐9 and Akt signaling
Authors: Ju Po‐Chung , Ho Yung‐Chuan , Chen Pei‐Ni , Lee Hsiang‐Lin , Lai Szu‐Yu , Yang Shun‐Fa , Yeh Chao‐Bin
Published: June 2021

Metastasis is the most prevalent cause of cancer‐related deaths and treatment failure in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Kaempferol is a natural flavonol belonging to the subgroup of flavonoids and exhibits potent anticancer activities. This study provides molecular evidence on the anti‐invasive and anti‐migratory effects of kaempferol on human HCC cells. The anti‐invasive effect was investigated by applying kaempferol on two human HCC cell lines (Huh‐7 and SK‐Hep‐1). Kaempferol reduced the invasion and migration of Huh‐7 and SK‐Hep‐1 cells by Boyden chamber invasion assay and wound healing assay, respectively. A protease array analysis showed that Matrix Metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) was dramatically downregulated in HCC cells after kaempferol treatment. Gelatin zymography and Western blot assay showed that kaempferol reduced the activities and protein expression of MMP‐9, respectively. Kaempferol also sufficiently suppressed the phosphorylation of the Akt expression. Overall, kaempferol inhibited the invasive properties of human HCC cells by targeting MMP‐9 and Akt pathways. Hence, kaempferol could be used as an adjuvant therapeutic agent for the treatment of human HCC cells.
FADE: A forensic image generator for android device education
Authors: Ceballos Delgado Alberto A. , Glisson William B. , Grispos George , Choo Kim‐Kwang Raymond
Published: June 2021

Realistic case studies are essential to training successful digital forensics examiners. However, the generation of realistic datasets is time‐consuming and resource taxing. This paper presents a technical solution that populates Android emulators with realistic mobile forensic data. The emulator's data can be extracted into a raw disk image that is usable in mobile forensic training scenarios. In addition, the tool allows a user to populate the Android emulators with custom text messages, phone contacts, phone calls, and files. This population task is achieved by utilizing the Android Debug Bridge, Android Content Providers, SQLite databases, and the NodeJS runtime environment. This paper presents the software design and development, the requirements and limitations, and the testing process implemented in this research. The contribution of this paper is twofold. First, it identifies potential data and mechanisms to generate Android mobile forensic datasets using customized data population. Second, it creates a foundation for future research on the topic of mobile forensic emulators for training purposes.

This article is categorized under:

Digital and Multimedia Science > Mobile Forensics

Crime Scene Investigation > Education and Formation
Contemporary short-term outcomes of surgery for aortic stenosis: transcatheter vs. surgical aortic valve replacement
Authors: Saito Shunsuke , Sairenchi Toshimi , Tezuka Masahiro , Takei Yusuke , Tsuchiya Go , Ogata Koji , Monta Osamu , Shibasaki Ikuko , Tsutsumi Yasushi , Fukuda Hirotsugu
Published: June 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to compare the short-term outcomes of transcatheter and surgical aortic valve replacements (TAVR and SAVR) in high-, intermediate-, and low-preoperative risk patients.

Methods

A total of 454 patients who underwent TAVR or SAVR were included. Patients were categorized into high-, intermediate-, and low-risk according to the Society of Thoracic Surgery-Predicted Risk of Mortality score and clinical outcomes were compared between TAVR and SAVR groups.

Results

TAVR was less invasive, with less bleeding and transfusion (p < 0.001), less frequent new-onset atrial fibrillation (p < 0.001), and shorter intensive care unit stay (p < 0.001). Furthermore, transcatheter valves performed better than surgical valves, with lower peak velocity (p = 0.003) and pressure gradient (p < 0.001) and higher effective orifice area index (p < 0.001). The clinical outcomes of TAVR were comparable to or even superior to those of SAVR in high- and intermediate-risk patients. In low-risk patients, the 1- and 2-year mortality rates were 6.3% and 12.1%, respectively, in the TAVR group and 0% and 0.9%, respectively, in the SAVR group (p < 0.001). Mild or greater paravalvular leakage was a risk factor for mortality (hazard ratio 35.78; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

TAVR was superior to SAVR in the sense of less invasiveness and valvular function. However, the indication of TAVR in low-risk patients should be carefully discussed, because paravalvular leakage was a risk factor for short-term mortality.
Appropriateness of aspirin prescribing for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetes in different care settings
Authors: Tan Shi Ying , Cronin Heather , Byrne Stephen , O’Donovan Adrian , Tuthill Antoinette
Published: June 2021

Background

Type 2 diabetes is associated with an increased cardiovascular risk. Use of aspirin has been shown to be of benefit for secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes; benefits in primary prevention have not been clearly proven.

Aims

This study aims to (a) determine if aspirin is prescribed appropriately in type 2 diabetes for primary or secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and (b) evaluate whether there are differences in aspirin prescribing according to where people receive their care.

Design

Cross-sectional study

Methods

The medical records of individuals with type 2 diabetes aged over 18 years and attending Elmwood Primary Care Centre and Cork University Hospital Diabetes outpatient clinics (n = 400) between February and August 2017 were reviewed.

Results

There were 90 individuals exclusively attending primary care and 310 persons attending shared care. Overall, 49.0% (n = 196) of those were prescribed aspirin, of whom 42.3% were using it for secondary prevention. Aspirin was used significantly more in people attending shared care (p < 0.001). About 10.8% of individuals with diabetes and CVD attending shared care met guidelines for, but were not prescribed aspirin.

Conclusion

A significant number of people with type 2 diabetes who should have been prescribed aspirin for secondary prevention were not receiving it at the time of study assessment. In contrast, a substantial proportion who did not meet criteria for aspirin use was prescribed it for primary prevention.
Affective commitment through further training: the roles of firm provision and employee participation
Authors: Grund Christian , Titz Krystina
Published: June 2021

This study investigates the relation of further training and employees’ affective commitment by disentangling the relevance of a firm’s general support for further training and the individual’s actual participation. Using linked employer-employee data, we consider both the firm’s and the individual’s perspective and control for several HR instruments additionally to the usual demographics and job characteristics. We also distinguish between subgroups of employees regarding age and schooling. Results show that employees’ participation in further training and a firm’s support for further training are both positively related to affective commitment. Furthermore, our results hint for differences in employees’ expectations regarding the amount of the firm’s support for further training. Whereas there is no meaningful relation of the general firm’s support for further training to commitment of university graduates, participation in further training measures and the individuals’ perceived support for personnel development is particularly relevant for this group of employees.
Plant disease severity estimated visually: a century of research, best practices, and opportunities for improving methods and practices to maximize accuracy
Authors: Bock Clive H. , Chiang Kuo-Szu , Del Ponte Emerson M.
Published: June 2021

Plant disease quantification, mainly the intensity of disease symptoms on individual units (severity), is the basis for a plethora of research and applied purposes in plant pathology and related disciplines. These include evaluating treatment effect, monitoring epidemics, understanding yield loss, and phenotyping for host resistance. Although sensor technology has been available to measure disease severity using the visible spectrum or other spectral range imaging, it is visual sensing and perception that still dominates, especially in field research. Awareness of the importance of accuracy of visual estimates of severity began in 1892, when Cobb developed a set of diagrams as an aid to guide estimates of rust severity in wheat. Since that time, various approaches, some of them based on principles of psychophysics, have provided a foundation to understand sources of error during the estimation process as well as to develop different disease scales and disease-specific illustrations indicating the diseased area on specimens, similar to that developed by Cobb, and known as standard area diagrams (SADs). Several rater-related (experience, inherent ability, training) and technology-related (instruction, scales, and SADs) characteristics have been shown to affect accuracy. This review provides a historical perspective of visual severity assessment, accounting for concepts, tools, changing paradigms, and methods to maximize accuracy of estimates. A list of best-operating practices in plant disease quantification and future research on the topic is presented based on the current knowledge.
Mental Health, Crime, Sport, Community, and Island Life: The Post-Retirement Struggles of a Fiji Soccer Hero
Authors: James Kieran , Nadan Yogesh
Published: June 2021

This article explores the soccer career of the ex-Fiji national-team player, Henry Dyer, and his post-retirement struggles. He experiences ‘fragmentation’ because of two ‘epiphanies’ (traumatic life-events)—his failure to get an elite coaching job after retirement and failure to secure an overseas playing-contract. After a period of fragmentation, when he cut all ties with the sport, he has reinvented himself as a caring person who, through the social and support club, Nadi Legends Club, visits ex-players going through illness. We also use Henry’s story as a gateway to explore (1) race and class aspects; and (2) masculinity issues. We look at the case through the theoretical lenses of symbolic interactionism and Foucault on power.
Ranking potentially harmful Tor hidden services: Illicit drugs perspective
Authors: Faizan Mohd , Khan Raees Ahmad , Agrawal Alka
Published: June 2021

Cryptomarkets on the dark web have emerged as a hub for the sale of illicit drugs. They have made it easier for the customers to get access to illicit drugs online while ensuring their anonymity. The easy availability of potentially harmful drugs has resulted in a significant impact on public health. Consequently, law enforcement agencies put a lot of effort and resources into shutting down online markets on the dark web. A lot of research work has also been conducted to understand the working of customers and vendors involved in the cryptomarkets that may help the law enforcement agencies. In this research, we present a ranking methodology to identify and rank top markets dealing in harmful illicit drugs. Using named entity recognition, a harm score of a drug market is calculated to indicate the degree of threat followed by the ranking of drug markets. The top-ranked markets are the ones selling the most harmful drugs. The rankings thus obtained can be helpful to law enforcement agencies by locating specific markets selling harmful illicit drugs and their further monitoring.
A Thesaurus of English Dialect and Slang
Authors: Robinson Jonnie
Published: June 2021

A thesaurus of present-day vernacular English from Berwick-upon-Tweed to the Channel Islands, this unique record of everyday English celebrates established regional dialects, emerging new varieties and colloquial forms young and old. Based on a prestigious nationwide survey, BBC Voices Recordings, it documents the linguistic landscape of England, Wales and the Channel Islands in the 21st century, and includes over 3000 separate entries, drawn from over 200 locations across the country. Each entry contains information about the term's origins, location and the social distribution of its users. With links to original sound files and cross-references to complementary dictionary sources, it is an authoritative reference work for academic linguists, but its accessible presentation also makes it suitable for creative audiences and non-specialist language enthusiasts seeking authentic, up-to-date information on British English dialect and slang, and for English language teachers and learners as an invaluable educational tool.
A Decade of the UNGPs in India: Progressive Policy Shifts, Contested Implementation
Authors: SRINIVASAN Vasanthi , VENKATACHALAM Parvathy
Published: June 2021

The decade of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) coincides with India’s National Voluntary Guidelines on businesses’ social, environmental, and economic responsibilities (NVGs) and the National Guidelines on Responsible Business Conduct (NGRBC) – an updated version of the NVGs. Human rights are one of the core principles in both guidelines and they draw upon the ‘Protect–Respect–Remedy’ framework of the UNGPs. The NVGs and NGRBC go beyond the UNGPs by requiring organizations not only to respect human rights, but also to promote them in their spheres of influence. Several factors, however, derailed the implementation of this progressive policy shift. This article explores the challenges in implementation and calls for the multiple actors involved to work together and shape a collaborative action plan for effective implementation of the NGRBC in the next decade. The authors reiterate the need for alternative lenses to frame the responsible business agenda within developing countries through positive obligations.
How readable and reliable is online patient information on chronic rhinosinusitis?
Authors: Habeeb A
Published: June 2021

Objective

This study aimed to assess the quality and readability of websites on chronic rhinosinusitis.

Methods

A total of 180 results from 3 different search engines regarding ‘chronic rhinosinusitis’, ‘sinusitis’ and ‘sinus infections’ were analysed for readability using the Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level, Flesch Reading Ease Score and Gunning Fog Index. The Discern tool was used to approximate information quality.

Results

From 180 total searches, 69 unique websites were identified. These had an average Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level of 9.75 (95 per cent confidence interval = 9.12–10.4), a Flesch Reading Ease Score of 45.0 (41.0–49.0) and a Gunning Fog Index of 13.7 (12.9–14.4), which equates to the average reading level of a college or university student. Discern scores were variable but consistently showed good-quality information.

Conclusion

Chronic rhinosinusitis information is of a high quality but is for a reading level higher than that of the average adult. Standardising patient information should ensure adequate comprehension and improve patient compliance.
Women and estate management in the early eighteenth century: Barbara Savile at Rufford Abbey, Nottinghamshire (1700–34)
Authors: Law Sarah , Seymour Susanne , Watkins Charles
Published: June 2021

There is a rich and increasing body of research pointing to the significant role that elite women played in property management during the eighteenth century. In this article we examine the contribution of an elite widow, Barbara Savile, to the management of her son Sir George Savile’s extensive landholdings in Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire from 1700 until her death in 1734. We establish that Barbara Savile had a deep understanding of estate business and was a shrewd judge of character, expertise on which both Sir George and his stewards relied. She scrutinised account books, commissioned surveys for rental reassessment, was instrumental in the negotiation of wood contracts and was closely involved in the practical management of many aspects of tree and woodland management.
Lower White Matter Volume and Worse Executive Functioning Reflected in Higher Levels of Plasma GFAP among Older Adults with and Without Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Asken Breton M. , VandeVrede Lawren , Rojas Julio C. , Fonseca Corrina , Staffaroni Adam M. , Elahi Fanny M. , Lindbergh Cutter A. , Apple Alexandra C. , You Michelle , Weiner-Light Sophia , Brathaban Nivetha , Fernandes Nicole , Boxer Adam L. , Miller Bruce L. , Rosen Howie J. , Kramer Joel H. , Casaletto Kaitlin B.
Published: June 2021

Objective:

There are minimal data directly comparing plasma neurofilament light (NfL) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in aging and neurodegenerative disease research. We evaluated associations of plasma NfL and plasma GFAP with brain volume and cognition in two independent cohorts of older adults diagnosed as clinically normal (CN), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or Alzheimer’s dementia.

Methods:

We studied 121 total participants (Cohort 1: n = 50, age 71.6 ± 6.9 years, 78% CN, 22% MCI; Cohort 2: n = 71, age 72.2 ± 9.2 years, 45% CN, 25% MCI, 30% dementia). Gray and white matter volumes were obtained for total brain and broad subregions of interest (ROIs). Neuropsychological testing evaluated memory, executive functioning, language, and visuospatial abilities. Plasma samples were analyzed in duplicate for NfL and GFAP using single molecule array assays (Quanterix Simoa). Linear regression models with structural MRI and cognitive outcomes included plasma NfL and GFAP simultaneously along with relevant covariates.

Results:

Higher plasma GFAP was associated with lower white matter volume in both cohorts for temporal (Cohort 1: β = −0.33, p = .002; Cohort 2: β = −0.36, p = .03) and parietal ROIs (Cohort 1: β = −0.31, p = .01; Cohort 2: β = −0.35, p = .04). No consistent findings emerged for gray matter volumes. Higher plasma GFAP was associated with lower executive function scores (Cohort 1: β = −0.38, p = .01; Cohort 2: β = −0.36, p = .007). Plasma NfL was not associated with gray or white matter volumes, or cognition after adjusting for plasma GFAP.

Conclusions:

Plasma GFAP may be more sensitive to white matter and cognitive changes than plasma NfL. Biomarkers reflecting astroglial pathophysiology may capture complex dynamics of aging and neurodegenerative disease.
Deep Learning Segmentation of Complex Features in Atomic-Resolution Phase-Contrast Transmission Electron Microscopy Images
Authors: Sadre Robbie , Ophus Colin , Butko Anastasiia , Weber Gunther H.
Published: June 2021

Phase-contrast transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is a powerful tool for imaging the local atomic structure of materials. TEM has been used heavily in studies of defect structures of two-dimensional materials such as monolayer graphene due to its high dose efficiency. However, phase-contrast imaging can produce complex nonlinear contrast, even for weakly scattering samples. It is, therefore, difficult to develop fully automated analysis routines for phase-contrast TEM studies using conventional image processing tools. For automated analysis of large sample regions of graphene, one of the key problems is segmentation between the structure of interest and unwanted structures such as surface contaminant layers. In this study, we compare the performance of a conventional Bragg filtering method with a deep learning routine based on the U-Net architecture. We show that the deep learning method is more general, simpler to apply in practice, and produces more accurate and robust results than the conventional algorithm. We provide easily adaptable source code for all results in this paper and discuss potential applications for deep learning in fully automated TEM image analysis.
Death anxiety in patients with primary brain tumor: Measurement, prevalence, and determinants
Authors: Loughan Ashlee R. , Husain Mariya , Ravyts Scott G. , Willis Kelcie D. , Braun Sarah Ellen , Brechbiel Julia K. , Aslanzadeh Farah J. , Rodin Gary , Svikis Dace S. , Thacker Leroy
Published: June 2021

Objective

This study investigated death anxiety in patients with primary brain tumor (PBT). We examined the psychometric properties of two validated death anxiety measures and determined the prevalence and possible determinants of death anxiety in this often-overlooked population.

Methods

Two cross-sectional studies in neuro-oncology were conducted. In Study 1, 81 patients with PBT completed psychological questionnaires, including the Templer Death Anxiety Scale (DAS). In Study 2, 109 patients with PBT completed similar questionnaires, including the Death and Dying Distress Scale (DADDS). Medical and disease-specific variables were collected across participants in both studies. Psychometric properties, including construct validity, internal consistency, and concurrent validity, were investigated. Levels of distress were analyzed using frequencies, and determinants of death anxiety were identified using logistic regression.

Results

The DADDS was more psychometrically sound than the DAS in patients with PBT. Overall, 66% of PBT patients endorsed at least one symptom of distress about death and dying, with 48% experiencing moderate-severe death anxiety. Generalized anxiety symptoms and the fear of recurrence significantly predicted death anxiety.

Significance of results

The DADDS is a more appropriate instrument than the DAS to assess death anxiety in neuro-oncology. The proportion of patients with PBT who experience death anxiety appears to be higher than in other advanced cancer populations. Death anxiety is a highly distressing symptom, especially when coupled with generalized anxiety and fears of disease progression, which appears to be the case in patients with PBT. Our findings call for routine monitoring and the treatment of death anxiety in neuro-oncology.
An Electron Density Model of the D‐ and E‐Region Ionosphere for Transionospheric VLF Propagation
Authors: Xu Wei , Marshall Robert A. , Bortnik Jacob , Bonnell John W.
Published: June 2021

Terrestrial Very‐Low‐Frequency (VLF) energy from both lightning discharges and radio transmitters has a role in affecting the energetic electrons in the Van Allen radiation belts, but quantification of these effects is particularly difficult, largely due to the collisional damping experienced in the highly variable electron density in the D‐ and E‐region ionosphere. The Faraday International Reference Ionosphere (FIRI) model was specifically developed by combining lower‐ionosphere chemistry modeling with in situ rocket measurements, and represents to date the most reliable source of electron density profiles for the lower ionosphere. As a full‐resolution empirical model, FIRI is not well suited to D‐ and E‐region ionosphere inversion, and its applicability in transionospheric VLF simulation and in remote sensing of the lower ionosphere is limited. Motivated by how subionospheric VLF remote sensing has been aided by the Wait and Spies (WS) profile (Wait & Spies, 1964), in this study, we parameterize the FIRI profiles and extend the WS profile to the E‐region ionosphere by introducing two new parameters: the knee altitude hk and the sharpness parameter for the E‐region ionosphere βE. Using this modified WS profile, we calculate the expected signals at different receiver locations from the NAA, NPM, and NWC transmitters under the full range of possible ionospheric conditions. We also describe and validate a method about how these results can be readily used to translate VLF measurements into estimates of the lower ionosphere electron density. Moreover, we use this method to evaluate the sensitivity of different ground receiver locations in lower‐ionosphere remote sensing.
Formation of Magnesium Carbonates on Earth and Implications for Mars
Authors: Scheller Eva L. , Swindle Carl , Grotzinger John , Barnhart Holly , Bhattacharjee Surjyendu , Ehlmann Bethany L. , Farley Ken , Fischer Woodward W. , Greenberger Rebecca , Ingalls Miquela , Martin Peter E. , Osorio‐Rodriguez Daniela , Smith Ben P.
Published: June 2021

Magnesium carbonates have been identified within the landing site of the Perseverance rover mission. This study reviews terrestrial analog environments and textural, mineral assemblage, isotopic, and elemental analyses that have been applied to establish formation conditions of magnesium carbonates. Magnesium carbonates form in five distinct settings: ultramafic rock‐hosted veins, the matrix of carbonated peridotite, nodules in soil, alkaline lake, and playa deposits, and as diagenetic replacements within lime—and dolostones. Dominant textures include fine‐grained or microcrystalline veins, nodules, and crusts. Microbial influences on formation are recorded in thrombolites, stromatolites, crinkly, and pustular laminites, spheroids, and filamentous microstructures. Mineral assemblages, fluid inclusions, and carbon, oxygen, magnesium, and clumped isotopes of carbon and oxygen have been used to determine the sources of carbon, magnesium, and fluid for magnesium carbonates as well as their temperatures of formation. Isotopic signatures in ultramafic rock‐hosted magnesium carbonates reveal that they form by either low‐temperature meteoric water infiltration and alteration, hydrothermal alteration, or metamorphic processes. Isotopic compositions of lacustrine magnesium carbonate record precipitation from lake water, evaporation processes, and ambient formation temperatures. Assessment of these features with similar analytical techniques applied to returned Martian samples can establish whether carbonates on ancient Mars were formed at high or low temperature conditions in the surface or subsurface through abiotic or biotic processes. The timing of carbonate formation processes could be constrained by 147Sm‐143Nd isochron, U‐Pb concordia, 207Pb‐206Pb isochron radiometric dating as well as 3He, 21Ne, 22Ne, or 36Ar surface exposure dating of returned Martian magnesium carbonate samples.
Verrucomicrobial methanotrophs grow on diverse C3 compounds and use a homolog of particulate methane monooxygenase to oxidize acetone
Authors: Awala Samuel Imisi , Gwak Joo-Han , Kim Yong-Man , Kim So-Jeong , Strazzulli Andrea , Dunfield Peter F , Yoon Hyeokjun , Kim Geun-Joong , Rhee Sung-Keun
Published: June 2021

Short-chain alkanes (SCA; C2-C4) emitted from geological sources contribute to photochemical pollution and ozone production in the atmosphere. Microorganisms that oxidize SCA and thereby mitigate their release from geothermal environments have rarely been studied. In this study, propane-oxidizing cultures could not be grown from acidic geothermal samples by enrichment on propane alone, but instead required methane addition, indicating that propane was co-oxidized by methanotrophs. “Methylacidiphilum” isolates from these enrichments did not grow on propane as a sole energy source but unexpectedly did grow on C3 compounds such as 2-propanol, acetone, and acetol. A gene cluster encoding the pathway of 2-propanol oxidation to pyruvate via acetol was upregulated during growth on 2-propanol. Surprisingly, this cluster included one of three genomic operons (pmoCAB3) encoding particulate methane monooxygenase (PMO), and several physiological tests indicated that the encoded PMO3 enzyme mediates the oxidation of acetone to acetol. Acetone-grown resting cells oxidized acetone and butanone but not methane or propane, implicating a strict substrate specificity of PMO3 to ketones instead of alkanes. Another PMO-encoding operon, pmoCAB2, was induced only in methane-grown cells, and the encoded PMO2 could be responsible for co-metabolic oxidation of propane to 2-propanol. In nature, propane probably serves primarily as a supplemental growth substrate for these bacteria when growing on methane.
Modeling host-associating microbes under selection
Authors: Bansept Florence , Obeng Nancy , Schulenburg Hinrich , Traulsen Arne
Published: June 2021

The concept of fitness is often reduced to a single component, such as the replication rate in a given habitat. For species with multi-step life cycles, this can be an unjustified oversimplification, as every step of the life cycle can contribute to the overall reproductive success in a specific way. In particular, this applies to microbes that spend part of their life cycles associated to a host. In this case, there is a selection pressure not only on the replication rates, but also on the phenotypic traits associated to migrating from the external environment to the host and vice-versa (i.e., the migration rates). Here, we investigate a simple model of a microbial lineage living, replicating, migrating and competing in and between two compartments: a host and an environment. We perform a sensitivity analysis on the overall growth rate to determine the selection gradient experienced by the microbial lineage. We focus on the direction of selection at each point of the phenotypic space, defining an optimal way for the microbial lineage to increase its fitness. We show that microbes can adapt to the two-compartment life cycle through either changes in replication or migration rates, depending on the initial values of the traits, the initial distribution across the two compartments, the intensity of competition, and the time scales involved in the life cycle versus the time scale of adaptation (which determines the adequate probing time to measure fitness). Overall, our model provides a conceptual framework to study the selection on microbes experiencing a host-associated life cycle.
Ammonia-oxidizing archaea have similar power requirements in diverse marine oxic sediments
Authors: Zhao Rui , Mogollón José M , Roerdink Desiree L , Thorseth Ingunn H , Økland Ingeborg , Jørgensen Steffen L
Published: June 2021

Energy/power availability is regarded as one of the ultimate controlling factors of microbial abundance in the deep biosphere, where fewer cells are found in habitats of lower energy availability. A critical assumption driving the proportional relationship between total cell abundance and power availability is that the cell-specific power requirement keeps constant or varies over smaller ranges than other variables, which has yet to be validated. Here we present a quantitative framework to determine the cell-specific power requirement of the omnipresent ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) in eight sediment cores with 3–4 orders of magnitude variations of organic matter flux and oxygen penetration depth. Our results show that despite the six orders of magnitude variations in the rates and power supply of nitrification and AOA abundances across these eight cores, the cell-specific power requirement of AOA from different cores and depths overlaps within the narrow range of 10−19–10−17 W cell−1, where the lower end may represent the basal power requirement of microorganisms persisting in subseafloor sediments. In individual cores, AOA also exhibit similar cell-specific power requirements, regardless of the AOA population size or sediment depth/age. Such quantitative insights establish a relationship between the power supply and the total abundance of AOA, and therefore lay a foundation for a first-order estimate of the standing stock of AOA in global marine oxic sediments.
Correction: Membrane fouling characteristics of membrane bioreactors (MBRs) under salinity shock: extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) and the optimization of operating parameters
Authors: Luo Ling , Zhong Hui , Yuan Ye , Zhou Wenwang , Zhong Changming
Published: June 2021

Correction for ‘Membrane fouling characteristics of membrane bioreactors (MBRs) under salinity shock: extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) and the optimization of operating parameters’ by Changming Zhong et al., Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2021, DOI: .
Facile synthesis of indolizinoindolone, indolylepoxypyrrolooxazole, indolylpyrrolooxazolone and isoindolopyrazinoindolone heterocycles from indole and imide derivatives
Authors: Shelar Santosh V. , Argade Narshinha P.
Published: June 2021

Acid-induced and base-induced regioselective coupling reactions of indole with cyclic imide derived lactamols and N-(2-iodoethyl)imides are demonstrated to provide structurally interesting heterocyclic compounds.
Porous hydrogen substituted graphyne as a promising anode for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Wan Bo , He Qian , Wan X. G. , Li Qingfang
Published: June 2021

Porous hydrogen substituted graphyne (HsGY) has been considered as a promising candidate for anode material due to its excellent electrochemical properties.