bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Market Segmentation and Dynamic Analysis of Sparkling Wine Purchases in Italy
Authors: Bassi Francesca , Pennoni Fulvia , Rossetto Luca
Published: October 2021

The Italian market of sparkling wines increases as volume and assortment (such as brands, appellations, typologies) mainly because of sparkling Prosecco consumption. We investigate the repeated purchase behavior of sparkling wines in two years within the supermarket channel through scanner data collected from a consumer panel. We propose a Hidden Markov Model to analyze these data, assuming an unobservable process to capture consumers’ preferences and allowing us to consider purchases sparsity over time. We consider multivariate responses defining types of purchases, namely price, appellation, and sugar content. Customers’ covariates influence the initial and transition probabilities of the latent process. We identify five market segments, and we track their evolution over time. One segment includes Prosecco-oriented consumers, and we show that loyalty to Prosecco changes strongly over time according to the region of residence, income, and family type. The findings improve the understanding of the market and may provide evidence to design successful marketing strategies. (JEL Classifications: C33, C51, D12, L66)
Effect of baseline physical activity on the fat gain of adolescents in a 5-year cohort study in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
Authors: Tang Hong K. , Dibley Michael J.
Published: October 2021

Differences in physical activity (PA) might lead to long-term weight control. Studies on inverse relations between PA and changes in fatness among adolescents are limited. This paper examined the effect of PA on adolescents’ changing body fatness over 5 years in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC). Two hundred thirty-five boys and 247 girls who have had skinfold thickness measurements in the baseline survey in 2004 were selected to follow yearly. We estimated PA as the average number of accelerometers’ counts/h. Slopes of triceps, sub-scapular skinfolds and BMI were calculated and classified as increasing or stable/decreasing. To assess the effects of the low level of activity (i.e. below the median of the average number of counts) on the fat gain (i.e. increasing slopes), relative risk and 95 % CI were estimated using Poisson regression. The average number of counts/h in boys (7·8) was significantly higher than that in girls (5·0) (P < 0·001). On average, active girls still gained 0·51 mm in triceps skinfold (TSF) over 5 years, while active boys lost 0·12 mm. After controlling for baseline energy intake, baseline triceps and baseline age, inactive adolescents were 1·39 times higher than active ones to increase the slope of triceps (95 % CI 1·19, 1·63). The risk ratio was 1·62 for those with more body fat at baseline. In general, inactive students gained substantially more subcutaneous fat, especially in their TSF, than more active ones. Thus, strategies to prevent adolescent obesity in HCMC should consider the important role of PA to control this problem in adolescents effectively.
Virulence of the insect-pathogenic fungiMetarhiziumspp. to Mormon crickets,Anabrus simplex(Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae)
Authors: Rangel Drauzio E. N. , Bignayan Helen G. , Golez Hernani G. , Keyser Chad A. , Evans Edward W. , Roberts Donald W.
Published: October 2021

The Mormon cricket (MC),Anabrus simplexHaldeman, 1852 (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae), has a long and negative history with agriculture in Utah and other western states of the USA. MostA. simplexpopulations migrate in large groups, and their feeding can cause significant damage to forage plants and cultivated crops. Chemical pesticides are often applied, but some settings (e.g. habitats of threatened and endangered species) call for non-chemical control measures. Studies in Africa, South America, and Australia have assessed certain isolates ofMetarhizium acridumas very promising pathogens for Orthoptera: Acrididae (locust) biocontrol. In the current study, two isolates ofMetarhizium robertsii, one isolate ofMetarhizium brunneum, one isolate ofMetarhizium guizhouense, and three isolates ofM. acridumwere tested for infectivity to MC nymphs and adults of either sex. Based on the speed of mortality,M. robertsii(ARSEF 23 and ARSEF 2575) andM. brunneum(ARSEF 7711) were the most virulent to instars 2 to 5 MC nymphs.M. guizhouense(ARSEF 7847) from Arizona was intermediate and theM. acridumisolates (ARSEF 324, 3341, and 3609) were the slowest killers. ARSEF 2575 was also the most virulent to instar 6 and 7 nymphs and adults of MC. All of the isolates at the conidial concentration of 1 × 107conidia ml−1induced approximately 100% mortality by 6 days post application of fungal conidia. In conclusion, isolates ARSEF 23, ARSEF 2575, and ARSEF 7711 acted most rapidly to kill MC under laboratory conditions. TheM. acridumisolates, however, have much higher tolerance to heat and UV-B radiation, which may be critical to their successful use in field application.
A multilingual corpus study of the competition betweenpastandperfectin narrative discourse
Authors: VAN DER KLIS MARTIJN , LE BRUYN BERT , DE SWART HENRIËTTE
Published: October 2021

The western European present perfect is subject to substantial crosslinguistic variation. The literature, however, focuses on individual languages or on comparisons of a restricted number of languages. We piece together the puzzle and do so in a data-driven way by comparing the use of the present perfect through a parallel corpus based on the French novelL’Étrangerand its translations in Italian, German, Dutch, European Spanish, British English, and Modern Greek. We introduce and showcase Translation Mining, a software suite combining a parallel corpus database with annotation and analysis tools. Translation Mining allows us to generate descriptive statistics of tense use across languages but also to visualize variation through itsmultidimensional scalingcomponent and to link the variation we find to the underlying data through its integrated setup. We confirm that the present perfect competes with the past and we reveal the fine-grained scalar nature of the variation. To complete the puzzle, we ascertain the dimensions of variation, ranging from lexical and compositional semantics to dynamic semantics and pragmatics.1
Dietary fibre complexity and its influence on functional groups of the human gut microbiota
Authors: Louis Petra , Solvang Michael , Duncan Sylvia H. , Walker Alan W. , Mukhopadhya Indrani
Published: October 2021

The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the complex interactions between dietary fibre and the resident microbial community in the human gut. The microbiota influences both health maintenance and disease development. In the large intestine, the microbiota plays a crucial role in the degradation of dietary carbohydrates that remain undigested in the upper gut (non-digestible carbohydrates or fibre). Dietary fibre contains a variety of different types of carbohydrates, and its breakdown is facilitated by many different microbial enzymes. Some microbes, termed generalists, are able to degrade a range of different carbohydrates, whereas others are more specialised. Furthermore, the physicochemical characteristics of dietary fibre, such as whether it enters the gut in soluble or insoluble form, also likely influence which microbes can degrade it. A complex nutritional network therefore exists comprising primary degraders able to attack complex fibre and cross feeders that benefit from fibre breakdown intermediates or fermentation products. This leads predominately to the generation of the short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) acetate, propionate and butyrate, which exert various effects on host physiology, including the supply of energy, influencing glucose and lipid metabolism and anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory actions. In order to effectively modulate the gut microbiota through diet, there is a need to better understand the complex competitive and cooperative interactions between gut microbes in dietary fibre breakdown, as well as how gut environmental factors and the physicochemical state of fibre originating from different types of diets influence microbial metabolism and ecology in the gut.
Lived Experience of Emergency Health Care Utilization during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Smith Erin , Hill Michella , Anderson Cameron , Sim Moira , Miles Alecka , Reid David , Mills Brennen
Published: October 2021

Introduction:

As the understanding of health care worker lived experience during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) grows, the experiences of those utilizing emergency health care services (EHS) during the pandemic are yet to be fully appreciated.

Study Objective:

The objective of this research was to explore lived experience of EHS utilization in Victoria, Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic from March 2020 through March 2021.

Methods:

An explorative qualitative design underpinned by a phenomenological approach was applied. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews, which were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using Colaizzi’s approach.

Results:

Qualitative data were collected from 67 participants aged from 32 to 78-years-of-age (average age of 52). Just over one-half of the research participants were male (54%) and three-quarters lived in metropolitan regions (75%). Four key themes emerged from data analysis: (1) Concerns regarding exposure and infection delayed EHS utilization among participants with chronic health conditions; (2) Participants with acute health conditions expressed concern regarding the impact of COVID-19 on their care, but continued to access services as required; (3) Participants caring for people with sensory and developmental disabilities identified unique communication needs during interactions with EHS during the COVID-19 pandemic; communicating with emergency health care workers wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) was identified as a key challenge, with face masks reported as especially problematic for people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing; and (4) Children and older people also experienced communication challenges associated with PPE, and the need for connection with emergency health care workers was important for positive lived experience during interactions with EHS throughout the pandemic.

Conclusion:

This research provides an important insight into the lived experience of EHS utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic, a perspective currently lacking in the published peer-reviewed literature.
The narcissism spectrum and its effects on self-selection into the teaching profession and on the effort-reward imbalance
Authors: Schmitt Hanna-Therese
Published: October 2021

Abstract: Based on the person-environment fit theory and the dynamic self-regulatory model of narcissism, an occupational self-selection into the teaching profession is analysed. This examination consults two comparative groups: student teachers are compared with management students, and practising teachers are compared with business leaders. After a theoretical analysis of the narcissism phenomenon considering the social-personality perspective, the relation between the narcissism spectrum – extreme, healthy and insufficient narcissism – and the effort-reward imbalance is examined. The sample consists of n 958 test persons from Austria. Self-selection tendencies into the teaching profession are mostly confirmed. Teachers show lower levels of extreme, healthy, and higher levels of insufficient narcissism than business leaders. Student teachers show lower levels of healthy and extreme narcissism than management students. Compared to student teachers, practising teachers exhibit higher levels of insufficient narcissism. This difference can be traced back to stressful classroom conditions. Teachers obtain less reward from their work than business leaders. Lower levels of healthy narcissism lead to more overcommitment and a reinforcement of the effort-reward imbalance, and increase the risk of gratification crises in the teaching profession.
Constraints on Crustal P Wave Structure With Leaking Mode Dispersion Curves
Authors: Li Zhengbo , Shi Caiwang , Chen Xiaofei
Published: October 2021

Classic surface wave imaging relies mainly on the dispersion of Rayleigh waves or Love waves. In addition to these types of waves, waveforms that arrive prior to the S wave also exhibit dispersion. These early dispersed waves are controlled mainly by the leaking modes and are rarely used for imaging. We applied the frequency‐Bessel transform method to waveforms that arrive before the S wave and successfully extracted multiple leaking mode dispersion curves. The extracted “0th” mode shows continuous sensitivity to S wave velocity (Vs) and mass density structure whereas the “higher” modes behave more like surface waves that are sensitive to P wave velocity (Vp) structure in the crust. Thus, the “higher” modes can be used to invert the Vp structure, which can compensate for the fact that conventional surface wave imaging methods are mainly sensitive to Vs structure.
Greener, Wetter Arabia Was a Crossroads of Early Human Migration
Authors: Besl J.
Published: October 2021

Hand axes, hippo bones, and a stack of ancient lake beds show that arid Arabia experienced intervals of humid weather, spurring pulses of human migration over the past 400,000 years.
Empirical Selection of Auroral Kilometric Radiation During a Multipoint Remote Observation With Wind and Cassini
Authors: Waters J. E. , Jackman C. M. , Lamy L. , Cecconi B. , Whiter D. K. , Bonnin X. , Issautier K. , Fogg A. R.
Published: October 2021

Auroral Kilometric Radiation (AKR) is terrestrial radio emission that originates in particle acceleration regions along magnetic field lines, coinciding with discrete auroral arcs. AKR viewing geometry is complex due to the confinement of the source regions to nightside local times (LTs) and the anisotropy of the beaming pattern, so observations are highly dependent on spacecraft viewing position. We present a novel, empirical technique that selects AKR emission from observations made with the spin‐axis aligned antenna of the Wind/WAVES instrument, based on the rapidly varying amplitude of AKR across spacecraft spin timescales. We apply the technique to Wind/WAVES data during 1999 day of year 227–257, when the Cassini spacecraft flew past Earth and provided an opportunity to observe AKR from two remote locations. We examine the AKR flux and power, with observations made from LTs of 1700–0300 hr having an average power up to 104 Wsr‐1 larger than those on the dayside and an increasing AKR power observed at higher magnetic latitudes. We perform a linear cross‐correlation between the Wind AKR power and the spacecraft magnetic latitude, showing positive then negative correlation as Wind travels from the Northern to Southern magnetic hemisphere. Statistically significant diurnal modulations are found in the whole 30‐day period and in subsets of the data covering different local time sectors, indicative of a predominantly geometrical effect for remote AKR viewing. The reproduction of well‐known features of the AKR verifies the empirical selection and shows the promise of its application to Wind/WAVES observations.
The Resolvable Scales of Regional‐Scale CO2 Transport in the Context of Imperfect Meteorology: The Predictability of CO2 in a Limited‐Area Model
Authors: Kim Jinwoong , Polavarapu Saroja M. , Jones Dylan B. A. , Chan Douglas , Neish Michael
Published: October 2021

Transport model error is an important source of uncertainty when estimating surface CO2 fluxes via an atmospheric model inversion. In this study, the transport error due to uncertainty of meteorological fields is investigated with a high resolution, limited‐area model. We characterize the extent to which errors in meteorological initial conditions (ICs) and lateral boundary conditions (LBCs) impact the quality of atmospheric CO2 transport across spatial scales. A series of experiments is conducted using different meteorological ICs and LBCs that possess varying levels of accuracy. We find that the transport error of CO2 is more sensitive to errors in meteorology at smaller scales O(10 km) than at larger scales O(1,000 km), and that surface CO2 fluxes can explain the predictability of CO2 at the largest scales. We also determine the spatial scales resolvable in the context of uncertain meteorology. These findings have implications for the development of regional‐scale inverse modeling systems. When assimilating CO2 observations near the surface, using accurate meteorological ICs is important for resolving fine‐scale spatial variability of CO2 because CO2 transport at lower levels is more sensitive to meteorological ICs and surface CO2 fluxes than to meteorological LBCs. However, when assimilating aircraft CO2 measurements or XCO2 satellite retrievals which contain information at higher altitudes, using accurate meteorological LBCs is also important. Improvement in meteorological inputs through a data assimilation system could be helpful in further resolving finer spatial scales of CO2 at regional scales.
Changes of Atmospheric CO2 in the Tibetan Plateau From 1994 to 2019
Authors: Liu Shuo , Feng Zhaozhong , Lin Hongwei , Liu Peng , Liang Miao , Qing Xuemei , Xiong Haoyu , Qiu Shanshan , Li Jiaxin , Jiang Kai , Hong Haixiang , Fang Shuangxi
Published: October 2021

The importance of carbon neutrality and green development rose sharply in the post‐pandemic era in China. This study investigated the long‐term variability of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) in China using CO2 records from Mount Waliguan (WLG), the only global station of World Meteorological Organization/Global Atmosphere Watch in Eurasia, covering a 26‐year period (1994–2019). Overall, the atmospheric CO2 mole fraction increased continuously and steadily with a growth rate of 2.15 ± 0.01 ppm yr−1 over 1994–2019 at WLG. The average CO2 mole fraction was only 359.9 ± 0.04 ppm in 1994, but reached a historic level of 414.9 ± 0.04 ppm by 2019. The mean growth rates in city sectors (data from the city regions) were slightly higher than that in the Tibetan Plateau. The seasonal amplitude of atmospheric CO2 at WLG was lower than those at adjacent regional stations, such as Lin'an, and Shangdianzi, but larger those at global stations Mauna Loa and Minamitorishima. Potential strong source regions moved from urban areas to the southwest region away from WLG, suggesting the potential emergence of Northern India as a strong CO2 source region. The area of potential CO2 sources at WLG prominently expanded with time, reflecting the effect of more intensifying anthropogenic emissions in recent decades. Although numerous measures for carbon emission reduction have already been implemented, it is clear that much work, e.g., carbon emission estimation, sources/sinks tracing, cleaner energy technologies, remains to be done in order to achieve carbon emission peak and carbon neutrality set by the Chinese government.
Post‐Drought Groundwater Storage Recovery in California's Central Valley
Authors: Alam Sarfaraz , Gebremichael Mekonnen , Ban Zhaoxin , Scanlon Bridget R. , Senay Gabriel , Lettenmaier Dennis P.
Published: October 2021

Groundwater depletion is a major threat to agricultural and municipal water supply in California's Central Valley. Recent droughts during 2007–2009 and 2012–2016 exacerbated chronic groundwater depletion. However, it is unclear how much groundwater storage recovered from drought‐related overdrafts during post‐drought years, and how climatic conditions and water management affected recovery times. We estimated groundwater storage change in the Central Valley for April 2002 through September 2019 using four methods: GRACE satellite data, a water balance approach, a hydrologic simulation model, and monitoring wells. We also evaluated the sensitivity of drought recovery to different climate scenarios (recent climate ± droughts and future climate change scenarios: 20 GCMs and 2 RCPs) using water balance method and statistical sampling of historical climate data. Estimated Central Valley groundwater loss during the two droughts ranged from 19 km3 (2007–2009) to 28 km3 (2012–2016) (median of four methods). Median aquifer storage recovery was 34% and 19% of the overdraft during the 2010–2011 and 2017–2019 post‐drought years, respectively. Numerical experiments show that recovery times are sensitive to climate forcing, with longer recovery times for a future climate scenario that replicate historical climatology relative to historical forcing with no droughts. Overdraft recovery times decrease by ∼2× with implementation of pumping restrictions (30th to 50th percentiles of historical groundwater depletion) to constrain groundwater depletion relative to no restrictions with a no‐drought future climatology. This study highlights the importance of considering water management implications for future drought recoveries within the context of climate change scenarios.
Water‐Mineral Reactions in a Translated Single Realistic Fracture: Consequences for Contaminant Uptake by Matrix Diffusion
Authors: Trinchero Paolo , Iraola Aitor , Bruines Patrick , Gylling Björn
Published: October 2021

We use a realistic fracture along with pore‐scale reactive transport simulations to investigate the impact of fracture filling minerals and water‐mineral reactions on in‐plane groundwater flow patterns and on contaminant uptake by matrix diffusion. The results of the simulations show that sparsely distributed fracture filling calcite patches provide a significant buffering capacity against the infiltration of acidic water. The advance of the geochemical perturbation is characterized by channeling, which is partly smeared out when low Peclet numbers are used. Mineral patches have a significant impact on groundwater flow patterns as shown by the computed distributions of groundwater travel time, which are characterized by long tails. The ability of the fracture to retain contaminants by uptake due to matrix diffusion is investigated by means of two metrics: the Eulerian quantity denoted as F‐factor and the Lagrangian variable known as transport resistance. F‐factor is shown to provide an average single estimate of the bulk retention capacity of the fracture whereas transport resistance is characterized by a distribution, whose very long tail is related to streamlines forced to travel through very narrow throats. A reduction of up to 70% in the mean travel time and 85% in the mean transport resistance is observed as a consequence of geochemical dissolution reactions, which also lead to an overall reduction of their variability.
ZNF545 loss promotes ribosome biogenesis and protein translation to initiate colorectal tumorigenesis in mice
Authors: Wang Shiyan , Wong Chi Chun , Zhang Yanquan , Huang Junzhe , Li Chuangen , Zhai Jianning , Wang Guoping , Wei Hong , Zhang Xueji , He Housheng Hansen , Yu Jun
Published: October 2021

Ribosome biogenesis plays a pivotal role in tumorigenesis by supporting robust protein translation. We investigate the functional and molecular mechanism of Zinc finger protein 545 (ZNF545), a transcriptional repressor for ribosomal RNA (rRNA), in colorectal cancer (CRC). ZNF545 was silenced in CRC compared to adjacent normal tissues (P < 0.0001), implying a tumor-suppressive role. Colon-specificZnf545knockout in mice accelerated CRC inApcMin/+and azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium-induced CRC. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that ZNF545 uses its two zinc finger clusters to bind to minimal rDNA promoter, where it assembled transcriptional repressor complex by interacting with KAP1.Znf545deletion in mouse embryonic fibroblasts not only increased rRNA transcription rate and the nucleolar size and number but also altered the nucleolar composition and architecture with an increased number of fibrillar centers surrounded by net-like dense fibrillar components. Consequently,Znf545deletion promoted the gene expression of translation machinery, protein translation, and cell growth. Consistent with its tumor-suppressive role, ZNF545 overexpression in CRC cells induced growth arrest and apoptosis. Finally, administration of rRNA synthesis inhibitor, CX-5461, inhibited CRC development inZnf545Δ/ΔApcMin/+mice. In conclusion, ZNF545 suppresses CRC through repressing rRNA transcription and protein translation. Targeting rRNA biosynthesis in ZNF545-silenced tumors is a potential therapeutic strategy for CRC.
Genome-wide identification and comprehensive analysis of the NAC transcription factor family in sunflower during salt and drought stress
Authors: Li Wenhui , Zeng Youling , Yin Fangliu , Wei Ran , Mao Xiaofei
Published: October 2021

The NAC (NAM, ATAF1/2, and CUC2), is a large family of plant-specific transcription factors (TFs) that exert crucial regulatory roles in various physiological processes and abiotic stresses. There is scanty information on the role of the NAC family in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). In this study, we conducted a genome-wide survey and expression analysis of the NAC family in sunflower. A total of 150 HaNACs were identified in sunflower. Phylogenetic analysis to compare HaNACs with Arabidopsis NACs generated 15 clusters. Among them, eight membrane-bound NAC TFs with transmembrane helixes were found (designated as NTLs), which were suggested to be localized in the membrane and transferred to the nucleus through proteolysis. Notably, 12 HaNACs were potentially regulated via miR164 cleavage or translational inhibition. By analyzing RNA-seq data from Sequence Read Archive (SRA), the expression of HaNACs showed tissue specificity and strong response to drought stress. Additionally, phylogenetic analysis of 150 HaNACs with the previously reported NACs related to abiotic stress revealed that 75% of the abiotic stress-related NACs were clustered into the SNAC (abiotic stress-related NAC) group, and only 25% were in the Non-SNAC group. qRT-PCR further demonstrated that about 75% of the HaNACs in the SNAC subgroup were induced by salt and drought stress, and the expression of some HaNACs showed tissue specificity. These findings provide valuable information that can deepen the understanding of how NAC TFs in sunflower respond to abiotic stress.
Optimizing the synthesis and purification of MS2 virus like particles
Authors: Hashemi Khadijeh , Ghahramani Seno Mohammad Mahdi , Ahmadian Mohammad Reza , Malaekeh-Nikouei Bizhan , Bassami Mohammad Reza , Dehghani Hesam , Afkhami-Goli Amir
Published: October 2021

Introducing bacteriophage MS2 virus-like particles (VLPs) as gene and drug delivery tools increases the demand for optimizing their production and purification procedure. PEG precipitation method is used efficiently to purify VLPs, while the effects of pH and different electrolytes on the stability, size, and homogeneity of purified MS2 VLPs, and the encapsulated RNA sequences remained to be elucidated. In this regard, a vector, capable of producing VLP with an shRNA packed inside was prepared. The resulting VLPs in different buffers/solutions were assessed for their size, polydispersity index, and ability to protect the enclosed shRNA. We report that among Tris, HEPES, and PBS, with or without NaNO3, and also NaNO3 alone in different pH and ionic concentrations, the 100 mM NaNO3-Tris buffer with pH:8 can be used as a new and optimal MS2 VLP production buffer, capable of inhibiting the VLPs aggregation. These VLPs show a size range of 27-30 nm and suitable homogeneity with minimum 12-month stability at 4 °C. Moreover, the resulting MS2 VLPs were highly efficient and stable for at least 48 h in conditions similar to in vivo. These features of MS2 VLPs produced in the newly introduced buffer make them an appropriate candidate for therapeutic agents’ delivery.
An evaluation of multi-species empirical tree mortality algorithms for dynamic vegetation modelling
Authors: Thrippleton Timothy , Hülsmann Lisa , Cailleret Maxime , Bugmann Harald
Published: October 2021

Tree mortality is key for projecting forest dynamics, but difficult to portray in dynamic vegetation models (DVMs). Empirical mortality algorithms (MAs) are often considered promising, but little is known about DVM robustness when employing MAs of various structures and origins for multiple species. We analysed empirical MAs for a suite of European tree species within a consistent DVM framework under present and future climates in two climatically different study areas in Switzerland and evaluated their performance using empirical data from old-growth forests across Europe. DVM projections under present climate showed substantial variations when using alternative empirical MAs for the same species. Under climate change, DVM projections showed partly contrasting mortality responses for the same species. These opposing patterns were associated with MA structures (i.e. explanatory variables) and occurred independent of species ecological characteristics. When comparing simulated forest structure with data from old-growth forests, we found frequent overestimations of basal area, which can lead to flawed projections of carbon sequestration and other ecosystem services. While using empirical MAs in DVMs may appear promising, our results emphasize the importance of selecting them cautiously. We therefore synthesize our insights into a guideline for the appropriate use of empirical MAs in DVM applications.
Effects of pre-pregnancy body mass index on pregnancy and perinatal outcomes in women based on a retrospective cohort
Authors: Xie Donghua , Yang Wenzhen , Wang Aihua , Xiong Lili , Kong Fanjuan , Liu Zhiyu , Xie Zhiqun , Wang Hua
Published: October 2021

To investigate the prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity as defined by pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and the relationship between pre-pregnancy BMI and pregnancy and perinatal outcomes in women based on a retrospective cohort. Women registered via the Free Pre-pregnancy Health Check (FPHC) program from 2017 to 2019 in Hunan Province, China, were included to the study cohort. The data regarding maternal characteristics, pregnancy outcomes, and infant characteristics were retrieved from the surveillance system of the FPHC program. Logistic regressions were performed to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) to assess the associations between pre-pregnancy BMIs and the outcomes. Among a total of 398,368 women, 54,238 (13.62%) were underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2), 51,251 (12.87%) were overweight (24.0 kg/m2 ≤ BMI < 28.0 kg/m2), and 10,399 (2.61%) were obese (BMI ≥ 28.0 kg/m2). Underweight occurred more commonly in the 20–24 years old (17.98%), Han Chinese (13.89), college-educated (16.09%), rural (13.74%), and teacher/public servant/office clerk (16.09%) groups. Obesity occurred more often in the older than 35-year-old (4.48%), minority (3.64%), primary school or below (4.98%), urban (3.06%), and housewife (3.14%) groups (P < 0.001). Compared with the normal BMI group, underweight was associated with increased risk of low birth weight (LBW) (AOR = 1.25) and small-for-gestational age (SGA) (AOR = 1.11), but protected against gestational hypertensive disorder (GHD) (AOR = 0.85), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (AOR = 0.69), macrosomia (AOR = 0.67), post-term pregnancy (AOR = 0.76), and cesarean-section (AOR = 0.81). Overweight and obesity were associated with increased risk of GHD (AOR = 1.28, 2.47), GDM (AOR = 1.63, 3.02), preterm birth (AOR = 1.18, 1.47), macrosomia (AOR = 1.51, 2.11), large-for-gestational age (LGA) (AOR = 1.19, 1.35), post-term pregnancy (AOR = 1.39, 1.66), and cesarean- section (AOR = 1.60, 2.05). Pre-pregnancy underweight is relatively common in Hunan Province, China. Pre-pregnancy underweight to some extent is associated with better maternal outcomes, but it has certain adverse effects on neonatal outcomes. Pre-pregnancy overweight, especially obesity, has a substantial adverse effect on pregnancy and perinatal outcomes.
Different roles of conserved tyrosine residues of the acylated domains in folding and activity of RTX toxins
Authors: Lepesheva Anna , Osickova Adriana , Holubova Jana , Jurnecka David , Knoblochova Sarka , Espinosa-Vinals Carlos , Bumba Ladislav , Skopova Karolina , Fiser Radovan , Osicka Radim , Sebo Peter , Masin Jiri
Published: October 2021

Pore-forming repeats in toxins (RTX) are key virulence factors of many Gram-negative pathogens. We have recently shown that the aromatic side chain of the conserved tyrosine residue 940 within the acylated segment of the RTX adenylate cyclase toxin-hemolysin (CyaA, ACT or AC-Hly) plays a key role in target cell membrane interaction of the toxin. Therefore, we used a truncated CyaA-derived RTX719 construct to analyze the impact of Y940 substitutions on functional folding of the acylated segment of CyaA. Size exclusion chromatography combined with CD spectroscopy revealed that replacement of the aromatic side chain of Y940 by the side chains of alanine or proline residues disrupted the calcium-dependent folding of RTX719 and led to self-aggregation of the otherwise soluble and monomeric protein. Intriguingly, corresponding alanine substitutions of the conserved Y642, Y643 and Y639 residues in the homologous RtxA, HlyA and ApxIA hemolysins from Kingella kingae, Escherichia coli and Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, affected the membrane insertion, pore-forming (hemolytic) and cytotoxic capacities of these toxins only marginally. Activities of these toxins were impaired only upon replacement of the conserved tyrosines  by proline residues. It appears, hence, that the critical role of the aromatic side chain of the Y940 residue is highly specific for the functional folding of the acylated domain of CyaA and determines its capacity to penetrate target cell membrane.
Pachychoroid disease and its association with retinal vein occlusion: a case–control study
Authors: Keidel Leonie F. , Zwingelberg Sarah , Schworm Benedikt , Luft Nikolaus , Herold Tina , Priglinger Siegfried G. , Siedlecki Jakob
Published: October 2021

The development of a retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is multifactorial. This study investigates pachychoroid as a risk factor for RVO or as an entity sharing common pathophysiology with RVO. A database screening at the University Eye Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilian University Munich, Germany was performed for patients diagnosed with central or branch RVO (CRVO/BRVO). In every patient a complete ophthalmologic examination was performed, including posterior segment enhanced depth spectral domain optical coherence tomography (EDI-SD-OCT). The SD-OCT scans of respective partner eyes without history of RVO were compared to an age- and refraction-matched, randomly recruited normal control group. In total, 312 eyes of 312 patients were included in this study, with 162 eyes in the RVO and 150 eyes in the control group. A significantly higher subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) was found in the RVO (310.3 ± 72.5 (94 to 583) µm) as compared to the control group (237.0 ± 99.0 (62 to 498); p < 0.00001). Moreover, the RVO group showed a significantly higher prevalence of a symptomatic pachychoroid (22 vs. 9 eyes; odds ratio: 2.46; 95 CI: 1.10 to 5.53; p = 0.029). Since pachychoroid disease represents a bilateral entity, it might be a risk factor for RVO, or share risk factors with RVO.
Effect and mechanism of vitamin D activation disorder on liver fibrosis in biliary atresia
Authors: Sun Song , Xu Menghua , Zhuang Peijun , Chen Gong , Dong Kuiran , Dong Rui , Zheng Shan
Published: October 2021

To investigate the mechanism of 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) deficiency in children with biliary atresia (BA) and its effect on liver fibrosis. The serum vitamin D and 25(OH)D, and expression of 25 hydroxylase (CYP2R1 and CYP27A1) in the liver of BA patients were detected and compared with those in the control group. We investigated the effect of differential expression of CYP2R1 in hepatocytes on the expression of genes related to liver fibrosis in primary hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) of BA and animal models of cholestasis. The ratio of 25(OH)D/vitamin D in the BA group was significantly lower than that in the control group. The mRNA and protein expression of CYP2R1 and CYP27A1 in liver tissue of the BA group was significantly lower than that in the control group. Exogenous active vitamin D (calcitriol) inhibited the proliferation and migration of primary HSCs isolated from BA patients, and reduced the expression of fibrosis-related genes in vitro. Downregulation of expression of CYP2R1 in hepatocytes increased expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, collagen (Col)-1α1 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1, and decreased the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 in cocultured primary HSCs of BA. Upregulation of expression of CYP2R1 in mice with bile duct ligation significantly increased the level of 25(OH)D, decreased the expression of TGF-β1, Col-1α1 and TIMP-1, and increased the expression of MMP-2. Children with BA have impaired vitamin D activation due to CYP2R1 deficiency. The dysactivation of vitamin D can promote the proliferation and activation of HSCs and participate in the development of hepatic fibrosis in BA.
Optimization studies of stir casting parameters and mechanical properties of TiO2 reinforced Al 7075 composite using response surface methodology
Authors: Adediran Adeolu A. , Akinwande Abayomi A. , Balogun Oluwatosin A. , Olorunfemi Bayode J. , M. Saravana Kumar
Published: October 2021

Stir casting is a common metallurgical route in the casting of aluminum composites. Series of work done in this aspect considered the development of the composites with fixed stir casting parameters without applying an optimization approach. These parameters affect the microstructure and performance of the composites. The study is focused on the optimization of the stir casting parameters in the production of Al 7075 reinforced with TiO2 microparticles for performance improvement. Three stir casting parameters of stirring temperature, speed, and time were varied and optimized using the central composite design technique of the response surface method. Properties evaluated were ultimate tensile strength, hardness, impact strength, elastic modulus, and compressive strength. ANOVA results showed that the three stir casting parameters had a significant impact on the property responses. Five quadratic models were established for the properties linking them to the factors. The models were confirmed to be statistically significant at a confidence level of 95% and variations were observed to be < 5%. The interaction profile of the parameters as per response surface was analyzed. Contour plots associated with each interaction gave different ranges of stirring parameters in which each property can be maximized. Simultaneous optimization of the properties using Minitab 19 software showcased 779.3 °C, 574.2 rpm, and 22.5 min as the optimal stir casting parameters for temperature, speed and time respectively.
Elexacaftor is a CFTR potentiator and acts synergistically with ivacaftor during acute and chronic treatment
Authors: Shaughnessy Ciaran A. , Zeitlin Pamela L. , Bratcher Preston E.
Published: October 2021

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), which lead to early death due to progressive lung disease. The development of small-molecule modulators that directly interact with CFTR to aid in protein folding (“correctors”) and/or increase channel function (“potentiators”) have proven to be highly effective in the therapeutic treatment of CF. Notably, incorporation of the next-generation CFTR corrector, elexacaftor, into a triple combination therapeutic (marketed as Trikafta) has shown tremendous clinical promise in treating CF caused by F508del-CFTR. Here, we report on a newly-described role of elexacaftor as a CFTR potentiator. We explore the acute and chronic actions, pharmacology, and efficacy of elexacaftor as a CFTR potentiator in restoring function to multiple classes of CFTR mutations. We demonstrate that the potentiating action of elexacaftor exhibits multiplicative synergy with the established CFTR potentiator ivacaftor in rescuing multiple CFTR class defects, indicating that a new combination therapeutic of ivacaftor and elexacaftor could have broad impact on CF therapies.
Characterizing the genomic variation and population dynamics of Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites in and around Lake Victoria, Kenya
Authors: Osborne Ashley , Manko Emilia , Takeda Mika , Kaneko Akira , Kagaya Wataru , Chan Chim , Ngara Mtakai , Kongere James , Kita Kiyoshi , Campino Susana , Kaneko Osamu , Gitaka Jesse , Clark Taane G.
Published: October 2021

Characterising the genomic variation and population dynamics of Plasmodium falciparum parasites in high transmission regions of Sub-Saharan Africa is crucial to the long-term efficacy of regional malaria elimination campaigns and eradication. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) technologies can contribute towards understanding the epidemiology and structural variation landscape of P. falciparum populations, including those within the Lake Victoria basin, a region of intense transmission. Here we provide a baseline assessment of the genomic diversity of P. falciparum isolates in the Lake region of Kenya, which has sparse genetic data. Lake region isolates are placed within the context of African-wide populations using Illumina WGS data and population genomic analyses. Our analysis revealed that P. falciparum isolates from Lake Victoria form a cluster within the East African parasite population. These isolates also appear to have distinct ancestral origins, containing genome-wide signatures from both Central and East African lineages. Known drug resistance biomarkers were observed at similar frequencies to those of East African parasite populations, including the S160N/T mutation in the pfap2mu gene, which has been associated with delayed clearance by artemisinin-based combination therapy. Overall, our work provides a first assessment of P. falciparum genetic diversity within the Lake Victoria basin, a region targeting malaria elimination.
Accuracy of flow-void diameters on MR images in diagnosing uterine arteriovenous malformations in patients with pregnancy-related diseases
Authors: Chen Hui-zhu , Zhao Fu-min , Liu Ling-jun , Dai Xiao-hui , Li Xue-sheng , Ning Gang , Guo Ying-kun
Published: October 2021

To evaluate the “flow void” diameter in patients with pregnancy-related diseases with and without uterine AVMs and assess the diagnostic performance of unenhanced MRI for uterine AVMs. From May 2014 to April 2019, 79 patients with pregnancy-related diseases were included, including 36 with and 43 without uterine AVMs confirmed by DSA. On MRI, the diameter of the most prominent “flow void” (hereinafter referred to as fv-D) was measured and compared between patients with and without uterine AVMs. The diagnostic performance of fv-D was estimated with receiver operating characteristic curves. The “flow void” sign was observed in patients with and without uterine AVMs (P > 0.05). The fv-D was significantly larger in patients with uterine AVMs in the myometrium and parametrium than in patients without uterine AVMs (P < 0.0001). The fv-D achieved a reliable diagnostic performance in the myometrium (sensitivity 80.6%, specificity 60.5%, negative predictive value 78.8%, positive predictive value 63%, AUC 0.727, cut-off: > 1.33 mm) and parametrium (sensitivity 97.2%, specificity 67.4%, negative predictive value 96.7%, positive predictive value 71.4%, AUC 0.881, cut-off > 2.6 mm). On MRI, fv-D could diagnose uterine AVMs. The fv-D had a much higher diagnostic efficiency in the parametrium than in the myometrium. The parametrium fv-D greatly improved the diagnostic sensitivity and provides a more accurate, noninvasive method of investigating possible uterine AVMs.
Association of clinically relevant carpal tunnel syndrome with type of work and level of education: a general-population study
Authors: Möllestam Kamelia , Englund Martin , Atroshi Isam
Published: October 2021

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common cause of work disability. The association with occupational load and education level has not been established in general-population studies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of clinically relevant CTS with work and education. From the Healthcare Register of Skane region (population 1.2 million) in southern Sweden we identified all individuals, aged 17–57 years, with first-time physician-made CTS diagnosis during 2004–2008. For each case we randomly sampled 4 referents, without a CTS diagnosis, from the general population matched by sex, age, and residence. We retrieved data about work and education from the national database. The study comprised 5456 individuals (73% women) with CTS and 21,667 referents. We found a significant association between physician-diagnosed CTS and type of work and level of education in both women and men. Compared with white-collar workers, the odds ratio (OR) for CTS among blue-collar workers was 1.67 (95% CI 1.54–1.81) and compared with light work, OR in light-moderate work was 1.37 (1.26–1.50), moderate work 1.70 (1.51–1.91), and heavy manual labor 1.96 (1.75–2.20). Compared with low-level education, OR for CTS in intermediate level was 0.82 (0.76–0.89) and high-level 0.48 (0.44–0.53). In women and men there is significant association with a dose–response pattern between clinically relevant CTS and increasing manual work load and lower education level. These findings could be important in design and implementation of preventive measures.
Genetic targeting of adult Renshaw cells using a Calbindin 1 destabilized Cre allele for intersection with Parvalbumin or Engrailed1
Authors: Lane Alicia R. , Cogdell Indeara C. , Jessell Thomas M. , Bikoff Jay B. , Alvarez Francisco J.
Published: October 2021

Renshaw cells (RCs) are one of the most studied spinal interneurons; however, their roles in motor control remain enigmatic in part due to the lack of experimental models to interfere with RC function, specifically in adults. To overcome this limitation, we leveraged the distinct temporal regulation of Calbindin (Calb1) expression in RCs to create genetic models for timed RC manipulation. We used a Calb1 allele expressing a destabilized Cre (dgCre) theoretically active only upon trimethoprim (TMP) administration. TMP timing and dose influenced RC targeting efficiency, which was highest within the first three postnatal weeks, but specificity was low with many other spinal neurons also targeted. In addition, dgCre showed TMP-independent activity resulting in spontaneous recombination events that accumulated with age. Combining Calb1-dgCre with Parvalbumin (Pvalb) or Engrailed1 (En1) Flpo alleles in dual conditional systems increased cellular and timing specificity. Under optimal conditions, Calb1-dgCre/Pvalb-Flpo mice targeted 90% of RCs and few dorsal horn neurons; Calb1-dgCre/En1-Flpo mice showed higher specificity, but only a maximum of 70% of RCs targeted. Both models targeted neurons throughout the brain. Restricted spinal expression was obtained by injecting intraspinally AAVs carrying dual conditional genes. These results describe the first models to genetically target RCs bypassing development.
Synchrotron mechanism of X-ray and gamma-ray emissions in lightning and spark discharges
Authors: Petrov N. I.
Published: October 2021

X-ray and γ-ray emissions observed in lightning and long sparks are usually connected with the bremsstrahlung of high-energy runaway electrons. Here, an alternative physical mechanism for producing X-ray and gamma-ray emissions caused by the polarization current and associated electromagnetic field moving with relativistic velocity along a curved discharge channel has been proposed. The existence of fast electromagnetic surface waves propagating along the lightning discharge channel at a speed close to the speed of light in vacuum is shown. The possibility of the production of microwave, X-ray and gamma-ray emissions by a polarization current pulse moving along a curved path via synchrotron radiation mechanism is pointed out. The existence of long tails in the power spectrum is shown, which explains observations of photon energies in the range of 10–100 MeV in the terrestrial gamma-ray flashes, as well as measured power spectrum of laboratory spark discharge.