bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Produção científica no empreendedorismo rural relacionado ao turismo
Authors: Santos Ivaneli Schreinert dos , Alves Camila Elisa dos Santos , Dewes Homero
Published: June 2021

Este estudo teve como objetivo compreender a produção científica sobre o Empreendedorismo Rural e a sua ligação ao setor de Turismo. Para tanto, foi utilizado o método de mineração de texto com artigos e revisões. Por meio de uma estrutura de análise específica, extraíram-se palavras dimensionais que caracterizam as temáticas: Empreendedorismo Social, Estratégias de Negócio, Gênero, Impacto Socioeconômico Local, Inovação e Competitividade, Migração e Tecnologias. Esses temas foram previamente selecionados a partir de uma revisão sistemática. Os resultados indicam a Índia como país que mais estuda sobre Empreendedorismo Rural, e onde a temática Gênero tem maior relevância. Contudo, notou-se que o setor do turismo não é expressivo nesta região. É na Espanha que a atividade turística demonstra uma ligação mais forte com o empreendedorismo no meio rural. As áreas do conhecimento evidenciam que os estudos estão concentrados em Ciências Sociais e Negócios, Gestão e Contabilidade. Em suma, esse trabalho apresentou um estudo a fim de auxiliar na melhor compreensão da evolução das pesquisas sobre turismo como forma de empreender no meio rural.
Pornography, impersonal sex, and sexual aggression: A test of the confluence model in a national probability sample of men in the U.S.
Authors: Wright Paul J. , Paul Bryant , Herbenick Debby
Published: June 2021

This paper reports findings on men's exposure to extreme pornography, impersonal sexuality, and sexual aggression from the National Survey of Porn Use, Relationships, and Sexual Socialization, a U.S. population‐based probability study. Despite Malamuth's confluence model (CM) of sexual aggression positing that an impersonal approach to sex interacts with exposure to pornography to predict the likelihood of committing sexual assault, only a few studies have actually tested this prediction. Additionally, the data from the only previous nationally representative study were gathered more than 30 years ago. Results of the present study generally supported the CM. Extreme pornography exposure and impersonal sexuality were both associated with a higher probability of sexual aggression. Although impersonal sex was a robust predictor in and of itself, men who were more exposed to pornography and impersonal in their approach to sex were more likely to be sexually aggressive than men who were impersonal in their approach to sex but less exposed to pornography. Results maintained when indicators of sex drive were included in analyses. The only finding inconsistent with the CM was that the association between pornography exposure and sexual aggression was stronger among men lower rather than higher in impersonal sex.
Multiterminal Quantized Conductance in InSb Nanocrosses
Authors: Khan Sabbir A. , Stampfer Lukas , Mutas Timo , Kang Jung‐Hyun , Krogstrup Peter , Jespersen Thomas S.
Published: June 2021

By studying the time‐dependent axial and radial growth of InSb nanowires (NWs), the conditions for the synthesis of single‐crystalline InSb nanocrosses (NCs) by molecular beam epitaxy are mapped. Low‐temperature electrical measurements of InSb NC devices with local gate control on individual terminals exhibit quantized conductance and are used to probe the spatial distribution of the conducting channels. Tuning to a situation where the NC junction is connected by few‐channel quantum point contacts in the connecting NW terminals, it is shown that transport through the junction is ballistic except close to pinch‐off. Combined with a new concept for shadow‐epitaxy of patterned superconductors on NCs, the structures reported here show promise for the realization of non‐trivial topological states in multi‐terminal Josephson junctions.
Tailored Light Scattering through Hyperuniform Disorder in Self‐Organized Arrays of High‐Index Nanodisks
Authors: Piechulla Peter M. , Fuhrmann Bodo , Slivina Evgeniia , Rockstuhl Carsten , Wehrspohn Ralf B. , Sprafke Alexander N.
Published: June 2021

Arrays of nanoparticles exploited in light scattering applications commonly only feature either a periodic or a rather random arrangement of its constituents. For the periodic case, light scattering is mostly governed by the strong spatial correlations of the arrangement, expressed by the structure factor. For the random case, structural correlations cancel each other out and light scattering is mostly governed by the scattering properties of the individual scatterer, expressed by the form factor. In contrast to these extreme cases, it is shown here that hyperuniform disorder in self‐organized large‐area arrays of high refractive index nanodisks enables both structure and form factor to impact the resulting scattering pattern, offering novel means to tailor light scattering. The scattering response from the authors’ nearly hyperuniform interfaces can be exploited in a large variety of applications and constitutes a novel class of advanced optical materials.
Is competition among soft drinks, juices, and other major beverage categories responsible for reducing Americans' milk consumption?
Authors: Stewart Hayden , Kuchler Fred , Hahn William
Published: June 2021

US per capita milk consumption has been falling since the 1940s and falling at an accelerated rate in recent years. One possible reason is competition between it and other types of beverages. In this study, we determine whether changes in beverage prices are in a direction and of a sufficient magnitude for consumption trends to be explained by price competition between milk and other beverages. They are not. We also estimate a vector autoregressive model using data on households' average weekly purchases of milk and four other, major beverage categories for a very general test of whether any increase in sales of those other beverages would come at milk's expense. Results again suggest that competition between milk and the identified other major beverages is not responsible for milk's accelerated decline, and there is a need for the research community to investigate other possible explanations. [EconLit Citations: D12, Q11, Q18].
Rapid species and river‐of‐origin determination for matamata turtles (Chelus sp.) using real‐time PCR: Facilitating rapid return of trafficked specimens back to the wild
Authors: Cardeñosa Diego , Chapman Demian D. , Robles Yurby L. , Ussa Diego A. , Caballero Susana
Published: June 2021

Illegal wildlife trade is a major global threat to biodiversity. Environmental authorities around the world face many challenges enforcing and implementing laws intended to protect wild species. Wildlife forensic protocols can help to solve many of these implementation and enforcement issues.

Matamata turtles comprise two different species that look identical (Chelus fimbriata, Chelus orinocensis), which are geographically separated into the Amazon and Orinoco river basins, respectively, in South America. The trade in matamata turtles (Chelus sp.) is illegal in Colombia and law enforcement officers need to identify confiscated individuals to the species level in order to return them to the correct river basin. This is a time‐sensitive problem because increasing time in captivity can lead to mortality and imposes logistical and financial burdens on resource managers.

This article presents the development of a reliable, potentially field‐based, fast (~2 h), and cost‐effective (~USD$1 per sample identified) real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay to identify live matamata turtles to the species level, which facilitates accurate and fast translocation back to the correct river‐of‐origin.

This assay was applied in a real law enforcement scenario where confiscated matamata turtles were quickly identified as C. orinocensis, showing that they should be returned to the Orinoco basin. This research highlights the practicality and usefulness of these kinds of protocols to solve wildlife trade issues faced by law enforcement officers, and provides a blueprint for the development and implementation of field‐based molecular protocols to enhance the enforcement and implementation of laws intended to protect wildlife subject to illegal trade.

Given the widespread detection of illegal trade in wildlife and the threat that it poses to biodiversity, it is critical that these types of protocols and collaborative efforts among all stakeholders continue to be developed and implemented.
No correlation between acetylcholine receptor antibody concentration and individual clinical symptoms of myasthenia gravis: A systematic retrospective study involving 67 patients
Authors: Wang Lulu , Wang Shumin , Yang Haonan , Han Jiaojiao , Zhao Xue , Han Sensen , Zhang Yingna , Lv Jie , Zhang Jing , Li Mingqiang , Ji Ying , Zhou Shuxian , He Xiaoxiao , Fang Hua , Yang Junhong , Zhang Yunke , Zhang Qingyong , Gao Peiyang , Gao Feng
Published: June 2021

Objective

To investigate the correlation between acetylcholine receptor antibodies (AChR‐Ab) concentration levels and individualized clinical symptoms in patients with AChR myasthenia gravis (AChR‐MG) in China.

Methods

ELISA was used to determine the concentration of AChR‐Ab in patients with MG. The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) Clinical Classification, Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis (QMG) score, and MG‐specific activities of daily living (MG‐ADL) scoring systems were used to evaluate the clinical status of patients. Spearman correlation analysis was used to determine the correlation between the AChR‐Ab concentration and clinical score. The changes in the antibody concentration and clinical score are shown in MGFA‐antibody concentration–treatment plots.

Results

Autoantibody detection tests were performed in 67 patients, and their clinical scores were recorded. Forty‐nine patients received immunosuppressive therapy, 17 patients received pyridostigmine only, and 1 patient under thymectomy without any medication. The AChR‐Ab concentration correlated with the MGFA Classification in 5 (29.4%) patients in the pyridostigmine‐only group and 15 (30.6%) patients in the immunosuppressive drug group. The changes in the MGFA Classification preceded the changes in the AChR‐Ab concentration in 4 (23.5%) patients treated with pyridostigmine and 10 (20.4%) patients on immunosuppressive drugs. In patients on oral non‐steroidal immunosuppressants, the AChR‐Ab concentration changed by more than 50%, whereas the MGFA Classification did not increase. The AChR‐Ab concentration decreased in 17/32 (53.1%) patients after thymectomy, and then increased, whereas the AChR‐Ab concentration increased in 15/32 (46.9%) patients and the MGFA Classification decreased in 27/32 (81.8%) patients after thymectomy. The AChR‐Ab concentration presented a slight correlation with the corresponding MGFA, QMG, and MG‐ADL in patients with thymoma.

Discussion

In the Chinese AChR‐MG population, the Changes in the AChR‐Ab concentration in individuals with AChR‐MG did not consistently correlate with the severity of clinical symptoms.
A pharmacophore‐based classification better predicts the outcomes of HER2‐negative breast cancer patients receiving the anthracycline‐ and/or taxane‐based neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Li Xuan , Sun Hefen , Liu Qiqi , Liu Yang , Hou Yifeng , Jin Wei
Published: June 2021

Aims

Prognosis of patients for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)‐negative breast cancer post neoadjuvant chemotherapy is not well understood. The aim of this study was to develop a novel pharmacophore‐based signature to better classify and predict the risk of HER2‐negative patients after anthracycline‐and/or taxane‐based neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT).

Main methods

Anthracycline and taxane pharmacophore‐based genes were obtained from PharmMapper. Drug‐targeted genes (DTG) related clinical and bioinformatic analyses were undertaken in four GEO datasets.

Key findings

We used 12 genes from the pharmacophore to develop a DTG score (DTG‐S). The DTG‐S classification exhibited significant prognostic ability with respect to disease free survival (DFS) for HER2‐negative patients who receive at least one type of neoadjuvant chemotherapy that included anthracycline and/or taxane. DTG‐S associated with a high predictive ability for pathological complete response (pCR) as well as for prognosis of breast cancer. Using the DTG‐S classification in other prediction models may improve the reclassification accuracy for DFS. Combining the DTG‐S with other clinicopathological factors may further improve its predictive ability of patients’ outcomes. Gene ontology and KEGG pathway analysis showed that the biological processes of DTG‐S high group were associated with the cell cycle, cell migration, and cell signal transduction pathways. Targeted drug analysis shows that some CDK inhibitors and PI3K‐AKT pathway inhibitors may be useful for high DTG‐S patients.

Significance

The DTG‐S classification adds prognostic and predictive information to classical parameters for HER2‐negative patients who receive anthracycline‐and/or taxane‐based NACT, which could improve the patients’ risk stratification and may help guide adjuvant treatment.
Transcriptomic heterogeneity of driver gene mutations reveals novel mutual exclusivity and improves exploration of functional associations
Authors: Lan Yujia , Liu Wei , Zhang Wanmei , Hu Jing , Zhu Xiaojing , Wan Linyun , A Suru , Ping Yanyan , Xiao Yun
Published: June 2021

Background

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), as the most common subtype of lung cancer, is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the world. The accumulation of driver gene mutations enables cancer cells to gradually acquire growth advantage. Therefore, it is important to understand the functions and interactions of driver gene mutations in cancer progression.

Methods

We obtained gene mutation data and gene expression profile of 506 LUAD tumors from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The subtypes of tumors with driver gene mutations were identified by consensus cluster analysis.

Results

We found 21 significantly mutually exclusive pairs consisting of 20 genes among 506 LUAD patients. Because of the increased transcriptomic heterogeneity of mutations, we identified subtypes among tumors with non‐silent mutations in driver genes. There were 494 mutually exclusive pairs found among driver gene mutations within different subtypes. Furthermore, we identified functions of mutually exclusive pairs based on the hypothesis of functional redundancy of mutual exclusivity. These mutually exclusive pairs were significantly enriched in nuclear division and humoral immune response, which played crucial roles in cancer initiation and progression. We also found 79 mutually exclusive triples among subtypes of tumors with driver gene mutations, which were key roles in cell motility and cellular chemical homeostasis. In addition, two mutually exclusive triples and one mutually exclusive triple were associated with the overall survival and disease‐specific survival of LUAD patients, respectively.

Conclusions

We revealed novel mutual exclusivity and generated a comprehensive functional landscape of driver gene mutations, which could offer a new perspective to understand the mechanisms of cancer development and identify potential biomarkers for LUAD therapy.
Genetic and epigenetic control of ACE2 expression and its possible role in COVID‐19
Authors: Lima Rafael Silva , Rocha Luiz Paulo Carvalho , Moreira Paula Rocha
Published: June 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), is a pandemic that is claiming hundreds of thousands of lives around the world. Angiotensin‐converting enzyme‐2 (ACE2) is a key player in COVID‐19 due to its pivotal role in the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. This enzyme is expressed throughout the body and the studies conducted so far have shown that its expression varies according to several factors, including cell type, sex, age, disease states and probably SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone post‐translational modifications and microRNAs, impact ACE2 expression and may explain structural variation. The understanding of how genetic variants and epigenetic markers act to control ACE2 expression in health and disease states may contribute to comprehend several aspects of COVID‐19 that are puzzling researchers and clinicians. This review collects and appraises the literature regarding some aspects in the ACE2 biology, the expression patterns of this molecule, SNPs of the ACE2 gene and epigenetic mechanisms that may impact ACE2 expression in the context of COVID‐19.
Quinoline adsorption from organic phase on X‐type zeolites: Experimental and DFT study
Authors: Ofoghi Salman , Soleimani Mansooreh , Takht Ravanchi Maryam
Published: June 2021

In this study, the adsorptive denitrogenation from organic phase over zeolite adsorbents was studied by batch adsorption experiments. An appropriate amount of quinoline as a nitrogen‐containing compound was dissolved in iso‐octane and utilized as feed. The physicochemical properties of the adsorbents were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), N2 physical adsorption, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS). The NiX zeolites showed a higher ion‐exchange degree and lower crystallinity. The maximum adsorption capacity and kinetic constant of CrX zeolite as compared to NaX zeolite were improved by 10% and 70%, respectively. Based on the kinetic and thermodynamic studies, it was found that CrX zeolite is a very efficient adsorbent for the removal of quinoline from iso‐octane. Also, the underlying mechanism for quinoline adsorption on parent X and ion‐exchanged zeolite was investigated by the density functional theory (DFT) method. DFT results indicated that among all the cations in zeolites, Cr3+ shows the strongest interaction with nitrogen in the quinoline molecule. The used parent NaX and ion‐exchanged zeolite can also be regenerated by ethanol elution and heating at 573 K, and 65% to 90% of the adsorption capacity of the zeolites was regenerated by these methods.
Long‐term depression incidence and associated mortality among African American and White prostate cancer survivors
Authors: Parikh Ravi B. , Gallo Joseph J. , Wong Yu‐Ning , Robinson Kyle W. , Cashy John P. , Narayan Vivek , Jayadevappa Ravishankar , Chhatre Sumedha
Published: June 2021

Background

Depression is common after a diagnosis of prostate cancer and may contribute to poor outcomes, particularly among African Americans. The authors assessed the incidence and management of depression and its impact on overall mortality among African American and White veterans with localized prostate cancer.

Methods

The authors used the Veterans Health Administration Corporate Data Warehouse to identify 40,412 African American and non‐Hispanic White men diagnosed with localized prostate cancer from 2001 to 2013. Patients were followed through 2019. Multivariable logistic regression was used to measure associations between race and incident depression, which were ascertained from administrative and depression screening data. Cox proportional hazards models were used to measure associations between incident depression and all‐cause mortality, with race‐by‐depression interactions used to assess disparities.

Results

Overall, 10,013 veterans (24.5%) were diagnosed with depression after a diagnosis of prostate cancer. Incident depression was associated with higher all‐cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23‐1.32). African American veterans were more likely than White veterans to be diagnosed with depression (29.3% vs 23.2%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.15; 95% CI, 1.09‐1.21). Among those with depression, African Americans were less likely to be prescribed an antidepressant (30.4% vs 31.7%; aOR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.77‐0.93). The hazard of all‐cause mortality associated with depression was greater for African American veterans than White veterans (aHR, 1.32 [95% CI, 1.26‐1.38] vs 1.15 [95% CI, 1.07‐1.24]; race‐by‐depression interaction P < .001).

Conclusions

Incident depression is common among prostate cancer survivors and is associated with higher mortality, particularly among African American men. Patient‐centered strategies to manage incident depression may be critical to reducing disparities in prostate cancer outcomes.
Conditional pre‐trained attention based Chinese question generation
Authors: Zhang Liang , Fang Ligang , Fan Zheng , Li Wei , An Jing
Published: June 2021

Question generation is a promising and important area in natural language processing. According to the information of the given text, the question generation model can automatically generate a variety of questions, which are conducive to processing various subsequent tasks. Chinese question generation is a specific sub‐area of question generation. Due to the characteristics of Chinese question generation tasks, many methods are not suitable for it, and the generated results are either incorrect in word order or invalid expression. In order to address such challenging problem, we propose the conditional pre‐trained attention model termed A Lite BERT Conditional Question Generation (ALBERT‐CQG) for Chinese question generation. Through introducing general background knowledge of the pre‐trained model and conditional information of the given answers, this model has capacity of generating more valid expression. To our knowledge, we are the first to apply the conditional pre‐trained attention model to Chinese question generation tasks. The experimental results on two known benchmark datasets of Chinese question answering show that the ALBERT‐CQG outperforms its recent peers.
Estimated insulin sensitivity, cardiovascular risk, and hepatic steatosis after 12 years from the onset of T1D
Authors: Petrelli Arianna , Ravà Lucilla , Mascali Alberto , Rapini Novella , Massoud Michela , Manca Bitti Maria Luisa , Cianfarani Stefano , Manco Melania
Published: June 2021

Aim

To test the hypothesis that intensive insulin treatment and optimal glycaemic control are not fully protective against reduction of insulin sensitivity in children with type 1 diabetes.

Material and methods

Cohort study of 78 normal‐weight patients with prepubertal onset (T0) and follow‐up waves at 1 (T1), 5 (T5), 10 (T10), and 12 (T12) years; matched for age and sex to 30 controls at T12. Estimated insulin sensitivity (eIS) by three formulae; ultrasound evaluation of para and perirenal fat thickness; hepatic steatosis (HS); carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) at T12.

Results

At T12, the 36 patients (46%) who had constantly or prevalently haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) < 58 mmol/l during follow‐up showed better eIS indexes (p = 0.049 to <0.0001); lipid profile (p = 0.042 to <0.0001), reduced fat mass (p = 0.012) and required lower insulin dose (p = 0.032) than the 42 patients (54%) with HbA1c ≥ 58 at T12. Patients (N = 25) with eISEDC < 8.77 mg kg−1 min−1 showed higher cIMT (p < 0.0001). HS was found in 6 patients (∼8%). In patients and normal‐weight controls, fat mass (p = 0.03), age (p = 0.03), cIMT (p = 0.05) predicted HS; eIS indexes (p from 0.04 to <0.0001) predicted cIMT. Body mass index, perirenal fat, fat mass, and triglycerides to high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio were associated with eIS indexes (p from 0.03 to <0.0001).

Conclusions

Young T1D patients have reduced insulin sensitivity and higher cIMT. Adiposity, glucose, and lipid control over follow‐up are likely to influence both. Enhanced adiposity seems of paramount relevance for the onset of HS in T1D patients alike in healthy youths.
Luminescent, Helical and Highly Stable Zn(II) and Cd(II) Coordination Polymers: Structural Diversity and Selective Sensing of 4‐Nitroaniline in Water
Authors: Chanda Alokananda , Khullar Sadhika , Mandal Sanjay K.
Published: June 2021

Utilizing a bent bis(naphthalene) and hydroxy‐based dicarboxylate linker (mbhna) and two different tridentate polypyridyl ligands (bpma and bpta), four new coordination polymers (CPs) of Zn(II) and Cd(II) namely, [Zn(mbhna)(bpma)]n (1) {[Cd(mbhna)(bpma)].DMF}n (2) [Zn(mbhna)(bpta)]n (3) {[Cd(mbhna)(bpta)(CH3OH)]}n (4), are reported. Based on their solid‐state molecular structures determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffractometry, all are found to be helical 1D CP; interestingly, 4 crystallizes in a chiral space group, showcasing the formation of a chiral CP from achiral components. For the presence of naphthalene moieties in mbhna, their excellent emissive nature is studied in different solvents and further utilized to selectively detect aromatic amines, particularly 4‐nitroaniline in water with detection limits at the ppm level. Utilizing the Stern‐Volmer plots, spectral overlap, and competitive test, their mechanism of action has been established. Furthermore, these are recyclable with good stability after sensing experiments.
Effect of houttuynia on improving lung injury in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by regulating the TLR4 signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Wei , Wu Wei , Wang Bin , Gao Feng
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of houttuynia on lung pathological injury in rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Rats were randomly divided into the normal control, COPD model (model), low‐dose treatment (low, 5 mg/kg), middle‐dose treatment (middle, 10 mg/kg), and high‐dose treatment (high, 25 mg/kg) groups. The COPD rat model was induced by smoking combined with intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide. The treatment groups were givenHouttuyniaby gavage at 30 min before smoking. The IL‐6, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α concentrations in serum and BALF were determined by ELISA. The pathological morphology was detected by HE staining. The apoptosis cell number was evaluated by TUNEL assay. Apoptotic proteins (caspase‐3 and caspase‐9) were measured by IHC assay in lung tissues. The relative proteins [TLR4, MyD88, and p‐NF‐κB(p65)] were evaluated by Western blot assay in lung tissues. Compared with the model group, the low, middle, and high groups could reduce pulmonary congestion, edema, inflammatory cell infiltration, and apoptosis cell number; downregulate the protein expression of caspase‐3, caspase‐9, TLR4, MyD88, and NF‐κB(p65) (p < .05); and inhibit the IL‐6, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α concentrations in serum and BALF.Houttuyniacould improve the morphology and apoptosis cell number in lung tissues, thereby inhibiting the activation of the TLR4/MyD88/NF‐κB(p65) signaling pathway.
The effect of the onset of labor on the characteristics of the cesarean scar
Authors: Al Naimi Ammar , Jennewein Lukas , Mouzakiti Niki , Louwen Frank , Bahlmann Franz
Published: June 2021

Objective

To assess the effect of cesarean section (CS) timing, elective versus unplanned, on the residual myometrial thickness (RMT) and CS scars.

Methods

This is a prospective single‐blinded observational cohort study with 186 observations. Patients indicated to undergo first singleton CS were preoperatively recruited. Exclusion criteria were history of repeated CS, vertical hysterotomy, diabetes, and additional uterine surgeries. Sonographic examination was performed for assessing the RMT ratio, the presence of a niche, fibrosis, and the distance from the scar to the internal os (SO) 1 year after CS. Power analysis was performed with 0.05 α, 0.1 β, and all statistical analyses were conducted with Stata®.

Results

Wilcoxon rank‐sum test for the association between CS timing, RMT ratio and SO showed Z values of −0.59 and −4.94 (P = 0.553 and P < 0.001), respectively. There was no association between CS timing and niches and fibrosis (P > 0.99 and P = 0.268, respectively). Linear regression between SO and the extent of cervical dilatation showed a −0.45 β (95% confidence interval −0.68 to −0.21) and a 10.22‐mm intercept (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

RMT is independent of the timing of CS, but the SO distance shows a negative linear relationship with the cervical dilatation.
Economic value of irrigation water for major crops in the Ardabil plain, Iran*
Authors: Nouri‐Khajebelagh Rassol , Khaledian Mohammadreza , Kavoosi‐Kalashami Mohammad
Published: June 2021

The agricultural sector is facing an increasing demand for water in Iran due to the large disparity between the cost of water supply and the price paid by farmers. Therefore, the real price of water neds to be calculated. To this end, in this study the economic value of water was calculated in the case of wheat, potatoes, alfalfa, barley and canola in Ardabil city using cross‐sectional data collection for the year 2018, with 1087 questionnaires completed by farmers in the area. Data were analysed using Excel, SPSS and EViews software products. The economic value of irrigation water after analysing the results for wheat, potato, alfalfa, barley and canola crops was 0.026, 0.092, 0.022, 0.0225 and 0.0474 US$/m3, respectively. Since these calculated economic values are quite high for different crops, production of the crops in question is economically viable and the water consumed economically justified. The price of water supply in the Ardabil plain varies between 0.00877 and 0.0175 US$/m3, which is significantly different from the real price. Given the price difference between the cost of water supply and the price paid by farmers, incentive schemes can be used so that any farmer who consumes less water will benefit from a discount in the calculation of water prices, resulting in mitigation of water volume consumption.
Relationships among non‐interpersonal and interpersonal trauma types, posttraumatic stress, and posttraumatic growth
Authors: Thomas Elizabeth A. , Owens Gina P. , Keller Emily M.
Published: June 2021

Methods

Adults seeking behavioral health or medical treatment (N = 158) were recruited from a community healthcare agency and a residential support program in the southeastern United States.

Results

Individuals who reported interpersonal trauma had significantly higher total PTS severity and symptom clusters. No significant difference was found in perceived PTG based on trauma type. No significant curvilinear relationship between PTS and perceived PTG was found. A significant negative linear relationship was observed between PTS and perceived PTG for non‐interpersonal trauma, but not interpersonal trauma.

Conclusion

Trauma type may influence the PTS and perceived PTG relationship and, while associated with PTS, seems less important to reporting of perceived PTG.
Socioemotional competence in context: Black adolescent boys' socioemotional competence, neighborhood‐school racial (in)congruence, and social adjustment
Authors: Lozada Fantasy T. , Jagers Robert J. , Nguyễn Hòa X.
Published: June 2021

The current study examined patterns of Black adolescent boys' socioemotional competence (SEC) in the midst of racial (in)congruence of their neighborhood and school contexts and the associations of these patterns with self‐ and teacher‐reported social adjustment. Data collected from 417 Black adolescent boys in 7th–11th grade were analyzed using a multilevel class analysis to derive student‐level classes of SEC and neighborhood racial composition and school‐level classes of school racial composition. Class associations with social adjustment were examined via analysis of variance and analysis of covariance among a subsample of 258 Black males. Four patterns of SEC‐neighborhood racial composition and two patterns of school racial composition were identified; the former were associated with self‐ and teacher‐reported social adjustment. Interactive patterns of SEC‐neighborhood racial composition classes and school racial composition classes were associated with teachers' reports of negative social adjustment. Study findings suggest that considering SEC within racialized contexts is important for understanding Black adolescent boys' adjustment.
Multiple roles for peptidylglycine α‐amidating monooxygenase in the response to hypoxia
Authors: Rao Vishwanatha K. S. , Eipper Betty A. , Mains Richard E.
Published: June 2021

The biosynthesis of many of the peptides involved in homeostatic control requires peptidylglycine α‐amidating monooxygenase (PAM), an ancient, highly conserved copper‐ and ascorbate‐dependent enzyme. Using the production of amidated chromogranin A to monitor PAM function in tumor cells, physiologically relevant levels of hypoxia were shown to inhibit this monooxygenase. The ability of primary pituitary cells exposed to hypoxic conditions for 4 h to produce amidated chromogranin A was similarly inhibited. The affinity of the purified monooxygenase for oxygen (Km = 99 ± 19 μM) was consistent with this result. The ability of PAM to alter secretory pathway behavior under normoxic conditions required its monooxygenase activity. Under normoxic conditions, hypoxia‐inducible factor 1a levels in dense cultures of corticotrope tumor cells expressing high levels of PAM exceeded those in control cells; expression of inactive monooxygenase did not have this effect. The effects of hypoxia on levels of two PAM‐regulated genes (activating transcription factor 3 [Atf3] and FK506 binding protein 2 [Fkbp2]) differed in cells expressing high versus low levels of PAM. Putative hypoxia response elements occur in both human and mouse PAM, and hPAM has consistently been identified as one of the genes upregulated in response to hypoxia. Expression of PAM is also known to alter gene expression. A quarter of the genes consistently upregulated in response to hypoxia were downregulated following increased expression of PAM. Taken together, our data suggest roles for PAM and amidated peptide secretion in the coordination of tissue‐specific responses to hypoxia.
Ferrocene‐Containing Porous Poly(Ionic Liquid) Membranes: Synthesis and Application as Sacrificial Template for Porous Iron Oxide Films
Authors: Khorsand Kheirabad Atefeh , Saeedi Garakani Sadaf , Tan Liangxiao , Yuan Jiayin
Published: June 2021

Herein, the fabrication of iron‐containing porous polyelectrolyte membranes (PPMs) via ionic complexation between an imidazolium‐based poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) and 1,1‐ferrocenedicarboxylic acid is reported. The key parameters to control the microstructure of porous hybrid membranes are investigated in detail. Further aerobic pyrolysis of such porous hybrid membranes at 900 °C can transfer the ferrocene‐containing PPMs into freestanding porous iron oxide films. This process points out a sacrificial template function of porous poly(ionic liquid) membranes in the fabrication of porous metal oxide films.
Glycine Attenuates Citrobacter rodentium‐Induced Colitis by Regulating ATF6‐Mediated Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Mice
Authors: Zhang Yunchang , Jiang Da , Jin Yuhang , Jia Hai , Yang Ying , Kim In Ho , Dai Zhaolai , Zhang Jinhua , Ren Fazheng , Wu Zhenlong
Published: June 2021

Scope

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an inflammatory gastrointestinal disorder in which endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota are implicated. Glycine supplementation is reported to reduce inflammatory responses in experimental colitis. However, the underlying mechanisms responsible for the beneficial effects remain unclear.

Methods and Results

Female C57BL/6 mice are orally administered with glycine (3.5 or 5.2 g kg‐1 body weight) for 14 continuous days. On day 8 post‐glycine supplementation, the mice are orally inoculated with 2 × 109 CFU Citrobacter rodentium (C. rodentium). The results show that glycine alleviates C. rodentium‐induced body weight loss, increased disease activity index and spleen weight, colon length shortening, and colonic hyperplasia. Glycine suppresses the activation and infiltration of inflammatory cells, and secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in the colon tissues. The apoptosis of colon epithelial cells is also abrogated by glycine, which is associated with the inactivation of activating transcription factor 6α (ATF6α)‐C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) signaling. In addition, glycine administration increases α diversity, restores β diversity, and abolishes the reduction in Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Alistipes, Turicibacter, and Alloprevotella in the colon.

Conclusions

Glycine supplementation is a nutritional strategy that may ameliorate C. rodentium‐induced colitis by regulating ATF6α‐CHOP‐mediated ER stress and enhancing the abundance of Lactobacillus.
Metamaterial‐inspired tri‐band antenna for 5G‐C and Ka band applications
Authors: Ruchi Ruchi , Kartikeyan Machavaram V.
Published: June 2021

This article presents a novel tri‐band antenna design inspired by metamaterials for 5G‐C and Ka bands. The design employs an inverted U‐structured patch, a rectangular patch with E‐shape slot and a circular monopole loaded with complementary split ring resonator to achieve three operating bands with reduced overall antenna dimensions. It operates at 4.7 GHz (n79 band) in C‐band with maximum measured gain of 2.5 dB and two‐mm wave Ka bands at 28 GHz (n260 band) and 39 GHz (n261 band) with corresponding gain of 7.06 and 6.76 dB. The overall dimension of the proposed tri‐band antenna is 30 × 22 × 0.543 mm3 and the bandwidths measured are 9.04%, 14.14%, and 2.46% at 4.7 GHz, 28 GHz, and 39 GHz, respectively. The experimented results are close to simulated ones.
Topological electron density properties at critical points along aromatic rings as reactivity and regioselectivity descriptors in electrophilic substitutions
Authors: Da Silva Natieli Alves , Bruns Roy Edward , Haiduke Roberto Luiz Andrade
Published: June 2021

In order to evaluate the substituent effect on the reactivity and regioselectivity of aromatic rings with respect to electrophilic substitution reactions, we considered several benzene derivatives containing activating (−NH2, −NHCH3, −N(CH3)2, −OH, −OCH3, and −CHCH2) and deactivating (−F, −Cl, −Br, −COH, −COCH3, −COOCH3, −COOH, −COCl, −CN, and −NO2) groups. In this sense, we propose alternative theoretical descriptors of reactivity and regioselectivity, which are based only on electron density properties of initial substrates. The descriptors investigated here were obtained from the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (electron density curvatures at the ring critical point [RCP] and at the critical points of carbon nuclei along with kinetic and potential energy densities at the RCP) and from the interacting quantum atom formalism (intra‐atomic energy values of carbon atoms). The topological parameters at the RCPs and at carbon nuclei within the aromatic moiety were particularly successful in this task, being able to provide quantitative predictions of reactivity as compared with traditional resonance parameters used to that same end.
Identification of amyloidogenic proteins in the microbiomes of a rat Parkinson's disease model and wild‐type rats
Authors: Christensen Line Friis Bakmann , Alijanvand Saeid Hadi , Burdukiewicz Michał , Herbst Florian‐Alexander , Kjeldal Henrik , Dueholm Morten Simonsen , Otzen Daniel E.
Published: June 2021

Cross seeding between amyloidogenic proteins in the gut is receiving increasing attention as a possible mechanism for initiation or acceleration of amyloid formation by aggregation‐prone proteins such as αSN, which is central in the development of Parkinson's disease (PD). This is particularly pertinent in view of the growing number of functional (i.e., benign and useful) amyloid proteins discovered in bacteria. Here we identify two amyloidogenic proteins, Pr12 and Pr17, in fecal matter from PD transgenic rats and their wild type counterparts, based on their stability against dissolution by formic acid (FA). Both proteins show robust aggregation into ThT‐positive aggregates that contain higher‐order β‐sheets and have a fibrillar morphology, indicative of amyloid proteins. In addition, Pr17 aggregates formed in vitro showed significant resistance against FA, suggesting an ability to form highly stable amyloid. Treatment with proteinase K revealed a protected core of approx. 9 kDa. Neither Pr12 nor Pr17, however, affected αSN aggregation in vitro. Thus, amyloidogenicity does not per se lead to an ability to cross‐seed fibrillation of αSN. Our results support the use of proteomics and FA to identify amyloidogenic protein in complex mixtures and suggests that there may be numerous functional amyloid proteins in microbiomes.
Biochemical properties of VGLL4 from Homo sapiens and Tgi from Drosophila melanogaster and possible biological implications
Authors: Mesrouze Yannick , Meyerhofer Marco , Zimmermann Catherine , Fontana Patrizia , Erdmann Dirk , Chène Patrick
Published: June 2021

The TEAD (Sd in drosophila) transcription factors are essential for the Hippo pathway. Human VGLL4 and drosophila Tgi bind to TEAD/Sd via two distinct binding sites. These two regions are separated by few amino acids in VGLL4 but they are very distant from each other in Tgi. This difference prompted us to study whether it influences the interaction with TEAD4/Sd. We show that the full‐length VGLL4/Tgi proteins behave as intrinsically disordered proteins. They have a similar affinity for TEAD4/Sd revealing that the length of the region between the two binding sites has little effect on the interaction. One of their two binding sites (high‐affinity site) binds to TEAD4/Sd 100 times more tightly than to the other site, and size exclusion chromatography experiments reveal that VGLL4/Tgi only form trimeric complexes with TEAD4/Sd at high protein concentrations. In solution, therefore, VGLL4/Tgi may predominantly interact with TEAD4/Sd via their high‐affinity site to create dimeric complexes. In contrast, when TEAD4/Sd molecules are immobilized on sensor chips used in Surface Plasmon Resonance experiments, one VGLL4/Tgi molecule can bind simultaneously with an enhanced affinity to two immobilized molecules. This effect, due to a local increase in protein concentration triggered by the proximity of the immobilized TEAD4/Sd molecules, suggests that in vivo VGLL4/Tgi could bind with an enhanced affinity to two nearby TEAD/Sd molecules bound to DNA. The presence of two binding sites in VGLL4/Tgi might only be required for the function of these proteins when they interact with TEAD/Sd bound to DNA.
From zero to fog: Efficient engineering of fog‐based Internet of Things applications
Authors: Pfandzelter Tobias , Hasenburg Jonathan , Bermbach David
Published: June 2021

In Internet of Things (IoT) data processing, cloud computing alone does not suffice due to latency constraints, bandwidth limitations, and privacy concerns. By introducing intermediary nodes closer to the edge of the network that offer compute services in proximity to IoT devices, fog computing can reduce network strain and high access latency to application services. While this is the only viable approach to enable efficient IoT applications, the issue of component placement among cloud and intermediary nodes in the fog adds a new dimension to system design. State‐of‐the‐art solutions to this issue rely on simulation or solving a formalized assignment problem through heuristics only, which both have their drawbacks. In this article, we present a five‐step process for designing practical fog‐based IoT applications that combines best practices, simulation, and testbed analysis to converge towards an efficient system architecture. We then apply this process in a smart factory case study. By deploying filtered options to a physical testbed, we show that each step of our process converges towards more efficient application designs.
Professional development of EFL teachers in Tanzania: Ubinafsi or ujamaa?
Authors: Roemer Ann E.
Published: June 2021

This small descriptive study examined the professional development activities of English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers at a university in Tanzania, in particular their awareness of professional organizations such as the International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language and TESOL International Association. Basing her inquiry on English language teaching as a community of practice, the researcher used a questionnaire, interviews, and personal observations. University lecturers were asked about their personal professional development practices, which represented the value of individualism (ubinafsi in Swahili), as well as their interest in becoming involved in professional organizations for EFL teachers, which illustrated ujamaa, or familyhood. Though they were extremely professional, knowledgeable, and dedicated, none of the lecturers was a member of any organization, nor did they attend international conferences. This was due not to the political and economic reality of their circumstances and the lack of assistance and outreach by professional associations.
High-Dose Three-Weekly or Low-Dose Weekly Cisplatin during Radiation, What to Prefer?
Authors: Szturz Petr , Vermorken Jan B.
Published: June 2021

In locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, adding three cycles of high-dose (100 mg/m2) cisplatin every three weeks to definitive or adjuvant radiotherapy can significantly improve locoregional control and survival. One of the major drawbacks is severe acute toxicity with about 40% of patients developing mucositis, up to one fourth suffering from dysphagia, and at least 20% having bone marrow suppression. Late toxicity has been under- and sometimes mis-reported and may even be responsible for an increase in non-cancer-related deaths in long-term survivors. Moreover, efficacy outcomes are still not satisfactory with 5-year overall survival rates ranging between 40% and 50%, excluding the growing minority of human papillomavirus-related oropharyngeal cancer cases with a markedly better prognosis. Consequently, alternative regimens have gained attention with the aim to reduce toxicity, improve adherence, and maintain adequate anti-tumour activity. Low-dose (usually 40 mg/m2) cisplatin given in weekly intervals emerged as the preferred alternative to the standard, high-dose regimen. But do we have enough evidence to support this approach and which patients might become suitable candidates? While the use of high-dose cisplatin is supported by the results of four large trials randomizing altogether 1539 patients between conventionally fractionated chemoradiation and radiotherapy alone, there are only three small, similarly designed but possibly biased studies favouring a weekly regimen. In addition, two other trials randomly assigning patients to receive either high-dose or low-dose cisplatin, provided evidence against routine administration of the latter schedule. Therefore, although weekly cisplatin may enhance short-term tolerance in terms of gastro-intestinal, hepatic, hearing, renal, and haematological side effects, it cannot be excluded that this improvement comes at the price of compromised survival with no benefit in late adverse events. We acknowledge that certain clinical scenarios, particularly in the presence of relative contraindications to high-dose cisplatin, may favour a less toxic cisplatin dose and/or administration schedule, among which the low-dose weekly regimen. In this respect, the ever-growing population of elderly patients is in particular benefitting from a careful decision, taking into account the pros and cons of such regimens.