bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing evolutionary and developmental transcriptome dynamics in homologous cell types
Authors: Feregrino Christian , Tschopp Patrick
Published: June 2021

Background

During development, complex organ patterns emerge through the precise temporal and spatial specification of different cell types. On an evolutionary timescale, these patterns can change, resulting in morphological diversification. It is generally believed that homologous anatomical structures are built—largely—by homologous cell types. However, whether a common evolutionary origin of such cell types is always reflected in the conservation of their intrinsic transcriptional specification programs is less clear.

Results

Here, we developed a user‐friendly bioinformatics workflow to detect gene co‐expression modules and test for their conservation across developmental stages and species boundaries. Using a paradigm of morphological diversification, the tetrapod limb, and single‐cell RNA‐sequencing data from two distantly related species, chicken and mouse, we assessed the transcriptional dynamics of homologous cell types during embryonic patterning. With mouse limb data as reference, we identified 19 gene co‐expression modules with varying tissue or cell type‐restricted activities. Testing for co‐expression conservation revealed modules with high evolutionary turnover, while others seemed maintained—to different degrees, in module make‐up, density or connectivity—over developmental and evolutionary timescales.

Conclusions

We present an approach to identify evolutionary and developmental dynamics in gene co‐expression modules during patterning‐relevant stages of homologous cell type specification using single‐cell RNA‐sequencing data.
Evidence of endozoochory in upland geese Chloephaga picta and white‐bellied seedsnipes Attagis malouinus in sub‐Antarctic Chile
Authors: Lázaro Xenabeth A. , Mackenzie Roy , Jiménez Jaime E.
Published: June 2021

Birds are known to act as potential vectors for the exogenous dispersal of bryophyte diaspores. Given the totipotency of vegetative tissue of many bryophytes, birds could also contribute to endozoochorous bryophyte dispersal. Research has shown that fecal samples of the upland goose (Chloephaga picta) and white‐bellied seedsnipe (Attagis malouinus) contain bryophyte fragments. Although few fragments from bird feces have been known to regenerate, the evidence for the viability of diaspores following passage through the bird intestinal tract remains ambiguous. We evaluated the role of endozoochory in these same herbivorous and sympatric bird species in sub‐Antarctic Chile. We hypothesized that fragments of bryophyte gametophytes retrieved from their feces are viable and capable of regenerating new plant tissue. Eleven feces disk samples containing undetermined moss fragments from C. picta (N = 6) and A. malouinus (N = 5) and six moss fragment samples from wild‐collected mosses (Conostomum tetragonum, Syntrichia robusta, and Polytrichum strictum) were grown ex situ in peat soil and in vitro using a agar Gamborg medium. After 91 days, 20% of fragments from A. malouinus feces, 50% of fragments from C. picta feces, and 67% of propagules from wild mosses produced new growth. The fact that moss diaspores remained viable and can regenerate under experimental conditions following the passage through the intestinal tracts of these robust fliers and altitudinal and latitudinal migrants suggests that sub‐Antarctic birds might play a role in bryophyte dispersal. This relationship may have important implications in the way bryophytes disperse and colonize habitats facing climate change.
Small Heterocyclic D‐π‐D‐π‐A Push‐Pull Molecules with Complex Electron Donors
Authors: Kulhánek Jiří , Pytela Oldřich , Bureš Filip , Klikar Milan
Published: June 2021

A large series of small push‐pull chromophores based on electron‐withdrawing N,N'‐dibutylthiobarbituric acid has been designed and successfully synthesized. The electron donating part involves common mesomeric donors such as methoxy, N,N‐dimethylamino, N,N‐diphenylamino, and piperidin‐1‐yl groups. Five‐membered heteroaromatics, namely thiophene, N‐methylpyrrole, and furan have been employed as electron rich π‐linkers and auxiliary donors. Structural analogues bearing aromatic 1,4‐phenylene linker were also synthesized for comparison. Fundamental thermal and optoelectronic properties were studied by differential scanning calorimetry, cyclic voltammetry, and absorption spectroscopy. Thorough structure‐property relationships were elucidated, focusing mostly on type of the used π‐linker and donor. All experimental conclusions are corroborated by theoretical calculations. The study has shown that a complex donor moiety may be built by properly combining mesomeric and auxiliary donors. Whereas strong mesomeric donor (amino) suppresses the donating effect of auxiliary donors/π‐linkers, a combination of weak donor (methoxy) appended at a five‐membered heterocycle pronounces the donating ability of the latter.
Microhole‐voltammograms Controlled by Solution Reservoir at Cationic and Anionic Ion Exchange Membranes
Authors: Liu Ling , Aoki Koichi Jeremiah , Chen Jingyuan
Published: June 2021

Microhole‐voltammetry in which ions pass through a hole by electric migration exhibits rectified current‐voltage curves. The rectification ratio, being of the high conductance to the low one, seems to depend on properties of ion exchange membranes. Our experiments at a cationic and an anionic membrane showed that the ratios for both the membranes were similar in spite of large difference in ionic capacities. The ratio was controlled by geometry of the reservoir of the solution rather than hole geometry and properties of membranes. Our model was composed of resistances of the hole, the membranes and the reservoir in series.
Monitoring Imidazoline Derivatives via Functionalized Nano‐Potentiometric Platforms in Aqueous Humor and Dosage Forms
Authors: Elbalkiny Heba T. , S. Saleh Sarah
Published: June 2021

The determination of two imidazoline derivatives [oxymetazoline HCl (OXY) and xylometazoline HCl (XYLO)] was described using different potentiometric platforms. The first electrode type was constructed using tetraphenyl borate (TPB) as anionic exchanger with β‐cyclodextrins (β‐CD) as ionophore forming oxymetazoline‐tetraphenyl borate (OXY‐TPB) and xylometazoline‐tetraphenyl borate (XYLO‐TPB), respectively. The second electrode type was prepared by modification of the first type by conjugation with magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MNP) forming (OXY‐MNP) and (XYLO‐MNP). The synthesized electrodes were fully characterized. The effect of magnetic nano‐sized particles as a highly dispersible material with β‐CDs on the electrode characteristics was investigated and compared against the classical electrodes. The response time, working pH range and selectivity coefficients were studied. The functionalized nano‐electrodes (OXY‐MNP and (XYLO‐MNP) were found to be more sensitive than the classical electrodes with linearity ranges (1×10−6–1×10−2 M). The functionalized nano‐electrodes were successfully applied for the in‐line analysis of OXY and XYLO in pharmaceutical dosage forms and spiked rabbit aqueous humor samples with no prior extraction of treatment. This suggests the future use of these electrodes in clinical studies of both drugs of interest.
Design of a digital‐PCR assay to quantify fragmented human mitochondrial DNA
Authors: Mosquera Alejandro , Guillén Rebeca , Otero Fátima , Rego‐Pérez Ignacio , Blanco Francisco J. , Fernández José Luis
Published: June 2021

Digital PCR (dPCR) has been adapted to quantify the proportion of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) molecules without and with double‐strand DNA breaks (DSBs). This is based on a break‐apart approach of two differentially labeled target sequences distantly located in the circular DNA molecule. When the two targets amplify in separated reaction partitions, the original mtDNA molecule should be fragmented by two DSBs at least, each in a different segment between targets. When both targets amplify in the same partition, it must correspond to a circular or linear mtDNA molecule. These two possibilities may be distinguished through a restriction endonuclease (RE) induced unique DSB within a DNA segment between the targets. After RE‐digestion, separation of both target signals in different partitions must indicate the presence of a previous linear mtDNA molecule. Otherwise, joint amplification in the same partition would correspond to an initial circular mtDNA that has been linearized by the endonuclease. The procedure was validated by assaying different proportions of mtDNA fragmented by in vitro digestion with REs, evidencing a perfect accordance between the expected theoretical values and dPCR quantification. Samples from peripheral blood cells, cellular and extracellular DNA from the U2OS cell line, as well as cells incubated with ethidium bromide to induce mtDNA depletion, were evaluated. The technique may be of interest to complement the studies of mtDNA in relation to aging and human disease, as well as to assess possible adverse effects of certain drugs that could be related to affectation of mtDNA.
Make reference checks more valuable to hiring process
Authors: Tolman Steven , Calhoun Daniel W.
Published: June 2021

Although each higher education job search process varies, they typically all require conducting reference checks as the last step before hiring an applicant.
Learn how you can support campus diversity while staying legally compliant
Authors: Dalessandro Dina
Published: June 2021

In the wake of last year's Black Lives Matter protests, many institutions made promises to increase support, representation, and funding for underrepresented students of color. But when seeking to implement, develop, and fundraise such measures, many remain unsure how to do so in a legally compliant manner.
Measuring Antimicrobial Use Needs Global Harmonization
Authors: Umair Muhammad , Mohsin Mashkoor , Sönksen Ute Wolff , Walsh Timothy Rutland , Kreienbrock Lothar , Laxminarayan Ramanan
Published: June 2021

Global health and global economies are predicted to be severely affected by antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The three organizations World Health Organization/World Organisation for Animal Health/Food and Agriculture Organization (WHO/OIE/FAO) are working in their domains to prevent any future AMR crisis. Antimicrobial use (AMU), especially in food animals, is contributing to the development and dissemination of AMR bacteria and genes. AMU monitoring is a strategic objective of the global and national action plans on AMR. However, the AMU reporting metrics at different levels are not harmonized yet, posing difficulties in comparisons among AMU data from different sources. A tripartite WHO/OIE/FAO collaboration is urgently required to develop and implement a globally accepted AMU metric system to ensure reliable comparisons among various data sets.
Fe‐Catalyzed Intramolecular Cross‐Dehydrogenative Arylation (CDA), Efficient Synthesis of 1‐Arylnaphthalenes and 4‐Arylcoumarins
Authors: Diao Haiyan , Wang Changcheng , Zhang Zhen , Shi Zhangjie , Liu Feng
Published: June 2021

Direct cross‐dehydrogenative coupling of different inert C−H bonds is the most straightforward and environmentally benign method to construct C−C bonds. In this paper, we developed an iron‐catalyzed intramolecular cross‐dehydrogenative arylation (CDA) between benzylic C(sp3)H bond and aromatic C(sp2)H bond. From the readily available linear substrates, 1‐arylnaphthalenes and 4‐arylcoumarins can be quickly constructed with moderate to good yield (18 examples, up to 73 % yield) in one step. Both symmetrical and unsymmetrical substrates with different functional groups could tolerate this system well to form the anticipated products. A radical initiated dehydrogenative cyclization‐dehydrogenation tandem process was proposed.
Exponential heat source effects on the stagnation‐point heat transport of Williamson nanoliquid with nonlinear Boussinesq approximation
Authors: Mahanthesh B. , Mackolil Joby , Shehzad Sabir A. , Al‐Kouz Wael
Published: June 2021

The nonlinear two‐point partial differential boundary value problem associated with the nano‐pseudoplastic material flow and heat transport subject to nonlinear Boussinesq approximation is computed and explored statistically. Heat transportation features are analyzed by the consideration of an exponential space‐related heat source and the Buongiorno model of nanofluids. The boundary‐driven expressions of the physical phenomenon are coupled and highly complicated due to the consideration of nonlinear convection terms. Reasonable variables are employed to reform the partial differential equations into a system of ordinary differential expressions and are solved numerically. Furthermore, correlation and regression techniques are employed for the statistical evaluation of the phenomenon. The probable error is implemented to calculate the reliability of the computed correlation factors. The exponential index and Schmidt number are positively correlated with the reduced skin friction coefficient whereas the other parameters are negatively correlated with it. The heat transfer rate is improved predominantly by the nonlinear thermal convection parameter. The temperature is enhanced by the intensification of the exponential‐based heat source factor. The temperature and concentration profiles are boosted by incrementing the Biot number values.
A modern network approach to revisiting the Positive and Negative Affective Schedule (PANAS) construct validity
Authors: Flores‐Kanter Pablo E. , Garrido Luis Eduardo , Moretti Luciana S. , Medrano Leonardo A.
Published: June 2021

Introduction

The factor structure of the Positive and Negative Affective Schedule (PANAS) is still a topic of debate. There are several reasons why using Exploratory Graph Analysis (EGA) for scale validation is advantageous and can help understand and resolve conflicting results in the factor analytic literature.

Objective

The main objective of the present study was to advance the knowledge regarding the factor structure underlying the PANAS scores by utilizing the different functionalities of the EGA method. EGA was used to (1) estimate the dimensionality of the PANAS scores, (2) establish the stability of the dimensionality estimate and of the item assignments into the dimensions, and (3) assess the impact of potential redundancies across item pairs on the dimensionality and structure of the PANAS scores.

Method

This assessment was carried out across two studies that included two large samples of participants.

Results and Conclusion

In sum, the results are consistent with a two‐factor oblique structure.
The stigma system: How sociopolitical domination, scapegoating, and stigma shape public health
Authors: Friedman Samuel R. , Williams Leslie D. , Guarino Honoria , Mateu‐Gelabert Pedro , Krawczyk Noa , Hamilton Leah , Walters Suzan M. , Ezell Jerel M. , Khan Maria , Di Iorio Jorgelina , Yang Lawrence H. , Earnshaw Valerie A.
Published: June 2021

Stigma is a fundamental driver of adverse health outcomes. Although stigma is often studied at the individual level to focus on how stigma influences the mental and physical health of the stigmatized, considerable research has shown that stigma is multilevel and structural. This paper proposes a theoretical approach that synthesizes the literature on stigma with the literature on scapegoating and divide‐and‐rule as strategies that the wealthy and powerful use to maintain their power and wealth; the literatures on racial, gender, and other subordination; the literature on ideology and organization in sociopolitical systems; and the literature on resistance and rebellion against stigma, oppression and other forms of subordination. we develop a model of the “stigma system” as a dialectic of interacting and conflicting structures and processes. Understanding this system can help public health reorient stigma interventions to address the sources of stigma as well as the individual problems that stigma creates. On a broader level, this model can help those opposing stigma and its effects to develop alliances and strategies with which to oppose stigma and the processes that create it.
Oncogenic RAS drives the CRAF‐dependent extracellular vesicle uptake mechanism coupled with metastasis
Authors: Choi Dongsic , Montermini Laura , Meehan Brian , Lazaris Anthoula , Metrakos Peter , Rak Janusz
Published: June 2021

Oncogenic RAS impacts communication between cancer cells and their microenvironment, but it is unclear how this process influences cellular interactions with extracellular vesicles (EVs). This is important as intercellular EV trafficking plays a key role in cancer invasion and metastasis. Here we report that overexpression of mutant RAS drives the EV internalization switch from endocytosis (in non‐transformed cells) to macropinocytosis (in cancer cells) resulting in enhanced EV uptake. This process depends on the surface proteoglycan, fibronectin and EV engulfment mechanism regulated by CRAF. Both mutant RAS and activated CRAF expression is associated with formation of membrane ruffles to which they colocalize along with actin, sodium‐hydrogen exchangers (NHEs) and phosphorylated myosin phosphatase (pMYPT). RAS‐transformed cells internalize EVs in the vicinity of ruffled structures followed by apparent trafficking to lysosome and degradation. NHE inhibitor (EIPA) suppresses RAS‐driven EV uptake, along with adhesion‐independent clonal growth and experimental metastasis in mice. Thus, EV uptake may represent a targetable step in progression of RAS‐driven cancers.
IZUMO family member 3, IZUMO3, is involved in male fertility through the acrosome formation
Authors: Inoue Naokazu , Satouh Yuhkoh , Wada Ikuo
Published: June 2021

Many factors are involved in acrosome biogenesis in order for appropriate acrosome formation to occur. Here, we demonstrate that IZUMO family member 3, IZUMO3, plays an important role in acrosome biogenesis, as proven by gene disruption experiments. A loss of IZUMO3 in round spermatids affects acrosomal granule positioning due to lack of acrosomal granule contact with the inner acrosomal membrane, leading to the formation of grossly malformed spermatozoa associated with male subfertility. Thus, we suggest that mammalian spermiogenesis needs an elaborate acrosome biogenesis through IZUMO3 involvement.
Dynamic inventory control with payment delay and credit limit
Authors: Li Yanhai , Gu Chaocheng , Chen Wenbo
Published: June 2021

The credit limit is the maximum amount of accounts payable (AP) that a firm owes to its supplier. This limit establishes a tie between the effective purchasing cost and the order quantity as well as the AP level. We present a multi‐period stochastic inventory model with payment delay and credit limit. Our model aims to capture the property of the optimal ordering policy with respect to the AP and inventory states. For the backlogging and lost‐sales cases, we present the method to reduce the dimension of state space. In both cases, the optimal order quantity is demonstrated to be decreasing in the AP and inventory level of each age. In addition, the sensitivity of the optimal order quantity with respect to the AP decreases with age. That is, the optimal order quantity is more sensitive to the younger AP. In the backlogging case, the base‐stock policy is not optimal due to the presence of credit limits. Somewhat surprisingly, our numerical example shows that the optimal order quantity is not necessarily increasing in the credit limit. Finally, based on the L♮‐convexity of the cost‐to‐go function, we design a linear programming greedy heuristic policy for the infinite‐horizon version of our model with independent and identically distributed demands. Numerical results show that our heuristic policy performs well.
Music to a marketer's ears: Streaming services and recruitment
Authors: Talarico Donna
Published: June 2021

in last month's marketing column, we explored over‐the‐top advertising, which focuses on on‐demand services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. This time, we'll dive into audio‐only streaming.
Use storytelling to show how your institution is distinct, encourage students to enroll
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: June 2021

At one time, colleges and universities benefited from their prestige and from the attitude that people need a degree to be successful, said Joseph Lapin, Vice President of Marketing and Brand Strategy at Archer Education. But there's been a major shift, Lapin added.
Enhancement in thermo‐electric energy harvesting efficiency by embedding PDMS in form‐stable PCM composites
Authors: Yu Chengbin , Youn Jae Ryoun , Song Young Seok
Published: June 2021

Graphene aerogel is widely utilized as a supporting material for latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) applications, since the three‐dimensional (3D) interconnected structure can hold the working materials. In this work, the mechanical properties and flexibilities of the graphene aerogel were enhanced to reduce the volume shrinkage of phase change material (PCM) composites while the material melts and is infiltrated. For this, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was introduced to the aerogel by solution spray treatment. Because the latent heat (ΔH) is proportional to the PCM weight, the volume shrinkage can influence the thermo‐electric energy conversion efficiency. The PDMS‐embedded in graphene aerogel significantly enhanced the mechanical property and dimensional stability. Finite element simulation was carried out for comparison with the experimental result.
Influence of surface treatments and coupling agents on the thermal and thermo‐mechanical properties of yerba mate/post‐consumer polypropylene composites
Authors: Hansen Betina , Borsoi Cleide , Gemmer Ruan Ezequiel , Dahlem Júnior Marcos Aurélio , Zattera Ademir José , Catto André Luis
Published: June 2021

The main objective of this work is to evaluate an interaction between yerba mate fibers (YM) and post‐consumption polypropylene (r‐PP) using the surface treatments and coupling agent. YM fibers were submitted to two different surface treatments: alkaline solution (NaOH 10%) and 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTS) (5 wt%). The influence of 5 wt% addition of maleic anhydride (MA)‐grafted polypropylene copolymer (PP‐g‐MA) coupling agent in the composite processing was also evaluated. YM of 30 wt% was loaded into r‐PP by extrusion, and then the specimens were prepared by injection molding. The results showed that all treatments were effective in improving thermal stability increase the maximum degradation temperature by approximately 5°C, as also confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry analysis. Composite with PP‐g‐MA presented the greater increase in thermal stability and in the crystallization index (approximately 46% in relation to the r‐PP/YM30 composite). DMA analysis revealed increases in the storage and loss moduli and a decrease in the damping factor for all composites produced with treated fibers and coupling agent. The enhancement of the analyzed properties of these composites is related to the better interfacial adhesion between YM fiber and r‐PP, which was confirmed by scanning electron microscope micrographs.
Inhibition of TMPRSS4 mediated epithelial‐mesenchymal transition is critically involved in antimetastatic effect of melatonin in colorectal cancers
Authors: Oh Bum Suk , Im Eunji , Lee Hyo‐Jung , Sim Deok Yong , Park Ji Eon , Park Woon Yi , Park Youngsang , Koo Jinsuk , Pak Ji‐Na , Kim Dong Hee , Shim Bum Sang , Kim Sung‐Hoon
Published: June 2021

In the current study, the underlying anti‐metastatic mechanism of melatonin contained in some edible plants was explored in association with transmembrane protease serine 4 (TMPRSS4) mediated metastasis and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) signaling in human HCT15 and SW620 colorectal cancer cells. Here, TMPRSS4 was highly expressed in HCT15, but was weakly expressed in SW620 cells. Melatonin exerted weak cytotoxicity, decreased invasion, adhesion, and migration, and attenuated the expression of TMPRSS4, cyclin E, pro‐urokinase‐type plasminogen activator (pro‐uPA), p‐signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p‐STAT3), p‐focal adhesion kinase (p‐FAK), Snail and increased the expression of E‐cadherin, p27, pp38 and p‐Jun N‐terminal kinases (p‐JNK) in HCT15 cells. Conversely, overexpression of TMPRSS4 reduced the ability of melatonin to activate E‐cadherin and reduce Snail. Furthermore, even in SW620 cells transfected with TMPRSS4‐overexpression plasmid, melatonin effectively suppressed invasion and migration along with decreased expression of Snail, cyclin A, cyclin E, pro‐uPA and p‐FAK and increased expression of E‐cadherin and p27. Overall, these findings provide evidence that melatonin suppresses metastasis in colon cancer cells via inhibition of TMPRSS4 mediated EMT.
Therapeutic targets of natural products for the management of cardiovascular symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019
Authors: Mohammadi Pour Pardis , Farzaei Mohammad Hosein , Soleiman Dehkordi Ebrahim , Bishayee Anupam , Asgary Sedigheh
Published: June 2021

The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) was first occurred in China in December 2019 and subsequently spread all over the world with cardiovascular, renal, and pulmonary symptoms. Therefore, recognizing and treating the cardiovascular sign and symptoms that caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) can be effective in reducing patient mortality. To control the COVID‐19‐related cardiovascular symptoms, natural products are considered one of the promising choices as complementary medicine. Scientists are struggling to discover new antiviral agents specific to this virus. In this review, the natural products for management of cardiovascular symptoms of COVID‐19 are categorized into three groups: (a) natural products with an impact on angiotensin II type 1 receptor; (b) natural products that inhibit angiotensin‐converting enzyme activity; and (c) natural products that mimic adenosine activity. All these natural products should undergo clinical investigations to test their efficacy, safety, and toxicity in the treatment of cardiovascular symptoms of COVID‐19. This article summarizes agents with potential efficacy against COVID‐19‐related cardiovascular symptoms.
Enhancement of Synaptic Characteristics Achieved by the Optimization of Proton–Electron Coupling Effect in a Solid‐State Electrolyte‐Gated Transistor
Authors: Jin Dong‐Gyu , Kim Seung‐Hwan , Kim Seung‐Geun , Park June , Park Euyjin , Yu Hyun‐Yong
Published: June 2021

Presently, the 3‐terminal artificial synapse device has been in focus for neuromorphic computing systems owing to its excellent weight controllability. Here, an artificial synapse device based on the 3‐terminal solid‐state electrolyte‐gated transistor is proposed to achieve outstanding synaptic characteristics with a human‐like mechanism at low power. Novel synaptic characteristics are accomplished by precisely tuning the threshold voltage using the proton‐electron coupling effect, which is caused by proton migration inside the electrolyte. However, these synaptic characteristics are degraded because traps at the interface of channel/electrolyte disturb the proton–electron coupling effect. To minimize degradation, the oxygen plasma treatment is performed to reduce interface traps. As a result, symmetric weight updates and outstanding synaptic characteristics are achieved. Furthermore, high repeatability and long‐term plasticity are observed at low operating power, which is essential for artificial synapses. Therefore, this study shows the progress of artificial synapses and proposes a promising method, a low‐power neuromorphic system, to achieve high accuracy.
Root architecture development in stony soils
Authors: Morandage Shehan , Vanderborght Jan , Zörner Mirjam , Cai Gaochao , Leitner Daniel , Vereecken Harry , Schnepf Andrea
Published: June 2021

Soils with high stone content represent a challenge to root development, as each stone is an obstacle to root growth. A high stone content also affects soil properties such as temperature or water content, which in turn affects root growth. We investigated the effects of all soil properties combined on root development in the field using both experiments and modeling. Field experiments were carried out in rhizotron facilities during two consecutive growing seasons (wheat [Triticum aestivum L.] and maize [Zea mays L.]) in silty loam soils with high (>50%) and low (<4%) stone contents. We extended the CPlantBox root architecture model to explicitly consider the presence of stones and simulated root growth on the plot scale over the whole vegetation period. We found that a linear increase of stone content resulted in a linear decrease of rooting depth across all stone contents and developmental stages considered, whereas rooting depth was only sensitive to cracks below a certain crack density and at earlier growth stages. Moreover, the impact of precipitation‐influenced soil strength had a relatively stronger impact on simulated root arrival curves during the vegetation periods than soil temperature. Resulting differences between stony and non‐stony soil of otherwise the same crop and weather conditions show similar trends as the differences observed in the rhizotron facilities. The combined belowground effects resulted in differences in characteristic root system measures of up to 48%. In future work, comparison of absolute values will require including shoot effects—in particular, different carbon availabilities.
A bibliometric analysis of orthogeriatric care: top 50 articles
Authors: Bastian Johannes Dominik , Meier Malin Kristin , Ernst Raphael Simon , Gieger Jochen , Stuck Andreas Ernst
Published: June 2021

Background

Population is ageing and orthogeriatric care is an emerging research topic.

Purpose

This bibliometric review aims to provide an overview, to investigate the status and trends in research in the field of orthogeriatric care of the most influential literature.

Methods

From the Core Collection databases in the Thomson Reuters Web of Knowledge, the most influential original articles with reference to orthogeriatric care were identified in December 2020 using a multistep approach. A total of 50 articles were included and analysed in this bibliometric review.

Results

The 50 most cited articles were published between 1983 and 2017. The number of total citations per article ranged from 34 to 704 citations (mean citations per article: n = 93). Articles were published in 34 different journals between 1983 and 2017. In the majority of publications, geriatricians (62%) accounted for the first authorship, followed by others (20%) and (orthopaedic) surgeons (18%). Articles mostly originated from Europe (76%), followed by Asia–pacific (16%) and Northern America (8%). Key countries (UK, Sweden, and Spain) and key topic (hip fracture) are key drivers in the orthogeriatric research. The majority of articles reported about therapeutic studies (62%).

Conclusion

This bibliometric review acknowledges recent research. Orthogeriatric care is an emerging research topic in which surgeons have a potential to contribute and other topics such as intraoperative procedures, fractures other than hip fractures or elective surgery are related topics with the potential for widening the field to research.
Freisetzung von Aluminium aus Glitzerpartikeln bei herausnehmbaren kieferorthopädischen Apparaturen
Authors: Wepner Lena , Färber Harald Andreas , Weber Anna , Jaensch Andreas , Keilig Ludger , Heuser Florian Andreas , Bourauel Christoph Peter
Published: June 2021

Hintergrund und Ziel

Um bei kieferorthopädischen Behandlungen die Therapietreue von Kindern zu unterstützen, werden bei herausnehmbaren Apparaturen häufig Glitzerpartikel in den Kunststoff eingebettet, die Aluminium (Al) enthalten. Bei einer Tragedauer von bis zu 16 h täglich über 2–3 Jahre kann angenommen werden, dass über die Zeit Al-Ionen in den Speichel diffundieren. Ziel der Studie war es, die Freisetzung von Al-Ionen aus dem Kunststoff unter Verwendung verschiedener kieferorthopädischer Drähte zu untersuchen.

Materialien und Methode

Es wurden Prüfkörper (Oberfläche 5,65 cm2) aus kieferorthopädischem Kunststoff und verschiedenen Drähten angefertigt; die Hälfte enthielt Glitzerpartikel aus Aluminium. Die Prüfkörper wurden 7 Tage lang in Petrischalen mit 50 ml Korrosionsmedium (pH 2,3) gem. DIN EN ISO 10271 bei 37 °C eingelegt. Zur Quantifizierung der spezifischen Ionen in der Korrosionslösung wurde die induktiv gekoppelte Plasmamassenspektrometrie (inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry, ICP-MS) verwendet.

Ergebnisse

Die statistische Analyse zeigte einen signifikanten Unterschied in der Konzentration der Al-Ionen zwischen Proben mit und ohne Glitzerpartikel. Die Konzentrationen aus Proben mit Glitzer erreichten bis zu 14.474 μg/l Al-Ionen, Proben ohne Glitzer enthielten im Durchschnitt 1260 μg/l. Ein geringer Anteil der Al-Ionen kann aus den Legierungen der Drähte stammen.

Schlussfolgerungen

Es sollte untersucht werden, ob die Aluminiumkonzentration zu Gesundheitsrisiken für den Menschen führen kann. Angesichts der Befunde sollten Kieferorthopäden keine glitzerhaltigen Apparaturen anbieten, um die Aluminiumaufnahme mit dem Speichel zu minimieren. Es muss geklärt werden, ob die in der Mundhöhle vorgefundenen Bedingungen zu gleichen Ergebnissen führen wie unter den oben genannten. Gesetzliche Regelungen sollten entwickelt werden, um die Freisetzung von Aluminium aus kieferorthopädischen Produkten zu begrenzen.
A DNA microarray for the authentication of giant tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon) and whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus (Litopenaeus) vannamei): a proof-of-principle
Authors: Kappel Kristina , Fafińska Joanna , Fischer Markus , Fritsche Jan
Published: June 2021

This proof-of-principle study describes the development of a rapid and easy-to-use DNA microarray assay for the authentication of giant tiger prawns and whiteleg shrimp. Following DNA extraction and conventional end-point PCR of a 16S rDNA segment, the PCR products are hybridised to species-specific oligonucleotide probes on DNA microarrays located at the bottom of centrifuge tubes (ArrayTubes) and the resulting signal patterns are compared to those of reference specimens. A total of 21 species-specific probes were designed and signal patterns were recorded for 47 crustacean specimens belonging to 16 species of seven families. A hierarchical clustering of the signal patterns demonstrated the specificity of the DNA microarray for the two target species. The DNA microarray can easily be expanded to other important crustaceans. As the complete assay can be performed within half a day and does not require taxonomic expertise, it represents a rapid and simple alternative to tedious DNA barcoding and could be used by crustacean trading companies as well as food control authorities for authentication of crustacean commodities.

Graphical abstract
Patterns and Effects of Admission Hyperglycemia and Inflammatory Response in Trauma Patients: A Prospective Clinical Study
Authors: El‐Menyar Ayman , Asim Mohammad , Mir Fayaz , Hakim Suhail , Kanbar Ahad , Siddiqui Tariq , Younis Basil , Ahmed Khalid , Mahmood Ismail , Atique Sajid , Al Jogol Hisham , Taha Ibrahim , Mustafa Fuad , Alabdallat Mohammad , Abdelrahman Husham , Peralta Ruben , Al‐Thani Hassan
Published: June 2021

Background

The constellation of the initial hyperglycemia, proinflammatory cytokines and severity of injury among trauma patients is understudied. We aimed to evaluate the patterns and effects of on‐admission hyperglycemia and inflammatory response in a level 1 trauma center. We hypothesized that higher initial readings of blood glucose and cytokines are associated with severe injuries and worse in‐hospital outcomes in trauma patients.

Methods

A prospective, observational study was conducted for adult trauma patients who were admitted and tested for on‐admission blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐18 and hs‐CRP. Patients were categorized into four groups [non‐diabetic normoglycemic, diabetic normoglycemic, diabetic hyperglycemic (DH) and stress‐induced hyperglycemic (SIH)]. The inflammatory markers were measured on three time points (admission, 24 h and 48 h). Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to account for the correlation for the inflammatory markers. Pearson's correlation test and logistic regression analysis were also performed.

Results

During the study period, 250 adult trauma patients were enrolled. Almost 13% of patients presented with hyperglycemia (50% had SIH and 50% had DH). Patients with SIH were younger, had significantly higher Injury Severity Score (ISS), higher IL‐6 readings, prolonged hospital length of stay and higher mortality. The SIH group had lower Revised Trauma Score (p = 0.005), lower Trauma Injury Severity Score (p = 0.01) and lower GCS (p = 0.001). Patients with hyperglycemia had higher in‐hospital mortality than the normoglycemia group (12.5% vs 3.7%; p = 0.02). A significant correlation was identified between the initial blood glucose level and serum lactate, IL‐6, ISS and hospital length of stay. Overall rate of change in slope 88.54 (95% CI:‐143.39–33.68) points was found more in hyperglycemia than normoglycemia group (p = 0.002) for IL‐6 values, whereas there was no statistical significant change in slopes of age, gender and their interaction. The initial IL‐6 levels correlated with ISS (r = 0.40, p = 0.001). On‐admission hyperglycemia had an adjusted odds ratio 2.42 (95% CI: 1.076–5.447, p = 0.03) for severe injury (ISS > 12) after adjusting for age, shock index and blood transfusion.

Conclusions

In trauma patients, on‐admission hyperglycemia correlates well with the initial serum IL‐6 level and is associated with more severe injuries. Therefore, it could be a simple marker of injury severity and useful tool for patient triage and risk assessment.

Trial registration

This study was registered at the ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT02999386), retrospectively Registered on December 21, 2016. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02999386.
FHOD1 and FMNL1 formin proteins in intestinal gastric cancer: correlation with tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes and molecular subtypes
Authors: Mansuri Naziha , Heuser Vanina D. , Birkman Eva-Maria , Lintunen Minnamaija , Ålgars Annika , Sundström Jari , Ristamäki Raija , Carpén Olli , Lehtinen Laura
Published: June 2021

Background

Gastric cancer (GC) is the third most common cause of cancer death. Intestinal type GC is a molecularly diverse disease. Formins control cytoskeletal processes and have been implicated in the progression of many cancers. Their clinical significance in GC remains unclear. Here, we characterize the expression of formin proteins FHOD1 and FMNL1 in intestinal GC tissue samples and investigate their association with clinical parameters, GC molecular subtypes and intratumoral T lymphocytes.

Methods

The prognostic significance of FHOD1 and FMNL1 mRNA expression was studied with Kaplan–Meier analyses in an online database. The expression of FHOD1 and FMNL1 proteins was characterized in GC cells, and in non-neoplastic and malignant tissues utilizing tumor microarrays of intestinal GC representing different molecular subtypes. FHOD1 and FMNL1 expression was correlated with clinical parameters, molecular features and T lymphocyte infiltration. Immunohistochemical expression of neither formin correlated with survival.

Results

Kaplan–Meier analysis associated high FHOD1 and FMNL1 mRNA expression with reduced overall survival (OS). Characterization of FHOD1 and FMNL1 in GC cells showed cytoplasmic expression along the actin filaments. Similar pattern was recapitulated in GC tissue samples. Elevated FMNL1 was associated with larger tumor size and higher disease stage. Downregulation of FHOD1 associated with TP53-mutated GC tumors. Tumor cell FHOD1 expression strongly correlated with high numbers of tumor-infiltrating CD8 + lymphocytes.

Conclusions

FHOD1 and FMNL1 proteins are expressed in the tumor cells of intestinal GC and significantly associate with clinical parameters without direct prognostic significance. FHOD1 correlates with high intratumoral CD8 + T lymphocyte infiltration in this cohort.
The Over-Riding Role of Autocatalysis in Allylic Oxidation
Authors: Miedziak Peter J. , Pattisson Samuel , Edwards Jennifer K. , Tarbit Brian , Taylor Stuart H. , Hutchings Graham J.
Published: June 2021

In this paper we aim to highlight the need to consider the possible role of autocatalysis in oxidation reactions when using molecular oxygen as the terminal oxidant. Oxygen in its ground state is a diradical, and depending on the reaction conditions, it can initiate oxidation through radical pathways through mechanisms which do not require the presence of a catalyst. Consequently, we contrast the oxidation of benzyl alcohol with oxidation of α-pinene. For benzyl alcohol oxidation the initial reaction is the oxidative dehydrogenation to form benzaldehyde, a non-radical process; but the subsequent over-oxidation to benzoic acid is a radical process. In this case the role of the autocatalysed reaction can be minimised. With α-pinene, the oxidation reaction is via radical pathways and now the autocatalysed reaction can be dominant and, indeed, can be the preferred pathway for the formation of high yields of the desired verbenone product.

Graphic Abstract
An in-depth analysis of the individual impact of controlled language rules on machine translation output: a mixed-methods approach
Authors: Marzouk Shaimaa
Published: June 2021

Examining the general impact of Controlled Language (CL) rules in the context of Machine Translation (MT) has been an area of research for many years. The present study focuses on the following question: how do CL rules impact MT outputindividually? By analysing a German corpus-based test suite of technical texts that have been translated into English by different MT systems, this study endeavours to answer this question at different levels: the general impact of CL rules (rule- and system-independent), their impact at rule level (system-independent) as well as at rule and system level. The results of five MT systems are analysed and contrasted: a rule-based system, a statistical system, two differently constructed hybrid systems, and a neural system. For this, a mixed-methods triangulation approach that includes error annotation, human evaluation, and automatic evaluation was applied. The data was analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively in terms of CL influence on the following parameters: number and type of MT errors, style and content quality, and scores of two automatic evaluation metrics. In line with many studies, the results show a general positive impact of the applied CL rules on the MT output. However, at rule level, only four rules proved to have positive effects on the aforementioned parameters; three rules had negative effects on the parameters; and two rules did not show any significant impact. At rule and system level, the rules affected the MT systems differently, as expected. Rules that had a positive impact on earlier MT approaches did not show the same impact on the neural MT approach. Furthermore, neural MT delivered distinctly better results than earlier MT approaches, namely the highest error-free, style and content quality rates both before and after applying the rules, which indicates that neural MT offers a promising solution that no longer requires CL rules for improving the MT output.
Enhancing Cubes with Models to Describe Multidimensional Data
Authors: Francia Matteo , Marcel Patrick , Peralta Verónika , Rizzi Stefano
Published: June 2021

The Intentional Analytics Model (IAM) has been recently envisioned as a new paradigm to couple OLAP and analytics. It relies on two basic ideas: (i) letting the user explore data by expressing her analysis intentions rather than the data she needs, and (ii) returning enhanced cubes, i.e., multidimensional data annotated with knowledge insights in the form of interesting model components (e.g., clusters). In this paper we contribute to give a proof-of-concept for the IAM vision by delivering an end-to-end implementation of , one of the five intention operators introduced by IAM. Among the research challenges left open in IAM, those we address are (i) automatically tuning the size of models (e.g., the number of clusters), (ii) devising a measure to estimate the interestingness of model components, (iii) selecting the most effective chart or graph for visualizing each enhanced cube depending on its features, and (iv) devising a visual metaphor to display enhanced cubes and interact with them. We assess the validity of our approach in terms of user effort for formulating intentions, effectiveness, efficiency, and scalability.
Stratifications on the Ran Space
Authors: Lazovskis Jānis
Published: June 2021

We describe a partial order on finite simplicial complexes. This partial order provides a poset stratification of the product of the Ran space of a metric space and the nonnegative real numbers, through the Čech simplicial complex. We show that paths in this product space respecting its stratification induce simplicial maps between the endpoints of the path.
Chemical Disinfection of Potato Cutting Machinery to Avoid Dissemination of Clavibacter sepedonicus
Authors: Stevens L. H. , Tom J. Y. , Mendes O. , van der Zouwen P. S. , van der Wolf J. M.
Published: June 2021

A potential cause of the dissemination of the potato ring rot bacterium Clavibacter sepedonicus (Cs) is the use of automated seed potato cutters. The present study focuses on the question of whether disinfection practices are sufficient to prevent the transmission of Cs from contaminated machine parts to a new tuber lot. The disinfection efficacy was determined by establishing the culturability of Cs that remained after spray application of sodium-p-toluenesulfochloramide solution on clean and fouled specimens of machinery material that had been provided with an imprint of Cs biofilm. Although conventional spraying, with the authorized concentration of sodium-p-toluenesulfochloramide, of inoculated rubber, PVC and lacquered steel led to a substantial decrease of colony forming units, the treatment was insufficient for complete eradication of Cs. The presence of dirt negatively affected the efficacy of the disinfectant.