bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Series and Products in the Development of Mathematics
Authors: Roy Ranjan
Published: March 2021

This is the second volume of a two-volume work that traces the development of series and products from 1380 to 2000 by presenting and explaining the interconnected concepts and results of hundreds of unsung as well as celebrated mathematicians. Some chapters deal with the work of primarily one mathematician on a pivotal topic, and other chapters chronicle the progress over time of a given topic. This updated second edition of Sources in the Development of Mathematics adds extensive context, detail, and primary source material, with many sections rewritten to more clearly reveal the significance of key developments and arguments. Volume 1, accessible even to advanced undergraduate students, discusses the development of the methods in series and products that do not employ complex analytic methods or sophisticated machinery. Volume 2 examines more recent results, including deBranges' resolution of Bieberbach's conjecture and Nevanlinna's theory of meromorphic functions.
Urinary tract infection treatment practices in nursing homes reporting to the National Healthcare Safety Network, 2017
Authors: Kabbani Sarah , Palms Danielle , Bell Jeneita M. , Hicks Lauri A. , Stone Nimalie D.
Published: March 2021

We describe differences between urinary tract infection treatment and events reported by nursing homes enrolled in the National Healthcare Safety Network. In 2017, almost 4 times as many antibiotic starts as infection events were reported, suggesting that opportunities exist for antibiotic stewardship and improvement of urinary tract infection reporting.
International Monetary Fund Riots or Nasserian Revolt? Thinking Fluid Memories: Egypt 1977
Authors: Henry Mélanie
Published: March 2021

In recorded memory, the 1977 uprising in Egypt appears as the end of a cycle. Yet, at an international level, it marks the beginning of a wave of protest against International Monetary Fund measures. In this article, I study how communist memories of the uprising, which are the only ones recorded, have built up a disregard for 1977's “immature” insurgents. The article investigates how these narratives can inform us about the history of the uprising and argues that the search for a Cartesian-type collective subject among insurgents limits our understanding of the insurrection. It refers extensively to the Alexandria Arsenal, a state-owned shipbuilding company where the uprising began, and the relationship between this “vanguard” and the rest of the insurgents. It deconstructs the theoretical presupposition of an analogy between insurgents and a Cartesian subject that permeates the sources, and also the concepts of “collective memory” and “moral economy”. This leads inevitably to the diagnosis of a defective subject. It favours the concept of “fluid memory” and highlights other “January 1977s”.
Functional soil organic matter fractions in response to long-term fertilizer management in a double-cropping paddy field of southern China
Authors: Tang Haiming , Li Chao , Shi Lihong , Wen Li , Cheng Kaikai , Li Weiyan , Xiao Xiaoping
Published: March 2021

Soil organic matter (SOM) and its fractions play an important role in maintaining or improving soil quality and soil fertility. Therefore, the effects of a 34-year long-term fertilizer regime on six functional SOM fractions under a double-cropping rice paddy field of southern China were studied in the current paper. The field experiment included four different fertilizer treatments: chemical fertilizer alone (MF), rice straw residue and chemical fertilizer (RF), 30% organic manure and 70% chemical fertilizer (OM) and without fertilizer input as control (CK). The results showed that coarse unprotected particulate organic matter (cPOM), biochemically, physically–biochemically and chemically protected silt-sized fractions (NH-dSilt, NH-μSilt and H-dSilt) were the main carbon (C) storage fractions under long-term fertilization conditions, accounting for 16.7–26.5, 31.1–35.6, 16.2–17.3 and 7.5–8.2% of the total soil organic carbon (SOC) content in paddy soil, respectively. Compared with control, OM treatment increased the SOC content in the cPOM, fine unprotected POM fraction, pure physically protected fraction and physico-chemically protected fractions by 58.9, 106.7, 117.6 and 28.3%, respectively. The largest proportion of SOC to total SOC in the different fractions was biochemically protected, followed by chemically and unprotected, and physically protected were the smallest. These results suggested that a physical protection mechanism plays an important role in stabilizing C of paddy soil. In summary, the results showed that higher functional SOM fractions and physical protection mechanism play an important role in SOM cycling in terms of C sequestration under the double-cropping rice paddy field.
Lecanactis (Roccellaceae) in Tasmania, with the description of a new saxicolous species and a revised key for the genus in Australia
Authors: Kantvilas Gintaras
Published: March 2021

The lichen genus Lecanactis Körb. in Tasmania comprises six species: L. abietina (Ach.) Körb., which is widespread and pan-temperate; L. latispora Egea & Torrente and L. neozelandica Egea & Torrente, both shared with New Zealand and with the former recorded here from the Auckland Islands for the first time; L. mollis (Stirt.) Frisch & Ertz, shared with Victoria and New Zealand; L. aff. dilleniana (Ach.) Körb., a European species recorded provisionally for Tasmania on the basis of several sterile collections; L. scopulicola Kantvilas, which is described here as new to science and apparently a Tasmanian endemic. This new taxon occurs in rocky underhangs and is characterized by a thick, leprose thallus containing schizopeltic acid, and 3-septate ascospores, 19–30 × 4.5–6 μm. Short descriptions and a discussion of distribution and ecology are given for all species. A key for all 11 Australian species of the genus is provided, including L. subfarinosa (C. Knight) Hellb. and L. tibelliana Egea & Torrente, which are recorded for Australia for the first time, and L. platygraphoides (Müll.Arg.) Zahlbr., a first record for New South Wales. Lecanactis spermatospora Egea & Torrente and L. sulphurea Egea & Torrente are also included.
A preliminary phylogeny of theLecanora saligna-group, with notes on species delimitation
Authors: Ivanovich Cristóbal , Dolnik Christian , Otte Volker , Palice Zdeněk , Sohrabi Mohammad , Printzen Christian
Published: March 2021

Lecanoras. lat. is a genus of crustose, rarely placodioid lichens comprisingc. 1000 recognized species and subdivided into several morphology-based groups. Some of these groups have been supported in phylogenetic analyses and segregated as new genera. One of the remaining groups that has not been previously studied by molecular methods in much detail, theL. saligna-group, includes corticolous and lignicolous crustose lichens, usually containing isousnic or usnic acid (or both) as major secondary metabolites. As part of our ongoing project ‘Lecanomics’, a phylogenetic analysis based on two loci was conducted and found theL. saligna-group to be divided into two main clades and several well-supported minor clades. TheL. variaclade, chosen as one of the outgroups, emerged within theL. saligna-group. The majority of the clades are characterized by phenotypic differences. However, several well-supported clades share similarities with their sister groups, suggesting that species circumscriptions based solely on phenotypic characters may be too conservative to characterize the true species diversity present within the group. Also, there is evidence for some geographical separation of lineages; for example, most North American individuals, previously known asLecanora salignaandL. albellula, form two clades separate from their European namesakes and are here preliminarily called ‘Lecanorasp. B’, ‘Lecanorasp. C’ and ‘Lecanorasp. D’. However,L. salignaandL. albellulaalso appear to occur in North America, and some specimens from the Caucasus and Iran cluster within the North American clades.Lecanora anoptaandL. subravidaare reported for the first time from Iran.
Higher horospherical limit sets for G-modules over CAT(0)-spaces
Authors: BIERI ROBERT , GEOGHEGAN ROSS
Published: March 2021

The Σ-invariants of Bieri–Neumann–Strebel and Bieri–Renz involve an action of a discrete group G on a geometrically suitable space M. In the early versions, M was always a finite-dimensional Euclidean space on which G acted by translations. A substantial literature exists on this, connecting the invariants to group theory and to tropical geometry (which, actually, Σ-theory anticipated). More recently, we have generalized these invariants to the case where M is a proper CAT(0) space on which G acts by isometries. The “zeroth stage” of this was developed in our paper [BG16]. The present paper provides a higher-dimensional extension of the theory to the “nth stage” for any n.
THE NEED FOR GOVERNMENTAL INEFFICIENCY IN PLATO’S REPUBLIC
Authors: Hersch Gil
Published: March 2021

In Book II of Plato’s Republic, Socrates discusses the cities of necessity and luxury (372d–373a). Discussions of these cities have often focused on citizens desiring more than they need, which creates a demand for luxury. Yet the second part of the equation, which is not usually recognized, is that there must be sufficient supply to meet this demand. The focus of this article is on the importance of supply in the discussion of the first two cities in Book II of the Republic. This article argues that the way Plato models the cities makes it the case that a surplus above levels of necessity will be generated from time to time. That the unwanted surplus cannot be spontaneously disposed of entails that the first two cities are institutionally incomplete. A government is needed in order to coordinate the disposal of the surplus supply the city will produce.
Effectiveness of transdiagnostic seminars to support patients with common mental disorders: a multi-service practice research network study
Authors: Gaskell Chris , Askey-Jones Ryan , Groom Martin , Delgadillo Jaime
Published: March 2021

Background:

This was a multi-site evaluation of psycho-educational transdiagnostic seminars (TDS) as a pre-treatment intervention to enhance the effectiveness and utilisation of high-intensity cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

Aims:

To evaluate the effectiveness of TDS combined with high-intensity CBT (TDS+CBT) versus a matched sample receiving CBT only. Second, to determine the consistency of results across participating services which employed CBT+TDS. Finally, to determine the acceptability of TDS across patients with different psychological disorders.

Method:

106 patients across three services voluntarily attended TDS while on a waiting list for CBT (TDS+CBT). Individual and pooled service pre–post treatment effect sizes were calculated using measures of depression, anxiety and functional impairment. Effectiveness and completion rates for TDS+CBT were compared with a propensity score matched sample from an archival dataset of cases who received high-intensity CBT only.

Results:

Pre–post treatment effect sizes for TDS+CBT were comparable to the matched sample. Recovery rates were greater for the group receiving TDS; however, this was not statistically significant. Greater improvements were observed during the waiting-list period for patients who had received TDS for depression (d = 0.49 compared with d = 0.07) and anxiety (d = 0.36 compared with d = 0.04).

Conclusions:

Overall, this new evidence found a trend for TDS improving symptoms while awaiting CBT across three separate IAPT services. The effectiveness of TDS now warrants further exploration through an appropriately sized randomised control trial.
ESTIMATES FOR APPROXIMATE SOLUTIONS TO A FUNCTIONAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION MODEL OF CELL DIVISION
Authors: TAYLOR STEPHEN , YANG XUESHAN
Published: March 2021

The functional partial differential equation (FPDE) for cell division, $$ \begin{align*} &\frac{\partial}{\partial t}n(x,t) +\frac{\partial}{\partial x}(g(x,t)n(x,t))\\ &\quad = -(b(x,t)+\mu(x,t))n(x,t)+b(\alpha x,t)\alpha n(\alpha x,t)+b(\beta x,t)\beta n(\beta x,t), \end{align*} $$is not amenable to analytical solution techniques, despite being closely related to the first-order partial differential equation (PDE) $$ \begin{align*} \frac{\partial}{\partial t}n(x,t) +\frac{\partial}{\partial x}(g(x,t)n(x,t)) = -(b(x,t)+\mu(x,t))n(x,t)+F(x,t), \end{align*} $$which, with known $F(x,t)$, can be solved by the method of characteristics. The difficulty is due to the advanced functional terms $n(\alpha x,t)$ and $n(\beta x,t)$, where $\beta \ge 2 \ge \alpha \ge 1$, which arise because cells of size x are created when cells of size $\alpha x$ and $\beta x$ divide.

The nonnegative function, $n(x,t)$, denotes the density of cells at time t with respect to cell size x. The functions $g(x,t)$, $b(x,t)$ and $\mu (x,t)$ are, respectively, the growth rate, splitting rate and death rate of cells of size x. The total number of cells, $\int _{0}^{\infty }n(x,t)\,dx$, coincides with the $L^1$ norm of n. The goal of this paper is to find estimates in $L^1$ (and, with some restrictions, $L^p$ for $p>1$) for a sequence of approximate solutions to the FPDE that are generated by solving the first-order PDE. Our goal is to provide a framework for the analysis and computation of such FPDEs, and we give examples of such computations at the end of the paper.
Youth Extremism as a Response to Global Threats?
Authors: Adam-Troian Jais , Tecmen Ayşe , Kaya Ayhan
Published: March 2021

Abstract. Violent extremism is rising across the globe as indicated by the growing number of attacks of terrorist organizations. It is known that violent extremism is carried out mainly by young people due to developmental and external factors. Furthermore, recent evidence suggests that ideologically motivated violence stems from threat-regulation processes aiming to restore significance, control, and certainty. Nevertheless, few studies from the threat-regulation literature have focused on youth samples and on the social-economic and political context in which radicalization processes occur. Here, we hypothesize that one driver of the surge in violent extremism might be globalization. To do so, we review the evidence that shows that globalization increases the perception of affiliative, economic, and existential threats. In return, some studies suggest that these kinds of threats promote violent extremism among youth samples. Therefore, we conclude that the threatening context generated by four decades of globalization might be a risk factor for youth extremism in the long run.
A Multi‐Hydrogeophysical Study of a Watershed at Kaiwi Coast (Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi), using Seismic Ambient Noise Surface Wave Tomography and Self‐Potential Data
Authors: Grobbe Niels , Mordret Aurélien , Barde‐Cabusson Stéphanie , Ellison Lucas , Lach Mackenzie , Seo Young‐Ho , Viti Taylor , Ward Lauren , Zhang Haozhe
Published: March 2021

We study a watershed containing an old stream valley at the Kaiwi Coast on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi. The study site has undergone significant hydrogeological changes throughout its history, and at present displays complex interactions of a variety of geological formations. We highlight an innovative and efficient combination of two hydrogeophysical methodologies for studying groundwater systems: ambient noise surface wave tomography (ANSWT), and self‐potential (SP) measurements. We collected (1) 5 days of continuous seismic data, using a total of 54 autonomous seismic nodes, exploiting both ocean wave and traffic noise sources and (2) 386 SP measurements with an average 20 m spacing, in the same area. We showcase how these two data sets complement each other in a joint‐interpretation framework. The SP data display the distribution of groundwater in the region, as well as zones of higher infiltration and/or flow rates. Using ANSWT, we identify the structural contact between the older Koʻolau basalt formation and the younger post‐erosional Honolulu volcanics, as well as the distribution of sedimentary valley fill and coastal deposits. The joint interpretation of the SP and seismic data clearly illustrates that groundwater flow occurs in the identified paleo‐channels at the erosional surface of the basaltic bedrock. Furthermore, it highlights that the basaltic bedrock of the ridges likely forms an important groundwater flow unit. Some flow may occur in the shallower valley fill material. Complementing SP data with seismic data enables us to place groundwater flow inferences, as made from SP data, at depth.
Thank You to Our 2020 Reviewers
Authors: Schildgen Taylor , Aitchison Jonathan , Jolivet Laurent , Rusmore Margaret
Published: March 2021

Key Points

The editors thank the 2020 peer reviewers
EHF suppresses cancer progression by inhibiting ETS1-mediated ZEB expression
Authors: Sakamoto Kaname , Endo Kaori , Sakamoto Kei , Kayamori Kou , Ehata Shogo , Ichikawa Jiro , Ando Takashi , Nakamura Ryosuke , Kimura Yujiro , Yoshizawa Kunio , Masuyama Keisuke , Kawataki Tomoyuki , Miyake Kunio , Ishii Hiroki , Kawasaki Tomonori , Miyazawa Keiji , Saitoh Masao
Published: March 2021

ETS homologous factor (EHF) belongs to the epithelium-specific subfamily of the E26 transformation-specific (ETS) transcription factor family. Currently, little is known about EHF’s function in cancer. We previously reported that ETS1 induces expression of the ZEB family proteins ZEB1/δEF1 and ZEB2/SIP1, which are key regulators of the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), by activating the ZEB1 promoters. We have found that EHF gene produces two transcript variants, namely a long form variant that includes exon 1 (EHF-LF) and a short form variant that excludes exon 1 (EHF-SF). Only EHF-SF abrogates ETS1-mediated activation of the ZEB1 promoter by promoting degradation of ETS1 proteins, thereby inhibiting the EMT phenotypes of cancer cells. Most importantly, we identified a novel point mutation within the conserved ETS domain of EHF, and found that EHF mutations abolish its original function while causing the EHF protein to act as a potential dominant negative, thereby enhancing metastasis in vivo. Therefore, we suggest that EHF acts as an anti-EMT factor by inhibiting the expression of ZEBs, and that EHF mutations exacerbate cancer progression.
DNA methylation predicts age and provides insight into exceptional longevity of bats
Authors: Wilkinson Gerald S. , Adams Danielle M. , Haghani Amin , Lu Ake T. , Zoller Joseph , Breeze Charles E. , Arnold Bryan D. , Ball Hope C. , Carter Gerald G. , Cooper Lisa Noelle , Dechmann Dina K. N. , Devanna Paolo , Fasel Nicolas J. , Galazyuk Alexander V. , Günther Linus , Hurme Edward , Jones Gareth , Knörnschild Mirjam , Lattenkamp Ella Z. , Li Caesar Z. , Mayer Frieder , Reinhardt Josephine A. , Medellin Rodrigo A. , Nagy Martina , Pope Brian , Power Megan L. , Ransome Roger D. , Teeling Emma C. , Vernes Sonja C. , Zamora-Mejías Daniel , Zhang Joshua , Faure Paul A. , Greville Lucas J. , Herrera M. L. Gerardo , Flores-Martínez José J. , Horvath Steve
Published: March 2021

Exceptionally long-lived species, including many bats, rarely show overt signs of aging, making it difficult to determine why species differ in lifespan. Here, we use DNA methylation (DNAm) profiles from 712 known-age bats, representing 26 species, to identify epigenetic changes associated with age and longevity. We demonstrate that DNAm accurately predicts chronological age. Across species, longevity is negatively associated with the rate of DNAm change at age-associated sites. Furthermore, analysis of several bat genomes reveals that hypermethylated age- and longevity-associated sites are disproportionately located in promoter regions of key transcription factors (TF) and enriched for histone and chromatin features associated with transcriptional regulation. Predicted TF binding site motifs and enrichment analyses indicate that age-related methylation change is influenced by developmental processes, while longevity-related DNAm change is associated with innate immunity or tumorigenesis genes, suggesting that bat longevity results from augmented immune response and cancer suppression.
A Model of the Cosmos in the ancient Greek Antikythera Mechanism
Authors: Freeth Tony , Higgon David , Dacanalis Aris , MacDonald Lindsay , Georgakopoulou Myrto , Wojcik Adam
Published: March 2021

The Antikythera Mechanism, an ancient Greek astronomical calculator, has challenged researchers since its discovery in 1901. Now split into 82 fragments, only a third of the original survives, including 30 corroded bronze gearwheels. Microfocus X-ray Computed Tomography (X-ray CT) in 2005 decoded the structure of the rear of the machine but the front remained largely unresolved. X-ray CT also revealed inscriptions describing the motions of the Sun, Moon and all five planets known in antiquity and how they were displayed at the front as an ancient Greek Cosmos. Inscriptions specifying complex planetary periods forced new thinking on the mechanization of this Cosmos, but no previous reconstruction has come close to matching the data. Our discoveries lead to a new model, satisfying and explaining the evidence. Solving this complex 3D puzzle reveals a creation of genius—combining cycles from Babylonian astronomy, mathematics from Plato’s Academy and ancient Greek astronomical theories.
Real-time seroprevalence and exposure levels of emerging pathogens in infection-naive host populations
Authors: Pinotti Francesco , Obolski Uri , Wikramaratna Paul , Giovanetti Marta , Paton Robert , Klenerman Paul , Thompson Craig , Gupta Sunetra , Lourenço José
Published: March 2021

For endemic pathogens, seroprevalence mimics overall exposure and is minimally influenced by the time that recent infections take to seroconvert. Simulating spatially-explicit and stochastic outbreaks, we set out to explore how, for emerging pathogens, the mix of exponential growth in infection events and a constant rate for seroconversion events could lead to real-time significant differences in the total numbers of exposed versus seropositive. We find that real-time seroprevalence of an emerging pathogen can underestimate exposure depending on measurement time, epidemic doubling time, duration and natural variation in the time to seroconversion among hosts. We formalise mathematically how underestimation increases non-linearly as the host’s time to seroconversion is ever longer than the pathogen’s doubling time, and how more variable time to seroconversion among hosts results in lower underestimation. In practice, assuming that real-time seroprevalence reflects the true exposure to emerging pathogens risks overestimating measures of public health importance (e.g. infection fatality ratio) as well as the epidemic size of future waves. These results contribute to a better understanding and interpretation of real-time serological data collected during the emergence of pathogens in infection-naive host populations.
Loss-of-function mutations in the histone methyltransferase EZH2 promote chemotherapy resistance in AML
Authors: Kempf Julia M. , Weser Sabrina , Bartoschek Michael D. , Metzeler Klaus H. , Vick Binje , Herold Tobias , Völse Kerstin , Mattes Raphael , Scholz Manuela , Wange Lucas E. , Festini Moreno , Ugur Enes , Roas Maike , Weigert Oliver , Bultmann Sebastian , Leonhardt Heinrich , Schotta Gunnar , Hiddemann Wolfgang , Jeremias Irmela , Spiekermann Karsten
Published: March 2021

Chemotherapy resistance is the main impediment in the treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Despite rapid advances, the various mechanisms inducing resistance development remain to be defined in detail. Here we report that loss-of-function mutations (LOF) in the histone methyltransferase EZH2 have the potential to confer resistance against the chemotherapeutic agent cytarabine. We identify seven distinct EZH2 mutations leading to loss of H3K27 trimethylation via multiple mechanisms. Analysis of matched diagnosis and relapse samples reveal a heterogenous regulation of EZH2 and a loss of EZH2 in 50% of patients. We confirm that loss of EZH2 induces resistance against cytarabine in the cell lines HEK293T and K562 as well as in a patient-derived xenograft model. Proteomics and transcriptomics analysis reveal that resistance is conferred by upregulation of multiple direct and indirect EZH2 target genes that are involved in apoptosis evasion, augmentation of proliferation and alteration of transmembrane transporter function. Our data indicate that loss of EZH2 results in upregulation of its target genes, providing the cell with a selective growth advantage, which mediates chemotherapy resistance.
A general framework and practical procedure for improving pxrf measurement accuracy with integrating moisture content and organic matter content parameters
Authors: Chen Zengsiche , Xu Ya , Lei Guoyuan , Liu Yuqiang , Liu Jingcai , Yao Guangyuan , Huang Qifei
Published: March 2021

Rapid, accurate detection of heavy-metal content is extremely important for precise risk control and targeted remediation. Herein, a general modeling method and process based on the relationship between Pxrf measured values and site parameters are explored to construct a Pxrf correction model suitable to improve each site’s measurement accuracy. Results show a significant correlation between Pb, Mn, and Zn Pxrf measured values and actual concentrations, with correlation coefficients between 0.8 and 0.93. Through the correlation analysis, the correlation coefficient between the water content and the measured value of pxrf is in the range of 0.2–0.5. Pxrf measurement of all heavy metals was weakly affected by soil organic matter content, with correlation coefficients all lower than 0.5. Model transformation effectively improved the correlation between measured Pxrf value and actual concentration, and transformation increased the correlations of Sr, Mn, and Cu by around 0.11. Model verification results showed that the Pb, Zn, Fe, and Mn models can be used to improve Pxrf method detection accuracy.
Dual-specificity phosphatase 3 deletion promotes obesity, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Jacques Sophie , Arjomand Arash , Perée Hélène , Collins Patrick , Mayer Alice , Lavergne Arnaud , Wéry Marie , Mni Myriam , Hego Alexandre , Thuillier Virginie , Becker Guillaume , Bahri Mohamed Ali , Plenevaux Alain , Di Valentin Emmanuel , Oury Cécile , Moutschen Michel , Delvenne Philippe , Paquot Nicolas , Rahmouni Souad
Published: March 2021

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic hepatic pathology in Western countries. It encompasses a spectrum of conditions ranging from simple steatosis to more severe and progressive non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) that can lead to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Obesity and related metabolic syndrome are important risk factors for the development of NAFLD, NASH and HCC. DUSP3 is a small dual-specificity protein phosphatase with a poorly known physiological function. We investigated its role in metabolic syndrome manifestations and in HCC using a mouse knockout (KO) model. While aging, DUSP3-KO mice became obese, exhibited insulin resistance, NAFLD and associated liver damage. These phenotypes were exacerbated under high fat diet (HFD). In addition, DEN administration combined to HFD led to rapid HCC development in DUSP3-KO compared to wild type (WT) mice. DUSP3-KO mice had more serum triglycerides, cholesterol, AST and ALT compared to control WT mice under both regular chow diet (CD) and HFD. The level of fasting insulin was higher compared to WT mice, though, fasting glucose as well as glucose tolerance were normal. At the molecular level, HFD led to decreased expression of DUSP3 in WT mice. DUSP3 deletion was associated with increased and consistent phosphorylation of the insulin receptor (IR) and with higher activation of the downstream signaling pathway. In conclusion, our results support a new role for DUSP3 in obesity, insulin resistance, NAFLD and liver damage.
Intracranial baroreflex is attenuated in an ovine model of renovascular hypertension
Authors: Vari Sydney , Guild Sarah-Jane , George Bindu , Ramchandra Rohit
Published: March 2021

We have previously shown that elevations in intracranial pressure (ICP) within physiological ranges in normotensive animals increase arterial pressure; termed the intracranial baroreflex. Hypertension is associated with alterations in reflexes which maintain arterial pressure however, whether the intracranial baroreflex is altered is not known. Hence, in the present study, we tested the hypothesis that in hypertension, physiological increases in ICP would not be accompanied with an increase in arterial pressure. Renovascular hypertension was associated with no change in heart rate, renal blood flow or ICP levels compared to the normotensive group. ICV infusion of saline produced a ramped increase in ICP of 20 ± 1 mmHg. This was accompanied by an increase in arterial pressure (16 ± 2 mmHg) and a significant decrease in renal vascular conductance. ICV infusion of saline in the hypertensive group also increased ICP (19 ± 2 mmHg). However, the increase in arterial pressure was significantly attenuated in the hypertensive group (5 ± 2 mmHg). Ganglionic blockade abolished the increase in arterial pressure in both groups to increased ICP. Our data indicates that physiological increases in ICP lead to increases in arterial pressure in normotensive animals but this is severely attenuated in renovascular hypertension.
CT assessment of the increased density of cerebral vessels in plateau region
Authors: Zhou Haiting , Tashi Tsering , Zhao Deli , Tsring Sonam , Liang Hongwei , Zhang Jinling
Published: March 2021

In this study, the relationship between the brain parenchymal density, the cerebral vessel density, the mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) content, the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and the morbidity associated with lacunar infarction of residents living in either the plains or the plateau regions were analyzed and compared for their potential clinical implications. Clinical data from the brain CT scans of individuals living in either the plain or plateau regions (129 each) were collected. Specifically, the CT values for basal ganglia, the middle cerebral artery, and the superior sagittal sinus, along with the number of patients with lacunar infarction, were collected. In addition, the MCH and MCHC values were measured in blood samples collected within 48 h following the CT scans. For statistical analysis, an independent sample t-test, Pearson's correlation test (permutation test), and Chi-squared test were employed. The inhabitants of the plateau had a significantly higher CT value of basal ganglia, the middle cerebral artery, and superior sagittal sinus and also higher levels of MCH and MCHC in the blood (ps < 0.001) than the inhabitants of the plains region. Further, there was a significant positive correlation between the three aforementioned CT values and the MCH and MCHC findings. However, no significant differences were found in the morbidity of lacunar infarction between these two regions (p > 0.05). The inhabitants in the plateau have a significantly higher brain parenchymal density, higher CT value for cerebral vessels density, and higher blood MCH and MCHC levels in comparison with individuals occupying the plains. Concurrently, the parenchymal density and the CT values are shown to be positively correlated with the MCH and MCHC content in the blood.
Transcriptional regulation of dosage compensation in Carica papaya
Authors: Liu Juan , Han Jennifer , Sharma Anupma , Wai Ching Man , Ming Ray , Yu Qingyi
Published: March 2021

Sex chromosome evolution results in the disparity in gene content between heterogametic sex chromosomes and creates the need for dosage compensation to counteract the effects of gene dose imbalance of sex chromosomes in males and females. It is not known at which stage of sex chromosome evolution dosage compensation would evolve. We used global gene expression profiling in male and female papayas to assess gene expression patterns of sex-linked genes on the papaya sex chromosomes. By analyzing expression ratios of sex-linked genes to autosomal genes and sex-linked genes in males relative to females, our results showed that dosage compensation was regulated on a gene-by-gene level rather than whole sex-linked region in papaya. Seven genes on the papaya X chromosome exhibited dosage compensation. We further compared gene expression ratios in the two evolutionary strata. Y alleles in the older evolutionary stratum showed reduced expression compared to X alleles, while Y alleles in the younger evolutionary stratum showed elevated expression compared to X alleles. Reduced expression of Y alleles in the older evolutionary stratum might be caused by accumulation of deleterious mutations in regulatory regions or transposable element-mediated methylation spreading. Most X-hemizygous genes exhibited either no or very low expression, suggesting that gene silencing might play a role in maintaining transcriptional balance between females and males.
The catalytic subunit of Plasmodium falciparum casein kinase 2 is essential for gametocytogenesis
Authors: Hitz Eva , Grüninger Olivia , Passecker Armin , Wyss Matthias , Scheurer Christian , Wittlin Sergio , Beck Hans-Peter , Brancucci Nicolas M. B. , Voss Till S.
Published: March 2021

Casein kinase 2 (CK2) is a pleiotropic kinase phosphorylating substrates in different cellular compartments in eukaryotes. In the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, PfCK2 is vital for asexual proliferation of blood-stage parasites. Here, we applied CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing to investigate the function of the PfCK2α catalytic subunit in gametocytes, the sexual forms of the parasite that are essential for malaria transmission. We show that PfCK2α localizes to the nucleus and cytoplasm in asexual and sexual parasites alike. Conditional knockdown of PfCK2α expression prevented the transition of stage IV into transmission-competent stage V gametocytes, whereas the conditional knockout of pfck2a completely blocked gametocyte maturation already at an earlier stage of sexual differentiation. In summary, our results demonstrate that PfCK2α is not only essential for asexual but also sexual development of P. falciparum blood-stage parasites and encourage studies exploring PfCK2α as a potential target for dual-active antimalarial drugs.
The development, application, and performance of black phosphorus in energy storage and conversion
Authors: Li Peng , Lu Jianguo , Cui Hongzhi , Ruan Shuangchen , Zeng Yu-Jia
Published: March 2021

The state-of-the-art progress of black phosphorus in the field of energy storage and conversion has been systematically summarized.
ECM-mimicking nanofibrous scaffold enriched with dual growth factor carrying nanoparticles for diabetic wound healing
Authors: Vijayan Amritha , C. K. Nanditha , Vinod Kumar G. S.
Published: March 2021

Nanofibrous scaffold enriched with dual growth factor nanoparticles for diabetic wound healing.
Electromechanical coupling of isotropic fibrous networks with tailored auxetic behavior induced by water-printing under tension
Authors: Zhang Jinyuan , Goodman Sheila M. , Wise Heather G. , Dichiara Anthony B. , Chung Jae-Hyun
Published: March 2021

A wetting–stretching method is presented to enhance the auxeticity and piezoresistivity of a random network made of a carbon nanotube-paper composite.
Narrow-band red-emitting phosphor with negligible concentration quenching for hybrid white LEDs and plant growth applications
Authors: Singh Kasturi , Rajendran Marikumar , Devi Rachna , Vaidyanathan Sivakumar
Published: March 2021

Narrow-band red-emitters are the key to solving problems encountered by the current white LED technology.
High-contrast photochromic Eu-doped K0.5Na0.5NbO3 ceramics with prominent pellucidity
Authors: Zhou Yang , Wang Peng , Lin Jinfeng , Lu Qiling , Wu Xiao , Gao Min , Lin Tengfei , Lin Cong , Zheng Xinghua
Published: March 2021

Eu-doped K0.5Na0.5NbO3 pellucid ceramics, with light illumination-induced high-contrast photochromic behaviors of both optical transmittance and photoluminescence, exhibit potential in the application of optical data storage.
Concise catalytic asymmetric synthesis of (R)-4-amino Uhle's ketone
Authors: Bartoccini Francesca , Regni Alessio , Retini Michele , Piersanti Giovanni
Published: March 2021

An efficient asymmetric synthesis of (R)-4-amino Uhle's ketone, a framework shared by most ergot alkaloids, was completed in five steps.
Employing hydrogels in tissue engineering approaches to boost conventional cancer-based research and therapies
Authors: Esmaeili Javad , Barati Abolfazl , Ai Jafar , Nooshabadi Vajihe Taghdiri , Mirzaei Zeynab
Published: March 2021

Hydrogels and tissue engineering showed their potential in facinating research and developement in cancer therapy.
Preparation and characterization of enzymatically cross-linked gelatin/cellulose nanocrystal composite hydrogels
Authors: Dong Yaqi , Zhao Shouwei , Lu Wenhui , Chen Nan , Zhu Deyi , Li Yanchun
Published: March 2021

Gelatin is an attractive hydrogel material because of its excellent biocompatibility and non-cytotoxicity, but poor mechanical properties of gelatin-based hydrogels become a big obstacle that limits their wide-spread application.
COVID-19: Risikofaktor Adipositas – seine Relevanz und die ursächlichen pathophysiologischen Mechanismen
Authors: Balfanz Paul , Marx Nikolaus , Müller-Wieland Dirk
Published: March 2021

Die Frage nach einer Assoziation von Risikofaktoren mit der „Coronavirus Disease 2019“ (COVID-19), die durch die Infektion mit dem Virus SARS-CoV-2 ausgelöst wird, kann aktuell nicht relevanter sein.

In der ersten deutschen Analyse der Uniklinik Aachen, aber auch in weiteren internationalen Studien konnte eine erhöhte Prävalenz an Übergewicht bzw. Adipositas unter den Erkrankten gezeigt werden. Eine Korrelation der Höhe des BMI mit der Schwere der Erkrankung und der Dauer und Notwendigkeit der Therapie wird deutlich. Zudem sorgt das Vorliegen einer Adipositas für das Erkranken von Patienten mit jüngerem Lebensalter.

Pathophysiologisch bieten zahlreiche Mechanismen eine mögliche Begründung. Hierunter zählen die Veränderung und Einschränkung der Organfunktion durch Akkumulation von Fettgewebe, aber auch die erhöhte Expression von ACE-2-Rezeptoren, die als Bindeprotein des SARS-CoV-2 das Eindringen in die Zelle ermöglichen. Durch die Freisetzung von Adipokinen kommt es zu einer chronischen pro-inflammatorischen Situation mit veränderter immunozellulären Abwehr und über eine veränderte Insulinreaktion zu einer höheren Prävalenz eines Diabetes mellitus mit daraus folgender schlechterer Krankheitsprognose. Dies erzeugt einen negativen Effekt auf die Lungenfunktion. Es kommt dort durch die Fettablagerung zu einer reduzierten systemischen Compliance und zu einer erhöhten Sensibilität für respiratorische Infektionen. Zudem zeigen sich im Rahmen einer Adipositas ein erniedrigtes exspiratorisches Reservevolumen, „gas trapping“ und eine resultierende systemische Hypoxie.

Der spezifische Tropismus unterschiedlicher Viren hin zu Adipozyten unterstreicht durch den Aspekt der Viruspersistenz und chronischen Immunaktivität zusätzlich zu den anderen genannten Punkten die Bedeutung des Risikofaktors Adipositas im Zusammenhang mit dem Progress und der Therapie von COVID-19, aber auch anderer viraler Erkrankungen.
Please, Mister Postman – Exergames in der Parkinson-Therapie
Authors: Hoffmann Ann-Kristin , Arndt Sebastian , Gustke Alena , Jane Imminga Lorraine , Ingwersen Stina , Ecke Jule , Hauptmann Björn
Published: March 2021

Gängige Exergames, wie man sie aus dem Sport kennt, eignen sich selten für therapeutische Zwecke. Das interdisziplinäre Team eines Hamburger Entwicklungsstudios hat daher das Exergame „Mister Postman“ entwickelt, das speziell auf die Anforderung der Parkinson-Therapie zugeschnitten ist. Ein Paradebeispiel dafür, wie sich therapeutische Ansätze zielführend in der Spieleentwicklung einbringen lassen.
Nasal Dorsum Reduction Simultaneous to Orthognathic Surgery: A Proof-of-Concept Report
Authors: Foraster Joan Birbe
Published: March 2021

This report describes a technique to reduce nasal dorsum excess simultaneously to orthognathic surgery (OS) through a Le Fort I osteotomy. It avoids the need to change from endonasal intubation to intraoral intubation. It also eliminates the need to open the dorsum, preserving the integrity of the triangular cartilages at the nasal dorsum keystone area, avoiding iatrogenic nasal dorsum deformities. A sample of five patients referred for OS who also sought improvement of their nasal aesthetics was selected to implement the technique. The aim of this proof-of-concept study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of simultaneous OS and nasal dorsum reduction. The following measurements were used to evaluate the procedure: patient satisfaction with a visual analog scale, photographic assessment, additional operative time, and complications related to the procedure. The average patient age was 23 years (range: 19–32 years). Three patients were women and two were men. In all patients, a high degree of patient satisfaction was observed with the aesthetic result of the nose and OS. No undesirable side effects or surgical complications occurred in any case. Total surgery time was increased by an average of 25 minutes. Nasal dorsum reduction through a Le Fort I approach during OS is a reliable and effective method to reduce nasal dorsum excess in patients seeking simultaneous OS and rhinoplasty.
Outcomes of Transsphenoidal Surgery in Growth Hormone-Secreting Pituitary Adenomas
Authors: Voznyak Oleksandr , Lytvynenko Andrii , Maydannyk Oleg , Ilyuk Roman , Zinkevych Yaroslav , Hryniv Nazarii
Published: March 2021

Growth hormone (GH)-secreting pituitary adenomas (PA) make up 15 to 20% of total amount of hormonally active adenomas. In addition to acromegaly and gigantism, these tumors cause deep metabolic disturbances. Its systemic impact leads to increased mortality ratio of 1.32 compared with general population. Surgical removal remains the priority treatment option in controlling acromegaly and provides endocrinologic remission in up to 72% patients. A total of 92 patients were included in the study. All surgeries were performed via microscopic transsphenoidal approach (TSA) by the senior author in our institution between December 2009 and October 2019. Only patients who were followed-up with 75 g oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs), GH, and insulin-like growth factor I (IFG-I) measurements preoperatively, 1 week, and every 6 months postoperatively were analyzed. Based on standard preoperative 1.5-T MR imaging with contrast enhancement, the adenomas were identified and distributed according to the size and KNOSP classification. The efficacy depends on KNOSP grade, which is directly correlated with invasiveness to cavernous sinus (CS). Grades 3 and 4 are unfavorable factors influencing prognosis. Excluding grade 0 adenomas, as the surgery was not difficult with the excellent outcomes, we reached 75% (36 out of 48) remission in grade 1 to 2 groups. In contrast, only 17% (2 out of 12) had successful outcomes after surgery alone. In conclusion, the study demonstrates the efficiency of TS surgery in patients with confirmed GH-secreting PA.
Transmission and evaporation of cough droplets in an elevator: Numerical simulations of some possible scenarios
Authors: Sen Nirvik
Published: March 2021

As the world learns to live with COVID-19 and activities/business open up, the use of elevators becomes frequent. A pertinent question is what happens if someone accidentally coughs inside the elevator. In this work, a three dimensional Euler–Lagrangian model is used to understand the transmission and evaporation of micrometer-sized droplets in such cases. The effect of turbulence created by the air puff associated with coughing has been considered. Different possible scenarios varying in the presence of air ventilation within the elevator, number of persons coughing, direction of ejection of cough droplets, and ambient relative humidity and temperature have been postulated and simulated. The results obtained show that in the presence of proper ventilation within the elevator, most of the ejected cough droplets fall to the ground before impacting other persons traveling in the same elevator. However, in the absence of proper ventilation, the turbulence created during coughing transmits the particles all across the elevator enclosure.
Design of an edge tapered 915 MHz/TM021 microwave plasma reactor by numerical analysis
Authors: Yan Xinsheng , Zhao Lianmin , Xu Weiye , Chen Longwei , Jia Hua , Liu Fukun
Published: March 2021

Microwave plasma reactor is often of particular interest due to their wide range of industrial applications, especially in high-end manufacturing. However, there exist problems of unstable plasma and small discharge area in conventional microwave reactors at 2.45 GHz. An edge tapered 915 MHz/TM021 microwave reactor evolved from reactors at 2.45 GHz is presented to improve the strength, area, and uniformity of microwave field for plasma applications. An electromagnetic model of a microwave reactor with the new coupling antenna composed of a tapered platform and a coaxial inner conductor is simulated. The simulation results show that the electric field strength in the new reactor with a size optimized coupling structure is more concentrated compared to similar reactors. A 2D axisymmetric hydrogen plasma discharge model based on self-consistent fluid simulation of this new reactor is presented. The obtained results show that this kind of model can lead to a better understanding of the physical processes occurring in these kinds of microwave reactors.
Is Bauman’s “liquid modernity” influencing the way we are doing science?
Authors: Mattiazzi Alicia , Vila-Petroff Martín
Published: March 2021

This commentary analyzes the possible effects of lightness—a typical attribute of modern (liquid) society, according to Bauman—on the way we are doing science. We share our opinion in an attempt to discern whether some unwanted practices that may affect our scientific results (such as technology misuse, bonus rewards, publishing under pressure, or indolence for getting accurate results) can be attributed, at least partially, to the liquid characteristic of modern society. We also examine whether the different systems that support science favor these actions, conspiring against what should be the primary goal of science: the search for truth. We finally consider several aspects that should be taken into account to rescue science from the intrusion of weightless actions.
Simulating the effect of Ar+ energy implantation on the strain propagation in AlGaN
Authors: Cabaço J S , Faye D ND , Araújo J P , Alves E , Magalhães S
Published: March 2021

In this work, high quality AlGaN layers, grown by metal organic chemical vapour deposition, on a commercial c-sapphire substrate, were implanted at a fluence of

1
×

10

14

 A

r

+

⋅

c

m

−
2

. Implantation was performed for energies between 25 and 250 keV to explore the strain field created with increasing penetration of the implanted ions. Perpendicular to the sample surface deformation was determined through simulations of the

2
θ
−
ω

scans of the allowed (0002), (0004) and (0006) AlGaN reflections. According to the simulations, the peak attributed to the implanted region is well defined using a small number of layers with specific thickness, deformation, and static Debye–Waller factors. Although similar ion end of range, calculated via Monte Carlo simulations of ions in matter, of around 240–250 nm for 200 keV implanted normal to the sample surface and 250 keV at 38°, the strain distribution in depth turns out quite different in these samples. According to dynamical theory of x-ray diffraction simulations, the argon ions penetrate deeper on the former, which might be related to channeling effects, while maximum damage is observed in the latter. Damage accumulation is suggested to be a complex mechanism, where damage maximum and damage extension play equivalent important roles.