bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What does social studies inquiry look like? Novice negotiations of inquiry-centered practices through video reflection
Authors: Gallagher Jennifer L. , Tschida Christina M.
Published: August 2021

This paper shares findings of a qualitative project exploring teacher candidates’ reflections on their own social studies inquiry teaching using video capture and annotation technology (VCAT). Teacher candidates’ annotated video and written reflections were collected and analyzed. Findings include important understandings of teacher candidates’ scholarship-aligned recognitions of strengths and areas for growth as well as areas where they had underdeveloped or novice negotiated conceptions of inquiry-centered instruction.
An Analysis of Pesticide Handler Wages in the United States
Authors: Li An , Reimer Jeffrey J.
Published: August 2021

Pesticide handling is a critical component of many food supply chains yet labor markets for pesticide handlers are little studied. This study uses data from the U.S. national survey to show that relative to other farmworkers, pesticide handlers get paid 15% more. To understand this premium, matching techniques are used to identify workers who are observationally equivalent in every way except pesticide handling. Using these methods, approximately half of the wage premium can be related back to observable characteristics, including crop type, geographic location, legal work authorization, education, experience, and other personal characteristics.
Anthropology and the AI-Turn in Global Governance
Authors: Sapignoli Maria
Published: August 2021

Under the banner “AI (artificial intelligence) for good,” new technologies are becoming more and more central to the agendas of global and regional institutions, as technologies to be embraced and regulated at the same time. This is indicated by the 2018 UN Secretary General's Strategy on New Technology, and by the most recent European Commission proposal to regulate artificial intelligence systems. In this essay, I discuss how anthropology and its ethnographic method could contribute to our understanding of the AI-turn in global governance, by shedding greater light on the effects that the use of this technology has for society, the work of institutions, and the production and application of international law. I argue that engaging ethnographically with AI techniques and knowledge could also bring about a transformation in governance, policy-making, and anthropological theory.
Long-term Follow-up of Affected Residents After Lifting Evacuation Orders in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan: Findings from an Interview-Based Psychological Survey
Authors: Kuroda Yujiro , Koyama Yohei
Published: August 2021

We examined the relationship between social support and psychological variables, and investigated the status of social support among villagers whose evacuation order had been lifted. The survey used for the analysis is the data of FY 2018 and 2019. In fiscal year 2018, a written questionnaire was posted to 4828 registered residents of Iitate Village and 1405 valid responses were received. The main finding (in joint assessment by local and external experts) was the ‘need for professional support’ (191 respondents, 13.6%). Multivariate analysis found that among those living in permanent housing outside the village, the need for support was significantly more likely for those without emotional support, or instrumental support, and those not providing support. The 2019 follow-up showed a slight improvement in perceived social support (PSS). The associations between perceived social support and living environment suggest the need to strengthen social support measures in areas where evacuation orders are yet to be lifted, which will provide useful information with which to examine the effects of future support efforts.
Higher circulating α-carotene was associated with better cognitive function: an evaluation among the MIND trial participants
Authors: Liu Xiaoran , Dhana Klodian , Furtado Jeremy D. , Agarwal Puja , Aggarwal Neelum T. , Tangney Christy , Laranjo Nancy , Carey Vincent , Barnes Lisa L. , Sacks Frank M.
Published: August 2021

There is emerging evidence linking fruit and vegetable consumption and cognitive function. However, studies focusing on the nutrients underlying this relationship are lacking. We aim to examine the association between plasma nutrients and cognition in a population at risk for cognitive decline with a suboptimal diet. The Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) trial is a randomized controlled intervention that examines the effects of the MIND diet to prevent cognitive decline. The primary outcome is global cognition. A multivariate linear model was used to investigate the association between blood nutrients and global and/or domain-specific cognition. The model was adjusted for age, sex, education, study site, smoking status, cognitive activities and physical activities. High plasma α-carotene was associated with better global cognition. Participants in the highest tertile of plasma α-carotene had a higher global cognitionzscore of 0⋅17 when compared with individuals in the lowest tertile (P0⋅002). Circulating α-carotene levels were also associated with higher semantic memory scores (Pfor trend 0⋅007). Lutein and zeaxanthin (combined) was positively associated with higher semantic memory scores (Pfor trend 0⋅009). Our study demonstrated that higher α-carotene levels in blood were associated with higher global cognition scores in a US population at risk for cognitive decline. The higher α-carotene levels in blood reflected greater intakes of fruits, other types of vegetables and lesser intakes of butter and margarine and meat. The higher circulating levels of lutein plus zeaxanthin reflected a dietary pattern with high intakes of fruits, green leafy, other vegetables and cheese, and low consumption of fried foods. Objective nutrient markers in the blood can better characterize dietary intake, which may facilitate the implementation of a tailored dietary intervention for the prevention of cognitive decline.
Thin ice, deep snow and surface flooding in Kotzebue Sound: landfast ice mass balance during two anomalously warm winters and implications for marine mammals and subsistence hunting
Authors: Mahoney Andrew R. , Turner Kate E. , Hauser Donna D. W. , Laxague Nathan J. M. , Lindsay Jessica M. , Whiting Alex V. , Witte Carson R. , Goodwin John , Harris Cyrus , Schaeffer Robert J. , Schaeffer Roswell , Betcher Sarah , Subramaniam Ajit , Zappa Christopher J.
Published: August 2021

The inaugural data from the first systematic program of sea-ice observations in Kotzebue Sound, Alaska, in 2018 coincided with the first winter in living memory when the Sound was not choked with ice. The following winter of 2018–19 was even warmer and characterized by even less ice. Here we discuss the mass balance of landfast ice near Kotzebue (Qikiqtaġruk) during these two anomalously warm winters. We use in situ observations and a 1-D thermodynamic model to address three research questions developed in partnership with an Indigenous Advisory Council. In doing so, we improve our understanding of connections between landfast ice mass balance, marine mammals and subsistence hunting. Specifically, we show: (i) ice growth stopped unusually early due to strong vertical ocean heat flux, which also likely contributed to early start to bearded seal hunting; (ii) unusually thin ice contributed to widespread surface flooding. The associated snow ice formation partly offset the reduced ice growth, but the flooding likely had a negative impact on ringed seal habitat; (iii) sea ice near Kotzebue during the winters of 2017–18 and 2018–19 was likely the thinnest since at least 1945, driven by a combination of warm air temperatures and a persistent ocean heat flux.
FRAÏSSÉ LIMITS FOR RELATIONAL METRIC STRUCTURES
Authors: BRYANT DAVID , NIES ANDRÉ , TUPPER PAUL
Published: August 2021

The general theory developed by Ben Yaacov for metric structures provides Fraïssé limits which are approximately ultrahomogeneous. We show here that this result can be strengthened in the case of relational metric structures. We give an extra condition that guarantees exact ultrahomogenous limits. The condition is quite general. We apply it to stochastic processes, the class of diversities, and its subclass of
$L_1$
diversities.
The role of relevance for scalar diversity: a usage-based approach
Authors: PANKRATZ ELIZABETH , VAN TIEL BOB
Published: August 2021

abstract

Scalar inferences occur when a weaker statement like It’s warm is used when a stronger one like It’s hot could have been used instead, resulting in the inference that whoever produced the weaker statement believes that the stronger statement does not hold. The rate at which this inference is drawn varies across scalar words, a result termed ‘scalar diversity’. Here, we study scalar diversity in adjectival scalar words from a usage-based perspective. We introduce novel operationalisations of several previously observed predictors of scalar diversity using computational tools based on usage data, allowing us to move away from existing judgment-based methods. In addition, we show in two experiments that, above and beyond these previously observed predictors, scalar diversity is predicted in part by the relevance of the scalar inference at hand. We introduce a corpus-based measure of relevance based on the idea that scalar inferences that are more relevant are more likely to occur in scalar constructions that draw an explicit contrast between scalar words (e.g., It’s warm but not hot). We conclude that usage has an important role to play in the establishment of common ground, a requirement for pragmatic inferencing.
Holocene morpho-sedimentary evolution of Marambaia Barrier Island (SE Brazil)
Authors: Dadalto Tatiana Pinheiro , Carvalho Breylla Campos , Guerra Josefa Varela , Reis Antonio Tadeu dos , Silva Cleverson Guizan
Published: August 2021

Barrier islands are sedimentary bodies susceptible to changes in sediment supply, dominant physical processes, and sea level. The aim of this work was to study the sedimentary processes that established Marambaia Barrier Island (SE Brazil) as an elongated sandy body that created Sepetiba Bay. For this purpose, barrier and back-barrier bay environments were analyzed using high-resolution satellite imagery, geophysical and topographic surveys, surface sediment samples and short cores, and radiocarbon and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating techniques. Seven morpho-sedimentary domains were identified: coastal beach ridges, overland flow features, inter-ridge paleo lagoon, bayside beach ridges, marshlands, dune field and tidal wetlands. The results show that Marambaia Barrier Island evolved throughout the Holocene, first under normal regression conditions during sea-level rise, and then by forced regression as sea level lowered to its present position. Concurrent processes related to longshore drift, onshore transport, reworked barrier deposits, eolian transport, bay circulation, and pedogenesis influenced its morpho-sedimentary evolution. Morphological features such as truncated beach ridges, flying spits, and filled channels attest to the occurrence of alternating periods of erosion and accretion, evincing how the morphology of barrier island systems preserves an important archive of environmental changes.
Dietary methyl donor micronutrients intake in relation to psychological disorders in adults
Authors: Lotfi Keyhan , Keshteli Ammar Hassanzadeh , Saneei Parvane , Afshar Hamid , Esmaillzadeh Ahmad , Adibi Peyman
Published: August 2021

Previous investigations have mostly studied an individual methyl donor nutrient in relation to psychological disorders and the findings were inconsistent. We investigated the association of methyl donor micronutrients (folate, B6, B12, choline, betaine and methionine) with psychological disorders in Iranian adults. In this cross-sectional study, dietary intakes of 3299 adults were collected using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Methyl donor micronutrient score (MDMS) was calculated based on energy-adjusted deciles of each nutrient. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), validated for Iranians, have been applied to assess depression, anxiety and psychological distress. Participants had a mean age of 36·3 ± 7·9 years, of whom 58·5 % were women. After considering potential confounders, adults in the top quartile of MDMS, compared to the bottom one, had decreased odds of anxiety (OR: 0·53, 95 % CI: 0·37, 0·75), depression (OR: 0·75, 95 % CI: 0·58, 0·97) and psychological distress (OR: 0·61, 95 % CI: 0·46, 0·80). Among women, the top quartile of MDMS was protectively associated with anxiety (OR: 0·60, 95 % CI: 0·40, 0·90), depression (OR: 0·68, 95 % CI: 0·50, 0·93) and psychological distress (OR: 0·53, 95 % CI: 0·38, 0·74). Overweight and obese subjects in the highest quartile of MDMS had a 67 %, 35 % and 53 % lower odds of anxiety (95 % CI: 0·20, 0·56), depression (95 % CI: 0·44, 0·94) and psychological distress (95 % CI: 0·31, 0·70), respectively. We found that high consumption of methyl donor micronutrients was related to a reduced odds of psychological disorders, especially in women and overweight or obese individuals.
The rhythms of rhythm
Authors: Gibbon Dafydd
Published: August 2021

The low frequency (LF) spectral analysis or ‘rhythm spectrum’ approach to the quantitative analysis and comparison of speech rhythms is extended beyond syllable or word rhythms to ‘rhetorical rhythms’ in read-aloud narratives, in a selection of exploratory scenarios, with the aim of developing a unified theory of speech rhythms. Current methodologies in the field are first discussed, then the choice of data is motivated and themodulation-theoreticrhythm spectrum and rhythm spectrogram approach is applied to the amplitude modulation (AM) and frequency modulation (FM) of speech. New concepts ofrhythm formant,rhythm spectrogramandrhythm formant trajectoryare introduced in theRhythm Formant Theory(RFT) framework with its associated methodologyRhythm Formant Analysis(RFA) in order to capture second order regularities in the temporal variation of rhythms. The interaction of AM and FM rhythm factors is explored, contrasting English with Mandarin Chinese. The LF rhythm spectrogram is introduced in order to recover temporal information about long-term rhythms, and to investigate the configurative function of rhythm. The trajectory of highest magnitude frequencies through the component spectra of the LF spectrogram is extracted and applied in classifying readings in different languages and individual speaking styles using distance-based hierarchical clustering, and the existence of long-term second order ‘rhythms of rhythm’ in long narratives is shown. In the conclusion, pointers are given to the extension of this exploratory RFT rhythm approach for future quantitative confirmatory investigations.
Understanding Singapore's dynamic parrot trade ecosystem
Authors: Jain Anuj , Aloysius Scott Li Meng , Lim Heather , Plowden Tim , Yong Ding Li , Lee Jessica Grace , Phelps Jacob
Published: August 2021

Singapore is prominent in the global trade of pet birds, primarily parrots. This includes its role as a key international transit hub, and also its growing domestic market, including for threatened species. There is a need to understand the trade beyond volumes and flows, including consumer knowledge, preferences and behaviours, and interactions with vendors, hobbyist groups and supporting industries. We used three methods to examine this: (1) a questionnaire with stakeholders (including parrot owners, hobbyist group members, breeders and supporting industry professionals), about the motivations for parrot ownership and interest in sustainable trade, (2) semi-structured interviews with key informants about trade dynamics, and (3) a review of online hobbyist groups. Based on our findings, we provide an initial mapping of the country's parrot trade ecosystem. Fifty-one per cent of respondents claimed to be a member of a parrot hobbyist group and 64% agreed their participation in such groups had encouraged them to purchase more parrots. The majority (71%) of parrot owners reported a preference for captive-bred rather than wild-caught parrots, and 72% were concerned about the illegal hunting of parrots for commercial trade. Most were willing to pay more (70%) and wait longer (73%) to procure a sustainably sourced parrot. Our approach presents the wildlife trade as a complex social phenomenon, with multiple physical and online channels, regulatory challenges, social networks, and evolving consumer preferences. We also document the pivotal role of hobbyist groups and their untapped potential to leverage these networks to improve sustainable trade.
Analysing the reported incidence of COVID-19 and factors associated in the World Health Organization African region as of 31 December 2020
Authors: Mboussou Franck , Impouma Benido , Farham Bridget , Wolfe Caitlin M. , Williams George Sie , Ngom Roland , Nzingou Milse , Merzouki Aziza , Orel Erol , Ahmed Yahaya Ali , Keiser Olivia , Moeti Matshidiso R
Published: August 2021

This study analysed the reported incidence of COVID-19 and associated epidemiological and socio-economic factors in the WHO African region. Data from COVID-19 confirmed cases and SARS-CoV-2 tests reported to the WHO by Member States between 25 February and 31 December 2020 and publicly available health and socio-economic data were analysed using univariate and multivariate binomial regression models. The overall cumulative incidence was 1846 cases per million population. Cape Verde (21 350 per million), South Africa (18 060 per million), Namibia (9840 per million), Eswatini (8151 per million) and Botswana (6044 per million) recorded the highest cumulative incidence, while Benin (260 per million), Democratic Republic of Congo (203 per million), Niger (141 cases per million), Chad (133 per million) and Burundi (62 per million) recorded the lowest. Increasing percentage of urban population (β= −0.011,P= 0.04) was associated with low cumulative incidence, while increasing number of cumulative SARS-CoV-2 tests performed per 10 000 population (β= 0.0006,P= 0.006) and the proportion of population aged 15–64 years (adjustedβ= 0.174,P< 0.0001) were associated with high COVID-19 cumulative incidence. With limited testing capacities and overwhelmed health systems, these findings highlight the need for countries to increase and decentralise testing capacities and adjust testing strategies to target most at-risk populations.
FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND SOCIAL COERCION
Authors: Elford Gideon
Published: August 2021

Much legal and philosophical work has been devoted to discussing the importance of protecting freedom of expression from legislative curtailment by the state. That state-centric focus has meant that the ways that wider social phenomena can stifle freedom of expression have, with a notable exception, escaped sustained philosophical attention. The paper reflects on the nature of socially coercive restrictions on free expression and offers an account of how it is appropriate to respond to such forms of social coercion. First, it considers a range of social costs pertaining to expression and argues that such costs can constitute meaningful restrictions on the freedom to express. Second, it reflects on the normative implications concerning that threat to free expression and defends two related moral duties citizens have to refrain from being complicit in unjustified social coercion—a duty of expressive toleration and a duty of respect for expressive agency.
The contributions of civil society to food security in the context of COVID-19: a qualitative exploration in Uruguay
Authors: Brunet Gerónimo , Girona Alejandra , Fajardo Gabriela , Iragola Valentina , Machín Leandro , Bove Isabel , Ares Gastón
Published: August 2021

Objective:

The aim of this study was to explore and analyse the actions implemented by civil society to contribute to food security in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak in Uruguay, a high-income country in South America.

Design:

An exploratory systematic approach was used to identify the contributions of civil society to food security through reports in news websites and Facebook posts. Data were analysed based on content analysis following a deductive–inductive approach.

Setting:

Uruguay, Latin America.

Results:

A total of 1220 civil society organisations were identified, which developed two main actions to increase access to food among the Uruguayan population: food baskets and ‘community pots’ (also known as ‘common pots’). Most of the initiatives targeted citizens under socioeconomic vulnerability in the face of COVID-19, without specifying any specific requirement or population segment. Actions were mainly led by spontaneously organised community groups, and, to a lesser extent, by consolidated organisations. Interactions between organisations were identified. The foods provided by the organisations were mostly aligned with national dietary guidelines. Social media posts evidenced that the main challenge faced by organisations was related to the lack of funds or supplies.

Conclusions:

Results from this work suggest that the lack of funds or supplies poses challenges to the medium- and long-term contributions of civil society to food security and stresses the need for comprehensive governmental measures to guarantee food security amongst Uruguayan citizens.
Implementation of food-based dietary guidelines: conceptual framework and analysis of the Brazilian case
Authors: Gabe Kamila Tiemann , Tramontt Cláudia Raulino , Jaime Patricia Constante
Published: August 2021

Objective:

This study aimed to develop a conceptual framework of the process of food-based dietary guidelines (FBDG) implementation and analyse Brazil’s employed measures to implement dietary guidelines for the Brazilian population (2014).

Design:

Qualitative research.

Setting:

Aiming to develop the conceptual framework, a literature review on FBDG implementation was carried out. Both documents scoped within the macropolitical sphere and scientific articles were reviewed. In the case study, measures took in Brazil were identified through a search on institutional websites and technical management reports of government sectors were responsible for FBDG implementation in the country.

Participants:

This study does not involve humans.

Results:

The new conceptual framework frames FBDG implementation as a part of a larger set of intersectoral public policies to promote healthy eating and highlights two main implementation ways: educational materials and public policies. Brazil has a range of policies to promote healthy eating guided by the perspective of food as a right. Most of the implemented measures focussed on the concept of ‘FBDG as educational materials,’ although the recommendations have also been implemented in public policies.

Conclusion:

The FBDG implementation should be carried out in an integrated manner with multi-sector involvement. The Brazilian’s case analysis can be helpful to decision makers in food policy across the globe be inspired by the Brazilian efforts, considering that the Brazilian FBDG was one of the firsts to have adopted a multidimensional paradigm of healthy eating, including diet sustainability.
Associations of dietary patterns with blood pressure and markers of subclinical arterial damage in adults with risk factors for CVD
Authors: Tzelefa Vicky , Tsirimiagkou Christiana , Argyris Antonios , Moschonis George , Perogiannakis George , Yannakoulia Maria , Sfikakis Petros , Protogerou Athanase D , Karatzi Kalliopi
Published: August 2021

Objective:

Unhealthy diet is a modifiable risk factor leading to subclinical arterial damage (SAD), high BP and CVD. It was aimed to investigate the possible associations of dietary patterns (DPs) with SAD in adults having multiple CVD risk factors.

Design:

Dietary intake was evaluated through two 24-h dietary recalls and principal component analysis was used to identify DPs. Oscillometry, applanation tonometry with pulse wave analysis and carotid ultrasound were used to assess peripheral and aortic BP, arterial stiffness and pressure wave reflections.

Setting:

Laiko University Hospital, Athens, Greece.

Participants:

A total of 470 individuals (53·1 ± 14·2 years) with CVD risk factors were enrolled.

Results:

A pattern characterised by increased consumption of whole-grain cereals, white meat and reduced consumption of sugar was positively associated with common carotid compliance (β = 0·01, 95 % CI 0·00, 0·01), whereas a pattern high in refined cereals, red and processed meat was positively associated with brachial but not aortic systolic pressure (β = 1·76, 95 % CI 0·11, 3·42) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) (β = 1·18, 95 % CI 0·02, −2·38). Low consumption of low-fat dairy products, high consumption of full-fat cheese and butter was positively associated with MAP (β = 0·97, 95 % CI 0·01, 1·95). Increased consumption of vegetables, fruits, fresh juices, fish and seafood was inversely associated with augmentation index (AIx) (β = -1·01, 95 % CI -1·93, −0·09).

Conclusion:

Consumption of whole grains, white meat, fruits/vegetables, fish/seafood and avoidance of sugar was associated with improved SAD. Preference in refined grains, red/processed meat, high-fat cheese/butter and low intake of low-fat dairy products were associated with BP elevation. Future studies are needed to confirm the present findings.
Magnitude of urban household food insecurity in East Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gebremichael Bereket , Beletew Biruk , Bimerew Melaku , Haile Demewoz , Biadgilign Sibhatu , Baye Kaleab
Published: August 2021

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to determine the magnitude and determinants of urban household food insecurity in East Africa.

Design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Setting:

Studies conducted in East Africa.

Participants:

Seventeen studies (fifteen cross-sectional and two cohort) that enrolled 156 996 households. We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines to search electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, CINAHL, African Journals OnLine, Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar; date of last search: 10 June 2020) for studies reporting the prevalence and associated factors of urban household food insecurity.

Results:

A total of 17 studies with 156 996 households from 8 countries were used for the analysis. The pooled prevalence of urban household food insecurity in East Africa was 60·91 % (95 % CI 47·72, 74·11; I2 = 100 %; P < 0·001) where the highest (91 %) and lowest (36·5 %) was observed in Sudan and Burundi, respectively. Household head educational status (illiterate) (AOR = 2·53; 95 % CI 2·11, 2·95, I2 = 90 %; P < 0·01), female as household head (AOR = 1·45; 95 % CI 1·16, 1·75; I2 = 0·0 %; P = 0·993), large family size (AOR = 1·43; 95 % CI 1·09, 1·76, I2 = 0·0 %; P = 0·863) and poorest wealth quantile (AOR = 3·95; 95 % CI 1·93, 5·98; I2 = 57·2 %, P = 0·053) were factors which significantly increased odds of urban household food insecurity in East Africa.

Conclusions:

The prevalence of urban household food insecurity in East Africa remains high. Therefore, policies and intervention programmes should be designed to reduce the high burden of food insecurity among urban households considering the identified factors.
Adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy in radically resected adrenocortical carcinoma: a cohort study
Authors: Kimpel Otilia , Bedrose Sara , Megerle Felix , Berruti Alfredo , Terzolo Massimo , Kroiss Matthias , Mai Knut , Dekkers Olaf M. , Habra Mouhammed Amir , Fassnacht Martin
Published: August 2021

Background

After radical resection, patients with adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) frequently experience recurrence and, therefore, effective adjuvant treatment is urgently needed. The aim of the study was to investigate the role of adjuvant platinum-based therapy.

Methods

In this retrospective multicentre cohort study, we identified patients treated with adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy after radical resection and compared them with patients without adjuvant chemotherapy. Recurrence-free and overall survival (RFS/OS) were investigated in a matched group analysis and by applying a propensity score matching using the full control cohort (n = 268). For both approaches, we accounted for immortal time bias.

Results

Of the 31 patients in the platinum cohort (R0 n = 25, RX n = 4, R1 n = 2; ENSAT Stage II n = 11, III n = 16, IV n = 4, median Ki67 30%, mitotane n = 28), 14 experienced recurrence compared to 29 of 31 matched controls (median RFS after the landmark at 3 months 17.3 vs. 7.3 months; adjusted HR 0.19 (95% CI 0.09–0.42; P < 0.001). Using propensity score matching, the HR for RFS was 0.45 (0.29–0.89, P = 0.021) and for OS 0.25 (0.09–0.69; P = 0.007).

Conclusions

Our study provides the first evidence that adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy may be associated with prolonged recurrence-free and overall survival in patients with ACC and a very high risk for recurrence.
Cisplatin-mediated activation of glucocorticoid receptor induces platinum resistance via MAST1
Authors: Pan Chaoyun , Kang JiHoon , Hwang Jung Seok , Li Jie , Boese Austin C. , Wang Xu , Yang Likun , Boggon Titus J. , Chen Georgia Z. , Saba Nabil F. , Shin Dong M. , Magliocca Kelly R. , Jin Lingtao , Kang Sumin
Published: August 2021

Agonists of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) are frequently given to cancer patients with platinum-containing chemotherapy to reduce inflammation, but how GR influences tumor growth in response to platinum-based chemotherapy such as cisplatin through inflammation-independent signaling remains largely unclear. Combined genomics and transcription factor profiling reveal that MAST1, a critical platinum resistance factor that reprograms the MAPK pathway, is upregulated upon cisplatin exposure through activated transcription factor GR. Mechanistically, cisplatin binds to C622 in GR and recruits GR to the nucleus for its activation, which induces MAST1 expression and consequently reactivates MEK signaling. GR nuclear translocation and MAST1 upregulation coordinately occur in patient tumors collected after platinum treatment, and align with patient treatment resistance. Co-treatment with dexamethasone and cisplatin restores cisplatin-resistant tumor growth, whereas addition of the MAST1 inhibitor lestaurtinib abrogates tumor growth while preserving the inhibitory effect of dexamethasone on inflammation in vivo. These findings not only provide insights into the underlying mechanism of GR in cisplatin resistance but also offer an effective alternative therapeutic strategy to improve the clinical outcome of patients receiving platinum-based chemotherapy with GR agonists.
Sustained CO2-photoreduction activity and high selectivity over Mn, C-codoped ZnO core-triple shell hollow spheres
Authors: Sayed Mahmoud , Xu Feiyan , Kuang Panyong , Low Jingxiang , Wang Shengyao , Zhang Liuyang , Yu Jiaguo
Published: August 2021

Solar conversion of CO2 into energy-rich products is one of the sustainable solutions to lessen the global energy shortage and environmental crisis. Pitifully, it is still challenging to attain reliable and affordable CO2 conversion. Herein, we demonstrate a facile one-pot approach to design core-triple shell Mn, C-codoped ZnO hollow spheres as efficient photocatalysts for CO2 reduction. The Mn ions, with switchable valence states, function as “ionized cocatalyst” to promote the CO2 adsorption and light harvesting of the system. Besides, they can capture photogenerated electrons from the conduction band of ZnO and provide the electrons for CO2 reduction. This process is continuous due to the switchable valence states of Mn ions. Benefiting from such unique features, the prepared photocatalysts demonstrated fairly good CO2 conversion performance. This work is endeavoured to shed light on the role of ionized cocatalyst towards sustainable energy production.
LineageOT is a unified framework for lineage tracing and trajectory inference
Authors: Forrow Aden , Schiebinger Geoffrey
Published: August 2021

Understanding the genetic and epigenetic programs that control differentiation during development is a fundamental challenge, with broad impacts across biology and medicine. Measurement technologies like single-cell RNA-sequencing and CRISPR-based lineage tracing have opened new windows on these processes, through computational trajectory inference and lineage reconstruction. While these two mathematical problems are deeply related, methods for trajectory inference are not typically designed to leverage information from lineage tracing and vice versa. Here, we present LineageOT, a unified framework for lineage tracing and trajectory inference. Specifically, we leverage mathematical tools from graphical models and optimal transport to reconstruct developmental trajectories from time courses with snapshots of both cell states and lineages. We find that lineage data helps disentangle complex state transitions with increased accuracy using fewer measured time points. Moreover, integrating lineage tracing with trajectory inference in this way could enable accurate reconstruction of developmental pathways that are impossible to recover with state-based methods alone.
Large-scale and high-resolution mass spectrometry-based proteomics profiling defines molecular subtypes of esophageal cancer for therapeutic targeting
Authors: Liu Wei , Xie Lei , He Yao-Hui , Wu Zhi-Yong , Liu Lu-Xin , Bai Xue-Feng , Deng Dan-Xia , Xu Xiu-E , Liao Lian-Di , Lin Wan , Heng Jing-Hua , Xu Xin , Peng Liu , Huang Qing-Feng , Li Cheng-Yu , Zhang Zhi-Da , Wang Wei , Zhang Guo-Rui , Gao Xiang , Wang Shao-Hong , Li Chun-Quan , Xu Li-Yan , Liu Wen , Li En-Min
Published: August 2021

Esophageal cancer (EC) is a type of aggressive cancer without clinically relevant molecular subtypes, hindering the development of effective strategies for treatment. To define molecular subtypes of EC, we perform mass spectrometry-based proteomic and phosphoproteomics profiling of EC tumors and adjacent non-tumor tissues, revealing a catalog of proteins and phosphosites that are dysregulated in ECs. The EC cohort is stratified into two molecular subtypes—S1 and S2—based on proteomic analysis, with the S2 subtype characterized by the upregulation of spliceosomal and ribosomal proteins, and being more aggressive. Moreover, we identify a subtype signature composed of ELOA and SCAF4, and construct a subtype diagnostic and prognostic model. Potential drugs are predicted for treating patients of S2 subtype, and three candidate drugs are validated to inhibit EC. Taken together, our proteomic analysis define molecular subtypes of EC, thus providing a potential therapeutic outlook for improving disease outcomes in patients with EC.
Global view on the metabolism of RNA poly(A) tails in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Tudek Agnieszka , Krawczyk Paweł S. , Mroczek Seweryn , Tomecki Rafał , Turtola Matti , Matylla-Kulińska Katarzyna , Jensen Torben Heick , Dziembowski Andrzej
Published: August 2021

The polyadenosine tail (poly[A]-tail) is a universal modification of eukaryotic messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). In budding yeast, Pap1-synthesized mRNA poly(A) tails enhance export and translation, whereas Trf4/5-mediated polyadenylation of ncRNAs facilitates degradation by the exosome. Using direct RNA sequencing, we decipher the extent of poly(A) tail dynamics in yeast defective in all relevant exonucleases, deadenylases, and poly(A) polymerases. Predominantly ncRNA poly(A) tails are 20-60 adenosines long. Poly(A) tails of newly transcribed mRNAs are 50 adenosine long on average, with an upper limit of 200. Exonucleolysis by Trf5-assisted nuclear exosome and cytoplasmic deadenylases trim the tails to 40 adenosines on average. Surprisingly, PAN2/3 and CCR4-NOT deadenylase complexes have a large pool of non-overlapping substrates mainly defined by expression level. Finally, we demonstrate that mRNA poly(A) tail length strongly responds to growth conditions, such as heat and nutrient deprivation.
Exclusive and ultrasensitive detection of formaldehyde at room temperature using a flexible and monolithic chemiresistive sensor
Authors: Jo Yong Kun , Jeong Seong-Yong , Moon Young Kook , Jo Young-Moo , Yoon Ji-Wook , Lee Jong-Heun
Published: August 2021

Formaldehyde, a probable carcinogen, is a ubiquitous indoor pollutant, but its highly selective detection has been a long-standing challenge. Herein, a chemiresistive sensor that can detect ppb-level formaldehyde in an exclusive manner at room temperature is designed. The TiO2 sensor exhibits under UV illumination highly selective detection of formaldehyde and ethanol with negligible cross-responses to other indoor pollutants. The coating of a mixed matrix membrane (MMM) composed of zeolitic imidazole framework (ZIF-7) nanoparticles and polymers on TiO2 sensing films removed ethanol interference completely by molecular sieving, enabling an ultrahigh selectivity (response ratio > 50) and response (resistance ratio > 1,100) to 5 ppm formaldehyde at room temperature. Furthermore, a monolithic and flexible sensor is fabricated successfully using a TiO2 film sandwiched between a flexible polyethylene terephthalate substrate and MMM overlayer. Our work provides a strategy to achieve exclusive selectivity and high response to formaldehyde, demonstrating the promising potential of flexible gas sensors for indoor air monitoring.
The role of oxygen-permeable ionomer for polymer electrolyte fuel cells
Authors: Jinnouchi Ryosuke , Kudo Kenji , Kodama Kensaku , Kitano Naoki , Suzuki Takahisa , Minami Saori , Shinozaki Kazuma , Hasegawa Naoki , Shinohara Akihiro
Published: August 2021

In recent years, considerable research and development efforts are devoted to improving the performance of polymer electrolyte fuel cells. However, the power density and catalytic activities of these energy conversion devices are still far from being satisfactory for large-scale operation. Here we report performance enhancement via incorporation, in the cathode catalyst layers, of a ring-structured backbone matrix into ionomers. Electrochemical characterizations of single cells and microelectrodes reveal that high power density is obtained using an ionomer with high oxygen solubility. The high solubility allows oxygen to permeate the ionomer/catalyst interface and react with protons and electrons on the catalyst surfaces. Furthermore, characterizations of single cells and single-crystal surfaces reveal that the oxygen reduction reaction activity is enhanced owing to the mitigation of catalyst poisoning by sulfonate anion groups. Molecular dynamics simulations indicate that both the high permeation and poisoning mitigation are due to the suppression of densely layered folding of polymer backbones near the catalyst surfaces by the incorporated ring-structured matrix. These experimental and theoretical observations demonstrate that ionomer’s tailored molecular design promotes local oxygen transport and catalytic reactions.
Multiregional genetic evolution of metastatic uveal melanoma
Authors: Rodriguez Daniel A. , Yang Jessica , Durante Michael A. , Shoushtari Alexander N. , Moschos Stergios J. , Wrzeszczynski Kazimierz O. , Harbour J. William , Carvajal Richard D.
Published: August 2021

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults and leads to deadly metastases for which there is no approved treatment. Genetic events driving early tumor development are well-described, but those occurring later during metastatic progression remain poorly understood. We performed multiregional genomic sequencing on 22 tumors collected from two patients with widely metastatic UM who underwent rapid autopsy. We observed multiple seeding events from the primary tumors, metastasis-to-metastasis seeding, polyclonal seeding, and late driver variants in ATM, KRAS, and other genes previously unreported in UM. These findings reveal previously unrecognized temporal and anatomic complexity in the genetic evolution of metastatic uveal melanoma, and they highlight the distinction between early and late phases of UM genetic evolution with implications for novel therapeutic approaches.
Prognostic biomarkers of Parkinson’s disease in the Spanish EPIC cohort: a multiplatform metabolomics approach
Authors: Gonzalez-Riano Carolina , Saiz Jorge , Barbas Coral , Bergareche Alberto , Huerta José Mª , Ardanaz Eva , Konjevod Marcela , Mondragon Elisabet , Erro M. E. , Chirlaque M. Dolores , Abilleira Eunate , Goñi-Irigoyen Fernando , Amiano Pilar
Published: August 2021

The lack of knowledge about the onset and progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD) hampers its early diagnosis and treatment. Metabolomics might shed light on the PD imprint seeking a broader view of the biochemical remodeling induced by this disease in an early and pre-symptomatic stage and unveiling potential biomarkers. To achieve this goal, we took advantage of the great potential of the European Prospective Study on Nutrition and Cancer (EPIC) cohort to apply metabolomics searching for early diagnostic PD markers. This cohort consisted of healthy volunteers that were followed for around 15 years until June 2011 to ascertain incident PD. For this untargeted metabolomics-based study, baseline preclinical plasma samples of 39 randomly selected individuals that developed PD (Pre-PD group) and the corresponding control group were analyzed using a multiplatform approach. Data were statistically analyzed and exposed alterations in 33 metabolites levels, including significantly lower levels of free fatty acids (FFAs) in the preclinical samples from PD subjects. These results were then validated by adopting a targeted HPLC-QqQ-MS approach. After integrating all the metabolites affected, our finding revealed alterations in FFAs metabolism, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and gut–brain axis dysregulation long before the development of PD hallmarks. Although the biological purpose of these events is still unknown, the remodeled metabolic pathways highlighted in this work might be considered worthy prognostic biomarkers of early prodromal PD. The findings revealed by this work are of inestimable value since this is the first study conducted with samples collected many years before the disease development.
Open-access quantitative MRI data of the spinal cord and reproducibility across participants, sites and manufacturers
Authors: Cohen-Adad Julien , Alonso-Ortiz Eva , Abramovic Mihael , Arneitz Carina , Atcheson Nicole , Barlow Laura , Barry Robert L. , Barth Markus , Battiston Marco , Büchel Christian , Budde Matthew , Callot Virginie , Combes Anna J. E. , De Leener Benjamin , Descoteaux Maxime , de Sousa Paulo Loureiro , Dostál Marek , Doyon Julien , Dvorak Adam , Eippert Falk , Epperson Karla R. , Epperson Kevin S. , Freund Patrick , Finsterbusch Jürgen , Foias Alexandru , Fratini Michela , Fukunaga Issei , Gandini Wheeler-Kingshott Claudia A. M. , Germani Giancarlo , Gilbert Guillaume , Giove Federico , Gros Charley , Grussu Francesco , Hagiwara Akifumi , Henry Pierre-Gilles , Horák Tomáš , Hori Masaaki , Joers James , Kamiya Kouhei , Karbasforoushan Haleh , Keřkovský Miloš , Khatibi Ali , Kim Joo-Won , Kinany Nawal , Kitzler Hagen H. , Kolind Shannon , Kong Yazhuo , Kudlička Petr , Kuntke Paul , Kurniawan Nyoman D. , Kusmia Slawomir , Labounek René , Laganà Maria Marcella , Laule Cornelia , Law Christine S. , Lenglet Christophe , Leutritz Tobias , Liu Yaou , Llufriu Sara , Mackey Sean , Martinez-Heras Eloy , Mattera Loan , Nestrasil Igor , O’Grady Kristin P. , Papinutto Nico , Papp Daniel , Pareto Deborah , Parrish Todd B. , Pichiecchio Anna , Prados Ferran , Rovira Àlex , Ruitenberg Marc J. , Samson Rebecca S. , Savini Giovanni , Seif Maryam , Seifert Alan C. , Smith Alex K. , Smith Seth A. , Smith Zachary A. , Solana Elisabeth , Suzuki Y. , Tackley George , Tinnermann Alexandra , Valošek Jan , Van De Ville Dimitri , Yiannakas Marios C. , Weber II Kenneth A. , Weiskopf Nikolaus , Wise Richard G. , Wyss Patrik O. , Xu Junqian
Published: August 2021

In a companion paper by Cohen-Adadet al. we introduce thespine genericquantitative MRI protocol that provides valuable metrics for assessing spinal cord macrostructural and microstructural integrity. This protocol was used to acquire a single subject dataset across 19 centers and a multi-subject dataset across 42 centers (for a total of 260 participants), spanning the three main MRI manufacturers: GE, Philips and Siemens. Both datasets are publicly available via git-annex. Data were analysed using the Spinal Cord Toolbox to produce normative values as well as inter/intra-site and inter/intra-manufacturer statistics. Reproducibility for thespine genericprotocol was high across sites and manufacturers, with an average inter-site coefficient of variation of less than 5% for all the metrics. Full documentation and results can be found athttps://spine-generic.rtfd.io/. The datasets and analysis pipeline will help pave the way towards accessible and reproducible quantitative MRI in the spinal cord.
Synthesis, characterisation and thermo-physical properties of highly stable graphene oxide-based aqueous nanofluids for potential low-temperature direct absorption solar applications
Authors: Cham sa-ard Wisut , Fawcett Derek , Fung Chun Che , Chapman Peter , Rattan Supriya , Poinern Gerrard Eddy Jai
Published: August 2021

Two types of highly stable 0.1% graphene oxide-based aqueous nanofluids were synthesised and investigated. The first nanofluid (GO) was prepared under the influence of ultrasonic irradiation without surfactant. The second nanofluid was treated with tetra ethyl ammonium hydroxide to reduce the graphene oxide to form reduced graphene oxide (RGO) during ultrasonic irradiation. The GO and RGO powders were characterised by various techniques such as field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Raman. Also UV–visible absorption spectroscopy was carried out and band gap energies were determined. Optical band gap energies for indirect transitions ranged from 3.4 to 4.4 eV and for direct transitions they ranged between 2.2 and 3.7 eV. Thermal conductivity measurements of the GO-based aqueous nanofluid revealed an enhancement of 9.5% at 40 °C compared to pure water, while the RGO-based aqueous nanofluid at 40 °C had a value 9.23% lower than pure water. Furthermore, the photothermal response of the RGO-based aqueous nanofluid had a temperature increase of 13.5 °C, (enhancement of 60.2%) compared to pure water, the GO-based aqueous nanofluid only displayed a temperature rise of 10.9 °C, (enhancement of 46.6%) after 20 min exposure to a solar irradiance of 1000 W m−2. Both nanofluid types displayed good long-term stability, with the GO-based aqueous nanofluid having a zeta potential of 30.3 mV and the RGO-based aqueous nanofluid having a value of 47.6 mV after 6 months. The good dispersion stability and photothermal performance makes both nanofluid types very promising working fluids for low-temperature direct absorption solar collectors.