bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural and electronic insight into the effect of indium doping on the photocatalytic performance of TiO2 for CO2 conversion
Authors: Reñones Patricia , Fresno Fernando , Oropeza Freddy E. , Gorni Giulio , de la Peña O'Shea Víctor A.
Published: November 2021

In-doping induces electronic modifications in TiO2 leading to an increase in the CO2 photoreduction selectivity towards CH4.
The diversity of the coordination bond generated a POSS-based fluorescent probe for the reversible detection of Cu(ii), Fe(iii) and amino acids
Authors: Zhang Kun , Wang Xiaoni , Tian Minggang , Gou Zhiming , Zuo Yujing
Published: November 2021

In recent years, it has been found that Cu2+, Fe3+, and amino acids play an irreplaceable and subtle role in organisms and have attracted the considerable attention of many researchers.
Efficient charge generation and low open circuit voltage loss enable a PCE of 10.3% in small molecule donor and polymer acceptor organic solar cells
Authors: Li Yi , Deng Dan , Sun Rui , Wu Sihua , Zhang LiLi , Zhang Ziqi , Zhang Jianqi , Min Jie , Zhao Guangjiu , Wei Zhixiang
Published: November 2021

Two small donors with alkyl chains close to (Se-1) and away from (Se-2) the donor core were synthesized. Ordered molecular packing and an induced face-on packing by PJ1 enable an efficient charge generation and low Voc loss in the Se-2/PJ1 device.
Picture Description of the Western Aphasia Battery Picnic Scene: Reference Data for the French Canadian Population
Authors: Boucher Johémie , Brisebois Amélie , Slegers Antoine , Courson Melody , Désilets-Barnabé Marianne , Chouinard Anne-Marie , Gbeglo Véronika , Marcotte Karine , Brambati Simona Maria
Published: November 2021

Purpose:

The main aim of this study is to provide French Canadian reference data for quantitative measures extracted from connected speech samples elicited by the Western Aphasia Battery–Revised picnic scene, a discourse task frequently used in clinical assessment of acquired language disorders.

Method:

Our sample consisted of 62 healthy French Canadian adults divided in two age groups: a 50- to 69-year-old group and a 70- to 90-year-old group.

Results:

High interrater reliability scores were obtained for most of the variables. Most connected speech variables did not demonstrate an age effect. However, the 70- to 90-year-old group produced more repetitions than the 50- to 69-year-old group and displayed reduced communication efficiency (number of information content units per minute).

Conclusion:

These findings contribute to building a reference data set to analyze descriptive discourse production in clinical settings.
Diagnostik der Interstitiellen Zystitis: Wie gehe ich praktisch vor?
Authors: Foresti Antje , Schultz-Lampel Daniela
Published: November 2021

Die interstitielle Zystitis zählt zu den seltenen chronischen Erkrankungen der Harnblase mit
typischen Hauptsymptomen wie Blasenschmerz, vermehrtem Harndrang und Pollakisurie. Aufgrund
zahlreicher Differenzialdiagnosen mit ähnlichen Symptomen und der bis dato unklaren Genese ist
die Diagnose immer noch eine Ausschlussdiagnose und eine Herausforderung für den Arzt und
Betroffene. Häufig kommt es bei den Patienten zu langjährigen Fehldiagnosen und erfolglosen
Behandlungen. Das primäre Ziel ist daher, diese chronischen Schmerzpatienten einer zügigen
Diagnosestellung und adäquaten Therapieeinleitung zuzuführen. Im Folgenden werden die
konsensusbasierten Empfehlungen der aktuellen S2k-Leitlinie „Diagnose und Therapie der
interstitiellen Cystitis (IC/BPS)“ (2018 AWMF-Register-Nr.: 043/050) in einen
praxisorientierten und strukturierten Diagnostikablauf zusammengefasst.
Anquilose do quadril após artrite séptica por Escherichia coli não tratada: Relato de caso
Authors: Sllamniku Sabit , Raka Lul , Haxhija Emir Q. , Murtezani Ardiana
Published: November 2021

A artrite séptica é geralmente relatada em pacientes idosos com outras condições médicas subjacentes. Artrite séptica por Escherichia coli é uma infecção rara. Descrevemos o caso de um paciente de 70 anos que apresentou uma fístula supurativa, movimentos limitados do membro inferior direito, e um trauma ocorrido aos 12 anos de idade. Durante todo esse tempo, a fístula esteve presente, secretando pus. Uma investigação clínica detalhada revelou uma infecção piogênica presente na epífise femoral seguida de uma taxa elevada de sedimentação. Após a intervenção cirúrgica, E. coli foi isolada das amostras clínicas, e tomou-se a decisão de colocar pérolas de gentamicina dentro da ferida cirúrgica. O paciente foi tratado com antibióticos. Quatro meses após a intervenção, a fístula supurativa foi completamente curada.

Mais tarde, o paciente não estava mais interessado em continuar com o plano de tratamento. Como ele se recusou a remover as pérolas da cadeia de gentamicina e a endoprótese de quadrile, ele foi posteriormente encaminhado para a clínica de atenção primária para manejo conservador e acompanhamento. Ele andava mancando usando sapatos ortopédicos, mas sem muletas ou qualquer outro tipo de dipositivo de auxílio para caminhar. Quatro anos após a intervenção cirúrgica, as pérolas da cadeia de gentamicina ainda estão inseridas no osso. A artrite séptica causada por E. coli pode ficar ativa por décadas, secretando pus e se isolando. Diagnóstico rápido, intervenção cirúrgica adequada, e terapia antimicrobiana são essenciais para o tratamento.
Outcome of Infants with Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy Treated by Whole Body Cooling and Magnesium Sulfate
Authors: Abdel-Aziz Safwat M. , Rahman Mohamed Sabry M. Abdel , Shoreit Asmaa H. , Din Moustafa Ez El , Hamed Enas A. , Gad Eman Fathalla
Published: November 2021

Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) either by selective head cooling or whole-body cooling decreases brain damage and provide neuroprotection and reduced mortality rate in cases of moderate-to-severe hypoxia-ischemia encephalopathy (HIE) of newborns, especially if started at first 6 hours after birth. Also, management with adjuvant therapies like magnesium sulfate (MS) provides more neuroprotection. The interventional randomized controlled research aimed to assess short-term actions of TH as sole therapy and in combination with MS as a neuroprotective agent for the treatment of HIE newborn infants. A total of 36 full-terms and near-term infants delivered at Assiut University Children's Hospital and fulfilled HIE criteria were enrolled. They were divided equally into three groups; Group 1 (n = 12) received whole body cooling during first 6 hours of life as a sole therapy; Group 2 (n = 12) received whole body cooling in addition to MS as adjuvant therapy; Group 3 (n = 12) received supportive intensive care measures as a control. TH plus MS group (group 2) had a significantly good short-term outcomes as short period of respiratory support and mechanical ventilation (p-value =0.001), less in incidence of convulsion (p-value = 0.001) and early in feeding initiation (p-value = 0.009), compared with other groups managed by TH (group 1) or by supportive treatment (group 3). In conclusion, whole body cooling in addition to MS as adjunctive therapy for the treatment of HIE neonates is safe therapy that improves short-term outcome both clinically and radiologically.
Metacondromatose: Uma doença confusa
Authors: Blasco Alejandro , Salom Marta , Giner Francisco , Baixauli Emilio , Baixauli Francisco
Published: November 2021

Metacondromatose é uma doença genética autossômica rara com penetração incompleta que envolve função anormal do gene PTPN11. A diferenciação entre tumores condrogênicos é um desafio para os ortopedistas. Relatamos um caso de uma menina de 5 anos com metacondromatose, doença que compartilha atributos com osteocondromas e encondromas. Encontramos múltiplas lesões semelhantes a osteocondromas com a característica atípica de guiar seu crescimento em direção à articulação vizinha (epífise) em vez de se afastar dela. Além disso, as lesões semelhantes a encondromas colunares eram claramente visíveis no raio distal direito, no colo uterino femoral proximal e nas cristas ilíacas. A paciente relatou que algum outro tumor tinha desaparecido ou reduzido com o tempo. Este caso foi debatido entre um grupo multidisciplinar de displasia esquelética. Os achados clínicos e radiográficos acima mencionados reforçam o diagnóstico hipotético da metacondromatose. O diagnóstico definitivo da metacondromatose é uma combinação de achados clínicos, radiográficos e histopatológicos. O diagnóstico diferencial entre encondromas, osteocondromas e metacondromatose é vital devido a diferenças na malignização e na história natural. Quando um paciente tem encondromas múltiplos e osteocondromas com regressão de algumas lesões e característica radiográfica atípica das lesões semelhantes ao osteocondroma apontando para a epífise, a metacondromatose, uma doença rara, deve ser considerada. Tratamento cirúrgico é reservado para lesões dolorosas. O risco de malignização é insignificante e conselhos genéticos devem ser dados por se tratar de uma doença autossômica dominante.
Dephasing and inhibition of spin interference from semi-classical self-gravitation
Authors: Großardt André
Published: November 2021

We present a detailed derivation of a model to study effects of self-gravitation from semi-classical gravity, described by the Schrödinger–Newton equation, employing spin superposition states in inhomogeneous magnetic fields, as proposed recently for experiments searching for gravity induced entanglement. Approximations for the experimentally relevant limits are discussed. Results suggest that spin interferometry could provide a more accessible route towards an experimental test of quantum aspects of gravity than both previous proposals to test semi-classical gravity and the observation of gravitational spin entanglement.
The solar corona as an active medium for magnetoacoustic waves
Authors: Kolotkov D Y , Zavershinskii D I , Nakariakov V M
Published: November 2021

The presence and interplay of continuous cooling and heating processes maintaining the corona of the Sun at the observed one million K temperature were recently understood to have crucial effects on the dynamics and stability of magnetoacoustic (MA) waves. These essentially compressive waves perturb the coronal thermal equilibrium, leading to the phenomenon of a wave-induced thermal misbalance (TM). Representing an additional natural mechanism for the exchange of energy between the plasma and the wave, TM makes the corona an active medium for MA waves, so that the wave can not only lose but also gain energy from the coronal heating source (similarly to burning gases, lasers and masers). We review recent achievements in this newly emerging research field, focussing on the effects that slow-mode MA waves experience as a back-reaction of this perturbed coronal thermal equilibrium. The new effects include enhanced frequency-dependent damping or amplification of slow waves, and effective, not associated with the coronal plasma non-uniformity, dispersion. We also discuss the possibility to probe the unknown coronal heating function by observations of slow waves and linear theory of thermal instabilities. The manifold of the new properties that slow waves acquire from a thermodynamically active nature of the solar corona indicate a clear need for accounting for the effects of combined coronal heating/cooling processes not only for traditional problems of the formation and evolution of prominences and coronal rain, but also for an adequate modelling and interpretation of magnetohydrodynamic waves.
Improving the spectral purity of single photons by a single-interferometer-coupled microring
Authors: Wang Yang , Zhu Pingyu , Xue Shichuan , Liu Yingwen , Wu Junjie , Yang Xuejun , Xu Ping
Published: November 2021

We experimentally engineer a high-spectral-purity single-photon source using a single-interferometer-coupled silicon microring. By the reconfiguration of the interferometer, different coupling conditions can be obtained, corresponding to different quality factors for the pump and signal/idler. The ratio between the quality factor of the pump and signal/idler ranges from 0.29 to 2.57. By constructing the signal–idler joint spectral intensity, we intuitively demonstrate the spectral correlation of the signal and idler. As the ratio between the quality factor of the pump and signal/idler increases, the spectral correlation of the signal and idler decreases, i.e., the spectral purity of the signal/idler photons increases. Furthermore, time-integrated second-order correlation of the signal photons is measured, giving a value up to 94.95 ± 3.46%. Such high-spectral-purity photons will improve the visibility of quantum interference and facilitate the development of on-chip quantum information processing.
Interannual variation of reactive nitrogen emissions and their impacts on PM2.5 air pollution in China during 2005–2015
Authors: Chen Youfan , Zhang Lin , Henze Daven K , Zhao Yuanhong , Lu Xiao , Winiwarter Wilfried , Guo Yixin , Liu Xuejun , Wen Zhang , Pan Yuepeng , Song Yu
Published: November 2021

Emissions of reactive nitrogen as ammonia (NH3) and nitrogen oxides (NO
x
), together with sulfur dioxide (SO2), contribute to formation of secondary PM2.5 in the atmosphere. Satellite observations of atmospheric NH3, NO2, and SO2 levels since the 2000s provide valuable information to constrain the spatial and temporal variability of their emissions. Here we present a bottom-up Chinese NH3 emission inventory combined with top-down estimates of Chinese NO
x
and SO2 emissions using ozone monitoring instrument satellite observations, aiming to quantify the interannual variations of reactive nitrogen emissions in China and their contributions to PM2.5 air pollution over 2005–2015. We find small interannual changes in the total Chinese anthropogenic NH3 emissions during 2005–2016 (12.0–13.3 Tg with over 85% from agricultural sources), but large interannual change in top-down Chinese NO
x
and SO2 emissions. Chinese NO
x
emissions peaked around 2011 and declined by 22% during 2011–2015, and Chinese SO2 emissions declined by 55% in 2015 relative to that in 2007. Using the GEOS-Chem chemical transport model simulations, we find that rising atmospheric NH3 levels in eastern China since 2011 as observed by infrared atmospheric sounding interferometer and atmospheric infrared sounder satellites are mainly driven by rapid reductions in SO2 emissions. The 2011–2015 Chinese NO
x
emission reductions have decreased regional annual mean PM2.5 by 2.3–3.8 μg m−3. Interannual PM2.5 changes due to NH3 emission changes are relatively small, but further control of agricultural NH3 emissions can be effective for PM2.5 pollution mitigation in eastern China.
Advances in anthropomorphic thorax phantoms for radiotherapy: a review
Authors: Tajik Mahdieh , Akhlaqi Mohammad Mohsen , Gholami Somayeh
Published: November 2021

A phantom is a highly specialized device, which mimic human body, or a part of it. There are three categories of phantoms: physical phantoms, physiological phantoms, and computational phantoms. The phantoms have been utilized in medical imaging and radiotherapy for numerous applications. In radiotherapy, the phantoms may be used for various applications such as quality assurance (QA), dosimetry, end-to-end testing, etc In thoracic radiotherapy, unique QA problems including tumor motion, thorax deformation, and heterogeneities in the beam path have complicated the delivery of dose to both tumor and organ at risks (OARs). Also, respiratory motion is a major challenge in radiotherapy of thoracic malignancies, which can be resulted in the discrepancies between the planned and delivered doses to cancerous tissue. Hence, the overall treatment procedure needs to be verified. Anthropomorphic thorax phantoms, which are made of human tissue-mimicking materials, can be utilized to obtain the ground truth to validate these processes. Accordingly, research into new anthropomorphic thorax phantoms has accelerated. Therefore, the review is intended to summarize the current status of the commercially available and in-house-built anthropomorphic physical/physiological thorax phantoms in radiotherapy. The main focus is on anthropomorphic, deformable thorax motion phantoms. This review also discusses the applications of three-dimensional (3D) printing technology for the fabrication of thorax phantoms.
Thermal rectification on asymmetric suspended graphene nanomesh devices
Authors: Liu Fayong , Muruganathan Manoharan , Feng Yu , Ogawa Shinichi , Morita Yukinori , Liu Chunmeng , Guo Jiayu , Schmidt Marek , Mizuta Hiroshi
Published: November 2021

Graphene-based thermal rectification was investigated by measuring the thermal transport properties of asymmetric suspended graphene nanomesh devices. A sub-10 nm periodic nanopore phononic crystal structure was successfully patterned on the half area of the suspended graphene ribbon by helium ion beam milling technology. The ‘differential thermal leakage’ method was developed for thermal transport measurement without disturbance from the leakage of electron current through the suspended graphene bridge. A thermal rectification ratio of up to 60% was observed in a typical device with a nanopore pitch of 20 nm. By increasing the nanopore pitch in a particular range, the thermal rectification ratio showed an increment. However, this ratio was degraded by increasing the environmental temperature. This experiment suggests a promising way to develop a high-performance thermal rectifier by using a phononic crystal to introduce asymmetry on homogeneous material.
Analysis of Maxwell bioconvective nanofluids with surface suction and slip conditions in the presence of solar radiations
Authors: Khan Naseer M , Ullah Naeem , Zeb Khan Jahan , Qaiser Dania , Riaz Khan M
Published: November 2021

Several researchers have studied nanofluids over the past several decades and tried to identify potential agents that are added to nanofluids (nanoparticle suspensions) with tremendous thermal conductivity. In such suspensions, the Brownian motion of nanoparticles is the only means expected to be associated with the improved thermal conductivity of nanofluids, and the sections that may add to this are the subject of main conversation and discussion. In the current evaluation, the effect of Brownian motion has been investigated by injecting nanoparticles into the base fluid, and the existing fundamental information is available at creation. Propagation results show that this mixing effect can significantly increase the thermal conductivity of nanofluids. One of the interesting features of this model is that the temperature can be increased by the energy of sunlight, which is required for some industrial processes. The stretching property of the sheet is more conducive to the temperature rise. This model contains features that have not been previously studied, which is driving demand for this model in a variety of industries, now and in future generations.
Greenberg’s conjecture for real quadratic fields and the cyclotomic ℤ₂-extensions
Authors: Pagani Lorenzo
Published: November 2021

Let

A

n

\mathcal {A}_n

be the

2
2

-part of the ideal class group of the

n
n

-th layer of the cyclotomic

Z

2

\mathbb {Z}_2

-extension of a real quadratic number field

F
F

. The cardinality of

A

n

\mathcal {A}_n

is related to the index of cyclotomic units in the full group of units. We present a method to study the latter index. As an application we show that the sequence of the

A

n

\mathcal {A}_n

’s stabilizes for the real fields

F
=

Q

(

f

)

F=\mathbb {Q}(\sqrt {f})

for any integer

0
>
f
>
10000

0>f>10000

. Equivalently Greenberg’s conjecture holds for those fields.
Ergodicity of Markov Processes via Nonstandard Analysis
Authors: Duanmu Haosui , Rosenthal Jeffrey , Weiss William
Published: November 2021

The Markov chain ergodic theorem is well-understood if either the time-line or the state space is discrete. However, there does not exist a very clear result for general state space continuous-time Markov processes. Using methods from mathematical logic and nonstandard analysis, we introduce a class of hyperfinite Markov processes-namely, general Markov processes which behave like finite state space discrete-time Markov processes. We show that, under moderate conditions, the transition probability of hyperfinite Markov processes align with the transition probability of standard Markov processes. The Markov chain ergodic theorem for hyperfinite Markov processes will then imply the Markov chain ergodic theorem for general state space continuous-time Markov processes.
Loxl2 is a mediator of cardiac aging in Drosophila melanogaster, genetically examining the role of aging clock genes
Authors: Bouska Mark J , Bai Hua
Published: November 2021

Transcriptomic, proteomic, and methylation aging clocks demonstrate that aging has a predictable preset program, while transcriptome trajectory turning points indicate that the 20–40 age range in humans is the likely stage at which the progressive loss of homeostatic control, and in turn aging, begins to have detrimental effects. Turning points in this age range overlapping with human aging clock genes revealed five candidates that we hypothesized could play a role in aging or age-related physiological decline. To examine these gene’s effects on lifespan and health-span, we utilized whole body and heart-specific gene knockdown of human orthologs in Drosophila melanogaster. Whole body lysyl oxidase like 2 (Loxl2), fz3, and Glo1 RNAi positively affected lifespan as did heart-specific Loxl2 knockdown. Loxl2 inhibition concurrently reduced age-related cardiac arrythmia and collagen (Pericardin) fiber width. Loxl2 binds several transcription factors in humans and RT-qPCR confirmed that a conserved transcriptional target CDH1 (Drosophila CadN2) has expression levels which correlate with Loxl2 reduction in Drosophila. These results point to conserved pathways and multiple mechanisms by which inhibition of Loxl2 can be beneficial to heart health and organismal aging.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus Taxonomy, Genomics, and Evolution
Authors: Ciota Alexander T
Published: November 2021

Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV; Togaviridae, Alphavirus) is an arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) primarily maintained in an enzootic cycle between Culiseta melanura (Coquillett) and passerine birds. EEEV, which has the highest reported case- fatality rate among arbovirus in the Americas, is responsible for sporadic outbreaks in the Eastern and Midwest United States. Infection is associated with severe neurologic disease and mortality in horses, humans, and other vertebrate hosts. Here, we review what is known about EEEV taxonomy, functional genomics, and evolution, and identify gaps in knowledge regarding the role of EEEV genetic diversity in transmission and disease.
Dual Process Models and Information Engagement: Testing Effects of Seeking, Scanning, and Trust in Sources on Attitudes Toward Marijuana
Authors: Lewis Nehama , Rossmann Constanze , de Bruijn Gert-Jan , Martinez Lourdes S
Published: November 2021

This study uses a three-wave prospective longitudinal survey (at 6-month intervals) to test effects of information seeking and scanning on attitudes toward marijuana among college students in Israel (N = 700). We integrate constructs from the elaboration likelihood model to contrast processes of attitude change among individuals who vary in moderators of information processing depth (motivation and ability). In addition, we test whether trust in the information source moderates these processes, and use propensity score matching to reduce bias. Results of autoregressive cross-lagged structural equation models show that scanning from interpersonal sources predicted attitudes toward marijuana among individuals who were low in elaboration motivation or ability. Seeking and scanning information about marijuana from interpersonal sources were positively associated with attitudes toward marijuana among individuals higher in elaboration motivation and ability, who had greater trust in the source. Implications for information processing models, seeking and scanning, and campaigns are discussed.
Determinants of impairments in functioning, fatigue, and participation ability in pediatric brain tumor survivors
Authors: Verwaaijen Emma J , Catsman-Berrevoets Coriene E , Maurice-Stam Heleen , Dessens Arianne B , Waslander Richelle , van den Adel Tabitha P L , Pluijm Saskia M F , Reddingius Roel E , Michiels Erna , van den Heuvel-Eibrink Marry M , Hartman Annelies
Published: November 2021

Background

Pediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTS) experience disease- and treatment-related sequelae. We aimed to investigate the occurrence of participation limitations, impairments in functioning, fatigue, and the association between patient, tumor- and treatment-related factors and these outcomes.

Methods

Children (4–18 years) after treatment for a brain tumor between 2005 and 2014 at the Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands, were eligible. The parent-reported Child and Family Follow-up Survey developed to measure participation and impairments in functioning in youth with acquired brain injury, was used. Fatigue was assessed using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Multidimensional Fatigue Scale. Associations with patient, tumor- and treatment-related factors were explored using univariable analyses.

Results

Ninety-one PBTS (median age: 11.3 years [range: 9.5–14.1], time since treatment: 3.9 years [range: 4–6.2]) were included (response rate: 55%). Participation limitations were reported in 53% and were associated with impairments in functioning (15–67%) (P ≤ .01) and fatigue (P ≤ .03).

Parent- and child-reported fatigue was increased compared to normative values (P ≤ .02). History of hydrocephalus was associated with increased fatigue (P ≤ .04). Younger age at diagnosis and longer time since diagnosis were associated with impairments in functioning and cognitive fatigue (P < .05).

Participation limitations, impairments in functioning and fatigue were similar in PBTS who were <3 or ≥3 years since completion of treatment.

Conclusion

More than half of PBTS reported limited participation ability, which is associated with impairments in functioning and fatigue. The complication hydrocephalus seems to lead to more fatigue. Participation limitations, impairments in functioning and fatigue appear not to diminish in the longer term.
Non-embryotoxic dosage of alternariol aggravates ochratoxin A-triggered deleterious effects on embryonic development through ROS-dependent apoptotic processes
Authors: Huang Chien-Hsun , Wang Fu-Ting , Hsuuw Yan-Der , Huang Fu-Jen , Chan Wen-Hsiung
Published: November 2021

Alternariol (AOH) and ochratoxin A (OTA), two mycotoxins found in many foods worldwide, exhibit cytotoxicity and embryotoxicity, triggering apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in several mammalian cells and mouse embryos. The absorption rate of AOH from dietary foodstuff is low, meaning that the amount of AOH obtained from the diet rarely approaches the cytotoxic threshold. Thus, the potential harm of dietary consumption of AOH is generally neglected. However, previous findings from our group and others led us to question whether a low dosage of AOH could aggravate the cytotoxicity of other mycotoxins. In the present study, we examined how low dosages of AOH affected OTA-triggered apoptosis and embryotoxicity and investigated the underlying regulatory mechanism in mouse blastocysts. Our results revealed that non-cytotoxic concentrations of AOH (1 and 2 μM) could enhance OTA (8 μM)-triggered apoptotic processes and embryotoxicity in mouse blastocysts. We also found that AOH can enhance OTA-evoked intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and that this could be prevented by pretreatment with the potent ROS scavenger, N-acetylcysteine. Finally, we observed that this ROS generation acts as a key inducer of caspase-dependent apoptotic processes and subsequent impairments of embryo implantation and pre- and post-implantation embryonic development. In sum, our results show that non-cytotoxic dosages of AOH can aggravate OTA-triggered apoptosis and embryotoxicity through ROS- and caspase-dependent signaling pathways.
Temporal Dynamics and Severity of Cucurbit Downy Mildew Epidemics as Affected by Chemical Control and Cucurbit Host Type
Authors: Kikway Isaack , Keinath Anthony P. , Ojiambo Peter S.
Published: November 2021

Cucurbit downy mildew caused by the oomycete Pseudoperonospora cubensis is an important disease that affects members of Cucurbitaceae family globally. However, temporal dynamics of the disease have not been characterized at the field scale to understand how control strategies influence disease epidemics. Disease severity was assessed visually on cucumber and summer squash treated with weekly alternation of chlorothalonil with cymoxanil, fluopicolide, or propamocarb during the 2018 spring season and 2019 and 2020 fall seasons in North Carolina and the 2018 and 2020 fall seasons in South Carolina. Disease onset was observed around mid-June during the spring season and early September during the fall season, followed by a rapid increase in severity until mid-July in the spring season and late September or mid-October in the fall season, typical of polycyclic epidemics. The Gompertz, logistic, and monomolecular growth models were fitted to disease severity using linear regression and parameter estimates to compare the effects of fungicide treatment and cucurbit host type on disease progress. The Gompertz and logistic models were more appropriate than the monomolecular model in describing temporal dynamics of cucurbit downy mildew, with the Gompertz model providing the best description for 34 of the 44 epidemics examined. Fungicide treatment and host type significantly (P < 0.0001) affected the standardized area under disease progress curve (sAUDPC), final disease severity (Final DS), and weighted mean absolute rates of disease progress (ρ), with these variables, in most cases, being significantly (P < 0.05) lower in fungicide-treated plots than in untreated control plots. Except in a few cases, sAUDPC, Final DS, and ρ were lower in cases where chlorothalonil was alternated with fluopicolide or propamocarb than in cases where chlorothalonil was alternated with cymoxanil or when chlorothalonil was applied alone. These results characterized the temporal progress of cucurbit downy mildew and provided an improved understanding of the dynamics of the disease at the field level. Parameters of disease progress obtained from this study could serve as inputs in simulation studies to assess the efficacy of fungicide alternation in managing fungicide resistance in this pathosystem.
The Life Cycle and Ultrastructure of the Host Response of the Smut Pathogen Anthracocystis destruens on Broomcorn Millet
Authors: Wu Enguo , Liu Long , Zhu Mingqi , Wu Huiqin , Yang Qinghua , Li Jing , Han Xiaowei , Feng Baili
Published: November 2021

Broomcorn millet smut caused by the fungus Anthracocystis destruens is one of the most destructive diseases in broomcorn millet production. The life cycle of A. destruens and host defense responses against A. destruens remain elusive. Here we investigated the disease symptom development and the parasitic process of A. destruens as well as the ultrastructure of the host–pathogen interface. The results showed that there are four typical symptoms of broomcorn millet smut, which are blackfly, cluster leaves, hedgehog head, and incomplete fruiting. A. destruens colonizes all tissues of broomcorn millet but produces teliospores only in the inflorescence. After infection, A. destruens proliferates in the host, likely in a systemic manner. Ultrastructural study of the infected inflorescence showed that the pathogen grows intercellularly and intracellularly within the host. The host activates defense response to prevent pathogen infection, accumulation of callose analogs and highly electron-dense deposits to resist A. destruens infection.
How Trainees Come to Trust Supervisors in Workplace-Based Assessment: A Grounded Theory Study
Authors: Castanelli Damian J. , Weller Jennifer M. , Molloy Elizabeth , Bearman Margaret
Published: November 2021

Purpose

In competency-based medical education, workplace-based assessment provides trainees with an opportunity for guidance and supervisors the opportunity to judge the trainees’ clinical practice. Learning from assessment is enhanced when trainees reveal their thinking and are open to critique, which requires trust in the assessor. If supervisors knew more about how trainees come to trust them in workplace-based assessment, they could better engender trainee trust and improve trainees’ learning experience.

Method

From August 2018 to September 2019, semistructured interviews were conducted with 17 postgraduate anesthesia trainees across Australia and New Zealand. The transcripts were analyzed using constructivist grounded theory methods sensitized by a sociocultural view of learning informed by Wenger’s communities of practice theory.

Results

Participants described a continuum from a necessary initial trust to an experience-informed dynamic trust. Trainees assumed initial trust in supervisors based on accreditation, reputation, and a perceived obligation of trustworthiness inherent in the supervisor’s role. With experience and time, trainees’ trust evolved based on supervisor actions. Deeper levels of trainee trust arose in response to perceived supervisor investment and allowed trainees to devote more emotional and cognitive resources to patient care and learning rather than impression management. Across the continuum from initial trust to experience-informed trust, trainees made rapid trust judgments that were not preceded by conscious deliberation; instead, they represented a learned “feel for the game.”

Conclusions

While other factors are involved, our results indicate that the trainee behavior observed in workplace-based assessment is a product of supervisor invitation. Supervisor trustworthiness and investment in trainee development invite trainees to work and present in authentic ways in workplace-based assessment. This authentic engagement, where learners “show themselves” to supervisors and take risks, creates assessment for learning.
CX3C-chemokine receptor 1 modulates cognitive dysfunction induced by sleep deprivation
Authors: Xin Jiawei , Wang Chao , Cheng Xiaojuan , Xie Changfu , Zhang Qiuyang , Ke Yilang , Huang Xuanyu , Chen Xiaochun , Pan Xiaodong
Published: November 2021

Background:

Microglia plays an indispensable role in the pathological process of sleep deprivation (SD). Here, the potential role of microglial CX3C-chemokine receptor 1 (CX3CR1) in modulating the cognition decline during SD was evaluated in terms of microglial neuroinflammation and synaptic pruning. In this study, we aimed to investigat whether the interference in the microglial function by the CX3CR1 knockout affects the CNS's response to SD.

Methods:

Middle-aged wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 and CX3CR1−/− mice were either subjected to SD or allowed normal sleep (S) for 8 h to mimic the pathophysiological changes of middle-aged people after staying up all night. After which, behavioral and histological tests were used to explore their different changes.

Results:

CX3CR1 deficiency prevented SD-induced cognitive impairments, unlike WT groups. Compared with the CX3CR1−/− S group, the CX3CR1−/− SD mice reported a markedly decreased microglia and cellular oncogene fos density in the dentate gyrus (DG), decreased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and decreased microglial phagocytosis-related factors, whereas increased levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines in the hippocampus and a significant increase in the density of spines of the DG were also noted.

Conclusions:

These findings suggest that CX3CR1 deficiency leads to different cerebral behaviors and responses to SD. The inflammation-attenuating activity and the related modification of synaptic pruning are possible mechanism candidates, which indicate CX3CR1 as a candidate therapeutic target for the prevention of the sleep loss-induced cognitive impairments.
Clinical Site Visits: Exploring the Perspectives of the Director of Clinical Education
Authors: Greco Jamie L. , Hochman Lori , Jung Min-Kyung , Silberman Nicki
Published: November 2021

Introduction.

Best practice in clinical education (CE) includes the formation of strong relationships through collaborative communication among all stakeholders. Directors of Clinical Education (DCEs) may establish this through a site visit (SV) during student CE experiences (CEEs) but several barriers to conducting SVs have been identified, including scheduling of visits, time, and cost. There is sparse literature describing the DCEs most preferred method of communication when conducting SVs. This study explored whether DCEs perceive SVs as important, their preferred method of communication used to conduct these SVs, and the reasons underlying these preferences.

Methods.

A survey of both scaled and open-ended questions was sent to 300 DCEs/assistant DCEs from Commission on Accreditations in Physical Therapy Education accredited Physical Therapy programs. The response rate was 41%.

Results.

Statistical analysis showed DCE preference for in-person SVs over other forms of communication while also rating them as “very effective.” Directors of Clinical Education indicated that the primary purposes of an SV are to nurture academic–clinical relationships and to exchange information. In-person SVs offer a more complete picture of the CEE and allow the DCE to observe non-verbal cues that are not afforded by other types of communication. The recent pandemic has caused a shift to an increased use of videoconferencing for SVs. The DCEs acknowledged that there is no “one size fits all” approach to the SV process.

Discussion and Conclusion.

Similar to students, DCEs prefer and value in-person communication for SVs but are mindful that clinician preferences warrant a degree of flexibility in communication methods and the structure of the SV. Videoconferencing may be an alternative during circumstances when an in-person SV is not possible. Future research in this area should explore the clinician perspective.
Comprehensive O-GlcNAc glycoproteomics on NOTCH1 EGF repeats implicated unique Lewis X epitopes in mammals
Authors: Tsukamoto Yohei , Ogawa Mitsutaka , Yogi Kentarou , Takeuchi Hideyuki , Okajima Tetsuya
Published: November 2021

The O-GlcNAc modification of Notch receptors regulates Notch ligand interactions in a manner distinct from other forms of O-glycans on epidermal growth factor-like (EGF) repeats of Notch receptors. Although many proteins, besides Notch receptors, are expected to be O-GlcNAcylated by EGF domain-specific O-GlcNAc transferase (EOGT), only a small number of proteins have been reported to be modified in vivo, and elongated O-GlcNAc glycans have not been extensively explored. To extend our view of the specificity and variety of the glycan modification, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of O-GlcNAc glycans on NOTCH1 in mammals. Mass spectrometric analysis of NOTCH1 fragments expressed in HEK293T cells revealed that several EGF domains with putative O-GlcNAcylation sites were hardly modified with O-GlcNAc. Although amino acid residues before the modification site are preferentially occupied with aromatic residues, Phe and Tyr are preferable to Trp for the apparent modification with O-GlcNAc. Furthermore, a minor form of fucosylated O-GlcNAc glycans was detected in a subset of EGF domains. Fucosylation of O-GlcNAc glycans was enhanced by FUT1, FUT2, or FUT9 expression. The FUT9-dependent Lewis X epitope was confirmed by immunoblotting using an anti-Lewis X antibody. As expected from the similarity in the glycan structures, the Lexis X antigen was detected on O-fucose glycans. Our results refined the putative consensus sequence for the EOGT-dependent extracellular O-GlcNAc modification in mammals and revealed the structural diversity of functional Notch O-glycans.
Microniches in biofilm depth are hot-spots for antibiotic resistance acquisition in response to in situ stress
Authors: Tlili Linda , Ploy Marie-Cécile , Da Re Sandra
Published: November 2021

Class 1 integrons play a major role in antibiotic resistance dissemination among Gram-negative bacteria. They are genetic platforms able to capture, exchange and express antibiotic resistance gene cassettes. The integron integrase, whose expression is regulated by the bacterial SOS response, is the key element of the integron catalyzing insertion/excision/shuffling of gene cassettes. We previously demonstrated that the basal level of integrase expression and in consequence, its activity, is increased via the starvation-induced stringent response in the biofilm population. However, biofilms are heterogeneous environments where bacteria are under various physiological states. Here we thus analyzed at the bacterial level, the SOS response and integrase expression within the biofilm, using confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. We showed that in the absence of exogenous stress, only a small number of bacteria (~ 1%) located in the depth of the biofilm induce the SOS-response leading to a high level of integrase expression, through both a stringent response-dependent and -independent manner. Our results thus indicate that few bacteria located in microniches of the biofilm depth undergo sufficient endogenous stress to promote the acquisition of antibiotic resistance, forming a reservoir of bacteria ready to rapidly resist antibiotic treatments.
Dimensionality reduction by sparse orthogonal projection with applications to miRNA expression analysis and cancer prediction
Authors: Webber James W. , Elias Kevin M.
Published: November 2021

Background

High dimensionality, i.e. p > n, is an inherent feature of machine learning. Fitting a classification model directly to p-dimensional data risks overfitting and a reduction in accuracy. Thus, dimensionality reduction is necessary to address overfitting and high dimensionality.

Results

We present a novel dimensionality reduction method which uses sparse, orthogonal projections to discover linear separations in reduced dimension space. The technique is applied to miRNA expression analysis and cancer prediction. We use least squares fitting and orthogonality constraints to find a set of orthogonal directions which are highly correlated to the class labels. We also enforce L1 norm sparsity penalties, to prevent overfitting and remove the uninformative features from the model. Our method is shown to offer a highly competitive classification performance on synthetic examples and real miRNA expression data when compared to similar methods from the literature which use sparsity ideas and orthogonal projections.

Discussion

A novel technique is introduced here, which uses sparse, orthogonal projections for dimensionality reduction. The approach is shown to be highly effective in reducing the dimension of miRNA expression data. The application of focus in this article is miRNA expression analysis and cancer predction. The technique may be generalizable, however, to other high dimensionality datasets.
Transcriptomics analysis reveals intracellular mutual regulation of coral-zooxanthella holobionts
Authors: Zhu Yunchi , Liao Xin , Han Tingyu , Chen J.-Y. , He Chunpeng , Lu Zuhong
Published: November 2021

Corals should make excellent models for cross-kingdom regulation research because of their natural animal-photobiont holobiont composition, yet a lack of studies and experimental data restricts their use. Here we integrate new full-length transcriptomes and small RNAs of four common reef-building corals with the published Symbiodinium C1 genome to gain deeper insight into mutual gene regulation in coral-zooxanthella holobionts. We show that zooxanthellae secrete miRNA to downregulate rejection from host coral cells, and that a potential correlation exists between miRNA diversity and physiological activity. Convergence of these holobionts’ biological functions in different species is also revealed, which implies the low gene impact on bottom ecological niche organisms. This work provides evidence for the early origin of cross-kingdom regulation as a mechanism of self-defense autotrophs can use against heterotrophs, sheds more light on coral-zooxanthella holobionts, and contributes valuable data for further coral research.
Firm, institutional and short sellers’ trading behavior around share repurchases
Authors: Segara Reuben , Yang Jin Young
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This study investigates the valuation motive for increasing share repurchases: the authors analyze the trading dynamics between short sellers, institutional investors and the firm itself around share repurchases.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors examine the valuation motive for share repurchases through an analysis of firm, institutional and short sellers’ trading behavior. The firm-level panel regression models using firm-quarter observations in the sample period are estimated.

Findings

The authors find that firms repurchase more intensely against increased short selling and that institutional investors trade in parallel with the repurchasing firm.

Originality/value

Results suggest that firms disagree with short sellers’ intrinsic valuation of the firm, which is consistent with findings of recent studies such as Muzere (2019) and Bargeron and Bonaimé (2020).
Architectural dimensions of socially driven venture capital firms: social innovation in the capital markets
Authors: Jones Raymond J. , Salimath Manjula S.
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Private equity and venture capital (VC) firms in the capital markets sector invest capital with the primary goal of delivering economic value. However, some firms in the capital markets sector have started to shift this focus to create (i.e. invest in) social value. More specifically, traditional VC firms are starting socially oriented funds, while other firms have emerged to focus solely on investments in social enterprises. These VC firms are contributing to an interesting paradox – performance metrics are not measured by profit alone but also by social innovation. From an architectural perspective, the authors examine the implications of internal design, i.e. how specific strategic and structural factors influence the financial performance of VC firms with a social orientation to determine if these firms really can “do well and do good.”

Design/methodology/approach

Social orientation was determined by content analysis of mission statements of the VC firms. Firm strategies, structures and performance were sourced from secondary data. A moderated mediation model was used to test relationships.

Findings

Results suggest that (1) socially responsible VC firms adopt distinct foci of social investing that directs their strategic orientation and (2) these various foci have vastly differing effects on the firm's overall performance, strategic decisions made and the architecture of their structural design.

Originality/value

This study is among the first to explore socially responsible VC architectural dimensions, with implications for firm design based on blended measures of success.