bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Allelopathic and competitive interactions between native and alien plants
Authors: Yuan Ling , Li Jun-Min , Yu Fei-Hai , Oduor Ayub M. O. , van Kleunen Mark
Published: May 2021

The novel-weapons and homeland-security hypotheses are based on the idea that aliens and natives are not adapted to each other’s allelochemicals as they did not co-evolve. However, as only a few studies have tested this, it remains unclear how important co-evolutionary history is in determining the strength of allelopathic interactions between aliens and natives. Here, we tested for potential pairwise allelopathic effects on each other of five alien and five native herbaceous species in China. We did a germination experiment and a competition experiment. In the germination experiment, we tested whether aqueous extracts of the ten study species had allelopathic effects on each other’s seed germination. In the competition experiment, we tested whether the alien and native species differed in their competitive effects and responses, and whether these were changed by the presence of activated carbon—a presumed allelopathy neutralizer– in the soil. Plant extracts had negative allelopathic effects on seed germination. This was particularly the case for extracts from the native species. Moreover, aqueous extracts had slightly stronger negative effects on germination of the aliens than on germination of the natives. In the competition experiment, on the other hand, the natives suffered more from competition than the alien species did, but we could not relate this to allelopathy. Alien plants had negative competitive and allelopathic effects on native plants, but the reverse was also true. These alien-native interactions, however, were not consistently stronger or weaker than native-native or alien-alien interactions.
Morphological and Elemental Investigations on Co–Fe–B–O Thin Films Deposited by Pulsed Laser Deposition for Alkaline Water Oxidation: Charge Exchange Efficiency as the Prevailing Factor in Comparison with the Adsorption Process
Authors: Popat Y. , Orlandi M. , Gupta S. , Bazzanella N. , Pillai S. , Patel M. K. , Miotello A. , Patel N.
Published: May 2021

Mixed transition-metals oxide electrocatalysts have shown huge potential for electrochemical water oxidation due to their earth abundance, low cost and excellent electrocatalytic activity. Here we present Co–Fe–B–O coatings as oxygen evolution catalyst synthesized by Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) which provided flexibility to investigate the effect of morphology and structural transformation on the catalytic activity. As an unusual behaviour, nanomorphology of 3D-urchin-like particles assembled with crystallized CoFe2O4 nanowires, acquiring high surface area, displayed inferior performance as compared to core–shell particles with partially crystalline shell containing boron. The best electrochemical activity towards water oxidation in alkaline medium with an overpotential of 315 mV at 10 mA/cm2 along with a Tafel slope of 31.5 mV/dec was recorded with core–shell particle morphology. Systematic comparison with control samples highlighted the role of all the elements, with Co being the active element, boron prevents the complete oxidation of Co to form Co3+ active species (CoOOH), while Fe assists in reducing Co3+ to Co2+ so that these species are regenerated in the successive cycles. Thorough observation of results also indicates that the activity of the active sites play a dominating role in determining the performance of the electrocatalyst over the number of adsorption sites. The synthesized Co–Fe–B–O coatings displayed good stability and recyclability thereby showcasing potential for industrial applications.

Graphic Abstract
A polarized view of the hot and violent universe
Authors: Soffitta Paolo , Bucciantini Niccolo’ , Churazov Eugene , Costa Enrico , Dovciak Michal , Feng Hua , Heyl Jeremy , Ingram Adam , Jahoda Keith , Kaaret Philip , Kallman Timothy , Karas Vladimir , Khabibullin Ildar , Krawczynski Henric , Malzac Julien , Marin Frédéric , Marshall Herman , Matt Giorgio , Muleri Fabio , Mundell Carole , Pearce Mark , Petrucci Pierre-Olivier , Poutanen Juri , Romani Roger , Santangelo Andrea , Tagliaferri Gianpiero , Taverna Roberto , Turolla Roberto , Vink Jacco , Zane Silvia
Published: May 2021

X-ray polarimetry has long been considered the ‘holy grail’ of X-ray astronomy. Fortunately, after a silence of more than 40 years, the field is now rejuvenating. In fact, an X-ray polarimeter onboard a Cube-sat nano-satellite has been recently successfully operated. IXPE, the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer, will be launched in 2021 while eXTP, containing a larger version of IXPE, is expected to be launched in 2027. Although at present it is difficult to predict the discoveries that, given their exploratory nature, IXPE and eXTP will obtain, the path for a follow-up mission can already be envisaged. In this paper we describe the scientific goals of such a follow-up mission, and present a medium-size mission profile that can accomplish this task.
Academic freedom as a source of rights’ violations: a European perspective
Authors: Stachowiak-Kudła Monika
Published: May 2021

The application of academic freedom may lead to a violation of individual rights, such as the right to respect private life or institutional rights such as university autonomy, or the right of the religious community to self-determination. These collisions between rights are resolved by constitutional courts either according to the proportionality test or by balancing the rights. This paper investigates cases from Czechia, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Spain, where academic freedom collided with other constitutional rights, in order to determine methods for resolving these types of conflicts. This analysis demonstrates the way in which proportionality allows the construction of the content of academic freedom. It also shows the reasons why academic freedom could become a weak right and why sometimes it is a strong right.
Development of an automated closed-loop β-blocker delivery system to stably reduce myocardial oxygen consumption without inducing circulatory collapse in a canine heart failure model: a proof of concept study
Authors: Nishikawa Takuya , Uemura Kazunori , Hayama Yohsuke , Kawada Toru , Saku Keita , Sugimachi Masaru
Published: May 2021

Beta-blockers are well known to reduce myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO2) and improve the prognosis of heart failure (HF) patients. However, its negative chronotropic and inotropic effects limit their use in the acute phase of HF due to the risk of circulatory collapse. In this study, as a first step for a safe β-blocker administration strategy, we aimed to develop and evaluate the feasibility of an automated β-blocker administration system. We developed a system to monitor arterial pressure (AP), left atrial pressure (PLA), right atrial pressure, and cardiac output. Using negative feedback of hemodynamics, the system controls AP and PLA by administering landiolol (an ultra-short-acting β-blocker), dextran, and furosemide. We applied the system for 60 min to 6 mongrel dogs with rapid pacing-induced HF. In all dogs, the system automatically adjusted the doses of the drugs. Mean AP and mean PLA were controlled within the acceptable ranges (AP within 5 mmHg below target; PLA within 2 mmHg above target) more than 95% of the time. Median absolute performance error was small for AP [median (interquartile range), 3.1% (2.2–3.8)] and PLA [3.6% (2.2–5.7)]. The system decreased MVO2 and PLA significantly. We demonstrated the feasibility of an automated β-blocker administration system in a canine model of acute HF. The system controlled AP and PLA to avoid circulatory collapse, and reduced MVO2 significantly. As the system can help the management of patients with HF, further validations in larger samples and development for clinical applications are warranted.
Daily Stressor-Related Negative Mood and its Associations with Flourishing and Daily Curiosity
Authors: Drake Alexandra , Doré Bruce P. , Falk Emily B. , Zurn Perry , Bassett Danielle S. , Lydon-Staley David M.
Published: May 2021

There are pronounced individual differences in the extent to which affective responses are associated with daily stressor exposure. These individual differences have implications for health and well-being. We use 21 days of daily diary data in 167 participants (mean age = 25.37, SD = 7.34; 81.44% women) and test (1) the moderating effect of flourishing on daily stressor-related negative mood and (2) the moderating effect of daily curiosity on daily stressor-related negative mood. Results indicate that people high in flourishing show lower stressor-related negative mood and that stressor-related negative mood is higher than usual on days of lower than usual curiosity. Together, these findings extend a large body of work indicating associations between stressor-related negative mood and both psychopathology and poor physical health to trait and state markers of well-being.
Institutional logics and organizational change: the role of place and time
Authors: Ponte Diego , Pesci Caterina
Published: May 2021

This paper investigates the case of a hybrid organization located in Northern Italy with the aim of providing an understanding of the role of the context, defined in terms of ‘place’ and ‘time’, in shaping organizational changes. A dynamic institutional approach focused on both ‘place’ and ‘time’ as key explanatory factors can provide a valuable framework to understand both the changing institutional demands on the firm and the rationalities behind the changes that occur at organizational, strategic and governance level. Consequently, this paper aims to contribute to the institutional logics literature by describing how these two contextual elements can be used to interpret institutional logic pressures on the organization under investigation as well as govern changes at micro level. The results indicate that the changes were produced by dynamics that are exogenous and endogenous to the organization in the case study and strongly influenced by the context in which it operates. The paper also highlights how changes in terms of service provision, accountability and organizational setting are the results of the ‘place’ and ‘time’ in which these events occur.
Normative data for pituitary size and volume in the general population between 50 and 66 years
Authors: Berntsen Erik Magnus , Haukedal Matias Daleng , Håberg Asta Kristine
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The main aim of this study was to provide normative data for pituitary height and volume in persons between 50 and 66 years in the general population. The secondary aim was to establish a convenient surrogate marker of pituitary size for use in routine radiological practice.

Methods

From a geographically defined prospective healthy study, 1006 participants between 50 and 66 years had a brain MRI, of which 988 (519 women) were included in this study. We measured the mid-sagittal height, max-sagittal height and total volume of the anterior pituitary lobe based on T1-weighted 3D MRI images.

Results

Both the mean mid-sagittal and max-sagittal pituitary height were significantly larger in women compared to men, with 4.9 ± 1.7 mm versus 4.4 ± 1.4 mm (p < .001) for the mean mid-sagittal height and 6.8 ± 1.2 mm versus 6.1 ± 1.1 mm (p < 0.001) for the mean max-sagittal height. The mean anterior pituitary lobe volume was also significantly larger in women than in men (494 ± 138 mm3 vs. 405 ± 118 mm3) (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in these pituitary sagittal heights nor volume in either sex between the age groups 50–54, 55–59 and 60–66 years. The 95th percentile for mid-sagittal height, max-sagittal height and pituitary volume was 7.7 mm, 8.6 mm and 851 mm3 for women and 6.6 mm, 7.8 mm and 610 mm3 for men.

Conclusion

This study show that women have a larger pituitary gland than men in the age group between 50 and 66 years and provides normative data for pituitary size estimates which can be used for clinical diagnostic purposes as well as future research.
Seasonal variation in soil CO2 emission and leaf gas exchange of well‐managed commercial Citrus sinensis (L.) orchards
Authors: Munjonji L. , Ayisi K. K. , Mafeo T. P. , Maphanga T. , Mabitsela K. E.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

To investigate whether soil clay content, cultivar and seasonal variation have any effect on soil CO2emission rates and leaf CO2assimilation rates in a drip-irrigated commercialCitrus sinensisorchard.

Methods

The study was carried out in the field as a randomised complete block design in a 2 × 2 factorial consisting of two soil types and two citrus cultivars on a drip-irrigated commercialCitrus sinensisorchards with 2-week interval measurements of soil CO2emission and leaf gas exchanges for a year.

Results

Soil clay content did not influence plant CO2assimilation rates and soil CO2emission rates in irrigated citrus. However, seasonal variation significantly influenced both processes. Soil CO2emission rates were highest in summer and were more than double the rates observed in winter while leaf CO2assimilation rates were highest in autumn and four times higher than the winter season rates. Mean seasonal soil CO2emission rates were strongly influenced by mean minimum seasonal temperatures while leaf CO2assimilation rates only showed a relatively weak relationship with mean maximum seasonal temperatures.

Conclusions

Soil clay content did not influence soil CO2emission and assimilation rates in drip irrigated citrus suggesting a non-significant effect of clay content for soils subjected to similar management practices. Citrus CO2assimilation rate peaks in the autumn while soil CO2emission rates peak in summer. A snapshot analysis of CO2sequestration rates suggests that irrigated citrus orchards are net sinks of CO2in summer, autumn and winter season.
Adult attachment and psychopathic traits: Investigating the role of gender, maternal and paternal factors
Authors: Kyranides Melina Nicole , Kokkinou Anastasia , Imran Somia , Cetin Melis
Published: May 2021

Individuals with psychopathic traits have been identified to display insecure attachment. However, it is not clear which attachment dimension contributes more to high psychopathic traits, and more specifically to callous-unemotional (CU) traits, which parental relationship is more influential and if this differs across gender. This study examined the associations of adult attachment dimensions (avoidance and anxiety) and parental factors (regard, responsibility and control) with CU traits (N = 1149) using Hierarchical Linear Regression. The relationship with both parents was assessed separately to identify their unique contribution to CU traits in males and females respectively. The avoidant attachment positively predicted while the anxiety attachment dimension negatively predicted CU traits and this was the case for both male and female participants. Interestingly, maternal regard was a negative predictor of CU traits in males only, whereas paternal responsibility arose as a positive predictor of CU traits in females only. Attachment dimensions explained the largest variance in both males and females. Findings point to the importance of attachment dimensions contributing to CU traits even in an adult sample. Parental variables were less influential on CU traits compared to attachment related variables and findings suggest that there are differences between males and females. These findings have important implications for gender differentiated attachment based interventions for individuals with CU traits.
Origin and evolution of chemical composition of mineral waters of Szczawno-Zdrój inferred from long-term variation of ionic ratios, Sudetes Mts. (SW Poland)
Authors: Romanova Anastasia , Porowski Adam , Zielski Tomasz , Dancewicz Andrzej
Published: May 2021

The archival records of chemical composition of mineral waters in Szczawno-Zdrój spa were analyzed in terms of variation of ionic ratios to explain the possible source and origin of the major compounds dissolved in water and evolution of groundwater chemical composition in time. The analyzed data contained the longest available series of chemical records, dating back to 1962, and related to waters discharged by five main springs: Dąbrówka, Marta, Młynarz, Mieszko and Mieszko 14. The research showed that mineral waters in Szczawno-Zdrój belong to shallow meteoric CO2-rich, Rn-containing groundwaters which form their chemical composition mainly through the interaction with aquifer rocks. Detailed analysis of long-term variation of ionic ratios revealed that (1) the carbonates weathering, mostly acid hydrolysis of limestones and dolomites, and (2) the ion exchange reactions with clay minerals, mainly the so-called natural softening, play a fundamental role in formation of the chemical composition of studied waters. Both processes are responsible for the occurrence of dominant ions in solution such as Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, and HCO3−. The aluminosilicates hydrolysis occurs with variable extent, but plays rather secondary role in formation of chemical composition. The time distributions of major element concentrations in studied waters showed a characteristic “concave” shape, indicating the decrease in concentrations beginning in the 60s and ending around 2005–2010. Such “concave” shape trends are not reflected in time distribution of ionic ratios which strongly suggests the occurrence of a simple dilution of chemical composition of mineral waters by the influx of fresh water. The observed considerable fluctuations of chemical composition of mineral waters in Szczawno-Zdrój are most probably associated with climatic factors, namely: the increased amounts of atmospheric precipitation in particular periods of time and its seasonal distribution. Such influx of fresh waters reduces considerably mineralization of shallow groundwaters and directly increases springs discharge.
TaqMan probe assays on different biological samples for the identification of three ambrosia beetle species, Xylosandrus compactus (Eichoff), X. crassiusculus (Motschulsky) and X. germanus (Blandford) (Coleoptera Curculionidae Scolytinae)
Authors: Rizzo Domenico , Da Lio Daniele , Bartolini Linda , Salemi Chiara , Del Nista Dalia , Aronadio Antonio , Pennacchio Fabrizio , Binazzi Francesco , Francardi Valeria , Garonna Antonio P. , Rossi Elisabetta
Published: May 2021

Molecular assays based on qPCR TaqMan Probes were developed to identify three species of the genus Xylosandrus, X. compactus, X. crassiusculus and X. germanus (Coleoptera Curculionidae Scolytinae). These ambrosia beetles are xylophagous species alien to Europe, causing damages to many ornamental and fruiting trees as well as shrubs. DNA extraction was carried out from adults, larvae and biological samples derived from insect damages on infested plants. For X. compactus, segments of galleries in thin infested twigs were cut and processed; in the case of X. crassiusculus, raw frass extruded from exit holes was used, while DNA of X. germanus was extracted from small wood chips removed around insect exit holes. The assays were inclusive for the target species and exclusive for all the non-target species tested. The LoD was 3.2 pg/µL for the frass of X. crassiusculus and 0.016 ng/µL for the woody matrices of the other two species. Both repeatability and reproducibility were estimated on adults and woody samples, showing very low values ranging between 0.00 and 4.11. Thus, the proposed diagnostic assays resulted to be very efficient also on the woody matrices used for DNA extraction, demonstrating the applicability of the protocol in the absence of dead specimens or living stages.
Advances in development and application of human organoids
Authors: Shankaran Abhijith , Prasad Keshava , Chaudhari Sima , Brand Angela , Satyamoorthy Kapaettu
Published: May 2021

Innumerable studies associated with cellular differentiation, tissue response and disease modeling have been conducted in two-dimensional (2D) culture systems or animal models. This has been invaluable in deciphering the normal and disease states in cell biology; the key shortcomings of it being suitability for translational or clinical correlations. The past decade has seen several major advances in organoid culture technologies and this has enhanced our understanding of mimicking organ reconstruction. The term organoid has generally been used to describe cellular aggregates derived from primary tissues or stem cells that can self-organize into organotypic structures. Organoids mimic the cellular microenvironment of tissues better than 2D cell culture systems and represent the tissue physiology. Human organoids of brain, thyroid, gastrointestinal, lung, cardiac, liver, pancreatic and kidney have been established from various diseases, healthy tissues and from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). Advances in patient-derived organoid culture further provides a unique perspective from which treatment modalities can be personalized. In this review article, we have discussed the current strategies for establishing various types of organoids of ectodermal, endodermal and mesodermal origin. We have also discussed their applications in modeling human health and diseases (such as cancer, genetic, neurodegenerative and infectious diseases), applications in regenerative medicine and evolutionary studies.
Controlled release of pharmaceutical agents using eutectic modified gelatin
Authors: Qu Wanwan , Qader Idrees B. , Abbott Andrew P.
Published: May 2021

Deep eutectic solvent (DES) is a class of ionic liquids, consisting of a mixture generally formed by combining hydrogen bond donors (HBDs) such as alcohols, amides and carboxylic acids with various quaternary ammonium salts. The decrease in melting points of the constituents is due to the charge delocalization during formation of hydrogen bonding between the hydrogen bond acceptor with the hydrogen bond donor. This can be considered one of the main reasons for increasing solubility and absorption of DESs. Most active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) have polar functional groups containing amide, carboxylic acid, alcohol or quaternary ammonium groups. These tend to increase the melting point of the compounds, but they can be used to form eutectic mixtures. While this concept has previously used, the combination of quaternary ammonium salts with amides, carboxylic acids and alcohols can result in large depressions of freezing points and so-called deep eutectic solvents are formed. DESs mix readily with water and so could increase the uptake of APIs. In this study, pharmaceutical deep eutectic solvents (PDESs) are formulated from 3 APIs: imipramine HCl, ascorbic acid and catechol. These PDESs were used to plasticise gelatine. It is shown that the materials formed can be used to increase the rate of API uptake via both oral and transdermal delivery modes. Thus, the concentration of the PDESs in solution reaches the maximum before the pure drugs. Particularly for catechol, after 1 s, the dissolution of the PDESs was more than twice that of the pure drug. Moreover, the transdermal delivery mode uptake of the PDES based on imipramine HCl from the patch after 15 min was found to be 65% compared with just imipramine HCl which released only 20%.

Graphical abstract
Original article: fermented pulp and paper bio-sludge as feed for black soldier fly larvae
Authors: Norgren R. , Jonsson A. , Björkqvist O.
Published: May 2021

This study evaluates the use of fermentation to increase nutrient availability in pulp and paper bio-sludge (PPBS) as feed for black soldier fly larvae (BSFL). Rearing of BSFL on fermented PPBS was carried out in a climate chamber in order to assess nutrient availability and larvae survival and growth. The PPBS used came from a chemo-thermomechanical pulp/groundwood pulp mill. The PPBS was fermented at 35 °C and 55 °C, respectively, at initial pH of 10. The effects of sediment and liquid from fermented PPBS on larvae dry weight, survival rate until the prepupae stage, bioconversion, and reduction rate of PPBS were measured. The bioconversion of the liquids (4.1–6.6%) was substantially higher than for both the sediments and untreated PPBS (≤ 0.4%). The survival rate, on the other hand, was substantially lower (26.3–30.9 %) than for the sediments and untreated PPBS (49.5–52.6%). Neither the sediments nor the liquids had significant effects on the larvae weight or on the PPBS reduction rate. The sediments had no significant effect on the survival rate or the bioconversion. This study demonstrates that fermentation dissolves a part of the PPBS and that dissolved substances in the fermentation liquid readily convert to larvae biomass. However, the bulk of the lignocellulose is not dissolved, and most of PPBS nutrients remain unavailable for growth of the larvae. Further research should focus on improved pretreatment of PPBS to increase availability of nutrients and thereby improve the feasibility of BSFL as a recycling method for PPBS.
National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) better predicts critical Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) illness than COVID-GRAM, a multi-centre study
Authors: De Socio Giuseppe Vittorio , Gidari Anna , Sicari Francesco , Palumbo Michele , Francisci Daniela
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Clinical scores to rapidly assess the severity illness of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) could be considered of help for clinicians. Recently, a specific score (named COVID-GRAM) for severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, based on a nationwide Chinese cohort, has been proposed. We routinely applied the National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) to predict critical COVID-19. Aim of this study is to compare NEWS2 and COVID-GRAM score.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed data of 121 COVID-19 patients admitted in two Clinics of Infectious Diseases in the Umbria region, Italy. The primary outcome was critical COVID-19 illness defined as admission to the intensive care unit, invasive ventilation, or death. Accuracy of the scores was evaluated with the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Differences between scores were confirmed used Hanley–McNeil test.

Results

The NEWS2 AUROC curve measured 0.87 (standard error, SE 0.03; 95% CI 0.80–0.93; p < 0.0001). The COVID-GRAM score AUROC curve measured 0.77 (SE 0.04; 95% CI 0.68–0.85; p < 0.0001). Hanley–McNeil test showed that NEWS2 better predicted severe COVID-19 (Z = 2.03).

Conclusions

The NEWS2 showed superior accuracy to COVID-GRAM score for prediction of critical COVID-19 illness.
Nephroplex: a kidney-focused NGS panel highlights the challenges of PKD1 sequencing and identifies a founder BBS4 mutation
Authors: Zacchia Miriam , Blanco Francesca Del Vecchio , Trepiccione Francesco , Blasio Giancarlo , Torella Annalaura , Melluso Andrea , Capolongo Giovanna , Pollastro Rosa Maria , Piluso Giulio , Di Iorio Valentina , Simonelli Francesca , Viggiano Davide , Perna Alessandra , Nigro Vincenzo , Capasso Giovambattista
Published: May 2021

Background

Genetic testing of patients with inherited kidney diseases has emerged as a tool of clinical utility by improving the patients’ diagnosis, prognosis, surveillance and therapy.

Methods

The present study applied a Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)-based panel, named NephroPlex, testing 115 genes causing renal diseases, to 119 individuals, including 107 probands and 12 relatives. Thirty-five (poly)cystic and 72 non (poly)cystic individuals were enrolled. The latter subgroup of patients included Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) patients, as major components.

Results

Disease-causing mutations were identified in 51.5 and 40% of polycystic and non-polycystic individuals, respectively. Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) patients with truncatingPKD1variants showed a trend towards a greater slope of the age-estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) regression line than patients with (i) missense variants, (ii) anyPKD2mutations and (iii) no detected mutations, according to previous findings. The analysis of BBS individuals showed a similar frequency ofBBS4,9,10and12mutations. Of note, allBBS4-mutated patients harbored the novel c.332+1G>GTT variant, which was absent in public databases, however, in our internal database, an additional heterozygote carrier was found. AllBBS4-mutated individuals originated from the same geographical area encompassing the coastal provinces of Naples.

Discussion

In conclusion, these findings indicate the potential for a genetic panel to provide useful information at both clinical and epidemiological levels.

Graphic abstract
Critical STEM Literacy and the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Braund Martin
Published: May 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented amounts of information communicated to the public relating to STEM. The pandemic can be seen as a ‘wicked problem’ defined by high complexity, uncertainty and contested social values requiring a transdisciplinary approach formulating social policy. This article argues that a ‘Critical STEM Literacy’ is required to engage sufficiently with STEM knowledge and how science operates and informs personal health decisions. STEM literacy is necessary to critique government social policy decisions that set rules for behaviour to limit the spread of COVID-19. Ideas of scientific, mathematical and critical literacy are discussed before reviewing some current knowledge of the SARS-CoV-2 virus to aid interpretation of the examples provided. The article draws on experience of the pandemic in the United Kingdom (UK), particularly mathematical modelling used to calculate the reproductive rate (R) of COVID-19, communication of mortality and case data using graphs and the mitigation strategies of social distancing and mask wearing. In all these examples, there is an interaction of STEM with a political milieu that often misrepresents science as activity to generate one dependable truth, rather than through careful empirical validation of new knowledge. Critical STEM literacy thus requires appreciation of the social practices of science such as peer review and assessment of bias. Implications of the pandemic for STEM education in schools requiring critical thinking and in understanding disease epidemiology in a global context are discussed.
The effect of flexural–torsional buckling on the stability of timber members: a case study
Authors: Hassan Osama A. B.
Published: May 2021

This study investigates the stability of timber members subjected to simultaneously acting axial compression and bending moment, with possible risk for torsional and flexural–torsional buckling. This situation can occur in laterally supported members where one side of the member is braced but the other side is unbraced. In this case, the free side will buckle out of plane while the braced side will be prevented from torsional and flexural–torsional buckling. This problem can be evident for long members in timber-frame structures, which are subjected to high axial compression combined with bending moments in which the member is not sufficiently braced at both sides. This study is based on the design requirement stated in Eurocode 5. Solution methods discussed in this paper can be of interest within the framework of structural and building Engineering practices and education in which the stability of structural elements is investigated.

Article Highlights

This case study investigates some design situations where the timber member is not sufficiently braced. In this case, a stability problem associated with combined torsional buckling and flexural buckling can arise.

The study shows that the torsional and/or flexural–torsional buckling of timber members can be important to control in order to fulfil the criteria of the stability of the member according to Eurocode 5 and help the structural engineer to achieve safer designs.

The study investigates also a simplified solution to check the effect of flexural torsional buckling of laterally braced timber members.
Collaborative composites
Authors: Nickels Liz
Published: May 2021

As we look to post-Covid recovery, could a more collaborative approach save the composites industry? Liz Nickels spoke to a UK consultancy that might have the solution for SMEs.
Moral Psychology
Authors: Miller Christian B.
Published: May 2021

This Element provides an overview of some of the central issues in contemporary moral psychology. It explores what moral psychology is, whether we are always motivated by self-interest, what good character looks like and whether anyone has it, whether moral judgments always motivate us to act, whether what motivates action is always a desire of some kind, and what the role is of reasoning and deliberation in moral judgment and action. This Element is aimed at a general audience including undergraduate students without an extensive background in philosophy.
The Conservation Movement in Norfolk
Authors: Wade Martins Susanna
Published: May 2021

Rare and beautiful Norfolk, as described by the artist John Sell Cotman in 1841, with its rich wildlife habitats, historic buildings, diverse landscapes and archaeological sites, has long been a focus of interest for both naturalists and antiquarians. It has also been at the forefront of the modern conservation movement. The Norfolk Archaeological Trust, still the only local trust of its kind, was founded in 1923; the Norfolk Naturalist Trust, (later the Norfolk Wildlife Trust), founded in 1926, was the first county wildlife trust; while Blickling Hall was the first property to be accepted by the National Trust under its Country House Scheme. By the 1970s traditional marshes were seen as particularly under threat and it was proposals to drain part of the Broadland marshes that led to the introduction of conservation schemes which have transformed much of British agriculture. In this engaging book, the author traces the history of the conservation movement and the people who were involved, including the Norfolk botanist and founder of the Linnean Society, Sir James Smith. In particular, she shows the influence of changing social attitudes and priorities upon the movement and ideas of heritage. Susanna Wade Martins is an honorary fellow of the School of History at the University of East Anglia; her previous publications include Coke of Norfolk: A Biography and The Countryside of East Anglia (with Tom Williamson).
Geographic distance and social isolation among family care-givers providing care to older adults in Canada
Authors: Li Lun , Wister Andrew
Published: May 2021

Family care-giving is associated with social isolation, which can lead to adverse health and wellbeing outcomes among family care-givers. The role of geographic distance in care-giver social isolation (CSI) is unclear and has received mixed research findings. Framed by the Ecological Model of Caregiver Isolation, this study examined the relationship between geographic distance and CSI, including the interaction between geographic distance and care-giving intensity for CSI. Linear regression and analysis of covariance were used to test these hypotheses using a sub-set of family care-givers from the 2012 Canadian General Social Survey (N = 2,881). Care-givers living a short distance from receivers reported lower levels of social isolation than co-resident, moderate-distance and long-distance care-givers. Being involved in higher-intensity care-giving as the primary care-giver, undertaking more care-giving tasks and providing care more frequently resulted in higher CSI scores. Long- and moderate-distance care-givers reported greater CSI than co-resident and short-distance care-givers only when providing higher-intensity care-giving. Employing a granulated measure of geographic distance positioned within an ecological framework facilitates an understanding of the nuanced association between geographic proximity and CSI. Furthermore, the identified interaction effects between geographic distance and care-giving intensity on CSI further explicate the complexity of care-giving experiences. The findings are relevant for programmes supporting care-givers in different contexts, especially distance care-givers.
A Combination of Olanzapine and Samidorphan in Adults with Schizophrenia and Bipolar I Disorder: Overview of Clinical Data
Authors: Citrome Leslie , Graham Christine , Simmons Adam , Jiang Ying , Todtenkopf Mark S. , Silverman Bernard L. , DiPetrillo Lauren , Cummings Hannah , Sun Lei , McDonnell David
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Olanzapine effectively treats schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder (BD-I); however, its use is hindered by significant weight gain. A combination of olanzapine and samidorphan (OLZ/SAM) is in development to provide the efficacy of olanzapine while mitigating olanzapine-associated weight gain through opioid-receptor blockade. Here, we summarize OLZ/SAM clinical data.

Methods

The OLZ/SAM development program consists of 18 phase 1–3 clinical studies evaluating antipsychotic and weight mitigation efficacy of OLZ/SAM, along with pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability. Safety evaluation also included metabolic laboratory assessments.

Results

OLZ/SAM significantly improved psychotic symptoms (measured by Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale); improvements were similar to that observed with olanzapine vs placebo. OLZ/SAM resulted in significantly less weight gain than olanzapine. Additionally, 2 long-term phase 3 extension studies confirmed the durability of antipsychotic effect, as well as stabilization of weight and metabolic parameters in those continuing treatment. Supporting the potential use of OLZ/SAM in BD-I, OLZ/SAM or olanzapine resulted in bioequivalent olanzapine plasma concentrations, and OLZ/SAM did not affect lithium or valproate pharmacokinetics. OLZ/SAM treatment had no clinically relevant effects on ECG parameters (including QTc interval). OLZ/SAM and olanzapine safety were similar, except for reduced weight gain with OLZ/SAM; no additional safety risks were identified.

Conclusion

Data across 18 OLZ/SAM studies in >1600 subjects support an antipsychotic efficacy and safety profile for OLZ/SAM that is similar to olanzapine, with significantly less weight gain than olanzapine. OLZ/SAM is a potential new treatment for schizophrenia and BD-I patients needing efficacious long-term treatment with reduced risk of weight gain.

Funding

Alkermes, Inc.
Simultaneous Development of Multiple Auroral Substorms: Double Auroral Bulge Formation
Authors: Ohtani S. , Gjerloev J. W. , McWilliams K. A. , Ruohoniemi J. M. , Frey H. U.
Published: May 2021

The expansion phase of auroral substorms is characterized by the formation of an auroral bulge, and it is generally considered that a single bulge forms following each substorm onset. However, we find that occasionally two auroral intensifications takes place close in time but apart in space leading to the formation of double auroral bulges, which later merge into one large bulge. We report three such events. In those events the westward auroral electrojet intensified in each auroral bulge, and geosynchronous magnetic field dipolarized in the same sector. It appears that two substorms took place simultaneously, and each substorm was accompanied by the formation of its own substorm current wedge system. This finding strongly suggests that the initiation of auroral substorms is a local process, and there is no global reference frame for their development. For example, ideas such as (i) the auroralbreakup takes place in the vicinity of the Harang reversal and (ii) the westward traveling surge maps to the interface between the plasma sheet and low‐latitude boundary layer, do not necessarily hold for every substorm. Even if those ideas may be suggestive of causal magnetospheric processes, the reference structures themselves are probably not essential. It is also found that despite the formation of two distinct auroral bulges, the overall magnetosphere‐ionosphere current system is represented by one globally coherent system, and we suggest that its structure is determined by the relative intensities and locations of the two substorm current wedges that correspond to the individual auroral bulges.
The Inertia‐Based Model for Reconstruction of the Electron Diffusion Region
Authors: Korovinskiy D. B. , Kiehas S. A. , Panov E. V. , Semenov V. S. , Erkaev N. V. , Divin A. V. , Kubyshkin I. V.
Published: May 2021

The present study is focused on the problem of reconstruction of the magnetic configuration in the magnetic reconnection electron diffusion region (EDR). The problem is addressed in the frame of electron magnetohydrodynamics with kept electron inertia term. We introduce the new reconstruction model independent of divergence of the electron pressure tensor and reconnection electric field. The model is tested on the magnetotail reconnection event of July 11, 2017 observed by the Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) spacecraft in the course of crossing the very core part of the reconnection region, the internal EDR. This new model demonstrates considerably better accuracy of the longitudinal electron velocity reconstruction due to the lower sensitivity to the configuration deviation from the two‐dimensional time‐independent model adopted in our study. We suggest also a new technique to estimate the guide field, implementing the reconstruction of magnetic potential of the in‐plane magnetic field and relying on symmetric properties of magnetic reconnection.
Nanophotonics enhanced coverslip for phase imaging in biology
Authors: Wesemann Lukas , Rickett Jon , Song Jingchao , Lou Jieqiong , Hinde Elizabeth , Davis Timothy J. , Roberts Ann
Published: May 2021

The ability to visualise transparent objects such as live cells is central to understanding biological processes. Here we experimentally demonstrate a novel nanostructured coverslip that converts phase information to high-contrast intensity images. This compact device enables real-time, all-optical generation of pseudo three-dimensional images of phase objects on transmission. We show that by placing unstained human cancer cells on the device, the internal structure within the cells can be clearly seen. Our research demonstrates the significant potential of nanophotonic devices for integration into compact imaging and medical diagnostic devices.
A roadmap for interlayer excitons
Authors: Lin Kai-Qiang
Published: May 2021

Interlayer excitons in van der Waals heterostructures have tunable electron–hole separation in both real space and momentum space, enabling unprecedented control over excitonic properties to be exploited in a wide array of future applications ranging from exciton condensation to valleytronic and optoelectronic devices.
Deep-sea mussels from a hybrid zone on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge host genetically indistinguishable symbionts
Authors: Ücker Merle , Ansorge Rebecca , Sato Yui , Sayavedra Lizbeth , Breusing Corinna , Dubilier Nicole
Published: May 2021

The composition and diversity of animal microbiomes is shaped by a variety of factors, many of them interacting, such as host traits, the environment, and biogeography. Hybrid zones, in which the ranges of two host species meet and hybrids are found, provide natural experiments for determining the drivers of microbiome communities, but have not been well studied in marine environments. Here, we analysed the composition of the symbiont community in two deep-sea, Bathymodiolus mussel species along their known distribution range at hydrothermal vents on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, with a focus on the hybrid zone where they interbreed. In-depth metagenomic analyses of the sulphur-oxidising symbionts of 30 mussels from the hybrid zone, at a resolution of single nucleotide polymorphism analyses of ~2500 orthologous genes, revealed that parental and hybrid mussels (F2–F4 generation) have genetically indistinguishable symbionts. While host genetics does not appear to affect symbiont composition in these mussels, redundancy analyses showed that geographic location of the mussels on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge explained most of the symbiont genetic variability compared to the other factors. We hypothesise that geographic structuring of the free-living symbiont population plays a major role in driving the composition of the microbiome in these deep-sea mussels.
Glyoxalase I disruption and external carbonyl stress impair mitochondrial function in human induced pluripotent stem cells and derived neurons
Authors: Hara Tomonori , Toyoshima Manabu , Hisano Yasuko , Balan Shabeesh , Iwayama Yoshimi , Aono Harumi , Futamura Yushi , Osada Hiroyuki , Owada Yuji , Yoshikawa Takeo
Published: May 2021

Carbonyl stress, a specific form of oxidative stress, is reported to be involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia; however, little is known regarding the underlying mechanism. Here, we found that disruption of GLO1, the gene encoding a major catabolic enzyme scavenging the carbonyl group, increases vulnerability to external carbonyl stress, leading to abnormal phenotypes in human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). The viability of GLO1 knockout (KO)-hiPSCs decreased and activity of caspase-3 was increased upon addition of methylglyoxal (MGO), a reactive carbonyl compound. In the GLO1 KO-hiPSC-derived neurons, MGO administration impaired neurite extension and cell migration. Further, accumulation of methylglyoxal-derived hydroimidazolone (MG-H1; a derivative of MGO)-modified proteins was detected in isolated mitochondria. Mitochondrial dysfunction, including diminished membrane potential and dampened respiratory function, was observed in the GLO1 KO-hiPSCs and derived neurons after addition of MGO and hence might be the mechanism underlying the effects of carbonyl stress. The susceptibility to MGO was partially rescued by the administration of pyridoxamine, a carbonyl scavenger. Our observations can be used for designing an intervention strategy for diseases, particularly those induced by enhanced carbonyl stress or oxidative stress.
WNT/β-catenin-suppressed FTO expression increases m6A of c-Myc mRNA to promote tumor cell glycolysis and tumorigenesis
Authors: Yang Xueying , Shao Fei , Guo Dong , Wang Wei , Wang Juhong , Zhu Rongxuan , Gao Yibo , He Jie , Lu Zhimin
Published: May 2021

FTO removes the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification from genes and plays a critical role in cancer development. However, the mechanisms underlying the regulation of FTO and its subsequent impact on the regulation of the epitranscriptome remain to be further elucidated. Here, we demonstrate that FTO expression is downregulated and inversely correlated with poor survival of lung adenocarcinoma patients. Mechanistically, Wnt signaling induces the binding of EZH2 to β-catenin. This protein complex binds to the LEF/TCF-binding elements at the promoter region of FTO, where EZH2 enhances H3K27me3 and inhibits FTO expression. Downregulated FTO expression substantially enhances the m6A levels in the mRNAs of a large number of genes in critical pathways, particularly metabolic pathway genes, such as MYC. Enhanced m6A levels on MYC mRNA recruit YTHDF1 binding, which promotes MYC mRNA translation and a subsequent increase in glycolysis and proliferation of tumor cells and tumorigenesis. Our findings uncovered a critical mechanism of epitranscriptome regulation by Wnt/β-catenin-mediated FTO downregulation and underscored the role of m6A modifications of MYC mRNA in regulating tumor cell glycolysis and growth.