bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rubric formats for the formative assessment of oral presentation skills acquisition in secondary education
Authors: Nadolski Rob J. , Hummel Hans G. K. , Rusman Ellen , Ackermans Kevin
Published: July 2021

Acquiring complex oral presentation skills is cognitively demanding for students and demands intensive teacher guidance. The aim of this study was twofold: (a) to identify and apply design guidelines in developing an effective formative assessment method for oral presentation skills during classroom practice, and (b) to develop and compare two analytic rubric formats as part of that assessment method. Participants were first-year secondary school students in the Netherlands (n = 158) that acquired oral presentation skills with the support of either a formative assessment method with analytic rubrics offered through a dedicated online tool (experimental groups), or a method using more conventional (rating scales) rubrics (control group). One experimental group was provided text-based and the other was provided video-enhanced rubrics. No prior research is known about analytic video-enhanced rubrics, but, based on research on complex skill development and multimedia learning, we expected this format to best capture the (non-verbal aspects of) oral presentation performance. Significant positive differences on oral presentation performance were found between the experimental groups and the control group. However, no significant differences were found between both experimental groups. This study shows that a well-designed formative assessment method, using analytic rubric formats, outperforms formative assessment using more conventional rubric formats. It also shows that higher costs of developing video-enhanced analytic rubrics cannot be justified by significant more performance gains. Future studies should address the generalizability of such formative assessment methods for other contexts, and for complex skills other than oral presentation, and should lead to more profound understanding of video-enhanced rubrics.
ESTRO vision 2030: the young Italian Association of Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology (yAIRO) commitment statement
Authors: De Felice Francesca , Boldrini Luca , Greco Carlo , Nardone Valerio , Salvestrini Viola , Desideri Isacco
Published: July 2021

The aim of this document is to share the action plan from the young Italian Association of Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology (yAIRO). We believe it is important to enhance a constructive dialog between societies. The hope is to offer to young radiation oncologists a wealth of opportunities to refine their skills and gain access to the latest developments, according to a shared European vision.
Equilibrium uniqueness in aggregative games: very practical conditions
Authors: Itaya Jun-ichi , von Mouche Pierre
Published: July 2021

Various Nash equilibrium results for a broad class of aggregative games are presented. The main ones concern equilibrium uniqueness. The setting presupposes that each player has $$\mathbb {R}_+$$

R
+

as strategy set, makes smoothness assumptions but allows for a discontinuity of stand-alone payoff functions at 0; this possibility is especially important for various contest and oligopolistic games. Conditions are completely in terms of marginal reductions which may be considered as primitives of the game. For many games in the literature they can easily be checked. They automatically imply that conditional payoff functions are strictly quasi-concave. The results are proved by means of the Szidarovszky variant of the Selten–Szidarovszky technique. Their power is illustrated by reproducing quickly and improving upon various results for economic games.
Outcomes of the One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass with Various Biliopancreatic Limb Lengths: a Retrospective Single-Center Cohort Study
Authors: Slagter Nienke , de Heide Loek J. M. , Jutte Ewoud H. , Kaijser Mirjam A. , Damen Stefan L. , van Beek André P. , Emous Marloes
Published: July 2021

Introduction

One anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) is an effective and safe treatment for morbidly obese patients. Longer biliopancreatic (BP) limb length is suggested to result in better weight loss outcomes, but to date, no data are available for the OAGB to substantiate this. We hypothesized that applying a longer BP-limb length in the higher BMI classes would result in more weight reduction so that the attained BMI would be comparable to patients with a lower BMI, thereby compensating for differences in baseline BMI.

Method

A retrospective cohort study in patients who underwent a primary OAGB at a teaching hospital in the Netherlands between January 2015 and December 2016. BP-limb length was tailored based on preoperative BMI. Patients were divided into three different groups depending on the length of the BP-limb: 150, 180, and 200 cm. Weight loss outcomes after 1 and 3 years and resolution of comorbidities were compared between these groups.

Results

Of the 632 included patients, a BP-limb length of 150 cm was used in 172 (27.2%), 180 cm in 388 (61.4%), and 200 cm in 72 (11.4%) patients. Despite more BMI loss, %EWL was lower and attained BMI remained higher in the groups with longer BP-limb lengths. After adjustment for the confounder preoperative BMI, longer BP-limb lengths were not associated with higher BMI loss. There was no difference in remission rates of comorbidities.

Conclusion

Attained BMI remained higher in spite of tailoring BP-limb length according to baseline BMI with no differences in remission rates of comorbidities.

Graphical Abstract
“One stop” clinic for upper gastrointestinal cancer—an alternative to “straight to test” referrals?
Authors: Yiasemidou Marina , Lathan Ross , Lambertz Manfred , Oommen Chitakattil , Chetter Ian
Published: July 2021

Background

Patients suspected to have upper gastrointestinal (UGI) cancer can be referred directly for investigation; however, at times this may result to inappropriate referrals. This study explores the model of a “one-stop” clinic as an alternative to the direct referral system. The current study aims to assess the feasibility and outcomes of a one-stop UGI clinic and evaluate sensitivity and specificity of “on-the-day” diagnoses.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of case notes of patients seen in one-stop clinic, between January 2017 and January 2019, was conducted. All General Practitioner (GP) referrals were screened by a specialist nurse.

Results

After completion of the post-GP referral screening process, 252 patients (median age 68 years, IQR 58.8–77.3 years; M:F ratio 118:134) were allocated to the one-stop clinic. OGD was not required, contra-indicated or declined in 27 cases (10.7%). The records of three patients could not be found. One patient did not attend. Overall, 221 patients underwent testing and received “on-the-day” diagnoses. Sensitivity was 94% (range 87–100%), and specificity was 92% (88–96%). Ninety-six percent of patients received a diagnosis on the day.

Conclusions

The one-stop clinic was feasible and had good specificity and sensitivity. The finding of 10.7% of cases not being suitable for OGD indicates that a patient/specialist consultation is necessary to prevent misuse of endoscopy appointments. The authors recommend widespread adoption of one-stop clinics in UGI surgery.
Therapeutic Assay with the Non-toxic C-Terminal Fragment of Tetanus Toxin (TTC) in Transgenic Murine Models of Prion Disease
Authors: Betancor Marina , Moreno-Martínez Laura , López-Pérez Óscar , Otero Alicia , Hernaiz Adelaida , Barrio Tomás , Badiola Juan José , Osta Rosario , Bolea Rosa , Martín-Burriel Inmaculada
Published: July 2021

The non-toxic C-terminal fragment of the tetanus toxin (TTC) has been described as a neuroprotective molecule since it binds to Trk receptors and activates Trk-dependent signaling, activating neuronal survival pathways and inhibiting apoptosis. Previous in vivo studies have demonstrated the ability of this molecule to increase mice survival, inhibit apoptosis and regulate autophagy in murine models of neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and spinal muscular atrophy. Prion diseases are fatal neurodegenerative disorders in which the main pathogenic event is the conversion of the cellular prion protein (PrPC) into an abnormal and misfolded isoform known as PrPSc. These diseases share different pathological features with other neurodegenerative diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s disease. Hitherto, there are no effective therapies to treat prion diseases. Here, we present a pilot study to test the therapeutic potential of TTC to treat prion diseases. C57BL6 wild-type mice and the transgenic mice Tg338, which overexpress PrPC, were intracerebrally inoculated with scrapie prions and then subjected to a treatment consisting of repeated intramuscular injections of TTC. Our results indicate that TTC displays neuroprotective effects in the murine models of prion disease reducing apoptosis, regulating autophagy and therefore increasing neuronal survival, although TTC did not increase survival time in these models.
Synchronous gastric cancer and primary lymphoma of right adrenal gland: a case report
Authors: Fukuda Shuichi , Wakasa Tomoko , Hanamoto Hitoshi , Koyama Taichi , Ohta Yoshio , Inoue Masatoshi , Terashita Daisuke , Gakuhara Atsushi , Tomihara Hideo , Ohta Katsuya , Kitani Kotaro , Hashimoto Kazuhiko , Ishikawa Hajime , Hida Jin-ichi , Kimura Yutaka
Published: July 2021

This report presents an extremely rare case of synchronous gastric cancer and primary adrenal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). An 82-year-old man underwent computed tomography, which revealed a heterogeneous appearing and hypodense adrenal mass and a gastric mass with no enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, mediastinum, abdomen, and inguinal region. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a protruding gastric tumor. The specimens obtained from endoscopic biopsy were histologically confirmed to be adenocarcinoma. The hormonal findings eliminated functional adrenal tumor. The patient underwent distal gastrectomy with regional lymph node resection for gastric cancer and incisional biopsy of the adrenal mass. Based on the pathological findings, diagnoses of mixed mucinous and tubular adenocarcinomas of the stomach and adrenal DLBCL were confirmed. Postoperation, the patient received rituximab combined with low-dose doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone (R-miniCHOP). Six courses of R-miniCHOP were planned, but were completed in only one course at the patient’s request. The patient died 2 months after surgery.
Sutureless aortic valve with supracoronary ascending aortic replacement as an alternative strategy for composite graft replacement in elderly patients
Authors: Olsthoorn J. R , Lam K. Y. , Akca F. , Timmermans N. M. A. J. , Tan M. E. S. H.
Published: July 2021

Aortic valve disease is frequently associated with ascending aorta dilatation and can be treated either by separate replacement of the aortic valve and ascending aorta or by a composite valve graft. The type of surgery is depending on the exact location of the aortic dilatation and the concomitant valvular procedures required. The evidence for elective aortic surgery in elderly high-risk patients remains challenging and therefore alternative strategies could be warranted. We propose an alternative strategy for the treatment of ascending aortic aneurysm and aortic valve pathology with the use of a sutureless, collapsible, stent-mounted aortic valve prosthesis.
Study on separation factor models for well anti-collision analysis
Authors: Madeira Rafael A. , Sui Dan
Published: July 2021

Anti-collision analysis has been becoming even more important in the past few years with the increasing amount of wells drilled in highly congested fields. The separation factor (SF) is a critical safety parameter to avoid wellbore collisions, where the pedal curve method (PCM) is the commonly used way for the SF calculation. However, such method may be conservative in many situations and possibly triggers an unnecessary early stop drilling due to its conservation. In this study, our work aims to evaluate and compare the different types of the SF models. In addition, an alternative and supplement method of the PCM, called as elliptic cylinder of uncertainty (ECoU) method, is proposed. The radius of the ECoU considers the distance of the intersecting points of the center-to-center line and the cylinder surfaces of both reference and offset wells. By introducing the cylinder surfaces into the SF calculation, it could extend the collision avoidance along the whole well path to reduce multiple-points collision possibility. The findings in the study help us for better understanding of the SF analysis and also show that using the ECoU indication has a great potential in fields applications as a viable method to keep the drilling operations’ safety.
Correction to: Downregulated exosomal microRNA-148b-3p in cancer associated fibroblasts enhance chemosensitivity of bladder cancer cells by downregulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and upregulating PTEN
Authors: Shan Guang , Zhou Xike , Gu Juan , Zhou Daoping , Cheng Wei , Wu Huaiguo , Wang Yueping , Tang Tian , Wang Xuedong
Published: July 2021

An Correction to this paper has been published: 10.1007/s13402-021-00615-y
Possible Reactivation of SARS-CoV-2 in a Patient with Acute Myeloid Leukemia Undergoing Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: a Case Report
Authors: Dalla Via Vera , von Rotz Matthias , Bättig Veronika , Leuzinger Karoline , Hirsch Hans H. , Passweg Jakob , Stüssi Georg , Medinger Michael
Published: July 2021

Reactivation or reinfection cases of SARS-CoV-2 are known but there is scarce evidence about reactivation in immunocompromised patients. Here, we report the case of a 61-year-old male undergoing a conditioning regimen with fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and 2-Gy total body irradiation in preparation of a haplo-identical allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). He received the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine 6 weeks prior allo-HSCT and was hospitalized a month prior because of a COVID-19 bilateral pneumonia. On discharge, he showed two negative SARS-CoV-2 nasopharyngeal PCR swabs as well as a high SARS-CoV-2 antibody titer. On admission for allo-HSCT, he tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 again. Conditioning with fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and 2-Gy total body irradiation was started and the patient developed lymphopenia. During his hospital stay, he tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in a PCR test twice but remained asymptomatic. The conditioning regimen was continued as planned. Later during his stay, the patient showed undetectable SARS-CoV-2 load four times. This case documents possible reactivation of SARS-CoV-2 and raises questions about reactivation risks among recipients of stem cell transplants and other immunocompromised patients.
$$L_2$$-norm sampling discretization and recovery of functions from RKHS with finite trace
Authors: Moeller Moritz , Ullrich Tino
Published: July 2021

In this paper we study $$L_2$$

L
2

-norm sampling discretization and sampling recovery of complex-valued functions in RKHS on $$D \subset \mathbb {R}^d$$

D
⊂

R

d

based on random function samples. We only assume the finite trace of the kernel (Hilbert–Schmidt embedding into $$L_2$$

L
2

) and provide several concrete estimates with precise constants for the corresponding worst-case errors. In general, our analysis does not need any additional assumptions and also includes the case of non-Mercer kernels and also non-separable RKHS. The fail probability is controlled and decays polynomially in n, the number of samples. Under the mild additional assumption of separability we observe improved rates of convergence related to the decay of the singular values. Our main tool is a spectral norm concentration inequality for infinite complex random matrices with independent rows complementing earlier results by Rudelson, Mendelson, Pajor, Oliveira and Rauhut.
Boilerplate in International Economic Law
Authors: Poulsen Lauge , Waibel Michael
Published: July 2021

Boilerplate treaty provisions are identical or nearly identical terms that reflect settled legal language in treaties with different states parties. They are often taken from model treaties or templates and reflect non-negotiated “default rules” or rules that emerged in international practice, rather than individually tailored provisions adapted to the circumstances of the specific contracting parties. Although widespread in international economic law, boilerplate provisions have not been subject to much scrutiny, unlike their distant cousins in contract law. This essay highlights drivers and functions of boilerplate in international economic law along with core expectations from rationalist and behavioral approaches. Boilerplate can provide efficient solutions to international economic problems, for instance by reducing contracting costs, and provide bargaining leverage in asymmetric negotiations. Yet boilerplate can also result in unintended and unwanted consequences, such as when drafters fail to carefully consider “default” provisions or have an excessive preference for the status quo.
The Cognitive Psychology of Rules of Interpretation in International Law
Authors: van Aaken Anne
Published: July 2021

While Articles 31 and 32 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (VCLT) prescribe the rules of interpretation for international treaty law as “disciplining rules,” the rules of interpretation themselves are understudied from a cognitive psychology perspective. This is problematic because, as Jerome Frank observed, “judges are incurably human,” like everybody else. I submit that behavioral approaches could provide insights into how biases and heuristics affect the way judges and other interpreters use the VCLT rules.
The influence of subject heterogeneity and absorptive capacity of acquirer on innovation performance in technology-driven M&As
Authors: Peng Michael Yao-Ping , Li Rui
Published: July 2021

This study uses a sample of technological mergers and acquisitions (M&As) of A-share listed companies in the five major high-tech industries from 2012 to 2016, and conducts factor analysis to measure the heterogeneity of these enterprises in terms of financial slack resources, equity resources, and governance structure. On this basis, multivariate regression analysis is utilized to explore the influence of the acquiring firms' heterogeneity on their innovation performance, and the adjustment action of absorptive capacity between heterogeneity and innovation performance. The research results show that the slack financial resources and highly centralized equity structure of enterprises are not conducive to enterprises improving their innovation performance following a technological M&A, while the impact of governance structure on innovation performance following an M&A is similarly not significant. The empirical evidence provided offer insights and a decision reference for technological M&As of high-tech enterprises.
Determination of the Sun‐Climate Relationship Using Empirical Mathematical Models for Climate Data Sets
Authors: Orssengo Girma J.
Published: July 2021

Previous studies have reported that human influences are required to explain the observed global warming using a linear model (LM) that relates change in solar forcing to change in global mean temperature (GMT) . This model has the shortcoming of assuming a given causes the same irrespective of the value of the initial global warming rate . Analysis of the GMT data showed that this warming rate has been increasing linearly since steady state ( for year ) as given by , where °C/year2 is the secular GMT acceleration and is the number of years of the change. The secular solar forcing due to 18% of the 11 yr solar cycle forcing of 0.19 W/ (0.08% of Total Solar Irradiance) was expressed as . Defining the climate sensitivity as °C/year per W/ removed the shortcoming of the LM and integration of the model for above and then simplifying gave a secular GMT‐solar forcing model given by that explained all of the observed global warming and increase in atmospheric , sea level and ocean heat content. Therefore, for this nonlinear empirical model, invoking human influences to explain climate change was not required. The annual GMT model predicts a pause in global warming until 2040.
A Generalized Interpolation Material Point Method for Shallow Ice Shelves. 2: Anisotropic Nonlocal Damage Mechanics and Rift Propagation
Authors: Huth Alex , Duddu Ravindra , Smith Ben
Published: July 2021

Ice shelf fracture is responsible for roughly half of Antarctic ice mass loss in the form of calving and can weaken buttressing of upstream ice flow. Large uncertainties associated with the ice sheet response to climate variations are due to a poor understanding of these fracture processes and how to model them. Here, we address these problems by implementing an anisotropic, nonlocal integral formulation of creep damage within a large‐scale shallow‐shelf ice flow model. This model can be used to study the full evolution of fracture from initiation of crevassing to rifting that eventually causes tabular calving. While previous ice shelf fracture models have largely relied on simple expressions to estimate crevasse depths, our model parameterizes fracture as a progressive damage evolution process in three‐dimensions (3‐D). We also implement an efficient numerical framework based on the material point method, which avoids advection errors. Using an idealized marine ice sheet, we test the creep damage model and a crevasse‐depth based damage model, including a modified version of the latter that accounts for damage evolution due to necking and mass balance. We demonstrate that the creep damage model is best suited for capturing weakening and rifting over shorter (monthly/yearly) timescales, and that anisotropic damage reproduces typically observed fracture patterns better than isotropic damage. Because necking and mass balance can significantly influence damage on longer (decadal) timescales, we discuss the potential for a combined approach between models to best represent mechanical weakening and tabular calving within long‐term simulations.
Tiny Kinks Record Ancient Quakes
Authors: Tripathy-Lang Alka
Published: July 2021

As Earth ruptures, micas kink. These kink bands hide in rocks millions of years old, preserving evidence of past quakes.
Vitamin D and family history of hypertension in relation to hypertension status among college students
Authors: Cuffee Yendelela L. , Wang Ming , Geyer Nathaniel R. , Saxena Sangeeta , Akuley Suzanne , Jones Lenette , Wilson Robin Taylor
Published: July 2021

Hypertension and vitamin D concentrations have heritable components, although these factors remain uninvestigated in young adults. The objective of this study was to investigate hypertension risk among young adults with respect to family history of hypertension, adjusting for vitamin D status. Resting blood pressure (BP) was measured in 398 individuals aged 18–35 and classified according to the 2017 American Heart Association criteria. Plasma vitamin D metabolite (25(OH)D3; 24,25(OH)2D3; 1,25(OH)2D3) concentrations were determined using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Stepwise logistic regression was used to select covariates. Participants' mean age was 21, 30.3% had hypertension, and nearly all unaware of their hypertensive status (90.7%). Compared with no parental history, the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for hypertension was elevated among participants with two parents having hypertension (AOR = 4.5, 95% CI: 1.70–11.76), adjusting for sex, body mass index, physical activity, and plasma 25(OH)D3. Results for systolic hypertension (SH) were similar but more extreme (two parents AOR = 7.1, 95% CI: 2.82, 17.66), although dihydroxy metabolites (1,25(OH)2D3 and 24,25(OH)2D3) were significant. There was a strong, independent association with dual parental history and hypertension status, regardless of vitamin D status. Hypertension was prevalent in nearly one-third of the sample and underscores the need for targeted prevention for young adults.
Primary cytomegalovirus infection during pregnancy and congenital infection: a population-based, mother–child, prospective cohort study
Authors: Shimada Kyoko , Toriyabe Kuniaki , Kitamura Asa , Morikawa Fumihiro , Minematsu Toshio , Ikejiri Makoto , Suga Shigeru , Toyoda Hidemi , Amano Keishiro , Kitano Masako , Usui Satoko , Masuda Sawako , Ikeda Tomoaki
Published: July 2021

Objective

This study assessed maternal cytomegalovirus antibodies, and the occurrence of primary and congenital cytomegalovirus infections, and risk factors of congenital infection after a maternal primary infection.

Study design

We included 19,435 pregnant women in Japan, who were tested for serum cytomegalovirus antibodies before 20 gestational weeks. Immunoglobulin (Ig) G avidity was evaluated in women with both IgG and IgM antibodies; tests were repeated at ≥28 gestational weeks among women without IgG and IgM antibodies.

Result

Primary and congenital infections were 162 and 23 cases, respectively. The risk ratios for congenital infection were 8.18 (95% confidence interval: 2.44–27.40) in teenage versus older women, and 2.25 (95% confidence interval: 1.28–3.94) in parity ≥ 2 versus parity ≤ 1. Of 22 live birth congenital infection cases, three had abnormal neurological findings.

Conclusion

We demonstrated teenage and parity ≥ 2 pregnant women as risk factors of post-primary congenital infection.
Quantum discord of thermal two-photon orbital angular momentum state: mimicking teleportation to transmit an image
Authors: Chen Lixiang
Published: July 2021

We formulate a density matrix to fully describe two-photon state within a thermal light source in the photon orbital angular momentum (OAM) Hilbert space. We prove the separability, i.e., zero entanglement of the thermal two-photon state. Still, we reveal the hidden quantum correlations in terms of geometric measures of discord. By mimicking the original protocol of quantum teleportation, we demonstrate that the non-zero quantum discord can be utilized to transmit a high-dimensional OAM state at the single-photon level. It is found that albeit the low fidelity of teleportation due to the inherent component of maximally mixed state, the information of all parameters that characterize the original state can still be extracted from the teleported one. Besides, we demonstrate that the multiple repetitions of the protocol, enable the transmission of a complex-amplitude light field, e.g., an optical image, regardless of being accompanied with a featureless background. We also distinguish our scheme of optical image transmission from that of ghost imaging.
Cell surface carbohydrates of symbiotic dinoflagellates and their role in the establishment of cnidarian–dinoflagellate symbiosis
Authors: Tortorelli Giada , Rautengarten Carsten , Bacic Antony , Segal Gabriela , Ebert Berit , Davy Simon K , van Oppen Madeleine J H , McFadden Geoffrey I
Published: July 2021

Symbiodiniaceae algae are often photosymbionts of reef-building corals. The establishment of their symbiosis resembles a microbial infection where eukaryotic pattern recognition receptors (e.g. lectins) are thought to recognize a specific range of taxon-specific microbial-associated molecular patterns (e.g. glycans). The present study used the sea anemone, Exaiptasia diaphana and three species of Symbiodiniaceae (the homologous Breviolum minutum, the heterologous-compatible Cladocopium goreaui and the heterologous-incompatible Fugacium kawagutii) to compare the surface glycomes of three symbionts and explore the role of glycan–lectin interactions in host–symbiont recognition and establishment of symbiosis. We identified the nucleotide sugars of the algal cells, then examined glycans on the cell wall of the three symbiont species with monosaccharide analysis, lectin array technology and fluorescence microscopy of the algal cell decorated with fluorescently tagged lectins. Armed with this inventory of possible glycan moieties, we then assayed the ability of the three Symbiodiniaceae to colonize aposymbiotic E. diaphana after modifying the surface of one of the two partners. The Symbiodiniaceae cell-surface glycome varies among algal species. Trypsin treatment of the alga changed the rate of B. minutum and C. goreaui uptake, suggesting that a protein-based moiety is an essential part of compatible symbiont recognition. Our data strongly support the importance of D-galactose (in particular β-D-galactose) residues in the establishment of the cnidarian–dinoflagellate symbiosis, and we propose a potential involvement of L-fucose, D-xylose and D-galacturonic acid in the early steps of this mutualism.
Primate-specific POTE-actin gene could play a role in human folliculogenesis by controlling the proliferation of granulosa cells
Authors: Kasahara Yukiyo , Osuka Satoko , Takasaki Nobuyoshi , Bayasula  , Koya Yoshihiro , Nakanishi Natsuki , Murase Tomohiko , Nakamura Tomoko , Goto Maki , Iwase Akira , Kajiyama Hiroaki
Published: July 2021

Patients with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) often have a high prevalence of autoimmune disorders. To identify antigenic molecules associated with ovarian autoimmunity, we performed immunoprecipitation (IP) screening using serum from patients with POI and the established human granulosa cell line (HGrC1). POTE ankyrin domain family member E (POTEE) and POTE ankyrin domain family member F (POTEF), proteins specific to primates, were identified as candidate antigens. Using immunohistochemistry (IHC) with human ovarian tissue, POTEE or POTEF was weakly seen in the granulosa cells (GCs) of primordial follicles and primary follicles, and strongly in large antral follicles and luteal cells. Interestingly, no signals were detected in growing GCs in secondary, preantral, and small antral follicles. Thus, to explore the function of POTEE and POTEF in human folliculogenesis, we established HGrC1 cell lines with drug-inducible expression of POTEF. Expression of POTEF significantly suppressed cell proliferation in HGrC1 cells. Furthermore, chaperonin containing TCP-1 complex (CCT) components, which affect folding proteins required for cell proliferation, was bound to the actin domain of POTEF protein. Although CCT is normally localized only around the Golgi apparatus, TCP-1α, a component of CCT, co-migrated closer to the cell membrane when POTEF expression was induced. These data suggest that the interaction between POTEF and CCT components impairs the usual function of CCT during cell growth. In addition, over-accumulation of POTEF in HGrC1 cells leads to autophagic failure. It was recently reported that knockout of an autophagic gene in mice leads to a phenotype similar to human POI. These results suggested that a proper amount of POTEF is required for the maintenance of GCs in follicle pools, whereas POTEF overaccumulation might be involved in follicle atresia and the development of POI. We also showed the possibility that POTEF could be an antigen involved in ovarian autoimmunity.
Room-temperature control and electrical readout of individual nitrogen-vacancy nuclear spins
Authors: Gulka Michal , Wirtitsch Daniel , Ivády Viktor , Vodnik Jelle , Hruby Jaroslav , Magchiels Goele , Bourgeois Emilie , Gali Adam , Trupke Michael , Nesladek Milos
Published: July 2021

Nuclear spins in semiconductors are leading candidates for future quantum technologies, including quantum computation, communication, and sensing. Nuclear spins in diamond are particularly attractive due to their long coherence time. With the nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centre, such nuclear qubits benefit from an auxiliary electronic qubit, which, at cryogenic temperatures, enables probabilistic entanglement mediated optically by photonic links. Here, we demonstrate a concept of a microelectronic quantum device at ambient conditions using diamond as wide bandgap semiconductor. The basic quantum processor unit – a single 14N nuclear spin coupled to the NV electron – is read photoelectrically and thus operates in a manner compatible with nanoscale electronics. The underlying theory provides the key ingredients for photoelectric quantum gate operations and readout of nuclear qubit registers. This demonstration is, therefore, a step towards diamond quantum devices with a readout area limited by inter-electrode distance rather than by the diffraction limit. Such scalability could enable the development of electronic quantum processors based on the dipolar interaction of spin-qubits placed at nanoscopic proximity.
A high capacity small molecule quinone cathode for rechargeable aqueous zinc-organic batteries
Authors: Lin Zirui , Shi Hua-Yu , Lin Lu , Yang Xianpeng , Wu Wanlong , Sun Xiaoqi
Published: July 2021

Rechargeable aqueous zinc-organic batteries are promising energy storage systems with low-cost aqueous electrolyte and zinc metal anode. The electrochemical properties can be systematically adjusted with molecular design on organic cathode materials. Herein, we use a symmetric small molecule quinone cathode, tetraamino-p-benzoquinone (TABQ), with desirable functional groups to protonate and accomplish dominated proton insertion from weakly acidic zinc electrolyte. The hydrogen bonding network formed with carbonyl and amino groups on the TABQ molecules allows facile proton conduction through the Grotthuss-type mechanism. It guarantees activation energies below 300 meV for charge transfer and proton diffusion. The TABQ cathode delivers a high capacity of 303 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 in a zinc-organic battery. With the increase of current density to 5 A g−1, 213 mAh g−1 capacity is still preserved with stable cycling for 1000 times. Our work proposes an effective approach towards high performance organic electrode materials.
Dysfunction of the key ferroptosis-surveilling systems hypersensitizes mice to tubular necrosis during acute kidney injury
Authors: Tonnus Wulf , Meyer Claudia , Steinebach Christian , Belavgeni Alexia , von Mässenhausen Anne , Gonzalez Nadia Zamora , Maremonti Francesca , Gembardt Florian , Himmerkus Nina , Latk Markus , Locke Sophie , Marschner Julian , Li Wenjun , Short Spencer , Doll Sebastian , Ingold Irina , Proneth Bettina , Daniel Christoph , Kabgani Nazanin , Kramann Rafael , Motika Stephen , Hergenrother Paul J. , Bornstein Stefan R. , Hugo Christian , Becker Jan Ulrich , Amann Kerstin , Anders Hans-Joachim , Kreisel Daniel , Pratt Derek , Gütschow Michael , Conrad Marcus , Linkermann Andreas
Published: July 2021

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is morphologically characterized by a synchronized plasma membrane rupture of cells in a specific section of a nephron, referred to as acute tubular necrosis (ATN). Whereas the involvement of necroptosis is well characterized, genetic evidence supporting the contribution of ferroptosis is lacking. Here, we demonstrate that the loss of ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (Fsp1) or the targeted manipulation of the active center of the selenoprotein glutathione peroxidase 4 (Gpx4cys/-) sensitize kidneys to tubular ferroptosis, resulting in a unique morphological pattern of tubular necrosis. Given the unmet medical need to clinically inhibit AKI, we generated a combined small molecule inhibitor (Nec-1f) that simultaneously targets receptor interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) and ferroptosis in cell lines, in freshly isolated primary kidney tubules and in mouse models of cardiac transplantation and of AKI and improved survival in models of ischemia-reperfusion injury. Based on genetic and pharmacological evidence, we conclude that GPX4 dysfunction hypersensitizes mice to ATN during AKI. Additionally, we introduce Nec-1f, a solid inhibitor of RIPK1 and weak inhibitor of ferroptosis.
The how tough is WASH framework for assessing the climate resilience of water and sanitation
Authors: Howard Guy , Nijhawan Anisha , Flint Adrian , Baidya Manish , Pregnolato Maria , Ghimire Anish , Poudel Moti , Lo Eunice , Sharma Subodh , Mengustu Bizatu , Ayele Dinku Mekbib , Geremew Abraham , Wondim Tadesse
Published: July 2021

Climate change presents a major threat to water and sanitation services. There is an urgent need to understand and improve resilience, particularly in rural communities and small towns in low- and middle-income countries that already struggle to provide universal access to services and face increasing threats from climate change. To date, there is a lack of a simple framework to assess the resilience of water and sanitation services which hinders the development of strategies to improve services. An interdisciplinary team of engineers and environmental and social scientists were brought together to investigate the development of a resilience measurement framework for use in low- and middle-income countries. Six domains of interest were identified based on a literature review, expert opinion, and limited field assessments in two countries. A scoring system using a Likert scale is proposed to assess the resilience of services and allow analysis at local and national levels to support improvements in individual supplies, identifying systematic faults, and support prioritisation for action. This is a simple, multi-dimensional framework for assessing the resilience of rural and small-town water and sanitation services in LMICs. The framework is being further tested in Nepal and Ethiopia and future results will be reported on its application.
Induction of cell wall phenolic monomers as part of direct defense response in maize to pink stem borer (Sesamia inferens Walker) and non-insect interactions
Authors: Soujanya P. Lakshmi , Sekhar J. C. , Ratnavathi C. V. , Karjagi Chikkappa G. , Shobha E. , Suby S. B. , Yathish K. R. , Sunil N. , Rakshit Sujay
Published: July 2021

Pink stem borer (PSB) causes considerable yield losses to maize. Plant–insect interactions have significant implications for sustainable pest management. The present study demonstrated that PSB feeding, mechanical wounding, a combination of mechanical wounding and PSB regurgitation and exogenous application of methyl jasmonate have induced phenolic compound mediated defense responses both at short term (within 2 days of treatment) and long term (in 15 days of treatment) in leaf and stalk tissues of maize. The quantification of two major defense related phenolic compounds namely p-Coumaric acid (p-CA) and ferulic acid (FA) was carried out through ultra-fast liquid chromatography (UFLC) at 2 and 15 days after imposing the above treatments. The p-CA content induced in leaf tissues of maize genotypes were intrinsically higher when challenged by PSB attack at V3 and V6 stages in short- and long-term responses. Higher p-CA content was observed in stalk tissues upon wounding and regurgitation in short- and long-term responses at V3 and V6 stages. Significant accumulation of FA content was also observed in leaf tissues in response to PSB feeding at V3 stage in long-term response while at V6 stage it was observed both in short- and long-term responses. In stalk tissues, methyl jasmonate induced higher FA content in short-term response at V3 stage. However, at V6 stage PSB feeding induced FA accumulation in the short-term while, wounding and regurgitation treatment-induced defense responses in the long-term. In general, the resistant (DMRE 63, CM 500) and moderately resistant genotypes (WNZ ExoticPool) accumulated significantly higher contents of p-CA and FA content than susceptible ones (CM 202, BML 6) in most of the cases. The study indicates that phenolic mediated defense responses in maize are induced by PSB attack followed by wounding and regurgitation compared to the other induced treatments. Furthermore, the study confirmed that induced defense responses vary with plant genotype, stage of crop growth, plant tissue and short and long-term responses. The results of the study suggested that the Phenolic acids i.e. p-CA and FA may contribute to maize resistance mechanisms in the maize-PSB interaction system.
Syncing sustainable urban mobility with public transit policy trends based on global data analysis
Authors: Ceder Avishai
Published: July 2021

Unforeseeable developments will accompany progressive COVID-19 recovery globally. Similarly, science will inform changes amidst its own progress. Social isolation and distancing imposed by the pandemic are likely to result in changed habits, behavior, and thinking paradigms. Inevitably, this should affect the tremendous confusion inhibiting automated urban mobility's evolution. While mobility often seems magnanimously resistant to change, using international data, this analysis shows road traffic, the largest net contributor to global warming, is responsible for even greater damages. The core claim justifies replacing private cars (PCs) by existing and future public transit (PT) vehicles. In testing 17 major cities globally, 94% of the scenarios proved PT superior or equivalent to PCs for reducing travel time. As a result, a foreseeable, future scenario shows potential reduction in car traffic by approximately two-thirds compared with the current situation. In two arenas, proactive government can promote such sustainable urban mobility: (1) developing autonomous vehicles for PT only; (2) coordinating standardization for seamless urban mobility. These global decisions for improving our lives in the future are likely to be better received and understood subsequent to COVID-19, as the focus of our concerns changes from what preoccupied us under the circumstances prior to the pandemic.
Garlic (Allium sativum)-derived SEVs inhibit cancer cell proliferation and induce caspase mediated apoptosis
Authors: Özkan İrem , Koçak Polen , Yıldırım Merve , Ünsal Naz , Yılmaz Hazal , Telci Dilek , Şahin Fikrettin
Published: July 2021

As a key component of the cell-to-cell communication, small extracellular vesicles (SEVs) released from various sources are known to be affecting the physiological conditions of the target cells. Although it has been suggested that edible plant-derived nanoparticles contributes to the cross kingdom communication with the mammalian cells, the effect of these particles on cancer cell progression still needs a further exploration. Here, we isolated and then characterized garlic derived SEVs by nanoparticle tracking analysis, electron microscopy and SEV surface antibodies. In order to investigate anti-cancer property of garlic SEVs A498 human kidney carcinoma, A549 human lung carcinoma were used as cell models along with the normal human dermal fibroblast cell lines. Annexin V/pI staining and analysis of apoptotic mRNA and protein expression levels suggested that garlic SEVs induced apoptosis through activation of intrinsic pathway. Furthermore, angiogenic VEGF protein expression levels significantly decreased in response to SEVs treatment in cancer cells. Our results support that garlic derived SEVs could cause apoptotic cell death among cancer cells while normal cells remain unaffected with the treatment. This study revealed for the first time that plant SEVs possess anti-cancer affects by inducing caspase mediated apoptosis and provided a new alternative for cancer treatment.
Molecular characterization of direct interactions between MPP1 and flotillins
Authors: Biernatowska Agnieszka , Olszewska Paulina , Grzymajło Krzysztof , Drabik Dominik , Kraszewski Sebastian , Sikorski Aleksander F. , Czogalla Aleksander
Published: July 2021

Flotillins are the major structural proteins in erythroid raft domains. We have shown previously that the dynamic nanoscale organization of raft domains in erythroid cells may depend on flotillin-MPP1 interactions. Here, by using molecular dynamic simulations and a surface plasmon resonance-based approach we determined that high-affinity complexes of MPP1 and flotillins are formed via a so far unidentified region within the D5 domain of MPP1. Significantly, this particular “flotillin binding motif” is of key physiological importance, as overexpression of peptides containing this motif inhibited endogenous MPP1-flotillin interaction in erythroid precursor cells, thereby causing lateral disorganization of raft domains. This was reflected by both reduction in the plasma membrane order and markedly decreased activation of signal transduction via the raft-dependent insulin receptor pathway. Our data highlight new molecular details concerning the mechanism whereby MPP1 functionally links flotillins to exert their physiological role in raft domain formation.
Exome sequencing identifies novel somatic variants in African American esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Erkizan Hayriye Verda , Sukhadia Shrey , Natarajan Thanemozhi G. , Marino Gustavo , Notario Vicente , Lichy Jack H. , Wadleigh Robert G.
Published: July 2021

Esophageal cancer has a strikingly low survival rate mainly due to the lack of diagnostic markers for early detection and effective therapies. In the U.S., 75% of individuals diagnosed with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) are of African descent. African American ESCC (AA ESCC) is particularly aggressive, and its biological underpinnings remain poorly understood. We sought to identify the genomic abnormalities by conducting whole exome sequencing of 10 pairs of matched AA esophageal squamous cell tumor and control tissues. Genomic analysis revealed diverse somatic mutations, copy number alterations (SCNAs), and potential cancer driver genes. Exome variants created two subgroups carrying either a high or low tumor mutation burden. Somatic mutational analysis based on the Catalog of Somatic Mutations in Cancer (COSMIC) detected SBS16 as the prominent signature in the high mutation rate group suggesting increased DNA damage. SBS26 was also detected, suggesting possible defects in mismatch repair and microsatellite instability. We found SCNAs in multiple chromosome segments, encoding MYC on 8q24.21, PIK3CA and SOX2 on 3q26, CCND1, SHANK2, CTTN on 11q13.3, and KRAS on 12p12. Amplifications of EGFRvIII and EGFRvIVa mutants were observed in two patients, representing a novel finding in ESCC that has potential clinical relevance. This present exome sequencing, which to our knowledge, represents the first comprehensive exome analysis exclusively in AA ESCC, and highlights novel mutated loci that might explain the aggressive nature of AA ESCC and lead to the development of diagnostic and prognostic markers as well as therapeutic targets.
Pendulum test in chronic hemiplegic stroke population: additional ambulatory information beyond spasticity
Authors: Huang Yin-Kai Dean , Li Wei , Chou Yi-Lin , Hung Erica Shih-Wei , Kang Jiunn-Horng
Published: July 2021

Spasticity measured by manual tests, such as modified Ashworth scale (MAS), may not sufficiently reflect mobility function in stroke survivors. This study aims to identify additional ambulatory information provided by the pendulum test. Clinical assessments including Brünnstrom recovery stage, manual muscle test, MAS, Tinetti test (TT), Timed up and go test, 10-m walk test (10-MWT), and Barthel index were applied to 40 ambulant chronic stroke patients. The pendular parameters, first swing excursion (FSE) and relaxation index (RI), were extracted by an electrogoniometer. The correlations among these variables were analyzed by the Spearman and Pearson partial correlation tests. After controlling the factor of motor recovery (Brünnstrom recovery stage), the MAS of paretic knee extensor was negatively correlated with the gait score of TT (r =  − 0.355, p = 0.027), while the FSE revealed positive correlations to the balance score of TT (r = 0.378, p = 0.018). RI were associated with the comfortable speed of 10-MWT (r = 0.367, p = 0.022). These results suggest a decrease of knee extensor spasticity links to a better gait and balance in chronic stroke patients. The pendular parameters can provide additional ambulatory information, as complementary to the MAS. The pendulum test can be a potential tool for patient selection and outcome assessment after spasticity treatments in chronic stroke population.