bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased diagnostic sensitivity of palpation‐guided thyroid nodule fine‐needle aspiration cytology by BRAF V600E‐mutation analysis
Authors: Gimm Oliver , Ivansson Kristin , Beka Ervin , Rossitti Hugo M , Garvin Stina , Söderkvist Peter
Published: June 2021

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common type of thyroid cancer and its incidence is increasing. Preoperative diagnosis is warranted in order to avoid ‘two‐stage’ procedures that are associated with additional costs and higher radioactive iodine remnant uptake. In the setting of thyroid cancer, somatic BRAF V600E‐mutations are highly specific for PTC and can be analyzed in aspirates from fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). The ‘gold standard’ to perform FNAC is ultrasound guidance. Here, we analyze whether adding BRAF V600E‐mutation analysis could be of value in palpation‐guided FNACs. A total of 430 consecutive patients were included. Ultrasound‐guided FNACs were performed in 251 patients and 179 patients underwent palpation‐guided FNACs. BRAF V600E‐mutation analysis was performed using two methods, an allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyzed by capillary gel electrophoresis (PCR/Qiaxcel), and a droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assay. A total of 80 patients underwent surgery, and histology revealed 25 patients to have PTC. Of the 25 PTCs, 23 (92%) showed a BRAF V600E‐mutation. Both mutation analysis methods (PCR/Qiaxcel and ddPCR) produced concordant results. In the ultrasound‐guided group, the preoperative diagnostic sensitivity of FNAC using the Bethesda classification alone was very high and additional BRAF V600E‐mutation analysis added little to the preoperative diagnostic sensitivity. By contrast, in the palpation‐guided group, by adding BRAF V600E‐mutation analysis, eight instead of four patients were diagnosed of having PTC. This increase in the diagnostic sensitivity was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The costs per sample were as low as 62 USD (PCR/Qiaxcel and ddPCR) and 35 USD (PCR/Qiaxcel only). Ultrasound‐guided FNAC should be aimed for when dealing with thyroid nodules. However, if palpation‐guided FNAC cannot be avoided or may be required due to resource utilization, adding BRAF V600E‐mutation analysis using the methods described in this study might significantly increase the proportion of preoperatively diagnosed PTCs. The additional costs can be considered very reasonable.
Routine imaging for disease surveillance in follicular lymphoma—To comfort the patients or their doctors?
Authors: El‐Galaly Tarec Christoffer , Øvlisen Andreas Kiesbye , Cheah Chan Yoon
Published: June 2021

The effectiveness and outcomes of routine imaging for disease surveillance in lymphomas have been questioned. In patients with follicular lymphoma, no clinical benefit from routine imaging is found.
Cr3+ Ion‐Induced Phase Stabilization of 1T−MoSe2 with Abundant Active Sites for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Mondal Ayan , Inta Harish Reddy , Bheemireddy Varun , Ghosh Sourav , Mahalingam Venkataramanan
Published: June 2021

The electrocatalytic performance of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) can be hugely impacted by their phase and electronic structure. In this regard, stabilization of the 1T (metallic) phase is a substantial challenge to attain superior electrocatalytic activity compared to its thermodynamically stable polymorph (2H phase). This report provides a simple approach to introduce the 1T phase into 2H−MoSe2 through heteroatom (Cr3+) doping using a hydrothermal method. 1T/2H−MoSe2 (x Cr) (x=1,2,3 and 5) materials have shown better electrocatalytic HER activities compared to the 2H−MoSe2, especially 2% Cr3+ doped MoSe2 (1T/2H−MoSe2 (2 Cr)) have shown the best catalytic activity. 1T/2H−MoSe2 (2 Cr) exhibits a current density of 20 mA cm−2 at an overpotential of 176 mV, low Tafel slope of 77 mV/dec, high double layer capacitance (Cdl) of 78.3 mF cm−2 and good cyclic stability. The improved electrocatalytic activity of 1T/2H−MoSe2 (2 Cr) could be attributed to the high conductance, high 1T phase content and the greater number of active sites resulting from the introduction of Cr3+ ions into MoSe2. In addition, density functional theory (DFT) studies predict that the introduction of Cr3+ ions into the MoSe2 monolayer increases the conduction electron density in the basal plane at room temperature which in turn supports the generation of additional active sites along the basal plane.
The metacognitive model of post‐traumatic stress disorder and metacognitive therapy for post‐traumatic stress disorder: A systematic review
Authors: Brown Renee L. , Wood Andrew , Carter Janet D. , Kannis‐Dymand Lee
Published: June 2021

The metacognitive model of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) implicates metacognitive beliefs, meta‐memory beliefs and metacognitive control strategies in perpetuating and maintaining symptoms of PTSD. Despite this expanding area of research, the evidence for the metacognitive model of PTSD has not been reviewed. A systematic review according to the PRISMA statement was conducted. Searches across MEDLINE, PubMed and PsycNET, as well as reference lists of the included studies (2004 to March 2020), yielded 221 records. Two independent reviewers screened articles, which were included where the impact of the constructs of interest on PTSD symptoms was investigated within the framework of the metacognitive model for PTSD. Eighteen articles were included in the review. Eleven studies were determined to have good methodological robustness. Metacognitive therapy for PTSD demonstrated reductions in symptoms from pretreatment to post‐treatment, which were maintained at follow‐up. Predictors of greater PTSD symptom severity included metacognitive beliefs, meta‐memory beliefs, and worry, punishment, thought suppression, experiential avoidance, and rumination. Overall, support was found for the validity of the metacognitive model of PTSD.
Odor of achlorophyllous plants’ seeds drives seed‐dispersing ants
Authors: Yamada Mikihisa , Hojo Masaru K. , Imamura Akio
Published: June 2021

Seed dispersal by ants is an important means of migration for plants. Many myrmecochorous plants have specialized appendages in their seeds called elaiosome, which provides nutritional rewards for ants, and enable effective seed dispersal. However, some nonmyrmecochorous seeds without elaiosomes are also dispersed by ant species, suggesting the additional mechanisms other than elaiosomes for seed dispersal by ants. The seeds of the achlorophyllous and myco‐heterotrophic herbaceous plant Monotropastrum humile are very small without elaiosomes; we investigated whether odor of the seeds could mediate seed dispersal by ants. We performed a bioassay using seeds of M. humile and the ant Nylanderia flavipes to demonstrate ant‐mediated seed dispersal. We also analyzed the volatile odors emitted from M. humile seeds and conducted bioassays using dummy seeds coated with seed volatiles. Although elaiosomes were absent from the M. humile seeds, the ants carried the seeds to their nests. They also carried the dummy seeds coated with the seed volatile mixture to the nest and left some dummy seeds inside the nest and discarded the rest of the dummy seeds outside the nest with a bias toward specific locations, which might be conducive to germination. We concluded that, in M. humile seeds, volatile odor mixtures were sufficient to induce seed‐carrying behavior by the ants even without elaiosomes.
Female behavioral strategies during consortship in Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana)
Authors: Zhang Qi‐Xin , Sun Lixing , Xia Dong‐Po , Li Jin‐Hua
Published: June 2021

Consortship has been defined as a temporary association between an adult male and an estrous/receptive female. It has been considered as male mating strategies to improve male mating success and potential reproductive success. However, the female roles have been more or less neglected, and thus, less is known about female behavioral strategies during the consortship periods. In this study, during the two consecutive mating seasons, we collected behavioral data of free‐ranging Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana) habituated in Mt. Huangshan, China, to investigate female behaviors when she was consorted by an adult male. The results showed that (a) females were more likely to approach and exhibit sexual solicitation to their consorting males during the consorted period, and females also exhibited less approach to their nonconsorting males; (b) females exhibited strong responses (either departed distantly or formed affiliative relationships with their consorting male partner) when their consorting males mated with rival females or showed sexual motivation toward rival females; (c) female preferences were positively correlated to the duration of consortships and the frequencies of ejaculation copulations, independent of the social ranks of their consorting male partners. Our results suggested that female strategies played much more important roles in forming and maintaining consortship than previously assumed. It provides new insight into understanding female adaptive strategies to male strategies by forming consortships in multimale–multifemale primate species when males could not identify female's fertile phase accurately.
Assumptions about frequency‐dependent architectures of complex traits bias measures of functional enrichment
Authors: Zabad Shadi , Ragsdale Aaron P. , Sun Rosie , Li Yue , Gravel Simon
Published: June 2021

Linkage‐Disequilibrium Score Regression (LDSC) is a popular framework for analyzing Genome‐wide Association Studies (GWAS) summary statistics that allows for estimating single nucleotide polymorphism heritability, confounding, and functional enrichment of genetic variants with different annotations. Recent work has highlighted the influence of implicit and explicit assumptions of the model on the biological interpretation of the results. In this study, we explored a formulation of LDSC that replaces the measure of LD with a recently proposed unbiased estimator of the statistic. In addition to modest statistical difference across estimators, this derivation highlighted implicit and unrealistic assumptions about the relationship between allele frequency, effect size, and annotation status. We carry out a systematic comparison of alternative LDSC formulations by applying them to summary statistics from 47 GWAS traits. Our results show that commonly used models likely underestimate functional enrichment. These results highlight the importance of calibrating the LDSC model to achieve a more robust understanding of polygenic traits.
Mek/ERK1/2‐MAPK and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling plays both independent and cooperative roles in Schwann cell differentiation, myelination and dysmyelination
Authors: Ishii Akihiro , Furusho Miki , Bansal Rashmi
Published: June 2021

Multiple signals are involved in the regulation of developmental myelination by Schwann cells and in the maintenance of a normal myelin homeostasis throughout adult life, preserving the integrity of the axons in the PNS. Recent studies suggest that Mek/ERK1/2‐MAPK and PI3K/Akt/mTOR intracellular signaling pathways play important, often overlapping roles in the regulation of myelination in the PNS. In addition, hyperactivation of these signaling pathways in Schwann cells leads to a late onset of various pathological changes in the sciatic nerves. However, it remains poorly understood whether these pathways function independently or sequentially or converge using a common mechanism to facilitate Schwann cell differentiation and myelin growth during development and in causing pathological changes in the adult animals. To address these questions, we analyzed multiple genetically modified mice using simultaneous loss‐ and constitutive gain‐of‐function approaches. We found that during development, the Mek/ERK1/2‐MAPK pathway plays a primary role in Schwann cell differentiation, distinct from mTOR. However, during active myelination, ERK1/2 is dependent on mTOR signaling to drive the growth of the myelin sheath and regulate its thickness. Finally, our data suggest that peripheral nerve pathology during adulthood caused by hyperactivation of Mek/ERK1/2‐MAPK or PI3K is likely to be independent or dependent on mTOR‐signaling in different contexts. Thus, this study highlights the complexities in the roles played by two major intracellular signaling pathways in Schwann cells that affect their differentiation, myelination, and later PNS pathology and predicts that potential therapeutic modulation of these pathways in PNS neuropathies could be a complex process.
Modeling Phenotypic Heterogeneity of Glycogen Storage Disease Type 1a Liver Disease in Mice by Somatic CRISPR/CRISPR‐associated protein 9–Mediated Gene Editing
Authors: Rutten Martijn G.S. , Derks Terry G.J. , Huijkman Nicolette C.A. , Bos Trijnie , Kloosterhuis Niels J. , van de Kolk Kees C.W.A. , Wolters Justina C. , Koster Mirjam H. , Bongiovanni Laura , Thomas Rachel E. , de Bruin Alain , van de Sluis Bart , Oosterveer Maaike H.
Published: June 2021

Background and Aims

Patients with glycogen storage disease type 1a (GSD‐1a) primarily present with life‐threatening hypoglycemia and display severe liver disease characterized by hepatomegaly. Despite strict dietary management, long‐term complications still occur, such as liver tumor development. Variations in residual glucose‐6‐phosphatase (G6PC1) activity likely contribute to phenotypic heterogeneity in biochemical symptoms and complications between patients. However, lack of insight into the relationship between G6PC1 activity and symptoms/complications and poor understanding of the underlying disease mechanisms pose major challenges to provide optimal health care and quality of life for GSD‐1a patients. Currently available GSD‐1a animal models are not suitable to systematically investigate the relationship between hepatic G6PC activity and phenotypic heterogeneity or the contribution of gene‐gene interactions (GGIs) in the liver.

Approach and Results

To meet these needs, we generated and characterized a hepatocyte‐specific GSD‐1a mouse model using somatic CRISPR/CRISPR‐associated protein 9 (Cas9)–mediated gene editing. Hepatic G6pc editing reduced hepatic G6PC activity up to 98% and resulted in failure to thrive, fasting hypoglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hepatomegaly, hepatic steatosis (HS), and increased liver tumor incidence. This approach was furthermore successful in simultaneously modulating hepatic G6PC and carbohydrate response element‐binding protein, a transcription factor that is activated in GSD‐1a and protects against HS under these conditions. Importantly, it also allowed for the modeling of a spectrum of GSD‐1a phenotypes in terms of hepatic G6PC activity, fasting hypoglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hepatomegaly and HS.

Conclusions

In conclusion, we show that somatic CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated gene editing allows for the modeling of a spectrum of hepatocyte‐borne GSD‐1a disease symptoms in mice and to efficiently study GGIs in the liver. This approach opens perspectives for translational research and will likely contribute to personalized treatments for GSD‐1a and other genetic liver diseases.
An investigation on the forced convection heat transfer in the gap of two rotating disks with laminar inflow
Authors: Singh Achhaibar , Singh D. K.
Published: June 2021

This study presents forced convection in the gap between two rotating disks with the laminar radial inward flow. The disk surfaces are held at a constant temperature different from the temperature of the fluid flowing. The disks' surfaces may also receive a heat flux. The temperature of the fluid flowing in the gap is predicted by solving the coupled equations of momentum, energy, and continuity in cylindrical coordinate numerically. The finite difference method is used to discretize the energy equation into nonlinear algebraic equations. The tridiagonal matrix algorithm is employed to solve the resulting algebraic equations. Predominantly, throughflow Reynolds number, rotational Reynolds number, gap ratio, speed ratio, and Peclet number are the parameters that affect the temperature distribution for the fixed disk temperature and for the heat flux boundary conditions. The Nusselt number compares reasonably well with the numerical results of other investigators. The heat flow into the fluid is higher for corotating disks than for contrarotating disks for both constant temperatures as well as heat flux boundary conditions. This is the first investigation that predicts temperature distribution due to forced convection in the gap of two rotating disks with laminar inflow.
An open web‐based module developed to advance data‐driven hydrologic process learning
Authors: Lane Belize , Garousi‐Nejad Irene , Gallagher Melissa A. , Tarboton David G. , Habib Emad
Published: June 2021

The era of ‘big data’ promises to provide new hydrologic insights, and open web‐based platforms are being developed and adopted by the hydrologic science community to harness these datasets and data services. This shift accompanies advances in hydrology education and the growth of web‐based hydrology learning modules, but their capacity to utilize emerging open platforms and data services to enhance student learning through data‐driven activities remains largely untapped. Given that generic equations may not easily translate into local or regional solutions, teaching students to explore how well models or equations work in particular settings or to answer specific problems using real data is essential. This article introduces an open web‐based module developed to advance data‐driven hydrologic process learning, targeting upper level undergraduate and early graduate students in hydrology and engineering. The module was developed and deployed on the HydroLearn open educational platform, which provides a formal pedagogical structure for developing effective problem‐based learning activities. We found that data‐driven learning activities utilizing collaborative open web platforms like CUAHSI HydroShare and JupyterHub to store and run computational notebooks allowed students to access and work with datasets for systems of personal interest and promoted critical evaluation of results and assumptions. Initial student feedback was generally positive, but also highlighted challenges including trouble‐shooting and future‐proofing difficulties and some resistance to programming and new software. Opportunities to further enhance hydrology learning include better articulating the benefits of coding and open web platforms upfront, incorporating additional user‐support tools, and focusing methods and questions on implementing and adapting notebooks to explore fundamental processes rather than tools and syntax. The profound shift in the field of hydrology toward big data, open data services and reproducible research practices requires hydrology instructors to rethink traditional content delivery and focus instruction on harnessing these datasets and practices in the preparation of future hydrologists and engineers.
Simulating preferential flow and snowmelt partitioning in seasonally frozen hillslopes
Authors: Mohammed Aaron A. , Cey Edwin E. , Hayashi Masaki , Callaghan Michael V.
Published: June 2021

The infiltrability of frozen soils strongly influences snowmelt partitioning and redistribution in cold regions. Preferential flow in frozen soil can enhance infiltration, but dynamics are complicated by coupled water and heat transfer processes as well as landscape conditions prior to and during snowmelt. Hypothetical model simulations based on hydrological functioning and landscape properties of the Canadian Prairies were used to evaluate a dual‐domain (matrix and macropore) formulation of variably‐saturated flow in frozen soils, with distinct water and heat transport regimes in each domain. The description was incorporated into a fully‐integrated groundwater‐surface water model. Two‐dimensional hillslope simulations were able to capture the landscape hydrologic response to snowmelt fluxes observed in the prairies and similar landscapes, specifically: (1) enhanced infiltration into frozen soil due to preferential flow, (2) refreezing of infiltrated water and its effect on the evolution of runoff generation in frozen soils, and (3) groundwater recharge prior to ground thaw. Results showed that multiple meltwater input events progressively decreased frozen soil infiltrability and increased runoff generation. Simulations demonstrated that refreezing of infiltrated water along preferential flowpaths is an important process governing the timing and magnitude of both runoff generation and groundwater recharge in frozen soils, but that this behaviour can be highly counterintuitive and depends on soil structure. The modeling framework provides a physically‐based approach for describing these interacting preferential flow and soil freezing processes at the hillslope scale needed to simulate the hydrologic functioning of seasonally frozen landscapes.
Advantages of a developmental psychopathology approach to studying the antecedents of physical health
Authors: Doom Jenalee R.
Published: June 2021

Although the field of developmental psychopathology has traditionally focused on mental health, there has been increasing interest in exploring how psychological and developmental factors are associated with physical health. I argue that the principles of developmental psychopathology may be particularly useful for understanding physical health across development. I discuss how researchers can apply the following developmental psychopathology principles to the study of physical health: (a) dimensional measurement of stress exposure, (b) the multifaceted nature of risk and resilience, (c) focus on processes and pathways, and (d) lifespan development and intergenerational effects. I provide several future directions and considerations for work in this area, many of which are consistent with the new goals of Infant and Child Development.
Reductive dissolution of phosphorus associated with iron‐oxides during saturation in agricultural soil profiles
Authors: Smith Genevieve J. , McDowell Richard W. , Condron Leo M. , Daly Karen , Ó hUallacháin Daire , Fenton Owen
Published: June 2021

In soils with a fragipan or poor permeability, water may remain in a soil profile long enough to make it anoxic and reductive. The reductive dissolution of iron (Fe)‐ and manganese (Mn)‐oxides can release associated phosphorus (P). Therefore, the dissolved P would be vulnerable to subsurface flow and could contaminate nearby streams. It was hypothesized that single rainfall events could cause subsurface P concentrations to increase via reductive dissolution in wet winter‐spring conditions. Also, dissolution—being microbially mediated—would be buffered by the presence of nitrate (NO3–), which is preferred as an electron acceptor over Fe and Mn in microbial reactions. Unsaturated zone monitoring occurred from May to September in 2017 and 2019, using Teflon suction cups below the surface of a grassland soil in New Zealand. Events in July and August in 2017 and 2019 resulted in reducing conditions [Fe(III)/sulfate‐reducing] and up to 77 and 96% greater P and Fe release, respectively. In an additional experiment in 2019, 100 mm of flood irrigation was applied, and 10 mg NO3––N + carbon was injected into half the cups at the site. The other cups received no N. Cups treated with N yielded up to 45% total dissolved P and 21% less Fe than the no‐N cups. A laboratory incubation of soils from the site confirmed that NO3– inhibited P release. This effect may act to decrease the amount of P lost in subsurface flow in systems regularly fertilized with N but should not be relied on as a method to mitigate P losses.
Arrdc4‐dependent extracellular vesicle biogenesis is required for sperm maturation
Authors: Foot Natalie J. , Gonzalez Macarena B. , Gembus Kelly , Fonseka Pamali , Sandow Jarrod J. , Nguyen Thuy Tien , Tran Diana , Webb Andrew I. , Mathivanan Suresh , Robker Rebecca L. , Kumar Sharad
Published: June 2021

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are important players in cell to cell communication in reproductive systems. Notably, EVs have been found and characterized in the male reproductive tract, however, direct functional evidence for their importance in mediating sperm function is lacking. We have previously demonstrated that Arrdc4, a member of the α‐arrestin protein family, is involved in extracellular vesicle biogenesis and release. Here we show that Arrdc4‐mediated extracellular vesicle biogenesis is required for proper sperm function. Sperm from Arrdc4–/– mice develop normally through the testis but fail to acquire adequate motility and fertilization capabilities through the epididymis, as observed by reduced motility, premature acrosome reaction, reduction in zona pellucida binding and two‐cell embryo production. We found a significant reduction in extracellular vesicle production by Arrdc4–/‐ epididymal epithelial cells, and further, supplementation of Arrdc4–/– sperm with additional vesicles dampened the acrosome reaction defect and restored zona pellucida binding. These results indicate that Arrdc4 is important for proper sperm maturation through the control of extracellular vesicle biogenesis.
Synthesis of 13C‐labelled ω‐hydroxy carboxylic acids of the general formula HO213C‐(CH2)n‐CH2OH or HO2C‐(CH2)n‐13CH2OH (n = 12, 16, 20, 28)
Authors: Schink Carina , Spielvogel Sandra , Imhof Wolfgang
Published: June 2021

13C‐labelled ω‐hydroxy‐carboxylic acids HO213C‐(CH2)n‐CH2OH or HO2C‐(CH2)n‐13CH2OH (n = 12, 16, 20, 28) with 13C labels selectively introduced either at the carboxy group or at the primary alcohol function at the end of the hydrocarbon chain have been synthesized. Different synthetic strategies had to be applied depending on the position of the label, the chain length of the respective synthetic target and due to economic considerations. 13C labels in general were introduced by nucleophilic substitution of a suitable leaving group with labelled potassium cyanide and subsequent hydrolysis of the nitriles to produce the corresponding labelled carboxy functions, which may also be reduced to give the labelled primary alcohol group. All new compounds are characterized by GC/MS, IR and NMR methods as well as by elemental analysis.
Real‐life evaluation of a COVID‐19 rapid antigen detection test in hospitalized children
Authors: Eleftheriou Irini , Dasoula Foteini , Dimopoulou Dimitra , Lebessi Evangelia , Serafi Eftihia , Spyridis Nikos , Tsolia Maria
Published: June 2021

Rapid antigen detection (RAD) tests for the detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 are simpler, faster, and less expensive than the reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) that is currently considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). The objective of this study was to determine the performance of the PANBIO COVID‐19 Ag RAD (Abbott) test, a lateral flow immunoassay that detects the nucleocapsid protein, using as a reference RT‐PCR method the Cobas®8800 System (Roche Diagnostics). This prospective study was conducted in a tertiary Children's Hospital and included individuals aged ≤16 years with COVID‐19‐related symptoms or epidemiological criteria for COVID‐19. Two nasopharyngeal samples were collected to perform the PANBIO RAD test and RT‐PCR. Of 744 children included, 51 (6.86%) had a positive RT‐PCR result. The RAD test detected 42 of 51 PCR‐positive children while there were no false‐positive results. The overall sensitivity and specificity were 82.35% (95% CI, 71.9%–92.8%) and 100%, respectively. Sensitivity was >95% in symptomatic children. The assay performed poorly in asymptomatically infected children. In agreement with previous studies in adults, the PANBIO RAD test can be useful in screening for COVID‐19 in children admitted with symptoms suggestive of the disease, especially in the first days of the illness.
Phosphate sorption‐desorption properties in volcanic topsoils along a chronosequence and a climatic gradient on the Galápagos Islands
Authors: Rechberger Maria V. , Zehetner Franz , Gerzabek Martin H.
Published: June 2021

Background

Phosphorus (P) retention behavior in the soil is one of the main factors driving ecosystem productivity and changes strongly during soil weathering. Volcanic soils are known for their high phosphate (PO4) sorption capacity (PSC). However, the changes of PO4 buffering properties and fixation processes in the course of their pedogenic development are not fully understood.

Aim

We investigated the short‐term and longer‐term PO4 sorption‐desorption behavior in volcanic topsoils from the Galápagos Islands along a precipitation gradient (elevation sequence, 47–866 m asl) and a soil age gradient (chronosequence, 1.45–1070 ka) under humid climate.

Methods

Labile P (Mehlich‐3, resin‐P), P desorption (resin‐desorbable P after 1 and 6 months incubation), PSC (sorption isotherms, equilibration time = 72 h) and sorption kinetics (4 h–62 days) were analyzed and compared against a broad range of topsoil parameters.

Results

Soils developed very high PSC within 4.3 ka of soil weathering (Langmuir Qmax = 18.2 g P kg–1) due to the development of amorphous soil constituents. As the colloidal fraction changed to 2:1‐type crystalline clays after 26 ka of soil weathering under humid climate, PSC declined rapidly, while labile P and resin‐desorbable P reached a maximum. In older topsoils (≥ 165 ka), acidification and prevalence of aluminium (Al) and iron (Fe) (hydr)oxides led to increased P sorption again. Along the elevation sequence, increased precipitation favored the formation of amorphous constituents, resulting in a steep increase of P sorption capacity (from 0.9 to 19.9 g P kg–1) from the arid lowlands to the very humid highlands.

Conclusion

Amorphous Fe and Al phases as well as Fe and Al bound to organic matter seemed to be the main driving factors for P sorption along the studied pedogenic gradients.
Depth‐related response of soil enzymes to cyanobacteria‐dominated crusts along a precipitation gradient
Authors: Zhang Ke , Li Mengmeng , Wang Kai , Gao Nan , Liu Dequan , Chen Yongle
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to elucidate the ecological role of cyanobacteria‐dominated crusts on soil enzymes activities along a precipitation gradient. Results showed that proteins and polysaccharides contents of cyanobacterial‐dominated crusts changed significantly among nine sample sites. Meanwhile, proteins and polysaccharides displayed a downward trend with increasing thickness and decreased with increasing mean annual temperature, while these two first increased, and then decreased with increasing chlorophyll a. The pronounced variations of polysaccharides and proteins could be explained by the shift in cyanobacteria species composition due to the discrepancy of succession stage at the regional scale. Activities of soil enzymes decreased with depth and varied significantly among sample sites. Redundancy analysis showed that soil enzymes activities in 0–2 cm were mainly explained by microbial biomass, polysaccharides, and soil organic carbon, and those in 2–5 cm were mainly influenced by microbial biomass and climate, while those in 5–10 cm were mainly affected by climate. The results highlighted the intrinsic involvement of microbes in shallower soil (0–5 cm) after the establishment of crusts and proved the effect of polysaccharides on surface soil (0–2 cm) enzymes activities. The strengthened effect of climate on soil enzymes activities in depths manifested the water availability and temperature would restrict soil microbial activity. Therefore, we concluded that the response of soil enzymes activities beneath the cyanobacteria‐dominated crusts is depth related. Overall, our findings will provide a better knowledge of cyanobacteria‐dominated crusts properties at the regional scale, and its effects on soil enzymes activities can replenish the understanding of cyanobacteria‐dominated crusts on biogeochemical processes.
Trend in the utilization of antenatal care during pregnancy among the adolescents in Bangladesh: Evidence from national survey data 2012/2013 and 2019
Authors: Ahmed Md. Sabbir
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Pregnancy during adolescence is a global health problem and the leading cause of maternal mortality. This study was aimed to explore the trends of the utilization of prenatal care or antenatal care (ANC) services during 2012/2013 and 2019, and to identify the factors associated with the use of ANC among adolescents in Bangladesh.

Methods

This study was based on the secondary data set of two consecutive surveys of Bangladesh Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2012/2013 and 2019.

Results

The prevalence of utilizing ANC among Bangladeshi adolescents is in increasing trend; however, as per WHO recommendation, the prevalence of utilizing 4+ ANC visits was very low in 2019 (34.1%), which was 26.2% in 2012/2013. Educational status of the adolescents, area of residence, household wealth status, administrative division, and status of watching television were independent predictors of receiving 4+ ANC visits among the pregnant adolescent girls in Bangladesh.

Conclusions

The status of ANC among Bangladeshi adolescents is still very low. Awareness building programs among adolescents and their family members through health education interventions should be taken.
Dynamic changes in size‐fractionated dissolved organic matter composition in a seasonally ice‐covered Arctic River
Authors: Lin Hui , Xu Huacheng , Cai Yihua , Belzile Claude , Macdonald Robie W. , Guo Laodong
Published: June 2021

Arctic rivers are sensitive to climate and environmental change, but the biogeochemical response remains poorly understood. Monthly size‐fractionated dissolved organic matter (DOM) samples from the lower Yukon River were characterized using UV–visible, fluorescence, and Fourier transform‐infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy techniques. The EEM‐PARAFAC analysis revealed three major fluorescent DOM components, including two humic‐like components (C480 and C400) and one protein‐like component (C310), with their relative importance following the order of C480 ≥ C400 > C310 in the high‐molecular‐weight DOM (1 kDa–0.4 μm) and C400 > C480 > C310 in the low‐molecular‐weight DOM pool (< 1 kDa). Transformation in DOM and change in sources were manifested in major fluorescent components and optical properties, including biological index (BIX), humification index (HIX), spectral slope (S275–295) and specific UV absorbance at 254 nm (SUVA254). These changes occurred within different DOM size‐fractions and among ice‐covered, spring freshet, and open seasons. Joint analysis of EEM and FT‐IR spectra using a data fusion technique showed that humic‐like DOM is mostly associated with C─H, C═C, and C─O bonds, while protein‐like DOM is correlated more with C─N and N─H related structures. DOM aromaticity and the ratios of HIX to BIX and protein‐like to humic‐like components may be used as a compelling proxy to measure change in source waters and to infer permafrost dynamics. Our results provide insight into the seasonal variation in DOM composition for different size‐fractions in the lower Yukon River, and a baseline dataset against which future changes can be understood in the context of arctic basin biogeochemical cycling.
A tribo‐dynamic model for point contacts under lubrication
Authors: Pei Xin , Pu Wei , Wang Zhong Zheng , Yang Jialong
Published: June 2021

This study proposes a tribo‐dynamic model for point contacts under lubrication, focusing on the excitations caused by surface movement, defect and load impact. Surface movement and load impact can cause changes in contact force, resulting in acceleration and dynamic displacement, which may affect the flow of the lubricant. The traditional lubrication model is usually steady or transient, and load balance is used to correct the normal height, ignoring a series of influences such as the mass, stiffness and damping. It requires repeated corrections to obtain a balanced position, which is very time‐consuming. By combining tribology and dynamics, dynamic excitation is introduced in the contact process in this study. After determining the initial value, the normal height can be directly obtained from the dynamic equation. Besides, a comparison between the tribo‐dynamic model and the steady‐state model is presented. It is found that the film thickness and pressure distribution calculated by the two models are almost the same at medium and low speeds, while the calculation results of the two models are different at high speed or under load impact, which emphasises the importance of considering the dynamic behaviour in the study of contacts.
Multiplicity of solutions for the Kirchhoff equation with critical nonlinearity in high dimension
Authors: Tang BiYun , Lan YongYi
Published: June 2021

This paper is devoted to the following Kirchhoff type of problems:

where Ω is a smooth bounded domian in
, a > 0, b > 0 are real constants,
, q ∈ [1, 2∗ − 1),
. Under some suitable assumptions on V(x), we will prove the multiplicity of solutions for the Kirchhoff‐type equation by the variational method.
31P‐MRS of healthy human brain: Measurement of guanosine diphosphate mannose at 7 T
Authors: Ren Jimin , Sherry A. Dean
Published: June 2021

Guanosine diphosphate mannose (GDP‐Man) is the donor substrate required for mannosylation in the synthesis of glycoproteins, glycolipids and the newly discovered glycoRNA. Normal GDP‐Man biosynthesis plays a crucial role in support of a variety of cellular functions, including cell recognition, cell communication and immune responses against viruses. Here, we report the detection of GDP‐Man in human brain for the first time, using 31P MRS at 7 T. The presence of GDP‐Man is evidenced by the detection of a weak 31P doublet at −10.7 ppm that can be assigned to the phosphomannosyl group (Pβ) of the GDP‐Man molecule. This weak but well‐resolved signal lies 0.9 ppm upfield of UDP(G) Pβ‐multiplet from a mixture of UDP‐Glc, UDP‐Gal, UDP‐GlcNAc and UDP‐GalNAc. In reference to ATP (2.8 mM), the concentration of GDP‐Man in human brain was estimated to be 0.02 ± 0.01 mM, about 15‐fold lower than the total concentration of UDP(G) (0.30 ± 0.04, N = 17) and consistent with previous reports of UDP‐Man in cells and brain tissue extracts measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography. The reproducibility of the measured GDP‐Man between test and 2‐week retest was 21% ± 15% compared with 5% ± 4% for UDP(G) (N = 7). The measured concentrations of GDP‐Man and UDP(G) are linearly correlated ([UDP(G)] = 4.3 [GDP‐Man] + 0.02, with R = 0.66 and p = 0.0043), likely reflecting the effect of shared sugar precursors, which may vary among individuals in response to variation in nutritional intake and consumption. Given that GDP‐Man has another set of doublet (Pα) at −8.3 ppm that overlaps with NAD(H) and UDP(G)‐Pα signals, the amount of GDP‐Man could potentially interfere with the deconvolution of these mixed signals in composition analysis. Importantly, this new finding may be useful in advancing our understanding of glycosylation and its role in the development of cancer, as well as infectious and neurodegenerative diseases.
Is metoclopramide beneficial for the postpyloric placement of nasoenteric tubes? A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Ouyang Xin , Qu Rong , Hu Bei , Wang Yifan , Yao Fen , Lv Bo , Sun Cheng , Deng Yiyu , Chen Chunbo
Published: June 2021

Background

Metoclopramide is frequently prescribed as an adjuvant for the postpyloric placement of nasoenteric tubes (NETs). However, a recent meta‐analysis showed that metoclopramide was not beneficial in adults. Thus, this study aimed to reevaluate the effect of metoclopramide on the postpyloric placement of NETs.

Methods

A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang data was conducted up to August 2020 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing metoclopramide with placebo or no intervention. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was used for the primary outcomes (the success rate of the postpyloric placement of NETs).

Results

Seven eligible RCTs that included 520 participants were identified. The results of the pooled effect sizes showed that metoclopramide significantly facilitated the postpyloric placement of NETs (relative risk [RR], 1.48; 95% CI, 1.11–1.97; P = .007; I2 = 37%). However, the risk‐of‐bias assessment and the TSA results indicated that the qualities of the RCTs and the sample sizes were insufficient to confirm the efficacy of metoclopramide. Further subgroup analysis revealed that successful postpyloric placement was more pronounced in studies in which spiral NETs were employed (RR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.41–2.43; P < .001; I2 = 0%). Additionally, overall adverse events were minimal.

Conclusions

The evidence accumulated so far was not strong enough to demonstrate metoclopramide's beneficial effects on the postpyloric placement of NETs. Further high‐quality, large‐sample RCTs are required to elucidate the effects of metoclopramide.
A consecutive‐interpolation polyhedral finite element method for solid structures
Authors: Ngoc Nguyen Hau , Chau Nguyen Khanh , Duy Nguyen Khuong , Xuan Nguyen Hung , Abdel‐Wahab Magd
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we investigate the use of a consecutive‐interpolation for polyhedral finite element method (CIPFEM) in the analysis of three‐dimensional solid mechanics problems. A displacement‐based Galerkin weak form is used, in which the nodal degrees of freedom (DOF) and their derivatives are both considered for the approximation scheme. Based on arbitrary star‐convex polyhedral elements using piecewise linear shape function, the present method can have the advantage of being applicable to complicated structures. Nevertheless, the proposed interpolation technique gives higher‐order continuity, greater accuracy with the same number of DOFs. The reliability and efficiency of the CIPFEM are proved by comparing the present results with those obtained by the consecutive‐interpolation for tetrahedral element (CT4), conventional linear FEM using polyhedral elements (PFEM), and tetrahedral elements (T4) through numerical examples. Cantilever beam, concrete corbel, and complex hollow concrete revetment block are considered to show the excellent performance of the present approach.
The molecular landscape of well differentiated retroperitoneal liposarcoma
Authors: Tyler Robert , Dilworth Mark P , James Jonathan , Blakeway Daniel , Stockton Joanne D , Morton Dion G , Taniere Phillipe , Gourevitch David , Desai Anant , Beggs Andrew D
Published: June 2021

Well differentiated liposarcoma (WD‐LPS) is a relatively rare tumour, with fewer than 50 cases occurring per year in the UK. These tumours are both chemotherapy‐ and radiotherapy‐resistant and present a significant treatment challenge requiring radical surgery. Little is known of the molecular landscape of these tumours and no current targets for molecular therapy exist. We aimed to carry out a comprehensive molecular characterisation of WD‐LPS via whole genome sequencing, RNA sequencing, and methylation array analysis. A recurrent mutation within exon 1 of FOXD4L3 was observed (chr9:70,918,189A>T; c.322A>T; p.Lys108Ter). Recurrent mutations were also observed in Wnt signalling, immunity, DNA repair, and hypoxia‐associated genes. Recurrent amplification of HGMA2 was observed, although this was in fact part of a general amplification of the region around this gene. Recurrent gene fusions in HGMA2, SDHA, TSPAN31, and MDM2 were also observed as well as consistent rearrangements between chromosome 6 and chromosome 12. Our study has demonstrated a recurrent mutation within FOXD4L3, which shows evidence of interaction with the PAX pathway to promote tumourigenesis. © 2021 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Anxiety, depression, and end‐of‐life care utilization in adults with metastatic cancer
Authors: Mossman Brenna , Perry Laura M. , Walsh Leah E. , Gerhart James , Malhotra Sonia , Horswell Ronald , Chu San , Raines Amanda M. , Lefante John , Blais Christopher M. , Miele Lucio , Melancon Brian , Alonzi Sarah , Voss Hallie , Freestone Lily , Dunn Addison , Hoerger Michael
Published: June 2021

Objective

End‐of‐life care for patients with cancer is often overly burdensome, and palliative and hospice care are underutilized. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the mental health diagnoses of anxiety and depression were associated with variation in end‐of‐life care in metastatic cancer.

Methods

This study used electronic health data from 1,333 adults with metastatic cancer who received care at two academic health centers in Louisiana, USA, and died between 1/1/2011–12/31/2017. The study used descriptive statistics to characterize the sample and logistic regression to examine whether anxiety and depression diagnoses in the six months before death were associated with utilization outcomes (chemotherapy, intensive care unit [ICU] visits, emergency department visits, mechanical ventilation, inpatient hospitalization, palliative care encounters, and hospice utilization), while controlling for key demographic and health covariates.

Results

Patients (56.1% male; 65.6% White, 31.1% Black) commonly experienced depression (23.9%) and anxiety (27.2%) disorders within six months of death. Anxiety was associated with an increased likelihood of chemotherapy (odds ratio [OR] = 1.42, p = 0.016), ICU visits (OR = 1.40, p = 0.013), and inpatient hospitalizations (OR = 1.85, p < 0.001) in the 30 days before death. Anxiety (OR = 1.95, p < 0.001) and depression (OR = 1.34, p = 0.038) were associated with a greater likelihood of a palliative encounter.

Conclusions

Patients with metastatic cancer who had an anxiety disorder were more likely to have burdensome end‐of‐life care, including chemotherapy, ICU visits, and inpatient hospitalizations in the 30 days before death. Depression and anxiety both increased the odds of palliative encounters. These results emphasize the importance of mental health considerations in end‐of‐life care.
Traversable Wormholes in the Extended Teleparallel Theory of Gravity with Matter Coupling
Authors: Mustafa G. , Ahmad Mushtaq , Övgün Ali , Farasat Shamir M. , Hussain Ibrar
Published: June 2021

This study explores the Gaussian and the Lorentzian distributed spherically symmetric wormhole solutions in the gravity. The basic idea of the Gaussian and Lorentzian noncommutative geometries emerges as the physically acceptable and substantial notion in quantum physics. This idea of the noncommutative geometries with both the Gaussian and Lorentzian distributions becomes more striking when wormhole geometries in the modified theories of gravity are discussed. Here we consider a linear model within gravity to investigate traversable wormholes. In particular, we discuss the possible cases for the wormhole geometries using the Gaussian and the Lorentzian noncommutative distributions to obtain the exact shape function for them. By incorporating the particular values of the unknown parameters involved, we discuss different properties of the new wormhole geometries explored here. It is noted that the involved matter violates the weak energy condition for both the cases of the noncommutative geometries, whereas there is a possibility for a physically viable wormhole solution. By analyzing the equilibrium condition, it is found that the acquired solutions are stable. Furthermore, we provide the embedded diagrams for wormhole structures under Gaussian and Lorentzian noncommutative frameworks. Moreover, we present the critical analysis on an anisotropic pressure under the Gaussian and the Lorentzian distributions.