bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic load has potential in large populations but is realized in small inbred populations
Authors: Mathur Samarth , DeWoody J. Andrew
Published: March 2021

Populations with higher genetic diversity and larger effective sizes have greater evolutionary capacity (i.e., adaptive potential) to respond to ecological stressors. We are interested in how the variation captured in protein‐coding genes fluctuates relative to overall genomic diversity and whether smaller populations suffer greater costs due to their genetic load of deleterious mutations compared with larger populations. We analyzed individual whole‐genome sequences (N = 74) from three different populations of Montezuma quail (Cyrtonyx montezumae), a small ground‐dwelling bird that is sustainably harvested in some portions of its range but is of conservation concern elsewhere. Our historical demographic results indicate that Montezuma quail populations in the United States exhibit low levels of genomic diversity due in large part to long‐term declines in effective population sizes over nearly a million years. The smaller and more isolated Texas population is significantly more inbred than the large Arizona and the intermediate‐sized New Mexico populations we surveyed. The Texas gene pool has a significantly smaller proportion of strongly deleterious variants segregating in the population compared with the larger Arizona gene pool. Our results demonstrate that even in small populations, highly deleterious mutations are effectively purged and/or lost due to drift. However, we find that in small populations the realized genetic load is elevated because of inbreeding coupled with a higher frequency of slightly deleterious mutations that are manifested in homozygotes. Overall, our study illustrates how population genomics can be used to proactively assess both neutral and functional aspects of contemporary genetic diversity in a conservation framework while simultaneously considering deeper demographic histories.
Anoxygenic photosynthesis linked to Neoarchean iron formations in Carajás (Brazil)
Authors: Rego Eric Siciliano , Busigny Vincent , Lalonde Stefan V. , Philippot Pascal , Bouyon Amaury , Rossignol Camille , Babinski Marly , de Cássia Zapparoli Adriana
Published: March 2021

Microbial activity is often invoked as a direct or indirect contributor to the precipitation of ancient chemical sedimentary rocks such as Precambrian iron formations (IFs). Determining a specific metabolic pathway from the geological record remains a challenge, however, due to a lack of constraints on the initial conditions and microbially induced redox reactions involved in the formation of iron oxides. Thus, there is ongoing debate concerning the role of photoferrotrophy, that is the process by which inorganic carbon is fixed into organic matter using light as an energy source and Fe(II) as an electron donor, in the deposition of IFs. Here, we examine ~2.74‐Ga‐old Neoarchean IFs and associated carbonates from the Carajás Mineral Province, Brazil, to reconstruct redox conditions and to infer the oxidizing mechanism that allowed one of the world's largest iron deposits to form. The absence of cerium (Ce) anomalies reveals that conditions were pervasively anoxic during IF deposition, while unprecedented europium (Eu) anomalies imply that Fe was supplied by intense hydrothermal activity. A positive and homogeneous Fe isotopic signal in space and time in these IFs indicates a low degree of partial oxidation of Fe(II), which, combined with the presence of13C‐depleted organic matter, points to a photoautotrophic metabolic driver. Collectively, our results argue in favor of reducing conditions during IF deposition and suggest anoxygenic photosynthesis as the most plausible mechanism responsible for Fe oxidation in the Carajás Basin.
Mountains act as museums and cradles for hemipteran insects in China: Evidence from patterns of richness and phylogenetic structure
Authors: Li Junjie , Li Qiang , Wu Yangxue , Ye Longqin , Liu Huanhuan , Wei Jiufeng , Huang Xiaolei
Published: March 2021

Aim

This study aims to test whether the diversity centres of hemipteran insects are mainly concentrated in mountains and whether spatial variation exists in the relationship between species richness and environmental factors, and investigate the spatio‐temporal divergence patterns of hemipteran insects in China to infer underlying mechanisms and the role of different regions as museums and/or cradles.

Location

China.

Time period

Present day.

Major taxa studied

Hemipteran insects.

Methods

A comprehensive species distribution dataset consisting of 7,822 hemipteran species was compiled, and a dated molecular phylogeny of hemipteran insects was reconstructed. We analysed the richness and spatio‐temporal divergence patterns of hemipteran insects based on grid cells with a resolution of 1° × 1°. The relative effects of environmental factors on species richness were analysed by general linear models, multivariate spatial autoregressive models and a spatial random forest model. Phylogenetic diversity, phylogenetic structure, and mean divergence times were calculated and evaluated.

Results

The mountains of central to southern China have the highest hemipteran diversity. Multiple environmental factors together determine the diversity patterns, but relative effects of different factors vary across China's terrain. Central and southern China primarily preserve older lineages and present phylogenetic overdispersion, while northern China shows more recent divergence and phylogenetic clustering. The eastern Himalayas and Hengduan Mountains have high diversity of both ancient and young lineages.

Main conclusions

The diversity patterns of hemipteran insects in China obviously tend to concentrate in mountains and result from combined effects of multiple environmental factors, but the effects vary in different areas. The mountains of central and southern China act as museums, and the mountains of northern China represent evolutionary cradles for Hemiptera diversity, while the eastern Himalayas and Hengduan Mountains are probably being both cradles and museums. Our results identify areas of high richness and phylogenetic diversity, which provide a foundation for insect conservation in China.
‘It's not magic’: A qualitative analysis of geriatric physicians' explanations of cardio‐pulmonary resuscitation in hospital admissions
Authors: Sterie Anca‐Cristina , Jones Laura , Jox Ralf J. , Rubli Truchard Eve
Published: March 2021

Background

Discussing patient preferences for cardio‐pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is routine in hospital admission for older people. The way the conversation is conducted plays an important role for patient comprehension and the ethics of decision making.

Objective

The objective was to examine how CPR is explained in geriatric rehabilitation hospital admission interviews, focussing on circumstances in which physicians explain CPR and the content of these explanations.

Method

We recorded forty‐three physician‐patient admission interviews taking place in a hospital in French‐speaking Switzerland, during which CPR was discussed. Data were analysed in French with thematic and conversation analysis, and the extracts used for publication were translated into English.

Results

Mean patient age was 83.7 years; 53.5% were admitted for rehabilitation after surgery or traumatism. CPR was explained in 53.8% of the conversations. Most explanations were brief and concerned the technical procedures, mentioning only rarely potential outcome. With one exception, medical indication and prognosis of CPR did not feature in these explanations. Explanations occurred either before the patient's answer (as part of the question about CPR preferences) or after the patient's answer, generated by patients' indecision, misunderstanding and by the need to clarify answers.

Discussion and conclusions

The scarcity and simplicity of CPR explanations highlight a reluctance to have in‐depth discussions and reflect the assumption that CPR does not need explaining. Providing patients with accurate information about the outcomes and risks of CPR is incremental for reaching informed decisions and patient‐centred care.

Patient contribution

Patients were involved in the data collection stage of the study.
Endodontic management of traumatized permanent teeth: a comprehensive review
Authors: Krastl G. , Weiger R. , Filippi A. , Van Waes H. , Ebeleseder K. , Ree M. , Connert T. , Widbiller M. , Tjäderhane L. , Dummer P. M. H. , Galler K.
Published: March 2021

The pulp plays a key role in the treatment of traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) and is strongly associated with the outcome, particularly in severe cases. A correct pulp diagnosis is essential as it forms the basis for developing the appropriate management strategy. However, many TDIs are complex, and their treatment requires a profound knowledge of the physiological and pathological responses of the affected tissues. This comprehensive review will look at the dentine–pulp complex and its interaction with the surrounding tissues following TDIs. The literature up to 2020 was reviewed based on several searches on PubMed and the Cochrane Library using relevant terms. In addition to the recently revised guidelines of the International Association of Dental Traumatology, this article aims to provide background information with a focus on endodontic aspects and to gather evidence on which a clinician can make decisions on the choice of the appropriate endodontic approach for traumatized permanent teeth.
Runx proteins and transcriptional mechanisms that govern memory CD8 T cell development
Authors: Pipkin Matthew E.
Published: March 2021

Adaptive immunity to intracellular pathogens and tumors is mediated by antigen‐experienced CD8 T cells. Individual naive CD8 T cells have the potential to differentiate into a diverse array of antigen‐experienced subsets that exhibit distinct effector functions, life spans, anatomic positioning, and potential for regenerating an entirely new immune response during iterative pathogenic exposures. The developmental process by which activated naive cells undergo diversification involves regulation of chromatin structure and transcription but is not entirely understood. This review examines how alterations in chromatin structure, transcription factor binding, extracellular signals, and single‐cell gene expression explain the differential development of distinct effector (TEFF) and memory (TMEM) CD8 T cell subsets. Special emphasis is placed on how Runx proteins function with additional transcription factors to pioneer changes in chromatin accessibility and drive transcriptional programs that establish the core attributes of cytotoxic T lymphocytes, subdivide circulating and non‐circulating TMEM cell subsets, and govern terminal differentiation. The discussion integrates the roles of specific cytokine signals, transcriptional circuits and how regulation of individual nucleosomes and RNA polymerase II activity can contribute to the process of differentiation. A model that integrates many of these features is discussed to conceptualize how activated CD8 T cells arrive at their fates.
Exploring the relationships among professional quality of life, personal quality of life and resignation in the nursing profession
Authors: Chen Yen‐Chin , Li Tsai‐Chung , Chang Ya‐Wen , Liao Hui‐Chuan , Huang Hsiang‐Ming , Huang Li‐Chi
Published: March 2021

Aim

To explore the relationships between nurses' quality of life, personal quality of life, intention to stay (ITS) and resign and factors related to resignation.

Design

Prospective cohort design.

Methods

The participants were recruited from three different levels of hospital in central Taiwan. The survey instruments were structured questionnaires including demographics, Professional Quality of Life Scale, Short Form Health Survey (SF‐36) and the Scale of ITS. The survey data were collected from December 2017–August 2018. Data on nurses’ resignation were collected from the hospital systems 3 months after the survey. Descriptive analysis and multiple logistic regression were used to analyse the factors predicting participants’ resignation.

Results

Five hundred and fifty‐three participants were recruited. Forty‐nine out of 553 participants resigned (8.9%). Higher scores in compassion satisfaction were related to a greater ITS (p < .05). Employment units, burnout and ITS were the predictors for resignation (p < .05). We also found that compassion satisfaction moderated the relationship between ITS and resignation.

Conclusion

Compassion satisfaction of nursing professionals strengthened the effect of ITS on resignation. Programmes to reinforce satisfaction and stress management could be strategies for increasing nurses’ professional quality of life and retention in clinical practice.

Impact

The study was the first to explore the relationships between professionals’ quality of life, personal quality of life, ITS and resign. The study showed that compassion satisfaction increased the effect between ITS and resignation. Sense of achievement and satisfaction were the most important factors influencing nurses to stay in clinical practice. It is important to enhance nurse compassion satisfaction in nursing career, their job identity and gratification. The effective supportive environment and self‐reflection may enhance compassion satisfaction, ameliorate nurse retention and improve the quality of care.
Using photovoice with people with intellectual disability to illuminate definitions of health and factors influencing participation in health promotion
Authors: St. John Brittany , Gray Megan , Malzacher Amanda , Hladik Libby , Lurie Savanna , Ausderau Karla
Published: March 2021

Background

Understanding the daily health experiences of people with intellectual disability is necessary to illuminate factors that may be influencing health and health disparities. The objective of this study is to understand how people with intellectual disability participate in and access health promotion.

Methods

Ten adults with intellectual disability engaged in an adapted photovoice study.

Results

Four themes emerged: Health Is Who We Are; Health is What We Do; Health Is Our Body, Mind, and Place; and Barriers and Facilitators. Participants communicated an understanding of health, a strong identity of themselves as being healthy, and diverse participation in health promotion. Additionally, participants identified specific resources and support necessary to pursue health. Participants' broad description of health aligns with understandings of the social determinants of health.

Conclusion

Participant's holistic view of health and experienced factors of health promotion should inform the development and implementation of inclusive health programming for people with intellectual disability.
Risk factors of role stress and professional burnout among nurse anesthetists: A multicenter cross‐sectional study
Authors: Meng Haihong , Bai Shuling , Cao Qinqin
Published: March 2021

Background

In China, there is no unified standard for the responsibilities and authority of nurse anesthetists, resulting in different professional expectations from anesthesiologists and nursing managers, which may result in high levels of role stress and burnout in nurse anesthetists. Additional factors such as high occupational risk and heavy work may also contribute to role stress and burnout.

Methods

In this multicenter cross‐sectional study, an online questionnaire survey was conducted among 198 nurses from six tertiary hospitals in Shandong Province. The t test, analysis of variance, linear regression, and logistic regression were used to analyze the risk factors for role stress and professional burnout.

Results

The scores of role conflict and role ambiguity in role stress were 30.61 ± 9.53 and 31.89 ± 9.56, respectively; satisfaction with income and the working environment, the hospital's attention, years of experience as a nurse, clarity concerning the nurse anesthetist's occupational scope, and attitude to career prospects were independent risk factors for role stress. The burnout data were non‐normally distributed and were expressed as medians and quartiles. The scores of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal achievement in professional burnout were 30 (26–34), 11 (8–14), and 23 (20–26) respectively. The number of working hours per week, attitude to career prospects, satisfaction with the working environment and income, physical health, gender, and education were independent risk factors for burnout.

Conclusions

Chinese nurse anesthetists were found to be in danger of high role stress and professional burnout, a situation requiring the attention of managers.
DNA sequencing of type material and newly collected specimens reveals two heterotypic synonyms for Harveylithon munitum (Metagoniolithoideae, Corallinales, Rhodophyta) and three new species
Authors: Richards Joseph L. , Schmidt William E. , Fredericq Suzanne , Sauvage Thomas , Peña Viviana , Le Gall Line , Mateo‐Cid Luz Elena , Mendoza‐González Angela Catalina , Hughey Jeffery R. , Gabrielson Paul W.
Published: March 2021

Nongeniculate coralline algae are difficult to identify based solely on morpho‐anatomy. To address the systematics of several taxonomically challenging taxa, we analyzed DNA sequences of a short portion (118–296 base pairs) of the 3′ end of the rbcL gene from three type specimens. The analyses revealed that Harveylithon munitum (basionym: Lithophyllum munitum), described in 1906 from Cave Cays, Exuma Chain, Bahamas, is conspecific with both Goniolithon accretum and Goniolithon affine, described in 1906 from Sand Key, Florida and in 1907 from Culebra Island, Puerto Rico, respectively. Lithophyllum munitum and G. accretum were described in the same 1906 publication and have equal priority. We have selected the currently accepted and most commonly used name H. munitum to apply to this entity. Comparative analyses of rbcL, psbA, UPA, COI, and LSU sequences from contemporary field‐collected specimens revealed that H. munitum currently inhabits mesophotic rhodolith beds in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico, as well as the intertidal zone in the Florida Keys, Honduras, Atlantic Mexico, Caribbean Panama, and Guadeloupe, French West Indies. Species delimitation analyses reveal that the Western Atlantic and Australian H. munitum populations may be separate species. Two new species of Harveylithon from the northwestern Gulf of Mexico and one new species from the southwestern Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, and the Red Sea were also identified in the analyses and are described.
The Politics of Select Committee Assignments in the British House of Commons
Authors: Fernandes Jorge M. , Saalfeld Thomas , Schwemmer Carsten
Published: March 2021

Legislative committees usually combine legislative and oversight functions. Most research has focused on the former. The British House of Commons offers an opportunity to shed light on MPs’ motivations to engage in the neglected oversight aspects of committee work, because its committee system separates lawmaking from investigatory functions. In this article, we examine the politics of assignment to the investigatory select committees. Using an original data set for the 2005–10 and 2010–15 Parliaments, we find that MPs’ long‐standing policy interests are a strong and consistent predictor for select‐committee assignments, especially when committees’ desirability increases. Our results are largely incompatible with partisan models predicting party loyalty to be a decisive factor in select‐committee assignments. Evidence suggests that the “Wright reforms” have consolidated the self‐selection mechanism operating in committee assignments. Against expectations of partisan motivations driving committee assignments, our evidence suggests that models based on informational concerns offer the most convincing rationale.
Characteristics associated with the transition to partial breastfeeding prior to 6 months of age: Data from seven sites in a birth cohort study
Authors: Richard Stephanie A. , McCormick Benjamin J. J. , Murray‐Kolb Laura E. , Patil Crystal L. , Chandyo Ram K. , Mahopo Cloupas , Maciel Bruna L. , Bose Anuradha , Mahfuz Mustafa , Ambikapathi Ramya , Olortegui Maribel Paredes , Caulfield Laura E. ,   the MAL‐ED Network Investigators
Published: March 2021

The WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life. However, the transition of the infants' diet to partial breastfeeding with the addition of animal milks and/or solids typically occurs earlier than this. Here, we explored factors associated with the timing of an early transition to partial breastfeeding across seven sites of a birth cohort study in which twice weekly information on infant feeding practices was collected. Infant (size, sex, illness and temperament), maternal (age, education, parity and depressive symptoms), breastfeeding initiation practices (time of initiation, colostrum and pre‐lacteal feeding) and household factors (food security, crowding, assets, income and resources) were considered. Three consecutive caregiver reports of feeding animal milks and/or solids (over a 10‐day period) were characterized as a transition to partial breastfeeding, and Cox proportional hazard models with time (in days) to partial breastfeeding were used to evaluate associations with both fixed and time‐varying characteristics. Overall, 1470 infants were included in this analysis. Median age of transition to partial breastfeeding ranged from 59 days (South Africa and Tanzania) to 178 days (Bangladesh). Overall, higher weight‐for‐lengthz‐scores were associated with later transitions to partial breastfeeding, as were food insecurity, and infant cough in the past 30 days. Maternal depressive symptoms (evaluated amongst 1227 infants from six sites) were associated with an earlier transition to partial breastfeeding. Relative thinness or heaviness within each site was related to breastfeeding transitions, as opposed to absolutez‐scores. Further research is needed to understand relationships between local perceptions of infant body size and decisions about breastfeeding.
Introducción al dossier Etnografía y educación: estudios colaborativos con niños, niñas y jóvenes
Authors: Guerrero Alba Lucy , Milstein Diana
Published: March 2021

Este dossier presenta trabajos de campo y resultados de investigaciones etnográficas en colaboración con niñas, niños y jóvenes (NNJ) realizados en contextos educativos escolares y no escolares para analizar las incidencias e impactos de la etnografía en colaboración con NNJ en el campo de la investigación educativa. Los artículos aquí presentados abren oportunidades de diálogo y debate sobre algunos de los temas y problemas actuales planteados por los discursos académicos y políticos sobre educación, tales como políticas,identidades,prácticas culturales y lingüísticas,geografías y migraciones en contextos locales.Estos asuntos se abordan de manera situada teniendo en cuenta las particularidades sociohistóricas de cada lugar.
Cutting Path and Feedrate Optimization for Complex Surface Machining Using Ball End Milling Process
Authors: Lim Ee Meng , Menq Chia-Hsiang , Yen David W.
Published: March 2021

A new machining strategy, called cutting-path/adaptive-feedrate strategy, is proposed to improve the productivity of sculptured-surface productions subjected to force and dimensional constraints. In this proposed strategy, a new machining-planning aid, called maximum feedrate map, is developed. In this map, the maximum allowable feedrates at each control point along all machining directions subjected to the specified constraints are determined using a surface generation model. These local maximum-feedrate boundaries indicate the acceptable range of feedrates that a part programmer can use in the NC programming. In addition, the maximum feedrate map also provides the part programmer an important aid in selecting the cutting directions. The proposed strategy was applied to the machining planning for turbine blade die productions. Both computer simulation and experimental study were performed.
Methodology for Quantitative Error-Assessment of Finite-Element Models
Authors: Majerus John N.
Published: March 2021

Although recent developments in adaptivity and rezoning have enhanced the ease and use of the finite element method, the question remains: how good are the resulting simulations? In the case of highly nonlinear behavior, it appears that this question can only be answered by properly designed experiments. One such experiment involves the nonlinear behavior (material, geometry and boundary conditions) associated with a precision closed-die (PCD) forging. This paper presents some PCD data that could not be modeled by one particular FE code-simulation. Hopefully, these data can be used for the quantitative error-assessment of other codes for similar nonlinear simulations. Some possible code-simulation improvements are discussed and recommendations for future experiments are made.
An Investigation of the Implementation of the p-Version Finite Element Method
Authors: Campion Simon D. , Jarvis John L.
Published: March 2021

The use of the p-version finite element method has become more widespread over the last five years or so, as witnessed by the addition of p-elements to a number of well known commercial codes. A review of the keynote papers on the p-version method is presented which focusses on the use of the hierarchical concept and the selection of the interpolation functions. The importance of accurate geometry mapping is also discussed, and the use of the blending function method is presented.

Details of implementation of the p-version method are discussed in the light of the authors efforts to develop a program for solving two-dimensional elastostatic problems. Topics covered include the rules for numerical integration for the p-method, the possible use of numerical rather than explicit differentiation for determining the Jacobian matrix, and the programming of the load vector for the p-method. The lessons learnt are illustrated by simple examples, and will be of benefit to those wishing to program p-elements for other applications.
Impact Simulation Plus Probability of Material Failure
Authors: Huang Yolin I. , Bruchey William J.
Published: March 2021

A study to investigate the probabilistic variation in material failure mechanics of a typical high hardness armor (HHA) impacted by a tungsten penetrator was conducted. The HULL package was patched for simulation studies. Results from two different sets of calculations, each with a different randomness level, showed a relationship between the final penetrator lengths (between stations) and the prescribed randomness.

Since higher percent deviation is likely associated with the higher failure rate of the target material, thus, at lower percent deviations, there is less penetration into the target and more compression of the penetrator, resulting in a smaller final length. Hence, the relationship seems to be a result of the compressive state of the penetrator rather than a result of its erosion. This relationship is likely to be present also in a more rigorous calculation with a Lagrangian-based formulation.
Power Flow Analysis of Beam Members With Multiple Wave Types
Authors: Stiehl Albert L.
Published: March 2021

A power flow finite element method (PFFEM) is developed in Reference 1 for the steady state high frequency vibration analysis of beams in which there is propagation of one wave type (bending). A finite element thermal analog presented herein for power flow analysis of beam members in which both bending and longitudinal waves are present is a farther development of the PFFEM. Conducting bar elements model power flow in the beam and also power transmission, reflection and conversion at structural joints. Convection elements model internal power dissipation. Properties of joint elements are in general non-linear and depend upon the power level at the joint as well as transmission and reflection coefficients. The thermal analog is verified for particular linear cases wherein properties of the joint elements are dependent only upon the transmission and reflection coefficients.
A Virtual Workshop for Design by Manufacture
Authors: Taylor Richard , Bayliss Gary , Bowyer Adrian , Willis Philip
Published: March 2021

A desktop virtual reality system implementing a Virtual Manufacturing Workshop enables the processes of design and manufacture to be brought close together. Built-in design tools mean that the Virtual Workshop is much more than just a simulation of manufacturing. Designs can be edited, assessed, imported and exported in a completely interactive way. How the system is used is defined by the requirements of the user — whether that be pure design, process planning or training. At the end of the day, the user has a complete geometric model of the designed component and a part program from which it can be manufactured in the real world.
Access to semantic cues does not lead to perceptual restoration of interrupted speech in cochlear-implant users
Authors: Jaekel Brittany N. , Weinstein Sarah , Newman Rochelle S. , Goupell Matthew J.
Published: March 2021

Cochlear-implant (CI) users experience less success in understanding speech in noisy, real-world listening environments than normal-hearing (NH) listeners. Perceptual restoration is one method NH listeners use to repair noise-interrupted speech. Whereas previous work has reported that CI users can use perceptual restoration in certain cases, they failed to do so under listening conditions in which NH listeners can successfully restore. Providing increased opportunities to use top-down linguistic knowledge is one possible method to increase perceptual restoration use in CI users. This work tested perceptual restoration abilities in 18 CI users and varied whether a semantic cue (presented visually) was available prior to the target sentence (presented auditorily). Results showed that whereas access to a semantic cue generally improved performance with interrupted speech, CI users failed to perceptually restore speech regardless of the semantic cue availability. The lack of restoration in this population directly contradicts previous work in this field and raises questions of whether restoration is possible in CI users. One reason for speech-in-noise understanding difficulty in CI users could be that they are unable to use tools like restoration to process noise-interrupted speech effectively.
T Cell Epitope Screening of Epstein-Barr Virus Fusion Protein gB
Authors: Chen Haiwen , Zhang Xiao , Zhang Shanshan , Duan Xiaobing , Xiang Tong , Zhou Xiang , Zhang Wanlin , Zhang Xinyu , Feng Qisheng , Kang Yinfeng , Li Jiangping , Deng Lan , Wang Liang , Lv Xing , Zeng Musheng , Zeng Yi-Xin , Xu Miao
Published: March 2021

T cells are crucial for the control of persistent EBV infection and the development of EBV-associated diseases. The EBV gB protein is essential for virus entry into B cells and epithelial cells and is thus a target antigen for vaccine development.
Guinea Pig Cytomegalovirus Protective T Cell Antigen GP83 Is a Functional pp65 Homolog for Innate Immune Evasion and Pentamer-Dependent Virus Tropism
Authors: Choi K. Yeon , El-Hamdi Nadia , Hornig Julia , McGregor Alistair
Published: March 2021

Congenital CMV (cCMV) is a leading cause of cognitive impairment and deafness in newborns, and a vaccine is a high priority. The guinea pig is the only small animal model for cCMV but requires guinea pig cytomegalovirus (GPCMV).
Insulinase-like Protease 1 Contributes to Macrogamont Formation in Cryptosporidium parvum
Authors: Xu Rui , Feng Yaoyu , Xiao Lihua , Sibley L. David
Published: March 2021

Cryptosporidiosis is a debilitating diarrheal disease in young children in developing countries. The absence of effective treatments or vaccines makes this infection very difficult to manage in susceptible populations.
High-Throughput Wastewater SARS-CoV-2 Detection Enables Forecasting of Community Infection Dynamics in San Diego County
Authors: Karthikeyan Smruthi , Ronquillo Nancy , Belda-Ferre Pedro , Alvarado Destiny , Javidi Tara , Longhurst Christopher A. , Knight Rob
Published: March 2021

Wastewater monitoring has a lot of potential for revealing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreaks before they happen because the virus is found in the wastewater before people have clinical symptoms. However, application of wastewater-based surveillance has been limited by long processing times specifically at the concentration step.
Supplemental Material: Hydrothermal recycling of sedimentary ammonium into oceanic crust and the Archean ocean at 3.24 Ga
Authors: Stüeken Eva , al. et
Published: March 2021

Analytical methods and data tables
Chylothorax post transaxillary first rib resection for thoracic outlet syndrome
Authors: Bowden Sylvie , Firdouse Mohammed , Roche-Nagle Graham
Published: March 2021

We present a patient who developed high output chyle leak post left transaxillary first rib resection for venous thoracic outlet syndrome. The high output chylorrhoea was successfully treated by conservative measures, bed rest, parenteral nutrition and low-fat diet. The patient was discharged after an 18-day hospital stay with a complete resolution of his chylous fistula prior to discharge. This is the first documented chylothorax post transaxillary first rib resection likely due to anomalous chyle anatomy.
Surfactant-loaded capsules as Marangoni microswimmers at the air–water interface: Symmetry breaking and spontaneous propulsion by surfactant diffusion and advection
Authors: Ender Hendrik , Froin Ann-Kathrin , Rehage Heinz , Kierfeld Jan
Published: March 2021

We present a realization of a fast interfacial Marangoni microswimmer by a half-spherical alginate capsule at the air–water interface, which diffusively releases water-soluble spreading molecules (weak surfactants such as polyethylene glycol (PEG)), which act as “fuel” by modulating the air–water interfacial tension. For a number of different fuels, we can observe symmetry breaking and spontaneous propulsion although the alginate particle and emission are isotropic. The propulsion mechanism is similar to soap or camphor boats, which are, however, typically asymmetric in shape or emission to select a swimming direction. We develop a theory of Marangoni boat propulsion starting from low Reynolds numbers by analyzing the coupled problems of surfactant diffusion and advection and fluid flow, which includes surfactant-induced fluid Marangoni flow, and surfactant adsorption at the air–water interface; we also include a possible evaporation of surfactant. The swimming velocity is determined by the balance of drag and Marangoni forces. We show that spontaneous symmetry breaking resulting in propulsion is possible above a critical dimensionless surfactant emission rate (Peclet number). We derive the relation between Peclet number and swimming speed and generalize to higher Reynolds numbers utilizing the concept of the Nusselt number. The theory explains the observed swimming speeds for PEG–alginate capsules, and we unravel the differences to other Marangoni boat systems based on camphor, which are mainly caused by surfactant evaporation from the liquid–air interface. The capsule Marangoni microswimmers also exhibit surfactant-mediated repulsive interactions with walls, which can be qualitatively explained by surfactant accumulation at the wall.

Graphic Abstract
Quercetin Induces Apoptosis in Glioblastoma Cells by Suppressing Axl/IL-6/STAT3 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Kim Hyo In , Lee Sol Ji , Choi Yu-Jeong , Kim Min Jeong , Kim Tai Young , Ko Seong-Gyu
Published: March 2021

Gliomas are the mostly observed form of primary brain tumor, and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) shows the highest incidence. The survival rate of GBM is fairly poor; thus, discovery of effective treatment options is required. Among several suggested targets for therapy, the Axl/IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway has gained recent interest because of its important role within cancer microenvironment. Quercetin, a plant flavonoid, is well known for its anticancer action. However, the effect of quercetin on Axl has never been reported. Quercetin treatment significantly reduced cell viability in two GBM cell lines of U87MG and U373MG while keeping 85% of normal astrocytes alive. Further western blot assays suggested that quercetin induces apoptosis but does not affect Akt or mitogen-activated protein kinases, factors related to cell proliferation. Quercetin also decreased IL-6 release and phosphorylation of STAT3 in GBM cells. In addition, gene expression, protein expression, and half-life of synthesized Axl protein were all suppressed by quercetin. By applying shRNA for knockdown of Axl, we could confirm that the role of Axl was crucial in the apoptotic effect of quercetin on GBM cells. In conclusion, we suggest quercetin as a potential anticancer agent, which may improve cancer microenvironment of GBM via the Axl/IL-6/STAT3 pathway.
Analysis of the Pcs(4459) as the hidden-charm pentaquark state with QCD sum rules
Authors: Wang Zhi-Gang
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we study the scalar-diquark–scalar-diquark–antiquark-type [Formula: see text] pentaquark state with the QCD sum rules, the predicted mass [Formula: see text] is in excellent agreement with the experimental data [Formula: see text] from the LHCb collaboration, and supports assigning the [Formula: see text] to be the hidden-charm pentaquark state with the spin-parity [Formula: see text]. We take into account the flavor [Formula: see text] mass-breaking effect, and estimate the mass spectrum of the diquark–diquark–antiquark-type [Formula: see text] pentaquark states with the strangeness [Formula: see text].
TIME-INCONSISTENT MARKOVIAN CONTROL PROBLEMS UNDER MODEL UNCERTAINTY WITH APPLICATION TO THE MEAN-VARIANCE PORTFOLIO SELECTION
Authors: BIELECKI TOMASZ R. , CHEN TAO , CIALENCO IGOR
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we study a class of time-inconsistent terminal Markovian control problems in discrete time subject to model uncertainty. We combine the concept of the sub-game perfect strategies with the adaptive robust stochastic control method to tackle the theoretical aspects of the considered stochastic control problem. Consequently, as an important application of the theoretical results and by applying a machine learning algorithm we solve numerically the mean-variance portfolio selection problem under the model uncertainty.
Sulphur Doped Graphenes Based 3D-Needle Stochastic Sensors as New Tools for Biomedical Analysis
Authors: Ilie-Mihai Ruxandra-Maria , Stefan-van Staden Raluca-Ioana , Lungu-Moscalu Alexandrina , Pogacean Florina , Pruneanu Stela Maria
Published: March 2021

Biomedical analysis needs reliable tools for screening tests. Fast screening tests are essential in early diagnosis of diseases like cancer. Stochastic sensors is the only class of electrochemical sensors able to perform reliable qualitative and quantitative analysis. Therefore, Sulphur doped graphenes were synthesized, characterized and used for the design of three 3D-needle stochastic sensors. p53 and carcinoembryonic antigen were used as model analytes for the screening tests of whole blood, urine, saliva, and tissues. Stochastic mode was used for the screening tests. Low limits of determination (of magnitude orders 0.1–100 pg ml−1) and high sensitivities (of magnitude orders up to 107) were achieved. Recovery tests shown that the biomarkers can be recovered with recoveries higher than 96.00%, and relative standard deviations lower than 1.00% from the whole blood, urine, saliva, and tissues.
The Indiana O’Brien Center for Advanced Renal Microscopic Analysis
Authors: Dunn Kenneth W. , Molitoris Bruce A. , Dagher Pierre C.
Published: March 2021

The Indiana O’Brien Center for Advanced Microscopic Analysis is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) P30-funded research center dedicated to the development and dissemination of advanced methods of optical microscopy to support renal researchers throughout the world. The Indiana O’Brien Center was founded in 2002 as an NIH P-50 project with the original goal of helping researchers realize the potential of intravital multiphoton microscopy as a tool for understanding renal physiology and pathophysiology. The center has since expanded into the development and implementation of large-scale, high-content tissue cytometry. The advanced imaging capabilities of the center are made available to renal researchers worldwide via collaborations and a unique fellowship program. Center outreach is accomplished through an enrichment core that oversees a seminar series, an informational website, and a biennial workshop featuring hands-on training from members of the Indiana O’Brien Center and imaging experts from around the world.
Role of KLHL3 and dietary K+ in regulating KS-WNK1 expression
Authors: Ostrosky-Frid Mauricio , Chávez-Canales María , Zhang Jinwei , Andrukhova Olena , Argaiz Eduardo R. , Lerdo-de-Tejada Fernando , Murillo-de-Ozores Adrian , Sanchez-Navarro Andrea , Rojas-Vega Lorena , Bobadilla Norma A. , Vazquez Norma , Castañeda-Bueno María , Alessi Dario R. , Gamba Gerardo
Published: March 2021

In this work, we demonstrated that the kidney-specific isoform of WNK1 (KS-WNK1) in the kidney is modulated by dietary K+ and activity of the ubiquitin ligase protein Kelch-like protein 3. We analyzed the role of different amino acid residues of KS-WNK1 in its activity against the NaCl cotransporter and sensitivity to Kelch-like protein 3.
Preparation and Properties of Soy Protein Isolate/Cotton-Nanocrystalline Cellulose Films
Authors: Zhao Guoyu , Zhou Chongyin , Fan Fangyu
Published: March 2021

This study was performed to estimate the effect of the incorporation of different cotton-nanocrystalline cellulose (C-NCC) contents with soy protein isolate (SPI) films. The results indicated that the C-NCC content had no effect on the thickness of the composite films (0.06±0.01 mm), and the optical property of the composite films decreased as the C-NCC contents increased. Water vapor, carbon dioxide, and oxygen permeability decreased with the introduction of C-NCC and started to increase when the peak of 7% C-NCC was reached. Water solubility of the SPI/C-NCC films decreased from 44.46% of the SPI films to 35.36% of the SPI/C-NCC films with 5% C-NCC. The tensile strength (TS) of films increased from 4.25 MPa to 6.02 MPa by increasing the C-NCC content from 0 to 7%. Then, the TS decreased as the C-NCC content was further increased. The trend of the elongation at break was opposite to that of the TS. The results from FTIR and DSC indicated that the addition of C-NCC did not change functional groups of the SPI films, and the glass transition temperature shifted toward a higher temperature as the C-NCC content increased. Hence, the addition of C-NCC enhanced the barrier and mechanical properties of the SPI/C-NCC composite films.
The Potential Scattering Model for Oil Palm Phenology Based on Spaceborne X‐, C‐, and L‐Band Polarimetric SAR Imaging
Authors: Darmawan Soni , Carolita Ita , Hernawati Rika , Dirgahayu Dede , Agustan  , Permadi Didin Agustian , Sari Dewi Kania , Suryadini Widya , Wiratmoko Dhimas , Kunto Yohanes
Published: March 2021

Information about oil palm phenology is required for oil palm plantation management, but using spaceborne polarimetric radar imagery remains challenging. However, spaceborne polarimetric radar on X‐, C‐, and L‐band is promising on structure vegetation and cloud area. This study investigates the scattering model of oil palm phenology based on spaceborne X‐, C‐, and L‐band polarimetric Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imaging. The X‐, C‐, and L‐band polarimetric SAR are derived from spaceborne of TerraSAR‐X, Sentinel‐1A, and ALOS PALSAR 2. Study area is located in oil palm plantations, Asahan District, North Sumatra, Indonesia. The methodology includes data collection, preprocessing, radiometric calibration, speckle filtering, terrain correction, extraction of scattering value, and development of scattering model of oil palm phenology. The results showed different scattering characteristics for the X‐, C‐, and L‐band polarimetric SAR of oil palm for age and found the potential of the scattering model for oil palm phenology based on the X‐band on HH polarization that showed a nonlinear model with R2 = 0.65. The C‐band on VH and VV polarization showed a nonlinear model with R2 = 0.56 and R2 = 0.89. The L‐band on HV and HH polarization showed a logarithmic model with R2 = 0.50 and R2 = 0.51. In this case, the most potential of the scattering model of oil palm phenology based onR2is using C‐band on VV polarization. However, the scattering model based on X‐, C‐, and L‐band is potentially to be used and applied to identify the phenology of oil palm in Indonesia, which is the main parameter in yield estimation. For the future phenology model needs to improve accuracy by integrating multisensors, including different wavelengths on optical and microwave sensors and more in situ data.
Multiscale Entropy Analysis of Gravitational Waves
Authors: Javaherian Mohsen , Mollaei Saeid
Published: March 2021

The first gravitational-wave (GW) signal was detected in the year 2015 indicating tiny distortions of spacetime caused by accelerated masses. We focused on the GW signals consisting of a peak GW strain of

1.0
×
1

0

−
21

that shows merging pairs of large masses. We applied the generalized entropy known as multiscale entropy to the GW interval time series recorded by different observatories (H1, L1, and V1). This enables us to investigate the behavior of entropies on different scales as a method of studying complexity and organization. We found that the entropies of GW interval data with similar physical properties make the identical manner in different scales. Moreover, the results reveal that the signals collected by each observatory have approximately a similar trend in the multiscale analysis results. According to our findings, although different signals have different values for short-range correlations, the long-range correlations are not noticeable in most of them.
Is Bridge Plating of Comminuted Humeral Shaft Fractures Advantageous When Using Compression Plates with Three versus Two Screws per Fragment? A Biomechanical Cadaveric Study
Authors: Gomes Guilherme Seva , Zderic Ivan , Ahrend Marc-Daniel , Kojima Kodi E. , Varga Peter , Belangero William Dias , Richards Geoff , Lambert Simon M. , Gueorguiev Boyko
Published: March 2021

Background. Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) is one of the generally accepted surgical techniques for the treatment of humeral shaft fractures. However, despite the high bone union rate, a variety of complications are still prevailing. Moreover, the current literature lacks data comparing the anterolateral MIPO approach using dynamic compression plates accommodating different numbers of screws. The aim of this study was to analyze the biomechanical performance of comminuted humeral shaft fractures fixed with dynamic compression plates using either two or three screws per fragment. Methods. Six pairs of fresh‐frozen human cadaveric humeri from donors aged 66.8 ± 5.2 years were randomized to two paired study groups for simulation of bridge‐plated comminuted shaft fracture type AO/OTA 12‐C1/2/3 without interfragmentary bony support, using a dynamic compression plate positioned on the anterolateral surface and fixed with two (group 1) or three (group 2) screws per fragment. All specimens underwent nondestructive quasistatic biomechanical testing under lateral bending, anterior bending, axial bending, and torsion in internal rotation, followed by progressively increasing cyclic torsional loading in internal rotation until failure. Results. Initial stiffness of the plated specimens in lateral bending, anterior bending, axial bending, and torsion was not significantly different between the groups (P ≥ 0.22). However, cycles to 10°, 15°, and 20° torsional deformation and cycles to construct failure were significantly higher in group 2 compared with group 1 (P ≤ 0.03). Conclusions. From a biomechanical perspective, no significant superiority is identified in terms of primary stability when using two or three screws per fragment for bridge compression plating of comminuted humeral shaft fractures. However, three‐screw configurations provide better secondary stability and maintain it with a higher resistance towards loss of reduction under dynamic loading. Therefore, the use of a third screw may be justified when such better secondary stability is required.