bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphological divergence in the curvature of human femoral diaphyses: Tracing the central mass distributions of cross‐sections
Authors: Imamura Takeshi , Ogami‐Takamura Keiko , Saiki Kazunobu , Hamamoto Ayami , Endo Daisuke , Murai Kiyohito , Nishi Keita , Sakamoto Junya , Okamoto Keishi , Oyamada Joichi , Manabe Yoshitaka , Tsurumoto Toshiyuki
Published: February 2021

The diaphysis of the human femoral bone has a physiological anterior curvature; additionally, there is a curvature to the medial side or lateral side. In addition to compression stress from gravity during standing, walking, and running, these bones are continuously exposed to complex stresses from the traction forces of the various strong muscles attached to them. The femoral diaphysis is subjected to these mechanical stresses, and the direction and size of its curvature are defined according to Wolff's law and the mechanostat theory of Frost. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the curvature of the femoral diaphysis in Japanese skeletons by determining the curve connecting the central mass distributions (CMD) of cross‐sectional images. A total of 90 right femora (46 males and 44 females) were randomly selected from modern Japanese skeletal specimens. Full‐length images of these bones were acquired using a clinical computed tomography scanner. The range between the lower end of the lesser trochanter and the adductor tubercle of each femur was divided at regular intervals to obtain ten planes, and nine levels were analyzed. The CMD curve was determined by connecting the CMDs of each of the nine cross‐sections. First, the CMD of a cross‐section in each of the nine slices was calculated, and the nine trajectories were superimposed from above. Then, by converting the shape of the entire CMD curve to superimpose the coordinates of the endpoint on the starting point, a closed arc representing the curvature of the femur was determined. For both males and females, the patterns varied from mostly medial to largely lateral curvature. The size of the curvature also varied for individuals. By analyzing only the coordinates of the vertex of the CMD curve of each femoral bone, the outlines of the diaphyseal curvatures could be recognized. The femora were thereby divided into two groups: medial bending and lateral bending. Considering males and females together, the number in the lateral‐curvature group (n = 51) was larger than that in the medial‐curvature group (n = 39). Moreover, the average age of the lateral‐curvature group was significantly higher than that of the medial‐curvature group (p < 0.05). In males, with an increase in the cortical bone proportion of the cross‐sectional area, the anterior vertex of diaphyseal bending tended to be more prominent. This cortical proportion was significantly higher in the medial‐curvature groups than in the lateral‐curvature group (p < 0.01). The phenomena observed in this study may be related to pathophysiologies such as atypical fractures of the femur and osteoarthritis of the knee joints.
Effects of supplementation of high‐dosing Trichoderma reesei phytase in the corn‐wheat‐soybean meal‐based diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass traits, faecal gas emission, and meat quality in growing‐finishing pigs
Authors: Dang De Xin , Kim In Ho
Published: February 2021

We conduct this study to investigate the effects of corn‐wheat‐soybean meal (SBM)‐based diet supplemented with high‐dosing Trichoderma reesei phytase on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass traits, faecal gas emission and meat quality in growing‐finishing pigs (29.71–110.58 kg live weight; 70‐day‐old to 166‐day‐old). A total of 56 crossbred pigs [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc] were used in 96‐day experiment with a completely randomized block design. The growing period was from day 0 to 42, and the finishing period was from day 43 to 96. Pigs were randomly allocated to one of two treatments with seven replicate pens and four pigs (two barrows and two gilts) per pen and fed corn‐wheat‐SBM‐based nutrient adequate basal diet or the basal diet supplemented with 1500 FTU/kg diet Trichoderma reesei phytase. One phytase unit (FTU) was defined as the amount of enzyme that catalyses the release of one micromole phosphate from phytate per minute at 37°C and pH 5.5. Dietary supplement with Trichoderma reesei phytase had increased body weight on day 96 and average daily gain in days 0–96. Moreover, high apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of phosphorus (P) was observed in pigs fed with Trichoderma reesei phytase. However, the carcass traits, faecal gas emission and meat quality of pigs were unaffected by Trichoderma reesei phytase supplementation. In conclusion, supplementation of high‐dosing Trichoderma reesei phytase (1500 FTU/kg diet) in the corn‐wheat‐SBM‐based nutrient adequate basal diet increased body weight and the ATTD of P, while no adverse effects were observed on the production characteristics.
Minimizing Bias and Maximizing the Potential Strengths of Autoethnography as a Narrative Research
Authors: Poerwandari Elizabeth Kristi
Published: February 2021

Up to the current time, psychology has provided very limited space for qualitative research to contribute to the discipline, even though psychology has a lot to do with subjectivity and intersubjectivity in its work. This article discusses autoethnography, which by some qualitative researchers is still being debated. The author argues that autoethnography contains strong narrative components or analysis with potential contribution to provide new understanding and to build knowledge. The article discusses criticisms against autoethnography, followed by its distinctive characteristics, which at the same time bring significant potential power. Clear guidelines and steps are needed to minimize biases and to bring about the potential power of autoethnography, and this article aims to address the issues through discussions on intersubjectivity, reflexivity, and ethics. At the end, it might be concluded that autoethnography is a method to investigate not merely the researchers, but to reveal certain phenomena and issues. Autoethnography is one good alternative among other methods that can contribute to developing understanding and knowledge through the construction of substantive theories about a particular issue.
Back to the brink: Phylogeography and demographic history of the endangeredTorreya jackii
Authors: Tong Xin , Li Jian‐Hui , Jiang Kai , Li Yuan‐Yuan , Liu Chao‐Nan , Biswas Shekhar , Wang Rong , Chen Xiao‐Yong
Published: February 2021

Both paleoclimatic change and anthropogenic habitat destruction can have adverse effects on species demography and, in turn, could lead a species towards being endangered and rare. Understanding the relative importance of these natural and anthropogenic factors driving species endangerment and rarity is thus crucial for effective conservation planning but remains elusive. Here, we examine the phylogeography and demographic history of an endangered conifer species in China,Torreya jackiiChun, and assess the relative importance of natural and anthropogenic factors that might have put the species in its endangered state. We collected tissue samples from all the 13 extant wild populations, and analyzed the genetic variation using eight nuclear microsatellites and four chloroplast and one mitochondrial DNA fragments. We found low genetic and nucleotide diversities, which could explain the absence of spatial and phylogeographic structure. Using a hierarchical approximate Bayesian computation technique, we identified the demographic scenario that best fits the genetic data and found that effective population size was low at least 200 000 years ago but expanded after the last glacial maximum (LGM). The paleoclimatic niche model revealed a profound effect of precipitation on the distribution ofT. jackiiand predicted that the current distribution areas were suitable during the LGM. Despite the post‐LGM expansion, the best‐supported scenario showed a dramatic population collapse during the past 300 years, when anthropogenic disturbances also increased dramatically. Overall, our study sheds light on how historical factors and human impacts jointly threaten the persistence of a species, and these aspects should be duly considered in species conservation planning.
Acquisition and carriage of multidrug‐resistant organisms in dogs and cats presented to small animal practices and clinics in Switzerland
Authors: Dazio Valentina , Nigg Aurélien , Schmidt Janne S. , Brilhante Michael , Mauri Nico , Kuster Stephan P. , Brawand Stefanie Gobeli , Schüpbach‐Regula Gertraud , Willi Barbara , Endimiani Andrea , Perreten Vincent , Schuller Simone
Published: February 2021

Background

The emergence and spread of multidrug‐resistant organisms (MDRO) present a threat to human and animal health.

Objectives

To assess acquisition, prevalence of and risk factors for MDRO carriage in dogs and cats presented to veterinary clinics or practices in Switzerland.

Animals

Privately owned dogs (n = 183) and cats (n = 88) presented to 4 veterinary hospitals and 1 practice.

Methods

Prospective, longitudinal, observational study. Oronasal and rectal swabs were collected at presentation and 69% of animals were sampled again at discharge. Methicillin‐resistant (MR) staphylococci and macrococci, cephalosporinase‐, and carbapenemase‐producing (CP) Enterobacterales were isolated. Genetic relatedness of isolates was assessed by repetitive sequence‐based polymerase chain reaction and multilocus sequence typing. Risk factors for MDRO acquisition and carriage were analyzed based on questionnaire‐derived and hospitalization data.

Results

Admission prevalence of MDRO carriage in pets was 15.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 11.4‐20.4). The discharge prevalence and acquisition rates were 32.1% (95% CI, 25.5‐39.3) and 28.3% (95% CI, 22‐35.4), respectively. Predominant hospital‐acquired isolates were extended spectrum β‐lactamase‐producing Escherichia coli (ESBL‐E coli; 17.3%) and β‐lactamase‐producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (13.7%). At 1 institution, a cluster of 24 highly genetically related CP (blaoxa181 and blaoxa48) was identified. Multivariate analysis identified hospitalization at clinic 1 (odds ratio [OR], 5.1; 95% CI, 1.6‐16.8) and days of hospitalization (OR 3‐5 days, 4.4; 95% CI, 1.8‐10.9; OR > 5 days, 6.2; 95% CI, 1.3‐28.8) as risk factors for MDRO acquisition in dogs.

Conclusions

Veterinary hospitals play an important role in the selection and transmission of MDRO among veterinary patients.
The impact of Brexit on international students’ return intentions
Authors: Falkingham Jane , Giulietti Corrado , Wahba Jackline , Wang Chuhong
Published: February 2021

This paper studies the causal impact of Brexit on the post‐graduation mobility decisions of EU students in the UK. We exploit the British government’s formal withdrawal notification under Article 50 as a natural experiment. Using data from a survey of graduating international students administered before and after the triggering of Article 50, we find that EU students are significantly more likely than non‐EU students to plan on leaving the UK upon graduation immediately after the announcement. Results are driven by students from the new EU countries and students from the EU14 countries who do not have firm migration plans.
Fire alters plant microbiome assembly patterns: integrating the plant and soil microbial response to disturbance
Authors: Dove Nicholas C. , Klingeman Dawn M. , Carrell Alyssa A. , Cregger Melissa A. , Schadt Christopher W.
Published: February 2021

It is increasingly evident that the plant microbiome is a strong determinant of plant health. While the ability to manipulate the microbiome in plants and ecosystems recovering from disturbance may be useful, our understanding of the plant microbiome in regenerating plant communities is currently limited.

Using 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region amplicon sequencing, we characterized the leaf, stem, fine root, rhizome, and rhizosphere microbiome of < 1‐yr‐old aspen saplings and the associated bulk soil after a recent high‐intensity prescribed fire across a burn severity gradient.

Consistent with previous studies, we found that soil microbiomes are responsive to fire. We extend these findings by showing that certain plant tissue microbiomes also change in response to fire. Differences in soil microbiome compositions could be attributed to soil chemical characteristics, but, generally, plant tissue microbiomes were not related to plant tissue elemental concentrations. Using source tracking modeling, we also show that fire influences the relative dominance of microbial inoculum and the vertical inheritance of the sapling microbiome from the parent tree.

Overall, our results demonstrate how fire impacts plant microbiome assembly, diversity, and composition and highlights potential for further research towards increasing plant fitness and ecosystem recovery after fire events.
Methodological issues in assessing change in dietary intake and appetite following gastric bypass surgery: A systematic review
Authors: Redpath Tamsyn L. , Livingstone M. Barbara E. , Dunne Aoibheann A. , Boyd Adele , le Roux Carel W. , Spector Alan C. , Price Ruth K.
Published: February 2021

Gastric bypass surgery is an effective long‐term treatment for individuals with severe obesity. Changes in appetite, dietary intake, and food preferences have all been postulated to contribute to postoperative body weight regulation, however, findings are inconsistent. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the current literature on changes in dietary intake and appetite following gastric bypass surgery, in the context of the methodology used and the analysis, interpretation, and presentation of results. Four databases were systematically searched with terms related to “gastric bypass surgery,” “appetite,” and “dietary intake,” and 49 papers (n = 2384 patients after gastric bypass) were eligible for inclusion. The evidence indicated that only a reduction in overall energy intake and an increase in postprandial satiety are maintained beyond 6‐month post‐surgery, whereas relative macronutrient intake and premeal hunger remain unchanged. However, available data were limited by inconsistencies in the methods, analysis, presentation, and interpretation of results. In particular, there was a reliance on data collected by subjective methods with minimal acknowledgment of the limitations, such as misreporting of food intake. There is a need for further work employing objective measurement of appetite and dietary intake following gastric bypass surgery to determine how these mechanisms may contribute to weight regulation in the longer term.
A novel p.Pro871Leu missense mutation in SPECC1L gene causing craniosynostosis in a patient
Authors: Bai Shanshan , Geng Yingnan , Duan Huichuan , Xu Liang , Yu Zheyuan , Yuan Jie , Wei Min
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Craniosynostosis is one of the most common craniofacial abnormalities. It involves premature closure of one or more cranial sutures. Mutations in many genes have been and continue to be identified in patients.

Settings and sample population

Whole blood samples were collected from the patient and family members.

Material and methods

Whole exome sequencing was performed to identify potential mutations in the patient. The results were verified by Sanger sequencing by comparing SPECC1L gene sequence of blood samples from 100 unrelated population‐matched controls.

Results

The patient presented with craniosynostosis with fusion of the bicoronal and sagittal sutures. A novel missense mutation (c.2612C>T, p.Pro871Leu) in the SPECC1L gene was identified. Gene analysis showed a missense mutation in exon1 of SPECC1L that led to an amino acid substitution in the region between coiled‐coil domain 3 and calponin homology domain.

Conclusion

Our observations expand the molecular spectrum of gene mutations in craniosynostosis and emphasize the importance of gene testing in the diagnosis of craniosynostosis. The observations also reinforce the characteristics of SPECC1L‐related cranial disorders.
Observance of preoperative clear fluid fasting in pediatric anesthesia: oral and written information versus text message information. A before‐and‐after study
Authors: Thomasseau Alexandre , Rebollar Yohann , Dupuis Maxime , Marschal Nathalie , Mcheik Jiad , Debaene Bertrand , Frasca Denis , Boisson Matthieu
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Prolonged fasting before surgery is common in pediatrics. In the literature, it is responsible for hypotension, irritability and postoperative nausea and vomiting. Despite clear instructions given during the preanesthetic consultation, fasting rules are respected in only 30%–40% of cases. We aimed to evaluate the benefit of sending a text message the day before surgery to improve the parents’ observance of fasting rules.

Methods

We conducted a before‐and‐after study at the University Hospital of Poitiers. From August to October 2018, 172 parents of children under 15 years of age scheduled for all types of surgery were enrolled into two groups according to the period: the control group with parents receiving information on preoperative fasting rules during the preanesthetic consultation several days before surgery, and the text message group, receiving the same information during consultation plus a text message the day before the surgery.

Results

There was a difference in observance of clear fluid fasting instructions (between 2 and 3 h before the admission at hospital) in favor of the text message group 33% versus 92% OR 29.2 (10.9–95.2) p < 0.001, and in average fasting time for clear fluids 8.7 h ± 4.8 h vs. 4.3 h ± 2.4 h (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Sending of a reminder text message to the parents the day before the surgery resulted in a significant increase in observance of fasting rules in children undergoing scheduled surgery.
Are Counterpossibles Epistemic?
Authors: Dohrn Daniel
Published: February 2021

It has been suggested that intuitions supporting the nonvacuity of counterpossibles can be explained by distinguishing an epistemic and a metaphysical reading of counterfactuals. Such an explanation must answer why we tend to neglect the distinction of the two readings. By way of an answer, I offer a generalized pattern for explaining nonvacuity intuitions by a stand‐and‐fall relationship to certain indicative conditionals. Then, I present reasons for doubting the proposal: nonvacuists can use the epistemic reading to turn the table against vacuists, telling apart significant from spurious intuitions. Moreover, our intuitions tend to survive even if we clear‐headedly intend a metaphysical reading.
Perceived movement skill competence in stability: Validity and reliability of a pictorial scale in early adolescents
Authors: Estevan Isaac , Menescardi Cristina , Castillo Isabel , Molina‐García Javier , García‐Massó Xavier , Barnett Lisa M.
Published: February 2021

Perceived motor competence (PMC) is important to health as it mediates the association between actual motor competence (AMC) and physical activity. Many instruments assess the broader construct of physical self‐perception but no scale has been developed to assess PMC in stability. The aim of this study was to develop and analyze the reliability and validity of a new pictorial PMC in stability skill assessment when completed by early adolescents. A Delphi method showed ≥70% of experts’ consensus in the seven proposed items. A sample of 904 students (11‐14 years old) self‐reported PMC in locomotion, object control, and stability using two pictorial scales: Perceived Movement Skill Competence (PMSC) and the newly developed Stability (PMSC_Stability). The Körperkoordinations test for Kinder (KTK) was also administered as a measure of AMC in skills that utilize stability. Two different subsamples were randomly assigned to criterion validity and reliability assessments. Spearman's correlation, confirmatory factor analysis, and a general linear model for sex and age were conducted. The internal consistency (α) and test‐retest (intraclass correlation coefficient) reliability values were good (>0.70). A single‐factor latent model represented stability and did not differ by sex. Stability perception was associated with AMC (rho = 0.51). Stability is important to the performance of many movement skills (eg, single‐leg balance or moving on a narrow surface). Understanding which adolescents have poor stability perception could highlight stability as an area that needs targeting in order to increase physical activity and sport participation.
The effect of imagined contact valence on adolescents’ and early adults’ stereotypes, emotions, and behavioral intentions toward ethnic groups
Authors: Constantin Andreea A. , Cuadrado Isabel
Published: February 2021

Across two experimental studies, this research examined the effects of positive and negative imagined intergroup contact on adolescents’ (Study 1, N = 124) and early adults’ (Study 2, N = 169) stereotype content, emotions, and behavioral intentions toward two immigrant groups in Spain: Ecuadorians, a valued group, and Moroccans, a devalued group. The results showed that the imagined contact valence influenced only adolescents’ outgroup evaluations and only toward Moroccans, the devalued targeted group. Specifically, negative contact indirectly triggered passive harm tendencies through increased negative emotions toward Moroccans. Our findings support previous studies regarding the stronger effect of negative contact on attitudes toward devalued outgroups.
Gaining clarity about emotion differentiation
Authors: Thompson Renee J. , Springstein Tabea , Boden Matt
Published: February 2021

Emotion differentiation captures the detail with which people describe their emotional experiences. A compelling body of research has linked low and negative emotion differentiation to a host of adverse psychological outcomes, yet conceptual and methodological questions and issues remain. We think that the time is right to review and reflect on this growing literature to gain clarity that can be applied to future research. We first review assessment of emotion differentiation while highlighting the methodological variation across studies. Then supported by the literature review, we discuss disconnections between the conceptualization and measurement of differentiation. Finally, to motivate future research, we propose factors that we hypothesize are associated with potentially beneficial effects of emotion differentiation in a given situation (i.e., related to state emotion differentiation) and more generally across time (i.e., related to trait emotion differentiation).
A cross‐national comparison of mathematical problems on numbers and operations‐related topics in five countries
Authors: Sianturi Iwan Andi Jonri , Ismail Zaleha , Yang Der‐Ching
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this study is to compare the differences of four essential aspects (i.e., representational forms, contextual features, cognitive demand levels, and response types) embedded in mathematical problems within the topics of numbers and operations in mathematics textbooks used in Finland, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan. This study employed a content analysis method to analyze the four aspects in the most representative textbook from each country. Results showed varied development of the four aspects and indicated different priorities being emphasized in each country’s textbook. For instance, Singaporean textbooks have the highest percentage of mathematical problems that require higher levels of cognitive demands. Textbooks in Indonesia, Malaysia, Finnish, and Singapore contain more opportunities to engage with purely mathematical forms, with a percentage higher than 40%. Other findings concerning the four aspects can help to understand students’ potential engagement with mathematics teaching and learning at elementary schools in the five countries.
Economic and social drivers of antibiotic dispensing practices among community pharmacies in Nepal
Authors: Acharya Yubraj , Nepal Prajwol , Yang Di , Karki Kshitij , Bajracharya Deepak , Prentis Tyler , Davis Susan L. , Kaljee Linda
Published: February 2021

Objective

To assess economic and social drivers of dispensing antibiotics without prescription by community pharmacies in Nepal.

Method

A survey was conducted among 111 pharmacy owners and managers in five districts. Information on demographic and economic characteristics of the pharmacies (e.g. revenue and profits from antibiotics) and their inclination to sell antibiotics without a physician’s prescription under various scenarios (e.g. diarrhoea in a child) was collected. Univariate analysis was conducted to assess the demographic and economic characteristics. Bivariate analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between dispensing antibiotics without prescription and economic and social factors.

Results

Azithromycin and amoxicillin were the most commonly dispensed antibiotics. The proportions of pharmacies reporting that they would ‘most likely’ or ‘likely’ dispense antibiotics without prescription to adult patients ranged from 36.9% (sore throat) to 67.6% (cough). The proportions for paediatric patients ranged from 62.2% (sore throat) to 80.2% (cough or diarrhoea). There was no consistent relationship between the likelihood of dispensing antibiotics and revenues, profits or the number of patients. Instead, dispensing behaviour was influenced by the pressure from the patient; the respondents were more likely to dispense antibiotics when the patient specifically asked for ‘an antibiotic’ rather than for ‘a medicine’, and 68.5% respondents ranked ‘customer satisfaction’ as the most important factor motivating their work.

Conclusions

In Nepal, inappropriate sale of antibiotics by community pharmacists is high, particularly for paediatric patients. Additional research is needed to establish key drivers of this behaviour and to help design effective approaches to reducing AMR.
Glial amplification of synaptic signals
Authors: Beppu Kaoru , Kubo Naoko , Matsui Ko
Published: February 2021

Key points

Recent studies have repeatedly demonstrated the cross‐talk of heterogeneous signals between neuronal and glial circuits. Here, we investigated the mechanism and the influence of physiological interactions between neurons and glia in the cerebellum.

We found that the cerebellar astrocytes, Bergmann glial cells, react to exogenously applied glutamate, glutamate transporter substrate (d‐aspartate) and synaptically released glutamate. In response, the Bergmann glial cells release glutamate through volume‐regulated anion channels.

It is generally assumed that all of the postsynaptic current is mediated by presynaptically released glutamate. However, we showed that a part of the postsynaptic current is mediated by glutamate released from Bergmann glial cells.

Optogenetic manipulation of Bergmann glial state with archaerhodpsin‐T or channelrhodopsin‐2 reduced or augmented the amount of glial glutamate release, respectively.

Our data indicate that glutamate‐induced glutamate release in Bergmann glia serves as an effective amplifier of excitatory information processing in the brain.

Transmitter released from presynaptic neurons has been considered to be the sole generator of postsynaptic excitatory signals. However, astrocytes of the glial cell population have also been shown to release transmitter that can react on postsynaptic receptors. Therefore, we investigated whether astrocytes take part in generation of at least a part of the synaptic current. In this study, mice cerebellar acute slices were prepared and whole cell patch clamp recordings were performed. We found that Bergmann glial cells (BGs), a type of astrocyte in the cerebellum, reacts to a glutamate transporter substrate, d‐aspartate (d‐Asp) and an anion conductance is generated and glutamate is released from the BGs. Glutamate release was attenuated or augmented by modulating the state of BGs with activation of light‐sensitive proteins, archaerhodopsin‐T (ArchT) or channelrhodopsin‐2 (ChR2) expressed on BGs, respectively. Glutamate release appears to be mediated by anion channels that can be blocked by a volume‐regulated anion channel‐specific blocker. Synaptic response to a train of parallel fibre stimulation was recorded from Purkinje cells. The latter part of the response was also attenuated or augmented by glial modulation with ArchT or ChR2, respectively. Thus, BGs effectively function as an excitatory signal amplifier, and a part of the ‘synaptic’ current is actually mediated by glutamate released from BGs. These data show that the state of BGs have potential for having direct and fundamental consequences on the functioning of information processing in the brain.
REVIEWS OF ACOUSTICAL PATENTS
Authors: Fulop Sean A.
Published: February 2021

The purpose of these acoustical patent reviews is to provide enough information for a Journal reader to decide whether to seek more information from the patent itself. Any opinions expressed here are those of the reviewers as individuals and are not legal opinions. Patents are available via the internet at the USPTO website.
The rise of compound warm-season droughts in Europe
Authors: Markonis Yannis , Kumar Rohini , Hanel Martin , Rakovec Oldrich , Máca Petr , AghaKouchak Amir
Published: February 2021

In the last decades, the impactful European warm-season droughts have been steadily increasing, substituting other drought types.
High-resolution 3D imaging uncovers organ-specific vascular control of tissue aging
Authors: Chen Junyu , Sivan Unnikrishnan , Tan Sin Lih , Lippo Luciana , De Angelis Jessica , Labella Rossella , Singh Amit , Chatzis Alexandros , Cheuk Stanley , Medhghalchi Mino , Gil Jesus , Hollander Georg , Marsden Brian D. , Williams Richard , Ramasamy Saravana K. , Kusumbe Anjali P.
Published: February 2021

3D tissue imaging reveals maladaptations of blood vessels in organ aging, fibrosis, and arthritis.
Multicomponent reaction–derived covalent inhibitor space
Authors: Sutanto Fandi , Shaabani Shabnam , Neochoritis Constantinos G. , Zarganes-Tzitzikas Tryfon , Patil Pravin , Ghonchepour Ehsan , Dömling Alexander
Published: February 2021

Electrophiles are used in covalent drug discovery and synthesized from electrophilic building blocks diversified by MCRs.
Leveraging systems biology for predicting modulators of inflammation in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Jung Sascha , Potapov Ilya , Chillara Samyukta , del Sol Antonio
Published: February 2021

A systems biology approach predicts immunomodulators in diseases characterized by pathological inflammation, such as COVID-19.
On-demand biomanufacturing of protective conjugate vaccines
Authors: Stark Jessica C. , Jaroentomeechai Thapakorn , Moeller Tyler D. , Hershewe Jasmine M. , Warfel Katherine F. , Moricz Bridget S. , Martini Anthony M. , Dubner Rachel S. , Hsu Karen J. , Stevenson Taylor C. , Jones Bradley D. , DeLisa Matthew P. , Jewett Michael C.
Published: February 2021

In vitro conjugate vaccine expression technology enables rapid and portable biosynthesis of protective antibacterial vaccines.
Antibody-Dependent Enhancement of Bacterial Disease: Prevalence, Mechanisms, and Treatment
Authors: Torres Von Vergel L. , Coggon Carrie F. , Wells Timothy J.
Published: February 2021

Antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of viral disease has been demonstrated for infections caused by flaviviruses and influenza viruses; however, antibodies that enhance bacterial disease are relatively unknown. In recent years, a few studies have directly linked antibodies with exacerbation of bacterial disease.
Prominent Neutralizing Antibody Response Targeting the Ebolavirus Glycoprotein Subunit Interface Elicited by Immunization
Authors: Wang Yimeng , Howell Katie A. , Brannan Jennifer , Agans Krystle N. , Turner Hannah L. , Wirchnianski Ariel S. , Kailasan Shweta , Fusco Marnie , Galkin Andrey , Chiang Chi-I , Zhao Xuelian , Saphire Erica Ollmann , Chandran Kartik , Ward Andrew B. , Dye John M. , Aman M. Javad , Geisbert Thomas W. , Li Yuxing
Published: February 2021

The elicitation of sustained neutralizing antibody (nAb) responses against diverse ebolavirus strains remains a high priority for the vaccine field. The most clinically advanced rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine could elicit moderate nAb responses against only one ebolavirus strain, Zaire Ebola (EBOV), among the five ebolavirus strains, which last less than 6 months.
Complete Genome Sequences of Two Human Adenovirus Type 55 Isolates from South Korea and the United States
Authors: Hughes Jerry J. , Yang Yu , Fries Anthony C. , Maljkovic Berry Irina , Pollio Adam R. , Fung Christian K. , Karasavvas Nicos , Jarman Richard G. , Kushner Robert A. , Kajon Adriana E. , Collins Natalie D. , Macias Elizabeth , Hang Jun
Published: February 2021

Here, we report two complete genome sequences of human adenovirus 55 (HAdV-55) isolates, from a patient in Pennsylvania in 2006 and a U.S. military member in South Korea in 2019. The findings demonstrate the continued global transmission of HAdV-55 viruses in both military and civilian populations.
Whole-Genome Assembly of Yersinia pestis 231, the Russian Reference Strain for Testing Plague Vaccine Protection
Authors: Kislichkina Angelina A. , Krasil’nikova Ekaterina A. , Platonov Mikhail E. , Skryabin Yury P. , Sizova Angelika A. , Solomentsev Viktor I. , Gapel’chenkova Tat’yana V. , Dentovskaya Svetlana V. , Bogun Alexandr G. , Anisimov Andrey P.
Published: February 2021

We report the whole-genome sequence of
Yersinia pestis
subsp.
pestis
bv. Antiqua strain 231 belonging to the 0.ANT3 phylogroup, the reference strain for testing plague vaccine protection in Russia. Genome sequencing was completed using the Oxford Nanopore MinION and Illumina platforms.
Complete Genome Sequence of Klebsiella aerogenes Myophage Metamorpho
Authors: Groover Kyra E. , Garza Kameron , Clark James , Hernandez Isla , Gill Jason J. , Liu Mei
Published: February 2021

The bacterium
Klebsiella aerogenes
is an opportunistic pathogen that often infects hospitalized patients and those who are immunocompromised.
K. aerogenes
in some cases can become resistant to antibiotic treatment. Being a potential therapeutic, Metamorpho is a T4-like myophage targeting
K. aerogenes
.
Closed Genome Sequences of Clinical Listeria monocytogenes PCR Serogroup IVb Isolates Associated with Two Recent Large Listeriosis Outbreaks in Germany
Authors: Halbedel Sven , Fischer Martin A. , Thürmer Andrea , Flieger Antje
Published: February 2021

Here, we report the closed genome sequences of two representative
Listeria monocytogenes
strains belonging to PCR serogroup IVb, which are related to two large outbreaks of human listeriosis that affected Germany in 2015 (Eta1) and 2018 to 2019 (Epsilon1a).
The assembly of the South China and Indochina blocks: Constraints from the Triassic felsic volcanics in the Youjiang Basin
Authors: Gan Chengshi , Wang Yuejun , Zhang Yuzhi , Qian Xin , Zhang Aimei
Published: February 2021

The Youjiang Basin is usually regarded as an important foreland basin in the southern part of the South China Block that is related to the convergence of the South China and Indochina blocks during the Permian-Triassic. However, the nature of the basin remains controversial due to questions about the subduction polarity and suture boundary between these two blocks. Permian-Triassic felsic volcanics across the Dian-Qiong and Song Ma suture zones could offer new insights into the convergent processes of the South China and Indochina blocks. This study presents detailed petrological, zircon U-Pb dating, and Hf-O isotope and whole-rock geochemical analyses for the Triassic felsic volcanics of the Youjiang Basin (northeast of the Dian-Qiong). The dacites and rhyolites from the Beisi and Baifeng Formations were dated at ca. 240–245 Ma. All of the felsic volcanics are characterized by high SiO2 (69.40–73.15 wt%), FeOt/MgO, 10000*Ga/Al, and TZr, δ18O (9.7–11.8‰) and negative εNd(t) (from −9.6 to −12.3) and zircon εHf(t) (from −6.2 to −14.5) with A-type granitoid geochemical affinities, suggesting the reworking of crustal rocks in an extensional setting. Permian-Triassic felsic igneous rocks display similar geochemical signatures across the Dian-Qiong suture zone, whereas they show distinctive Sr-Nd and zircon Hf-O isotopes across the Song Ma suture zone. The felsic igneous rocks to the northeast of the Song Ma suture zone have much lower εNd(t) and higher δ18O with negative zircon εHf(t) than those to the southwest, which have positive zircon εHf(t). Combined with other geological and geophysical features, it is inferred that the Song Ma suture zone was probably the suture boundary between the South China and Indochina blocks, and the Youjiang Basin was likely a peripheral foreland basin in response to the southwestward convergence of the South China Block toward the Indochina Block.
Supplemental Material: External signal preservation in halokinetic stratigraphy: A discrete element modeling approach
Authors: Cumberpatch Zoe , al. et
Published: February 2021

Modeled parameters and Figure S1.
Kernza intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium) response to a range of vernalization conditions
Authors: Ivancic Kate , Locatelli Andres , Tracy William F. , Picasso Valentin
Published: February 2021

Expansion of perennial grain and forage Kernza intermediate wheatgrass to temperate regions may be limited by its vernalization requirements. We compared vegetative and reproductive traits of Kernza plants grown in the greenhouse under four environmental treatments of temperature and day length for a 7 week induction period. The percent of plants that flowered and spikes per plant decreased from 83% and 8.2 at 4 °C and 10 h to 15% and 0.4 at 26 °C and 15 h, respectively. The variability observed suggests that there is potential for selection for reduced vernalization requirements in Kernza populations.
Whether or not the Maxwell theory works on the atomic level
Authors: Wang J. T. , Fan Jiangdi , Kan Aaron X.
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we have studied the Maxwell radiation from the electron orbiting the nucleus in an atom such as hydrogen atom. The orbiting electron is thought as two oscillating dipoles: one on [Formula: see text]-axis and the other on [Formula: see text]-axis with the same frequency. We have derived the electromagnetic wave and calculated powers of the radiation from these two oscillating dipoles, and then determined the time period it takes for the electron to change its energy levels from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] due to the Maxwell radiation. Compared the time period due to the Maxwell radiation with the time period from the uncertainty principle, it is found that the two time periods are different from each other by about nine orders of magnitude. So, we are led to believe that the Maxwell theory could not be used in the quantum photo emission by the electron in an atom. Thus, we suggest that the quantum photo emission by the electron in an atom may be photon tunneling from the electron [Formula: see text] in an atom.
Internet of Things Infrastructures in Academic Libraries: A Case Study in Iran
Authors: Harati Abbas , Shekofteh Maryam , Valizadeh-Haghi Saeideh , Kazerani Maryam
Published: February 2021

Internet of Things (IoT) is going to create many changes in libraries. However, its application in libraries requires the use of various infrastructures. This paper aims to determine IoT infrastructures in academic libraries and examine them in Iranian academic libraries. This is a descriptive survey with two qualitative and quantitative approaches. The statistical population consists of 15 central libraries of state universities of Tehran in 2018. The infrastructures needed to apply this technology in libraries were extracted through an in-depth study method and based on which a researcher-made questionnaire was designed and its reliability and validity were confirmed. The questions were answered in three parts by managers, library staffs, and IT specialists Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics and SPSS software. A total of 4 infrastructures and 42 components were obtained for IoT in libraries. The results showed that the studied libraries, having 60.53% of the required infrastructures are in moderate condition. Technical, financial, legal and human resource infrastructures, respectively, with an average score of 64.85%, 63.7%, 71.23%, and 64.7% are also in moderate condition. The studied libraries are in moderate condition in terms of the required infrastructures for using IoT and are still far from ideal. It is suggested that the identified weaknesses and shortcomings will be addressed by managers and authorities in order to provide the basis for using this technology.
Well-posedness and blow-up properties for the generalized Hartree equation
Authors: Arora Anudeep Kumar , Roudenko Svetlana
Published: February 2021

We study the generalized Hartree equation, which is a nonlinear Schrödinger-type equation with a nonlocal potential [Formula: see text]. We establish the local well-posedness at the nonconserved critical regularity [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text], which also includes the energy-supercritical regime [Formula: see text] (thus, complementing the work in [A. K. Arora and S. Roudenko, Global behavior of solutions to the focusing generalized Hartree equation, Michigan Math J., forthcoming], where we obtained the [Formula: see text] well-posedness in the intercritical regime together with classification of solutions under the mass–energy threshold). We next extend the local theory to global: for small data we obtain global in time existence and for initial data with positive energy and certain size of variance we show the finite time blow-up (blow-up criterion). In the intercritical setting the criterion produces blow-up solutions with the initial values above the mass–energy threshold. We conclude with examples showing currently known thresholds for global vs. finite time behavior.
Linear stability of shock profiles for a quasilinear Benney system in ℝ2 × ℝ+
Authors: Dias João-Paulo
Published: February 2021

Following Dias et al. [Vanishing viscosity with short wave-long wave interactions for multi-D scalar conservation laws, J. Differential Equations 251 (2007) 555–563], we study the linearized stability of a pair [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a shock profile for a family of quasilinear hyperbolic conservation laws in [Formula: see text] coupled with a semilinear Schrödinger equation.
Networks of International Relations, Structural Power, and China’s Belt and Road Initiative
Authors: Pan Zhengqi
Published: February 2021

Reminiscent of the ancient Silk Road formed during the Han Dynasty, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) evokes powerful memories of China’s glorious past and has significant implications on international relations. Through a network analysis approach, this paper critically examines how and under what conditions the BRI is able to shape the structure of geo-economic and geopolitical interactions in China’s image. Given the highly interdependent nature of the world today, a country’s ability to exert geo-economic and geopolitical power in the international system will not only depend on its inherent economic and military capabilities, but also its position in global networks. This paper analyzes the dynamic evolution of China’s network centrality in trade and security affairs from 1990 to 2014, drawing on novel data from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the Alliance Treaty Obligations and Provisions Project (ATOP). This paper argues that the BRI is likely to further enhance China’s central position in trade and global value chains (GVCs), but the overall structure of international security arrangements would remain largely unchanged, with the West still being highly dominant despite China’s rising political and military influence. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach and leveraging research on network science, international political economy, and security studies, this paper employs a structural perspective in understanding the geo-economic and geopolitical consequences of the BRI.
Controls on subglacial bedrock erosion and morphology near Drumnadrochit, Scotland
Authors: Jonkman M. B.
Published: February 2021

Abrasion and plucking are important subglacial erosional processes that create different landforms. This study shows that properties of bedrock control subglacial erosion and bedrock morphology. Softer and less-jointed bedrock favours abrasion, while denser-jointed bedrock and harder bedrock do not. Field work for this study was carried out near Drumnadrochit in Inverness-shire, where the lithology, geology and morphology of rôches moutonnées and crag-and-tails were examined. In this area, the rôches moutonnées, which have an abraded stoss side, are only shaped out of a relatively soft, biotite-rich gneiss, with not much jointing. The crag-and-tails have more densely jointed stoss sides and are shaped out of serpentinite or a harder, more felsic gneiss. Foliation appears not to influence subglacial erosion, since the foliation in rôches moutonnées and crag-and-tails in the study area is similar.

Thematic collection:
This article is part of the Early Career Research collection available at:
https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/SJG-early-career-research
Meaningful Answer Generation of E-Commerce Question-Answering
Authors: Gao Shen , Chen Xiuying , Ren Zhaochun , Zhao Dongyan , Yan Rui
Published: February 2021

In e-commerce portals, generating answers for product-related questions has become a crucial task. In this article, we focus on the task ofproduct-aware answer generation, which learns to generate an accurate and complete answer from large-scale unlabeled e-commerce reviews and product attributes.

However,safe answer problems(i.e., neural models tend to generate meaningless and universal answers) pose significant challenges to text generation tasks, and e-commerce question-answering task is no exception. To generate more meaningful answers, in this article, we propose a novel generative neural model, called theMeaningful Product Answer Generator(MPAG), which alleviates the safe answer problem by taking product reviews, product attributes, and a prototype answer into consideration. Product reviews and product attributes are used to provide meaningful content, while the prototype answer can yield a more diverse answer pattern. To this end, we propose a novel answer generator with a review reasoning module and a prototype answer reader. Our key idea is to obtain the correct question-aware information from a large-scale collection of reviews and learn how to write a coherent and meaningful answer from an existing prototype answer. To be more specific, we propose a read-and-write memory consisting of selective writing units to conductreasoning among these reviews. We then employ a prototype reader consisting of comprehensive matching to extract theanswer skeletonfrom the prototype answer. Finally, we propose an answer editor to generate the final answer by taking the question and the above parts as input. Conducted on a real-world dataset collected from an e-commerce platform, extensive experimental results show that our model achieves state-of-the-art performance in terms of both automatic metrics and human evaluations. Human evaluation also demonstrates that our model can consistently generate specific and proper answers.
Effects of gravity and kinematic constraints on muscle synergies in arm cycling
Authors: Botzheim Lilla , Laczko Jozsef , Torricelli Diego , Mravcsik Mariann , Pons Jose L. , Oliveira Barroso Filipe
Published: February 2021

Recent studies analyzed muscle synergies in lower limb cycling. Here, we examine upper limb cycling and specifically the effect of body position with respect to gravity, movement size, and cranking mode on muscle coordination during arm cranking tasks. We show that altered body position and cranking mode affects modular organization of muscle activities. To our knowledge, this is the first study assessing motor control through muscle synergies framework during upper limb cycling with different constraints.