bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tooth loss in complying and non-complying periodontitis patients with different periodontal risk levels during supportive periodontal care
Authors: Farina Roberto , Simonelli Anna , Baraldi Andrea , Pramstraller Mattia , Minenna Luigi , Toselli Luca , Maietti Elisa , Trombelli Leonardo
Published: March 2021

Objectives

To evaluate yearly tooth loss rate (TLR) in periodontitis patients with different periodontal risk levels who had complied or not complied with supportive periodontal care (SPC).

Materials and methods

Data from 168 periodontitis patients enrolled in a SPC program based on a 3-month suggested recall interval for at least 3.5 years were analyzed. For patients with a mean recall interval within 2–4 months (“compliers”) or > 4 months (“non-compliers”) with different PerioRisk levels (Trombelli et al. 2009), TLR (irrespective of the cause for tooth loss) was calculated. TLR values were considered in relation to meaningful TLR benchmarks from the literature for periodontitis patients either under SPC (0.15 teeth/year; positive benchmark) or irregularly complying with SPC (0.36 teeth/year; negative benchmark).

Results

In both compliers and non-compliers, TLR was significantly below or similar to the positive benchmark in PerioRisk level 3 (0.08 and 0.03 teeth/year, respectively) and PerioRisk level 4 (0.12 and 0.18 teeth/year, respectively). Although marked and clinically relevant in non-compliers, the difference between TLR of compliers (0.32 teeth/year) and non-compliers (0.52 teeth/year) with PerioRisk level 5 and the negative benchmark was not significant.

Conclusion

A SPC protocol based on a 3- to 6-month recall interval may effectively limit long-term tooth loss in periodontitis patients with PerioRisk levels 3 and 4. A fully complied 3-month SPC protocol seems ineffective when applied to PerioRisk level 5 patients.

Clinical relevance

PerioRisk seems to represent a valid tool to inform the SPC recall interval as well as the intensity of active treatment prior to SPC enrollment.
Effect of periapical surgery on oral health-related quality of life in the first postoperative week using the Dutch version of Oral Health Impact Profile-14
Authors: Tuk Jacco G. , Lindeboom Jerome A. , van Wijk Arjen J.
Published: March 2021

Objective

To evaluate whether periapical surgery affects oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) within the first postoperative week.

Study design

The primary outcomes in 133 patients (54 men, 79 women; mean age 50.8 years) undergoing periapical surgery were the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) score and postoperative sequelae, including pain, analgesic intake, swelling, limited mouth opening, chewing difficulties, and postoperative infection.

Results

We found a significant effect on OHIP-14, pain, and analgesics, which decreased throughout the week. We found no significant differences in mean OHIP-14, pain scores, or analgesic use for gender, medical history, surgical flaps, operation time, or location of the operated teeth. Younger patients had a higher OHIP-14 score in the first 2 days after surgery and more pain on the first postoperative day. Women experienced more pain during the first 3 days. Smokers had a higher OHIP-14 score on the first postoperative day and greater pain during the first 3 days compared to non-smokers.

Conclusion

We identified a low incidence of pain and reduced OHRQoL following periapical surgery. The postoperative reduction in OHRQoL and pain were of short duration, with maximum intensity in the early postoperative period and rapidly decreasing with time.
The links between students’ relationships with teachers, likeability among peers, and bullying victimization: the intervening role of teacher responsiveness
Authors: Longobardi Claudio , Ferrigno Serena , Gullotta Giulia , Jungert Tomas , Thornberg Robert , Marengo Davide
Published: March 2021

Highly responsive teachers tend to foster behaviors that are low in conflict and high in prosociality, among their students, leading to a positive classroom climate and to a decrease in bullying victimization. However, little is known about the interaction between teacher responsiveness and both student–teacher, and student–student relationship characteristics, in influencing students’ bullying victimization at school. Here, we examined student–teacher relationship quality and students’ likeability among peers as predictors of in-school victimization. Additionally, we investigated the moderating role of teacher responsiveness over this link. Study sample consisted of 386 early-adolescent students (55.2% female, mean age [SD] = 12.17 [0.73]) and 19 main teachers (females, n = 14). Findings indicated that students’ exposure to victimization was positively associated with student–teacher conflict and negatively associated with likeability among classroom peers. Teacher responsiveness did not show a significant direct association with bullying victimization. However, when teachers showed high responsiveness, the strength of the association between student–teacher conflict and students’ likelihood of bullying victimization was slightly increased. The present study highlights the importance of considering the role of teacher responsiveness when modeling the link between student and teacher relationship quality and in school bullying victimization.
“Being Talked to Like I Was a Sex Toy, Like Being Transgender Was Simply for the Enjoyment of Someone Else”: Fetishization and Sexualization of Transgender and Nonbinary Individuals
Authors: Anzani Annalisa , Lindley Louis , Tognasso Giacomo , Galupo M. Paz , Prunas Antonio
Published: March 2021

Despite the growing interest in the experiences of transgender individuals, the phenomenon of fetishization of transgender bodies and identities has been overlooked. The present study was aimed at investigating the experiences of fetishization of transgender and nonbinary (TGNB) people. Participants in the current study represent a sample of 142 TGNB volunteers from the community who answered the prompt: “If you feel comfortable, could you describe your experience of being fetishized?” Using thematic analysis, we developed three overarching themes relevant to the experiences of fetishization of TGNB participants: (1) context of fetishization; (2) negative experiences of fetishization; and (3) positive or ambiguous experiences of fetishization. The results demonstrated that, in most cases, fetishization was understood by TGNB people as a negative experience of sexual objectification, although some individuals experienced fetishization as a positive experience, perceiving the sexual desire of the other person or living it as a kink. Consistent with the integrated theory of dehumanization, the results demonstrated that both sexual objectification and minority stress contributed to participants’ understanding of fetishization for TGNB individuals. Implications for clinical work with TGNB individuals are discussed.
Metastatic suppression by DOC2B is mediated by inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and induction of senescence
Authors: Bhat Samatha , Adiga Divya , Shukla Vaibhav , Guruprasad Kanive Parashiva , Kabekkodu Shama Prasada , Satyamoorthy Kapaettu
Published: March 2021

Senescence induction and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) events are the opposite sides of the spectrum of cancer phenotypes. The key molecules involved in these processes may get influenced or altered by genetic and epigenetic changes during tumor progression. Double C2-like domain beta (DOC2B), an intracellular vesicle trafficking protein of the double C2 protein family, plays a critical role in exocytosis, neurotransmitter release, and intracellular vesicle trafficking. DOC2B is repressed by DNA promoter hypermethylation and functions as a tumor growth regulator in cervical cancer. To date, the molecular mechanisms of DOC2B in cervical cancer progression and metastasis is elusive. Herein, the biological functions and molecular mechanisms regulated by DOC2B and its impact on senescence and EMT are described. DOC2B inhibition promotes proliferation, growth, and migration by relieving G0/G1-S arrest, actin remodeling, and anoikis resistance in Cal27 cells. It enhanced tumor growth and liver metastasis in nude mice with the concomitant increase in metastasis-associated CD55 and CD61 expression. Inhibition of EMT and promotion of senescence by DOC2B is a calcium-dependent process and accompanied by calcium-mediated interaction between DOC2B and CDH1. In addition, we have identified several EMT and senescence regulators as targets of DOC2B. We show that DOC2B may act as a metastatic suppressor by inhibiting EMT through induction of senescence via DOC2B-calcium-EMT-senescence axis.

Graphical abstract
The Reason-Giving Force of Requests
Authors: Schaber Peter
Published: March 2021

How do we change the normative landscape by making requests? It will be argued that by making requests we create reasons for action if and only if certain conditions are met. We are able to create reasons if and only if doing so is valuable for the requester, and if they respect the requestee. Respectful requests have a normative force – it will be argued – because it is of instrumental value to us that we all have the normative power of creating reasons by making requests. The normative power has the potential for creating and shaping valuable interactions and relationships for the requester and the requestee. This potential could not be realized if we did not have the normative power of making requests. It will also be shown why this account of the normative force of requests should be preferred to the two alternative accounts of the reason-giving force of requests that have been put forward by James H.P. Lewis and David Enoch.
Facile modification of polycaprolactone nanofibers with egg white protein
Authors: Renkler Nergis Zeynep , Ergene Emre , Gokyer Seyda , Tuzlakoglu Ozturk Merve , Yilgor Huri Pinar , Tuzlakoglu Kadriye
Published: March 2021

Synthetic polymers remain to be a major choice for scaffold fabrication due to their structural stability and mechanical strength. However, the lack of functional moieties limits their application for cell-based therapies which necessitate modification and functionalization. Blending synthetic polymers with natural components is a simple and effective way to achieve the desired biological properties for a scaffold. Herein, nanofibrous mats made of polycaprolactone (PCL) and egg white protein (EWP) blend were developed and further evaluated for use as a scaffold for tissue engineering applications. Homogeneous distribution of EWP was achieved throughout the nanofibrous mats, as shown by immunohistochemistry. ATR-FTIR analysis and contact angle measurements have further confirmed the presence of EWP on the surface of the samples. The swelling test showed that PCL/EWP nanofibers have higher water uptake than PCL nanofibrous mats. Also, EWP addition on the nanofibrous mats resulted in an increase in the tensile strength and Young’s modulus of the mats, indicating that the presence of protein can greatly enhance the mechanical properties of the mats. A significantly higher, more uniform, and dispersed cell spreading was observed on days 7 and 14 than that on neat PCL mats, demonstrating the importance of providing the required cues for cell homing by the availability of EWP. Hence, EWP is shown to be a simple and low-cost source for the functionalization of PCL nanofibrous mats. EWP is, therefore, a facile candidate to enhance cellular interactions of synthetic polymers for a wide range of tissue engineering applications.
Non-local Solvable Birth–Death Processes
Authors: Ascione Giacomo , Leonenko Nikolai , Pirozzi Enrica
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we study strong solutions of some non-local difference–differential equations linked to a class of birth–death processes arising as discrete approximations of Pearson diffusions by means of a spectral decomposition in terms of orthogonal polynomials and eigenfunctions of some non-local derivatives. Moreover, we give a stochastic representation of such solutions in terms of time-changed birth–death processes and study their invariant and their limit distribution. Finally, we describe the correlation structure of the aforementioned time-changed birth–death processes.
Differential expression of protein disulfide-isomerase A3 isoforms, PDIA3 and PDIA3N, in human prostate cancer cell lines representing different stages of prostate cancer
Authors: Diaz Cruz Maria Araceli , Karlsson Sandra , Szekeres Ferenc , Faresjö Maria , Lund Dan , Larsson Dennis
Published: March 2021

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a highly heterogeneous and unpredictable progressive disease. Sensitivity of PCa cells to androgens play a central role in tumor aggressiveness but biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity that follow the progression of the disease has not yet been verified. The vitamin D endocrine system and its receptors, the Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) and the Protein Disulfide-Isomerase A3 (PDIA3), are related to anti-tumoral effects as well as carcinogenesis and have therefore been suggested as potential candidates for the prevention and therapy of several cancer forms, including PCa. In this study, we evaluated the mRNA expression of VDR and PDIA3 involved in vitamin D signaling in cell lines representing different stages of PCa (PNT2, P4E6, LNCaP, DU145 and PC3). This study further aimed to evaluate vitamin D receptors and their isoforms as potential markers for clinical diagnosis of PCa. A novel transcript isoform of PDIA3 (PDIA3N) was identified and found to be expressed in all PCa cell lines analyzed. Androgen-independent cell lines showed a higher mRNA expression ratio between PDIA3N/PDIA3 contrary to androgen-dependent cell lines that showed a lower mRNA expression ratio between PDIA3N/PDIA3. The structure of PDIA3N differed from PDIA3. PDIA3N was found to be a N-truncated isoform of PDIA3 and differences in protein structure suggests an altered protein function i.e. cell location, thioredoxin activity and affinity for 1,25(OH)2D3. Collectively, PDIA3 transcript isoforms, the ratio between PDIA3N/PDIA3 and especially PDIA3N, are proposed as candidate markers for future studies with different stages of PCa progression.
Intrinsic mechanical properties of food in relation to texture parameters
Authors: Jonkers N. , van Dommelen J. A. W. , Geers M. G. D.
Published: March 2021

The texture profile analysis test is an imitative test to determine texture properties of food, which quantify the consumer’s perception of eating food. The instrumental texture parameters obtained from this test depend on the specimen size and the nonstandardized test conditions. To overcome this problem, texture properties are here related to intrinsic mechanical properties, which are independent of the test conditions. Two types of materials are used to investigate the effect of viscoelasticity, plasticity and damage on the texture parameters for varying test conditions. Analytical relations between mechanical properties, test conditions, and the instrumental hardness, springiness, cohesiveness, and adhesiveness are determined. The hardness is obtained from the stiffness of the material, which is potentially rate-dependent, and the yield stress of a material in case of plasticity. The springiness is determined by the recoverable or irrecoverable strain in the material, which results from the mechanical properties in combination with the test conditions. Cohesiveness and springiness are found to be strongly related, unless structural damage is present in the material. Adhesiveness is only an indirect measure of the adhesion between the material and compression plate and depends on the test conditions and stiffness of the material. Finite element simulations reveal a decrease of hardness in case of a nonflat top surface, indicating the importance of geometrical effects.
Asymmetric Patterns of Demand-Supply Mismatch in Real Estate
Authors: Marcato Gianluca , Nanda Anupam
Published: March 2021

As expectations change, we may observe asymmetry in responses of economic agents over various phases of the economic cycles. In this paper, we analyze both demand and supply side information to understand the dynamics of price determination in the real estate market and examine the relationship between expectation parameters and demand-supply mismatch. Our hypothesis builds on the possibility that investors’ call for action in terms of their buy/sell decision and adjustment in reservation prices may provide valuable insights into impending demand-supply imbalances in the market. We study several real estate sectors to inform our analysis. The timeframe of our analysis (1995–2010) allows us to observe market dynamics over several economic cycles. We test our hypothesis variously using several measures of market activity within a structural panel VAR framework. Our analysis suggests that investors’ attitude may have substantial and statistically significant feedback effects in price determination. These results indicate noticeable asymmetry in responses during the boom, normal and recessionary periods.
On smooth change-point location estimation for Poisson Processes
Authors: Amiri Arij , Dachian Sergueï
Published: March 2021

We are interested in estimating the location of what we call “smooth change-point” from n independent observations of an inhomogeneous Poisson process. The smooth change-point is a transition of the intensity function of the process from one level to another which happens smoothly, but over such a small interval, that its length $$\delta _n$$

δ
n

is considered to be decreasing to 0 as $$n\rightarrow +\infty $$

n
→
+
∞

. We show that if $$\delta _n$$

δ
n

goes to zero slower than 1/n, our model is locally asymptotically normal (with a rather unusual rate $$\sqrt{\delta _n/n}$$

δ
n

/
n

), and the maximum likelihood and Bayesian estimators are consistent, asymptotically normal and asymptotically efficient. If, on the contrary, $$\delta _n$$

δ
n

goes to zero faster than 1/n, our model is non-regular and behaves like a change-point model. More precisely, in this case we show that the Bayesian estimators are consistent, converge at rate 1/n, have non-Gaussian limit distributions and are asymptotically efficient. All these results are obtained using the likelihood ratio analysis method of Ibragimov and Khasminskii, which equally yields the convergence of polynomial moments of the considered estimators. However, in order to study the maximum likelihood estimator in the case where $$\delta _n$$

δ
n

goes to zero faster than 1/n, this method cannot be applied using the usual topologies of convergence in functional spaces. So, this study should go through the use of an alternative topology and will be considered in a future work.
The Functional Composition of Sense
Authors: Pickel Bryan
Published: March 2021

A central dispute in understanding Frege’s philosophy concerns how the sense of a complex expression relates to the senses of its component expressions. According to one reading, the sense of a complex expression is a whole built from the senses of the component expressions. On this interpretation, Frege is an early proponent of structured propositions. A rival reading says that senses compose by functional application: the sense of a complex expression is the value of the function denoted by its functional component for the arguments denoted by its remaining components. I argue that two non-negotiable Fregean theses entail that senses compose by functional application. One thesis is that referents compose by functional application. The other thesis is that an expression in an indirect context refers to its customary sense.
History of safe exposure and bioinformatic assessment of phosphomannose-isomerase (PMI) for allergenic risk
Authors: Herman Rod A. , Hou Zhenglin , Mirsky Henry , Nelson Mark E. , Mathesius Carey A. , Roper Jason M.
Published: March 2021

Newly expressed proteins in genetically engineered crops are evaluated for potential cross reactivity to known allergens as part of their safety assessment. This assessment uses a weight-of-evidence approach. Two key components of this allergenicity assessment include any history of safe human exposure to the protein and/or the source organism from which it was originally derived, and bioinformatic analysis identifying amino acid sequence relatedness to known allergens. Phosphomannose-isomerase (PMI) has been expressed in commercialized genetically engineered (GE) crops as a selectable marker since 2010 with no known reports of allergy, which supports a history of safe exposure, and GE events expressing the PMI protein have been approved globally based on expert safety analysis. Bioinformatic analyses identified an eight-amino-acid contiguous match between PMI and a frog parvalbumin allergen (CAC83047.1). While short amino acid matches have been shown to be a poor predictor of allergen cross reactivity, most regulatory bodies require such matches be assessed in support of the allergenicity risk assessment. Here, this match is shown to be of negligible risk of conferring cross reactivity with known allergens.
Helicobacter pylori Infection Mass Screening for Children and Adolescents: a Systematic Review of Observational Studies
Authors: Saito Hiroaki , Nishikawa Yoshitaka , Masuzawa Yuko , Tsubokura Masaharu , Mizuno Yasuhiro
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Population-based Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) screening and eradication for adults in areas with a high incidence of gastric cancer have been shown to be effective. The current status of H. pylori screening for young people, however, has not been sufficiently evaluated.

Methods

A systematic review of population-based H. pylori screening of young people was performed using four databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and ICHUSHI) and independently evaluated by two investigators. Studies were evaluated with regard to the country, region, screening method, target age, number of screened people, and rate of positive screening.

Results

From 3231 studies, 39 studies were included (14 English original studies published in peer-review journals, 6 Japanese original studies, and 19 conference reports). These studies originated from 10 countries, with the largest number stemming from Japan (29 studies) followed by Germany (2 studies). Screening was performed using the urea breath test, blood antibodies, stool antigens, and urine antibodies. Five countries used the breath test as the first screening method, five used blood samples, two used stool antigens, and only Japan used urinary tests.

Conclusion

Screening for H. pylori in young people was reviewed based on reports from several countries, and findings suggest that local authorities considering screening for H. pylori in young people need to scrutinize the age and potential methods. Further research is required to determine the effectiveness of mid- to long-term H. pylori screening for young people.
High KIFC1 expression is associated with poor prognosis in prostate cancer
Authors: Kostecka Laurie G. , Olseen Athen , Kang KiChang , Torga Gonzalo , Pienta Kenneth J. , Amend Sarah R.
Published: March 2021

Kinesins play important roles in the progression and development of cancer. Kinesin family member C1 (KIFC1), a minus end-directed motor protein, is a novel Kinesin involved in the clustering of excess centrosomes found in cancer cells. Recently KIFC1 has shown to play a role in the progression of many different cancers, however, the involvement of KIFC1 in the progression of prostate cancer (PCa) is still not well understood. This study investigated the expression and clinical significance of KIFC1 in PCa by utilizing multiple publicly available datasets to analyze KIFC1 expression in patient samples. High KIFC1 expression was found to be associated with high Gleason score, high tumor stage, metastatic lesions, high ploidy levels, and lower recurrence-free survival. These results reveal that high KIFC1 levels are associated with a poor prognosis for PCa patients and could act as a prognostic indicator for PCa patients as well.
On the historical roots of creationism and intelligent design: German Allmacht and Darwinian evolution in context
Authors: Watts Elizabeth , Kutschera Ulrich
Published: March 2021

As detailed in a Letter published inSciencein 2017, the adherents of creationism and intelligent design are still active in promoting their biblical-literalist views of the origin and evolution of life on Earth. In this contribution, we take a look at this ideological phenomenon in the USA and analyze the philosophical roots of this ongoing movement. Specifically, we discuss Vernon Kellogg’s book entitledHeadquarters Nights(1917) with reference to the German ‘Allmacht’ (English—omnipotence) and Darwinian evolution to demonstrate how this publication bolstered the development of active anti-evolutionism in the USA among American fundamentalist Christians, inclusive of the Intelligent Design (ID)-agenda. The current activities of creationist associations in the USA and Germany are summarized, with reference to a new pro-ID-group established in Austria in 2019 that is sponsored by the Discovery Institute in Seattle, Washington (USA).
Additive Manufacturing Under Lunar Gravity and Microgravity
Authors: Reitz B. , Lotz C. , Gerdes N. , Linke S. , Olsen E. , Pflieger K. , Sohrt S. , Ernst M. , Taschner P. , Neumann J. , Stoll E. , Overmeyer L.
Published: March 2021

Mankind is setting to colonize space, for which the manufacturing of habitats, tools, spare parts and other infrastructure is required. Commercial manufacturing processes are already well engineered under standard conditions on Earth, which means under Earth’s gravity and atmosphere. Based on the literature review, additive manufacturing under lunar and other space gravitational conditions have only been researched to a very limited extent. Especially, additive manufacturing offers many advantages, as it can produce complex structures while saving resources. The materials used do not have to be taken along on the mission, they can even be mined and processed on-site. The Einstein-Elevator offers a unique test environment for experiments under different gravitational conditions. Laser experiments on selectively melting regolith simulant are successfully conducted under lunar gravity and microgravity. The created samples are characterized in terms of their geometry, mass and porosity. These experiments are the first additive manufacturing tests under lunar gravity worldwide.
Cross-national analysis of food security drivers: comparing results based on the Food Insecurity Experience Scale and Global Food Security Index
Authors: Allee Andrew , Lynd Lee R. , Vaze Vikrant
Published: March 2021

The second UN Sustainable Development Goal establishes food security as a priority for governments, multilateral organizations, and NGOs. These institutions track national-level food security performance with an array of metrics and weigh intervention options considering the leverage of many possible drivers. We studied the relationships between several candidate drivers and two response variables based on prominent measures of national food security: the 2019 Global Food Security Index (GFSI) and the Food Insecurity Experience Scale’s (FIES) estimate of the percentage of a nation’s population experiencing food security or mild food insecurity (FI<mod). We compared the contributions of explanatory variables in regressions predicting both response variables, and we further tested the stability of our results to changes in explanatory variable selection and in the countries included in regression model training and testing. At the cross-national level, the quantity and quality of a nation’s agricultural land were not predictive of either food security metric. We found mixed evidence that per-capita cereal production, per-hectare cereal yield, an aggregate governance metric, logistics performance, and extent of paid employment work were predictive of national food security. Household spending as measured by per-capita final consumption expenditure (HFCE) was consistently the strongest driver among those studied, alone explaining a median of 92% and 70% of variation (based on out-of-sample R2) in GFSI and FI<mod, respectively. The relative strength of HFCE as a predictor was observed for both response variables and was independent of the countries used for model training, the transformations applied to the explanatory variables prior to model training, and the variable selection technique used to specify multivariate regressions. The results of this cross-national analysis reinforce previous research supportive of a causal mechanism where, in the absence of exceptional local factors, an increase in income drives increase in food security. However, the strength of this effect varies depending on the countries included in regression model fitting. We demonstrate that using multiple response metrics, repeated random sampling of input data, and iterative variable selection facilitates a convergence of evidence approach to analyzing food security drivers.
Effect of Marine Environmental Conditions on Physical and Mechanical Properties of Fiber-Reinforced Composites—A Review
Authors: Mayya H B. , Pai Dayananda , Kini Vijaya M. , N H Padmaraj
Published: March 2021

Fiber-reinforced polymer materials are finding their increasing importance as structural material in marine, civil and aerospace applications. The durability and potential applications of these structures are influenced by the susceptibility to working environments. The ease of prediction of degradation of mechanical property becomes cumbersome due to the heterogeneity of constituent materials and non-standardized weathering conditions. This review article presents a study of long-term performance behavior of composite structures exposed to moisture, temperature, ultraviolet radiation and alkaline solution. Reduction in modulus due to increasing temperature, swelling of polymers due to moisture absorption and scission or alteration of polymer structures are either due to the attack of chemical mediums or ultraviolet rays observed in polymer composites during their service life.
Development of Strategies to Prevent Third Rail Insulator Failures in Transit Systems
Authors: Rouhanizadeh Behzad , Kermanshachi Sharareh
Published: March 2021

Failures of third rail insulators, which often impose problems that affect the serviceability of transit systems, rarely have been investigated. This study examines various aspects of third rail systems, identifies causes of insulator failures, and develops and categorizes preventive strategies. To accomplish the goals, the existing literature was reviewed and analyzed to identify various characteristics of third rails and insulators. Then, five transit case studies were analyzed to determine the characteristics of third rails, identify the causes of insulator failures, and evaluate the preventive strategies adopted by transit agencies. The results revealed that local environmental conditions cause degradation of insulators, with dirt build-up being the biggest contributor to failure. Performing maintenance and inspections of insulators at predetermined intervals was also shown to be very effective for preventing failure. The preventive strategies were classified into three categories: regular inspections; preventive maintenance programs; and regulation and safety, with regular inspections being the most frequently adopted. Findings of this study will serve as an appropriate source of information for practitioners who work with third rail systems and will help them adopt effective strategies.
Risk and the Republican National Convention: Application of the Novel COVID-19 Operational Risk Assessment
Authors: Callaway David , Runge Jeff , Mullen Lucia , Rentz Lisa , Staley Kevin , Stanford Michael , Watson Crystal
Published: March 2021

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization broadly categorize mass gathering events as high risk for amplification of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spread in a community due to the nature of respiratory diseases and the transmission dynamics. However, various measures and modifications can be put in place to limit or reduce the risk of further spread of COVID-19 for the mass gathering. During this pandemic, the Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security produced a risk assessment and mitigation tool for decision-makers to assess SARS-CoV-2 transmission risks that may arise as organizations and businesses hold mass gatherings or increase business operations: The JHU Operational Toolkit for Businesses Considering Reopening or Expanding Operations in COVID-19 (Toolkit). This article describes the deployment of a data-informed, risk-reduction strategy that protects local communities, preserves local health-care capacity, and supports democratic processes through the safe execution of the Republican National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. The successful use of the Toolkit and the lessons learned from this experience are applicable in a wide range of public health settings, including school reopening, expansion of public services, and even resumption of health-care delivery.
Design, modeling, and demonstration of a new dual-mode back-assist exosuit with extension mechanism
Authors: Lamers Erik P. , Zelik Karl E.
Published: March 2021

Occupational exoskeletons and exosuits have been shown to reduce muscle demands and fatigue for physical tasks relevant to a variety of industries (e.g., logistics, construction, manufacturing, military, healthcare). However, adoption of these devices into the workforce has been slowed by practical factors related to comfort, form-factor, weight, and not interfering with movement or posture. We previously introduced a low-profile, dual-mode exosuit comprised of textile and elastic materials to address these adoption barriers. Here we build upon this prior work by introducing an extension mechanism that increases the moment arm of the exosuit while in engaged mode, then collapses in disengaged mode to retain key benefits related to being lightweight, low-profile, and unobstructive. Here we demonstrate both analytically and empirically how this extensible exosuit concept can (a) reduce device-to-body forces (which can improve comfort for some users and situations), or (b) increase the magnitude of torque assistance about the low back (which may be valuable for heavy-lifting jobs) without increasing shoulder or leg forces relative to the prior form-fitting exosuit. We also introduce a novel mode-switching mechanism, as well as a human-exosuit biomechanical model to elucidate how individual design parameters affect exosuit assistance torque and device-to-body forces. The proof-of-concept prototype, case study, and modeling work provide a foundation for understanding and implementing extensible exosuits for a broad range of applications. We envision promising opportunities to apply this new dual-mode extensible exosuit concept to assist heavy-lifting, to further enhance user comfort, and to address the unique needs of last-mile and other delivery workers.
Average Ionospheric Electric Field Morphologies During Geomagnetic Storm Phases
Authors: Walach M.‐T. , Grocott A. , Milan S. E.
Published: March 2021

We utilize principal component analysis to identify and quantify the primary electric potential morphologies during geomagnetic storms. Ordering data from the Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) by geomagnetic storm phase, we are able to discern changes that occur in association with the development of the storm phases. Along with information on the size of the patterns, the first six eigenvectors provide over ∼80% of the variability in the morphology, providing us with a robust analysis tool to quantify the main changes in the patterns. Studying the first six eigenvectors and their eigenvalues shows that the primary changes in the morphologies with respect to storm phase are the convection potential enhancing and the dayside throat rotating from pointing toward the early afternoon sector to being more sunward aligned during the main phase of the storm. We find that the ionospheric electric potential increases through the main phase and then decreases once the storm phase begins. The dayside convection throat points toward the afternoon sector before the main phase and then as the potential increases throughout the main phase, the dayside throat rotates toward magnetic noon. Furthermore, we find that a two‐cell convection pattern is dominant throughout and that the dusk cell is overall stronger than the dawn cell.
Stacked Magma Lenses Beneath Mid‐Ocean Ridges: Insights From New Seismic Observations and Synthesis With Prior Geophysical and Geologic Findings
Authors: Carbotte Suzanne M. , Marjanović Milena , Arnulf Adrien F. , Nedimović Mladen R. , Canales Juan Pablo , Arnoux Gillean M.
Published: March 2021

Recent multi‐channel seismic studies of fast spreading and hot‐spot influenced mid‐ocean ridges reveal magma bodies located beneath the mid‐crustal Axial Magma Lens (AML), embedded within the underlying crustal mush zone. We here present new seismic images from the Juan de Fuca Ridge that show reflections interpreted to be from vertically stacked magma lenses in a number of locations beneath this intermediate‐spreading ridge. The brightest reflections are beneath Northern Symmetric segment, from ∼46°42′‐52′N and Split Seamount, where a small magma body at local Moho depths is also detected, inferred to be a source reservoir for the stacked magma lenses in the crust above. The imaged magma bodies are sub‐horizontal, extend continuously for along‐axis lengths of ∼1–8 km, with the shallowest located at depths of ∼100–1,200 m below the AML, and are similar to sub‐AML bodies found at the East Pacific Rise. At both ridges, stacked sill‐like lenses are detected beneath only a small fraction of the ridge length examined and are inferred to mark local sites of higher melt flux and active replenishment from depth. The imaged magma lenses are focused in the upper part of the lower crust, which coincides with the most melt rich part of the crystal mush zone detected in other geophysical studies and where sub‐vertical fabrics are observed in geologic exposures of oceanic crust. We infer that the multi‐level magma accumulations are ephemeral and may result from porous flow and mush compaction, and that they can be tapped and drained during dike intrusion and eruption events.
The Seasonality of In‐Stream Nutrient Concentrations and Uptake in Arctic Headwater Streams in the Northern Foothills of Alaska's Brooks Range
Authors: Covino Tim P. , Wlostowski Adam N. , Gooseff Michael N. , Wollheim Wilfred M. , Bowden William B.
Published: March 2021

Over the past 30 plus years, the Arctic has warmed at a rate of 0.6°C per decade. This has resulted in considerable permafrost thaw and alterations of hydrological and biogeochemical processes. Coincident with these changes, recent studies document increases in annual fluxes of inorganic nutrients in larger Arctic rivers. Changing nutrient fluxes in Arctic rivers have been largely attributed to warming‐induced active layer expansion and newly exposed subsurface source areas. However, the ability of Arctic headwater streams to modulate inorganic nutrient patterns manifested in larger rivers remains unresolved. We evaluated environmental conditions, stream ecosystem metabolism, and nutrient uptake in three headwater streams of the Alaskan Arctic to quantify patterns of retention of inorganic nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P). We observed elevated ambient nitrate‐N (NO3‐N) concentrations in late summer/early fall in two of three experimental stream reaches. We observed detectable increases in uptake as a result of nutrient addition in 88% of PO4‐P additions (n = 25), 38% of NH4‐N additions (n = 24), and 24% of NO3‐N additions (n = 25). We observed statistically significant relationships between NH4‐N uptake and ecosystem respiration, and PO4‐P uptake and gross primary productivity. Although these headwater streams demonstrate ability to control downstream transport of PO4‐P, we observed little evidence the same holds for dissolved inorganic N. Consequently, our results suggest that continued increases in terrestrial to aquatic N transfer in Arctic headwater landscapes are likely to be evident in larger Arctic rivers, in‐network lakes, and coastal environments.
Forecasting Abrupt Depletion of Dissolved Oxygen in Urban Streams Using Discontinuously Measured Hourly Time‐Series Data
Authors: Kim Young Woo , Kim TaeHo , Shin Jihoon , Go ByeongGeon , Lee Mokyoung , Lee JinHyo , Koo Jayong , Cho Kyung Hwa , Cha YoonKyung
Published: March 2021

Depletion of dissolved oxygen (DO) is a major cause of fish kills in urban streams. Although forecasting short‐term DO concentrations in streams prior to hypoxic events is necessary, such efforts have been rarely made. In this study, 24‐h forecasting models were developed for DO concentrations in three urban streams of South Korea. To forecast the DO concentrations at the outlet sites, which coincide with fish kill hot spot areas, water quality parameters at the lower reaches and hydrometeorological parameters were used as input variables. The monitoring data were measured hourly between 2017 and 2018 and divided into training and test sets at a ratio of 8:2. Tenfold cross validation was performed for hyperparameter optimization. Due to the dynamic characteristics of DO concentrations and the discontinuity in time‐series data, a long short‐term memory (LSTM) neural network modeling approach was selected. Overall, a high degree of accuracy was recorded for all study streams. Although hypoxic events were forecast with lower accuracy, the timing and magnitude of abrupt DO depletion were well captured. Water temperature and DO concentrations at the lower reaches and 24‐h cumulative precipitation were important variables for forecasting DO concentrations at all stream outlets. In particular, the importance of cumulative precipitation across all streams indicated that the effects of nonpoint sources were critical in depleting DO in urban streams. Monitoring of both lower reaches and outlets in conjunction with a variable importance analysis enhanced interpretability of the LSTM model outputs. This study improves our understanding of precursors of hypoxic events in urban streams.
Thank You to Our 2020 Peer Reviewers
Authors: Filippelli Gabriel , Colwell Rita , Anenberg Susan C. , Balbus John M. , Ceccarelli Daniela , Hudson‐Edwards Karen , Jutla Antarpreet , Miao Chiyuan , Sandifer Paul A. , Vengosh Avner
Published: March 2021

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We thank our peer reviewers for all of the hard work that they do
Diabetes fuels periodontal lesions via GLUT1-driven macrophage inflammaging
Authors: Wang Qian , Nie Lulingxiao , Zhao Pengfei , Zhou Xinyi , Ding Yi , Chen Qianming , Wang Qi
Published: March 2021

Hyperglycemia induces chronic low-grade inflammation (inflammaging), which is a newly identified contributor to diabetes-related tissue lesions, including the inflammatory bone loss in periodontitis. It is also a secondary senescent pattern mediated by an increased burden of senescent cells and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Macrophage is a key SASP-spreading cell and may contribute to the maintenance of SASP response in the periodontal microenvironment. Using a transgenic diabetic model (BLKS/J-Leprdb/leprdb mice) we identified striking senescence of the periodontium in young (18-wk)-diabetic mice accompanied by amassed p16+-macrophages and enhanced early SASP response. Exposed to high glucose in vitro, bone marrow-derived macrophage (BMDM) revealed a strong GLUT1 mRNA response driving the elevated-glucose uptake. GLUT1 is a representative and facilitative glucose transporter in macrophages with potential roles in hyperglycemia-induced inflammation. In this study, both GLUT1 and the downstream GTPase Rheb expression upregulated in the gingiva of diabetic mice with impaired condition. Furthermore, SASP release and p16/p21 signaling were proven to be triggered by mTOR phosphorylation in BMDM and antagonized by restricting glucose uptake in GLUT1−/− BMDM. Taken together, our findings suggest that elevated-GLUT1 sensor responded to high glucose is important for macrophage senescence and SASP response, generated as a result of hyperglycemia, and it is a potential molecular mechanism for the exacerbation of periodontitis in diabetes.
The long noncoding RNA Synage regulates synapse stability and neuronal function in the cerebellum
Authors: Wang Fei , Wang Qianqian , Liu Baowei , Mei Lisheng , Ma Sisi , Wang Shujuan , Wang Ruoyu , Zhang Yan , Niu Chaoshi , Xiong Zhiqi , Zheng Yong , Zhang Zhi , Shi Juan , Song Xiaoyuan
Published: March 2021

The brain is known to express many long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs); however, whether and how these lncRNAs function in modulating synaptic stability remains unclear. Here, we report a cerebellum highly expressed lncRNA, Synage, regulating synaptic stability via at least two mechanisms. One is through the function of Synage as a sponge for the microRNA miR-325-3p, to regulate expression of the known cerebellar synapse organizer Cbln1. The other function is to serve as a scaffold for organizing the assembly of the LRP1-HSP90AA1-PSD-95 complex in PF-PC synapses. Although somewhat divergent in its mature mRNA sequence, the locus encoding Synage is positioned adjacent to the Cbln1 loci in mouse, rhesus macaque, and human, and Synage is highly expressed in the cerebella of all three species. Synage deletion causes a full-spectrum cerebellar ablation phenotype that proceeds from cerebellar atrophy, through neuron loss, on to synapse density reduction, synaptic vesicle loss, and finally to a reduction in synaptic activity during cerebellar development; these deficits are accompanied by motor dysfunction in adult mice, which can be rescued by AAV-mediated Synage overexpression from birth. Thus, our study demonstrates roles for the lncRNA Synage in regulating synaptic stability and function during cerebellar development.
Inhibition of HECT E3 ligases as potential therapy for COVID-19
Authors: Novelli Giuseppe , Liu Jing , Biancolella Michela , Alonzi Tonino , Novelli Antonio , Patten J. J. , Cocciadiferro Dario , Agolini Emanuele , Colona Vito Luigi , Rizzacasa Barbara , Giannini Rosalinda , Bigio Benedetta , Goletti Delia , Capobianchi Maria Rosaria , Grelli Sandro , Mann Justin , McKee Trevor D. , Cheng Ke , Amanat Fatima , Krammer Florian , Guarracino Andrea , Pepe Gerardo , Tomino Carlo , Tandjaoui-Lambiotte Yacine , Uzunhan Yurdagul , Tubiana Sarah , Ghosn Jade ,   COVID Human Genetic Effort,   French COVID Cohort Study Group,   CoV-Contact Cohort, Notarangelo Luigi D. , Su Helen C. , Abel Laurent , Cobat Aurélie , Elhanan Gai , Grzymski Joseph J. , Latini Andrea , Sidhu Sachdev S. , Jain Suresh , Davey Robert A. , Casanova Jean-Laurent , Wei Wenyi , Pandolfi Pier Paolo
Published: March 2021

SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for the ongoing world-wide pandemic which has already taken more than two million lives. Effective treatments are urgently needed. The enzymatic activity of the HECT-E3 ligase family members has been implicated in the cell egression phase of deadly RNA viruses such as Ebola through direct interaction of its VP40 Protein. Here we report that HECT-E3 ligase family members such as NEDD4 and WWP1 interact with and ubiquitylate the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein. Furthermore, we find that HECT family members are overexpressed in primary samples derived from COVID-19 infected patients and COVID-19 mouse models. Importantly, rare germline activating variants in the NEDD4 and WWP1 genes are associated with severe COVID-19 cases. Critically, I3C, a natural NEDD4 and WWP1 inhibitor from Brassicaceae, displays potent antiviral effects and inhibits viral egression. In conclusion, we identify the HECT family members of E3 ligases as likely novel biomarkers for COVID-19, as well as new potential targets of therapeutic strategy easily testable in clinical trials in view of the established well-tolerated nature of the Brassicaceae natural compounds.