bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endogenous retroviruses in the origins and treatment of cancer
Authors: Jansz Natasha , Faulkner Geoffrey J.
Published: May 2021

Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are emerging as promising therapeutic targets in cancer. As remnants of ancient retroviral infections, ERV-derived regulatory elements coordinate expression from gene networks, including those underpinning embryogenesis and immune cell function. ERV activation can promote an interferon response, a phenomenon termed viral mimicry. Although ERV expression is associated with cancer, and provisionally with autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases, ERV-mediated inflammation is being explored as a way to sensitize tumors to immunotherapy. Here we review ERV co-option in development and innate immunity, the aberrant contribution of ERVs to tumorigenesis, and the wider biomedical potential of therapies directed at ERVs.
The genetic mechanism of heterosis utilization in maize improvement
Authors: Xiao Yingjie , Jiang Shuqin , Cheng Qian , Wang Xiaqing , Yan Jun , Zhang Ruyang , Qiao Feng , Ma Chuang , Luo Jingyun , Li Wenqiang , Liu Haijun , Yang Wenyu , Song Wenhao , Meng Yijiang , Warburton Marilyn L. , Zhao Jiuran , Wang Xiangfeng , Yan Jianbing
Published: May 2021

Background

In maize hybrid breeding, complementary pools of parental lines with reshuffled genetic variants are established for superior hybrid performance. To comprehensively decipher the genetics of heterosis, we present a new design of multiple linked F1 populations with 42,840 F1 maize hybrids, generated by crossing a synthetic population of 1428 maternal lines with 30 elite testers from diverse genetic backgrounds and phenotyped for agronomic traits.

Results

We show that, although yield heterosis is correlated with the widespread, minor-effect epistatic QTLs, it may be resulted from a few major-effect additive and dominant QTLs in early developmental stages. Floral transition is probably one critical stage for heterosis formation, in which epistatic QTLs are activated by paternal contributions of alleles that counteract the recessive, deleterious maternal alleles. These deleterious alleles, while rare, epistatically repress other favorable QTLs. We demonstrate this with one example, showing thatBrachytic2represses theUbiquitin3locus in the maternal lines; in hybrids, the paternal allele alleviates this repression, which in turn recovers the height of the plant and enhances the weight of the ear. Finally, we propose a molecular design breeding by manipulating key genes underlying the transition from vegetative-to-reproductive growth.

Conclusion

The new population design is used to dissect the genetic basis of heterosis which accelerates maize molecular design breeding by diminishing deleterious epistatic interactions.
Improvement of freezing of gait in patients with Parkinson’s disease by music exercise therapy: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li Kun-Peng , Zhou Zong-Lei , Zhou Ru-Zhen , Zhu Yan , Zhang Zeng-Qiao
Published: May 2021

Background

Progression of freezing of gait, a common pathological gait in Parkinson’s disease, is an important risk factor for diagnosing the disease and has been shown to predispose patients to easy falls, loss of independent living ability, and reduced quality of life. Treating Parkinson’s disease with freezing of gait is very difficult, while the use of medicine and operation has been ineffective. Music exercise therapy, which entails listening to music as you exercise, has been proposed as a treatment technology that can change patients’ behavior, emotions, and physiological activity. In recent years, music exercise therapy has been widely used in treatment of motor disorders and neurological diseases and achieved remarkable results. Results from our earlier pilot study revealed that music exercise therapy can improve the freezing of gait of Parkinson’s patients and improve their quality of life. Therefore, we aim to validate clinical efficacy of this therapy on freezing of gait of Parkinson’s patients using a larger sample size.

Methods/design

This three-arm randomized controlled trial will evaluate clinical efficacy of music exercise therapy in improving the freezing of gait in Parkinson’s patients. We will recruit a total of 81 inpatients with Parkinson’s disease, who meet the trial criteria. The patients will randomly receive music exercise with and without music as well as routine rehabilitation therapies, followed by analysis of changes in their gait and limb motor function after 4 weeks of intervention. We will first use a three-dimensional gait analysis system to evaluate changes in patients’ gait, followed by assessment of their limb function, activity of daily living and fall risk.

Discussion

The findings of this trial are expected to affirm the clinical application of this therapy for future management of the disease.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1900026063. Registered on September 20, 2019
Protocol for the development of a core outcome set for lateral elbow tendinopathy (COS-LET)
Authors: Bateman Marcus , Evans Jonathan P. , Vuvan Viana , Jones Val , Watts Adam C. , Phadnis Joideep , Bisset Leanne , Vicenzino Bill
Published: May 2021

Background

Lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET) is a common condition that can cause significant disability and associated socioeconomic cost. Although it has been widely researched, outcome measures are highly variable which restricts evidence synthesis across studies. In 2019, a working group of international experts, health care professionals and patients, in the field of tendinopathy (International Scientific Tendinopathy Symposium Consensus (ICON) Group), published the results of a consensus exercise defining the nine core domains that should be measured in tendinopathy research. The aim of this study is to develop a core outcome set (COS) for LET mapping to these core domains. The primary output will provide a template for future outcome evaluation of LET. In this protocol, we detail the methodological approach to the COS-LET development.

Methods

This study will employ a three-phase approach. (1) A systematic review of studies investigating LET will produce a comprehensive list of all instruments currently employed to quantify the treatment effect or outcome. (2) Instruments will be matched to the list of nine core tendinopathy outcome domains by a Steering Committee of clinicians and researchers with a specialist interest in LET resulting in a set of candidate instruments. (3) An international three-stage Delphi study will be conducted involving experienced clinicians, researchers and patients. Within this Delphi study, candidate instruments will be selected based upon screening using the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) truth, feasibility and discrimination filters with a threshold of 70% agreement set for consensus.

Conclusions

There is currently no COS for the measurement or monitoring of LET in trials or clinical practice. The output from this project will be a minimum COS recommended for use in all future English language studies related to LET. The findings will be published in a high-quality journal and disseminated widely using professional networks, social media and via presentation at international conferences.

Trial registration

Registered with the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) database, November 2019.https://www.comet-initiative.org/Studies/Details/1497.
Design of remote control device using wireless sensor network and its use in intelligent monitoring of farmland information
Authors: Zhang Jian , Wang Ying
Published: May 2021

The purpose is to control the growth state of crops remotely, design intelligent detection application of farmland information and improve the efficiency of agricultural information management. Wireless sensor technology is applied to remote control device. First, through the integration of the system functions that need to be completed in the farmland remote monitoring, the module requirements of the device are further determined. Finally, the overall design is determined. From the aspects of hardware, such as the selection of sensors, RF transceivers and software (such as data processing center module), remote control device is designed, and the detection and collection of farmland real-time information is completed. The results show that the communication distance of wireless sensor nodes can reach 215 m under the test condition of 0.5 m in open space. The research content can help people improve the understanding of crop growth environment and growth situation, and then help people improve work efficiency, and finally contribute to the process of agricultural informatization.
AGREEing on clinical practice guidelines for idiopathic steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome in children
Authors:   on behalf of the Saudi Society of Nephrology and Transplantation, Alhasan Khalid Abdulaziz , Al Khalifah Reem , Aloufi Majed , Almaiman Weiam , Hamad Muddathir , Abdulmajeed Naif , Al Salloum Abdullah , Kari Jameela A. , AlJelaify Muneera , Bassrawi Rolan K. , Al Hussain Turki , Alherbish Adi , Al Talhi Abdulhadi , Temsah Mohamad-Hani , Sethi Sidharth Kumar , Raina Rupesh , Joseph Reny , Amer Yasser Sami
Published: May 2021

Background

Nephrotic syndrome is the most common kidney disease in children worldwide. Our aim was to critically appraise the quality of recent Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) for idiopathic steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) in children in addition to summarize and compare their recommendations.

Methods

Systematic review of CPGs. We identified clinical questions and eligibility criteria and searched and screened for CPGs using bibliographic and CPG databases. Each included CPG was assessed by four independent appraisers using the Appraisal of Guidelines for REsearch & Evaluation II (AGREE-II) instrument. We summarized the recommendations in a comparison practical table.

Results

Our search retrieved 282 citations, of which three CPGs were eligible and appraised: Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) 2012, Japan Society for Pediatric Nephrology (JSPN) 2014, and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 2009. Among these, the overall assessment of two evidence-based CPGs scored > 70% (KDIGO and JSPN), which was consistent with their higher scores in the six domains of the AGREE II Instrument. In domain 3 (rigor of development), KDIGO, JSPN, and AAP scored 84%, 74%, and 41%, respectively. In domain 5 (applicability), they scored 22%, 16%, and 19%, respectively, and in domain 6 (editorial independence), they scored 94%, 65%, and 88%, respectively.

Conclusions

The methodological quality of the KDIGO CPG was superior, followed by JSPN and AAP CPGs with the relevant recommendations for use in practice.

Systematic review registration

The protocol was registered in the Center for Open Science (OSF) DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/6QTMD and in the International prospective register of systematic reviews PROSPERO 2020 CRD42020197511.
The cerebellum-driven social basis of mathematics: implications for one-on-one tutoring of children with mathematics learning disabilities
Authors: Vandervert Larry , Moe Kimberly
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this article is to argue that the patterns of sequence control over kinematics (movements) and dynamics (forces) which evolved in phonological processing in inner speech during the evolution of the social-cognitive capacities behind stone-tool making that led to the emergence of Homo sapiens are homologous to the social cerebellum’s capacity to learn patterns of sequence within language that we refer to as mathematics. It is argued that this evolution (1) selected toward a social cognitive cerebellum which arose from the arduous, repetitive precision patterns of knapping (stone shaping) and (2) that over a period of a million-plus years was selected from mentalizing toward the kinematics and dynamics as observed and modeled in Theory of Mind (ToM) of more experienced stone knappers. It is concluded that components of this socially-induced autobiographical knowledge, namely, (1) segmenting events, (2) sequencing events, and (3) sequencing event clusters, all at various levels of abstraction, can inform optimum approaches to one-on-one tutoring of children with mathematical learning disabilities.
Analysis and prediction of brittle failure in rock blocks having a circular tunnel under uniaxial compression using acoustic Emission technique: laboratory testing and numerical simulation
Authors: Das Ratan , Dhounchak Ranbir , Singh T. N.
Published: May 2021

In this research, the failure mechanism and anomalous behavior of intact and jointed rock block having a circular tunnel under compression are studied. This was done by monitoring the progressive failure of a rock tunnel subjected to uniaxial loading. The tests were conducted in sandstone blocks and “Acoustic Emission” (AE) technique was used to identify the crack damage and other failure attributes. Three cases have been considered in the research, i.e. tunnel in the intact rock, with horizontal joints, and with vertical joint sets. Images of progressive failure, acoustic signals, and applied loads were simultaneously recorded during the test. The intact block demonstrates continuous crack generation while the block with horizontal joint set shows a stepwise cracking pattern. In the third case where the vertical joints were employed, the deformation was largely roof failure and joint perpendicular extension was dominant. The AE events show that a sudden drop and then a quiet period of seismic “Ib value” could be considered as the precursors to forecast the rockburst hazard. The paper also compares the results of the physical model test with a 2D finite element model. The compared results show good agreement between the physical and numerical models.
Genealogical relationship inference to identify areas of intensive poaching of the Orange-fronted Parakeet (Eupsittula canicularis)
Authors: Padilla-Jacobo Gabriela , Monterrubio-Rico Tiberio C. , Cano-Camacho Horacio , Zavala-Páramo María Guadalupe
Published: May 2021

Background

The Orange-fronted Parakeet (Eupsittula canicularis) is the Mexican psittacine that is most captured for the illegal pet trade. However, as for most wildlife exploited by illegal trade, the genetic diversity that is extracted from species and areas of intensive poaching is unknown. In this study, we analyzed the genetic diversity of 80E. canicularisparakeets confiscated from the illegal trade and estimated the level of extraction of genetic diversity by poaching using the mitochondrial DNA sequences of cytochrome b (Cytb). In addition, we analyzed the genealogical and haplotypic relationships of the poached parakeets and sampled wild populations in Mexico, as a strategy for identifying the places of origin of poached parakeets.

Results

Poached parakeets showed high haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.842) and low nucleotide diversity (Pi = 0.00182). Among 22 haplotypes identified, 18 were found exclusively in 37 individuals, while four were detected in the remaining 43 individuals and shared with the wild populations. A rarefaction and extrapolation curve revealed that 240 poached individuals can include up to 47 haplotypes and suggested that the actual haplotype richness of poached parakeets is higher than our analyses indicate. The geographic locations of the four haplotypes shared between poached and wild parakeets ranged from Michoacan to Sinaloa, Mexico. However, the rare haplotypes detected in poached parakeets were derived from a recent genetic expansion of the species that has occurred between the northwest of Michoacan and the coastal region of Colima, Jalisco and southern Nayarit, Mexico.

Conclusions

Poached parakeets showed high genetic diversity, suggesting high extraction of the genetic pool of the species in central Mexico. Rarefaction and extrapolation analyses suggest that the actual haplotype richness in poached parakeets is higher than reflected by our analyses. The poached parakeets belong mainly to a very diverse genetic group of the species, and their most likely origin is between northern Michoacan and southern Nayarit, Mexico. We found no evidence that poachers included individuals from Central American international trafficking with individuals from Mexico in the sample.
Timing of isolation from an enriched environment determines the level of aggressive behavior and sexual maturity in Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens)
Authors: Iwata Eri , Masamoto Kyouhei , Kuga Hiroyuki , Ogino Miho
Published: May 2021

Background

Teleost fish are known to respond to environmental manipulation, which makes them an ideal model animal for testing relationships between the environment and behavior. The Siamese fighting fish, Betta splendens, is a solitary, highly territorial fish that displays fierce stereotyped aggressive behavior toward conspecifics or members of other species. Adult fish, especially males, are generally housed in isolation in captivity. Here we report evidence that an enriched rearing environment can decrease the level of aggression in bettas and enable adults to be housed in groups.

Results

B. splendens individuals were hatched in our laboratory and raised in groups in an enriched environment. At the juvenile or subadult stage, some individuals were relocated to a poor environment and kept in isolation. To evaluate aggression, a mirror-image test was conducted at the juvenile, subadult, and adult stages for each fish, and body parameters as well as plasma concentrations of 11-ketotestosterone, estradiol, and cortisol were evaluated. Male and female adult bettas raised in a group showed lower levels of aggression than other adult fish. The magnitude of threatening behavior was greater in adult bettas isolated as subadults, whereas the magnitude of fighting behavior was grater in adult bettas isolated as juveniles. The influence of rearing conditions on behavior was greater in females than in males. Plasma cortisol concentrations of adult bettas isolated as subadults after the mirror-image test were higher than those in other experimental groups. Adult males isolated as subadults had significantly higher plasma concentrations of 11-ketotestosterone than males raised in a group and isolated as juveniles. Females isolated as subadults had a higher gonadosomatic index than females raised in a group and females isolated as juveniles.

Conclusions

These results indicate that bettas can be kept in a group under enriched environments and that the timing of isolation influences the aggression and sexual maturity of bettas. Female and male bettas responded differently to environmental manipulation. Judging from their level of sexual maturity, bettas isolated as subadults show proper development.
The interictal activities load and cognitive performance of children with typical absence epilepsy
Authors: ELAhwal Shereen Ahmed , El-Heneedy Yasser Abo Elfotoh , Bahnasy Wafik Said , Amer Reham Abdel Rahman , Rashed Khaled Hussein
Published: May 2021

Background

The description of childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) a benign self-limited generalized epilepsy has become a matter of debate. The objectives of this work were to evaluate the existence of psychiatric and cognitive impairments among patients with typical CAE and to correlate their possible relation to seizure frequency, duration of epilepsy, IISL, and valproate therapy.

Methods

The study was conducted on 19 typical CAE patients receiving valproate therapy, 11 newly diagnosed CAE patients not receiving AEDs, and 30 healthy control subjects (HCS). Participants were subjected to medical history taking, EEG monitoring, child behavior checklist (CBCL), Stanford Binet Intelligence Scale 5th edition, and computerized psychometric tests that assess cognitive domains and executive functions.

Results

The study revealed a high rate of cognitive and psychiatric dysfunctions in CAE patients. 53.3% of patients had psychiatric problems versus 16.6% in HCS. Attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) (26.6%), anxiety (16.6%), and depression (6.6%) were the most common psychiatric disorders in the patient group. Withdrawn/depressed symptoms, thought problems, social problems, and attention problems in CAE patients were significantly increased compared to HCS. At the same time, CAE patients perform worse in cognitive scales than HCS with comparable intelligent quotient (IQ) scores.

Conclusion

Cognitive and psychiatric impairments in typical CAE patients appear multifactorial in origin with epilepsy-related factors including the duration of epilepsy and interictal spike load (IISL).
Sox11 regulates mammary tumour-initiating and metastatic capacity in Brca1-deficient mouse mammary tumour cells
Authors: Tsang Siu Man , Kim Hyojin , Oliemuller Erik , Newman Richard , Boateng Naa-Anyima , Guppy Naomi , Howard Beatrice A.
Published: May 2021

Little is known about the role of Sox11 in the regulation of mammary progenitor cells. Sox11 is expressed by mammary bud epithelial cells during embryonic mammary gland development and is not detected in mammary epithelial cells after birth. As Sox11 is an oncofetal gene, we investigated the effects of reducing Sox11 levels in embryonic mammary progenitor cells and found that Sox11 regulates proliferative state, stem cell activity and lineage marker expression. We also investigated the effect of reducing Sox11 levels in two transplantable Brca1-deficient oestrogen receptor-negative mouse mammary tumour cell lines, to assess whether Sox11 regulates similar functions in tumour progenitor cells. When Sox11 levels were reduced in one Brca1-deficient mammary tumour cell line that expressed both epithelial and mesenchymal markers, similar effects on proliferation, stem cell activity and expression of lineage markers to those seen in the embryonic mammary progenitor cells were observed. Orthotopic grafting of mammary tumour cells with reduced Sox11 levels led to alterations in tumour-initiating capacity, latency, expression of lineage markers and metastatic burden. Our results support a model in which tumours expressing higher levels of Sox11 have more stem and tumour-initiating cells, and are less proliferative, whereas tumours expressing lower levels of Sox11 become more proliferative and capable of morphogenetic/metastatic growth, similar to what occurs during embryonic mammary developmental progression.
Covariation among multimodal components in the courtship display of the túngara frog
Authors: James Logan S. , Halfwerk Wouter , Hunter Kimberly L. , Page Rachel A. , Taylor Ryan C. , Wilson Preston S. , Ryan Michael J.
Published: May 2021

Communication systems often include a variety of components, including those that span modalities, which may facilitate detection and decision-making. For example, female túngara frogs and fringe-lipped bats generally rely on acoustic mating signals to find male túngara frogs in a mating or foraging context, respectively. However, two additional cues (vocal sac inflation and water ripples) can enhance detection and choice behavior. To date, we do not know the natural variation and covariation of these three components. To address this, we made detailed recordings of calling males, including call amplitude, vocal sac volume and water ripple height, in 54 frogs (2430 calls). We found that all three measures correlated, with the strongest association between the vocal sac volume and call amplitude. We also found that multimodal models predicted the mass of calling males better than unimodal models. These results demonstrate how multimodal components of a communication system relate to each other and provide an important foundation for future studies on how receivers integrate and compare complex displays.
Human umbilical cord blood-mesenchymal stem cell-derived secretome in combination with atorvastatin enhances endothelial progenitor cells proliferation and migration
Authors: Oktaviono Yudi Her , Hutomo Suryo Ardi , Al-Farabi Makhyan Jibril , Chouw Angliana , Sandra Ferry
Published: May 2021

Background: Human umbilical cord blood-mesenchymal stem cell (hUCB-MSC)-derived secretome is known to be able to promote neovascularization and angiogenesis, so it is also thought to have a capability to modulate endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) functions. Atorvastatin is the cornerstone of coronary artery disease (CAD) treatment which can enhance EPCs proliferation and migration. This study aims to analyze the effect of the hUCB-MSC-derived secretome and its combination with atorvastatin toward EPCs proliferation and migration.

Methods: EPCs were isolated from a CAD patient’s peripheral blood. Cultured EPCs were divided into a control group and treatment group of 2.5 µM atorvastatin, hUCB-MSC-derived secretome (2%, 10%, and 20% concentration) and its combination. EPCs proliferation was evaluated using an MTT cell proliferation assay, and EPC migration was evaluated using a Transwell migration assay kit.

Results: This research showed that hUCB-MSC-derived secretomes significantly increase EPC proliferation and migration in a dose-dependent manner. The high concentration of hUCB-MSC-derived secretome were shown to be superior to atorvastatin in inducing EPC proliferation and migration (p<0.001). A combination of the hUCB-MSC-derived secretome and atorvastatin shown to improve EPCs proliferation and migration compared to hUCB-MSC-derived secretome treatment or atorvastatin alone (p<0.001).

Conclusions: This study concluded that the hUCB-MSC-derived secretome work synergistically with atorvastatin treatment in improving EPCs proliferation and migration.
Compliance of WHO and UNICEF estimates of national immunization coverage (WUENIC) with Guidelines for Accurate and Transparent Health Estimates Reporting (GATHER) criteria
Authors: Danovaro-Holliday M. Carolina , Gacic-Dobo Marta , Diallo Mamadou S. , Murphy Padraic , Brown David W.
Published: May 2021

Background: The objective of the study was to assess compliance of the WHO and UNICEF estimates of national immunization coverage (WUENIC) against the 18 criteria of the Guidelines for Accurate and Transparent Health Estimates Reporting (GATHER) that define and promote good practice in reporting of global health estimates.

Methods: We conducted a desk review of the WUENIC estimation and reporting process vis-à-vis each of the 18 GATHER criteria to complete a self-assessment of compliance with GATHER.

Results: Overall, WUENIC estimates are fully compliant with 17 of the GATHER criteria and partially compliant with one criterion—criterion 11, which is related to candidate model evaluation and final model selection.

Conclusion: The GATHER criteria provide a useful framework for documenting WUENIC’s compliance with contemporary reporting requirements. Given the role of vaccination coverage estimates in global monitoring and guiding disease control efforts, WHO and UNICEF strive to produce and publish robust estimates of vaccination coverage through a transparent process that emphasizes country involvement.
A study protocol of qualitative data sharing practices in clinical trials in the UK and Ireland: towards the production of good practice guidance
Authors: Houghton Catherine , McCarthy Megan , Gillies Katie , Rousseau Nikki , Wade Julia , Gamble Carrol , Toomey Elaine , Matvienko-Sikar Karen , Sydes Matthew , Dowling Maura , Bryant Val , Biesty Linda
Published: May 2021

Background: Data sharing enables researchers to conduct novel research with previously collected data sets, thus maximising scientific findings and cost effectiveness, and reducing research waste. The value of sharing anonymised data from clinical trials is well recognised with a moderated access approach recommended. While substantial challenges to data sharing remain, there are additional challenges for qualitative data. Qualitative data including videos, interviews, and observations are often more readily identifiable than quantitative data. Existing guidance from UK Economic and Social Research Council applies to sharing qualitative data but does not address the additional challenges related to sharing qualitative data collected within trials, including the need to incorporate the necessary information and consent into already complex recruitment processes, with the additional sensitive nature of health-related data.

Methods: Work package 1 will involve separate focus group interviews with members of each stakeholder group: trial managers, clinical trialists, qualitative researchers, members of research funding bodies and trial participants who have been involved in qualitative research. Data will be analysed using thematic analysis and managed within QSR NVivo to enhance transparency. Work package 2 will involve a documentary analysis of current consent procedures for qualitative data collected as part of the conduct of clinical trials. We will include documents such as participant information leaflets and consent forms for the qualitative components in trials. We will extract data such as whether specific clauses for data sharing are included in the consent form. Content analysis will be used to analyse whether and how consent is being obtained for qualitative data sharing.

Conclusions: This study will provide insight into the existing practice of sharing of qualitative data in clinical trials and the current issues and opportunities, to help shape future research and development of guidance to encourage maximum learning to be gained from this valuable data.
Investigating the School Climate Perceptions and School Motivations of Middle School Students
Authors: Dincer Beste
Published: May 2021

The aim of the research was to investigate the relation between middle school students' perceptions of school climate and school motivation, whether school climate perceptions have a significant power on school motivation as well as to see if those perceptions and motivation differ significantly depending on gender, grade level, and school location variables. The sample of the study consisted of 674 middle school students studying in two state schools, which were located in the central district and village in Kosk province in Aydin in Turkey. Data were collected by using School Climate Perceptions Scale and School Motivation Scale with three questioned personal information form. Results showed that there were significant medium-level correlations between school climate perceptions and school motivation of middle school students. While grade-level variables had significant differences in both school climate perceptions and school motivation of middle school students, the location did not create a difference. On the other hand, gender had a significant difference only with school motivation. Finally, the model tested student-teacher relation significantly predicted 18% of the school motivations of middle school students.
Performance Evaluation of Two Medium-Grade Power Generation Systems with CO2 Based Transcritical Rankine Cycle (CTRC)
Authors: Sajwan Kshitiz , Sharma Meeta , Shukla Anoop Kumar
Published: May 2021

As CO2 is emerging as an environment friendly working fluid its applicationin high temperature engine’s waste heat recovery systems is found to bemore suitable than other hydrocarbons. This paper presents a performancecomparison of two systems based on transcritical Rankine cycle using CO2as working fluid. A heavy-duty truck is opted for analysis in which coolantis used to preheat CO2 and further the engine exhaust is used to transferthe heat to main heater. The System-1 and System-2 having single and dualloop based transcritical Rankine cycle are analysed. The independent param-eters taken for the investigative analysis are turbine inlet temperature (TIT),pressure ratio and effectiveness of heat exchangers. Comparison results showthat System-2 is producing 11.8 kW more power than system-1 at 12 MPapressure ratio and at 489◦C TIT. However, under same conditions, system-1 ishaving 16.88% of thermal efficiency which is higher than system-2 by around3%. Further, the Engine coolant utilization rates when compared are nearlysame in both the systems, the exhaust gas utilization rate came out higherfor System-2. In respect of exergy destruction, system-1 shows maximumdestruction in regenerator and System-2 in heater-2.
Study on Oil Flow Characteristics and Winding Temperature Distribution of Oil-immersed Transformer
Authors: Chen Ye , Luo Chuan , Xu Wenjiao , Zhang Guipeng , Tang Biao , Wei Ling , Zhao Zhengang
Published: May 2021

The stability and effective functioning of a power grid depends upon the reliability as well as safety prospects of a transformer which is the principal component of the power system. The natural oil circulation in the oil-immersed transformer drifts the oil flow by the change in the density which is again caused by the change in temperature. But the pressure is comparatively low with respect to the oil pump causing the lower down of velocity which in turn dissipates unimpressionable heat. In this paper, a noble attempt has been made to build a natural oil circulation layer-type winding transformer based on a fluid-solid coupling heat transfer model pertaining to the internal temperature field and flow field by using the fluid mechanics’ simulation software. In the next stage, the authors have analyzed the temperature distribution, hot spot, position condition of the variable winding, the horizontal the oil channel width as well as the temperature of the winding transformer. The paper is of great significance as it examines the influence of the flow characteristics of oil channel on the winding temperature distribution. The outcome can significantly improve the structure of heat dissipation and the operating environment of the transformer.
Roll-to-plate additive manufacturing
Authors: Wu Xiumei , Qiao Wen , Zhu Ming , Ren Jinru , Pu Donglin , Chen Linsen
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we propose a roll-to-plate (R2P) projection micro-stereolithography (PSL) 3D printer, where layers of photopolymer are transferred and photopolymerized through a flexible membrane. Benefitting from the “coat-expose-peel” procedure, highly viscous material can be printed quickly with good vertical resolution. Most importantly, the multinozzle dispensing method enables the fabrication of multimaterial architectures with high throughput, low material consumption, and low cross-contamination. R2P-PSL exhibits superior features for flexible 3D printing in terms of material complexity. For this purpose, we envision infinite scenarios involving potential applications in bionics, biotechnology, microcircuit graphics, photonic devices, microfluidics and material science.
Tuning the emission color of a quantum emitter by using photonic local density of states
Authors: Chen Gong , Li Xiaoguang
Published: May 2021

Quantum emitters characterized by their emission colors constitute important elements in the design of modern nano-optics. Although we can change the emission colors of a quantum emitter by tailoring its chemical component, once selected, the color usually cannot be changed. It will be tempting to find out whether the emission color of an emitter could be tuned without touching its chemical component. In this Letter, we theoretically propose a strategy to externally tune the emission color of a model emitter by changing its electromagnetic environment. We found that the photonic local density of states (PLDOS) strongly affect the competition between various internal radiative and nonradiative channels, thus enabling a selective electronic state to dominate the emission spectrum. Indeed, quantitative calculations show that the emission color of a model emitter could be tuned from red to green and blue as the PLDOS increases. Moreover, due to direct correspondence between the emission color and PLDOS, the emitter can be potentially used as a sensor to characterize the local electromagnetic environment by its emission color at the nanoscale. This simple strategy may prove to be useful in the future design of various nano-optical devices.
Temporal and spectral unmixing of photoacoustic signals by deep learning
Authors: Zhou Yifeng , Zhong Fenghe , Hu Song
Published: May 2021

Improving the imaging speed of multi-parametric photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) is essential to leveraging its impact in biomedicine. However, to avoid temporal overlap, the A-line rate is limited by the acoustic speed in biological tissues to a few megahertz. Moreover, to achieve high-speed PAM of the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin, the stimulated Raman scattering effect in optical fibers has been widely used to generate 558 nm from a commercial 532 nm laser for dual-wavelength excitation. However, the fiber length for effective wavelength conversion is typically short, corresponding to a small time delay that leads to a significant overlap of the A-lines acquired at the two wavelengths. Increasing the fiber length extends the time interval but limits the pulse energy at 558 nm. In this Letter, we report a conditional generative adversarial network-based approach that enables temporal unmixing of photoacoustic A-line signals with an interval as short as

∼

38

n
s

, breaking the physical limit on the A-line rate. Moreover, this deep learning approach allows the use of multi-spectral laser pulses for PAM excitation, addressing the insufficient energy of monochromatic laser pulses. This technique lays the foundation for ultrahigh-speed multi-parametric PAM.
Interannual variability in net ecosystem carbon production in a rain-fed maize ecosystem and its climatic and biotic controls during 2005–2018
Authors: Zhang Hui , Zhao Tianhong , Lyu Sidan , Wu Hang , Yang Yang , Wen Xuefa
Published: May 2021

Interannual variability (IAV) in net ecosystem carbon production (NEP) plays an important role in the processes of the carbon cycle, but the long-term trends in NEP and the climatic and biotic control of IAV in NEP still remain unclear in agroecosystems. We investigated interannual variability in NEP, expressed as annual values and anomalies, and its climatic and biotic controls using an eddy-covariance dataset for 2005–2018 for rain-fed spring maize in northeastern China. Average annual NEP was 270±31 g C m−2yr −1, with no significant changes over time. The effects on interannual variability in NEP of gross ecosystem productivity (GEP) that was mainly controlled by soil water content (SWC) and leaf area index (LAI), were more than those of respiration (RE) that was controlled by temperature and LAI. Further, maximum daily NEP (NEPmax) that was dominated by summer vapor pressure deficit explained the largest fraction of annual anomalies in NEP, followed by carbon dioxide uptake period (CUP) that was defined by the beginning date (BDOY) and the end date (EDOY) of CUP. The variability in BDOY was mainly determined by spring precipitation and the effective accumulated temperature, and the variability in EDOY was determined by autumn precipitation, SWC and LAI. NEP may decrease with declining precipitation in the future due to decreasing GEP, NEPmax, or CUP, and irrigation and residues cover may be useful in efforts to maintain current NEP levels. Our results indicate that interannual variability in NEP in agroecosystems may be more sensitive to changes in water conditions (such as precipitation, SWC and VPD) induced by climate changes, while temperature may be an important indirect factor when VPD is dominated.
Correlative fluorescence microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and secondary ion mass spectrometry (CLEM-SIMS) for cellular imaging
Authors: Lange Felix , Agüi-Gonzalez Paola , Riedel Dietmar , Phan Nhu T. N. , Jakobs Stefan , Rizzoli Silvio O.
Published: May 2021

Electron microscopy (EM) has been employed for decades to analyze cell structure. To also analyze the positions and functions of specific proteins, one typically relies on immuno-EM or on a correlation with fluorescence microscopy, in the form of correlated light and electron microscopy (CLEM). Nevertheless, neither of these procedures is able to also address the isotopic composition of cells. To solve this, a correlation with secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) would be necessary. SIMS has been correlated in the past to EM or to fluorescence microscopy in biological samples, but not to CLEM. We achieved this here, using a protocol based on transmission EM, conventional epifluorescence microscopy and nanoSIMS. The protocol is easily applied, and enables the use of all three technologies at high performance parameters. We suggest that CLEM-SIMS will provide substantial information that is currently beyond the scope of conventional correlative approaches.
Isolation of the Buchnera aphidicola flagellum basal body complexes from the Buchnera membrane
Authors: Schepers Matthew J. , Yelland James N. , Moran Nancy A. , Taylor David W.
Published: May 2021

Buchnera aphidicola is an intracellular bacterial symbiont of aphids and maintains a small genome of only 600 kbps. Buchnera is thought to maintain only genes relevant to the symbiosis with its aphid host. Curiously, the Buchnera genome contains gene clusters coding for flagellum basal body structural proteins and for flagellum type III export machinery. These structures have been shown to be highly expressed and present in large numbers on Buchnera cells. No recognizable pathogenicity factors or secreted proteins have been identified in the Buchnera genome, and the relevance of this protein complex to the symbiosis is unknown. Here, we show isolation of Buchnera flagellum basal body proteins from the cellular membrane of Buchnera, confirming the enrichment of flagellum basal body proteins relative to other proteins in the Buchnera proteome. This will facilitate studies of the structure and function of the Buchnera flagellum structure, and its role in this model symbiosis.
A role for the immune system-released activating agent (ISRAA) in the ontogenetic development of brain astrocytes
Authors: Al-Awadi Aminah M. I. , AlJawder Abdulaziz Isa , Mousa Alyaa , Taha Safa , Bakhiet Moiz
Published: May 2021

The Immune System-Released Activating Agent (ISRAA) was discovered as a novel molecule that functions as a mediator between the nervous and immune systems in response to a nervous stimulus following an immune challenge. This research investigated the role of ISRAA) in promoting the ontogeny of the mouse brain astrocytes. Astrocyte cultures were prepared from two-month-old BALB/c mice. Recombinant ISRAA protein was used to stimulate astrocyte cultures. Immunohistochemistry and ELISA were utilized to measure ISRAA and IFN-γ levels, IFN-γR expression and STAT1 nuclear translocation. MTT-assay was used to evaluate cellular survival and proliferation. To assess astrocyte cell lysates and tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins, SDS-PAGE and western blot were used. ISRAA was highly expressed in mouse embryonic astrocytes, depending on cell age. Astrocytes aged seven days (E7) showed increased proliferation and diminished differentiation, while 21-day-old (E21) astrocytes depicted reversed effects. IFN-γ was involved in the ISRAA action as ISRAA induced IFN-γ in both age groups, but only E21 astrocytes expressed IFN-γR. ISRAA stimulation of E21 resulted in tyrosine phosphorylation of numerous cellular proteins and the nuclear translocation of STAT1, a signalling pathway utilized by IFN-γ. The results suggest that ISRAA is involved in mouse brain development through the cytokine network involving IFN-γ.
Management of childhood and adolescent latent tuberculous infection (LTBI) in Germany, Austria and Switzerland
Authors: von Both Ulrich , Gerlach Philipp , Ritz Nicole , Bogyi Matthias , Brinkmann Folke , Thee Stephanie
Published: May 2021

Background

Majority of active tuberculosis (TB) cases in children in low-incidence countries are due to rapid progression of infection (latent TB infection (LTBI)) to disease. We aimed to assess common practice for managing paediatric LTBI in Austria, Germany and Switzerland prior to the publication of the first joint national guideline for paediatric TB in 2017.

Methods

Online-based survey amongst pediatricians, practitioners and staff working in the public health sector between July and November 2017. Data analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS.

Results

A total of 191 individuals participated in the survey with 173 questionnaires included for final analysis. Twelve percent of respondents were from Austria, 60% from Germany and 28% from Switzerland. Proportion of children with LTBI and migrant background was estimated by the respondents to be >50% by 58%. Tuberculin skin test (TST) and interferon-γ-release-assay (IGRA), particularly Quantiferon-gold-test, were reported to be used in 86% and 88%, respectively. In children > 5 years with a positive TST or IGRA a chest x-ray was commonly reported to be performed (28%). Fifty-three percent reported to take a different diagnostic approach in children ≤ 5 years, mainly combining TST, IGRA and chest x-ray for initial testing (31%). Sixty-eight percent reported to prescribe isoniazid-monotherapy: for 9 (62%), or 6 months (6%), 31% reported to prescribe combination therapy of isoniazid and rifampicin. Dosing of isoniazid and rifampicin below current recommendations was reported by up to 22% of respondents. Blood-sampling before/during LTBI treatment was reported in >90% of respondents, performing a chest-X-ray at the end of treatment by 51%.

Conclusion

This survey showed reported heterogeneity in the management of paediatric LTBI. Thus, regular and easily accessible educational activities and national up-to-date guidelines are key to ensure awareness and quality of care for children and adolescents with LTBI in low-incidence countries.
NMR analysis of the correlation of metabolic changes in blood and cerebrospinal fluid in Alzheimer model male and female mice
Authors: Stojanovic Filip , Taktek Mariam , Khieu Nam Huan , Huang Junzhou , Jiang Susan , Rennie Kerry , Chakravarthy Balu , Costain Will J. , Cuperlovic-Culf Miroslava
Published: May 2021

The development of effective therapies as well as early, molecular diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is impeded by the lack of understanding of the underlying pathological mechanisms. Metabolomics studies of body fluids as well as brain tissues have shown major changes in metabolic profiles of Alzheimer’s patients. However, with analysis performed at the late stages of the disease it is not possible to distinguish causes and consequence. The mouse model APP/PS1 expresses a mutant amyloid precursor protein resulting in early Amyloid β (Aβ) accumulation as well as many resulting physiological changes including changes in metabolic profile and metabolism. Analysis of metabolic profile of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood of APP/PS1 mouse model can provide information about metabolic changes in these body fluids caused by Aβ accumulation. Using our novel method for analysis of correlation and mathematical ranking of significant correlations between metabolites in CSF and blood, we have explored changes in metabolite correlation and connectedness in APP/PS1 and wild type mice. Metabolites concentration and correlation changes in CSF, blood and across the blood brain barrier determined in this work are affected by the production of amyloid plaque. Metabolite changes observed in the APP/PS1 mouse model are the response to the mutation causing plaque formation, not the cause for the plaque suggesting that they are less relevant in the context of early treatment and prevention then the metabolic changes observed only in humans.