bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microstructural and intergranular corrosion properties of Inconel 625 superalloys fabricated using wire arc additive manufacturing
Authors: Guo Chun , Ying Meng , Dang Hengyao , Hu Ruizhang , Chen Feng 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Inconel 625 superalloy samples were fabricated using wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM). The phase composition, microstructure, anti-corrosion, and mechanical properties of the Inconel 625 WAAM samples were analyzed. The microstructure of the Inconel 625 WAAM alloy showed good forming quality, no defects, and good metallurgical bonding within the specimens. The metallographic structure exhibited primarily γ-Ni and granular precipitated phases; the average microhardness of the transverse and longitudinal cross-sections of the sample was 243.5 and 243.3 HV0.1, respectively. Yield and tensile strength as well as elongation, decrease in area, and the room-temperature impact values of this alloy were equal to 450 and 736 MPa, 38% and 52%, and 152 J, respectively. The intergranular corrosion test results indicated that the average corrosion rate of the sample is 0.609 mm/year, indicating excellent resistance to intergranular corrosion.
Surface-enhanced Raman scattering effect in binary systems formed by graphene on aluminum plasmonic nanostructures
Authors: González-Campuzano R , Sato-Berrú R Y , Mendoza D 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Binary systems (BS) formed by graphene (GR) deposited on top of aluminum (Al) nanoconcaves (Al-NC) and Al nanodomes (Al-ND) were synthesized by electrochemical anodization of Al. Using the plasmonic response of Al-NC and Al-ND and the distinctive physical and chemical properties of GR, these BS are proposed as Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) sensors using rhodamine 6G (R6G) as a proof molecule. As expected, the BS significantly enhances Raman signals of R6G molecules in comparison with substrates used as references, also suppressing the fluorescence background of R6G molecules.
A note on point-finite coverings by balls
Authors: De Bernardi Carlo Alberto 
Published: February 2021

We provide an elementary proof of a result by V. P. Fonf and C. Zanco on point-finite coverings of separable Hilbert spaces. Indeed, by using a variation of the famous argument introduced by J. Lindenstrauss and R. R. Phelps [Israel J. Math. 6 (1968), pp. 39–48] to prove that the unit ball of a reflexive infinite-dimensional Banach space has uncountably many extreme points, we prove the following result.

Let

X
X

be an infinite-dimensional Hilbert space satisfying

d
e
n
s

(
X
)
>

2

ℵ
0

\mathrm {dens}(X)>2^{\aleph _0}

, then

X
X

does not admit point-finite coverings by open or closed balls, each of positive radius.

In the second part of the paper, we follow the argument introduced by V. P. Fonf, M. Levin, and C. Zanco in [J. Geom. Anal. 24 (2014), pp. 1891–1897] to prove that the previous result holds also in infinite-dimensional Banach spaces that are both uniformly rotund and uniformly smooth.
Underage Adolescents’ Reactions to Adverts for Beer and Spirit Brands and Associations with Higher Risk Drinking and Susceptibility to Drink: A Cross-Sectional Study in the UK
Authors: Boniface S , Critchlow N , Severi K , MacKintosh A M , Hooper L , Thomas C , Vohra J 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Aims
In the UK, adolescents under the minimum legal purchasing age (&lt;18 years) are aware of a variety of alcohol marketing activities. It is therefore important to examine how such marketing appeals and how it might shape consumption. This study assessed the relationships between positive reactions to alcohol adverts and susceptibility to drink among never drinkers and higher-risk drinking among current drinkers.

Methods
Online cross-sectional survey of 11–17 year olds (n = 2582) in the UK. Adolescents were shown three video alcohol adverts (Fosters Radler/Haig Club Clubman/Smirnoff). Reactions to each were measured by eight scale-items (e.g. 1 = makes [Brand] seem unappealing to 5 = makes [Brand] seem appealing), which were combined into a composite score (coded: positive versus other). Logistic regressions assessed associations between overall positive advert reactions and drinking behaviours.

Results
Half of adolescents had overall positive reactions to the Smirnoff (52%) and Fosters (53%) adverts, and a third (34%) had a positive reaction to the Haig Club advert. Across all three adverts, positive reactions were associated with ~1.5 times increased odds of being susceptible to drink among never drinkers. Among current drinkers, positive reactions to the Foster’s Radler and Haig Club adverts were associated with around 1.4 times increased odds of being a higher-risk drinker.

Conclusions
These alcohol advertisements commonly appealed to underage adolescents, and these reactions were associated with susceptibility among never drinkers and higher-risk consumption among current drinkers. Regulatory consideration should be given to what messages are permitted in alcohol advertising, including international alternatives (e.g. only factual information).
Puerarin plays a protective role in chondrocytes by activating Beclin1-dependent autophagy
Authors: Li Guishuang , Rao Hongming , Xu Weihong 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACT
Puerarin can protect chondrocytes, whereby ameliorating osteoarthritis. Puerarin also promotes autophagy. Autophagy maintains chondrocyte homeostasis. The role of autophagy in puerarin-protected chondrocytes is unknown. Puerarin promoted chondrocyte autophagy. Puerarin-protected chondrocytes were reversed by autophagy inhibitors and Beclin1 inhibitor. 3-MA or Beclin1 inhibitor in vivo reversed puerarin-ameliorated cartilage damage of osteoarthritis mice. Thus, puerarin can protect chondrocytes through Beclin1-dependent autophagy activation.
Mutant Zp1 impedes incorporation of ZP3 and ZP4 in the zona pellucida, resulting in zona absence and female infertility in rats
Authors: Lv Chao , Huang Hua-Lin , Yi Da-Jing , Peng Tian-Liu , Tan Hang-Jing , Quan Ru-Ping , Deng Hong-Wen , Xiao Hong-Mei 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The zona pellucida (ZP) plays vital roles in reproductive processes including oogenesis, fertilization, and preimplantation development. Both human and rat ZP consist of four glycoproteins, called ZP1, ZP2, ZP3, and ZP4. Our previous research reported a novel Zp1 mutation in cases of human infertility, associated with an abnormal phenotype involving the absence of the ZP. Here, we developed a homologous rat strain to investigate the pathogenic effect. The ovaries of homozygous (Zp1MT/MT) females possessed both growing and fully grown oocytes; the oocytes completely lacked a ZP, but ZP1 was detectable inside the cytoplasm. Only 1–2 eggs were recovered from oviducts of superovulated Zp1MT/MT females, while an average of 21 eggs were recovered from superovulated Zp1WT/WT per female. The eggs of Zp1MT/MT females were not surrounded by a ZP and lost their fertilization capacity in vitro. Zp1MT/MT females mated with wild-type males failed to become pregnant. Studies in 293T cells showed that mutant Zp1 resulted in a truncated ZP1 protein, which might be intracellularly sequestered and interacted with wild-type ZP3 or ZP4. Our results suggest that the Zp1 point mutation led to infertility and loss of the ZP in oocytes in rats.
Soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 and angiotensin2 target calcitonin gene-related peptide family peptides in maternal vascular smooth muscle cells in pregnancy†
Authors: Chauhan Madhu , Betancourt Ancizar , Balakrishnan Meena , Mishra Akansha , Fox Karin , Belfort Michael , Yallampalli Chandra 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACT
Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CALCB), adrenomedullin (ADM), and adrenomedullin2 (ADM2) are hypotensive peptides that belong to CALCB family of peptides. Goal of this study was to identify the effect of fms-like tyrosine kinase (sFLT-1) and angiotensin2 (Ang2) on the function of these peptides in OA smooth muscle cells (OASMC) and assess the sensitivity of OA for these peptides in preeclampsia (PE) and normotensive pregnancy. Methods: Peptide function was assessed by Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) assays and wire myograph; mRNA expression by Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and protein-protein interaction by proximity ligation assay and co-immunoprecipitation. Findings: All three peptides increased cAMP synthesis in the order of efficacy CALCB &gt; ADM = ADM2 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA in OASMC (P &lt; 0.05); sFLT-1 mediated decrease in cAMP synthesis (P &lt; 0.05) is differentially rescued by all three CALCB family peptides in OASMC (P &lt; 0.005); sFLT-1 decreased receptor activity-modifying protein (RAMP)1 and RAMP2 mRNA expression (P &lt; 0.05); Ang2 decreased the expression of calcitonin-receptor-like receptor and RAMP1 mRNA and desensitized CALCB and ADM2 receptors in OASMC (P &lt; 0.05); sFLT-1 increased RAMP1and Ang2 type 1 receptor (AT1R) interaction in OASMC which is inhibited in presence of all three peptides; and all three peptides relax OA in PE with enhanced ADM2 response (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: sFLT-1 and Ang2 impair OASMC mediated functional responses of CALCB family peptides which can be inhibited by respective peptide treatment. The sensitivity of OA for CALCB, ADM, and ADM2-mediated relaxation is retained in PE.
High-fat diet, adipokines and low-grade inflammation are associated with disrupted tendon healing: a systematic review of preclinical studies
Authors: Elli Silvia , Schiaffini Gabriele , Macchi Marina , Spezia Matteo , Chisari Emanuele , Maffulli Nicola 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background
The aetiopathogenesis of tendinopathy is uncertain, but inflammation may play a role in the early phase of tendinopathy and in tendon healing response. We investigated the most up-to-date evidence about the association between obesity, high-fat diet and tendinopathy, focusing on the role of adipokines, inflammatory pathways and molecular changes.

Sources of data
A systematic review was performed searching PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases following the PRISMA guidelines. We included studies of any level of evidence published in peer-reviewed journals. The risk of bias (SIRCLE) was assessed, as was the methodological quality (CAMARADES) of the included studies. We excluded all the articles with a high risk of bias and/or low quality after the assessment. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we included 14 studies of medium or high quality.

Areas of agreement
A high-fat diet negatively affects tendon quality, increasing the risk of rupture and tendinopathy.

Areas of controversy
Controversial evidence exists on both tendon fat infiltration secondary to a dysregulation of the lipid metabolism and of a molecular effect of inflammatory pathways.

Growing points
The secretion of adipokines is strictly related to fat ingestion and body composition and can potentially act on tendon physiology and injury.

Areas timely for developing research
Adipokines, low-grade inflammation and fat intake play a role in disrupting tendon healing and setting up tendinopathy. Further high-quality research is needed to better define the molecular pathways involved.
Incorporating both genetic and tobacco smoking data to identify high-risk smokers for lung cancer screening
Authors: Jia Guochong , Wen Wanqing , Massion Pierre P , Shu Xiao-Ou , Zheng Wei 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recently proposed to widen the current lung cancer screening guideline to include less-heavy smokers. We sought to incorporate both genetic and tobacco smoking data to evaluate the proposed new guideline in white smokers. We constructed a polygenic risk score (PRS) using lung cancer risk variants. Using data from 308 490 participants of European descent in the UK Biobank, a population-based cohort study, we estimated hazard ratios of lung cancer associated with both tobacco smoking and PRS to identify individuals at a similar or higher risk than the group of heavy smokers who are recommended for screening under the USPSTF-2014 guideline (≥30 pack-years, either current or former smokers who quit within 15 years). During a median follow-up of 5.8 years, 1449 incident cases of lung cancer were identified. We found a similar lung cancer risk for current smokers with 20–29 pack-years [hazard ratio = 20.7, 95% confidence interval: 16.3–26.4] and the ‘heavy smoker group’ defined above (hazard ratio = 19.9, 95% confidence interval: 16.8–23.6) compared with never smokers. Current smokers with 20–29 pack-years did not reach a 6-year absolute risk of 0.0151, a suggested risk threshold for using low-dose computed tomography screening, until the age of 55 years. However, these smokers at high genetic risk (PRS ≥ 80%) reached this risk level at the age of 50. Our findings support the USPSTF proposal to lower the smoking pack-year eligibility to 20 pack-years for current smokers and suggest that PRS for lung cancer could be considered to identify high-risk smokers for screening.
Natural variation in social conditions affects male mate choosiness in the amphipodGammarus roeselii
Authors: Lipkowski Konrad , Steigerwald Sophie , Schulte Lisa M , Sommer-Trembo Carolin , Jourdan Jonas 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe extent of male mate choosiness is driven by a trade-off between various environmental factors associated with the costs of mate acquisition, quality assessment and opportunity costs. Our knowledge about natural variation in male mate choosiness across different populations of the same species, however, remains limited. In this study, we compared male mate choosiness across 10 natural populations of the freshwater amphipod Gammarus roeselii (Gervais 1835), a species with overall high male mating investments, and evaluated the relative influence of population density and sex ratio (both affecting mate availability) on male mate choosiness. We investigated amplexus establishment after separating mating pairs and presenting focal males with a novel, size-matched female from the same population. Our analysis revealed considerable effects of sex ratio and (to a lesser extent) population density on time until amplexus establishment (choosiness). Male amphipods are able to perceive variable social conditions (e.g., sex ratio) and modify their mating strategy accordingly: We found choosiness to be reduced in increasingly male-biased populations, whereas selectivity increases when sex ratio becomes female biased. With this, our study expands our limited knowledge on natural variations in male mate choosiness and illustrates the importance of sex ratio (i.e., level of competition) for male mating decisions in natural environments. Accounting for variation in sex ratios, therefore, allows envisioning a distinctive variation of choosiness in natural populations and highlights the importance of considering social background information in future behavioral studies.
Chromosome-scale genome assembly of Japanese pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) variety ‘Nijisseiki’
Authors: Shirasawa Kenta , Itai Akihiro , Isobe Sachiko 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
We analyzed the genome sequence of a Japanese pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) to facilitate its genetics and genomics as well as breeding programs, in which a variety 'Nijisseiki' with superior flesh texture has been used as a parent for most Japanese pear cultivars. De novo assembly of long sequence reads covered 136× of the Japanese pear genome and generated 503.9 Mb contigs consisting of 114 sequences with an N50 value of 7.6 Mb. Contigs were assigned to Japanese pear genetic maps to establish 17 chromosome-scale sequences. In total, 44,876 high-confidence protein-encoding genes were predicted, 84.3% of which were supported by predicted genes and transcriptome data from Japanese pear relatives. As expected, evidence of genome-wide duplication was observed, consistent with related species. This is the first chromosome-scale genome sequence analysis reported for Japanese pear, and this resource will support breeding programs and provide new insights into the physiology and evolutionary history of Japanese pear.
Still taboo? Using machine translation for low-level EFL writers
Authors: Lee Yoo-Jean 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This study investigates the application of machine translation (MT) in an EFL writing class and its impact on lower proficiency level writers. Theoretically grounded in the social nature of learning, the MT-based writing class is applied to students in four steps: planning, drafting with MT, revising MT output, and individual writing with MT. The peer-editing process and the teacher’s guidance have been found to be critical factors in terms of enhancing students’ metalinguistic awareness at both the micro-level and macro-level revisions of MT output. Additionally, by gaining confidence and motivation, the students become more autonomous and self-directed. The results of this study provide insights into how an MT-based EFL writing class can be conducted successfully by including peer and teacher feedback and thus result in MT being viewed as an effective tool, rather than being considered taboo for helping lower level EFL learners in writing.
Genomic Evidence for Convergent Molecular Adaptation in Electric Fishes
Authors: Wang Ying , Yang Liandong 
Published: February 2021

AbstractFishes have independently evolved electric organs (EOs) at least six times, and the electric fields are used for communication, defense, and predation. However, the genetic basis of convergent evolution of EOs remains unclear. In this study, we conducted comparative genomic analyses to detect genes showing signatures of positive selection and convergent substitutions in electric fishes from three independent lineages (Mormyroidea, Siluriformes, and Gymnotiformes). Analysis of 4,657 orthologs between electric fishes and their corresponding control groups identified consistent evidence for accelerated evolution in electric fish lineages. A total of 702 positively selected genes (PSGs) were identified in electric fishes, and many of these genes corresponded to cell membrane structure, ion channels, and transmembrane transporter activity. Comparative genomic analyses revealed that widespread convergent amino acid substitutions occurred along the electric fish lineages. The overlap of convergent genes and PSGs was identified as adaptive convergence, and a subset of genes was putatively associated with electrical and muscular activities, especially scn4aa (a voltage-gated sodium channel gene). Our results provide hints to the genetic basis for the independent evolution of EOs during millions of years of evolution.
Short-, Medium-, and Long-term Weight Changes and All-Cause Mortality in Old Age: Findings From the National Survey of the Japanese Elderly
Authors: Murayama Hiroshi , Liang Jersey , Shaw Benjamin A , Botoseneanu Anda , Kobayashi Erika , Fukaya Taro , Shinkai Shoji 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background
Recent studies, predominantly in Western populations, suggest that both weight loss and weight gain are associated with an increased mortality risk in old age. However, evidence of this association in older Asian populations remains sparse. This study aimed to examine the association between weight change and all-cause mortality in a nationally representative sample of community-dwelling older Japanese people.

Methods
Data were obtained from the National Survey of the Japanese Elderly, which included 4869 adults aged ≥60 years. Participants were followed for up to 30 years. We considered 3 indicators of weight change according to the follow-up interval: short-term (3 years), medium-term (6–7 years), and long-term (12–13 years). Weight change was classified as loss ≥ 5%, loss 2.5%–4.9%, stable (±2.4%), gain 2.5%–4.9%, and gain ≥ 5%. Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate the relative mortality risk of each weight change category.

Results
Weight loss ≥ 5% for all intervals was associated with higher mortality than stable weight and the effects were largely similar across all 3 intervals (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.36 [1.22–1.51] for short-term, 1.36 [1.22–1.51] for medium-term, and 1.31 [1.11–1.54] for long-term). A similar pattern of results was observed among the young–old and old–old, and among men and women. The effect of weight loss on higher mortality was greater among those with a lower body mass index at baseline.

Conclusions
These findings could inform clinical and public health approaches to body-weight management aimed at improving the health and survival of older adults, particularly in Asian populations.
Cultural Differences in the Intended Use of Long-Term Care Services in the United States: The Role of Family Ties
Authors: Diederich Freya , König Hans-Helmut , Brettschneider Christian 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Objectives
In the light of an increasingly diverse older population in the United States, there is an ongoing discussion on how cultural factors contribute to individual long-term care (LTC) needs and service use. This study empirically assesses whether the level of acculturation and cultural differences in the importance of the family shape foreign-born immigrants’ intention to use certain LTC services.

Methods
We correlated immigrants’ intention to use certain LTC services to the cultural strength of family ties that prevails in their region of origin. We used data from the National Health Interview Survey and the World Values Survey/European Values Study for analysis. Multinomial logit models were estimated and predisposing, enabling, and need factors were controlled for. Estimations were weighted to account for the sampling structure, and sensitivity analyses were conducted.

Results
Immigrants from cultures with stronger family ties are significantly more likely to intend the use of LTC options that include the family. Furthermore, immigrants are less likely to intend the use of exclusively family care when having lived in the United States for a longer time.

Discussion
We conclude that cultural differences in family ties shape immigrants’ intention to use certain LTC services. If policymakers aim at increasing the provision of specific LTC services or support to family caregivers, there should be a careful evaluation of demand-side factors in an increasingly culturally diverse society.
Further analyses of APRIL/APRIL-receptor/glycosaminoglycan interactions by biochemical assays linked to computational studies
Authors: Marcisz Mateusz , Huard Bertrand , Lipska Agnieszka G , Samsonov Sergey A 
Published: February 2021

AbstractA proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) is a member of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily. APRIL is quite unique in this superfamily for at least for two reasons: (i) it binds to glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) via its positively charged N-terminus; (ii) one of its signaling receptor, the transmembrane activator and CAML interactor (TACI), was also reported to bind GAGs. Here, as provided by biochemical evidences with the use of an APRIL deletion mutant linked to computational studies, APRIL–GAG interaction involved other regions than the APRIL N-terminus. Preferential interaction of APRIL with heparin followed by chondroitin sulfate E was confirmed by in silico analysis. Both computational and experimental approaches did not reveal the heparan sulfate binding to TACI. Together, computational results corroborated experiments contributing with atomistic details to the knowledge on this biologically relevant trimolecular system. Additionally, a high-throughput rigorous analysis of the free energy calculations data was performed to critically evaluate the applied computational methodologies.