bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pim Kinases as Therapeutic Targets in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Maney Nicola J. , Lemos Henrique , Barron‐Millar Ben , Carey Christopher , Herron Ian , Anderson Amy E. , Mellor Andrew L. , Isaacs John D. , Pratt Arthur G. 
Published: March 2021

ObjectiveAs well as being an established oncoprotein and therapeutic target in cancer, proviral integration site for Moloney murine leukemia virus 1 (Pim‐1) is implicated in human autoimmunity. This study was undertaken to investigate Pim‐1 and its family members as potential therapeutic targets in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsA flow cytometry assay for PIM1 transcript measurement in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with early arthritis was validated and applied as a biomarker of Pim‐1 activity at the cellular level. Synovial protein expression was similarly determined by multiplex immunofluorescence in tissue samples from untreated RA patients and non‐RA disease controls. Functional consequences of Pim kinase family manipulation in freshly isolated CD4+ T cells from these individuals were ascertained, along with the impact of Pim inhibition on mice with collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA).ResultsThe percentage of circulating CD4+ T cells positive for PIM1 transcript by flow cytometry proved a faithful surrogate for gene expression and was significantly higher in patients with early RA than in those with other diseases. Pim‐1 protein levels were similarly up‐regulated in synovial CD4+ T cells from patients with early RA. Ex vivo, exposure of T cell receptor–stimulated early RA CD4+ T cells to Pim kinase inhibitors restrained their activation and proliferative capacity. Diminished production of proinflammatory cytokines (interferon‐γ and interleukin‐17) and an expanded CD25highFoxP3+ Treg cell fraction were also observed in exposed versus unexposed cells. Finally, administration of Pim inhibitors robustly limited arthritis progression and cartilage destruction in CIA.ConclusionOur findings indicate that Pim kinases are plausible therapeutic targets in a readily identifiable subgroup of patients with early RA. Repurposing of Pim inhibitors for this disease should be considered.
What makes an idea worth spreading? Language markers of popularity in TED talks by academics and other speakers
Authors: MacKrill Kate , Silvester Connor , Pennebaker James W. , Petrie Keith J. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTED talks are a popular internet forum where new ideas and research are presented by a wide variety of speakers. In this study, we investigated how the language used in TED talks influenced popularity and viewer ratings. We also investigated the differences in linguistic style and ratings of talks given by academics and non‐academics. The transcripts of 1866 talks were analyzed using the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count program and eight language variables were correlated with number of views and viewer ratings. We found that talks with more analytic language received fewer views, while a greater use of the pronoun “I,” positive emotion and social words was associated with more views. Talks with these linguistic characteristics received more emotional viewer ratings such as inspiring or courageous. When comparing talks by academics and non‐academics, there was no difference in the overall popularity but viewers rated talks by academics as more fascinating, informative, and persuasive while non‐academics received higher emotional ratings. The implications for understanding social influence processes are discussed.
Synthesis of cool white light emitting novel dysprosium (Dy3+) complexes with tetradentate β‐ketoamide and heterocyclic auxiliary ligands
Authors: Punia Monika , Khatkar Satyender Pal , Taxak Vinod Bala , Dhankhar Priyanka , Boora Doon Priti 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTo improve current multiphase white light emitting diodes (WLEDs), a novel series of five complexes consisting of one binary and four ternary complexes that emitted cool white light was successfully synthesized using a chelating tetradentate ligand and auxiliary ligands, i.e. 5,6‐dimethyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline, 1,10‐phenanthroline, 4,4′‐dimethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridyl, and 2,2′‐bipyridyl. The series was examined structurally using elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray analysis, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. These complexes had the appropriate thermal stability required for the generation of white organic LEDs (WOLEDs). Dysprosium (III) (Dy3+) ion complexes demonstrated the characteristic emission peaks of blue colour at 482 nm and yellow colour at 572 nm, respectively, when excited using near ultraviolet light. Band gap, refractive index, and decay lifetime of the optimized samples were recorded as 2.68 eV, 2.12, and 1.601 ms, respectively. Correlated colour temperature value (7875 K), Commission International de l'Eclairage coordinates (0.300, 0.294), and colour purity (21.04 × 10−2) of the optimized complex were near to those of white illuminants as defined by the National Television System Committee. These complexes had promise as commercial LEDs for the advanced optoelectronics devices, especially as WOLEDs for illumination applications.
Knowledge, perception, and interest regarding biotechnology among secondary school students in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
Authors: Kooffreh Mary Esien , Ikpeme Ekei Victor , Mgbado Theresa Iraenghi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA survey was carried out to investigate the knowledge, perception and interest of secondary school students about biotechnology. A total of 334 questionnaires were distributed to students in Senior Secondary 3 classes from eight secondary schools within Calabar metropolis. Data was collected and analyzed using SPSS version 7.5. Results revealed 105 (34.21%) of students had limited knowledge of medical biotechnology, genetic engineering and genetically modified products. 91 (30.03%) of the students agreed that biotechnology is the use of living organisms to produce goods and services while 102 (33.41%) accepted that biotechnology is a new technology based on biology 62 (20.39%) were willing to embrace the applications of biotechnology. 152 (50.03%) do not agree that biotech will improve services for mankind; 90 (29.51) had no idea about the applications of biotechnology; 31 (10.24%) students disagreed that cloning results in perfectly identical individuals while the highest positive responses; 92 (30.31%) was recorded for questions regarding in vitro fertilization. The students also showed a very low interest 76 (25%) in pursuing biotechnology as a degree in the University. Generally students' knowledge, perception, and interest in Biotechnology were low among Secondary School students in Calabar. There is a need to immediately increase enlightenment and emphasis on the applications of biotechnology among Secondary school students to enable them appreciate the benefits of biotechnology.
Sensitive, wide‐range and high‐throughput quantification of cyclosporine in whole blood using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry and comparison with an antibody‐conjugated magnetic immunoassay
Authors: Watanabe Takuma , Tanaka Ryota , Ono Hiroyuki , Suzuki Yosuke , Tatsuta Ryosuke , Itoh Hiroki 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBecause either trough or peak concentration at 2 h after administration is measured in routine therapeutic drug monitoring for cyclosporine A (CyA), a quantification method with a wide‐range calibration curve capable of simultaneously measuring both concentrations is required. We developed a sensitive, wide‐range and high‐throughput quantification method for CyA in whole blood using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS), and compared patients’ blood CyA levels measured by UPLC–MS/MS and antibody‐conjugated magnetic immunoassay (ACMIA). Whole blood samples were prepared by solid‐phase extraction using Oasis HLB μElution plate. The UPLC–MS/MS assay showed excellent linearity over a wide calibration range of 5–2500 ng/mL. Within‐batch accuracy and precision as well as batch‐to‐batch accuracy and precision fulfilled the criteria of US Food and Drug Administration guidelines. The blood CyA concentrations measured by the UPLC–MS/MS assay correlated strongly with those measured by ACMIA. A Bland–Altman plot showed a fixed error between CyA concentrations measured by the two methods, and the concentrations measured by the UPLC–MS/MS method were consistently lower than those measured by ACMIA. We have succeeded to develop a sensitive, wide‐range and high‐throughput quantification method for CyA in whole blood using UPLC–MS/MS.
To engage or not engage? The features of video content on YouTube affecting digital consumer engagement
Authors: Munaro Ana Cristina , Hübner Barcelos Renato , Francisco Maffezzolli Eliane Cristine , Santos Rodrigues João Pedro , Cabrera Paraiso Emerson 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPopularity on YouTube is an important metric for influencers and brands. It is linked to video relevance, content, and features that attract audience attention and interest. We present and test a model of YouTube video popularity drivers that trigger several engagement actions (i.e., number of views, likes, dislikes, and comments). These drivers include characteristics—such as language elements, linguistic style, subjectivity, emotion valence, and video category—that influence online video popularity on YouTube. An analysis of a database comprising more than 11,000 videos from 150 digital influencers shows that several factors help to boost the number of views, likes/dislikes, and comments. We find that medium‐length and long videos posted during non‐business hours and weekdays and those using a subjective language style, less‐active events, and temporal indications are more likely to receive views, likes, and comments. Moreover, the use of negative or low‐arousal emotion helps to promote a general interest in a YouTube video.
Evaluation of Arginine‐Modified Polyepoxysuccinic Acid as Anti‐scaling and Anti‐corrosion Agent
Authors: Zhang Kunfei , Chen Fengjiang , Han Jian , Tian Tian , Jin Yunhan , Zhang Zhixuan , Chen Jianxin 
Published: March 2021

AbstractArginine‐modified polyepoxysuccinic acid (Arg‐PESA) was used as a scale inhibitor to study its anti‐scaling and anti‐corrosion performance. The existence of arginine groups enhances the adsorption and chelation of calcium substances, thus inhibiting the formation of a calcium scale. The effects of temperature, scale inhibitor concentration, pH, and calcium ion concentration on scale inhibition performance were studied. The morphologies and structures of the calcium scale and carbon steel coupons were observed and characterized by spectroscopic and microscopic methods. The interaction between Arg‐PESA and different crystal surfaces of calcium carbonate was simulated by molecular dynamics to elucidate the anti‐scaling mechanism. The addition of Arg‐PESA also significantly enhanced the dispersion of iron oxide.
Increased risk of major congenital malformations in early pregnancy use of angiotensin‐converting‐enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin‐receptor‐blockers: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Fu Jennifer , Tomlinson George , Feig Denice S. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimsTo evaluate the risk of adverse fetal outcomes after exposure to angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE‐Is) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) in first trimester of pregnancy, by conducting a systematic review and meta‐analysis.Materials and MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted using Medline, Embase, Cochrane and PubMed from inception to 25 November 2019. Studies were included if they evaluated pregnancies exposed to ACE‐Is or ARBs, reported fetal outcomes, and compared these outcomes with a control group. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were estimated using inverse variance‐weighted random effects model. The protocol was registered with the PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42020160566).ResultsStudies reporting on 6234 pregnancies exposed to ACE‐Is or ARBs, 4104 pregnancies exposed to other oral antihypertensives, and 1,872,733 pregnancies without exposure were included in the meta‐analysis. ACE‐I or ARB exposed pregnancies, compared to non‐exposed controls, had higher risk of major congenital malformations (OR 1.82; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.42–2.34), cardiovascular malformations (OR 2.50; 95% CI: 1.62–3.87) and stillbirths (OR 1.75; 95% CI: 1.21–2.53). There was no difference in congenital malformations observed between pregnancies exposed to other antihypertensives compared to non‐exposed controls (OR 0.96; 95% CI: 0.69–1.33).ConclusionsWomen exposed to ACE‐Is or ARBs during early pregnancy had higher risk of adverse fetal outcomes, including malformations and stillbirths, than non‐exposed controls. This increased risk was independent of underlying maternal hypertension, as those exposed to other antihypertensives did not exhibit a higher risk than healthy controls. Women planning for pregnancy using these medications, including those with diabetic nephropathy, should be counselled appropriately.
Predicting dyslexia in Arabic‐speaking children: Developing instruments and estimating their psychometric indices
Authors: Gharaibeh Mahmoud 
Published: March 2021

Dyslexia is a reading disability that is characterized by when an individual has trouble in rapid and accurate word decoding. This study developed, piloted and assessed the validity and reliability of three instruments: Rapid Automatized Scale (RANS), Arabic Reading Ability Scale (ARAS) and Phonological Awareness Scale (PAS), on a sample of 700 students (aged 8–9 years). Four groups (n = 30) were formed based on the participants' results of the three instruments; Double Deficit (DD), Rapid Automatized Naming Deficit (RAND), Phonological Awareness Deficit (PAD) and No Deficit groups. Content validities of the instruments were supported using published reports; though educational experts further revised RANS. It found a significant inverse correlation between the PA test score and RAN (mistakes and time) score (r = −.44;p < .001), and a significant positive correlation between RAN mistakes and RAN time (r = .47;p < .001). Acceptable internal reliability of the RANS was demonstrated by a Cronbach's alpha test coefficient ofα = .85 (>.70; acceptable). High inter‐rater reliability tests were observed for the three instruments (r ≥ .86,p < .001). The three instruments can predict reading difficulties and dyslexia in Arabic‐speaking populations.
Environmental DNA metabarcoding as a useful tool for evaluating terrestrial mammal diversity in tropical forests
Authors: Mena José Luis , Yagui Hiromi , Tejeda Vania , Bonifaz Emilio , Bellemain Eva , Valentini Alice , Tobler Mathias W. , Sánchez‐Vendizú Pamela , Lyet Arnaud 
Published: March 2021

AbstractInnovative techniques, such as environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding, are now promoting broader biodiversity monitoring at unprecedented scales, because of the reduction in time, presumably lower cost, and methodological efficiency. Our goal was to assess the efficiency of established inventory techniques (live‐trapping grids, pitfall traps, camera trapping, mist netting) as well as eDNA for detecting Amazonian mammals. For terrestrial small mammals, we used 32 live‐trapping grids based on Sherman and Tomahawk traps (total effort of 10,368 trap‐nights); in addition to 16 pitfall traps (1,408 trap‐nights). For bats, we used mist nets at 8 sites (4,800 net hours). For medium and large mammals, we used 72 camera trap stations (5,208 camera‐days). We identified vertebrate and mammal taxa based on eDNA analysis (12S region, with V05 and Mamm01 markers) from water samples, including a total of 11 3‐km transects for stagnant water sampling and seven small streams for running water sampling. A total of 106 mammal species were recorded. Building on sample‐based rarefaction and extrapolation curves, both trapping grids and pitfall were successful, recording 91.16% and 82.1% of the expected species for these techniques (~22 and ~9 species), and 16.98% and 6.60% of the total recorded mammal species, respectively. Mist nets recorded 83.2% of the expected bat species (~48), and 34.91% of the total recorded species. Camera trapping recorded 99.2% of the predicted large‐ and medium‐sized species (~31), and 33.02% of the total recorded species. eDNA recorded 75.4% of the expected mammal species for this technique (~68), and 47.0% of the total recorded species. eDNA resulted in a useful tool that saves on effort and reduces sampling costs. This study is among the first to show the large potential of eDNA metabarcoding for assessing Amazonian mammal communities, providing, in combination with conventional techniques, a rapid overview of mammal diversity with broad applications to monitoring, management and conservation. By including appropriate genetic markers and updated reference databases, eDNA metabarcoding method can be extended to the whole vertebrate community.
An effective approach of dropping the backfire possibilities of a hydrogen‐fuelled opposed rotary piston engine
Authors: Li Juxia , Gao Jianbing , Tian Guohong , Ma Chaochen , Xing Shikai 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackfire of hydrogen‐fuelled internal combustion engines limits the hydrogen fuel applications and drops the power output. Opposed rotary piston (ORP) engines are characterized by high power density, smooth operations, and few moving parts. However, the intake structures of ORP engines tend to deliver high possibility of backfire under hydrogen utilization conditions due to more residual exhaust. This paper proposed an effective approach of eliminating backfire for a hydrogen fuelled ORP engine, and it did not generate any penalty of power output theoretically. The effectiveness of this method was demonstrated using a 3D numerical simulation method. The results indicated that the average in‐cylinder temperature started to increase at the start of the intake process if without any backfire control strategies; however, it decreased continuously if backfire control was applied. The mass flow rates of the intake fluid were at a low level without backfire control, but it increased sharply if backfire control was adopted. Backfire in this investigation was caused by the pre‐ignition of mixture in cylinders. The temperature in intake pipes reached up to 1000 K over backfire scenarios, and heat of reaction was higher than 3 W. Hydrogen mass fractions at the bottom of intake pipes were low at the start of intake process due to the backfire; meantime, slight backflow also happened in the intake process due to the pre‐ignition of cylinders mixture. The fluid velocity was higher than 100 m/s at the beginning of intake process if backfire was controlled.
Mediterranean badlands: Their driving processes and climate change futures
Authors: Nadal‐Romero Estela , Rodríguez‐Caballero Emilio , Chamizo Sonia , Juez Carmelo , Cantón Yolanda , García‐Ruiz José M. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBadlands are landforms that occur all over the World. In the Mediterranean region, badlands are found in both dry (arid and semi‐arid) and wet (subhumid and humid) environments, and are characterized by complex hydro‐geomorphological dynamics, high intense erosion processes and extreme sediment yield. Understanding the impact of Global Change is key to predict the on‐site and off‐site effects on badland dynamics, particularly its consequences on bedrock weathering, on sediment yield and delivery and on plant colonization. Here, conducting a systematic literature review, we analyzed an extensive database and identified the main climate‐drivers affecting the hydro‐geomorphological dynamics in Mediterranean badlands (based on non‐metric multidimensional scaling and structural equation modeling analysis). Later, we examined the main impacts expected from climate change forecasting in the near future, and we explored the interactions between badlands response to climate variation. In Mediterranean badlands, weathering processes are mainly related to wetting–drying cycles and freeze–thaw cycles in dry and wet badlands, respectively. In both environments, rainfall amount appears as the main driver for runoff response, and rainfall amount and rainfall intensity for erosion dynamics. Future climate scenarios forecast a decrease in annual rainfall, number of rainfall events and frost days, and in soil moisture, and an increase in rainfall intensity. These changes will have direct hydro‐geomorphological implications with direct and indirect effects on badland dynamics. This may result in a decrease in annual runoff in dry badlands, but the occurrence of more frequent extreme events would increase soil erosion and could negatively affect biological soil crust. In wet badlands, weathering and erosion processes may decrease, and a stabilization of the slopes, with consequently improved vegetation growth, may be expected. In addition, the forecasted changes must be taken into account, especially considering the possible off‐site effects of these extreme environments.
Researching Academic Reading in Two Contrasting English as a Medium of Instruction Contexts at a University Level
Authors: Owen Nathaniel , Shrestha Prithvi N. , Hultgren Anna Kristina 
Published: March 2021

This project examined academic reading in two contrasting English as a medium of instruction (EMI) university settings in Nepal and Sweden and the unique challenges facing students who are studying in a language other than their primary language. The motivation for the project was to explore the role of high‐stakes testing in EMI contexts and the implications for the design of the TOEFL iBT® test. We employed a sequential mixed‐methods approach to gather substantive and authentic qualitative data from stakeholders immersed in EMI settings. A small sample of students (Nepal = 19, Sweden = nine) were asked to complete reading logs over a period of 3 weeks so we could determine the types of texts and reading load associated with diverse EMI settings. Additionally, a larger cohort of students from each setting (Nepal = 69, Sweden = 60) completed questionnaires examining academic reading demands, reading skills, and practices. Students who completed the questionnaires also completed the reading section of the TOEFL iBT test. The same students also completed a TOEFL® family of tests suitability questionnaire so we could consider the suitability of the TOEFL iBT test for EMI contexts. Following test completion, a series of semistructured interviews (Nepal = 21, Sweden = 23) focused more closely on students' perspectives of reading demands in their academic contexts and the suitability of the reading section of the TOEFL iBT test to make claims about readiness to study in EMI contexts. Our findings revealed that different EMI contexts have different standards of high and low academic reading proficiency and that these differences may occur due to differences in educational experiences of the respective cohorts. The findings offer important new insights into academic reading and assessment in EMI contexts. Students in EMI contexts are sensitive to violations of expectations regarding test‐taking experiences (face validity). The study has implications for the design of test tasks, which should consider local, contextual varieties of English.
Black Girl Abroad: An Autoethnography of Travel and The Need to Cite Black Women in Anthropology
Authors: Williams Erica L. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis article explores the feminist potential and possibilities of Black women's travel writing. The author reflects on her travel stories, in dialogue with other Black women's travel memoirs, to make two arguments: (1) we must expand and deepen our citational practices in anthropology to critically engage more seriously with Black women's work, especially those who have been marginalized or excluded from the “canon”; (2) international travel is crucial to forming the connections and networks necessary to be able to cite Black women's work transnationally.