bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metabarcoding Reveals Changes in Benthic Eukaryote and Prokaryote Community Composition along a Tropical Marine Sediment Nickel Gradient
Authors: Gillmore Megan L. , Golding Lisa A. , Chariton Anthony A. , Stauber Jenny L. , Stephenson Sarah , Gissi Francesca , Greenfield Paul , Juillot Farid , Jolley Dianne F. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The Southeast Asia and Melanesia region has extensive nickel (Ni)-rich lateritic regoliths formed from the tropical weathering of ultramafic rocks. As the global demand for Ni continues to rise, these lateritic regoliths are increasingly being exploited for their economic benefit. Mining of these regoliths contributes to the enrichment of coastal sediments in trace metals, especially Ni. The present study used high-throughput sequencing (metabarcoding) to determine changes in eukaryote (18s v7 recombinant DNA [rDNA] and diatom-specific subregion of the 18s v4 rDNA) and prokaryote (16s v4 rDNA) community compositions along a sediment Ni concentration gradient offshore from a large lateritized ultramafic regolith in New Caledonia (Vavouto Bay). Significant changes in the eukaryote, diatom, and prokaryote community compositions were found along the Ni concentration gradient. These changes correlated most with the dilute-acid extractable concentration of Ni in the sediments, which explained 26, 23, and 19% of the variation for eukaryote, diatom, and prokaryote community compositions, respectively. Univariate analyses showed that there was no consistent change in indices of biodiversity, evenness, or richness. Diatom richness and diversity did, however, decrease as sediment acid extractable-Ni concentrations increased. Threshold indicator taxa analysis was conducted separately for each of the 3 targeted genes to detect changes in taxa whose occurrences decreased or increased along the acid extractable-Ni concentration gradient. Based on these data, 46 mg acid extractable-Ni/kg was determined as a threshold value where sensitive species began to disappear. In the case of the estuarine sediments offshore from lateritized ultramafic regolith in New Caledonia, this is recommended as an interim threshold value until further lines of evidence can contribute to a region-specific Ni sediment quality guideline value. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1892–1905. © 2021 SETAC
Abstract
Benthic community composition changed significantly along a tropical marine sediment nickel gradient in New Caledonia (Vavouto Bay). Based on the disappearance of sensitive taxa, a threshold value of 46 mg acid extractable Ni/kg was determined.
Update on the role of emerging stem cell technology in head and neck medicine
Authors: Spencer Harry , Moshkbouymatin Navid , Webb William Richard , Joshi Anil , D'Souza Alwyn 
Published: March 2021

AbstractHead and neck surgery is a broad discipline that involves the management of complex conditions such as burns, skin cancer, head and neck cancer, congenital abnormalities, and facial rejuvenation. For patients with cancer, surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy are often the main modes of treatment. Many patients require follow‐up reconstructive surgery, and the use of stem cells offers novel treatments that could aid recovery. Laryngeal, tracheal, and neuronal tissues are frequently damaged by surgery in the head and neck and these tissues have little intrinsic regenerative ability. Pluripotent embryonic stem cells retain the ability to differentiate into a wide variety of cells meaning that large tissue defects can be reduced by stimulating new cell growth. Research has demonstrated potential benefits of using stem cells in facial rejuvenation procedures and the management of burns sequelae. The advancements made in the use of adult progenitor stem cells as a possible source for pluripotent stem cells (induced pluripotent stem cells) mean that ethical considerations around the use of embryological tissue can be minimized, allowing for more research to take place. Currently, the evidence base for the use of stem cells in head and neck surgery is limited, but it has now been proven that stem cells can act as a source for lost or damaged tissue in the head and neck. With continuous advancements being made in the fields of tissue engineering, it is likely that stem cells will play a major role in head and neck surgery in the future.
Seven‐year‐olds' references to internal states when playing with toy figures and a video game
Authors: Hashmi Salim , Paine Amy L. , Hay Dale F. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractReferences to internal states (e.g., thoughts, feelings, and desires) indicate children's appreciation of people's inner worlds. Many children spend time playing video games; however, the nature of children's speech when doing so has received little attention. We investigated the use of internal state language (ISL) as 251 seven‐year‐olds played with toy figures and a video game designed for the study. Although children used ISL more when playing with toy figures, children used ISL in both contexts, highlighting video game play as a context where children demonstrate their appreciation of inner worlds. Children's speech in the two contexts differed in how ISL was used: references to children's own internal states were more common when playing the video game, and the characters' internal states more common when playing with the toy figures. These findings are discussed with reference to the format of the play activities affording different opportunities to discuss internal states.HighlightsIn traditional play children refer to internal states, however, it is unclear whether this occurs when they play video games.Children referred to internal states when playing with toy figures and a video game, but did so more with the toys.Children's video game play can be used as a new context for the study of children's social understanding.
Strategic resources for assessing PFAS ecological risks at AFFF sites
Authors: Conder Jason , Zodrow Jeanmarie , Arblaster Jennifer , Kelly Barry , Gobas Frank , Suski Jamie , Osborn Erin , Frenchmeyer Meredith , Divine Craig , Leeson Andrea 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The use of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) in the United States has caused concern about the potential effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on ecological resources. Moreover, the limited availability of scientific information and a lack of guidance have collectively resulted in significant challenges for ecological risk assessors supporting site-specific investigations and management decisions at PFAS-impacted sites. To address these needs, the environmental science and technology program of the Department of Defense (DoD), the Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP), began funding four desktop review projects in 2018. Project teams were tasked with developing strategic guidance for assessing ecological risk at AFFF-impacted DoD sites. The projects focused specifically on ecological risk assessment practices for threatened and endangered (T&E) species; however, the recommendations and approaches presented in the projects are also applicable and adaptable to common species. The present review provides risk assessors and site managers an overview of how the resources provided in these projects can support ecological-risk-based management decisions at AFFF and other PFAS-impacted sites. Additionally, we synthesize perspectives offered by the four projects on a path forward for PFAS ecological risk assessment, including research needs that we recommend should be prioritized by the scientific community. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:746–752. © 2021 SETAC
KEY POINTS
Aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) use has resulted in concern regarding potential ecological risks associated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and a lack of guidance has resulted in significant challenge for site-specific investigations and management decisions at AFFF sites. The Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) began funding four desktop review projects in 2018 to develop strategic guidances for assessing ecological risk at AFFF-impacted sites. This review provides risk assessors and site managers an overview of how the resources provided in these projects can support ecological risk-based management decisions at AFFF and other PFAS-impacted sites. The review also highlights key research needs that, if addressed, will aid in improving site-specific ecological risk assessments for PFAS at AFFF sites.
An improved framework for polyp image segmentation based on SegNet architecture
Authors: Afify Heba M. , Mohammed Kamel K. , Hassanien Aboul Ella 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA polyp is one of the major causes of gastroenterology, which leads to colorectal cancer. The detection of polyps by colonoscopy imaging is a significant challenge because of the diversity in polyp structure and lack of examination accuracy. To solve this problem, the automatic segmentation of polyps can be used to enhance examination accuracy and reduce gastrointestinal (GI) disease. In this paper, the framework of polyp image segmentation is developed by a deep learning approach, especially a convolutional neural network. This proposed framework used the Kvasir‐SEG database, which contains 1000 GI polyp images and corresponding segmentation masks according to annotation by medical experts. This database is divided into 900 for training images and 100 for testing images. This framework is based on image preprocessing and two types of SegNet architecture to obtain the segmented polyp image. This paper has demonstrated state‐of‐the‐art performance on both VGG‐16, and VGG‐19 networks for training and testing data to address colorectal cancer screening rates. The results confirmed that the VGG‐19 model has outperformed the VGG‐16 model via all evaluation parameters except sensitivity for the polyp segmentation on the Kvasir‐SEG dataset. Additionally, it will support gastroenterologists during medical strategy to correctly choose the treatment with less time.
Homocysteine induced a calcium‐mediated disruption of mitochondrial function and dynamics in endothelial cells
Authors: Chen Li‐ting , Xu Ting‐ting , Qiu Ya‐qing , Liu Nuo‐ya , Ke Xin‐yu , Fang Lu , Yan Jie‐ping , Zhu Dan‐yan 
Published: March 2021

AbstractHomocysteine (Hcy) is a sulfur‐containing amino acid that originated in methionine metabolism and the elevated level of Hcy in plasma is considered to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Endothelial dysfunction plays a major role in the development of CVD, while the potential mechanism of Hcy‐induced endothelial dysfunction is still unclear. Here, in Hcy‐treated endothelial cells, we observed the destruction of mitochondrial morphology and the decline of mitochondrial membrane potential. Meanwhile, the level of ATP was reduced and the reactive oxygen species was increased. The expressions of dynamin‐related protein 1 (Drp1) and phosphate‐Drp1 (Ser616) were upregulated, whereas the expression of mitofusin 2 was inhibited by Hcy treatment. These findings suggested that Hcy not only triggered mitochondrial dysfunction but also incurred an imbalance of mitochondrial dynamics in endothelial cells. The expression of mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) was activated by Hcy, contributing to calcium transferring into mitochondria. Interestingly, the formation of mitochondria‐associated membranes (MAMs) was increased in endothelial cells after Hcy administration. The inositol 1,4,5‐triphosphate receptor (IP3R)–glucose‐regulated protein 75 (Grp75)–voltage‐dependent anion channel (VDAC) complex, which was enriched in MAMs, was also increased. The accumulation of mitochondrial calcium could be blocked by inhibiting with the IP3R inhibitor Xestospongin C (XeC) in Hcy‐treated cells. Then, we confirmed that the mitochondrial dysfunction and the increased mitochondrial fission induced by Hcy could be attenuated after Hcy and XeC co‐treatment. In conclusion, Hcy‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction and dynamics disorder in endothelial cells were mainly related to the increase of calcium as a result of the upregulated expressions of the MCU and the IP3R–Grp75–VDAC complex in MAMs.
Nephroprotective effect of Emblica officinalis fruit extract against malachite green toxicity in piscine model: Ultrastructure and oxidative stress study
Authors: Sinha Reshma , Jindal Rajinder , Faggio Caterina 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMalachite green (MG) is a multi‐application dye with raised concern as aquatic toxicant. Cyprinus carpio fingerlings were exposed to MG and simultaneously fed with Emblica officinalis (EO) fruit extract to mitigate the MG induced nephrotoxicity. MG exposure developed depressed activity of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione‐s‐transferase, and reduced glutathione, while levels of malondialdehyde got significantly (p < .05) elevated after 60 days MG exposure. H&E staining revealed increased intracellular space, vacuolation, fluid‐filled spaces, damaged brush border lining of proximal convoluted tubule (PCT), focal necrosis, nuclear transformations and shrunken glomerulus. Further, Transmission electron microscope study detailed structural cytotoxicity with the appearance of the heterochromatic nucleus, electron‐dense lysosomal bodies, damaged brush border lining of PCT, and necrosis; glomerulus exhibited erythrocyte infiltration and fused pedicels of podocyte. While, EO extract supplemented diet culminated in the restoration of the renal cytoarchitecture and significantly (p < .05) enhanced activity of antioxidant enzymes.
The next‐generation coronavirus diagnostic techniques with particular emphasis on the SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Hemida Maged G. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe potential zoonotic coronaviruses (SARS‐CoV, MERS‐CoV, and SARS‐CoV‐2) are of global health concerns. Early diagnosis is the milestone in their mitigation, control, and eradication. Many diagnostic techniques are showing great success and have many advantages, such as the rapid turnover of the results, high accuracy, and high specificity and sensitivity. However, some of these techniques have several pitfalls if samples were not collected, processed, and transported in the standard ways and if these techniques were not practiced with extreme caution and precision. This may lead to false‐negative/positive results. This may affect the downstream management of the affected cases. These techniques require regular fine‐tuning, upgrading, and optimization. The continuous evolution of new strains and viruses belong to the coronaviruses is hampering the success of many classical techniques. There are urgent needs for next generations of coronaviruses diagnostic assays that overcome these pitfalls. This new generation of diagnostic tests should be able to do simultaneous, multiplex, and high‐throughput detection of various coronavirus in one reaction. Furthermore, the development of novel assays and techniques that enable the in situ detection of the virus on the environmental samples, especially air, water, and surfaces, should be given considerable attention in the future. These approaches will have a substantial positive impact on the mitigation and eradication of coronaviruses, including the current SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic.
Design of a multi‐octave power amplifier using broadband load‐pull X‐parameters
Authors: Wu Meilin , Cai Jialin , King Justin , Chen Shichang , Su Jiangtao , Cao Wenhui 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe design of a multi‐octave power amplifier (PA) based on a broadband load‐pull X‐parameter model is described for the first time in this work. A 10‐W GaN package transistor is employed for model X‐parameter model extraction. Once the model is extracted, it is compared with the equivalent circuit model provided from the device manufacturer, and it is found that the X‐parameter model accuracy is comparable to that of the original circuit model. In particular, the X‐parameter model can accurately determine the areas of the load Smith chart leading to optimal output power and drain efficiency, essential considerations for extracting maximum device performance. A Chebyshev low‐pass architecture is utilized for both the input and the output matching network designs. Finally, a multi‐octave bandwidth PA, from 0.6 to 2.3 GHz, is designed. Simulation results of the broadband X‐parameter model and the measured results of the realized PA are compared, with a high fidelity match evident, thus demonstrating the efficacy of the design procedure of multi‐octave PA with broadband X‐parameters. The output power of the realized PA across the operating frequency band remains between 39.51 and 42.41 dBm, while the drain efficiency remains above 60%, reaching as high as 73% around 2 GHz. The gain of the PA is greater than 11 dB over the complete frequency band.
Subchondral bone microarchitecture and mineral density in human osteoarthritis and osteoporosis: A regional and compartmental analysis
Authors: Li Yunfei , Liem Yulia , Dall'Ara Enrico , Sullivan Niall , Ahmed Haroon , Blom Ashley , Sharif Mohammed 
Published: March 2021

AbstractOsteoarthritis (OA) and osteoporosis (OP) are historically considered to be inversely correlated but there may be an overlap between the pathophysiology of the two diseases. This study aimed to investigate the subchondral bone microarchitecture and matrix mineralization, and the association between them in OA and OP in relation to the degree of cartilage degeneration. Fifty‐six osteochondral plugs were collected from 16 OA femoral heads. They were graded on a regional basis according to the stages of cartilage degeneration, as evaluated by a new macroscopic and a modified microscopic grading system. Twenty‐one plugs were collected from seven femoral heads with OP. Plugs were scanned by microcomputed tomography and the microarchitectural and mineral properties were obtained for both subchondral plate and trabecular bone. Microarchitecture and material and apparent densities of subchondral bone in OP were similar to regions with early cartilage degeneration but different from regions with advanced cartilage degradation in OA femoral heads. Subchondral trabecular bone was more mineralized than subchondral plate in both OP and OA, and this compartmental difference varied by severity of cartilage degradation. Furthermore, the relationship among trabecular bone volume fraction, tissue mineral density, and apparent bone density was similar in OP and different stages of OA. Subchondral bone microarchitecture and mineral properties in OP are different from OA in a regionalized manner in relation to stages of cartilage degeneration. Both regional and compartmental differences at structural, material, and cellular levels need to be studied to understand the transition of OA subchondral bone from being osteoporotic to sclerotic.
MEK inhibition preferentially suppresses anchorage‐independent growth in osteosarcoma cells and decreases tumors in vivo
Authors: Shimizu Takatsune , Kimura Kiyomi , Sugihara Eiji , Yamaguchi‐Iwai Sayaka , Nobusue Hiroyuki , Sampetrean Oltea , Otsuki Yuji , Fukuchi Yumi , Saitoh Kaori , Kato Keiko , Soga Tomoyoshi , Muto Akihiro , Saya Hideyuki 
Published: March 2021

AbstractOsteosarcoma is the most common high‐grade malignancy of bone, and novel therapeutic options are urgently required. Previously, we developed mouse osteosarcoma AXT cells that can proliferate both under adherent and nonadherent conditions. Based on metabolite levels, nonadherent conditions were more similar to the in vivo environment than adherent conditions. A drug screen identified MEK inhibitors, including trametinib, that preferentially decreased the viability of nonadherent AXT cells. Trametinib inhibited the cell cycle and induced apoptosis in AXT cells, and both effects were stronger under nonadherent conditions. Trametinib also potently decreased viability in U2OS cells, but its effects were less prominent in MG63 or Saos2 cells. By contrast, MG63 and Saos2 cells were more sensitive to PI3K inhibition than AXT or U2OS cells. Notably, the combination of MAPK/ERK kinase (MEK) and PI3K inhibition synergistically decreased viability in U2OS and AXT cells, but this effect was less pronounced in MG63 or Saos2 cells. Therefore, signal dependence for cell survival and crosstalk between MEK–ERK and PI3K–AKT pathways in osteosarcoma are cell context‐dependent. The activation status of other kinases including CREB varied in a cell context‐dependent manner, which might determine the response to MEK inhibition. A single dose of trametinib was sufficient to decrease the size of the primary tumor and circulating tumor cells in vivo. Moreover, combined administration of trametinib and rapamycin or conventional anticancer drugs further increased antitumor activity. Thus, given optimal biomarkers for predicting its effects, trametinib holds therapeutic potential for the treatment of osteosarcoma.
Using archaeological data and sediment parameters to review the formation of the Gravettian layers at Krems‐Wachtberg
Authors: Händel Marc , Thomas Roswitha , Sprafke Tobias , Schulte Philipp , Brandl Michael , Simon Ulrich , Einwögerer Thomas 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACTThe Gravettian site Krems‐Wachtberg in northeast Austria produced a wealth of archaeological and sedimentary data. Precondition for a detailed study of the formation processes is co‐occurrence of find layers with in situ and redeposited material. We use archaeological data and sediment parameters to review and refine a formation model that was based solely on field observations. The archaeological perspective relies upon the rich chipped stone assemblage where each artefact is attributed with 3D position, orientation, stratigraphy, typo‐technological description, and raw material determination. This enabled systematic refitting and 3D analyses of the results. High‐resolution sampling of the sediment sequence which was conducted in six columns at different locations of the excavated area provided comparable results for grain size, colour and carbonate content. The study illustrates the complementary benefits of field observations, archaeological data and sediment parameters. While detailed loess stratigraphy creates the frame for understanding palaeoenvironmental processes, archaeological data enhances visibility of local post‐occupational sedimentary processes. This allows the archaeological sequence to be placed into a cycle of gradual de‐ and restabilisation of the palaeosurface. Burial of the ~31k cal abp occupation layer occurred by solifluction, slope wash and aeolian deposition between two stable phases marked by tundra gley soils.
The impact of COVID‐19 on the technology sector: The case of TATA Consultancy Services
Authors: Ntasis Lazaros , Koronios Konstantinos , Pappas Theodoros 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTwo of the most unpredictable uncertainty indices could explain the business and stock price performance of TATA Consultancy Services (TCS) before and after the COVID‐19 pandemic. This pandemic affects business performance and predictability from uncertainty indices. With the second spread of the pandemic, IT industries have been prepared for the high networking bandwidth. Moreover, the bivariate VAR(1)‐GARCH(1,1) model is weaker during the COVID‐19 period. IT outsourcing after the worldwide outbreak of the disease is one of the most thriving enterprises globally. The coronavirus crisis is expected to have an impact on the IT outsourcing industry. Most of the uncertainty indices of these days are built up from news outlets explored in the case study of TCS. Quantitative examination strategies have been utilized to explore the impact of doubt indices in TCS and the residuals if the organization's emergency persists.