bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The myth of mitochondrial DNA and race performance in racing pigeons
Authors: Kolvenbag Geert , Scott Mark 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis is the first prospective study to investigate the impact of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) on race performance in a closely bred family of racing pigeons in one breeding loft where there is a high percentage of male and female birds related to one foundation hen, Queen L by Jelle Roziers. This study shows that in this family of birds, which are all related to Queen L, there is no advantage of having mtDNA with regard to race performance on the longer distances. The results of this study reject the hypothesis that mtDNA genes are related to long‐distance performance. Actually, this analysis indicates that those birds in this family with no mtDNA from Queen L may have better race performance on the shorter distances than those with mtDNA. This suggests that there are other genetic factors which may be related to race performance in this family of racing pigeons.
Photoperiod affects the laying performance of the mountain duck by regulating endocrine hormones and gene expression
Authors: Ouyang Hongjia , Yang Bo , Lao Yongcong , Tang Jun , Tian Yunbo , Huang Yunmao 
Published: May 2021

AbstractLight mainly affects animal reproductive performance through the hypothalamus‐ pituitary‐gonadal axis, but the specific regulating mechanism is not yet clear in duck. To reveal the effects of light on the laying performance of ducks and its possible regulatory mechanisms, Shanma ducks at 52 weeks age were divided into three group treated with different photoperiods of 16 hr (control group), 24 hr (long‐photoperiod group, LP), and 8 hr (short‐photoperiod group, SP). Laying performance, endocrine‐related hormones and gene expression of three groups were compared. The results showed that laying performance was greatest in the LP group; including laying rate, average egg weight and feed‐egg ratio. Compared to the SP group, GnIH plasma concentration was decreased in the LP group, whilst FSH was increased in the LP group. GnIHR gene expression in the pituitary and large yellow follicles were downregulated in the LP group. The expression of Mel‐a in large white follicles, and Mel‐b and Mel‐c in the hypothalamus were also downregulated in the LP group. Altogether these results suggest that extended photoperiods may promote the laying performance of ducks by inhibiting the secretion of GnIH and the expression of GnIHR and melatonin receptor genes.
Quasi‐static response of a bottom‐fixed wind turbine subject to various incident wind fields
Authors: Nybø Astrid , Nielsen Finn Gunnar , Godvik Marte 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn the design of offshore wind farms the simulated dynamic response of the wind turbine structure includes loading from turbulent wind. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard for wind turbine design recommends both the Mann spectral tensor model and the Kaimal spectral model combined with an exponential coherence formulation. These models give deviating wind loads. This study compares these two models to a large eddy simulations model and a model based on offshore wind measurements. The comparisons are performed for three situations, covering unstable, neutral and stable atmospheric conditions. The impact of the differences in the wind fields on the quasi‐static response of a large bottom‐fixed wind turbine is investigated. The findings are supported by an assessment of the impact of individual wind characteristics on the turbine responses. The wind model based on measurements causes high tower bottom and blade root flapwise bending moments due to a high wind load at very low frequencies. Low and negative horizontal coherence is obtained using the Mann spectral tensor model. This causes relatively large yaw moments as compared to the results using the other wind models. The largest differences in response are seen in the stable situation. We furthermore show that the quasi‐static wind load has great impact on the total damage equivalent moments of the structure. From the results, we conclude that in the design of large offshore wind turbines one should carefully consider the structure of the turbulent wind. Further, longer simulations than recommended by the standards should be used to reduce uncertainty in estimated response.
The many facets of miR‐223 in cancer: Oncosuppressor, oncogenic driver, therapeutic target, and biomarker of response
Authors: Favero Andrea , Segatto Ilenia , Perin Tiziana , Belletti Barbara 
Published: May 2021

AbstractGiven their intrinsic pleiotropism, microRNAs (miR) play complex biological roles, in both normal and pathological conditions. Often the same miR can act as oncogene or oncosuppressor, depending on the biological process dysregulated in each specific tissue. miR‐223 does not represent an exception to this rule and its functions greatly differ in different contexts. miR‐223 has been widely studied in the hematopoietic compartment, where it plays a central role in innate immune response, regulating myeloid differentiation and granulocytes function. Accordingly, dysregulated expression of miR‐223 has been associated to different inflammatory disorders and tumors arising from the immune compartment. Most carcinomas, breast cancer being the most studied, display loss of miR‐223. However, in gastro‐esophageal cancers miR‐223 is frequently overexpressed and correlates with worse prognosis. A link between miR‐223 and response to CDK4/6‐inhibitors has been recently proposed, suggesting a role as biomarker of therapeutic response. The notion that one of the most commonly mutated protein in cancer, mutant p53, binds the promoter of miR‐223 and suppresses its transcription, adds a further level of complexity to the full understanding of miR‐223 in cancer. In this review, we will summarize the current knowledge on the molecular networks that alter or are altered by miR‐223, in different cancer types. We will discuss if the times are ready for the exploitation of miR‐223 as predictive biomarker of treatment response or, even, as therapeutic target, in specific settings. Finally, we will suggest which could be the next steps to be taken for a realistic clinical application of miR‐223.This article is categorized under:
RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
Einsatz eines virtuellen Kollaborators in analogen & digitalen Workshops im organisationalen Kontext
Authors: Debowski Nicole , Tavanapour Navid , Bittner Eva A. C. 
Published: May 2021

ZusammenfassungIn dieser Studie stellen wir Unterschiede und Gemeinsamkeiten in der analogen sowie digitalen Zusammenarbeit hinsichtlich eines virtuellen Kollaborators (VK) dar. Konkret beobachten wir eine Kreativeinheit in einem Industrieunternehmen sowohl in der analogen als auch in der digitalen Durchführung kollaborativer Workshops. Aus den daraus resultierenden Herausforderungen und Anforderungen, die wir anhand von Interviews erheben, leiten wir Designprinzipien an einen VK ab und ziehen einen Vergleich. Gemeinsamkeiten bestehen darin, den Teilnehmenden zusätzliche Informationen und kreativen Input aus internetbasierten Quellen zu liefern. Unterschiede bestehen in der administrativen Vor- und Nachbereitung der jeweiligen Workshops sowie in der Art der Beeinflussung kollaborativer Arbeit. Während bei der digitalen Durchführung eher die Perspektiverweiterung im Vordergrund steht, ist es bei der analogen Durchführung die Ausbalancierung der Redebeiträge. Spezifika stellen sich darüber hinaus für die digitale Durchführung bei der Vernetzung der Teilnehmenden sowie beim Umgang mit digitalen Werkzeugen.
Mass strandings of seven toothed and baleen whale species in Northern Norway in March 2020 call for further investigation
Authors: Aniceto A. S. , Tassara L. , Rikardsen A. , Blévin P. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMonitoring whale strandings are a key aspect of ecosystem management as stranded animals can provide indications on ecosystem health, pollution and adverse effects due to anthropogenic activities. Most mass mortality events are reported for toothed whales and rarely involve baleen whales. In the course of one month in spring 2020, 17 whales belonging to seven different species, stranded on the shores of Northern Norway, above the Arctic circle. This multi-species event included humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae), fin (Balaenoptera physalus)and sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus), that were accompanied by northern bottlenose whales (Hyperoodon ampullatus), a white-beaked dolphin (Lagenorhynchus albirostris), a long-finned pilot whale (Globicephala melas) and a harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). We discuss some potential causes of death based on the previous literature and available information for the area, highlighting the need for further investigation on cetacean strandings at high latitudes. Ultimately, the reasons for the stranding could only be identified by a thorough examination of all the animals, which was unfortunately not conducted. As the threats to polar ecosystems and access to local shores are likely to increase, reports of cetacean mortality are also expected to surge, particularly in high latitude regions where climate variations and anthropogenic activities are increasing. This study makes recommendations for future steps and considerations for monitoring networks and standardized sampling methods for future marine mammal stranding events. Finally, we suggest that national and international efforts based on the collaborative relationships are implemented, considering the multiple facets of animal ecology and health as an achievable step in the near future.
Aqueous carbon black dispersions stabilized by sodium lignosulfonates
Authors: Subramanian Sreedhar , Øye Gisle 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSix different sodium lignosulfonates with varying degrees of sulfonation (0.14–1.29 sulfonate groups per phenylpropane unit) and molecular weights (Mw= 6000–330,000 g/mol) were evaluated for their ability to disperse carbon black in aqueous media. Rheological and particle size measurements of carbon black dispersions indicated that lignosulfonates with low degree of sulfonation function as good carbon black dispersants. The dispersion efficiency did not correspond directly to the amount of lignosulfonate adsorbed on the surface of carbon black. The lignosulfonates have an ability to enhance the colloidal stability by electrostatic repulsion, and the likely mechanism of stabilization is a combination of electrostatic repulsion and steric hindrance.Graphical abstract
Dismembered porcine limbs as a proxy for postmortem muscle protein degradation
Authors: Geissenberger J. , Ehrenfellner B. , Monticelli F. C. , Pittner Stefan , Steinbacher Peter 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe estimation of the postmortem interval (PMI) is of critical importance in forensic routine. The most frequently applied methods, however, are all restricted to specific time periods or must be excluded under certain circumstances. In the last years it has been shown that the analysis of muscle protein degradation has the potential to contribute to according delimitations in practice. In particular, upon biochemical analysis, the specific time points of degradation events provide reasonable markers for PMI delimitation. Nevertheless, considerable research is yet required to increase the understanding of protein decomposition and how it is affected by individual and environmental influencing factors. This is best investigated under standardized conditions, however, a considerate selection of proxies, regarding costs, effort, and expected outcome is required. Here, we use pigs to compare muscle protein decomposition in whole bodies and dismembered body parts (amputated hind limbs). Not only do experiments on body parts reduce the costs and allow easier handling in basic research, but also they aid to investigate the practical application of PMI estimation in dismembered body parts, or other extensive injuries, which are not unusual scenarios in crime investigation. Specifically, we investigated whether there are differences in the degradation rates of selected muscle proteins, sampled from dismembered legs and from hind limbs attached to whole pig bodies. Our results show distinct time-dependent degradation patterns of muscle proteins in a predictable manner regardless of sample origin. We are able to demonstrate that amputated hind limbs are suitable proxies for the analysis of muscle protein degradation, especially to investigate certain influencing factors and establish according standardized models.
Patient, nurse, and physician preferences: final results of the CONVENIENCE study evaluating pegfilgrastim prophylaxis via pre-filled syringe or on-body injector in cancer patients
Authors: Metz Michael , Semsek Dieter , Rogmans Gunther , Hutzschenreuter Ulrich , Fietz Thomas , Harde Johanna , Zacharias Stefan , Hielscher Carsten , Lorenz Andreas , Zahn Mark-Oliver , Guth Dagmar , Liebers Steffen , Berghorn Michael , Grebhardt Sina , Matillon Christiane D. , Egerer Gerlinde , Potthoff Karin 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose
The on-body injector (OBI) automatically delivers pegfilgrastim the day after chemotherapy (CTx), thus eliminating the need of return visits to the medical office for guideline-compliant pegfilgrastim administration. The CONVENIENCE study aimed to evaluate patient, nurse, and physician preferences as well as health economics for pegfilgrastim administration either with OBI or manually using a pre-filled syringe (PS).

Methods
Patients with early breast cancer, receiving two or three weekly anthracycline/cyclophosphamide or three weekly taxane-based CTx, and patients with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) receiving first-line R-CHOP-14 or -21 were randomized 1:1 to receive both pegfilgrastim application forms for four consecutive CTx cycles in an alternating sequence starting either with OBI or PS. Primary endpoint was patient preference, assessed by questionnaires.

Results
A total of 308 patients were evaluable in the per-protocol analysis. Patients slightly preferred OBI over PS (OBI, n = 133, 43.2%; vs. PS, n = 111, 36.0%; p-value = 0.159), while study nurses slightly preferred PS (n = 19, 46.3%) over OBI (n = 18, 43.9%) and physicians clearly preferred PS (n = 24, 58.8%) over OBI (n = 15, 36.6%). Among patients with preference for OBI, saving of time was their major reason for preference (53.4%). Pegfilgrastim was administered 24–72 h after each CTx cycle in 97.6% of OBI and 63.1% of PS applications.

Conclusion
The OBI was slightly preferred by patients and saving time was the major reason for their preference. PS was physicians’ most preferable choice and slightly preferred by nurses. Using OBI, pegfilgrastim was almost always administered within the time period recommended by current guidelines, while it was often not applied as specified using PS.

Trial registration
No: ClinicalTrials.gov No. NCT03619993. Registered on June 25, 2018
Applications designed to successfully implant in challenging left atrial appendage occlusion cases: a new tool for the interventional cardiologist
Authors: López-Mínguez José Ramón , Martínez-Cáceres Ginés , González-Fernández Reyes , Nogales-Asensio Juan Manuel , Millán-Núñez Victoria 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAn 85-year-old patient with permanent atrial fibrillation with a DDD pacemaker, and with indication for left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO). Sent for LAAO due to recurrent gastrointestinal bleedings even on apixaban and with a CHA 2 DS 2 VASc and HAS-BLED scores of 4 and 3 respectively.
Pre-service secondary teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge for the teaching of mathematical modelling
Authors: Greefrath Gilbert , Siller Hans-Stefan , Klock Heiner , Wess Raphael 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe article deals with the pedagogical content knowledge of mathematical modelling as part of the professional competence of pre-service teachers. With the help of a test developed for this purpose from a conceptual model, we examine whether this pedagogical content knowledge can be promoted in its different facets—especially knowledge about modelling tasks and about interventions—by suitable university seminars. For this purpose, the test was administered to three groups in a seminar for the teaching of mathematical modelling: (1) to those respondents who created their own modelling tasks for use with students, (2) to those trained to intervene in mathematical modelling processes, and (3) participating students who are not required to address mathematical modelling. The findings of the study—based on variance analysis—indicate that certain facets (knowledge of modelling tasks, modelling processes, and interventions) have increased significantly in both experimental groups but to varying degrees. By contrast, pre-service teachers in the control group demonstrated no significant change to their level of pedagogical content knowledge.
Historical Moral Responsibility and Manipulation via Deletion
Authors: De Marco Gabriel 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn discussions on moral responsibility for actions, a commonly discussed case is one in which an agent is manipulated into performing some action. On some views, such agents lack responsibility for those actions partly because they issue from attitudes that were acquired in an inappropriate way. In this paper, it is argued that such views are in need of revision. After introducing a new problematic case of a manipulated agent, revisions are offered for specific views. The paper concludes with a discussion of the views in a broader context, as well as some potential implications of the revisions.
Group B Streptococcus chimeric capsular polysaccharides as novel multivalent vaccine candidates
Authors: Campisi Edmondo , Rosini Roberto , Romano Maria Rosaria , Balducci Evita , Pinto Vittoria , Brogioni Barbara , De Ricco Riccardo , Fabbrini Monica , Spagnuolo Angela , Chiarot Emiliano , Berti Francesco , Margarit Immaculada 
Published: May 2021

Abstract The capsular polysaccharide of the human pathogen Group B Streptococcus is a key virulence factor and vaccine candidate that induces protective antibodies when conjugated to carrier proteins. It consists of long polymeric chains of oligosaccharide repeating units, and each of the ten capsular serotypes described so far presents a unique chemical structure with distinct antigenic properties; therefore, broad protection against this pathogen could be achieved by a combination of ten glycoconjugates. Capsular polysaccharide biosynthesis and assembly follow a polymerase-dependent pathway that is widespread in encapsulated bacteria and is encoded by a polycistronic operon. Here we exploited the sequence similarity between the capsule operons of types V and IX to generate hybrid polysaccharides incorporating epitopes of both serotypes in a single molecule, by co-expressing their specific CpsM, O, I glycosyltransferases in a single isolate. Physicochemical and immunochemical methods confirmed that an engineered strain produced a high molecular weight chimeric polysaccharide, combining antigenic specificities of both type V and IX. By optimizing the copy number of key glycosyltransferase genes, we were able to modulate the ratio between type-specific epitopes. Finally, vaccination with chimeric glycoconjugates significantly decreased the incidence of disease in pups born from immunized mice challenged with either serotype. This study provides proof of concept for a new generation of glycoconjugate vaccines that combine the antigenic specificity of different polysaccharide variants in a single molecule, eliciting a protective immune response against multiple serotype variants.
Teachers’ Skills and Knowledge in Mathematics Education for Braille Readers
Authors: van Leendert Annemiek , Doorman Michiel , Drijvers Paul , Pel Johan , van der Steen Johannes 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBraille readers use a braille display and text-to-speech synthesizer while reading and comprehending mathematical expressions and equations. Teachers need to have technological, pedagogical and content (TPACK) knowledge and skills for exploiting the potential of these devices in mathematics education. They have to understand how the use of assistive technology influences the teaching and learning of mathematics. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to support teachers to better understand the dynamic relation between the different TPACK domains. That is why a professional development course was developed in which five mathematics teachers of braille readers in special secondary education participated. The development of the teachers’ TPACK knowledge was analyzed, and course characteristics that helped to develop this knowledge were identified. The results show an increased awareness of the importance of assistive devices, but only a small positive effect in TPACK knowledge and skills. Course activities related to the braille display, the mathematical braille notation and mathematical vocabulary helped to develop TPACK knowledge. However, course activities related to the text-to-speech synthesizer and working in heterogeneous groups did not work out so well. A better understanding of what teaching mathematics to braille readers means is expected to improve their learning.
Exploring Adaptation in Socially-Shared Regulation of Learning Using Video and Heart Rate Data
Authors: Sobocinski Márta , Malmberg Jonna , Järvelä Sanna 
Published: May 2021

AbstractsIn socially shared regulation of learning, adaptation is a key process for overcoming collaborative learning challenges. Monitoring the learning process allows learners to recognize the situations that require a need to change, revise, or optimize the current learning process. This can be done through adapting their strategies, task perception, goals, or standards for monitoring their progress. This process is called small-scale adaptation. It is not yet clear how shared monitoring in groups activates small-scale adaptation “on the fly” or how this phenomenon can be detected using multimodal data. The aim of this study is to explore how small-scale adaptation emerges during collaboration. Video and heart rate data were collected from four groups of three high-school students (age 16–17) who worked together during six 75-min advanced physics lessons. The results show small-scale adaptation occurs most often when groups switch from enacting tasks to defining them. Physiological synchrony occurred throughout the collaboration and was not significantly more prevalent before or after adaptation occurred. The opportunities and challenges of combining video observation to identify monitoring and adaptation events, and physiological synchrony as a possible indicator of “sharedness,” are discussed, contributing to the literature about using multimodal data to study learning processes.