bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Xylooligosaccharides induce stomatal closure via salicylic acid signaling‐regulated reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide production in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Song Zhiqiang , Jin Pinyuan , Zhou Xiuhong , Zhang Huajian 
Published: March 2021

AbstractXylooligosaccharides (XOS) are the major coproducts of biofuel production and the most representative functional sugar enhancing animal physiology. However, little is known regarding the biological relevance of XOS to plants. Here, we found XOS triggered stomatal closure in Arabidopsis in a dose‐dependent manner. Pamarcological data showed that XOS‐induced stomatal closure was markedly inhibited by catalase (CAT, a reactive oxygen species [ROS] scavenger), salicylhydroxamic acid (SHAM, a peroxidase inhibitor), and 2‐(4‐carboxyphenyl)‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethylimidazoline‐1‐oxyl‐3‐oxide (cPTIO, a nitric oxide [NO] scavenger). Moreover, XOS induced the production of ROS and NO in guard cells of Arabidopsis. ROS production was strongly restricted by CAT and SHAM, but was unaffected by treatment with diphenyleneiodonium chloride (DPI, an NADPH oxidase inhibitor) or cPTIO. NO production was suppressed by CAT, SHAM, and cPTIO, but not by DPI. The elevation of ROS level mediated by SHAM‐sensitive peroxidases occurred upstream of NO. Additionally, XOS‐triggered stomatal closure and ROS and NO accumulation were significantly impaired in npr1 (salicylic acid signaling) mutant plants, but were not in jar1 (jasmonic acid signaling) or ein2 (ethylene signaling) mutant plants. Furthermore, XOS‐induced stomatal closure was unaffected in both ost1 and atrbohD atrbohF (abscisic acid [ABA] signaling) mutant plants. Therefore, these results indicated that the biotic sugar, XOS, can elicit stomatal closure via salicylic acid signaling‐mediated production of ROS and NO, in a manner independent of ABA signaling.
Effect of financial incentives for participation in dementia prevention and support activities: results of a web survey with persons aged 60 and older
Authors: Takao Makiko , Maki Yohko , Suzuki Takao 
Published: March 2021

BackgroundThis study aims to elucidate the impact of financial incentives on the motivation to participate in dementia prevention activities and to provide support to people with dementia.MethodsAn online survey was completed by 1500 men and women, aged 60 or above, from the general community in Japan. When responding to questions regarding motivation for participating in dementia prevention activities and providing support to people with dementia, respondents were randomly assigned different incentive conditions. Two incentive options were used for dementia prevention activities (no incentives, and a small number of reward points). Three incentive options were used for support activities (no incentives, a small cash reward, or an in‐kind time reward that allowed respondents or their family members to use similar services at a later time (time credits)).ResultsFinancial incentives decreased motivation for participating in dementia prevention activities, while time credits significantly increased motivation to participate in providing support to people with dementia for going out of their home, when receiving a cash reward was compared with receiving no reward. No significant differences by incentive were found for participating in daily living support for those with dementia or for providing support at a dementia café where people with dementia and their families interact.ConclusionsThe adverse influence of financial incentives on motivation to participate in dementia prevention suggested that financial incentives may reduce intrinsic motivation for dementia prevention activities. The positive effects of time credits in providing support to people with dementia in going out suggested that time credits might be effective for some support activities for people with dementia. Different incentive measures should be considered to raise awareness of dementia prevention and dementia support activities.
Smoking habits in Mexico: Upward and downward comparisons of economic status
Authors: Esposito Lucio , Dhongde Shatakshee , Millett Christopher 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWhile experimental and behavioral economics have extensively studied the role of both upward and downward comparisons of economic status, the latter have been largely neglected in secondary data studies. The scarce existing evidence shows mixed results and is essentially limited to analyses of subjective well‐being in high‐income countries. Using nationally representative data from Mexico with almost 45,000 personal records, we disentangle the role of absolute wealth, relative deprivation, and relative affluence as explanatory variables for smoking behavior. We find robust evidence of greater smoking at higher levels of absolute achievement and relative deprivation and lower smoking at higher levels of relative affluence. Results hold for a variety of indicators of smoking habits, reflecting both smoking prevalence and intensity. Compared to men, we find that women tend to have stronger associations between the three facets of economic status and smoking prevalence. Results are robust to the use of alternative functional forms and reference groups for the measurement of relative deprivation and relative affluence.
Health Aid, Governance and Infant Mortality
Authors: Doucouliagos Chris , Hennessy Jack , Mallick Debdulal 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe investigate the impact of health aid on infant mortality conditional on the quality of governance. Our analysis applies instrumental variable estimation with health aid instrumented by donor government fractionalization interacted with the probability of allocating health aid to a recipient country. Using panel data for 96 recipient countries for the 2002–2015 period, we find that the effectiveness of health aid in reducing infant mortality is conditional on good governance. The results are robust in a variety of ways. Our findings reaffirm the importance of improving the quality of governance in recipient countries.
Modelling Non-Linear Age-Period-Cohort Effects and Covariates, With an Application to English Obesity 2001–2014
Authors: Fannon Zoë , Monden Christiaan , Nielsen Bent 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe develop an age-period-cohort model for repeated cross-section data with individual covariates, which identifies the non-linear effects of age, period and cohort. This is done for both continuous and binary dependent variables. The age, period and cohort effects in the model are represented by a parametrization with freely varying parameters that separates the identified non-linear effects and the unidentifiable linear effects. We develop a test of the parametrization against a more general ‘time-saturated’ model. The method is applied to analyse the obesity epidemic in England using survey data. The main non-linear effects we find in English obesity data are age-related among women and cohort-related among men.
How Much Room for Discourse in Imperative? The Lens of Interface on English, Italian and Spanish*
Authors: Frascarelli Mara , Jiménez‐Fernández Ángel L. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis paper discusses root phenomena in imperative clauses, assuming as diagnostics conversational dynamics and the type of discourse categories that are admitted in their C‐domain, through a systematic comparative interface investigation in three languages (English, Italian and Spanish) based on an original experimental work. This novel perspective sheds new light on the syntax‐semantics mapping and the interface (syntax‐prosody) properties of imperative clauses, embedding the relevant proposal in a cartographic framework of analysis. Based on a twofold distinction of root phenomena – those which are widely allowed in Common Ground‐active (Type I) contexts and those which can occur in non‐Common Ground‐active contexts (Type II) – it is proposed that imperatives are non‐Common Ground‐active propositions with no update potential, thus allowing only Type II root phenomena. Syntactically, imperative clauses are dominated by a super‐ordinate Speech Act Phrase, including theSpeakerand theAddresseeas co‐arguments, which explains the blocking effects identified in imperatives.
A Mobile Bennett Network Constructed With Identical Square Panels
Authors: Yang Fufu , Gao Yuan , Lu Shuailong , Chen Kunjing 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMobile networks, constructed with simple linkages by tessellation, have great application potential in engineering as they could change their shapes according to the need of working state by one degree-of-freedom (DOF). However, the existing one-DOF networks are always composed of bar-like links, and cooperated membranes should be designed and fabricated additionally, which makes the design and the realization more complicated. This paper is to construct a one-DOF network of Bennett linkages with identical square panels. Geometric conditions to construct the network are derived by investigating the kinematic compatibility, kinematics is carried out to show the relationships among all Bennett linkages, and the discussion on the design parameter shows the extensibility and the deploying performance, which is validated by two physical prototypes. This work initials the construction of mobile networks with identical polygon-like links, which will simplify the fabrication and realization of deployable structures.
Thermal Response of Dielectric Nanoparticle-Infused Tissue Phantoms During Microwave-Assisted Hyperthermia
Authors: Kumar Dhiraj , Dhar Purbarun , Paul Anup 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Hyperthermia has been in use for many years, as a potential alternative modality for cancer treatment. In this paper, an experimental investigation of microwave-assisted thermal heating (MWATH) of tissue phantom using a domestic microwave oven has been reported. Computer simulations using finite element method-based tools were also carried out to support the experimental observations and probe insight into the thermal transport aspects deep within the tissue phantom. A good agreement between predicted and measured temperature was achieved. Furthermore, experiments were conducted to investigate the efficacy of dielectric nanoparticles, namely, alumina (Al2O3) and titanium oxide (TiO2) during the MWATH of nanoparticle-infused tumor phantoms. A deep-seated tumor injected with nanoparticle solution was specifically mimicked in the experiments. Interesting results were obtained in terms of spatiotemporal thermal history of the nanoparticle-infused tissue phantoms. An elevation in the temperature distribution was achieved in the vicinity of the targeted zone due to the presence of nanoparticles, and the spatial distribution of temperature was grossly morphed. We conclusively show, using experiments and simulations that unlike other nanoparticle-mediated hyperthermia techniques, direct injection of the nanoparticles within the tumor leads to enhanced heat generation in the neighboring healthy tissues. The inhomogeneity of the hyperthermia event is evident from the local occurrence of hot spots and cold spots, respectively. The present findings may have far-reaching implications as a framework in predicting temperature distributions during microwave ablation (MWA).
Introducing Weekly Themes to Engage Students in a Microbiology Class†
Authors: Peterson Stacey N. 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACTProviding variety in course assignments and activities is one way to engage students and promote learning for students from diverse backgrounds and with different learning preferences. I add variety and energy to my upper-division microbiology lecture course through the use of “theme weeks.” Assignments and class activities are designed to correlate with the theme of the week. Themes are chosen that align well with the course content and address institutional or program student learning outcomes. Examples of themes I use in my microbiology course include Art, Relevance to Life, and Analogies. Several theme ideas and examples of assignments and activities are provided in this article. Many of these themes are not discipline-specific and can be integrated into a variety of science courses. Since using theme weeks in my microbiology class, I have observed an increase in student participation and interest in the course.
Build-Your-Own Exam: Involving Undergraduate Students in Assessment Design and Evaluation to Enhance Self-Regulated Learning
Authors: D’Ambrosio Lisa M. 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT
Teaching students how to critically assess their own learning progress is a persistent challenge in undergraduate science education. Engaging students in the design and evaluation of assessments is an emerging method for enhancing self-awareness of one's own competencies, to identify knowledge gaps, and to develop strategies for improved learning. Here, I describe an assessment activity for mid-level undergraduate science courses that directly involves students in the composition, revision, and evaluation of written exams. This activity uses a combination of faculty instruction, peer feedback, and self-assessment to facilitate deep comprehension of the curriculum and to ultimately help increase students' cognitive reasoning and ability to self-regulate their own learning. Instructional resources and alternative activity timelines are provided to promote easy implementation in a variety of course contexts at the post-secondary level.
Introducing Mammalian Cell Colony Formation in the Undergraduate Biology Laboratory
†
Authors: Robinson Ashley M. , Crow Mackenzie M. , Kratz Austin , Ritts Taylor , Suh Yewseok K. , Segarra Verónica A. 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT
Clonogenic assays are a simple and robust method that allow researchers to characterize mammalian cell line features, including the ability of a single cell to grow into a colony. We have used this assay as a tool in the undergraduate biology laboratory, exposing students to a more specialized form of mammalian cell culture and helping them refine scientific research skills and knowledge. In this article, we share an easy and undergraduate-friendly method of using HeLa cells to carry out clonogenic assays. The methods described include the introduction of different treatments to assess their effect in HeLa cell colony formation. In this laboratory exercise, undergraduate students utilize different cell culture techniques such as growing, harvesting, counting, diluting, staining, and imaging cells.
Early formation and taphonomic significance of kaolinite associated with Burgess Shale fossils
Authors: Anderson Ross P. , Tosca Nicholas J. , Saupe Erin E. , Wade Jon , Briggs Derek E.G. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The role of minerals in Burgess Shale–type fossilization is controversial, particularly that of the clay mineral kaolinite. Kaolinite may have formed on carcasses or attached to them as they decayed, stabilizing organic matter. Alternatively, kaolinite may have formed during metamorphism, playing no role in the preservation of soft tissues. Evaluating the formation and taphonomic role of kaolinite is difficult, because the mineralogy of Burgess Shale–type fossils is incompletely known. We used in situ selected-area X-ray diffraction to constrain the mineralogy of fossils from the classic Burgess Shale Formation in British Columbia, Canada. Fossils can be distinguished from the matrix that surrounds them by the presence of dolomite, kaolinite, and pyrite. Chlorite may be more abundant in the matrix. The preferential survival of kaolinite in association with fossils provides evidence of early diagenetic clay-organic interactions that protected the clay from metamorphic transformation. Kaolinite likely played a crucial role in fossilization, inhibiting the growth of heterotrophic bacteria and aiding polymerization of soft tissue biomolecules. This may result in biases in soft-tissue preservation to areas and times where kaolinite was prevalent.
Pneumomediastinum in patients with SARS-CoV-2 treated with non-invasive ventilation
Authors: Thein Onn Shaun , Niazi Muhammad , Ali Abdisamad , Sahal Adeel 
Published: March 2021

SARS-CoV-2, causing the pandemic COVID-19, has rapidly spread, overwhelming healthcare systems. Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIV) can be used as a bridging therapy to delay invasive mechanical ventilation or as a standalone therapy. Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is rare and self-limiting, but there is an increased incidence documented in COVID-19.Here we document two cases of pneumomediastinum-related prolonged NIV therapy in severe COVID-19. Patient 1, a 64-year-old man, who developed symptoms after NIV therapy was weaned and survived. Patient 2, an 82-year-old woman, failed to improve despite NIV therapy, on investigation was found to have a pneumomediastinum. After review, the patient was placed on best supportive care and died 3 days later.We highlight the importance of recognising less common causes of deterioration in severe COVID-19 treated with NIV. In addition, pneumomediastinum in these cases may not always lead to poor outcomes.
Experiences and impact of international medical volunteering: a multi-country mixed methods study
Authors: McCauley Mary , Raven Joanna , van den Broek Nynke 
Published: March 2021

ObjectiveTo assess the experience and impact of medical volunteers who facilitated training workshops for healthcare providers in maternal and newborn emergency care in 13 countries.SettingsBangladesh, Ghana, India, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, UK and Zimbabwe.ParticipantsMedical volunteers from the UK (n=162) and from low-income and middle-income countries (LMIC) (n=138).Outcome measuresExpectations, experience, views, personal and professional impact of the experience of volunteering on medical volunteers based in the UK and in LMIC.ResultsUK-based medical volunteers (n=38) were interviewed using focus group discussions (n=12) and key informant interviews (n=26). 262 volunteers (UK-based n=124 (47.3%), and LMIC-based n=138 (52.7%)) responded to the online survey (62% response rate), covering 506 volunteering episodes. UK-based medical volunteers were motivated by altruism, and perceived volunteering as a valuable opportunity to develop their skills in leadership, teaching and communication, skills reported to be transferable to their home workplace. Medical volunteers based in the UK and in LMIC (n=244) reported increased confidence (98%, n=239); improved teamwork (95%, n=232); strengthened leadership skills (90%, n=220); and reported that volunteering had a positive impact for the host country (96%, n=234) and healthcare providers trained (99%, n=241); formed sustainable partnerships (97%, n=237); promoted multidisciplinary team working (98%, n=239); and was a good use of resources (98%, n=239). Medical volunteers based in LMIC reported higher satisfaction scores than those from the UK with regards to impact on personal and professional development.ConclusionHealthcare providers from the UK and LMIC are highly motivated to volunteer to increase local healthcare providers’ knowledge and skills in low-resource settings. Further research is necessary to understand the experiences of local partners and communities regarding how the impact of international medical volunteering can be mutually beneficial and sustainable with measurable outcomes.
Community first response and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a qualitative study of the views and experiences of international experts
Authors: Heffernan Eithne , Mc Sharry Jenny , Murphy Andrew , Barry Tomás , Deasy Conor , Menzies David , Masterson Siobhan 
Published: March 2021

ObjectivesThis research aimed to examine the perspectives, experiences and practices of international experts in community first response: an intervention that entails the mobilisation of volunteers by the emergency medical services to respond to prehospital medical emergencies, particularly cardiac arrests, in their locality.DesignThis was a qualitative study in which semistructured interviews were conducted via teleconferencing. The data were analysed in accordance with an established thematic analysis procedure.SettingThere were participants from 11 countries: UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands.ParticipantsSixteen individuals who held academic, clinical or managerial roles in the field of community first response were recruited. Maximum variation sampling targeted individuals who varied in terms of gender, occupation and country of employment. There were eight men and eight women. They included ambulance service chief executives, community first response programme managers and cardiac arrest registry managers.ResultsThe findings provided insights on motivating and supporting community first response volunteers, as well as the impact of this intervention. First, volunteers can be motivated by ‘bottom-up factors’, particularly their characteristics or past experiences, as well as ‘top-down factors’, including culture and legislation. Second, providing ongoing support, especially feedback and psychological services, is considered important for maintaining volunteer well-being and engagement. Third, community first response can have a beneficial impact that extends not only to patients but also to their family, their community and to the volunteers themselves.ConclusionsThe findings can inform the future development of community first response programmes, especially in terms of volunteer recruitment, training and support. The results also have implications for future research by highlighting that this intervention has important outcomes, beyond response times and patient survival, which should be measured, including the benefits for families, communities and volunteers.
High likelihood of actionable pathogenic variant detection in breast cancer genes in women with very early onset breast cancer
Authors: Evans D Gareth , van Veen Elke Maria , Byers Helen J , Evans Sarah J , Burghel George J , Woodward Emma Roisin , Harkness Elaine F , Eccles Diana M , Greville-Haygate Stephanie L , Ellingford Jamie M , Bowers Naomi L , Pereira Marta , Wallace Andrew J , Howell Sasha J , Howell Anthony , Lalloo Fiona , Newman William G , Smith Miriam Jane 
Published: March 2021

BackgroundWhile the likelihood of identifying constitutional breast cancer-associated BRCA1, BRCA2 and TP53 pathogenic variants (PVs) increases with earlier diagnosis age, little is known about the correlation with age at diagnosis in other predisposition genes. Here, we assessed the contribution of known breast cancer-associated genes to very early onset disease.MethodsSequencing of BRCA1, BRCA2, TP53 and CHEK2 c.1100delC was undertaken in women with breast cancer diagnosed ≤30 years. Those testing negative were screened for PVs in a minimum of eight additional breast cancer-associated genes. Rates of PVs were compared with cases ≤30 years from the Prospective study of Outcomes in Sporadic vs Hereditary breast cancer (POSH) study.ResultsTesting 379 women with breast cancer aged ≤30 years identified 75 PVs (19.7%) in BRCA1, 35 (9.2%) in BRCA2, 22 (5.8%) in TP53 and 2 (0.5%) CHEK2 c.1100delC. Extended screening of 184 PV negative women only identified eight additional actionable PVs. BRCA1/2 PVs were more common in women aged 26–30 years than in younger women (p=0.0083) although the younger age group had rates more similar to those in the POSH cohort. Out of 26 women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) alone, most were high-grade and 11/26 (42.3%) had a PV (TP53=6, BRCA2=2, BRCA1=2, PALB2=1). This PV yield is similar to the 61 (48.8%) BRCA1/2 PVs identified in 125 women with triple-negative breast cancer. The POSH cohort specifically excluded pure DCIS which may explain lower TP53 PV rates in this group (1.7%).ConclusionThe rates of BRCA1, BRCA2 and TP53 PVs are high in very early onset breast cancer, with limited benefit from testing of additional breast cancer-associated genes.