bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Self‐awareness in multiple sclerosis: Relationships with executive functions and affect
Authors: Chen Michelle H. , Goverover Yael 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackground and objectivesDeficits in self‐awareness can be observed in persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). The present study aimed to investigate two types of self‐awareness (intellectual and online) among pwMS, which will inform clinical care. Intellectual awareness refers to knowledge of one's own abilities; online awareness refers to real‐time monitoring and regulation of one's performance.MethodsThe study sample consisted of 95 pwMS and 65 healthy controls (HCs). Intellectual awareness was defined as discrepancy between participant's and informant's reports of participant's functioning. Online awareness was operationalized by change in self‐assessment of performance after engaging in a functional task.ResultsPwMS had significantly worse intellectual awareness than HCs regarding money management (confidence interval [CI] 0.44 to 1.99), task performance (CI −0.01 to 2.5), social interaction (CI 0.29 to 2.45), and problem solving (CI 0.87 to 2.8) abilities, but not sensory symptoms. Executive functioning was positively associated with intellectual awareness in HCs, while depressive and anxiety symptoms were negatively related to intellectual awareness in pwMS. In contrast, online awareness was not significantly different between groups; both groups were able accurately to assess their performance after engaging in a functional task.ConclusionsIntellectual awareness, but not online awareness, is impaired in pwMS. Among pwMS, affective symptomatology may distort their perception of functional status. Persons with MS may benefit from actually performing a functional task during the assessment and treatment process, which may lead to a more accurate estimate of their own abilities.
Proximity to crop relatives determines some patterns of natural selection in a wild sunflower
Authors: Mitchell Nora , Chamberlain Scott A. , Whitney Kenneth D. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAbiotic and biotic heterogeneity result in divergent patterns of natural selection in nature, with important consequences for fundamental evolutionary processes including local adaptation, speciation, and diversification. However, increasing amounts of the global terrestrial surface are homogenized by agriculture (which covers nearly 50% of terrestrial vegetated land surface) and other anthropogenic activities. Agricultural intensification leads to highly simplified biotic communities for many taxa, which may alter natural selection through biotic selective agents. In particular, the presence of crops may alter selection on traits of closely related wild relatives via shared mutualists and antagonists such as pollinators and herbivores. We asked how the presence of crop sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) alters natural selection on reproductive traits of wild sunflowers (Helianthus annuus texanus). Across two years and multiple sites, we planted replicated paired populations of wild H. a. texanus bordering sunflower crop fields versus approximately 2.5 km away. We measured fitness, floral traits, and interactions of the plants with insect pollinators and seed predators. We found limited evidence that proximity to crop sunflowers altered selection on individual traits, as total or direct selection differed by proximity for only three of eleven traits: ray length (a marginally significant effect), Isophrictis (Gelechiidae, moth) attack, and Neolasioptera (Cecidomyiidae, midge) attack. Direct (but not total) selection was significantly more heterogenous far from crop sunflowers relative to near crop sunflowers. Both mutualist pollinators and antagonist seed predators mediated differences in selection in some population‐pairs near versus far from crop sunflowers. Here, we demonstrate that agriculture can influence the evolution of wild species via altered selection arising from shared biotic interactions, complementing previously demonstrated evolutionary effects via hybridization.
CCL13 is upregulated in alopecia areata lesions and is correlated with disease severity
Authors: Wang Dan , Xu Xueming , Li Xizhe , Shi Jian , Tong Xiaoliang , Chen Jing , Lu Jianyun , Huang Jinhua , Yang Shengbo 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAlopecia areata (AA) is a multi‐factors disease characterized by non‐scarring hair loss. AA could be classified into three main clinical phenotypes including patchy type AA (AAP), alopecia totalis (AT) and alopecia universalis (AU) based on the severity and areas of hair loss. Recent studies suggested immunological factor was critical in AA, but the precise aetiology and pathogenesis of AA still need exploration. In the work, we screened two gene expression profiles (GSE45512 and GSE68801) from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Based on the two data sets, 10 upregulated genes and 107 downregulated genes in AA skin biopsies were identified. CCL13, as one of the remarkably upregulated genes, was found to have potential biological functions in aberrant immune response of AA according to the GO and KEGG analyses. The PPI network showed CCL13 was associated with multiple immune‐related genes. The expression of CCL13 was increased depending on the severity of disease in AA patients. Cytotoxic lymphocytes, T cells and myeloid dendritic cells accumulated remarkably in scalp tissue depending on the severity of AA, and CCL13 was significantly correlated to cytotoxic lymphocytes, T cells and myeloid dendritic cells in AA patients. Our RT‐PCR and ELISA results found CCL13 was upregulated in skin biopsy and serum of AA patients, and the immunohistochemistry (IHC) detection showed CCL13 was expressed by both the hair follicle epithelium and infiltrating immune cells. In conclusion, the upregulated of CCL13 and subsequent immune cell infiltration was related to AA, which could be a promising target for diagnosis and therapy in AA patients.
Microstructural and fatigue crack growth behavior inhomogeneity of trace Sc added 7085 alloy friction stir welded joint
Authors: Jia Zixing , Wei Lili , Huang Hongfeng , Liu Chongyu , Jiang Hongjie , Xu Xuda 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe inhomogeneity of friction stir weld (FSW) joint of a 7085 Al‐based alloy containing trace Sc was investigated by comparing the hardening phase morphology, grain structure, mechanical properties, and fatigue crack growth (FCG) behavior in based metal (BM), heat‐affected zone (HAZ), and weld nugget zone (WNZ). The results showed that microstructural evolution during FSW was remarkably affected by Sc addition. The recrystallization and growth of grains in BM and HAZ were restrained by coherent Al3(Sc,Zr) particles. In HAZ, partially dissolution and slight growth of precipitates resulted in softening but contributed to enhance the FCG resistance according to shear mechanism. In WNZ, high frictional heating and intense plastic deformation induced recrystallization and supersaturated solid solution which decomposed to form new reprecipitates, including many new GPII zones, η′ phases, and some coarse η equilibrium phases attached to grown incoherent Al3(Sc,Zr). Owing to combined influences of fine random orientated grain structure and reprecipitates, WNZ possessed the best fatigue endurance.
Ductile fracture locus identification using mesoscale critical equivalent plastic strain
Authors: Xin Haohui , Veljkovic Milan , Correia José A.F.O. , Berto Filippo 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe ductile performance of high strength steel (HSS) from different steel grades, producers, manufacturing processes varies a lot. It is also difficult to conduct all kinds of reliable experiments to generate different stress status through different initial specimen geometries or by applying different load combinations in the civil engineering sector. One of the common issues for HSS structures is to identify the parameters of the ductile fracture model conveniently from the uniaxial stress–strain relationship obtained from common coupon specimens. An attempt is made in this paper to use the proposed mesoscale critical equivalent plastic strain (MCEPS) to calibrate the fracture locus of the uncoupled phenomenological model based only on the engineering stress–strain relationship. The proposed method is successfully validated by the Sandia fracture challenge in 2014.
Trimethylguanosine synthase 1 (Tgs1) is involved in Swi6/HP1‐independent siRNA production and establishment of heterochromatin in fission yeast
Authors: Yu Hiroki , Tsuchida Mai , Ando Motoyoshi , Hashizaki Tomoka , Shimada Atsushi , Takahata Shinya , Murakami Yota 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn fission yeast, siRNA generated by RNA interference (RNAi) factors plays critical roles in establishment and maintenance of heterochromatin. To achieve efficient siRNA synthesis, RNAi factors assemble on heterochromatin via association with Swi6, a homologue of heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1), and heterochromatic noncoding RNA (hncRNA) retained on chromatin. In addition, spliceosomes formed on hncRNA introns recruit RNAi factors to hncRNA and heterochromatin. Small nuclear RNAs, components of the spliceosome, have a trimethylguanosine (TMG) cap that is generated by Tgs1‐dependent hypermethylation of the normal m7G cap; this cap is required for efficient splicing of some mRNAs in budding yeast and Drosophila. In this study, we found that loss of Tgs1 in fission yeast destabilizes centromeric heterochromatin. Tgs1 was required for Swi6‐independent siRNA synthesis, as well as for the establishment of centromeric heterochromatin. Loss of Tgs1 affected the splicing efficiency of hncRNA introns in the absence of Swi6. Furthermore, some hncRNAs have a TMG cap, and we found that loss of Tgs1 diminished the chromatin binding of these hncRNAs. Together, these results suggest that the Tgs1‐dependent TMG cap plays critical roles in establishment of heterochromatin by ensuring spliceosome‐dependent recruitment of RNAi factors and regulating the binding between chromatin and hncRNA.
‘Employability in context’: The importance of considering contextual factors in reimagining employability through Australian student mobility to the Indo‐Pacific region
Authors: Thi Tran Ly , Thi Quy Do Thu , Bui Huyen 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAustralia has shifted its student mobility agenda since 2014 with a commitment to see learning abroad in the Indo‐Pacific region, rather than in traditional destinations such as anglophone countries, as a ‘rite of passage’ for Australian students' future life and career. While there has been rich literature on the impact of outbound student mobility from Australia to anglophone countries, critical inquiry is warranted regarding how Australian students' learning abroad in the Indo‐Pacific affects their employability and career directions. This article responds to this paucity in the literature. It is derived from a larger research project, including a survey of 1,362 New Colombo Plan alumni. Unlike dominant conceptualisations of employability focusing largely on the role of disciplinary knowledge and soft skills, this study found affording different perspectives, connections and opportunities and the increased knowledge about the Indo‐Pacific have been critical in shaping Australian students' employability and career orientations. The findings of this study provide the empirical base for the development of the concept, ‘employability in context’, which underscores the importance of moving beyond the conventional discourse about employability and taking into account the contextual factors in conceptualising employability.
Genetic characterisation of adult primary pleomorphic uterine rhabdomyosarcoma and comparison with uterine carcinosarcoma
Authors: Ashley Charles W , Da Cruz Paula Arnaud , Ferrando Lorenzo , Gularte‐Mérida Rodrigo , Sebastiao Ana P M , Brown David N , Gazzo Andrea M , Pareja Fresia , Stylianou Anthe , Abu‐Rustum Nadeem R , Reis‐Filho Jorge S , Buehler Darya , Weisman Paul , Chiang Sarah , Weigelt Britta 
Published: February 2021

AimsTo characterise the genetic alterations in adult primary uterine rhabdomyosarcomas (uRMSs) and to investigate whether these tumours are genetically distinct from uterine carcinosarcomas (UCSs).Methods and resultsThree tumours originally diagnosed as primary adult pleomorphic uRMS were subjected to massively parallel sequencing targeting 468 cancer‐related genes and RNA‐sequencing. Mutational profiles were compared with those of UCSs (n = 57) obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Sequencing data analyses were performed using validated bioinformatic approaches. PathogenicTP53mutations and high levels of genomic instability were detected in the three cases. uRMS1 harboured a likely pathogenicYTHDF2–FOXR1fusion. uRMS2 harboured aPPP2R1Ahotspot mutation and amplification of multiple genes, includingWHSC1L1,FGFR1,MDM2, andCCNE1, whereas uRMS3 harboured anFBXW7hotspot mutation and anANKRD11homozygous deletion. Hierarchical clustering of somatic mutations and copy number alterations revealed that these tumours initially diagnosed as pleomorphic uRMSs and UCSs were similar. Subsequent comprehensive pathological re‐review of the three uRMSs revealed previously unidentified minute pan‐cytokeratin‐positive atypical glands in one case (uRMS3), favouring its reclassification as UCS with extensive rhabdomyosarcomatous overgrowth.ConclusionsAdult pleomorphic uRMSs harbourTP53mutations and high levels of copy number alterations. Our findings underscore the challenge in discriminating between uRMS and UCS with rhabdomyosarcomatous differentiation.
Real‐time PCR‐based Y‐specific sperm quantification assay in Queensland fruit fly: Insights to patterns of sperm storage
Authors: Shadmany J. , Lee S. F. , Taylor P. W. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractStudies of reproductive biology in insects often require quantification of sperm production, transfer or storage. Here, we develop a quantitative real‐time PCR‐based assay using a Y‐specific marker for quantification of sperm from spermathecae of female Queensland fruit fly ('Q‐fly'), overcoming constraints typical of traditional sperm quantification methods. The assay enables accurate and reliable quantification of as few as 50 sperms and provides a means to analyse large numbers of samples with flexible timing. The real‐time PCR method enables revised understanding of how many sperms are stored by female Q‐flies, the distribution of storage between the two spermathecae and the relationship between copula duration and sperm storage. Real‐time PCR assays based on Y‐specific markers provide an effective solution for sperm quantification in tephritid flies, as well as in other insects and potentially other animals with sperm storage organs.
Human CD36hi monocytes induce Foxp3+ CD25+ T cells with regulatory functions from CD4 and CD8 subsets
Authors: Lee Jessica G. , Jaeger Kathleen E. , Seki Yoichi , Wei Lim Yi , Cunha Christina , Vuchkovska Aleksandra , Nelson Alexander J. , Nikolai Anya , Kim Dan , Nishimura Michael , Knight Katherine L. , White Paula , Iwashima Makio 
Published: February 2021

SummaryThe fetal and neonatal immune systems are uniquely poised to generate tolerance to self, maternal and environmental antigens encountered in the womb and shortly after birth. However, the tolerogenic nature of fetal and neonatal immunity can be detrimental in the context of pathogens, leading to overwhelming bacterial infections or chronic viral infections. A variety of mechanisms contribute to fetal and neonatal tolerance, including a propensity to generate Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg cells). However, the mechanism(s) of fetal Foxp3+ T‐cell differentiation, the specific antigen‐presenting cells required and factors that inhibit Treg generation after the neonatal period are poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that a subset of CD14+ monocytes expressing the scavenger molecule, CD36, can generate CD4+ and CD8+ T cells that coexpress Foxp3 and T‐bet from both umbilical cord blood. These Foxp3+ T‐bet+ T cells potently suppress T‐cell proliferation and ameliorate xenogeneic graft‐versus‐host disease. CD14+ CD36+ monocytes provide known Treg‐inducing signals: membrane‐bound transforming growth factor‐beta and retinoic acid. Unexpectedly, adult peripheral blood monocytes are also capable of inducing Foxp3+ T cells from both cord blood and adult peripheral naïve T cells. The induction of Foxp3+ T cells in umbilical cord blood by monocytes was inhibited by the lymphoid fraction of adult peripheral blood cells. These studies highlight a novel immunoregulatory role of monocytes and suggest that antigen presentation by CD36hi monocytes may contribute to the peripheral development of Foxp3+ T‐bet+ T cells with regulatory functions in both neonates and adults.
Sucrose retards the reaction of non‐calcium geopolymers: An implication for developing kinetics‐controlling admixtures
Authors: Chen Xu , Mondal Paramita 
Published: February 2021

AbstractFor geopolymers (no or low calcium), the chemical admixtures designed for ordinary portland cement are either inefficient or ineffective. In this study, the effects of sucrose on the kinetics of geopolymerization (no calcium) were investigated. From calorimetry tests, we found sucrose retarded the geopolymerization of sodium silicate‐activated metakaolin. This retardation is unlikely to be related to the dissolution of metakaolin, since sucrose also hindered the reaction of the synthetic gel (no metakaolin) as evidenced by the smaller particle sizes under microscopy. Further spectroscopy and total organic carbon (TOC) tests indicated that sucrose did not adsorb or chemically interact with the synthetic aluminosilicate gel and the intermediate (alumino)silicate species. In contrast, the retardation mechanism was found to be due to the interaction of sucrose with alkalis in the solution, partially based on the structural characterization of sucrose under alkaline condition. To the best of our knowledge, this work is the first of its type to explore and understand the reaction‐controlling admixtures for non‐calcium geopolymers.
Three‐phase borate solid solution with low sintering temperature, high‐quality factor, and low dielectric constant
Authors: Peng Rui , Li Yuanxun , Su Hua , Lu Yongcheng , Shi Liang , Yu Guoliang , Wang Gang , Gan Gongwen , Yu Chengyong 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe sintering and microwave dielectric properties of a ceramic material based on the mixing of Mg3B2O6 and Zn3B2O6 have been widely studied using first‐principles calculations and experimental solid‐state reactions. Characterization methods include the Network Analyzer, X‐ray, Raman diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive spectroscopy, and differential‐thermal and thermo‐mechanical analyzer. The increasing amount of Mg2+ results in the appearance of Mg2B2O5 and ZnO, and the mutual substitution (Mg2+ and Zn2+) phenomenon has emerged in Zn3B2O6 and Mg2B2O5. The mechanisms have been explained with the help of DFT calculations. The bond parameters and electron distributions of the ZnO4 tetrahedron and MgO6 octahedron have been modified due to substitution. The sintering, substitution, and phase formation properties have been analyzed quantitatively through the energy parameters. The best dielectric properties were obtained for x = 0.20 sintered at 950°C, εr = 6.47, Q × f = 89 600 GHz (15.2 GHz), τf = −48.6 ppm/°C, relative density = 96.7%. The mixing of Zn3B2O6 and Mg3B2O6 ceramics is a feasible method to obtain a ceramic with low sintering temperature and excellent dielectric properties.
An attribution‐emotion‐action interpretation of the “evil eye” in everyday conflict situations
Authors: Vargas Maria Esperanza 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAn attribution‐emotion‐action model was used to examine individuals’ willingness to seek for another person's face in conflict situations. To induce interpersonal conflict and frustration, participants were engaged in the ultimatum bargaining game (UBG) where they received predetermined offers. A simple UBG consists of two players, a Proposer and a Responder, who must decide how to divide a resource. Our findings confirm our predictions in that during the interpersonal conflict (i.e., betraying the norm of equality in the UBG), participants made more controllable based attributions, felt more frustrated (less sympathetic), and more likely requested to view the Proposer's photograph than when there is no conflict. Stated differently, in conflict situations, the likelihood of seeking another person's face increases when controllable attributions are made and when frustration is felt.
Disaster hypertension and cardiovascular events in disaster and COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Narita Keisuke , Hoshide Satoshi , Tsoi Kelvin , Siddique Saulat , Shin Jinho , Chia Yook‐Chin , Tay Jam Chin , Teo Boon Wee , Turana Yuda , Chen Chen‐Huan , Cheng Hao‐Min , Sogunuru Guru Prasad , Wang Tzung‐Dau , Wang Ji‐Guang , Kario Kazuomi 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe incidence of large disasters has been increasing worldwide. This has led to a growing interest in disaster medicine. In this review, we report current evidence related to disasters and coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, such as cardiovascular diseases during disasters, management of disaster hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases associated with COVID‐19. This review summarizes the time course and mechanisms of disaster‐related diseases. It also discusses the use of information and communication technology (ICT) as a cardiovascular risk management strategy to prevent cardiovascular events. During the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, we used the “Disaster Cardiovascular Prevention” system that was employed for blood pressure (BP) monitoring and risk management using ICT. We introduced an ICT‐based BP monitoring device at evacuation centers and shared patients’ BP values in the database to support BP management by remote monitoring, which led to improved BP control. Effective use of telemedicine using ICT is important for risk management of cardiovascular diseases during disasters and pandemics in the future.