bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Graphene@Metal Sulfide/Oxide Nanocomposites as Novel Photo‐Fenton‐like Catalysts for 4‐Nitrophenol Degradation
Authors: Matos Renata , Nunes Marta S. , Kuźniarska‐Biernacka Iwona , Rocha Mariana , Guedes Alexandra , Estrada Ana C. , Lopes Joana L. , Trindade Tito , Freire Cristina 
Published: October 2021

AbstractHerein, S‐doped graphene flakes‐based composites with Fe3O4 and/or CuS nanoparticles (NPs) are reported as photo‐Fenton catalysts for the 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP) degradation. The S‐doped graphene flakes (S‐GF) were prepared using a thermal treatment approach, and the nanocomposites by the in situ growth of Fe3O4 and/or CuS onto the S‐GF scaffold. The characterization methods confirmed the formation of two‐ and three‐components nanocomposites. The Fe3O4 NPs presented a cubic inverse spinel structure and the CuS phases a covellite structure, both with smaller crystallite sizes in the nanocomposites. The new nanocomposites showed higher ability to catalyze the photo‐Fenton 4‐NP degradation than the individual components. The S‐GF@CuS−Fe3O4 nanocomposite exhibited the best catalytic activity: 95.2 % of 4‐NP degradation, a kinetic of pseudo‐first order (k=0.016 min−1), high photo‐Fenton catalytic stability and catalyst's composition/structure preservation. The CuS NPs showed an important role in the photo‐Fenton‐like catalytic activity improvement.
Polymorphism in cytochrome P4502A6 reduces the risk to head and neck cancer and modifies the treatment outcome
Authors: Yadav Vinay Kumar , Katiyar Tridiv , Ruwali Munindra , Yadav Sanjay , Singh Sudhir , Hadi Rahat , Bhatt Madan Lal Brahma , Parmar Devendra 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe present case–control study consisting of 1300 cases of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and the equal number of controls aimed to investigate the association of functionally important polymorphisms in cytochrome P4502A6 (CYP2A6*1B, CYP2A6*4C, CYP2A6*9‐rs28399433) with HNSCC and the treatment response in cases receiving a combination of chemotherapy/radiotherapy (CT/RT). A significant decrease in risk to HNSCC was observed in the cases with deletion (CYP2A6*4B and CYP2A6*4C) or reduced activity genotypes (CYP2A6*9) of CYP2A6. This risk to HNSCC was further reduced significantly in tobacco users among the cases when compared to nontobacco users among the cases. The risk was also reduced to a slightly greater extent in alcohol users among the cases when compared to nonalcohol users among the cases. In contrast with decreased risk to HNSCC, almost half of the cases with variant genotypes of CYP2A6 (CYP2A6*1A/*4C+*1B/*4C+*4C/*4C and *9/*9) did not respond to the treatment. Likewise, the survival rate in cases receiving the treatment, after 55 months of follow‐up was significantly lower in cases with deletion (6.3%) or reduced activity (11.9%) allele than in the cases with common alleles (41%). The present study has shown that CYP2A6 polymorphism significantly reduces the risk to HNSCC. Our data further suggested that CYP2A6 polymorphism may worsen the treatment outcome in the cases receiving CT/RT.
Development of a general‐purpose parallel finite element method for analyzing earthquake engineering problems
Authors: Motoyama H. , Sawada M. , Hotta W. , Haba K. , Otsuka Y. , Akiba H. , Hori M. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractA parallel finite element method (FEM) based on high‐fidelity models for solving diverse earthquake engineering problems is presented. Its key feature is a parallel solver that is tuned to solve large‐scale wave equations. Tensorial material constitutive relations of concrete and soil and sophisticated nonlinear joint elements are implemented to broaden the applicability of the parallel FEM. The performance of the proposed parallel FEM is demonstrated for three examples; namely, seismic response, liquefaction, and surface earthquake fault analyses. A high‐fidelity model was constructed for each analysis, and the numerical results were validated against observed data. The performance of the proposed parallel FEM approach was evaluated in terms of the resolution of the simulated results. Ensemble computing based on approximately a hundred high‐fidelity models is useful for cases where there are considerable uncertainties regarding the material properties.
Seismic performance of bridges with novel SMA cable‐restrained high damping rubber bearings against near‐fault ground motions
Authors: Fang Cheng , Liang Dong , Zheng Yue , Lu Shiyuan 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis study presents a novel type of shape memory alloy (SMA) cable‐restrained high damping rubber (SMA‐HDR) bearing, which is particularly suited to near‐fault (NF) regions where the pulsing effect potentially exists in the ground motions. The working mechanism of the bearing is first described, followed by an experimental investigation on a full‐scale SMA‐HDR bearing specimen. The test results confirm the efficient restraining effect offered by the SMA cables, which contribute to 65% and 24.4% of the lateral load resistance and total energy dissipation, respectively, prior to the initial fracture of the SMA cables. The failure of the cables is initiated near the end grip where moderate stress concentration exists at this region. Following the experimental study, the numerical modeling strategy for the bearing is discussed, and a case study is then presented, demonstrating the application of the SMA‐HDR bearings in the Datianba #2 highway bridge, a real project that first adopts the proposed bearings in the world. A simplified design process is introduced for the bridge with novel SMA‐HDR bearings to mitigate the potential damage during strong earthquakes especially the NF ones. The system‐level analysis on the prototype bridge shows that the novel SMA‐HDR bearings equipped with ten 7×7×1.2 SMA cables in each bearing could reduce the average maximum bearing displacement (MBD) by nearly 30% compared with the conventional bridge with HDR bearings. The application of the novel SMA‐HDR bearing can significantly alleviate the pounding effect, especially under the NF earthquakes. The presence of the SMA cables tends to increase the maximum force response of the piers, but this effect is minor and under control.
Drivers of insect consumption across human populations
Authors: Cruz y Celis Peniche Patricio 
Published: October 2021

AbstractDiscussions regarding entomophagy in humans have been typically led by entomologists. While anthropologists devote much time to understanding diverse human subsistence practices, historical and cultural variation in insect consumption remains largely unexplained. This review explores the relation between variable ecologies, subsistence strategies, and social norms on insect consumption patterns across past and contemporary human populations. Ecological factors, such as the nutritional contribution of edible insects relative to those of other foraged or farmed resources available, may help explain variation in their consumption. Additionally, our evolved social learning strategies may help propagate social norms that prohibit or prioritize the consumption of some or all edible insects, independent of their profitability. By adopting a behavioral ecological and cultural evolutionary approach, this review aims to resolve current debates on insect consumption and provide directions for future research.
Experimental evolution reveals sex-specific dominance for surviving bacterial infection in laboratory populations ofDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Geeta Arun Manas , Agarwala Amisha , Syed Zeeshan Ali , . Jigisha , Kashyap Mayank , Venkatesan Saudamini , Chechi Tejinder Singh , Gupta Vanika , Prasad Nagaraj Guru 
Published: October 2021

AbstractMales and females are subjected to distinct kinds of selection pressures, often leading to the evolution of sex-specific genetic architecture, an example being sex-specific dominance. Sex-specific dominance reversals (SSDRs), where alleles at sexually antagonistic loci are at least partially dominant in the sex they benefit, have been documented in Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout, and seed beetles. Another interesting feature of many sexually reproducing organisms is the asymmetric inheritance pattern of X chromosomes, which often leads to distinct evolutionary outcomes on X chromosomes compared to autosomes. Examples include the higher efficacy of sexually concordant selection on X chromosomes, and X chromosomes being more conducive to the maintenance of sexually antagonistic polymorphisms under certain conditions. Immunocompetence is a trait that has been extensively investigated for sexual dimorphism with growing evidence for sex-specific or sexually antagonistic variation. X chromosomes have been shown to harbor substantial immunity-related genetic variation in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. Here, using interpopulation crosses and cytogenetic cloning, we investigated sex-specific dominance and the role of the X chromosome in improved postinfection survivorship of laboratory populations of D. melanogaster selected against pathogenic challenge by Pseudomonas entomophila. We could not detect any contribution of the X chromosome to the evolved immunocompetence of our selected populations, as well as to within-population variation in immunocompetence. However, we found strong evidence of sex-specific dominance related to surviving bacterial infection. Our results indicate that alleles that confer a survival advantage to the selected populations are, on average, partially dominant in females but partially recessive in males. This could also imply an SSDR for overall fitness, given the putative evidence for sexually antagonistic selection affecting immunocompetence in Drosophila melanogaster. We also highlight sex-specific dominance as a potential mechanism of sex differences in immunocompetence, with population-level sex differences primarily driven by sex differences in heterozygotes.
Fire injury analysis
Authors: Taylor Mark , Appleton Deb , Fielding John , Oakford Gary 
Published: October 2021

SummaryIn this paper, we examine unintentional dwelling fire injuries during the period 2006 to 2016 in Merseyside, in the North West of England. Overall, it appeared that deprivation was a significant factor in unintentional fire injuries over the period studied, with 52% of fire injuries occurring in areas with the highest level of deprivation. Males and females appeared equally likely to be injured in an unintentional dwelling fire, however, males were twice as likely to be injured in an alcohol and drug‐related fire incident, or injured attempting to fight a dwelling fire than females. In terms of the age profile of those injured in unintentional dwelling fires, the group with the highest level of fire injuries was the elderly (29% of injuries), followed by those aged 25 to 45 (28% of injuries), then those aged 45 to 65 (23% of injuries), then young persons (aged up to 24) (20% of injuries).
Beyond poto mitan: Challenging the “Strong Black Woman” archetype and allowing space for tenderness
Authors: Dubuisson Darlène , Schuller Mark 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIn this article, we contend that the “strong Black woman” archetype constricts expressions of Black womanhood and girlhood and thus limits individual and collective liberation. We maintain that strength need not preclude tenderness, highlighting two forms: wounded tenderness—a raw and aching feeling pointing to the vulnerability of human beings—and liberated tenderness, a practice of meeting woundedness with embodied awareness and gentleness. We foreground the concept of poto mitan to illustrate how the “strong Black woman” archetype upholds virtues of strength at the expense of tenderness, thus taking up Faye Harrison's call to theorize from “ex‐centric sites.” Translated as “center posts,” poto mitan describes the architecture of spaces for traditional ancestor worship and conventionally refers to Haitian women's central role as pillars of the family and community. We begin this article by discussing the limits of this discourse within feminist scholarship and activism. Second, we examine how this discourse both engenders and limits liberation for Haitian rural women. By concluding with “tenderness as method,” we argue that feminist anthropologists working with Black women must not only attune themselves to how discourses and performances of strength may occlude liberation but also call on our own vulnerability to allow space for liberated tenderness.
Influence of age on molecular characteristics and rheological behavior of nopal mucilage
Authors: Rodríguez‐González Francisco , Pérez‐González José , Muñoz‐López Cesar Nadem , Vargas‐Solano Silvia Viridiana , Marín‐Santibáñez Benjamín M. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractNopal mucilages are of interest due to a variety of potential applications, which include their use as thickeners and rheological modifiers. In this work, changes in molecular characteristics of nopal mucilages with their age and its influence on the rheological behavior of their solutions were analyzed by light scattering, high performance liquid chromatography, a colorimetric method, and linear viscoelastic rheometrical measurements. For this, mucilages obtained from cladodes from Opuntia ficus‐indica with different ages, namely 20, 80, and 600 days, respectively, were extracted using water as solvent and then subjected to freeze‐drying. The weight‐average molecular weight (Mw) of the mucilages was found to increase along with the age; meanwhile, the concentration of uronic acids increased and the galactose, rhamnose, and xylose contents decreased. Increasing Mw with age resulted in enhanced viscoelastic behavior of solutions, namely, higher viscosity and elasticity at lower mucilage concentrations. Also, along with increasing Mw, decrease in neutral sugar contents and increase of pectic compounds (uronic acids) and Ca+ cations in mucilages with age promoted formation of weak gels. Overall, the molecular weights and rheological behaviors reported in this work for nopal mucilages are comparable to those of widely used thickeners such as xanthan and guar gums, which suggest their use in similar applications regarding its age.
Microglia‐specific ApoE knock‐out does not alter Alzheimer's disease plaque pathogenesis or gene expression
Authors: Henningfield Caden M. , Arreola Miguel A. , Soni Neelakshi , Spangenberg Elizabeth E. , Green Kim N. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractPrevious studies suggest that microglial‐expressed Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is necessary to shift microglia into a neurodegenerative transcriptional state in Alzheimer's disease (AD) mouse models. On the other hand, elimination of microglia shifts amyloid beta (Aβ) accumulation from parenchymal plaques to cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), mimicking the effects of global APOE*4 knock‐in. Here, we specifically knock‐out microglial‐expressed ApoE while keeping astrocytic‐expressed ApoE intact. When microglial‐specific ApoE is knocked‐out of a 5xFAD mouse model of AD, we found a ~35% increase in average Aβ plaque size, but no changes in plaque load, microglial number, microglial clustering around Aβ plaques, nor the formation of CAA. Immunostaining revealed ApoE protein present in plaque‐associated microglia in 5xFAD mice with microglial‐specific ApoE knockout, suggesting that microglia can take up ApoE from other cellular sources. Mice with Apoe knocked‐out of microglia had lower synaptic protein levels than control mice, indicating that microglial‐expressed ApoE may have a role in synapse maintenance. Surprisingly, microglial‐specific ApoE knock‐out resulted in few differentially expressed genes in both 5xFAD and control mice; however, some rescue of 5xFAD associated neuronal networks may occur with microglial‐specific ApoE knock‐out as shown by weighted gene co‐expression analysis. Altogether, our data indicates that microglial‐expressed ApoE may not be necessary for plaque formation or for the microglial transcriptional shift into a Disease Associated Microglia state that is associated with reactivity to plaques but may be necessary for plaque homeostasis in disease and synaptic maintenance under normal conditions.
Genome‐wide analysis identifies gallstone‐susceptibility loci including genes regulating gastrointestinal motility
Authors: Fairfield Cameron J. , Drake Thomas M. , Pius Riinu , Bretherick Andrew D. , Campbell Archie , Clark David W. , Fallowfield Jonathan A. , Hayward Caroline , Henderson Neil C. , Iakovliev Andrii , Joshi Peter K. , Mills Nicholas L. , Porteous David J. , Ramachandran Prakash , Semple Robert K. , Shaw Catherine A. , Sudlow Cathie L. W. , Timmers Paul R. H. J. , Wilson James F. , Wigmore Stephen J. , Spiliopoulou Athina , Harrison Ewen M. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background and Aims
Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have identified several risk loci for gallstone disease. As with most polygenic traits, it is likely that many genetic determinants are undiscovered. The aim of this study was to identify genetic variants that represent new targets for gallstone research and treatment.

Approach and Results
We performed a GWAS of 28,627 gallstone cases and 348,373 controls in the UK Biobank, replicated findings in a Scottish cohort (1089 cases, 5228 controls), and conducted a GWA meta‐analysis (43,639 cases, 506,798 controls) with the FinnGen cohort. We assessed pathway enrichment using gene‐based then gene‐set analysis and tissue expression of identified genes in Genotype‐Tissue Expression project data. We constructed a polygenic risk score (PRS) and evaluated phenotypic traits associated with the score. Seventy‐five risk loci were identified (p < 5 × 10−8), of which 46 were new. Pathway enrichment revealed associations with lipid homeostasis, glucuronidation, phospholipid metabolism, and gastrointestinal motility. Anoctamin 1 (ANO1) and transmembrane Protein 147 (TMEM147), both in novel, replicated loci, are expressed in the gallbladder and gastrointestinal tract. Both regulate gastrointestinal motility. The gallstone risk allele rs7599‐A leads to suppression of hepatic TMEM147 expression, suggesting that the protein protects against gallstone formation. The highest decile of the PRS demonstrated a 6‐fold increased odds of gallstones compared with the lowest decile. The PRS was strongly associated with increased body mass index, serum liver enzymes, and C‐reactive protein concentrations, and decreased lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations.

Conclusions
This GWAS demonstrates the polygenic nature of gallstone risk and identifies 46 novel susceptibility loci. We implicate genes influencing gastrointestinal motility in the pathogenesis of gallstones.
Circulating heat shock protein 27 (HSPB1) levels in prediction of pre‐eclampsia: A pilot study
Authors: Martin Raquel L. , Sottile Mayra L. , Redondo Analia L. , Gomez Laura C. , Gauna Gisel V. , Flamini Marina I. , Grajeda Carina , Anzalone Alfonsa C. , Rodriguez‐Echandia Eduardo , Nadin Silvina B. , Vargas‐Roig Laura M. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether circulating heat shock proteins HSP27/HSPB1 and HSP90α/HSPC1 may be useful for early prediction of the occurrence of pre‐eclampsia in asymptomatic women.MethodsWe have measured by ELISA the levels of HSPB1, HSPC1, and placental protein 13 (PP13) in serum samples from 44 women in the first trimester (10–12 weeks) and second trimester (17–20 weeks) of pregnancy. Western blot and immunohistochemistry for HSPB1 and HSPC1 were performed.ResultsHSPB1 serum levels were higher in women with pre‐eclampsia than in normotensive pregnant women at the first and second trimester (P = 0.003), whereas PP13 levels decreased in women with pre‐eclampsia only in the first trimester of gestation (P = 0.021). We also observed higher HSPB1 levels in patients with early‐onset pre‐eclampsia in the first and second trimester (P = 0.014).ConclusionThis pilot study points out that circulating HSPB1 levels in first and second trimester might be useful for predicting the occurrence of pre‐eclampsia in asymptomatic women. Further validation studies are needed to finally establish this protein as a candidate predictive biomarker of pre‐eclampsia.
The knowledge levels, perceptions, and practices of irrigation farmers in the context of soil salinity management in the South African sugarcane industry*
Authors: Jumman Ashiel , van Heerden Pieter S , van Antwerpen Rianto , van Rensburg Leon D , Adendorff Marius , Radzilani Tshifhiwa , Searle Alex 
Published: October 2021

AbstractSoil salinity is a well‐researched issue. However, farmers' knowledge and perceptions of salinity management are less known. A questionnaire survey was conducted with 34 sugarcane growers, farming 18,174 ha under irrigation in South Africa. The questionnaire evaluated current knowledge levels, management practices, and perceptions about salinity management.The results reveal several knowledge gaps. Many farmers were not monitoring their soil salinity status or the water quality used for irrigation. A large portion (71%) of farmers observed visible signs of salinity; however, very few were implementing flushing of salts with irrigation. Contrastingly, participants suggested that they perceived the threat of salinity and have sufficient knowledge about causes and the preventative and corrective measures for salinity management. In addition, respondents were satisfied that the benefits of salinity management outweigh the costs. Participants, however, perceived practical difficulty and hassle factors relating to the knowledge and skill required for implementation. In conclusion, extension activities need to extend beyond knowledge sharing to the level of implementation. On‐farm testing, demonstration plots, farm visits, and technical tours are recommended. Relevant economic and practical case study information must be gathered and shared with larger farmer groups.
Resilience in deaf children: A comprehensive literature review and applications for school staff
Authors: Freitas Eunice , Simões Celeste , Santos Anabela C. , Mineiro Ana 
Published: October 2021

AbstractResilience is a dynamic, multidimensional complex concept that implies risk and protective factors, adaptation, and success. Communication and language are often identified as barriers in deaf children's development. However, research linking deafness in childhood and resilience is scarce. The present comprehensive literature review aims to verify which are the predominant risk factors for this group, which protective factors may be identified and if significant differences have been found between deaf and hearing children regarding resilience. A systematic search, performed in seven databases, identified 11 articles published in peer‐reviewed journals between 2000 and 2019 that met the criteria. Deaf children experience exposure to risk through obstacles in communication, language, and information failure. Consequently, differences between hearing and deaf children are related to more difficulties in emotion regulation and interpersonal relationships. Principal protective factors are a supportive family, school staff, and peers. Practical implications and recommendations for future research are provided.