bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Location and spatial dynamics of maritime services: A case study of the Yangtze River Delta, China
Authors: Ye Shilin , Jiang Ziran
Published: September 2021

The evolution of the spatial structure of maritime services is a geographical phenomenon closely associated with regional port economic development. However, the spatial and temporal characteristics of maritime services are still not fully understood, especially in emerging market countries and regions. The goal of this study was to reveal the regional‐scale location and spatial dynamic characteristics of maritime services and their influencing factors. Specifically, using value chain perspectives, integrating both qualitative and quantitative approaches, we develop a database of maritime service enterprises in the Yangtze River Delta, China. Our empirical results show that maritime services and their various value chain segments display significant spatial agglomeration closely related to the scale of port development. Hub ports and large port cities are the main areas of concentrated maritime services. Moreover, during the spatial reconstruction of regional maritime services, non‐port and small port cities have gradually become important locations for agent maritime services (e.g., shipping agencies, freight forwarding) and traditional maritime services (e.g., port operators, warehouse and storage), dispersing and reconcentrating services in the hinterland. Finally, we analyze the influences of the hinterland logistics center, regional comprehensive transportation network, information communication technology, industrial agglomeration effect, local government competition, and cooperation on the spatial dynamics of maritime services in the Yangtze River Delta region.
Beyond technological relatedness: An evolutionary pro‐growth coalition and industrial transformation in Kunshan, China
Authors: Wang Cassandra C. , Gereffi Gary , Liu Zhigao
Published: September 2021

The article develops an analytical framework for an adaptable and evolutionary pro‐growth coalition led by local government to understand regional industrial transformation in developing China. Taking Kunshan as an example, we argue that evolutionary and adaptable coalitions were key to Kunshan's successful transformation from an agriculture county to an export‐oriented industrial center, and to a more diversified city. The coalition of the local state with land‐holding farmers, domestic and international firms, and the central government during the 1980s‐1990s laid a foundation for industrial transformation; the strong coalition of local state and Taiwanese investors in the 1990s‐2000s shaped its new industry of IT manufacturing; and the coalition of local state with multiple actors at various geographical scales contributed a more diversified and innovative industrial structure of Kunshan. This study highlights that industrial evolution is not only driven by technological relatedness but also by the evolutionary state‐led coalition of multiple actors from different levels and at different stages, and appeals for a political economy perspective to understand industrial transformation of resource‐ scarce regions.
Monitoring of different factor VIII replacement products using a factor VIII one‐stage clotting assay on cobas t 511/711 analysers
Authors: Ketteler Carolin , Hoffmann Ingrid , Davidson Simon , Tiede Andreas , Richter Nina
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Recombinant coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) products are the standard of care for patients with haemophilia A. The development of modified FVIII products has provided benefit for patients but presented challenges for monitoring FVIII activity.

Aim

This single‐centre study evaluated the Roche FVIII one‐stage clotting assay (OSA) in measuring FVIII activity in plasma samples spiked with seven FVIII products at clinically relevant concentrations.

Methods

FVIII‐deficient plasma samples were spiked with two batches of recombinant FVIII products (octocog alfa, moroctocog alfa, simoctocog alfa, efmoroctocog alfa, damoctocog alfa pegol, rurioctocog alfa pegol, lonoctocog alfa) at 1–120 IU/dL FVIII activity, according to their labelled potency. Measurement was conducted on the cobas t 511/711 analysers using the Roche FVIII OSA and the Technoclone TECHNOCHROM FVIII:C chromogenic substrate assay (CSA).

Results

Using the OSA, FVIII activity was close to labelled potency for most analysed FVIII products including a recombinant FVIII Fc fusion protein. PEGylated FVIII product, damoctocog alfa pegol, was marginally above and single‐chain product, lonoctocog alfa, below the predefined acceptance criteria: for FVIII activity < 25 IU/dL: ± 5 IU/dL; for FVIII activity ≥ 25 IU/dL: ± 20% (relative). The different principles of OSA and CSA led to discrepancies in the estimation of all analysed FVIII products. Additionally, in vitro recovery was increased at lower levels of FVIII activity using the OSA, whereas recovery was more consistent using the CSA.

Conclusion

These data allow the interpretation of FVIII activity results for different FVIII products using the Roche FVIII OSA on the cobas t 511/711 analysers.
Eu2+ activated NaBa3Si2O7F: A new efficient blue‐emitting luminescent material for solid‐state lighting and display
Authors: Chen Hang , Wang Yuhua
Published: September 2021

Exploring novel efficient phosphors for lighting and display has always been an important and meaningful work for researchers. Herein, a novel efficient blue‐emitting phosphor, Eu2+ doped barium‐containing silicate fluoride NaBa3Si2O7F, was prepared by solid‐state method. The phosphor can produce bright blue light peaked at 452 nm with full‐width at half‐maximum about 57 nm under near‐UV light excitation, and it exhibits a high internal quantum yield about 76.23%. The temperature‐dependent photoluminescence spectra show that this phosphor owns good thermal stability, and the emission intensity at 425 K is 67% of that at room temperature. The outstanding data of fabricated device demonstrate that the blue phosphor has large possibility of practical application for white light‐emitting diode. Furthermore, the phosphor also possesses good cathodoluminescence properties under various accelerating voltage with different probe currents, indicating its potential application in field emission displays.
Electrochemical and magnetic properties of electrospun SmFeO3 and SmCoO3 nanofibers
Authors: Hu Quanli , Yue Bin , Yang Daotong , Zhang Zixuan , Wang Yin , Liu Jinghai
Published: September 2021

Uniform perovskite type SmFeO3 and SmCoO3 nanofibers have been prepared by a simple electrospinning approach and calcination process. The obtained samples had orthorhombic structure and strong absorbance behaviors in UV‐vis regions. The diameters of SmFeO3 and SmCoO3 nanofibers were 220 and 300 nm, respectively. The electrochemical and magnetic properties of SmFeO3 and SmCoO3 were investigated. SmFeO3 and SmCoO3 electrodes exhibited typical pseudocapacitive behaviors owing to the redox reactions of Fe3+/Fe2+ and Co3+/Co2+. At 0.5 A g‐1, the specific capacitances of SmFeO3 and SmCoO3 nanofibers were 90.8 and 126.6 F g‐1, respectively. The high‐performance nanostructured SmFeO3 and SmCoO3 have significantly potential application in supercapacitors. SmFeO3 nanofibers exhibited weak ferromagnetic behavior. SmCoO3 nanofibers presented paramagnetism at high temperature and ferromagnetism at 5 K.
Autism spectrum disorder and obstetric optimality: a twin study and meta‐analysis of sibling studies
Authors: Gómez‐Vallejo Sandra , Leoni Marguerite , Ronald Angelica , Colvert Emma , Happé Francesca , Bolton Patrick
Published: September 2021

Background

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a strong genetic basis. Recent studies have suggested that its aetiology is also influenced by environmental factors. Some of the most examined environmental factors are obstetric complications. However, the results are inconsistent.

Methods

We aimed to explore the association between obstetric complications and autism in a population‐based twin sample using the Obstetric Enquiry Scale (OES), a scale that measures the presence or absence of pre‐, peri‐ and neonatal factors. Additionally, we report the meta‐analytic results for obstetrical factors reported in previously published sibling studies.

Results

Our study included 115 cases pairs and 62 controls pairs and showed that children with autism and their unaffected co‐twins present significantly more obstetric complications than controls (ASD vs. controls β 1.26, CI 95% 1.11–1.40 p < .001; unaffected co‐twin vs. controls β 1.20, 95% CI 1.07–1.36 p < .003). However, we did not find statistically significant differences between children with ASD and their unaffected co‐twins (β .96, 95% CI 0.85–1.09, p 0.55). Meta‐analysis demonstrated that maternal hypertension (RR 1.35, CI 95% 1.23–1.48), uterine bleeding (RR 1.20 CI 95% 1.01–1.42) and exposure to antibiotic during pregnancy (1.11 CI 95% 1.00–1.22) increase risk of ASD.

Conclusions

This study confirms that children with ASD and their unaffected twins show more obstetric complications than controls. However, these complications do not distinguish between ASD twins and their unaffected co‐twins. In addition, the meta‐analysis showed little influence of birth factors on ASD which suggests a shared familial liability for both obstetric complications and autism, rather than a causal association.
Studies on flow properties of Bengal gram (Cicer arietinum) flour for effective handling and storage strategies
Authors: Handu Sheetal , Upadhyay Ashutosh , Jan Shumaila
Published: September 2021

Bengal gram flour is in great demand and has extensive application due to its nutritional, functional, and sensory properties. The study summarizes the characteristics and compared the flow behavior of two varieties of Bengal gram flour (P372 and P3043) with commercial Barik sample with respect to chemical composition, wettability, physical properties, shear properties, compressibility, and dynamic properties, along with particle size and shape. The result showed that the median particle size distribution of the Bengal gram flour samples ranged between 53.59 and 63.46 μm. More fine particles were found in commercial Barik sample (11.09 μm), and larger particles were found in P372 (118.07 μm) and P3043 (116.47 μm). Similarly, the particle shape (circularity) was found higher in P372 (0.84) and P3043 (0.73) as compared to the commercial Barik sample (0.65). The chemical composition of mainly fat (%) and protein (%) was higher and lower in commercial Barik sample, respectively, compared to P372 and P3043 Bengal gram flour. Wettability (contact angle) determined the solid–liquid interaction of Bengal gram flour, where the commercial Barik sample showed a higher contact angle compared to P372 and P3043. The flow properties of Bengal gram flour, that is, compressibility, shear, and dynamic measurements were analyzed using an FT4 powder rheometer. The results indicated better flow behavior of the two varieties P372 and P3043 compared to commercial Barik sample.

Practical Applications

The flow properties of Bengal gram flour are essential during the handling, processing, transportation, mixing, compression, and packaging. The consistent flow of flour without excessive dust generation and spillage during handling is of great concern in the food industry. The flow properties of flour characterize its behavior during handling, conveying and storage. It is crucial for the design of storage and conveying systems such as hopper and silos in order to maximize the use of discharge units to their design capacity to prevent expensive downstream handling problems. The practical application obtained from the comparative study would be useful to determine the effect of various environmental conditions on the flowability of Bengal gram flour. Thus, it provides critical factors in optimizing the processing, designing of equipment, hoppers, and silos used to produce Bengal gram flour in the food industry.
ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in human saliva can adsorb to the oral mucosal epithelium
Authors: Zhu Fucun , Zhong Yi , Ji Huan , Ge Ran , Guo Lu , Song Haiyang , Wu Heming , Jiao Pengfei , Li Sheng , Wang Chenxing , Du Hongming
Published: September 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is primarily transmitted through droplets. All human tissues with the angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane protease serines 2 (TRMPRSS2) are potential targets of SARS‐CoV‐2. The role of saliva in SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission remains obscure. In this study, we attempted to reveal ACE2 and TRMPRSS2 protein expression in human parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands (three major salivary glands). Then, the binding function of spike protein to ACE2 in three major salivary glands was detected. The expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in human saliva from parotid glands were both examined. Exogenous recombined ACE2 and TMPRSS2 anchoring and fusing to oral mucosal epithelial cells in vitro were also unraveled. ACE2 and TMPRSS2 were found mainly to be expressed in the cytomembrane and cytoplasm of epithelial cells in the serous acinus cells in parotid and submandibular glands. Our research also discovered that the spike protein of SARS‐CoV‐2 binds to ACE2 in salivary glands in vitro. Furthermore, exogenous ACE2 and TMPRSS2 can anchor and fuse to oral mucosa in vitro. Thus, the expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in human saliva might have implications for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.
Morphological features of the mouse duodenocolic fold in foetus and adult
Authors: Onouchi Sawa , Yasuda Haruka , Saito Shouichiro , Atoji Yasuro
Published: September 2021

For the mechanism of duodenojejunal flexure (DJF) morphogenesis in mice, we consider the gut tube itself and the gut mesentery as important players. In this study, we focussed on the morphological features of the gut mesentery around the mouse duodenum, especially the duodenocolic fold at embryonic day (E) 18.5 and the adult phase. The duodenocolic fold, a sheet of the mesentery, was located between the entire ascending duodenum and the descending colon. At E18.5, in the cranial area near the DJF, the duodenocolic fold joined both the mesocolon and the mesojejunal part of the root of the mesentery. In the middle and caudal areas, the duodenocolic fold joined the mesocolon. Interestingly, along with the ascending duodenum, the duodenocolic fold contained a smooth muscle bundle. The smooth muscle bundle continued from the outer muscular layer of the middle to the caudal part of the ascending duodenum. The three‐dimensional imaging of the foetal duodenocolic fold revealed that the smooth muscle bundle had short and long apexes towards the proximal and distal parts of the root of the mesentery, respectively. At the adult phase, the duodenocolic fold had a much thinner connective tissue with a larger surface area in comparison with the duodenocolic fold at E18.5. The adult duodenocolic fold also contained the smooth muscle bundle which was similar to the foetal duodenocolic fold. A part of the duodenocolic fold connecting to the mesojejunal part of the root of the mesentery seemed to be homologous to the superior duodenal fold in humans, known as the duodenojejunal fold; by contrast, most of the duodenocolic fold seemed to be homologous to the inferior duodenal fold in humans, known as the duodenomesocolic fold. The smooth muscle bundle in the mouse duodenocolic fold seemed to play a role in keeping the ascending duodenum in the abdominal cavity because the duodenum in animals did not belong to a retroperitoneal organ in contrast to humans owing to the difference in the direction of gravity on the abdominal organs between mice and humans. Moreover, the smooth muscle bundle shared common and uncommon points in its location and nerve supply to the suspensory muscle of the duodenum in humans, known as the ligament of Treitz. This study had insufficient evidence that the smooth muscle bundle of the mouse duodenocolic fold was homologous to the suspensory muscle of the duodenum in humans. In conclusion, this study revealed the detailed structure of the mouse duodenocolic fold, including the relationship between the fold and other mesenteries. Particularly, the smooth muscle bundle is a specific feature of the mouse duodenocolic fold and might play several roles in DJF morphogenesis, especially the ascending duodenum and the caudal duodenal flexure during development.
Will “moving” food tastes better? Effect of dynamic food image in print advertising on food taste perception
Authors: Li Shouwei , Liu Ping
Published: September 2021

This study investigated whether the dynamic (vs. still) food image in the print food advertisement affected consumers' judgment of food taste. Through the experimental studies, we found that dynamic (vs. still) food image can improve consumers' perception of food taste (study 1). The influence of dynamic food image on the perception of food taste is related to consumers' affective fluency in information processing (study 2). For consumers with health consumption goal, the dynamic (vs. still) food image can significantly improve the perception of food taste; for consumers with hedonic consumption goal, the difference of taste perception caused by dynamic (vs. still) food image is not significant (study 3). The conclusions can be used to nudge food selection and consumption.

Practical Applications

Findings of current research reveal that manufacturers and marketers of food products may include dynamic food images into their print advertisements to increase perceived tastiness. More broadly, marketers should fully take the target consumers to whom the foods will be sold into account, as the expected sensory pleasure of consumers with different consumption goals is different. On the basis of our findings, food products aimed at customers focusing on health potential should apply a dynamic food image that generally leads to affective fluency and implies tastiness. In addition, food marketers need to consider the affective experience of consumers during their information processing. Facing the same food, the advertisements making consumers feel pleasant, enjoyable, and interesting will improve consumers' taste perception.
Socioeconomic status, social support, and oral health‐risk behaviors in Canadian adolescents
Authors: Gazzaz Arwa Z. , Carpiano Richard M. , Aleksejuniene Jolanta
Published: September 2021

Objectives

We tested hypotheses regarding how adolescent oral health‐related behaviors are associated with socioeconomic status (SES) and family and peer social support, including the extent to which such associations differ for boys and girls.

Methods

We analyzed data from the 2013/2014 Canadian Health Behavior in School‐aged Children Study for 20,357 adolescents ages 12–18 years. Family Affluence Scale was used to assess SES. Family and peer social support were assessed using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. We estimated average marginal effects from multivariable binary logistic regression models for three oral health‐risk behaviors outcomes: infrequent toothbrushing, high sugar‐sweetened beverage (SSB) intake, and high sweets consumption across both genders.

Results

Adolescents from low SES households had lower probability of parental and peer support, and were significantly more likely to report infrequent toothbrushing and high SSB consumption, both before and after controlling for both types of support. Lower family support was associated with higher probability of engaging in infrequent toothbrushing and high SSB intake, while lower peer support was associated with higher probability of engaging in infrequent toothbrushing and lower likelihood of engaging in high SSB consumption. The associations of family support with oral health‐related behaviors were somewhat stronger for boys than girls.

Conclusions

Low SES and low family support were associated with a higher likelihood of oral health‐risk behaviors (infrequent toothbrushing and SSB consumption). Regardless of adolescents' gender, parental support exerted a protective role, but peer support had countervailing risk and protective roles on oral health‐related behaviors.
New insights into the historical translocation of the Algerian hedgehog and pine marten throughout the Balearic Islands (Western Mediterranean): refining the radiocarbon‐based chronology
Authors: Valenzuela A. , Martínez‐Sánchez R. M. , García J. , Alcover J. A.
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we refine the colonisation timeframe of pine marten (Martes martes) and Algerian hedgehog (Atelerix algirus) to the Balearic Islands synthesising their occurrence records and providing an accurate chronology through new directly 14C dated archaeological bone samples. The new dates are significantly earlier than previously reported finds; therefore, both cases currently represent the earliest records for the human‐mediated translocation of these species in Europe. These new data not only provide further accurate resolution for previous historical translocation hypothesis but also expand the geographical scope throughout the archipelago. The sequence and timing of introduction events are embedded in different historical timeframes. The time of arrival of the pine marten is now established in the early Roman period, a period that supported a huge wave of introduced alien species into the Balearics. For the Algerian hedgehog, the new records further support the hypothesis that the Almohads were responsible for its introduction to these islands. Both examples illustrate how important it is to connect past translocation records to tighter radiometric chronologies through direct dating on bones of the implicated species.
Integrating physiology and environmental dynamics to operationalize environmental DNA (eDNA) as a means to monitor freshwater macro‐organism abundance
Authors: Yates Matthew C. , Cristescu Melania E. , Derry Alison M.
Published: September 2021

Research has demonstrated consistent positive correlations between organism abundance and absolute environmental DNA (eDNA) concentrations. Robust correlations in laboratory experiments indicate strong functional links, suggesting the potential for eDNA to monitor organism abundance in nature. However, correlations between absolute eDNA concentrations and organism abundance in nature tend to be weaker because myriad biotic and abiotic factors influence steady‐state eDNA concentrations, decoupling its direct functional link with abundance. Additional technical challenges can also weaken correlations between relative organism abundance and relative eDNA data derived from metabarcoding. Future research must account for these factors to improve the inference of organism abundance from eDNA, including integrating the effects of organism physiology on eDNA production, eDNA dynamics in lentic/lotic systems, and key environmental parameters that impact estimated steady‐state concentrations. Additionally, it is critical to manage expectations surrounding the accuracy and precision that eDNA can provide – eDNA, for example, cannot provide abundance estimates comparable to intensively managed freshwater fisheries that enumerate every individual fish. Recent developments, however, are encouraging. Current methods could provide meaningful information regarding qualitative conservation thresholds and emergent research has demonstrated that eDNA concentrations in natural ecosystems can provide rough quantitative estimates of abundance, particularly when models integrate physiology and/or eDNA dynamics. Operationalizing eDNA to infer abundance will probably require more than simple correlations with organism biomass/density. Nevertheless, the future is promising – models that integrate eDNA dynamics in nature could represent an effective means to infer abundance, particularly when traditional methods are considered too “costly” or difficult to obtain.
Comprehensive analyses of intraoral spindle cell carcinoma: A rare disease entity revisited
Authors: Sang Lei , Dai Yibin , Hu Jiaan , Zhu Yaqing , Xu Linhong , Zhang Wei , Cheng Jie
Published: September 2021

Objective

The present study was aimed to comprehensively characterize the epidemiological, clinicopathological characteristics, treatments, and prognosis of intraoral spindle cell carcinoma (SpCC).

Materials and Methods

Patients diagnosed with intraoral SpCC at our institution in the past 15 years (2005–2019) were screened from inpatient disease registry. All relevant data concerning patients with intraoral SpCC were retrieved. Previous reports about intraoral SpCC with adequate clinicopathological data in both English literature and Chinese literature were collected. Eligible cases were further reviewed and pooled for statistical analyses.

Results

Six patients (5 females and 1 male; average age: 59 years) with intraoral SpCC were histopathologically diagnosed and surgically treated at our institution. The literature review identified another 63 published cases from 34 articles. Most cases were presented in the fifth to seventh decade of life with a male preponderance. Gingiva (23/69, 33.3%) was the most common site followed by the tongue (19/69, 27.5%) and buccal mucosa (8/69, 11.6%). Complete surgical ablation remains the primary treatment option. Tumor size, pathological grades, cervical node metastasis, and distant metastasis were significantly associated with reduced survival.

Conclusions

Intraoral SpCC is an uncommon and aggressive malignancy with dismal prognosis. Much attention and effort are needed to characterize this rare entity and improve its clinical outcomes.
Growing into epistemic knowledge through performance: Rosanna Raymond’s “Soli I Tai—Soli I Uta” at Berlin’s Ethnological Museum
Authors: Jost Torsten
Published: September 2021

This article explores Rosanna Raymond’s performative intervention titled “Soli I Tai—Soli I Uta” (Tread on the Sea—Tread on the Land). Today, many cultural institutions try to develop progressive strategies to facilitate “intercultural dialogue.” In this endeavor, performative strategies are explored, some of which are developed in collaboration with experts from so‐called “source communities.” Such collaborations have longer histories in Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, or Canada. In central Europe, and especially in Germany, this has been a more recent development. One prominent example is the one‐month artist residency of the Pacific artist Rosanna Raymond (b. 1967) at the Ethnological Museum Berlin in 2014, which culminated in her “acti.VA.tion” entitled “Soli I Tai—Soli I Uta.” My article analyzes how Raymond’s performative intervention dramaturgically put different epistemic systems and “ways of knowing” into a contrasting relationship and thus enabled spectators to gain declarative epistemic knowledge, that is to say, knowledge about knowledge and different “ways of knowing.”
Appreciable genetic correlation between inbred lines and testcrosses facilitates breeding for resistance to Fusarium head blight in hybrid rye (Secale cereale)
Authors: Miedaner Thomas , Rose Marvin , Overbeck Franziska , Koch Silvia , Gruner Paul , Eifler Jakob
Published: September 2021

Hybrid breeding is based on selection of inbred lines in early generations. A sufficient genetic correlation between inbred lines and testcrosses is, however, the prerequisite for a higher selection gain in the hybrids. Therefore, we investigated this crucial parameter for Fusarium head blight (FHB) resistance on 60 inbred lines each of the heterotic groups Petkus and Carsten and their corresponding crosses with two testers each at four (inbred lines) or six (testcrosses) environments (location × year combinations). FHB severity measured as percentage of infected spikelets per plot was used as resistance trait, and a correction was made by using flowering time as covariate. Variances for genotype and genotype–environment interaction were high, and the heritability was estimated .84 and .74 for the line per se performance (Petkus and Carsten) and .71 and .78 for the general combining ability (GCA). For both inbred lines and testcrosses, negative correlations with plant height were found ranging from −.20 to −.51. FHB severity was considerably higher for the inbred lines than for the testcrosses. Genetic variance was lower for testcrosses, and dominance effects of the testers and heterosis may be key factors reducing the general infection level of three‐way hybrids. The effect of the tester (i.e., difference between testers) was very small and only significant for the Carsten group. The variance for specific combining ability (SCA) was very small, too. This, and high genetic correlations between line per se and GCA (r = .82 for Petkus and r = .72 for Carsten), does allow or even favour the selection based on line per se performance. Still, in the last generation before the official trials, testcrosses should also be tested for FHB resistance and mycotoxin contents to reliably improve food and feed quality in rye.
Investigation of the molecular causes underlying physical abnormalities in Diamond‐Blackfan anemia patients with RPL5 haploinsufficiency
Authors: Fukui Yuko , Hayano Satoru , Kawanabe Noriaki , Wang Ziyi , Shimada Akira , Saito Megumu K. , Asaka Isao , Kamioka Hiroshi
Published: September 2021

Diamond‐Blackfan anemia (DBA) is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in genes encoding ribosomal proteins and characterized by erythroid aplasia and various physical abnormalities. Although accumulating evidence suggests that defective ribosome biogenesis leads to p53‐mediated apoptosis in erythroid progenitor cells, little is known regarding the underlying causes of the physical abnormalities. In this study, we established induced pluripotent stem cells from a DBA patient with RPL5 haploinsufficiency. These cells retained the ability to differentiate into osteoblasts and chondrocytes. However, RPL5 haploinsufficiency impaired the production of mucins and increased apoptosis in differentiated chondrocytes. Increased expression of the pro‐apoptotic genes BAX and CASP9 further indicated that RPL5 haploinsufficiency triggered p53‐mediated apoptosis in chondrocytes. Murine double minute 2 (MDM2), the primary negative regulator of p53, plays a crucial role in erythroid aplasia in DBA patient. We found the phosphorylation level of MDM2 was significantly decreased in RPL5 haploinsufficient chondrocytes. In stark contrast, we found no evidence that RPL5 haploinsufficiency impaired osteogenesis. Collectively, our data support a model in which RPL5 haploinsufficiency specifically induces p53‐mediated apoptosis in chondrocytes through MDM2 inhibition, which leads to physical abnormalities in DBA patients.
High‐throughput screening of secondary metabolites by Sorbus pohuashanensis cells under environmental stress using UHPLC‐QTOF combined with AntDAS
Authors: Yang Jian , Li Yuan , Li Jiaxing , Yuan Jie , Wang Sheng , Zhou Liangyun , Zhou Li , Kang Chuanzhi , Guo Lanping
Published: September 2021

Environment stress can promote the synthesis and accumulation of a series of secondary metabolites, which are important quality factors in medicinal plants. However, the data related to metabolites is often too large, making it difficult to screen quickly, accurately and comprehensively various differential compounds. In this study, a high‐throughput screening method for differential secondary metabolites produced by medicinal plants under environmental stress has been developed based on ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC–QTOF) and automatic data analysis strategy. This work uses Sorbus pohuashanensis cells with biotic stress (Harpin protein) and abiotic stress (Cd2+) as potential environmental stress factors. The results showed that S. pohuashanensis cells could rapidly respond to both Harpin protein and Cd2+ within 24 h, and a significant positive correlation was observed between their concentration (within a certain range) and induction time. The proposed screening method can automatically screen the bulk UHPLC–QTOF metabolic data for differential compounds with high‐throughput, and also perform preliminary identification of their possible structures. The screening results indicated that the stress response of S. pohuashanensis cells to Cd2+ was significantly higher than that of Harpin protein, and all of them could produce a series of biphenyls, terpenes, and other phytoalexins with stress‐resistance and physiological functional properties. Overall, the screening method provides an efficient and powerful tool to study the response mechanisms of plants to environmental stress, to improve the resistance of medicinal plants and also to select and breed high‐quality Chinese medicinal plants.
Intracultivar genetic diversity in grapevine: Water use efficiency variability within cv. Grenache
Authors: Buesa Ignacio , Escalona José M. , Tortosa Ignacio , Marín Diana , Loidi Maite , Santesteban Luis G. , Douthe Cyril , Medrano Hipólito
Published: September 2021

The selection of genotypes best adapted to environmental conditions has traditionally focused on agronomic and grape composition parameters. However, to classify the genotypes most adapted to climate change conditions, the aim must be to focus on the ecophysiological responses that will ultimately determine their performance. The variability in water use efficiency of 13 Grenache genotypes over three‐seasons was assessed under field conditions at leaf, grape and plant level. Results showed a significant effect of genotype at all three levels, and despite the large interannual variability there was a remarkable consistency among levels. Furthermore, using genotype‐specific regressions it was possible to identify significant differences in the intrinsic water use efficiency response of each genotype as a function of the vine water status. The relationship between net photosynthesis and stomatal conductance, as well as carbon isotope discrimination in grapes, were also confirmed as reliable physiological indicators for selecting grapevine genotypes to future environmental conditions. Therefore, the proposed multi‐level methodology was useful to quantify the intracultivar variability and the identification of more and less efficient genotypes within Grenache.
Oral corticosteroids stewardship for asthma in adults and adolescents: A position paper from the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Blakey John , Chung Li Ping , McDonald Vanessa M. , Ruane Laurence , Gornall John , Barton Chris , Bosnic‐Anticevich Sinthia , Harrington John , Hew Mark , Holland Anne E. , Hopkins Trudy , Jayaram Lata , Reddel Helen , Upham John W. , Gibson Peter G. , Bardin Philip
Published: September 2021

Oral corticosteroids (OCS) are frequently used for asthma treatment. This medication is highly effective for both acute and chronic diseases, but evidence indicates that indiscriminate OCS use is common, posing a risk of serious side effects and irreversible harm. There is now an urgent need to introduce OCS stewardship approaches, akin to successful initiatives that optimized appropriate antibiotic usage. The aim of this TSANZ (Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand) position paper is to review current knowledge pertaining to OCS use in asthma and then delineate principles of OCS stewardship. Recent evidence indicates overuse and over‐reliance on OCS for asthma and that doses >1000 mg prednisolone‐equivalent cumulatively are likely to have serious side effects and adverse outcomes. Patient perspectives emphasize the detrimental impacts of OCS‐related side effects such as weight gain, insomnia, mood disturbances and skin changes. Improvements in asthma control and prevention of exacerbations can be achieved by improved inhaler technique, adherence to therapy, asthma education, smoking cessation, multidisciplinary review, optimized medications and other strategies. Recently, add‐on therapies including novel biological agents and macrolide antibiotics have demonstrated reductions in OCS requirements. Harm reduction may also be achieved through identification and mitigation of predictable adverse effects. OCS stewardship should entail greater awareness of appropriate indications for OCS prescription, risk–benefits of OCS medications, side effects, effective add‐on therapies and multidisciplinary review. If implemented, OCS stewardship can ensure that clinicians and patients with asthma are aware that OCS should not be used lightly, while providing reassurance that asthma can be controlled in most people without frequent use of OCS.
Comparison of effusion cell block and biopsy immunohistochemistry in mesothelial hyperplasia, mesothelioma, and carcinoma in dogs
Authors: Milne Elspeth M. , Piviani Martina , Hodgkiss‐Geere Hannah M. , Piccinelli Chiara , Cheeseman Michael , Cazzini Paola , Ressel Lorenzo , Marcos Ricardo J. , Marrinhas Carla S. , Santos Marta S. , Thomas Emily K. , Drummond Dawn , Martinez Pereira Yolanda
Published: September 2021

Background

Determining the cause of effusions is challenging and might require a biopsy. Whether cell blocks from effusions are representative of biopsies requires investigation. A previously developed immunohistochemical panel aids in the differentiation of hyperplastic and neoplastic mesothelium in canine biopsies but has not been investigated in effusions.

Objectives

The study aimed to assess cell blocks as an alternative to biopsies and determine whether immunohistochemistry helps distinguish hyperplastic mesothelium, mesothelioma, and carcinoma.

Methods

Effusions and biopsies were collected from five dogs with mesothelial hyperplasia (group MH), six with mesothelioma (group M), and five with carcinoma (group C). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for cytokeratin, vimentin, Wilm's tumor protein 1 (WT1), desmin, glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), and insulin‐like growth factor II mRNA‐binding protein 3 (IMP3) was performed. Sections were scored for staining intensity and the percentage of positively stained cells.

Results

In paired cell blocks and biopsies, vimentin and WT1 staining were positively correlated for intensity and the percentage of positive cells, although not all paired results were identical. The intensity of IMP3 staining in cell blocks was higher in group M than in group C (P = 0.012), and WT1 staining was higher in group MH than in group C (P = 0.020). For biopsies, the intensity of WT1 staining was higher in group MH than in group C (P = 0.031). In group C, WT1 was negative in all cell blocks and biopsies, and desmin was negative in four of five cases.

Conclusions

IHC results for the cell blocks and biopsies were comparable for potentially useful markers, such as WT1, which helped discriminate between groups. IHC provided additional information, although results were not always definitive. Further studies on a larger population are required.
Clinical and pathologic evaluation of chorioretinal lesions in wild owl species
Authors: Keenan Alessandra V. , Oster Seth , McMullen Richard J. , Shaw Gillian C. , Dubielzig Richard R. , Teixeira Leandro B. C. , Bellah Jamie R. , Moore Phillip A. , Boveland Shannon D.
Published: September 2021

Objective

Investigate histopathology and spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging of wild owls with chorioretinitis and identify any potential correlation with an infectious etiology.

Materials and Methods

Ophthalmic examination and retinal OCT imaging were performed on fifteen great horned (Strix varia) and barred (Bubo virginianus) owls (30 eyes) with chorioretinitis and five owls with normal eyes (10 eyes). Testing to investigate the presence of potential infectious diseases included a complete blood count, biochemistry, protein electrophoresis, West Nile virus (WNV) plaque reduction neutralization test,Toxoplasma gondiimodified direct agglutination test, WNV RT‐PCR, and Avian Influenza RT‐PCR. A necropsy was performed on all owls, including ocular histopathology.

Results

Fundus lesions included retinal detachment (7/15 owls), depigmented lesions (12/15), pigment clumping (8/15), and retinal tear (4/15). All birds were negative for WNV and Avian Influenza on RT‐PCR. Of the owls with chorioretinitis, 3/15 were seropositive for WNV and 7/15 forT. gondii. Optical coherence tomography of 25/30 affected eyes revealed outer retinal lesions (19/25 eyes), retinal detachment (16/25), and retinal tears (3/25). Histopathological examination revealed outer nuclear layer atrophy (19/30 eyes), retinal detachment (18/30), retinal tears (7/30), suprachoroidal hemorrhage (12/30), scleral rupture (3/30), and ossicle fracture (3/30).

Conclusions

Although 20% of birds were seropositive for WNV and 46.6% forT. gondii, histopathologic findings supported that the posterior segment lesions in the study group were likely due to blunt ocular trauma rather than an infectious etiology. The results of OCT imaging and histopathology documented retinal changes most consistent with blunt ocular trauma.
A bimodule description of the Hecke category
Authors: Abe Noriyuki
Published: September 2021

For a Coxeter system and a representation$V$of this Coxeter system, Soergel defined a category which is now called the category of Soergel bimodules and proved that this gives a categorification of the Hecke algebra when$V$is reflection faithful. Elias and Williamson defined another category when$V$is not reflection faithful and proved that this category is equivalent to the category of Soergel bimodules when$V$is reflection faithful. Moreover, they proved the categorification theorem for their category with fewer assumptions on$V$. In this paper, we give a bimodule description of the Elias–Williamson category and re-prove the categorification theorem.
Using Parallel Coordinates in Optimization of Nano-Particle Drug Delivery
Authors: Kipouros Timoleon , Chamseddine Ibrahim , Kokkolaras Michael
Published: September 2021

Nanoparticle drug delivery better targets neoplastic lesions than free drugs and thus has emerged as a safer form of cancer therapy. Nanoparticle design variables are important determinants of efficacy as they influence the drug biodistribution and pharmacokinetics. Previously, we determined optimal designs through mechanistic modeling and optimization. However, the numerical nature of the tumor model and numerous candidate nanoparticle designs hinder hypothesis generation and treatment personalization. In this paper, we utilize the parallel coordinates technique to visualize high-dimensional optimal solutions and extract correlations between nanoparticle design and treatment outcomes. We found that at optimality, two major design variables are dependent, and thus the optimization problem can be reduced. In addition, we obtained an analytical relationship between optimal nanoparticle sizes and optimal distribution, which could facilitate the utilization of tumors models in preclinical studies. Our approach has simplified the results of the previously integrated modeling and optimization framework developed for nanotherapy and enhanced the interpretation and utilization of findings. Integrated mathematical frameworks are increasing in the medical field, and our method can be applied outside nanotherapy to facilitate the clinical translation of computational methods.
On Some Differences of the Thermoelectrical Effects in BN-600 and Superphenix
Authors: Podobed Serguei
Published: September 2021

The paper discusses specific electromagnetic effects observed in the large circulating masses of liquid metal inherent in the heat transport systems of the commercial fast breeder reactors. It was explained why the criterion Lu of the magnetic field self-excitation in the liquid metal coolant has limiting conditions, determined by the balance nature of the thermoelectric currents circulating in reactor.
Investigation of Parameters Affecting Rotary Engine by Means of a One Zone Thermodynamic Model
Authors: Kutlar Osman Akın , Cihan Ömer
Published: September 2021

The scope of this work was to establish a one-zone thermodynamic calculation model to analyze 13B multi-side port rotary engine on the base of Mazda RX-8. Volume variation was calculated according to the basic geometrical data of the engine and heat transfer was calculated using Wilmer’s heat transfer coefficient. Combustion process was defined as heat addition according to Vibe function and simultaneously converting fresh charge to combustion products. To account related losses, discharge drag, leakage, crevice volumes, and mean friction pressure were taken into account. The port fuel injection (homogeneous mixture) was used in the model assumptions. Model calculations were validated with experimental data. Many parameters were investigated in the model such as combustion chamber pressure, mass and engine torque at different speeds, and full load conditions. Moreover, the effect of the Vibe parameter, combustion duration, and intake port variations on the torque was investigated. The highest torque value was observed in the model with only primary intake port at low rpm (1000–3750 rpm) and primary and secondary port at mid rpm (3750–6250 rpm). Higher torque values were obtained from two secondary and two auxiliaries than primary, secondary, and auxiliary in the literature at high rpm (6250–8500 rpm). Combustion duration, Vibe parameter, and variations of different intake ports have a significant effect on the engine characteristics. The thermodynamic model developed in this study may be used as an effective tool to examine the performance parameters of the Wankel engine.
Experimental study of transport properties of Weyl semimetal LaAlGe thin films grown by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Bhattarai Niraj , Forbes Andrew W. , Gassen Christopher , Saqat Raghad S. H. , Pegg Ian L. , Philip John
Published: September 2021

Rare earth compounds display diverse electronic, magnetic, and magnetotransport properties. Recently, these compounds of the type RAlGe (R = La, Ce, Pr) have been shown to exhibit Weyl semimetallic behavior. In this work, we have investigated the crystal structure and electronic and magnetotransport properties of the Weyl semimetal LaAlGe thin films grown by molecular beam epitaxy. The temperature dependence of longitudinal resistivity at different magnetic fields is discussed. Observations of magnetoresistances and the Hall effect at different temperatures and their evolution with magnetic fields up to 6 T are also discussed with relevant mechanisms. We have observed positive unsaturated magnetoresistances with a small quadratic contribution at low temperatures, which tend to saturate at higher fields. The Hall measurements confirm the electron-dominated semimetallic conduction with an average charge carrier density of ∼9.68 × 1021 cm−3 at room temperature.
A protein interaction landscape of breast cancer
Authors: Kim Minkyu , Park Jisoo , Bouhaddou Mehdi , Kim Kyumin , Rojc Ajda , Modak Maya , Soucheray Margaret , McGregor Michael J. , O’Leary Patrick , Wolf Denise , Stevenson Erica , Foo Tzeh Keong , Mitchell Dominique , Herrington Kari A. , Muñoz Denise P. , Tutuncuoglu Beril , Chen Kuei-Ho , Zheng Fan , Kreisberg Jason F. , Diolaiti Morgan E. , Gordan John D. , Coppé Jean-Philippe , Swaney Danielle L. , Xia Bing , van ’t Veer Laura , Ashworth Alan , Ideker Trey , Krogan Nevan J.
Published: September 2021

Mapping protein interactions driving cancer

Cancer is a genetic disease, and much cancer research is focused on identifying carcinogenic mutations and determining how they relate to disease progression. Three papers demonstrate how mutations are processed through networks of protein interactions to promote cancer (see the Perspective by Cheng and Jackson). Swaney
et al
. focus on head and neck cancer and identify cancer-enriched interactions, demonstrating how point mutant–dependent interactions of PIK3CA, a kinase frequently mutated in human cancers, are predictive of drug response. Kim
et al
. focus on breast cancer and identify two proteins functionally connected to the tumor-suppressor gene BRCA1 and two proteins that regulate PIK3CA. Zheng
et al
. developed a statistical model that identifies protein networks that are under mutation pressure across different cancer types, including a complex bringing together PIK3CA with actomyosin proteins. These papers provide a resource that will be helpful in interpreting cancer genomic data. —VV
Hemophilia as a blueprint for gene therapy
Authors: Ragni Margaret V.
Published: September 2021

Advances in hemophilia gene therapy could enable progress in other inherited disorders