bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recombinant T‐cell epitope conjugation: A new approach for Dermatophagoides hypoallergen design
Authors: Fernandes Antônio Márcio Santana , da Silva Eduardo Santos , Silveira Elisânia Fontes , Belitardo Emília Maria Medeiros de Andrade , Santiago Leonardo Freire , Silva Raphael Chagas , dos Santos Alves Vitor , Carneiro Deise Malta , Ferreira Fatima , Jacquet Alain , Pacheco Luis Gustavo Carvalho , Alcantara‐Neves Neuza Maria , Pinheiro Carina Silva
Published: September 2022

Background

Allergen‐specific immunotherapy (AIT) is the only clinical approach that can potentially cure some allergic diseases by inducing immunological tolerance. Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus is considered as the most important source of mite allergens worldwide, with high sensitization rates for the major allergens Der p 1, Der p 2 and Der p 23. The aim of this work is to generate a hypoallergenic hybrid molecule containing T‐cell epitopes from these three major allergens.

Methods

The hybrid protein termed Der p 2231 containing T‐cell epitopes was purified by affinity chromatography. The human IgE reactivity was verified by comparing those with the parental allergens. The hybrid was also characterized immunologically through an in vivo mice model.

Results

The hybrid rDer p 2231 stimulated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from allergic patients with higher levels of IL‐ 2, IL‐10, IL‐15 and IFN‐γ, as well as lower levels of IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐13, TNF‐α and GM‐CSF. The use of hybrid molecules as a therapeutic model in D. pteronyssinus allergic mice led to the reduction of IgE production and lower eosinophilic peroxidase activity in the airways. We found increased levels of IgG antibodies that blocked the IgE binding to the parental allergens in the serum of allergic patients. Furthermore, the stimulation of splenocytes from mice treated with rDer p 2231 induced higher levels of IL‐10 and IFN‐γ and decreased the secretion of IL‐4 and IL‐5, when compared with parental allergens and D. pteronyssinus extract.

Conclusions

rDer p 2231 has the potential to be used in AIT in patients co‐sensitized with D. pteronyssinus major allergens, once it was able to reduce IgE production, inducing allergen‐specific blocking antibodies, restoring and balancing Th1/Th2 immune responses, and inducing regulatory T‐cells.
Predicting how defaunation‐induced changes in seed predation and dispersal will affect tropical tree populations
Authors: Williams Peter Jeffrey , Brodie Jedediah F.
Published: September 2022

The loss of large animals due to overhunting and habitat loss potentially affects tropical tree populations and carbon cycling. Trees reliant on large‐bodied seed dispersers are thought to be particularly negatively affected by defaunation. But besides seed dispersal, defaunation can also increase or decrease seed predation. It remains unclear how these different defaunation effects on early life stages ultimately affect tree population dynamics. We reviewed the literature on how tropical animal loss affects different plant life stages, and we conducted a meta‐analysis of how defaunation affects seed predation. We used this information to parameterize models that altered matrix projection models from a suite of tree species to simulate defaunation‐caused changes in seed dispersal and predation. We assessed how applying these defaunation effects affected population growth rates. On average, population‐level effects of defaunation were negligible, suggesting that defaunation may not cause the massive reductions in forest carbon storage that have been predicted. In contrast to previous hypotheses, we did not detect an effect of seed size on changes in seed predation rates. The change in seed predation did not differ significantly between exclosure experiments and observational studies, although the results of observational studies were far more variable. Although defaunation surely affects certain tree taxa, species that benefit or are harmed by it and net changes in forest carbon storage cannot currently be predicted based on available data. Further research on how factors such as seed predation vary across tree species and defaunation scenarios is necessary for understanding cascading changes in species composition and diversity.
A toolkit for open and pluralistic conservation science
Authors: Burgman Mark , Chiaravalloti Rafael , Fidler Fiona , Huan Yizhong , McBride Marissa , Marcoci Alexandru , Norman Juliet , Vercammen Ans , Wintle Bonnie , Yu Yurong
Published: September 2022

Conservation science practitioners seek to preempt irreversible impacts on species, ecosystems, and social–ecological systems, requiring efficient and timely action even when data and understanding are unavailable, incomplete, dated, or biased. These challenges are exacerbated by the scientific community's capacity to consistently distinguish between reliable and unreliable evidence, including the recognition of questionable research practices (QRPs, or “questionable practices”), which may threaten the credibility of research, including harming trust in well‐designed and reliable scientific research. In this paper, we propose a “toolkit” for open and pluralistic conservation science, highlighting common questionable practices and sources of bias and indicating where remedies for these problems may be found. The toolkit provides an accessible resource for anyone conducting, reviewing, or using conservation research, to identify sources of false claims or misleading evidence that arise unintentionally, or through misunderstandings or carelessness in the application of scientific methods and analyses. We aim to influence editorial and review practices and hopefully to remedy problems before they are published or deployed in policy or conservation practice.
DYNC1H1‐related epilepsy: Genotype–phenotype correlation
Authors: Liu Wenwei , Cheng Miaomiao , Zhu Ying , Chen Yi , Yang Ying , Chen Hui , Niu Xueyang , Tian Xiaojuan , Yang Xiaoling , Zhang Yuehua
Published: September 2022

Aim

To explore the phenotypic spectrum and refine the genotype–phenotype correlation of DYNC1H1‐related epilepsy.

Method

The clinical data of 15 patients with epilepsy in our cohort and 50 patients with epilepsy from 24 published studies with the DYNC1H1 variants were evaluated.

Results

In our cohort, 13 variants were identified from 15 patients (seven males, eight females). Twelve variants were de novo and seven were new. Age at seizure onset ranged from 3 months to 4 years 5 months (median age 1 year). Common seizure types were epileptic spasms, focal seizures, tonic seizures, and myoclonic seizures. Mild‐to‐severe developmental delay was present in all patients. Six patients were diagnosed with West syndrome and one was diagnosed with epileptic encephalopathy with continuous spikes and waves during slow sleep (CSWS). Collectively, in our cohort and published studies, 17% had ophthalmic diseases, 31% of variants were located in the stalk domain, and 92% patients with epilepsy had a malformation of cortical development (MCD).

Interpretation

The phenotypes of DYNC1H1‐related epilepsy included multiple seizure types; the most common epileptic syndrome was West syndrome. CSWS is a new phenotype of DYNC1H1‐related epilepsy. One‐third of the variants in patients with epilepsy were located in the stalk domain. Most patients had a MCD and developmental delay.

What this paper adds

Nearly 40% of patients with DYNC1H1 variants had epilepsy.

Ninety‐two percent of patients with DYNC1H1‐related epilepsy had malformation of cortical development.

More than 10% of patients with DYNC1H1‐related epilepsy were diagnosed with West syndrome.

Continuous spikes and waves during slow sleep could be a new phenotype of DYNC1H1 variants.

One‐third of the variants in patients with epilepsy were located in the stalk domain.
Association of type 1 diabetes and age at diagnosis of type 2 diabetes with brain volume and risk of dementia in the UK Biobank: A prospective cohort study of community‐dwelling participants
Authors: Shang Xianwen , Hill Edward , Liu Jiahao , Zhu Zhuoting , Ge Zongyuan , Wang Wei , He Mingguang
Published: September 2022

Aims

To investigate the association of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and age at diagnosis of type 2 diabetes (T2D) with brain structure and incident dementia.

Methods

Our analysis was based on the UK Biobank. We included 1376 participants with diabetes and 2752 randomly selected controls for brain volume analysis, and 25,141 participants with diabetes and 50,282 randomly selected controls for dementia analysis. Brain volume was measured using magnetic resonance imaging. Dementia was identified using hospital inpatient records and mortality register data until January 2021.

Results

T2D diagnosed at a younger age was associated with larger reductions in brain volume. After adjustment for glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and other covariates, only T2D diagnosed <50 years was associated with smaller total brain volume (β (95% CI): −14.56 (−24.67, −4.44) ml), and grey (−6.47[−12.75, −0.20] ml) and white matter volumes (−8.08[−14.66, −1.51] ml). Corresponding numbers for total brain, grey matter and white matter volumes associated with T1D were −62.86 (−93.71,‐32.01), −34.27 (−53.72, −14.83), and −28.59 (−47.65, −9.52) ml, respectively. During a median follow‐up of 11.9 years, 2035 new dementia cases were identified. Younger age at diagnosis of T2D was associated with larger excessive risk of dementia, whereas T2D diagnosed <50 years was associated with the largest hazard ratio (HR) (95% CI: 2.03[1.53–2.69]) in the multivariable analysis. The HR (95% CI) for dementia associated with T1D was 2.08 (1.40–3.09).

Conclusion

Individuals with T1D or T2D diagnosed at younger age are at larger excessive risk of brain volume reduction and dementia.
An exploration of clinical communication needs among undergraduate dental students
Authors: Botelho Michael George , Lee Uen Ying Alice , Luk Kai Yan Carmen
Published: September 2022

Introduction

This study examines undergraduate dental students' perceptions of their self‐confidence in communicating with patients and paradental staff.

Materials and Methods

A survey questionnaire was designed based on a literature review and input from students and academic staff relating to clinical communication skills with 19 questions across 7 domains. Through email, a convenience sampling of undergraduate students were invited to complete the survey questionnaire. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the responses was performed with a thematic analysis to the open‐ended questions.

Results

In total, 102 students were surveyed from 4 years of students with a 36.6% response rate. Students reported some areas of low confidence across various communication domains, in particular, building rapport, behavioural change, management of patient expectation and breaking bad news. Students reported insufficient confidence and knowledge in specialist clinical areas, layperson terms and success rates and longevity of treatment items when communicating with patients. Information sheets and visual aids such as models or photos were suggested by students to be helpful in patient communication. Students also reported challenges in communication with nurses when they might challenge or change their clinical decisions in front of their patients.

Conclusion

Our study reveals areas of low confidence among undergraduate dental students in communication towards patients and paradental staff. Barriers and challenges have been identified with an action plan suggested accordingly. There is a need for additional training in the form of learning content and communications experiences, and channels of communications for undergraduate students.
Efficacy of Helicobater pylori eradication in patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma of the stomach: A systematic review
Authors: De Francesco Vincenzo , Manta Raffaele , Marmo Riccardo , Marmo Clelia , Rago Angela , Antonelli Giulio , Hassan Cesare , Zullo Angelo
Published: September 2022

Objectives

The role of Helicobater pylori eradication in the treatment of high‐grade diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) of the stomach is unclear.

Methods

We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of currently available data. DLBCL‐remission rate after eradication therapy, post‐remission maintenance, and response rate in the case of additional oncological therapy were extracted.

Results

By considering data of seven studies, the DLBCL remission was achieved in 81 (53.3%; 95% CI = 45.3–61.2) out of 152 H. pylori eradicated patients. The regression rate did not differ between pure DLCBL and DLCBL with MALT component, between stage I and stage II disease, and between Caucasians and Asians. Disease regression was maintained in all patients after at a median of 63 months (range: 46–29) follow‐up. In those non‐responders, DLBLC remission after additional chemo‐immunotherapy was achieved in 63 (98.4%; 95% CI = 95.4–100) out of 64 patients.

Conclusions

Data this systematic review suggest considering H. pylori eradication as first‐line therapy to treat infected patients with early‐stage, high‐grade gastric lymphoma.
The dynamic changes of soil air‐filled porosity associated with soil shrinkage in a Vertisol
Authors: Wang Yuekai , Zhang Zhongbin , Guo Zichun , Xiong Peng , Peng Xinhua
Published: September 2022

Soil aeration is critical for crop growth, which is generally assessed by air‐filled porosity (AFP). In non‐rigid soils with high shrinkage and swelling, the AFP is not only related to the total porosity and soil moisture, but also to the soil shrinkage behaviour. However, the relationship between AFP and soil shrinkage has not been clarified. The objectives of this study were to (1) establish a mathematical equation to describe the behaviours of AFP associated with soil shrinkage (AFPsh); and (2) to evaluate the influence of tillage practice on the AFPsh. Undisturbed soil core samples were collected from the 0–10 cm to 10–20 cm layers in a Vertisol under four tillage treatments (No tillage, NT; Rotary tillage, RT; Subsoiling, SS; Deep ploughing, DP) to measure the changes in the volumes of soil core, soil water and air at different soil matric potentials. Our results showed that an equation of AFPsh as a function of moisture ratio (ϑ) was well established based on the developed soil shrinkage model (R2 > 0.990, RMSE <0.012). Compared with the AFP under a constant pore assumption (AFPc), the AFPsh was significantly decreased by 10.6% to 60.3% as soil water matric potentials were at <−33 kPa in the 0–10 cm layer or at <−10 kPa in the 10–20 cm layer (p < 0.05). According to the AFPsh curve of the Vertisol, soil moisture content (θ) was approximately 68%–80% of the field capacity when AFPsh reached non‐limiting status (0.10 cm3 cm−3), where the soil matric potential was close to the wilting point (−1500 kPa). Deep tillage treatment (SS and DP) increased AFPsh, showing good performance in decreasing the risk of soil aeration deficit relative to the NT and RT treatment. Our results demonstrate that neglecting the porosity variations during shrinkage may lead to a high bias in the AFP prediction.

Highlights

An equation of AFP associated with soil shrinkage was established.

AFP was significantly decreased when soil shrinkage was considered for a Vertisol.

The Vertisol was easily subjected to both water and air stress due to soil shrinkage.

Deep tillage practises improved soil aeration in the Vertisol.
Neurobehavioral deficits and a progressive ictogenesis in the tetrodotoxin model of epileptic spasms
Authors: Le John T. , Ballester‐Rosado Carlos J. , Frost James D. , Swann John W.
Published: September 2022

Objective

Our goal was to determine whether animals with a history of epileptic spasms have learning and memory deficits. We also used continuous (24/7) long‐term electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings to evaluate the evolution of epileptiform activity in the same animals over time.

Methods

Object recognition memory and object location memory tests were undertaken, as well as a matching to place water maze test that evaluated working memory. A retrospective analysis was undertaken of long‐term video/EEG recordings from rats with epileptic spasms. The frequency and duration of the ictal events of spasms were quantified.

Results

Rats with a history of epileptic spasms showed impairment on the three behavioral tests, and their scores on the object recognition memory and matching to place water maze tests indicated neocortical involvement in the observed impaired cognition. Analysis of EEG recordings unexpectedly showed that the ictal events of spasms and their accompanying behaviors progressively increased in duration over a 2‐week period soon after onset, after which spasm duration plateaued. At the same time, spasm frequency remained unchanged. Soon after spasm onset, ictal events were variable in wave form but became more stereotyped as the syndrome evolved.

Significance

Our EEG findings are the first to demonstrate progressive ictogenesis for epileptic spasms. Furthermore, in demonstrating cognitive deficits in the tetrodotoxin model, we have met a criterion for an animal model of West syndrome. Animal models will allow in‐depth studies of spasm progression's potential role in cognitive regression and may elucidate why early treatment is considered essential for improved neurodevelopmental outcomes in children.
The functions of SID1 transmembrane family, member 2 (Sidt2)
Authors: Song Yingying , Gu Jing , You Jingya , Tao Yiyang , Zhang Yao , Wang Lizhuo , Gao Jialin
Published: September 2022

The SID1 transmembrane family, member 2, namely, Sidt2, is a highly glycosylated multichannel lysosomal transmembrane protein, but its specific physiological function remains unknown. Lysosomal membrane proteins are very important for the executive functioning of lysosomes. As an important part of the lysosomal membrane, Sidt2 can maintain the normal morphology of lysosomes and help stabilize them from the acidic pH environment within. As a receptor/transporter, it binds and transports nucleic acids and mediates the uptake and degradation of RNA and DNA by the lysosome. During glucose metabolism, deletion of Sidt2 can cause an increase in fasting blood glucose and the impairment of grape tolerance, which is closely related to the secretion of insulin. During lipid metabolism, the loss of Sidt2 can cause hepatic steatosis and lipid metabolism disorders and can also play a role in signal regulation and transport. Here, we review the function of the lysosomal membrane protein Sidt2, and focus on its role in glucose and lipid metabolism, autophagy and nucleotide (DNA/RNA) transport.
Fusarium verticillioidesNAT1 (FDB2) N‐malonyltransferase is structurally, functionally and phylogenetically distinct from its N‐acetyltransferase (NAT) homologues
Authors: Karagianni Eleni‐Pavlina , Kontomina Evanthia , Lowe Edward D. , Athanasopoulos Konstantinos , Papanikolaou Georgia , Garefalaki Vasiliki , Kotseli Varvara , Zaliou Sofia , Grimaud Tom , Arvaniti Konstantina , Tsatiri Maria‐Aggeliki , Fakis Giannoulis , Glenn Anthony E. , Roversi Pietro , Abuhammad Areej , Ryan Ali , Sim Robert B. , Sim Edith , Boukouvala Sotiria
Published: September 2022

Fusarium endophytes damage cereal crops and contaminate produce with mycotoxins. Those fungi overcome the main chemical defence of host via detoxification by a malonyl‐CoA‐dependent enzyme homologous to xenobiotic metabolizing arylamine N‐acetyltransferase (NAT). In Fusarium verticillioides (teleomorph Gibberella moniliformis, GIBMO), this N‐malonyltransferase activity is attributed to (GIBMO)NAT1, and the fungus has two additional isoenzymes, (GIBMO)NAT3 (N‐acetyltransferase) and (GIBMO)NAT2 (unknown function). We present the crystallographic structure of (GIBMO)NAT1, also modelling other fungal NAT homologues. Monomeric (GIBMO)NAT1 is distinctive, with access to the catalytic core through two “tunnel‐like” entries separated by a “bridge‐like” helix. In the quaternary arrangement, (GIBMO)NAT1 monomers interact in pairs along an extensive interface whereby one entry of each monomer is covered by the N‐terminus of the other monomer. Although monomeric (GIBMO)NAT1 apparently accommodates acetyl‐CoA better than malonyl‐CoA, dimerization changes the active site to allow malonyl‐CoA to reach the catalytic triad (Cys110, His158 and Asp173) via the single uncovered entry, and anchor its terminal carboxyl‐group via hydrogen bonds to Arg109, Asn157 and Thr261. Lacking a terminal carboxyl‐group, acetyl‐CoA cannot form such stabilizing interactions, while longer acyl‐CoAs enter the active site but cannot reach catalytic Cys. Other NAT isoenzymes lack such structural features, with (GIBMO)NAT3 resembling bacterial NATs and (GIBMO)NAT2 adopting a structure intermediate between (GIBMO)NAT1 and (GIBMO)NAT3. Biochemical assays confirmed differential donor substrate preference of (GIBMO)NAT isoenzymes, with phylogenetic analysis demonstrating evolutionary separation. Given the role of (GIBMO)NAT1 in enhancing Fusarium pathogenicity, unravelling the structure and function of this enzyme may benefit research into more targeted strategies for pathogen control.
Larval occurrence and environmental factors associated with spawning of Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas in Matsushima Bay, Japan
Authors: Yokouchi Katsumi , Ito Hiroshi , Togawa Mai , Ueda Kenichi , Kakehi Shigeho
Published: September 2022

The spawning of Pacific oysters is an important phenomenon for aquaculture because the Japanese oyster culture industry has traditionally utilized natural seed collection from sea areas. The relationship between spawning and environmental factors was investigated on the spawning dates, which were estimated from larval occurrence based on the temperature‐dependent growth rate from 2012 to 2020 in Matsushima Bay, a key area for oyster seedling production located in eastern Japan. The annual minimum temperature tended to increase and occur earlier during the 9 years, suggesting warming in the bay. The integrated temperature reaching 600°C, which is as an index for the onset of spawning, was limited to 9 days from late June to early July, and exhibited no trends. Larval abundance at each spawning had a significant relationship with the change of sunshine hours from the previous day, the daily mean seawater temperature, and the maximum tidal range. With relatively extreme environmental factors, mass spawning between neap and half tides was more frequent than one during other tides. A significant relationship was found between precipitation during the rainy season and the mass spawning dates. An empirical method of predicting a mass spawning date was proposed using the relationship to precipitation during the rainy season to ensure efficient seedlings and a constant nationwide supply of Pacific oysters for the aquaculture industry.
Large old trees increase growth under shifting climatic constraints: Aligning tree longevity and individual growth dynamics in primary mountain spruce forests
Authors: Begović Krešimir , Schurman Jonathan S. , Svitok Marek , Pavlin Jakob , Langbehn Thomas , Svobodová Kristyna , Mikoláš Martin , Janda Pavel , Synek Michal , Marchand William , Vitková Lucie , Kozák Daniel , Vostarek Ondrej , Čada Vojtech , Bače Radek , Svoboda Miroslav
Published: September 2022

In a world of accelerating changes in environmental conditions driving tree growth, tradeoffs between tree growth rate and longevity could curtail the abundance of large old trees (LOTs), with potentially dire consequences for biodiversity and carbon storage. However, the influence of tree‐level tradeoffs on forest structure at landscape scales will also depend on disturbances, which shape tree size and age distribution, and on whether LOTs can benefit from improved growing conditions due to climate warming. We analyzed temporal and spatial variation in radial growth patterns from ~5000 Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] H. Karst) live and dead trees from the Western Carpathian primary spruce forest stands. We applied mixed‐linear modeling to quantify the importance of LOT growth histories and stand dynamics (i.e., competition and disturbance factors) on lifespan. Finally, we assessed regional synchronization in radial growth variability over the 20th century, and modeled the effects of stand dynamics and climate on LOTs recent growth trends. Tree age varied considerably among forest stands, implying an important role of disturbance as an age constraint. Slow juvenile growth and longer period of suppressed growth prolonged tree lifespan, while increasing disturbance severity and shorter time since last disturbance decreased it. The highest age was not achieved only by trees with continuous slow growth, but those with slow juvenile growth followed by subsequent growth releases. Growth trend analysis demonstrated an increase in absolute growth rates in response to climate warming, with late summer temperatures driving the recent growth trend. Contrary to our expectation that LOTs would eventually exhibit declining growth rates, the oldest LOTs (>400 years) continuously increase growth throughout their lives, indicating a high phenotypic plasticity of LOTs for increasing biomass, and a strong carbon sink role of primary spruce forests under rising temperatures, intensifying droughts, and increasing bark beetle outbreaks.
Rewarding academics: Experiences of the Tenure Track System in Pakistan
Authors: Khan Tayyeb Ali , Jabeen Nasira , Christensen Tom
Published: September 2022

Pakistan introduced the Tenure Track System (TTS) as a new performance‐based reform in public universities in 2005. The purpose of this study is to understand the experiences of higher education authorities, university leaders and tenure‐track faculty about the implementation of this reform. This is a qualitative interpretive study and utilised a nested case study design, focusing on two cases—Science Faculty and Social Sciences and Humanities Faculty in a large provincial university. It utilises three perspectives taken from organisation theory—instrumental, cultural and myth perspectives. The main results show instrumental problems of hierarchical authority and horizontal coordination, lack of expertise to implement, cultural compatibility problems through active resistance from some groups and active use of symbols to modify the impression of a challenging reform implementations. Summing up, this is a Western‐inspired reform that meet challenging conditions in Pakistan, making is rather less successful.
Potential applications of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) extracts and their phytochemicals as functional ingredients in food and medicinal supplements: a narrative review
Authors: AL Ubeed Hebah M.S. , Brennan Charles S. , Schanknecht Ellen , Alsherbiny Muhammad A. , Saifullah Md , Nguyen Kien , Vuong Quan V.
Published: September 2022

Edible hemp products or superfood refers to Cannabis sativa or industrial hemp. In general, hemp is a rich source of functional metabolites, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and other cannabinoids. Hemp has been widely used in food products, such as bread, cookies, meatballs, energy bars, cooking oil, snacks, and crackers. Hemp has been used for development of cosmetics and supplements. However, the use of hemp is far below its potential because of major challenges such as non‐cost‐effective extraction and isolation, stability and toxicity of the extracts, and legislation related to the use of the extracts. This narrative review comprehensively analyses major phytochemicals in hemp and hemp extracts, and also discusses the most common challenges in applications of hemp‐derived phytochemicals and hemp extracts in food and pharmaceutical products like stability, toxicity, legal limitations, isolation/extraction and purification. In addition, this review outlines current applications of hemp extracts and proposes future trends for utilising hemp phytochemicals and extracts in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products to increase applications of hemp extracts and their phytochemicals for health benefits.
Temperature effect on mechanical and thermal properties of multicomponent rare‐earth zirconate pyrochlores
Authors: Fan Yun , Wu Qi , Yao Yun , Wang Jiemin , Zhao Juanli , Liu Bin
Published: September 2022

In order to explore the temperature‐dependent structural and mechanical/thermal property evolution of pyrochlores, multicomponent rare‐earth zirconates (4RE1/4)2Zr2O7 (RE = La, Nd, Sm, Eu, and Gd) and corresponding single‐component compounds are investigated by molecular dynamics simulations. The structural parameters and mechanical/thermal properties reported in experiments are well reproduced. With temperature enhancement, the bond lengths become large and polyhedrons tend to deform more, whereas the second‐order elastic constants and polycrystalline mechanical moduli gradually reduce. It can be explained by the obvious change of (ZrO6) polyhedrons originating from the Zr–O bond stretching. Furthermore, thermal conductivities show decreasing tendency owing to a sharp decline of the phonon mean free path related to enhanced phonon scattering. As a big influence of temperature on (ZrO6) polyhedrons occurs, the multicomponent design at the Zr‐site is suggested to be paid more attention. This work is expected to shield light on the design for multicomponent pyrochlores as thermal barrier coatings.
Static allometries do not reflect evolutionary allometry in exaggerated weaponry of male New Zealand sheetweb spiders (Cambridgea spp.)
Authors: Walker Leilani Ariyavisitakul , Holwell Gregory Ian
Published: September 2022

Across the animal kingdom, exaggerated weaponry is frequently used by one sex to contest access for potential mates. Within species, if disproportionate investment in weaponry confers an advantage to larger individuals, this may result in positive static allometry. It is predicted that the same selective pressures may also lead to positive evolutionary allometry, where larger species bear disproportionately large weapons on average, compared with smaller species. Furthermore, in species with stronger sexual selection, the static allometries of those weapons are expected to steepen. All adult males across the New Zealand sheetweb spider genus Cambridgea bear exaggerated chelicerae, which are used to compete for control of females' webs. Here, we characterize the distribution of chelicera lengths within each sex of 12 Cambridgea species to show that chelicerae almost always exhibit positive static allometry in males while female chelicera lengths are consistently isometric. We use comparative phylogenetic methods to demonstrate that the slopes of static allometries steepen in males of larger species but that the ratio of average chelicera length to cephalothorax width is tightly conserved across taxa, leading to an isometric evolutionary allometry. While static allometries indeed steepen in larger species, possibly due to stronger sexual selection, this conservation of relative trait size suggests that chelicera length is subject to other stabilizing selective pressures. Changes to species body plans might be constrained, while still allowing for disproportionate investment in weapon traits in the upper range of intraspecific body sizes.
Signaling effects of recurrent list‐price reductions on the likelihood of house sales
Authors: Kryzanowski Lawrence , Wu Yanting
Published: September 2022

Recurrent list‐price reductions for a house may signal the impatience of sellers to conclude a sell transaction more quickly, leading to more visits and a higher likelihood of being sold (positive signal). Recurrent list‐price reductions may also provide a market signal that the listing is problematic and thus harder to sell without a list‐price reduction, leading to a lower likelihood of being sold (negative signal). Unlike standard survival analysis, we investigate which signal prevails using a joint frailty model that accounts for the interdependence among recurrent list‐price reductions and the association between the recurrent reductions and the sold event. Our novel data set contains the time‐dated recurrent list‐price reductions for each house listed on the market. The results from the joint frailty model show time‐varying negative impacts of list‐price reductions on the likelihood of a house sale, supporting the dominance of the negative signaling effects of recurrent list‐price reductions. Although listings with frequent list‐price reductions are less likely to be sold, sold houses sell at a higher ratio of sold price to last list price, which incorporates current market conditions and fairer pricing, holding constant the initial list price and the aggregate list‐price reduction from the initial list price.
Long short‐term memory based real‐time monitoring of potato slice drying using image chromatic features
Authors: Sabat Mousumi , Kotwaliwale Nachiket , Chakraborty Subir Kumar , Kumar Manoj
Published: September 2022

The computer vision system provides a better alternative to conventional quality assessment methods during drying because it is rapid, inexpensive, nondestructive, sensitive, and precise. Experiments were conducted for drying of 1‐mm‐thick potato slices at 45, 50, 55, and 60°C. A laboratory‐scale hot air dryer with the provision of installing an image acquisition system was used to visualize the chromatic changes during the drying process. Multiple input single output (MISO) type long short‐term memory (LSTM) network was used to study the time series data. This network has multivariate input data (chromatic attributes of potato slices) to predict single output (moisture content). The optimized network after hyperparameter tuning has an architecture of 86 hidden layers, an LSTM depth of 2, a dropout value of 0.4, and a learning rate of 0.01, providing the highest R of 0.96 and the lowest RMSE of 13.25 × 10−2. During performance evaluation, the R and RMSE values were obtained to be 0.98 and 3.75 × 10−2, 0.97 and 4.29 × 10−2, and 0.98 and 2.67 × 10−2 at 47, 54, and 58°C, respectively.

Novelty impact statement

The real‐time monitoring system helps minimize human intervention to assess product quality during drying. This system allows us to comprehend the complexities in the chromatic quality changes in the product while drying. It also finds its usefulness in continuous type dryers where quality monitoring is a serious issue. Furthermore, the same algorithm can be used for multiple operations like cooking, roasting, baking, etc., and various agricultural commodities after adequate training.
Cellular antioxidant and emulsifying activities of fucoidan extracted from Nizamuddinia zanardinii using different green extraction methods
Authors: Alboofetileh Mehdi , Rezaei Masoud , Hamzeh Ali , Tabarsa Mehdi , Cravotto Giancarlo
Published: September 2022

In the present study, fucoidan was extracted from Nizamuddinia zanardinii samples using nine different green extraction techniques in addition to the conventional hot water extraction method (HW). Antioxidant (chemical and cellular assays) and emulsifying activities as well as optical properties of the different extracted fucoidans were investigated. The chemical composition and molecular weight of the fucoidans were also discussed. The results showed that fucoidan extracted using microwaves and a combination of ultrasound and microwaves (UM) exhibited the highest DPPH scavenging activity (72%) and reducing power (0.37–0.39 Abs). Moreover, all extracted fucoidans showed good cytoprotective effects on H2O2‐induced damage and inhibition of reactive oxygen species formation in HepG2 cells, and the fucoidan extracted by UM exhibited the highest activity (59.51–69.06%). Additionally, the fucoidans isolated by green techniques showed higher emulsification capacity than those isolated by HW method. Based on the obtained results, the method UM can be recommended for the extraction of fucoidans from N. zanardinii samples.

Novelty impact statement

Fucoidan is a sulfated polysaccharide extracted from brown seaweeds with various bioactivities. In recent years, industry prefer the greener and faster methods to obtain bioactive compounds. In this regard, further studies are needed to determine the bioactivity of compounds extracted by environmentally friendly methods. In the present study, impact of different green extraction methods on the antioxidant and emulsifying activity of fucoidans from N. zanardinii were investigated for the first time. The results confirmed that fucoidans extracted by green methods has antioxidant activity in both chemical and cellular models and also exhibits emulsifying activity. On this basis, the extracted fucoidans can be used for the development of dietary supplements for humans and can also be incorporated into food formulation for the production of functional foods.
Aesthetic considerations for treating the North American multi‐ethnic patient: Thriving in diversity international roundtable series
Authors: Fabi Sabrina Guillen , Callender Valerie D. , Lee Wendy W. , Dayan Steven
Published: September 2022

Background

The United States is becoming increasingly diverse, and between 2016 and 2019, an increase of 945 832 aesthetic procedures was recorded for Hispanic, African American, and Asian American patients combined. In aesthetics, where outcomes are technique dependent and tied to the clinician's ability to tailor treatment to the needs of individual patients, a knowledge of ethnic differences in anatomy and how aesthetic issues can be safely and effectively addressed in different groups is paramount.

Aims

To discuss similarities and difference in anatomy and treatment preferences of patients from a variety of ethnic and racial backgrounds and how these differences may influence the products or techniques utilized to achieve natural‐looking results and minimize side effects.

Patients/Methods

In support of clinicians who wish to serve a diverse patient population, a 6‐part international roundtable series focused on diversity in aesthetics was conducted from August 24, 2021, to May 16, 2022.

Results

The results of the first roundtable in the series, the North American Multiethnic Patient, are described here.

Conclusions

A diverse range of patients can benefit from the tailored use of fillers, fat transfer, neuromodulators, lasers, and energy‐based devices, as long as differences in structural support, skin, and aging patterns, are appreciated.
Biology and management of lobular endocervical glandular hyperplasia
Authors: Miyamoto Tsutomu , Kobara Hisanori , Shiozawa Tanri
Published: September 2022

Aim

Lobular endocervical glandular hyperplasia (LEGH) is a multicystic proliferative disorder of the uterine cervix. The aim of this review was to clarify the current understanding of this unique tumor.

Method

This article reviews the chronological progress of research regarding clinico‐pathological and genetic aspects of LEGH and related cervical cystic diseases such as Nabothian cyst and adenocarcinoma of gastric type (GAS), using the literature and data from our institute. We also describe clinical management including preoperative diagnosis and adequate surgical/expectant treatment based on the biological features.

Results

Recent studies revealed several unique aspects of LEGH, that is, (i) production of gastric mucin, (ii) symptomatic and histological similarity with minimal deviation adenocarcinoma (MDA), and (iii) frequent association with GAS, including MDA. These findings indicated that LEGH is a gastric metaplasia, as well as pre‐cancerous neoplasia. For the preoperative diagnosis of LEGH, the combination of “cosmos” sign on magnetic resonance imaging, detection of gastric mucin, and lack of nuclear atypia on cytology is important. Cone biopsy is effective for pathological diagnosis. Simple hysterectomy is indicated as surgical treatment for LEGH; however, meticulous follow‐up is also an option, especially for young patients, because the rate of malignant transformation was reported to be 1%–2%. For LEGH patients who selected follow‐up, a worsening cytology and increase in lesion size were important signs of malignant change of LEGH for safe follow‐up.

Conclusion

Proper understanding of the characteristics of LEGH is important for adequate management.
Oral epithelial dysplasia grading: Comparing the binary system to the traditional 3‐tier system, an actuarial study with malignant transformation as outcome
Authors: Sperandio Marcelo , Warnakulasuriya Saman , Soares Andresa Borges , Passador‐Santos Fabrício , Mariano Fernanda Viviane , Lima Carmen Silvia Passos , Scarini João Figueira , Dominguete Matheus Henrique Lopes , de Camargo Moraes Paulo , Montalli Victor Angelo Martins , Hellmeister Luiza , de Araújo Vera Cavalcanti
Published: September 2022

Background

Establishing the risk of malignant transformation (MT) in oral leukoplakia is usually based on grading oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) on biopsy tissue, for which two systems are proposed: a 3‐tier and a binary system. Only very few actuarial studies have tested the accuracy of such methods in predicting MT, especially for the binary system. This study aimed to assess the accuracy of the two grading systems in predicting MT in a cohort of oral leukoplakia (OL) from Brazil, with follow‐up data.

Methods

The sample comprised 878 individuals diagnosed with OL from 2005 to 2018. Follow‐up data were obtained both locally and from the regional cancer registry. All lesions were graded using both the 3‐tier and the binary systems. Kaplan–Meier curves (Log‐rank Mantel‐Cox) were used to assess risk and kappa to assess interobserver agreement.

Results

Thirty‐five individuals underwent MT (4%). Both systems demonstrated prognostic value, though the 3‐tier system proved superior, with OR 9.23 (3.42–23.69), PPV 0.152, NPV 0.98, compared to binary OR 3.49 (1.79–6.79), PPV 0.079, NPV 0.976. Interobserver agreement was also superior in the 3‐tier system (0.47, p < 0.05) compared to the binary system (0.139, p = 0.39). Combining the two systems enhanced prognostic values (OR 14.28, PPV 0.217, NPV 0.981).

Conclusion

The 3‐tier system presented superior prognostic value to the binary system. Combining both systems to double‐grade intermediate lesions might enhance risk assessment.
Psychobiographies of social change agents: Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Adler Jonathan M. , Singer Jefferson A.
Published: September 2022

This Special Issue of Journal of Personality, focused on psychobiographies of social change agents, aims to make contributions to the field in terms of content, method, and process. The content of the issue is focused on understanding people who powerfully impact their world, from eminent global leaders to everyday change agents. The contributions to the Special Issue are unified by their adoption of psychobiographical methods, though as a set they offer both excellent representations of common psychobiographical approaches as well as vital innovations in this tradition. The process of curating this Special Issue sought to make several interventions in typical practices, including the cultivation of an intentional community of scholars representing both experienced and fledgling psychobiographers, the pursuit of a relational approach to publishing, and the adoption of open science practices. Psychobiography has an important role to play in contemporary personality psychology and we hope this Special Issue will itself serve as a foundation for continued innovation in the field.
Intimate racism from one's partner in young intercultural couples
Authors: Yampolsky Maya A. , Rossini Alessandra , Pagé Justine , Leanza Yvan , Lalonde Richard N.
Published: September 2022

Racism from one's partner is a highly sensitive phenomenon that has received little research attention. The current research introduces the concept of “intimate racism” to refer to racism from close others. The manifestation of intimate racism in intercultural romantic relationships was explored with a sample of 92 racialized minorities who were currently, or previously, in an intercultural relationship. An online survey enquired about the experience of racism from their partner, and responses were coded and analyzed using thematic content analysis. More than 50 different manifestations of intimate racism emerged and these were grouped into eight categories: explicit racism, microinsults, microinvalidations, positive stereotypes, racial fetishization, partner abuse, defensiveness, and others. Co‐occurrence analyses revealed links between intimate racism with negative, neutral and positive experiences, which were connected to participants’ responses to racism (e.g., confronting, disengaging) and to stressful identity experiences. The present work opens a new field of study to examine intimate racism and its implications.
Pension, possible phaseout, and endogenous fertility in general equilibrium
Authors: Amol Amol , Bishnu Monisankar , Ray Tridip
Published: September 2022

The rich literature on Pay‐As‐You‐Go (PAYG)‐type pensions provides a notion that when pension return is dominated by the market return, generally it is impossible to phase pension out without hurting any generation. We show that PAYG pensions can indeed be phased out in a much richer framework where fertility is endogenous and general equilibrium effects are present. Interestingly, the factor that helps us to phase the pension out in a Pareto way is hidden in the structure of PAYG pension itself. Individualistic agents fail to recognize the benefits of their fertility decision on these programs and, therefore, end up in an allocation that is strictly dominated by the allocations that internalize this externality. Exploiting this positive externality, competitive economy can improve its allocations and can reach the planner's steady‐state in finite time where each generation secures as much utility as in the competitive equilibrium. Clearly, it is possible to transition in a Pareto way to an economy either with no pension or with pensions whose return is not dominated by market return.
THE AGE, ORIGIN AND CONTEXT OF RESERVOIR SANDSTONES UNDERLYING THE LOWERMOST SILURIAN “HOT” SHALES IN THE WEST OF THE SULTANATE OF OMAN
Authors: Ghafri A.S.M. Al , Heward A.P. , Booth G.A. , Abbasi I.A.
Published: September 2022

The age and origin of reservoir sandstones which underlie the lowermost Silurian “hot” shales of the Sahmah Formation in the west of Oman is controversial. Here we describe one such sandstone which was cored and interpreted based on geological well evidence, and which then had to be re‐interpreted when definitive palynological results became available. The findings are enhanced when interpreted along with other deep wells in the area which have consistent palynological data.

The western part of the Sultanate of Oman is a tectonically stable intra‐basinal high with low regional dips. In this area, the relief on the base‐Silurian unconformity of >250 m appears to be greater than that beneath the Permo‐Carboniferous unconformity which is well known for being highly erosive. The sandstones preserved beneath the base‐Silurian unconformity vary in depositional environment and reservoir quality from well to well, depending on their age, degree of erosion and differences in regional subsidence.

There has been little evidence for the presence of Hirnantian‐aged deposits in Oman to date. However, some of the erosion and deep incisions which affect deposits of the Upper Ordovician Hasirah Formation are almost certainly related to falling sea levels accompanying the Hirnantian glaciation, just as the presence of the “hot shale” source rocks in the overlying Sahmah Formation are likely to be related to rising sea‐levels and anoxic conditions during the later deglaciation. Deformed strata in the Upper Ordovician deposits may reflect the instability of valley‐sides cut into weakly‐consolidated strata exposed during changes in sea‐level.

The Sahmah oil play underlying the basal Silurian “hot” shales in Oman carries significant risks relating to the presence or absence of closures and reservoir, and the character, continuity and cementation of reservoir sandstones.