bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long‐Lived Organotypic Slice Culture Model of the Rat Basolateral Amygdala
Authors: Michaelson Sheldon D. , Müller Taylor M. , Bompolaki Maria , Miranda Tapia Ana Pamela , Villarroel Heika Silveira , Mackay James P. , Balogun Pauline J. , Urban Janice H. , Colmers William F.
Published: October 2021

Organotypic slice cultures (OTCs) have been employed in the laboratory since the early 1980s and have proved to be useful for the study of a number of neural systems. Our recent work focuses on the development of behavioral stress resilience induced by repeated daily injections of neuropeptide Y into the basolateral amygdala (BLA). Resilience develops over weeks, persisting to 8 weeks. To unravel the cellular mechanisms underlying neuropeptide Y–induced stress resilience we developed in vitro OTCs of the BLA. Here, we provide an optimized protocol that consistently yields viable and healthy OTCs containing the BLA and surrounding tissue using the interface method, prepared with slices taken from postnatal (P) day 14 rats. We explain key points to optimizing tissue viability and discuss mitigation or avoidance of pitfalls that can arise to aid in successful implementation of this technique. We show that principal neurons in BLA OTCs (8 weeks in vitro = equivalent postnatal day 70) develop into networks that are electrophysiologically very similar to those from acute slices obtained from older rats (P70) and respond to pharmacological treatments in a comparable way. Furthermore, we highlight how these cultures be used to further understand the molecular, cellular, and circuit‐level neuropathophysiological changes underlying stress disorders. BLA OTCs provide long‐term physiological and pharmacological results whose predictions were borne out in vivo, supporting the validity of the BLA OTC as a model to unravel BLA neurocircuitry. Recent preliminary results also support the successful application of this approach to preparing long‐lived OTCs of BLA and neocortex from mice. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Organotypic slice culture

Support Protocol 1: Changing medium

Support Protocol 2: Drug incubations

Basic Protocol 2: Excision of OTC slices from inserts

Support Protocol 3: Fixation of slices
Tunable Selectivity in CO2 Photo‐Thermal Reduction by Perovskite‐Supported Pd Nanoparticles
Authors: Mateo Diego , Maity Partha , Shterk Genrikh , Mohammed Omar F. , Gascon Jorge
Published: October 2021

Photo‐thermal catalysis has recently emerged as a promising alternative to overcome the limitations of traditional photocatalysis. Despite its potential, most of the photo‐thermal systems still lack adequate selectivity patterns and appropriate analysis of the underlying reaction pathways, thus hampering a wide implementation. Herein, a novel photocatalyst based on Pd nanoparticles (NPs) supported on barium titanate (BTO) was prepared for the selective photo‐thermal reduction of CO2 and displayed catalytic rates of up to 8.2 molCO gPd−1 h−1. The photocatalyst allowed for a tailored selectivity towards CO or CH4 as a function of the metal loading or the light intensity. Mechanistic studies indicated that both thermal and non‐thermal contributions of light played a role in the overall reaction pathway, each of them being dominant upon changing reaction conditions.
Efficient hardware‐accelerated pseudoinverse computation through algorithm restructuring for parallelization in high‐level synthesis
Authors: Tan Chong Yeam , Ooi Chia Yee , Choo Hau Sim , Ismail Nordinah
Published: October 2021

This paper describes a fast and efficient hardware‐accelerated pseudoinverse computation through algorithm restructuring and leveraging FPGA synthesis directives for parallelism prior to high‐level synthesis (HLS). The algorithm, which is composed of modified Gram–Schmidt QR decomposition (MGS‐QRD), triangular matrix inversion (TMI), and matrix multiplication (MM), is synthesized and implemented on a field‐programmable gate array (FPGA). MGS‐QRD is restructured and augmented with parallelism directives prior to synthesizing the algorithm, which yielded an MGS‐QRD hardware accelerator with high throughput. Modifications to the current TMI algorithm were also proposed, in which the removal of redundant computational tasks was done in order to speed up overall operation. Data dependencies in the MM algorithm were carefully considered such that appropriate parallelism directives were inserted, and matching the data flow of MM with MGS‐QRD and TMI modules was also performed to accelerate the pseudoinverse computation. The results showed that the proposed pseudoinverse module is better than the naïve implementation which is composed of existing MGS‐QRD, TMI and a standard MM in terms of maximum frequency (1.24× speedup), hardware resources(48% of reduction of DSP usage), latency (23% reduction), and throughput (62% increase).
Comprehensive phenotyping of human peripheral blood B lymphocytes in healthy conditions
Authors: Carsetti Rita , Terreri Sara , Conti Maria Giulia , Fernandez Salinas Ane , Corrente Francesco , Capponi Claudia , Albano Christian , Piano Mortari Eva
Published: October 2021

The B cell compartment provides innate and adaptive immune defenses against pathogens. Different B cell subsets, reflecting the maturation stages of B cells, have noninterchangeable functions and roles in innate and adaptive immune responses. In this review, we provide an overview of the B cell subsets present in peripheral blood of healthy individuals. A specific gating strategy is also described to clearly and univocally identify B cell subsets based on the their phenotypic traits by flow cytometric analysis.
Understanding emerging regulation: The role of frontal electroencephalography asymmetry and negative affectivity
Authors: Campagna Allegra X. , Pham Christie N. , Gartstein Maria A.
Published: October 2021

The present study examined frontal electroencephalography (EEG) asymmetry and negative affectivity (NA) as predictors of infant behaviors during the Still‐Face Paradigm (SFP). It was hypothesized that infants with lower NA subscale scores who also demonstrate greater left frontal activation would exhibit more frequent social engagement and self‐soothing behaviors during the SFP. Mothers reported infant temperament at 6–12 months of age (N = 62), and EEG was recorded during a baseline task and the SFP. Social engagement, distress, and self‐soothing behaviors were coded during the SFP. A three‐factor solution emerged based on exploratory factor analysis of eight infant behaviors. After considering bivariate relations, multiple regression analyses predicting the behavior factor labeled social engagement (containing vocalizations and handwaving; average factor loading = .56) were conducted separately for asymmetry and NA subscales, controlling for infant sex and age. The SFP asymmetry predicted social engagement after controlling for covariates and baseline asymmetry; however, NA subscales (falling reactivity and distress to limitations) did not uniquely explain significant variance. These findings highlight the importance of frontal EEG asymmetry in contributing to emerging social engagement and regulation in infancy. Implications include potentially utilizing asymmetry markers as screening and intervention targets in the first year of life.
Medial prefrontal brain activity correlates with emerging symptoms of anxiety and depression in late adolescence: A fNIRS study
Authors: Papasideris Mia , Ayaz Hasan , Hall Peter A.
Published: October 2021

The brain undergoes dramatic changes over the course of the adolescent years, and these developmental changes are implicated in the emergence of disorders that involve negative emotionality. Late adolescence might be the window within which brain networks manifest vulnerabilities to depressive and anxiety symptomology; particularly within the prefrontal cortex (PFC), which houses emotional control (dorsolateral) and emotional processing (medial) nodes. Given the comorbidity of depressive and anxious symptomology, it may be that the neural signature is similar for both within the developing PFC. In a sample of 67 adolescents (M = 15.97 years, SD = 1.36), we used functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to examine the neural signature of emergent anxiety and depressive symptoms among younger and older adolescents. We further examined the extent to which neural signatures of anxiety and depressive symptoms within the PFC were similar or different. Findings revealed that self‐reported anxiety and depressive symptoms were highly correlated, and that the neural signatures of both within the PFC were similar, corresponding with the medial subregions of the PFC (i.e., those involved in evaluative processing). These findings were evident only in later adolescence, suggesting the possibility of a common vulnerability for anxiety and depressive disorders emerging around this developmental window.
Olfactory sensory and perceptual evaluation in newborn infants: A systematic review
Authors: Tristão Rosana Maria , Lauand Lucas , Costa Kassandra Silva Falcão , Brant Luiz Alberto , Fernandes Geraldo Magela , Costa Karina Nascimento , Spilski Jan , Lachmann Thomas
Published: October 2021

Fetuses are able to process olfactory stimuli present in the womb and continue to show a preference for these odors for months after birth. Despite the accumulated knowledge about their early ability to perceive odors, there is a lack of validated scales for odor response in newborns. The evaluation of reactions of the olfactory system to environmental stimuli in infants has been defined by methodological theoretical approaches of experimental and clinical assessment tools. These approaches are mainly based on psychophysical approaches and predominantly use behavioral and physiological measures. Examples can be found in studies describing early abilities of newborn babies for behaviors or heart rate variability showing memory of maternal food preferences or mother's breast milk. This systematic review aimed to determine whether validated odor assessment tools can be feasibly used in studies. Particularly in light of the current COVID‐19 pandemic and evidence of associated olfactory impairment resulting from SARS‐COV‐2 infection, the study is also motivated by the need for tools to assess olfactory function in neonates.
Fragmented landscapes affect honey bee colony strength at diverse spatial scales in agroecological landscapes in Kenya
Authors: Ochungo Pamela , Veldtman Ruan , Abdel‐Rahman Elfatih M. , Muli Elliud , Ng'ang'a James , Tonnang Henry E. Z. , Landmann Tobias
Published: October 2021

Landscape fragmentation and habitat loss at multiple scales directly affect species abundance, diversity, and productivity. There is a paucity of information about the effect of the landscape structure and diversity on honey bee colony strength in Africa. Here, we present new insights into the relationship between landscape metrics such as patch size, shape, connectivity, composition, and configuration and honey bee (Apis mellifera) colony strength characteristics. Remote‐sensing‐based landscape variables were linked to honey bee colony strength variables in a typical highly fragmented smallholder agroecological region in Kenya. We examined colonies in six sites with varying degrees of land degradation during the period from 2017 to 2018. Landscape structure was first mapped using medium resolution bitemporal Sentinel‐1 and Sentinel‐2 satellite imagery with an optimized random forest model. The influence of the surrounding landscape matrix was then constrained to two buffer distances, i.e., 1 km representing the local foraging scale and 2.5 km representing the wider foraging scale around each investigated apiary and for each of the six sites. The results of zero‐inflated negative binomial regression with mixed effects showed that lower complexity of patch geometries represented by fractal dimension and reduced proportions of croplands were most influential at local foraging scales (1 km) from the apiary. In addition, higher proportions of woody vegetation and hedges resulted in higher colony strength at longer distances from the apiary (2.5 km). Honey bees in moderately degraded landscapes demonstrated the most consistently strong colonies throughout the study period. Efforts towards improving beekeeper livelihoods, through higher hive productivity, should target moderately degraded and heterogeneous landscapes, which provide forage from diverse land covers.
Fast plants have water‐use and drought strategies that balance rainfall retention and drought survival on green roofs
Authors: Chu Hsiao‐Hsuan , Farrell Claire
Published: October 2021

Green roofs can improve ecosystem services in cities; however, this depends on appropriate plant selection. For stormwater management, plants should have high water use to maximize retention and also survive dry periods. Plants adapted to wetter habitats develop “fast” traits for growth, whereas plants from drier habitats develop “slow” traits to conserve water use and survive drought. Therefore, we hypothesized that (1) plants with fast traits would have greater water use, (2) plants with slow traits would have greater drought tolerance, (3) fast‐slow traits would be consistent across the plant, and (4) fast plants with greater water use could avoid drought stress. We evaluated 14 green roof species in a glasshouse experiment under well‐watered (WW) and water‐deficit (WD) conditions to determine relationships between fast‐slow traits, water use, and drought resistance. Traits measured were shoot dry mass, specific leaf area (SLA), root mass fraction (RMF), and specific root length (SRL). Daily evapotranspiration per shoot dry mass was used to describe water use. Drought resistance was represented by (1) days to stomatal closure; (2) cumulative ET before stomatal closure; and (3) degree of iso‐anisohydry (difference between midday leaf water potential (ΨMD) of WW and WD plants; ΔΨMD). Plants with greater water use had fast aboveground traits (greater shoot biomass and SLA). Plants with slow traits had greater drought tolerance as plants with lower shoot dry mass closed their stomata later under WD, and plants with greater root allocation were more anisohydric. Fast‐slow traits were not consistent across the plant. Although SLA and SRL were positively related, SRL was not related to water use or drought resistance. Shoot dry mass was inversely related to SLA and had a stronger influence on stomatal closure. Though plants with greater water use under well‐watered conditions closed their stomates earlier to avoid drought stress, they were not more isohydric (smaller ∆ΨMD) and did not necessarily use more water under WD. Fast aboveground traits can be used to select green roof plants with high water use that avoid drought stress to optimize rainfall retention without jeopardizing drought survival. This will facilitate rapid plant selection using trait information from online databases.
A comparative analysis of spider prey spectra analyzed through the next‐generation sequencing of individual and mixed DNA samples
Authors: Yang Tingbang , Song Xuhao , Xu Xiaoqin , Zhou Caiquan , Shi Aimin
Published: October 2021

As one of the most abundant predators of insects in terrestrial ecosystems, spiders have long received much attention from agricultural scientists and ecologists. Do spiders have a certain controlling effect on the main insect pests of concern in farmland ecosystems? Answering this question requires us to fully understand the prey spectrum of spiders. Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) has been successfully employed to analyze spider prey spectra. However, the high sequencing costs make it difficult to analyze the prey spectrum of various spider species with large samples in a given farmland ecosystem. We performed a comparative analysis of the prey spectra of Ovia alboannulata (Araneae, Lycosidae) using NGS with individual and mixed DNA samples to demonstrate which treatment was better for determining the spider prey spectra in the field. We collected spider individuals from tea plantations, and two treatments were then carried out: (1) The DNA was extracted from the spiders individually and then sequenced separately (DESISS) and (2) the DNA was extracted from the spiders individually and then mixed and sequenced (DESIMS). The results showed that the number of prey families obtained by the DESISS treatment was approximately twice that obtained by the DESIMS treatment. Therefore, the DESIMS treatment greatly underestimated the prey composition of the spiders, although its sequencing costs were obviously lower. However, the relative abundance of prey sequences detected in the two treatments was slightly different only at the family level. Therefore, we concluded that if our purpose were to obtain the most accurate prey spectrum of the spiders, the DESISS treatment would be the best choice. However, if our purpose were to obtain only the relative abundance of prey sequences of the spiders, the DESIMS treatment would also be an option. The present study provides an important reference for choosing applicable methods to analyze the prey spectra and food web compositions of animal in ecosystems.
Negative carry‐over effects on larval thermal tolerances across a natural thermal gradient
Authors: Waite Heidi R. , Sorte Cascade J. B.
Published: October 2021

Under climate change, marine organisms will need to tolerate or adapt to increasing temperatures to persist. The ability of populations to cope with thermal stress may be influenced by conditions experienced by parents, by both genetic changes and transgenerational phenotypic plasticity through epigenetics or maternal provisioning. In organisms with complex life cycles, larval stages are particularly vulnerable to stress. Positive parental carry‐over effects occur if more stressful parental environments yield more tolerant offspring while the opposite pattern leads to negative carry‐over effects. This study evaluated the role of parental effects in determining larval thermal tolerances for the intertidal mussel,Mytilus californianus. We tested whether thermal environments across a natural gradient (shoreline elevation) impacted mussel temperature tolerances. Lethal thermal limits were compared for field‐collected adults and their larvae. We observed parental effects across one generation, in which adult mussels exposed to warmer habitats yielded less tolerant offspring. Interestingly, although parental environments influenced offspring tolerances, we found no clear effects of habitat conditions on adult phenotypes (tolerances). We found indicators of trade‐offs in energy investment, with higher reproductive condition and larger egg diameters in low stress environments. These results suggest that parental effects are negative, leading to possible adverse effects of thermal stress on the next generation.
Visual map of power transmission of magnetically coupled wireless power transfer system based on independent analysis of transmitter and receiver sides
Authors: Takeda Kodai , Koseki Takafumi
Published: October 2021

A wireless power transfer (WPT) technology has recently garnered significant attention owing to its advantages of removing wire and mitigating charging concerns. In a conventional resonance‐based compensation circuit design, the power transmission characteristics strongly depend on the coupling condition of the transmitter and receiver coils. Therefore, some non‐resonance‐based designs have been proposed. However, they are complicated and lack the resonance condition; therefore, circuit designers cannot comprehensively understand their power transmission characteristics. This study proposes a visualization method for the power transmission characteristics based on a divided analysis of WPT systems. The proposed visual map, which consists of simple circles and lines, can help in intuitively understanding the tendency of WPT and evaluate the transmission power of the compensation circuits, including the non‐resonance condition. The tendency obtained from the visual map was validated via numerical simulations and experiments. The experimental results were significantly consistent with the intuitively estimated tendency and the evaluated power transmission.
Estimation of radiation dose resulting from the recycling of large metal wastes from decommissioning nuclear power plants in Korea
Authors: Son Jin Ho , Kong Tae Young , Yang Ho Yeon , Kim Seong Jun , Lee Eun Ji , Choi Wo Suk , Chung Woon Kwan , Kim Hee Geun
Published: October 2021

Following the permanent shutdown of Kori Unit 1 in June 2017, the Republic of Korea has been preparing for full‐scale decommissioning work. In addition, the design life of 12 units will expire by 2030. If decommissioning begins without initially extending the lifespan of nuclear reactors, massive amounts of decommissioning wastes will be generated in a short period. The total amount of radioactive wastes generated during the dismantling of a pressurized water reactor is estimated as 6200 tons, and approximately 70% of the total radioactive wastes are classified as metal wastes. Self‐disposal through the decontamination of contaminated metals can contribute to the economic feasibility of decommissioning nuclear power plants because it can reduce the disposal cost of medium‐ and low‐level radioactive wastes. Therefore, this study evaluated the possibility of self‐disposal of steam generators that may occur during future decommissioning. The radioactivity analysis data on transferring the replaced steam generator of Hanul Unit 1 were used as the source term. The decontamination factor was calculated by applying 200 units from 1200 to 2000, and the radiation dose was evaluated using the RESRAD‐RECYCLE code. Consequently, the single‐nuclide concentration and sum of the allowable concentration fraction for mixed radionuclides at a decontamination factor of 1400 were below the regulatory requirements; however, the dose evaluation results exceeded the allowable dose in some scenarios. The decontamination factor was 2000, when the dose evaluation results for all scenarios met the regulatory requirements.
Sensory analysis, volatile profiles and antimicrobial properties of Origanum vulgare L. essential oils
Authors: Tsitlakidou Petroula , Papachristoforou Alexandros , Tasopoulos Nikolaos , Matzara Aikaterini , Hatzikamari Magdalini , Karamanoli Katerina , Mourtzinos Ioannis
Published: October 2021

The present study investigated the aroma profile and antimicrobial properties of Origanum vulgare L. essential oils collected from four districts of Greece. The essential oil composition was analysed by GC/MS, and aroma attributes were determined by a panel of sensory specialists using quantitative descriptive analysis. Eighteen monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes were identified. Carvacrol, p‐cymene and γ‐terpinene were the main constituents of the essential oil extracted in wild plants grown in the islands of Samothraki and Skopelos and the mainland region of Nafpaktia. In contrast, the OEO (oregano essential oil) from Lemnos island consisted mainly of thymol, p‐cymene and γ‐terpinene. GC‐MS results concurred with the results of sensory analysis. Carvacrol and p‐cymene were associated with odour typical of oregano, while the presence of γ‐terpinene and pinene imparted minty and terpenic odour properties to oregano essential oils (OEOs). Samothraki's OEO exhibited the most prominent odour properties and was the most highly rated for oregano aroma by the sensory panel. All samples exhibited antibacterial activity against selected foodborne pathogens (E. coli, S. aureus, B. cereus and S. Typhimurium) as assayed by the well diffusion method.
Optimization of spray‐drying process to manufacture green tea powder and its characters
Authors: Thi Anh Dao Dong , Van Thanh Hoang , Viet Ha Do , Duc Nguyen Vuong
Published: October 2021

Tea leaves (Camellia sinensis) have many health benefits due to their abundance of polyphenols with antioxidant activity, most notably epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG). To protect those bioactive compounds, the spray‐drying technique of green tea‐extracted solution is conducted because of encapsulating. This study aimed to optimize the spray‐drying condition using the response surface methodology (RSM) with respect to the maximal polyphenol content of the product. Furthermore, the characterizations of resulting powder were determined. The results showed that optimal spray‐drying temperature, input flow rate, and whey protein isolate (WPI) content were evaluated at 136℃, 6.8 rpm, and 10.3% of dry basis, respectively. The obtained green tea powder products, which got from optimal spray‐drying process, achieved total polyphenol content (TPC), EGCG, and caffeine content of 322.06 mg GAE/g, 11.4%, and 2.8% of dry basis, respectively. This result revealed the feasibility of green tea leaves to produce tea powder rich in EGCG and polyphenols by spray‐drying technique, potentially contributing to the diversification of tea products.
Origin of the Tongda fluorite deposit related to the Palaeo‐Pacific Plate subduction in southern Jiangxi Province, China: New evidence from geochronology, geochemistry, fluid inclusion, and H–O isotope compositions
Authors: Yang Shi‐Wen , Feng Cheng‐You , Lou Fa‐Sheng , Zhang Fang‐Rong , Yu Cheng‐tao , Cao Sheng‐hua , He Bin , Li Min , Zou Hao , Xu De‐Ru
Published: October 2021

The southern Jiangxi Province is an important part of the fluorite mineralization belt in South China. Fluorite ore bodies are primarily in the contact zone between the Devonian Huitong granitic complex and the Late Cretaceous Ganzhou Formation, controlled by the NE‐trending faults. Zircon U–Pb dating of the Huitong granitic complex yields emplacement ages of 410.7 ± 1.4 Ma and 400.7 ± 4.6 Ma, while the Sm–Nd dating of the fluorite yields an isochron age of 94 ± 2 Ma, suggesting that the Huitong granitic complex is the host rock. Fluid inclusions in the fluorite show low homogenization temperatures (136–207°C), salinities (1.23–3.87 wt% NaCl), and densities (0.87–0.95 g/cm3), suggesting that the ore‐forming fluid is an NaCl‐H2O system of low temperature, salinity, and density. Raman spectroscopy showed that the fluid phase is dominated by water. The δDVSMOW values of the fluid inclusions in the Tongda fluorite ranged between −59.5 and −55.2‰, while the δ18OVSMOW values of the fluorite ranged from −7.2 to −5.6‰. Collectively, the ore‐forming fluid is dominated by meteoric water, possibly with a minor contribution of hydrothermal fluid. Both the interaction with host rocks and the cooling of hydrothermal fluids are the likely mechanisms of underlaying fluorite precipitation at low temperatures. The mineralization occurred in extensional faults during the Late Cretaceous related to the subduction of the Palaeo‐Pacific Oceanic Plate.
Microglia control glutamatergic synapses in the adult mouse hippocampus
Authors: Basilico Bernadette , Ferrucci Laura , Ratano Patrizia , Golia Maria T. , Grimaldi Alfonso , Rosito Maria , Ferretti Valentina , Reverte Ingrid , Sanchini Caterina , Marrone Maria C. , Giubettini Maria , De Turris Valeria , Salerno Debora , Garofalo Stefano , St‐Pierre Marie‐Kim , Carrier Micael , Renzi Massimiliano , Pagani Francesca , Modi Brijesh , Raspa Marcello , Scavizzi Ferdinando , Gross Cornelius T. , Marinelli Silvia , Tremblay Marie‐Ève , Caprioli Daniele , Maggi Laura , Limatola Cristina , Di Angelantonio Silvia , Ragozzino Davide
Published: October 2021

Microglia cells are active players in regulating synaptic development and plasticity in the brain. However, how they influence the normal functioning of synapses is largely unknown. In this study, we characterized the effects of pharmacological microglia depletion, achieved by administration of PLX5622, on hippocampal CA3‐CA1 synapses of adult wild type mice. Following microglial depletion, we observed a reduction of spontaneous and evoked glutamatergic activity associated with a decrease of dendritic spine density. We also observed the appearance of immature synaptic features and higher levels of plasticity. Microglia depleted mice showed a deficit in the acquisition of the Novel Object Recognition task. These events were accompanied by hippocampal astrogliosis, although in the absence ofneuroinflammatory condition. PLX‐induced synaptic changes were absent in Cx3cr1−/− mice, highlighting the role of CX3CL1/CX3CR1 axis in microglia control of synaptic functioning. Remarkably, microglia repopulation after PLX5622 withdrawal was associated with the recovery of hippocampal synapses and learning functions. Altogether, these data demonstrate that microglia contribute to normal synaptic functioning in the adult brain and that their removal induces reversible changes in organization and activity of glutamatergic synapses.
Deciphering the functional nano‐anatomy of the tripartite synapse using stimulated emission depletion microscopy
Authors: Arizono Misa , Nägerl U. Valentin
Published: October 2021

A major challenge for studying neuron‐astrocyte communication lies in visualizing the tripartite synapse, which is the physical site where astrocytic processes contact and interact with neuronal synapses. While conventional light microscopy cannot resolve the anatomical details of the tripartite synapse, electron microscopy only provides ultrastructural snapshots that tell us little about its living state and dynamics. Stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy is a super‐resolution fluorescence imaging technique that can provide live images of tripartite synapses with nanoscale spatial resolution. It is compatible with physiology experiments and imaging in the intact brain in vivo, opening up new opportunities to link the nanoscale structure of the tripartite system with functional readouts of neurons and astrocytes or even behavior. In this review, we first summarize the findings and insights from previous studies addressing the structure–function relationship of the tripartite synapse using conventional imaging techniques. We then explain the basic principle of STED microscopy and the main challenges facing its application to live‐tissue imaging of fine astrocytic processes. We summarize insights from our recent STED studies, which revealed new aspects of the structure and physiology of the tripartite synapse and the surrounding extracellular space. Finally, we discuss how the STED approach and other advanced optical techniques can illuminate the role of astrocytes for brain physiology and animal behavior.
Does age matter? Examining career commitment as a moderator in the relationship between age‐related HR/D practices and subjective career success for younger versus older academic staff
Authors: Van der Heijden Beatrice I. J. M. , Veld Monique , Heres Leonie
Published: October 2021

Building upon the job demands–resources framework and employing an interactionist perspective, the purpose of this scholarly work was to investigate the relationship between age‐related HR/D practices (being a contextual antecedent) and career commitment (being a personal antecedent), and the interaction between these two, on the one hand, and subjective career experiences, on the other hand. Moreover, elaborating on life‐span developmental theories and earlier empirical work on aging at work, this study also examined whether this relationship was moderated by age category (younger workers [<50 years] vs. their older counterparts [≥50 years]). An online self‐report questionnaire with thoroughly validated measures was distributed among academic staff employees (N = 139). The results partially supported the specific study assumptions. Concrete, age‐related HR/D practices add significantly to academics' subjective career success. Contradictory to our expectations, we could neither find a main effect of career commitment nor for its interaction with age‐related HR/D practices in the light of subjective career success. Results from the multigroup analyses indicate that, in reality, the above results may apply only to older academics (≥50 years). Possible explanations for this outcome are discussed. This study extends past career research by applying an interactionist perspective (context: age‐related HR/D practices; person: career commitment) approach for explaining subjectively experienced career success. The results of this scholarly work provide useful insights for protecting and further enhancing the sustainability of careers in academia, which is of upmost importance in nowadays' labor markets in this occupational sector.
Significance of Dufour and Soret effects on the non‐Darcy flow of Cross fluid by a tilted plate with radiation and chemical reaction: A Cattaneo–Christov heat flux model
Authors: Rao Darapuneni Purna Chandar , Thiagarajan Swaminathan , Srinivas Kumar Vajha
Published: October 2021

The Darcy–Forchheimer flow model is substantial in the fields where a high flow rate effect is a common phenomenon, for instance, in petroleum engineering. In this paper, we aim to scrutinize the aspects of cross‐diffusion effects on the non‐Darcy flow of Cross fluid by a tilted plate with thermal radiation and chemical reaction. Metamorphosed equations are resolved with the combination of shooting and Runge–Kutta fourth‐order procedures. The correlation coefficient is used to discuss the impact of pertinent parameters on friction factor and transfer rates (heat and mass). The main findings of this study are that the Dufour number escalates fluid temperature and the Soret number ameliorates the fluid concentration. It is observed that the fluid velocity minifies with the elevation in the Forchheimer number. And also, it is perceived that the heat transfer rate has a generous positive relationship with the thermal relaxation parameter. Furthermore, validation of current results with the earlier results under specified conditions is performed and an adequate concord is seen.
Implications of Thermodynamic Control: Dynamic Equilibrium Under Ball Mill Grinding Conditions
Authors: Belenguer Ana M. , Lampronti Giulio I. , Sanders Jeremy K. M.
Published: October 2021

We report a powerful example of subtle dynamic equilibrium control under milling conditions using the base catalysed solid state disulfide exchange reaction between two homodimers (bis‐2‐nitrophenyldisulfide and bis‐4‐nitrophenyldisulfide) to produce the heterodimer (4‐nitrophenyl‐2‐nitrophenyl‐disulfide). Under ball mill neat grinding conditions, the equilibrium is reproducibly represented by homodimers and Form A of the heterodimer in a molar ratio of 1 to 4. The heterodimer crystallizes in two different polymorphic forms, Form A and Form B, which can be interconverted by changing the milling conditions between neat grinding and liquid assisted grinding with a number of solvents. Because such milling equilibria are reversible and dynamic in nature, we interpret these end points as existing in local thermodynamic wells. Moreover, homodimer bis‐2‐nitrophenyldisulfide also shows two polymorphs, Form I and Form II, depending on the milling conditions, further complicating the picture. Because of the nanocrystalline nature of these solid forms, we suggest that surface effects are responsible for the switch in polymorph stabilities in the milling jar.
Diagnosis and management of gestational trophoblastic disease: 2021 update
Authors: Ngan Hextan Y. S. , Seckl Michael J. , Berkowitz Ross S. , Xiang Yang , Golfier François , Sekharan Paradan K. , Lurain John R. , Massuger Leon
Published: October 2021

Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) arises from abnormal placenta and is composed of a spectrum of premalignant to malignant disorders. Changes in epidemiology of GTD have been noted in various countries. In addition to histology, molecular genetic studies can help in the diagnostic pathway. Earlier detection of molar pregnancy by ultrasound has resulted in changes in clinical presentation and decreased morbidity from uterine evacuation. Follow‐up with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is essential for early diagnosis of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN). The duration of hCG monitoring varies depending on histological type and regression rate. Low‐risk GTN (FIGO Stages I–III: score <7) is treated with single‐agent chemotherapy but may require additional agents; although scores 5–6 are associated with more drug resistance, overall survival approaches 100%. High‐risk GTN (FIGO Stages II–III: score ≥7 and Stage IV) is treated with multiagent chemotherapy, with or without adjuvant surgery for excision of resistant foci of disease or radiotherapy for brain metastases, achieving a survival rate of approximately 90%. Gentle induction chemotherapy helps reduce early deaths in patients with extensive tumor burden, but late mortality still occurs from recurrent treatment‐resistant tumors.
Worldwide initiatives to eliminate cervical cancer
Authors: Wilailak Sarikapan , Kengsakul Malika , Kehoe Sean
Published: October 2021

In 2020, more than 600 000 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer and 342 000 women died worldwide. Without comprehensive control, rates of cervical cancer incidence and mortality are expected to worsen. In 2020, the World Health Organization adopted the global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer to the threshold of four cases per 100 000 women within the 21st century, using a triple pillar intervention strategy comprising 90% of girls fully vaccinated by the age of 15 years, 70% of women screened by the age of 35 years and again by 45 years, and 90% of women with precancer treated and 90% of women with invasive cancer managed. In countries with high cervical cancer incidence, a tremendous effort will be needed to overcome the challenges. This article discusses the efforts in place to accelerate achievement of this ambitious goal.
Predictors of same‐day discharge after minimally invasive hysterectomy for benign indications
Authors: AlAshqar Abdelrahman , Wildey Brian , Yazdy Golsa , Goktepe Metin E. , Kilic Gokhan S. , Borahay Mostafa A.
Published: October 2021

Objective

To identify predictors of same‐day discharge after benign minimally invasive hysterectomy.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, we identified women (n = 1084) undergoing benign minimally invasive hysterectomy from 2009 to 2016. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine demographic, operative, and surgeon factors associated with discharge on postoperative day 0.

Results

In our study population, 238 women (22%) were discharged on the same day. Robotic hysterectomy (risk ratio [RR] 2.24; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13–4.44), shorter operative time (lowest quartile; RR 5.28; 95% CI 2.66–10.46), and minimal blood loss (lowest quartile; RR 3.01; 95% CI 1.68–6.23) were associated with higher same‐day discharge likelihood whereas later procedure start time (2–5 pm; RR 0.38; 95% CI 0.17–0.85) and postoperative complications (RR 0.19; 95% CI 0.06–0.55) significantly decreased its likelihood. The strongest predictor was surgeon's number of years in practice, with recently graduated surgeons more likely to discharge their patients on the same day (RR 3.15; 95% CI 2.09–4.77).

Conclusion

Same‐day discharge after minimally invasive hysterectomy is determined by several patient, operative, and surgeon factors that can be incorporated into an implementation plan to promote earlier discharge. Most especially, scheduling patients based on perceived case complexity and targeted surgeon education can qualify a larger cohort for same‐day discharge.
Experimental study on the discharge coefficient of triangular piano key weir*
Authors: Alizadeh Sanami Forough , Afshar Mohammad Hadi , Saneie Mojtaba
Published: October 2021

The present study aims to experimentally evaluate the hydraulic characteristics of a B‐type triangular piano key weir (PKW). Equations are proposed for estimating the discharge coefficient (Cd) of type B triangular PKW. Nine PKW models were tested, and the discharge coefficients were obtained. To determine the PKW efficiency, in each flow condition, the experiment was repeated for a linear weir having the same height as the PKW. In particular, the flow rate of the triangular PKW was up to three times higher than that of the linear weir. Studying the flow behaviour showed that the sloping triangular surface of the PKW helps with the quick transfer of flow from the channel bed, especially in the outside keys. In addition, increasing the dimensionless parameters h/Le and h/P reduces the discharge coefficient in the weir. Empirical equations are presented for the triangular PKW discharge coefficient. For the regression analysis, analysis of variance was performed to list the most important variables. Subsequently, by performing sensitivity analysis, the most important dimensionless parameter for estimating the discharge coefficient was obtained. The group method of data handling was applied to the data to achieve higher accuracy. Finally, uncertainty analysis was conducted using the asymmetric loss function.
Spatio‐temporal variability of reference crop evapotranspiration at different timescales in Sichuan Province, south‐west China*
Authors: Wu Jianfei , Kang Yinhong , Song Xin
Published: October 2021

Aiming to analyse the variation of seasonal reference crop evapotranspiration (ET0) and show the impact of meteorological factors on ET0 across Sichuan Province, this study mainly discussed the variation of ET0 during the periods of 1967–2016 in three subregions of Sichuan Province with the Mann–Kendall test (MK), Morlet wavelet analysis and path analysis. Meanwhile, future ET0 trend variation characteristics at different timescales were evaluated by Hurst exponents based on the rescaled range analysis (R/S) method. The results indicated that over the past 50 years, annual ET0 had a decreasing trend with a rate of −0.64 mm per10 years, confirming the existence of an ‘evaporation paradox’. Through spatial analysis, the distribution of average annual ET0 exhibited a declining trend from south to north over the study region. On the seasonal scale, the highest values of ET0 in summer were distributed in the Sichuan central basin while the highest values in other seasons were in the south‐western mountain area. The Hurst exponents showed that the trends of annual and seasonal ET0 in the future are consistent with past ones in the whole region (H > 0.5). The annual ET0 showed the obvious periodic variation of 28 years in the study regions based on Morlet wavelet analysis. The decreases in ET0 were mostly attributed to the decline in sunshine hours. These findings can help water managers in better water planning and irrigation scheduling for local agricultural production.
Computational tibial bone remodeling over a population after total knee arthroplasty: A comparative study
Authors: Anijs Thomas , Eemers Sanne , Minoda Yukihide , Wolfson David , Verdonschot Nico , Janssen Dennis
Published: October 2021

Periprosthetic bone loss is an important factor in tibial implant failure mechanisms in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to validate computational postoperative bone response using longitudinal clinical DEXA densities. Computational remodeling outcome over a population was obtained by incorporating the strain‐adaptive remodeling theory in finite element (FE) simulations of 26 different tibiae. Physiological loading conditions were applied, and bone mineral density (BMD) in three different regions of interest (ROIs) was considered over a postoperative time of 15 years. BMD outcome was compared directly to previously reported clinical BMD data of a comparable TKA cohort. Similar trends between computational and clinical bone remodeling over time were observed in the two proximal ROIs, with most rapid bone loss taking place in the initial months after TKA and BMD starting to level in the following years. The extent of absolute proximal BMD change was underestimated in the FE population compared with the clinical subject group, which might be the result of significantly higher initial clinical baseline BMD values. Large differences in remodeling response were found in the distal ROI, in which resorption was measured clinically, but a large BMD increase was predicted by the FE models. Multiple computational limitations, related to the FE mesh, loading conditions, and strain‐adaptive algorithm, likely contributed to the extensive local bone formation. Further research incorporating subject‐specific comparisons using follow‐up CT scans and more extensive physiological knee loading is recommended to optimize bone remodeling more distal to the tibial baseplate.
Current state of technologies and recognition of anti‐SSA/Ro antibodies in China: A multi‐center study
Authors: Chen Yu‐Lan , Hu Chao‐Jun , Peng Lin‐Yi , Wang Chu‐Han , Zhao Yan , Zhang Wen , Liu Dong‐Zhou ,   Chinese Sjögren's Syndrome Collaborative Research Group
Published: October 2021

Background

Previous studies have demonstrated that Ro60 and Ro52 have different clinical implications, and anti‐Ro52 antibodies are an independent serum marker of systemic autoimmune diseases, including Sjögren's syndrome. Many different assays have been adopted to detect anti‐Sjögren's syndrome antigen A (SSA)/Ro antibodies, while to date no specific approach has been recommended as optimal for anti‐SSA/Ro antibody testing. Herein, we performed a multi‐center study to explore the current clinical utility of different strategies for anti‐SSA/Ro antibody testing in China.

Methods

Twenty‐one tertiary care centers were included in this questionnaire‐based study. The self‐administered questionnaire mainly includes testing methods for anti‐SSA/Ro antibodies, reporting system of results, and interpretation of results by clinicians.

Results

Six different methods were applied to detect anti‐SSA/Ro antibodies in the 21 centers. Line immunoassay (eight different commercial kits) was the most frequently adopted method (21/21, 100%), with different cutoff values and strategies for intensity stratification. There were two reporting systems: One was reported as “anti‐SSA antibodies” and “anti‐Ro52 antibodies” (12/21, 57%), while the other was “anti‐SSA/Ro60 antibodies” and “anti‐SSA/Ro52 antibodies” (9/21, 43%). Notably, six centers (29%) considered either positive anti‐Ro60 or anti‐Ro52 antibodies as positive anti‐SSA antibodies, all of which adopted the latter reporting system.

Conclusion

Significant variabilities existed among anti‐SSA/Ro assays. Nearly 30% of centers misinterpreted the definition of positive anti‐SSA antibodies, which may be attributed to the confusing reporting systems of line immunoassay. Therefore, we advocate standardization of the nomenclature of anti‐SSA/Ro antibodies, changing the “anti‐SSA/Ro52” label in favor of the “anti‐Ro52” antibodies for a clear designation.