bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fire frequency, as well as stress response and developmental gene control serotiny level variation in a widespread pioneer Mediterranean conifer, Pinus halepensis
Authors: Romero Bastien , Scotti Ivan , Fady Bruno , Ganteaume Anne
Published: March 2023

Many plants undergo adaptation to fire. Yet, as global change is increasing fire frequency worldwide, our understanding of the genetics of adaptation to fire is still limited. We studied the genetic basis of serotiny (the ability to disseminate seeds exclusively after fire) in the widespread, pioneer Mediterranean conifer Pinus halepensis Mill., by linking individual variation in serotiny presence and level to fire frequency and to genetic polymorphism in natural populations. After filtering steps, 885 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) out of 8000 SNPs used for genotyping were implemented to perform an in situ association study between genotypes and serotiny presence and level. To identify serotiny‐associated loci, we performed random forest analyses of the effect of SNPs on serotiny levels, while controlling for tree size, frequency of wildfires, and background environmental parameters. Serotiny showed a bimodal distribution, with serotinous trees more frequent in populations exposed to fire in their recent history. Twenty‐two SNPs found in genes involved in stress tolerance were associated with the presence‐absence of serotiny while 37 found in genes controlling for flowering were associated with continuous serotiny variation. This study shows the high potential of P. halepensis to adapt to changing fire regimes, benefiting from a large and flexible genetic basis of trait variation.
Nutrient conditions determine the strength of herbivore‐mediated stabilizing feedbacks in barrens
Authors: Illa‐López Laia , Aubach‐Masip Àlex , Alcoverro Teresa , Ceccherelli Giulia , Piazzi Luigi , Kleitou Periklis , Santamaría Jorge , Verdura Jana , Sanmartí Neus , Mayol Elvira , Buñuel Xavi , Minguito‐Frutos Mario , Bulleri Fabio , Boada Jordi
Published: March 2023

Abiotic environmental conditions can significantly influence the way species interact. In particular, plant–herbivore interactions can be substantially dependent on temperature and nutrients. The overall product of these relationships is critical for the fate and stability of vegetated ecosystems like marine forests. The last few decades have seen a rapid spread of barrens on temperate rocky reefs mainly as a result of overgrazing. The ecological feedbacks that characterize the barren state involve a different set of interactions than those occurring in vegetated habitats. Reversing these trends requires a proper understanding of the novel feedbacks and the conditions under which they operate. Here, we explored the role of a secondary herbivore in reinforcing the stability of barrens formed by sea urchin overgrazing under different nutrient conditions. Combining comparative and experimental studies in two Mediterranean regions characterized by contrasting nutrient conditions, we assessed: (i) if the creation of barren areas enhances limpet abundance, (ii) the size‐specific grazing impact by limpets, and (iii) the ability of limpets alone to maintain barrens. Our results show that urchin overgrazing enhanced limpet abundance. The effects of limpet grazing varied with nutrient conditions, being up to five times more intense under oligotrophic conditions. Limpets were able to maintain barrens in the absence of sea urchins only under low‐nutrient conditions, enhancing the stability of the depauperate state. Overall, our study suggests a greater vulnerability of subtidal forests in oligotrophic regions of the Mediterranean and demonstrates the importance of environment conditions in regulating feedbacks mediated by plant–herbivore interactions.
Development of ready‐to‐reconstitute carrot pomace blended sweet corn porridge
Authors: Nayi Pratik , Kumar Navneet , Chen Ho‐Hsien
Published: March 2023

The demand for the development of functional and nutrients‐rich products for boosting immunity is the prime focus of consumers. The carrot pomace, a potential by‐product of carrot juice, was used to develop fortified sweet corn porridge. Response surface methodologies used for the optimization process parameters, like, the proportion of carrot pomace (10–50 g/100 g), milk (50–250 mL/100 g), sugar (12–20 g/100 g), and cooking time (10–20 min) were selected for to assess the product quality parameters, like, color L*, a*, and b* value, pH, total soluble solids, ascorbic acid, reducing sugar, total sugar, moisture content, and ash content of carrot pomace‐fortified sweet corn porridge. The sweetness of sweet corn and carrot minimized the need for additional sugar, which is an essential part of the preparation of porridge. The R2 value for the various models ranged from 0.7062 to 0.8739. The optimized sample based on a maximum value of ascorbic acid (20.19 mg/100 g) and overall acceptability (7.82) was finalized at 35 g carrot pomace, 100 mL milk, 16.00 g sugar, and 13 min cooking time of the final product. The optimized product was dehydrated, which can be stored for a longer duration and used after reconstitution.
Recent advances in physical treatments of papaya fruit for postharvest quality retention: A review
Authors: Vinod B. R. , Asrey Ram , Sethi Shruti , Prakash Jai , Meena Nirmal Kumar , Menaka M. , Mishra Shatakashi , Shivaswamy Gouthami
Published: March 2023

Papaya is a luscious tropical fruit loaded with vitamins and phytochemicals. The climacteric nature of fruit exposes it to numerous postharvest pathogens. Postharvest physical treatments are safer and greener approaches to mitigate the losses and bridge the gap between demand and supply of fruit. These treatments preserve the fruit quality during extended periods of cold storage and maintain shelf life. Nonetheless, prestorage physical treatments can positively impact the postharvest food value of fresh papaya fruits. This review summarizes the major advances in the field of postharvest physical treatments on papaya postharvest quality. Physical treatments include ozonation, irradiation, thermal and low‐temperature treatment, and synergistic effect among different physical treatments and also the synergetic effect of physical treatments with chemicals, essential oils, and coating materials on quality retention and disease management. The potential physiological, biochemical, microbiological, enzymatic, and biotechnological mechanisms of different physical treatments are reviewed. The review primarily highlights the changes induced due to physical treatment on genetic, biochemical, and physicochemical properties of papaya fruit. Most treatments positively impact the esthetic and nutritional value of fruit by reducing disease severity, physiological loss in weight, preserving physicochemical attributes, and retaining natural gloss and color. Use of physical interventions in papaya vouch for a safer, sustainable, and premium quality produce in the global market.
Technoeconomic Optimization of a Photovoltaic Wind Energy‐Based Hydrogen Refueling Station: A Case Study
Authors: Mansir Ibrahim B. , Okonkwo Paul C. , Farouk Naeim
Published: March 2023

Increased use of renewable energy sources is expected to contribute to long‐term sustainability and robust economic growth. A better global economy and lower greenhouse gas emissions are possible due to intensive research into more effective energy production, storage, and utilization technologies. The exciting solution for advancing the development of green hydrogen production and the clean transportation sector is the conversion of electrical energy generated from wind parks into green hydrogen. Therefore, herein, a technoeconomic optimization of hydrogen production for refueling fuel cell vehicles by comparing two different renewable energy sources is presented. Results obtained in this article demonstrate that Riyadh possesses sufficient wind speed and sunlight, which can be used to produce renewable hydrogen. It is evident from the evaluated and optimized results that the selected wind‐based hybrid energy system has the lowest net present cost, levelized cost of energy, and levelized cost of hydrogen of $247,654.00, $/kWh 0.1720, and $/kg 4.23, respectively, as compared to the other system counterpart, making the selected optimized hybrid energy system the preferred choice to fulfill the electricity and hydrogen production demand of the refueling fuel cell vehicles. It is expected that the stakeholders through this study can encourage the production of hydrogen in Saudi Arabia.
Performance of Sb2Se3‐Based Solar Cell: With and Without a Back Surface Field Layer
Authors: Mamta Mamta , Kumari Raman , Maurya Kamlesh Kumar , Singh Vidya Nand
Published: March 2023

Optimizing thin‐film‐based solar cells’ efficiency is essential for expanding renewable energy deployment. Fundamental device properties such as life‐span and optical properties must be enhanced simultaneously to reduce recombination and losses. Herein, the design and numerical study of an efficient Sb2Se3‐based dual heterojunction (n‐ZnSe/p‐Sb2Se3/p+‐MoSe2) photovoltaic cell with the help of SCAPS‐1D simulation software by using the physical parameters of various layers are presented. The thickness and doping of each layer are considered during the optimization of the device. The work functions of back and front contact also affect the overall performance. Defects in each layer and interface defects are highly responsible for the increment in series resistance. Thus, these defects are also studied. The efficiency improved significantly from 22.52% to 24.57% when MoSe2is used as a back surface field (BSF) layer. The results demonstrate that the addition of BSF significantly increased the open‐circuit voltage, short‐circuit current density, and fill factor, all of which are within the Shockley–Queisser limits of a dual heterojunction solar cell. This study indicates the possibility of producing highly efficient Sb2Se3heterojunction‐based solar cells.
Remote effects of temporal lobe epilepsy surgery: Long‐term morphological changes after surgical resection
Authors: Arnold T. Campbell , Kini Lohith G. , Bernabei John M. , Revell Andrew Y. , Das Sandhitsu R. , Stein Joel M. , Lucas Timothy H. , Englot Dario J. , Morgan Victoria L. , Litt Brian , Davis Kathryn A.
Published: March 2023

Objective

Epilepsy surgery is an effective treatment for drug‐resistant patients. However, how different surgical approaches affect long‐term brain structure remains poorly characterized. Here, we present a semiautomated method for quantifying structural changes after epilepsy surgery and compare the remote structural effects of two approaches, anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL), and selective amygdalohippocampectomy (SAH).

Methods

We studied 36 temporal lobe epilepsy patients who underwent resective surgery (ATL = 22, SAH = 14). All patients received same‐scanner MR imaging preoperatively and postoperatively (mean 2 years). To analyze postoperative structural changes, we segmented the resection zone and modified the Advanced Normalization Tools (ANTs) longitudinal cortical pipeline to account for resections. We compared global and regional annualized cortical thinning between surgical treatments.

Results

Across procedures, there was significant cortical thinning in the ipsilateral insula, fusiform, pericalcarine, and several temporal lobe regions outside the resection zone as well as the contralateral hippocampus. Additionally, increased postoperative cortical thickness was seen in the supramarginal gyrus. Patients treated with ATL exhibited greater annualized cortical thinning compared with SAH cases (ATL: −0.08 ± 0.11 mm per year, SAH: −0.01 ± 0.02 mm per year,t = 2.99,P = 0.006). There were focal postoperative differences between the two treatment groups in the ipsilateral insula (P = 0.039, corrected). Annualized cortical thinning rates correlated with preoperative cortical thickness (r = 0.60,P < 0.001) and had weaker associations with age at surgery (r = −0.33,P = 0.051) and disease duration (r = −0.42,P = 0.058).

Significance

Our evidence suggests that selective procedures are associated with less cortical thinning and that earlier surgical intervention may reduce long‐term impacts on brain structure.
Antiepileptogenesis after stroke—trials and tribulations: Methodological challenges and recruitment results of a Phase II study with eslicarbazepine acetate
Authors: Koepp Matthias J. , Trinka Eugen , Mah Yee‐Haur , Bentes Carla , Knake Susanne , Gigli Gian Luigi , Serratosa José M. , Zelano Johan , Magalhães Luís M. , Pereira Ana , Moreira Joana , Soares‐da‐Silva Patrício
Published: March 2023

There is currently no evidence to support the use of antiseizure medications to prevent unprovoked seizures following stroke. Experimental animal models suggested a potential antiepileptogenic effect for eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL), and a Phase II, multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study was designed to test this hypothesis and assess whether ESL treatment for 1 month can prevent unprovoked seizures following stroke. We outline the design and status of this antiepileptogenesis study, and discuss the challenges encountered in its execution to date. Patients at high risk of developing unprovoked seizures after acute intracerebral hemorrhage or acute ischemic stroke were randomized to receive ESL 800 mg/d or placebo, initiated within 120 hours after primary stroke occurrence. Treatment continued until Day 30, then tapered off. Patients could receive all necessary therapies for stroke treatment according to clinical practice guidelines and standard of care, and are being followed up for 18 months. The primary efficacy endpoint is the occurrence of a first unprovoked seizure within 6 months after randomization (“failure rate”). Secondary efficacy assessments include the occurrence of a first unprovoked seizure during 12 months after randomization and during the entire study; functional outcomes (Barthel Index original 10‐item version; National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale); post‐stroke depression (Patient Health Questionnaire‐9; PHQ‐9); and overall survival. Safety assessments include the evaluation of treatment‐emergent adverse events; laboratory parameters; vital signs; electrocardiogram; suicidal ideation and behavior (PHQ‐9 question 9). The protocol aimed to randomize approximately 200 patients (1:1), recruited from 21 sites in seven European countries and Israel. Despite the challenges encountered, particularly during the COVID‐19 pandemic, the study progressed and included a remarkable number of patients, with 129 screened and 125 randomized. Recruitment was stopped after 30 months, the first patient entered in May 2019, and the study is ongoing and following up on patients according to the Clinical Trial Protocol.
Optimum parameters of variant tuned mass damper using equal eigenvalue criterion
Authors: Thakur Vikas M. , Jaiswal Omprakash R.
Published: March 2023

In this study, optimum parameters of a variant tuned mass damper (V‐TMD) wherein, damper is connected to the ground are obtained using equal eigenvalue (EEV) criterion. In EEV, TMD parameters are obtained by equating eigenvalues of two modes. By equating eigenvalues, the modal damping ratios (i.e., negative real part of the eigenvalue) become equal and maximum in two modes. This optimum condition is achieved by finding the roots of a sixth order polynomial. One of the novel findings is regarding the existence of two sets of optimum parameters, out of which, one set matches exactly with one of the earlier study. Regions in which, single and two sets of optimum parameters exist, are clearly brought out. Performance of V‐TMD is demonstrated for harmonic as well as earthquake excitation. It is noted that displacement as well as acceleration of the main system reduces due to V‐TMD. Another significant finding is that the real part of eigenvalues of V‐TMD is larger than that of classical tuned mass damper (C‐TMD), which leads to faster decay of earthquake response and lower peak response. The optimum parameters obtained in this study, pertain to linear SDOF and V‐TMD.
Preliminary experimental data on surface runoff and soil loss in the Caatinga
Authors: Borges Neto Inocencio de Oliveira , Xavier Rafael Albuquerque , de Souza Bartolomeu Israel , Santos Leonardo José Cordeiro , Soares Diego Albuquerque , de Souza José João Lelis Leal
Published: March 2023

Semi‐arid regions are naturally sensitive to soil erosion due to sparse vegetation cover and concentrated rainfall regime. Absence of conservative practices increases soil loss and reduces water retention. Despite the propagation of erosive process in the Brazilian semi‐arid region, few studies address the spatial and temporal distribution of surface erosive processes. Therefore, the present study presents preliminary results of a monitored soil loss and runoff experiment in the Brazilian semi‐arid region. Four plots were set up on the dominant soil groups, Luvisols and Regosols, traditional land uses, fallow system and cactus palm cultivation. Precipitation, surface runoff and soil loss were monitored for 22 months. The plots with the fallow system were more efficient in containing the hydro‐erosive dynamics than the plots with the cactus palm. The high difference in soil erosion between fallow system plots and cactus palm indicates that the human impact on soil loss is substantial. The significant correlation between precipitation and surface runoff allows the prediction of surface runoff. The weak correlation between precipitation and soil loss indicates that erosion is complex, with a strong influence on soil properties and use. The propagation of erosive processes in the Brazilian semi‐arid region induces loss of soil fertility, acceleration of the desertification process and impoverishment of rural communities. Specific conservative practices should be developed to reduce soil loss and mitigate anthropic disturbance in these areas. The surface runoff in Luvisol was up to 47% higher than those measured in Regosol. The plots with cactus palm showed a loss of organic carbon and nitrogen up to seven times greater than the plots in fallow system. Regosol is more sensitive to land‐use change compared with Luvisol.
CO2 capture performance of a CaO sorbent modified with fulvic acid for the calcium looping cycle
Authors: Jiang Dazhan , Wang Yaru , Li Zetong , Li Shuaipeng , Zhang Li , Chen Luhan , Sun Zhiguo
Published: March 2023

Capturing CO2 from fossil fuel combustion is of importance for mitigation of climate warming. Among the CO2 capture technologies, the calcium‐based sorbent method is promising. However, the most prominent problem of this method at present is that the activity of the sorbent decreases as the number of cycle reactions increases. It seriously affects the industrial application of the calcium‐based sorbent method in carbon capture technology. Fulvic acid (FA) is a biologically active and soluble component of humic acid. Compared with other humic acids, it contains more oxygen and heterocyclic rings. Also, the rings are connected by bridge bonds. Therefore, the ability of FA to chelate cations and its adsorption capacity is stronger than the other humic acids. Therefore, in this work, we first proposed using FA to modify CaO to improve CO2 capture from flue gas. The effects of calcination temperature, carbonation temperature, reaction time and the amount of doped FA on the carbonation conversion rate (CCR) of CaO modified with FA (FA/CaO) were studied in the calcining/carbonizing room at atmospheric pressure. The experiment showed that the first CCR (X1) of FA/CaO reached 0.872 under the optimal conditions, which was 31% higher than X1 of original CaO. The 20th CCR (X20) was still as high as 0.47, which was three times than X20 of original CaO. In addition, the sorbent was analyzed and characterized by XRD, SEM, BET and LPSA. Due to the doped FA, the microstructure of CaO became fluffy and open, which improved the specific surface area and pore size of CaO. It indicated that the addition of FA was beneficial to the diffusion and absorption of CO2 and delayed the appearance of sintering, which significantly enhanced the CO2 capture performance of CaO. Using FA to modify CaO to capture CO2 provides an idea for efficient carbon capture, and has practical application potential. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determinants of antimicrobial resistance occurrence in animal‐based food, perceived by livestock farmers: A qualitative phenomenological study
Authors: Toghroli Razie , Aghamolaei Teamur , Hassani Laleh , Sharifi Hamid , Jajarmi Maziar
Published: March 2023

Background and Purpose of the Study

The determinants of antimicrobial resistance in human medicine have been copiously explored. On the other hand, the existing research in veterinary medicine and animal husbandry is in its infancy. The present qualitative study used the one‐health approach to explore farmers’ attitudes toward antimicrobial use and antimicrobial stewardship.

Methodology

The present qualitative study was phenomenological in type. It was conducted in 2022 in the two cities of Kerman and Bandar Abbas in Iran. The data were collected through in‐depth interviews by semistructured interviews with 17 livestock, poultry, and aquatic animal breeders selected through purposive sampling. The interviews lasted between 35 and 65 min in the Farsi language. The data were analyzed using conventional qualitative content analysis and Colaizzi's seven‐step analysis technique.

Results

The open coding was done in MAXQDA 10 and the results of data analysis were classified into five main themes and 17 subthemes subcategories. The main categories include personal determinants, contextual determinants, legal and regulatory determinants, social determinants, and economic determinants.

Conclusion

Considering the increasing use of antibiotics among livestock farmers and breeders of animals used as human food, different measures such as educational, regulatory, social, and even cultural interventions may be able to control and prevent antimicrobial resistance.
China special issue on gastrointestinal tumors—NTRK fusion in a large real‐world population and clinical utility of circulating tumor DNA genotyping to guide TRK inhibitor treatment
Authors: Qi Changsong , Zhou Ting , Bai Yuezong , Chen Hui , Yuan Jiajia , Zhao Feilong , Liu Chang , Ma Mingyang , Bei Ting , Chen Shiqing , Zhao Xiaochen , Chen Chunzhu , Shen Lin
Published: March 2023

Neurotrophic tropomyosin receptor kinase (NTRK) gene fusions are rare oncogenic drivers and targets of TRK inhibitors in solid tumors. Little is known about NTRK fusion in Chinese patients with pan‐cancer. Our study investigated the prevalence and genomic features of NTRK1/2/3 gene fusions in 67 883 Chinese patients with pan‐cancer using next‐generation sequencing (NGS) data and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) NGS to guide TRK inhibitor treatment and resistance monitoring. The prevalence of NTRK fusion (tissue NGS) in the pan‐cancer population was 0.18%, with 46 unique NTRK‐fusion partner pairs, of which 33 were not previously reported. NTRK2 breakpoint occurred more frequently in intron 15 than intron 12. In colorectal cancers (CRCs), compared to NTRK‐negative tumors, NTRK‐positive tumors displayed higher tumor mutational burden (TMB) levels (54.6 vs 17.7 mut/Mb, P < .0001). In microsatellite instability‐high (MSI‐H) CRC, patients with NTRK fusion had a significantly lower TMB than NTRK‐negative cases (69.3 vs 79.9 mut/Mb, P = .012). The frequency of NTRK fusion in a ctDNA NGS cohort of 20 954 patients with cancer was similar to that of the tissue NGS cohort. In eight NTRK fusion ctDNA‐positive patients, larotrectinib induced objective response in 75% of patients and median progression‐free survival was 16.3 months. Blood samples collected from a patient with disease progression after larotrectinib treatment revealed NTRK3 G623R as the potential resistance mechanism. Our study revealed previously unreported NTRK fusion partners, associations of NTRK fusion with MSI and TMB, and the potential utility of ctDNA to screen candidates for TRK inhibitors and monitor drug resistance.
Input significance ranking of microalgae continuous culture models
Authors: Sangregorio‐Soto Viyils , Garzón‐Castro Claudia L , Mazzanti Gianfranco
Published: March 2023

Background

Microalgal cultures are evolving into a promising ecofriendly technology for a host of applications. To be sustainable, culture conditions need to be optimized and then controlled. One way to develop robust controllers for a cultivation system is by using mathematical growth models to simulate microalga‐based production. In this scenario, engineering design tasks begin by selecting the critical variables of these models.

Results

A new methodology for determining the significance ranking of a model's input factors under steady‐state operation (parameters (e.g. biological, geometrical) and/or process variables) was designed. The sensitivity of biomass response to its inputs was investigated in four different photobioreactor growth models within a nominal operational region. The methodology ranks models’ input factors based on the one‐at‐a‐time Morris method of elementary effects and variance‐based Sobol's method. Such information provided by the presented procedure is valuable as it reveals which input parameters explain most of the variance in model predictions.

Conclusion

The methodology allowed the identification of controlled variables and biological parameters to be targeted for enhanced calibration. Furthermore, the presented methodology showed that in continuous reactors the dilution rate is a critical variable of the process. Therefore, it should be controlled. Additionally, most surprisingly, it is observed that controlling the light intensity within the optimum point of operation is not necessarily a crucial task. However, although its manipulation is still important, the accurate calibration of the parameters of the model may represent a greater influence on the biomass response. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Productive qualities of geese when crossing breeds and using hepatoprotective complex
Authors: Khaziev Danis , Gadiev Rinat , Farrakhov Albert , Kapylova Svetlana , Gilmanova Guzel
Published: March 2023

The study was on a one‐way cross between Wanxi male and Lindov female geese, and tested the effects of a hepatoprotective compound on growth and other traits in the parental and one‐way cross involving male and female progeny. The hybrids obtained from crossing had high viability and productivity; their level was also positively affected by giving a hepatoprotective complex. Female parents were the Lindov breed's geese, and male parents were 120 geese of the Chinese Wanxi breed. During the growing period, hybrid young birds were receiving a hepatoprotective complex in the amount of 1.0 mL per 1 L of water for 7 days. The research took into account geese' safety indices, live weight, and absolute and average daily gain. The interbreeding results prove that the resulting hybrids' safety index is 2.38%–4.54% higher than the parent forms' safety index. The hybrids' live weight increased by 8.4% due to a higher increase in live weight by 16.5%–22.1% allowing us to conclude the positive effect of crossing and using a hepatoprotective complex when breeding geese. The research made it possible to improve geese' productive qualities through hybridization and the use of a hepatoprotective complex. This information can contribute to the genetic improvement of body size in current breeding programs.
Barriers in applying to genetic counseling Master's degree programs: Perceptions of prospective applicants when compared with Canadian admissions committee members
Authors: Zahavich Laura , Babul‐Hirji Riyana
Published: March 2023

The goal of this study was to identify potential barriers in applying to a genetic counseling (GC) Master's degree program to inform strategies for increasing diversity and inclusiveness in the GC student recruitment process. Participants included prospective GC program applicants and admissions committee members from the four Canadian accredited programs. The study was conducted using a quantitative survey‐based approach. Twenty‐five prospective applicants who previously applied to a GC Master's degree program, 26 who had not applied, and 48 admissions committee members completed the survey. The small number of positions in GC programs was perceived by all groups as highly likely to impact an applicant's ability to gain acceptance to a program as was the limited number of GC training programs. Prospective applicants perceived additional barriers as significantly more likely to impact an individual's ability to apply to/attend a program when compared with admissions committee members including: cost of the application process, the applicant being a visible minority and the applicant having a physical disability. These findings highlight a number of perceived barriers related to applying to a GC Master's degree program. To our knowledge, this is the first study surveying prospective applicants and admissions committee members on barriers faced during the application process. The data from this study can also be used to inform the application process for other health professions.
Using ancillary data to model the terrestrial distribution of gopher frogs
Authors: Marshall Craig D. , Crawford Brian A. , Smith Lora L. , Enge Kevin M. , Elliott Matt , McGuire Savannah , Maerz John C.
Published: March 2023

An inherent challenge in managing rare or cryptic species is data deficiency. For this reason, ancillary data is a potentially valuable resource for generating key population estimates for priority species. We compiled ancillary commensal data collected between 1982 and 2020 during surveys of gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) burrows to estimate the terrestrial distribution of gopher frogs (Rana capito) from potential breeding wetlands. Gopher frogs were detected in gopher tortoise burrows 30‒3,879 m from identified wetlands. A global model of all records from all sites indicated that the probability of a gopher frog residing in a gopher tortoise burrow declined with increasing distance from a wetland. This pattern also held for 4 of 5 sites with a sufficient number of gopher frog detections to model independently. Based on the full data set, we estimated that 50%, 90%, and 99% of gopher frog observations occurred within 392 m, 1,019 m, and 2,752 m of the nearest wetland, respectively. Our results indicate a higher proportion of gopher frogs emigrate longer distances from wetlands than was previously reported using other methods, such as radio‐telemetry. This information can directly assist with management decisions, notably the spatial extent for application of habitat management surrounding breeding wetlands. More generally, this study illustrates the capacity of ancillary data to fill data deficiencies for a rare and cryptic species and highlights the importance of these data.
Correlation between large FBN1 deletions and severe cardiovascular phenotype in Marfan syndrome: Analysis of two novel cases and analytical review of the literature
Authors: Buki Gergely , Szalai Renata , Pinter Adrienn , Hadzsiev Kinga , Melegh Bela , Rauch Tibor , Bene Judit
Published: March 2023

Background

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a clinically heterogeneous hereditary connective tissue disorder. Severe cardiovascular manifestations (i.e., aortic aneurysm and dissection) are the most life‐threatening complications. Most of the cases are caused by mutations, a minor group of which are copy number variations (CNV), in the FBN1 gene.

Methods

Multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification test was performed to detect CNVs in 41 MFS patients not carrying disease‐causing mutations in FBN1 gene. Moreover, the association was analyzed between the localization of CNVs, the affected regulatory elements and the cardiovascular phenotypes among all cases known from the literature.

Results

A large two‐exon deletion (exon 46 and 47) was identified in two related patients, which was associated with a mild form of cardiovascular phenotype. Severe cardiovascular symptoms were found significantly more frequent in patients with FBN1 large deletion compared to our patients with intragenic small scale FBN1 mutation. Bioinformatic data analyses of regulatory elements located within the FBN1 gene revealed an association between the deletion of STAT3 transcription factor‐binding site and cardiovascular symptoms in five out of 25 patients.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that large CNVs are often associated with severe cardiovascular manifestations in MFS and the localization of these CNVs affect the phenotype severity.
Comparison of machine learning techniques for precision in measurement of glucose level in artificial pancreas
Authors: Yadav Vijay K. , Nilam
Published: March 2023

Precision in the measurement of glucose levels in the artificial pancreas is a challenging task and a mandatory requirement for the proper functioning of an artificial pancreas. A suitable machine learning (ML) technique for the measurement of glucose levels in an artificial pancreas may play a crucial role in the management of diabetes. Therefore in the present work, a comparison has been made among a few ML techniques for the measurement of glucose levels in the artificial pancreas because ML is an astounding technology of artificial intelligence and widely applicable in various fields such as medical science, robotics, and environmental science. The models, namely, decision tree (DT), random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), and K‐nearest neighbor (KNN), based on supervised learning, are proposed for the dataset of Pima Indian to predict and classify diabetes mellitus. Ensuring the predictions and accuracy up to the level of diabetes mellitus type 2 (DMT2), the comparative behavior of all four models has been discussed. The ML models developed here stratify and predict whether an individual is diabetic or not based on the features available in the dataset. The dataset passes through pre‐processing, and ML algorithms are fitted to train the dataset, and then the performance of the test results is discussed. An error matrix (EM) has been generated to measure the accuracy score of the models. The accuracies in the prediction and classification of DMT2 models are 71%, 77%, 78%, and 80% for DT, SVM, RF, and KNN algorithms, respectively. The KNN model has shown a more precise result in comparison to other models. The proposed methods have shown astounding behavior in terms of accuracy in the prediction of diabetes mellitus as compared to previously developed methods.
On Fisher's equation with the fractionalp‐Laplacian
Authors: Jabbarkhanov Khumoyun , Suragan Durvudkhan
Published: March 2023

In the present note, we show that if the initial date is between zero and one, then the global solution of a Dirichlet Fisher‐KPP equation with the fractional ‐Laplacian is also between zero and one. As a consequence, a large‐time behavior of the global solution is discussed. In addition, some blow‐up results including a general Lipschitz nonlinearity are given. The proofs mainly rely on special symmetry and invariance properties of the fractional ‐Laplacian.
Pastoralism, hunting, and coexistence: Domesticated and wild bovids in Neolithic Sudan
Authors: Monroe Shayla , Smith Stuart Tyson , McClure Sarah B.
Published: March 2023

The interactions between mobile pastoralists and semi‐sedentary Nilotic foraging groups in the Middle Nile Valley had long‐term implications for the development of social complexity as seen in the ancient African kingdom of Kerma. This study presents the results of the zooarcheological analysis of animal remains from two sites in the 4th cataract of the Nile valley, El Ginefab and Shemkhiya, and compares findings to other published sites in the region during a period of significant climatic change. Results indicate that the communities living at Shemkhiya and El Ginefab differed in terms of their meat preferences and their primary modes of bovid acquisition, and that pastoralist practices changed at El Ginefab through time. Hunting remained an important feature of subsistence practices, and regional comparisons indicate that the acquisition of wild bovids did not disappear with incorporation of domesticated livestock; however, pastoralists limited their hunting practices to smaller wild bovids in contrast to neighboring forager populations. A clear chronological overlap is documented between communities reliant on pastoralism and those reliant on hunting as a subsistence practice for several millennia. This highlights the need to more explicitly characterize and understand the dynamics of coexistence for the spread and establishment of pastoralism regionally, as well as how social ties, subsistence practices, and land use practices overlapped during periods of critical environmental changes and their implications for emerging social complexity.
PEDOT:PSS‐bacterial cellulose bilayer actuators: From the movement of ions to deflection
Authors: Najathulla Bhagavathi Chalil , Kumar Sukesh , Deshpande Atul Suresh , Khandelwal Mudrika
Published: March 2023

Here, the role of the voltage waveform and the electrolytic ions in the actuation mechanism of Poly (3,4‐ethylene dioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS)/bacterial cellulose bilayer actuator is reported. PEDOT:PSS/bacterial cellulose‐based bilayer actuator was fabricated, and its mechanism under a square and triangular wave potential at multiple frequencies was studied. The actuation was performed with HCL, KCl, and LiCl electrolytes. The deflection of the actuator was found to be dependent on the time period of the voltage waveform. The deflection for opposite biases showed frequency‐dependent asymmetry. Further, the actuator deflection was found to be related to the hydrodynamic size of cations present in electrolytes. The results indicate a cation‐dominated actuation mechanism for PEDOT:PSS/bacterial cellulose bi‐layer actuator.
Anterior extension of the choroid plexus into the frontal horns of the fetal lateral cerebral ventricles: Prenatal findings and postnatal outcome
Authors: Ashwal Eran , Blaser Susan , Leckie Ashley , Kajal Dilkash , Krishnan Pradeep , Chong Karen , Roifman Maian , Toi Ants , Chitayat David
Published: March 2023

Objective

To evaluate the short‐ and long‐term outcome of fetuses with evidence of extension of the choroid plexus into the frontal horns.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of fetuses diagnosed with isolated choroid plexi extending into the frontal horns. Fetuses with major central nervous system anomalies were excluded. Ultrasound and fetal/postnatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were evaluated. Postnatal outcomes, including developmental assessment, were obtained.

Results

Twenty nine fetuses were diagnosed with choroid plexus extension (22 unilateral and 7 bilateral). Gestational age at diagnosis was 19.3 weeks. Three cases (10.3%) presented with nonspecific extra‐CNS findings. At presentation, 8/29 (28%) cases had single/multiple choroid plexus cysts (CPC). Twenty‐six (89.6%) cases underwent antenatal MRI. On MRI, four cases had punctate susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) foci suggesting trace hemosiderin and two cases had ventriculomegaly. Antenatal follow‐up demonstrated resolution of the choroid plexus extension in 90% (18/20). Gestational age at delivery was 39.6 weeks. All had normal neurologic examinations within 24 h of life. Postnatal MRI studies were notable for deep venous differences in seven cases. Long‐term clinical outcome was assessed in 14 cases with a median follow‐up of 1.75 years, with normal neurodevelopment reported in 13/14 (92.8%).

Conclusions

Most fetuses with an anterior extension of the choroid plexus as the sole sonographic finding had favorable outcomes.
Wetting and friction behavior of chemically bonded PA‐PTFE‐oil compounds
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Duong , Farshchi Negin , Ulbricht Tim Johannes Thomas , Schmidt Thomas , Marschner Anne , Auernhammer Günter K. , Stommel Markus , Voit Brigitte , Gedan‐Smolka Michaela
Published: March 2023

Polyamide (PA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and olefinic oils are incompatible. High‐energy radiation in the presence of oxygen can break the PTFE chain, generating hydrophilic functional groups (COF, COOH) and peroxy‐radicals. Based on the functional groups and radicals, it is possible to establish a chemical bond between PA and PTFE as well as between PTFE and olefinic oil molecules. This study prepared PA‐PTFE‐oil‐cb compounds (cb: chemically bonded) by reactive extrusion. The compounds wetting behavior are analyzed by contact angle measurement. Additionally, the sliding properties of the compound are investigated by micro friction testing against stainless steel. Due to good fragmentation and dispersion of PTFE in PA12 matrix, the PA12‐MP1100‐cb and PA12‐MP1100‐MO‐cb compounds show a slight change in wetting behavior compared to virgin PA12. In contrast, the wetting behavior of compounds based on PA46 increases dramatically compared to virgin PA46. Moreover, due to the chemical bonding, the PA‐PTFE‐cb compound surface is significantly smoother than a physical blend used as a model compound. Similarly, the compounds based on PA12 and PA66‐matrix show improved tribological properties compared to PA46‐based compounds. COF values for PA66 and PA12‐Z7321 are 0.69 and 0.55, respectively. In comparison, PA66‐MP1100‐MO‐cb and PA12‐MP1100‐MO‐cb (Z7321) have COF value of 0.34 and 0.38, respectively.
Quality assessment of Telenomus remus successively reared on Spodoptera litura eggs for 30 generations
Authors: Chen Wanbin , Liu Huan , Chen Bin , Chen Junjie , Wang Mengqing , Shen Zhongjian , Li Yuyan , Mao Jianjun , Zhang Lisheng
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

Telenomus remus (Nixon) is a dominant natural enemy controlling the invasive pest Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith). Continuous rearing of egg parasitoids on alternative hosts is crucial for mass production and cost reduction. However, to ensure the effectiveness of natural enemy products against target pests in the field, it is necessary to evaluate the parasitoid quality during the mass‐rearing process. Despite the successful rearing of this parasitoid on the alternative host Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) eggs, less attention has been paid to the quality of parasitoids continuously reared for multiple generations. Therefore, we evaluated the performance of T. remus reared on S. litura eggs for 30 generations via morphological characteristics, flight ability, and life table analysis.

RESULTS

Wing length, wing width, body length, and right hind tibia length of T. remus did not differ among the different generations. However, the body length of female parasitoids was significantly longer than that of males for any generation. Although the proportion of ‘flyers’ and ‘deformed’ T. remus varied among generations, the flight ability did not decline significantly after rearing on S. litura eggs. Moreover, T. remus continuously reared on S. litura eggs maintained stable parasitism performance and life table parameters on the target host S. frugiperda eggs.

CONCLUSION

S. litura eggs are suitable hosts for the mass‐rearing of T. remus. This study can be subsequently used to guide the production and facilitate the application of T. remus in the control of S. frugiperda. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Monitoring reduced accumulation and risk evaluation of Cry1Ca during food chain transfer from genetically engineered plant to endoparasitoid
Authors: Wen Dong , Li Mengyu , Dong Xinxin , Han Kehong , Yu Jiukun , Cai Yujuan , Hua Hongxia
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

The potential risk of insecticidal proteins produced by genetically engineered (GE) plants to nontarget organisms have long been an ecotoxicological concern. Apanteles chilonis, an important endoparasitoid of rice pest Chilo suppressalis, potentially is exposed to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) endotoxins through a food chain of transgenic Bt rice – C. suppressalis – A. chilonis, and thus, a rigorous risk assessment is urgently needed. Here, we combined a tri‐trophic bioassay system with high‐dose exposure approach using C. suppressalis hemolymph as the carrier of insecticidal protein to evaluate the biosafety of Cry1Ca to A. chilonis.

RESULTS

Cry1Ca protein could be transmitted and retained along the food chain and remains bioactive in the hemolymph of C. suppressalis during the pre‐adult duration of A. chilonis. No significant differences in pre‐adult period, male and female longevity, adult fecundity and weight, emergence rate nor sex ratio were observed when A. chilonis parasitized C. suppressalis feeding on cry1Ca rice compared with control treatment. However, the pupal period and weight were significantly prolonged and decreased. When A. chilonis parasitized C. suppressalis injected with a high dosage of Cry1Ca protein, no adverse effects on the life‐history parameters, peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD) or glutathione reductase (GR) of A. chilonis were observed, demonstrating that the host quality mediates adverse effects during the food chain.

CONCLUSIONS

We confirmed that Cry1Ca posed no ecological risk to the nontarget endoparasitoid A. chilonis. This study may serve as an example for future risk assessment of transgenic crops to nontarget endoparasitoids. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
High Performance of Liquid‐Gated Silicon Nanowire FETs Covered with Ultrathin Layers of Diamond‐Like Tetrahedral Amorphous Carbon
Authors: Boichuk Nazarii , Kutovyi Yurii , Pustovyi Denys , Zhang Yongqiang , Weihnacht Volker , Vitusevich Svetlana
Published: March 2023

Label‐free, low‐noise, and ultrahigh‐sensitive biosensors based on liquid‐gated silicon (Si) nanowire (NW) field‐effect transistors (FETs) have recently emerged as promising diagnostic tools that can be used for healthcare monitoring and point‐of‐care applications. However, the sensing capabilities and performance of such devices still critically depend on several factors, including the quality and intrinsic properties of the materials used. In particular, the important role of determining device performance is assigned to the gate insulator layer, which acts as a sensing surface in such NW‐based biosensors and still requires optimization. Herein, several advanced multilayer structures: Si NW/SiO2/diamond‐like carbon FETs, are investigated. The high quality of the diamond‐like carbon layer obtained by low‐temperature physical vapor deposition is confirmed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy studies. Current–voltage and noise spectroscopy reflect the high‐quality transport properties in these structures.