bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A mutation in chitin synthase I associated with etoxazole resistance in the citrus red mite Panonychus citri (Acari: Tetranychidae) and its uneven geographical distribution in Japan
Authors: Tadatsu Misono , Sakashita Ryota , Panteleri Rafaela , Douris Vassilis , Vontas John , Shimotsuma Yushi , Ishida Tatsuya , Sudo Masaaki , Van Leeuwen Thomas , Osakabe Masahiro
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND

High‐levels of etoxazole resistance have not yet been frequently reported in Panonychus citri. Although a highly resistant strain was discovered in 2014, etoxazole resistance has not become a significant problem in areas of citrus production in Japan. A target site mutation in chitin synthase 1 (CHS1), I1017F, is a major etoxazole‐resistance factor in Tetranychus urticae. To investigate the mechanisms of etoxazole resistance and the dispersal of resistance genes, we analyzed target‐site mutations in a highly resistant strain and their geographical distribution in Japan.

RESULTS

High‐level etoxazole resistance was completely recessive. The I1017F mutation was detected in CHS1 of the highly resistant strain, and its frequency was correlated with the hatchability of eggs treated with etoxazole. Sequencing and variant frequency analyses of local populations by quantitative polymerase chain reaction revealed that I1017F is restricted to the Ariake Sea area of Kyushu Island. Although a new nonsynonymous substitution, S1016L, accompanied by I1017F was found in CHS1 of the highly resistant strain, CRISPR/Cas9 engineering of flies showed that S1016L had no effect on the etoxazole resistance conferred by I1017F.

CONCLUSION

I1017F is a major target site mutation that confers high‐level etoxazole resistance on P. citri. Dispersion of I1017F possibly was suppressed as a result of the completely recessive inheritance of resistance together with low gene flow between local populations. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
An electrical vortex air‐assisted spraying system for improving droplet deposition on rice
Authors: Qiu Wei , Guo Hongbin , Cao Yubin , Li Xiaolong , Wu Jianhao , Chen Yunfu , Yu Hongfeng , Zhang Zhengwei
Published: May 2022

Background

To improve droplet deposition rates at the base of rice, an electrical vortex air‐assisted spraying system for small‐ and medium‐sized high‐clearance boom sprayers was developed. This system uses vortex airflows to guide droplets to the base of rice and the back of leaves, as well as to increase leaf perturbation and droplet penetration and deposition.

Results

The spatial distribution of the airflow field generated by this system and the effects of the canopy on the airflow field were described. An orthogonal experiment was performed in a rice field based on fan speed, auxiliary airflow angle, and spray height as the experimental factors. It was discovered that a fan speed of 4000 rpm, auxiliary airflow angle of 0°, and spray height of 30 cm were optimal for droplet deposition at the base of the canopy. These settings resulted in droplet coverage of 54.5% and 35.9% on the front and back of the leaves, respectively, which are 48% and 104% higher than that on the front and back sides of leaves without an auxiliary airflow, respectively.

Conclusion

Compared with the traditional application method, vortex air‐assisted application significantly improved the rate of droplet coverage in rice canopy of different area. Hence, vortex air‐assisted application enables new approaches and methods for rice crop protection. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Incorporation of Magnesium into GaN Regulated by Intentionally Large Amounts of Hydrogen during Growth by MOCVD
Authors: Kakanakova-Georgieva Anelia , Papamichail Alexis , Stanishev Vallery , Darakchieva Vanya
Published: May 2022

Herein, metal–organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) of GaN layers doped with Mg atoms to the recognized optimum level of [Mg] ≈2 × 1019 cm−3 is performed. In a sequence of MOCVD runs, operational conditions, including temperature and flow rate of precursors, are maintained except for intentionally larger flows of hydrogen carrier gas fed into the reactor. By employing the largest hydrogen flow of 25 slm in this study, the performance of the as‐grown Mg‐doped GaN layers is certified by a room‐temperature hole concentration of p ≈2 × 1017 cm−3 in the absence of any thermal activation treatment. Experimental evidence is delivered that the large amounts of hydrogen during the MOCVD growth can regulate the incorporation of the Mg atoms into GaN in a significant way so that MgH complex can coexist with a dominant and evidently electrically active isolated MgGa acceptor.
Investigation on the binary ionization choices for large conjugated amines during electrospray ionization
Authors: Tan Siyuan , Yin Xinchi , Feng Lulu , Wang Juduo , Li Chang , Jiang You , Gong Xiaoyun , Fang Xiang , Dai Xinhua
Published: May 2022

Rationale

Generally, amines form protonated cations ([M + H]+) in positive polarity during electrospray ionization (ESI). However, it was found that large conjugated amines (LCAs) had binary ionization choices of generating either radical cations (M•+) or [M + H]+ during ESI. Investigation on the mechanism would further our understanding of ESI.

Methods

In this work, the binary ionization behavior of LCAs was reported and studied. Internal factors (functional groups and sizes of conjugated systems) and external factors (solvent type, flow rate, and electrode position) were systematically investigated and discussed.

Results

For the internal factors, electron‐donating groups and large conjugated structures of LCAs were conducive to the generation of M•+. For the external factors, aprotic solvent, higher flow rate, and shorter distance from the electrode to the spray cone facilitated the formation of M•+ but hampered the generation of [M + H]+.

Conclusion

The present study illustrated that the formations of M•+ and [M + H]+ for LCAs were two independent processes. The M•+ cations of LCAs were formed on the surface of the electrode through electrochemical oxidation, whereas the [M + H]+ cations were generated following the typical ESI evolution process. By regulating the external factors, the ionization results of LCAs could be well modulated.
An Optimally Designed Engineering Exosome–Reductive COF Integrated Nanoagent for Synergistically Enhanced Diabetic Fester Wound Healing
Authors: Sun Baohong , Wu Fan , Wang Xinye , Song Qiuxian , Ye Ziqiu , Mohammadniaei Mohsen , Zhang Ming , Chu Xiaohong , Xi Sheng , Zhou Ninglin , Wang Wentao , Yao Cheng , Shen Jian
Published: May 2022

Oxidative stress and local overactive inflammation have been considered major obstacles in diabetic wound treatment. Although antiphlogistic tactics have been reported widely, they are also challenged by pathogen contamination and compromised angiogenesis. Herein, a versatile integrated nanoagent based on 2D reductive covalent organic frameworks coated with antibacterial immuno‐engineered exosome (PCOF@E‐Exo) is reported to achieve efficient and comprehensive combination therapy for diabetic wounds. The E‐Exo is collected from TNF‐α‐treated mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) under hypoxia and encapsulated cationic antimicrobial carbon dots (CDs). This integrated nanoagent not only significantly scavenges reactive oxygen species and induces anti‐inflammatory M2 macrophage polarization, but also stabilizes hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α). More importantly, the PCOF@E‐Exo exhibits intriguing bactericide capabilities toward Gram‐negative, Gram‐positive, and drug‐resistant bacteria, showing favorable intracellular bacterial destruction and biofilm permeation. In vivo results demonstrate that the synergetic impact of suppressing oxidative injury and tissue inflammation, promoting angiogenesis and eradicating bacterial infection, could significantly accelerate the infected diabetic fester wound healing with better therapeutic benefits than monotherapy or individual antibiotics. The proposed strategy can inspire further research to design more delicate platforms using the combination of immunotherapy with other therapeutic methods for more efficient ulcerated diabetic wounds treatments.
Intrinsically Stretchable Organic Solar Cells with Simultaneously Improved Mechanical Robustness and Morphological Stability Enabled by a Universal Crosslinking Strategy
Authors: Wang Zhenye , Zhang Di , Xu Meichen , Liu Junfeng , He Jiayi , Yang Lvpeng , Li Zhilin , Gao Yerun , Shao Ming
Published: May 2022

Developing intrinsically stretchable organic solar cells (OSCs) with excellent mechanical robustness and long‐term operation stability is highly demanded for practical applications. Here, the representative PM6/Y6 active layer film, crosslinked by a photo‐crosslinkable small molecule 2,6‐bis(4‐azidobenzylidene)cyclohexanone (BAC) containing azide groups, exhibits a significantly enhanced stretchability of 18% and toughness of 6.94 MJ m−3, compared to non‐crosslinked film (stretchability of 4.5% and toughness of 0.75 MJ m−3). It is found that controlling the crosslinking density, including crosslinker concentration and crosslinking time, plays a vital impact on the stretchability and mechanical toughness of active layer film. The resulting intrinsically stretchable OSCs achieve a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 13.4% and retain 80% of its performance even under the large strain of 20%. To date, this is the highest PCE for intrinsically stretchable OSCs based on small molecular acceptors. Moreover, crosslinking of active layer film suppresses the crystallization of PM6 polymer chains and avoids the excessive aggregation of small molecular acceptors under thermal heating or light illumination, leading to a stabilized film morphology and significantly improved device stability. Overall, these results provide a universal strategy to simultaneously enhance the mechanical properties and stability of OSCs without sacrificing their photovoltaic performance.
The impact of chief diversity officers on diverse faculty hiring
Authors: Bradley Steven W. , Garven James R. , Law Wilson W. , West James E.
Published: May 2022

Racial diversity among faculty, students, and administrators is increasing at universities in the United States. These changes have been uneven, with growth in underrepresented students exceeding that of faculty diversity. To address these and other inequities, a growing number of universities have established an executive‐level chief diversity officer (CDO). Our study offers a first empirical examination of this effort at selected 4‐year U.S. universities from 2001 to 2019 using unique data on the initial hiring date of a CDO and publicly available demographic data. We provide a comprehensive overview of demographic trends within our data and find confidence intervals around the estimated instantaneous average treatment effect for an executive‐level CDO on diverse hiring tightly contain zero. Estimated treatment effects are small and lack statistical significance within 4 years of a CDO position being established. We discuss other possible factors that explain trends toward higher diversity on campus and several possible constraints.
Fabrication of Monopile Polymer Foams via Rotating Gas Foaming: Hybrid Applications in Solar‐Powered Interfacial Evaporation and Water Remediation
Authors: Qiao Lifang , Li Shuai , Li Na , Wang Shuxue , Wang Chuanfei , Meng Xiangchao , Murto Petri , Xu Xiaofeng
Published: May 2022

Solar‐powered interfacial evaporation has emerged as an innovative and sustainable technology for clean water production and it has motivated the design and fabrication of monolithic 3D steam generators and related hybrid applications. However, the existing porous and hydrophilic 3D scaffolds fabricated via conventional processing techniques remain one of the main roadblocks toward scalable and mass applications. Herein, a series of closed‐cell 3D polymer foams is developed via a “rotating” gas‐foaming technique. Monopile supporting structures with reticulated and hydrophilic gas pockets are formed in the 3D foams, resulting in controlled shapes and heights, ultralight weight, efficient water diffusion, and optimized solar and environmental energy input. Gratifyingly, the 3D foam with a selected height of 12 cm attains an outstanding water evaporation rate of 5.8 kg m−2 h−1 under 1 sun. Furthermore, selected photothermal, adsorbent, and photocatalytic materials on the 3D foam introduce water remediation beyond clean water production, exhibiting organic pollutant removal efficiencies over 90% in indoor and outdoor experiments. An ease‐of‐mold approach to shape‐controlled fabrication of polymer foams is demonstrated and their intriguing properties for solar‐powered hybrid applications such as organic pollutant removal in wastewater are highlighted.
Organization virtualization driven by artificial intelligence
Authors: Li Mengfan , Xie Yongping , Gao Yuge , Zhao Yanan
Published: May 2022

With the rapid development of Internet technology and artificial intelligence, information technology has shown a trend of exponential growth. To improve the core competitiveness, the organization's boundaries gradually disappear and move towards virtualization. Virtualization is an effective form of organizational development in the information age. Based on the literature review regarding artificial intelligence and the related theories of organizational virtualization, this paper focuses on analysing the phased impact of the application of artificial intelligence on the virtualization of internal operations and the virtualization of interorganizational cooperation.
An evaluation framework of IT‐enabled service‐oriented manufacturing
Authors: Sun Yu , He Yuming , Yu Haiqing , Wang Hecheng
Published: May 2022

Service‐oriented manufacturing (SOM) strategy is a new manufacturing mode by integrating servitization with the traditional manufacturing industry. As a vital paradigm of manufacturing transformation and upgrading, SOM is conducive to bringing new business opportunities to enterprises and thus increasing their competitive advantages, especially in the IT‐enabled industry. This study reviews the key drivers and significant developments in IT‐enabled SOM. An evaluation framework for IT‐enabled SOM is proposed to enrich the theoretical research related to SOM and provide a reference for the enterprises that aim to upgrade.
Transition to language: From agent perception to event representation
Authors: Zuberbühler Klaus , Bickel Balthasar
Published: May 2022

Spoken language, as we have it, requires specific capacities—at its most basic advanced vocal control and complex social cognition. In humans, vocal control is the basis for speech, achieved through coordinated interactions of larynx activity and rapid changes in vocal tract configurations. Most likely, speech evolved in response to early humans perceiving reality in increasingly complex ways, to the effect that primate‐like signaling became unsustainable as a sole communication device. However, in what ways did and do humans see the world in more complex ways compared to other species? Although animal signals can refer to external events, in contrast to humans, they usually refer to the agents only, sometimes in compositional ways, but never together with patients. It may be difficult for animals to comprehend events as part of larger social scripts, with antecedent causes and future consequences, which are more typically tie the patient into the event. Human brain enlargement over the last million years probably has provided the cognitive resources to represent social interactions as part of bigger social scripts, which enabled humans to go beyond an agent‐focus to refer to agent–patient relations, the likely foundation for the evolution of grammar.

This article is categorized under:

Cognitive Biology > Evolutionary Roots of Cognition

Linguistics > Evolution of Language

Psychology > Comparative
Induced Mutagenesis and In Vitro Mutant Population Development in Musa spp.
Authors: Jankowicz-Cieslak Joanna , Goessnitzer Florian , Till Bradley J. , Ingelbrecht Ivan L.
Published: May 2022

Mutagenesis of in vitro propagated bananas is an efficient method to introduce novel alleles and broaden genetic diversity. Mutations can be induced by treatment of plant cells with chemical mutagens or ionizing radiation. The FAO/IAEA Plant Breeding and Genetics Laboratory established efficient methods for mutation induction of in vitro shoot tips in banana using physical and chemical mutagens as well as methods for the efficient discovery of EMS-induced single nucleotide mutations in targeted genes or amplicons and identification of large genomic changes, including deletions and insertions. Mutagenesis of in vitro propagated tissues requires large populations serving as starting material, and a long process to dissolve genetic mosaics (chimeras) resulting from the mutagenesis of multicellular tissues. However, treating shoot apical meristems of tissue cultured bananas with a mutagen is a commonly used practice for banana mutation breeding programmes, and still the most effective. In our previous studies, we showed that chimeras, unique mutations accumulated in different cells of the plant propagule, could be rapidly removed via isolation of shoot apical meristems and subsequent longitudinal bisection. Further, induced mutations were maintained in mutant plants for several generations. We established such systems for inducing and maintaining both point mutations caused via EMS mutagenesis as well as insertions and deletions caused by gamma irradiation and describe hereafter methods for dose selection, gamma irradiation and chimera dissolution.
Pre-Screening of Banana Genotypes for Fusarium Wilt Resistance by Using an In Vitro Bioassay
Authors: Wu Yuanli , Yi Ganjun
Published: May 2022

In the process of breeding and selection of banana for resistance to Fusarium wilt, it is important to conduct an efficient resistance screening test by artificial inoculation withFusarium oxysporumf. sp.cubense(Foc) Tropical Race 4. So far, there are two types of early bioassays for screeningMusagenotypes against Foc: a greenhouse and anin vitrobioassay. The most commonly used greenhouse bioassay is a pot-based system followed by a hydroponic system. Here we describe anin vitrobioassay characterized byin vitroinoculation of rooted banana plantlets grown on medium consisting of half-strength MS macronutrients and MS micronutrients. The disease response and evaluation results obtained through thisin vitrobioassay correlates with that from a greenhouse screen and/or field evaluation. Given the importance ofin vitrocell and tissue culture techniques for banana (mutation) breeding, promising resistant clones could be screened directly. Thisin vitrobioassay is a totally contained system compared with greenhouse methods and does not require an acclimatization step, thereby improving banana breeding efficiency. Thein vitropre-screening protocol and bioassay for Fusarium wilt resistance presented here is fast, space-effective, and accurate.
Mutation Detection in Gamma-Irradiated Banana Using Low Coverage Copy Number Variation
Authors: Jankowicz-Cieslak Joanna , Ingelbrecht Ivan L. , Till Bradley J.
Published: May 2022

Mutagenesis of in vitro propagated bananas is an efficient method to introduce novel alleles and broaden genetic diversity. The FAO/IAEA Plant Breeding and Genetics Laboratory previously established efficient methods for mutation induction of in vitro shoot tips in banana using physical and chemical mutagens as well as methods for the efficient discovery of ethyl methanesulphonate (EMS) induced single nucleotide mutations in targeted genes. Officially released mutant banana varieties have been created using gamma rays, a mutagen that can produce large genomic changes such as insertions and deletions (InDels). Such dosage mutations may be particularly important for generating observable phenotypes in polyploids such as banana. Here, we describe a Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) approach in Cavendish (AAA) bananas to identify large genomic InDels. The method is based on low coverage whole genome sequencing (LC-WGS) using an Illumina short-read sequencing platform. We provide details for sonication-mediated library preparation and the installation and use of freely available computer software to identify copy number variation in Cavendish banana. Alternative DNA library construction procedures and bioinformatics tools are briefly described. Example data is provided for the mutant variety Novaria and cv Grande Naine (AAA), but the methodology can be equally applied for triploid bananas with mixed genomes (A and B) and is useful for the characterization of putative Fusarium Wilt TR4 resistant mutant lines described elsewhere in this protocol book.
A Protocol for Detection of Large Chromosome Variations in Banana Using Next Generation Sequencing
Authors: Breton Catherine , Cenci Alberto , Sardos Julie , Chase Rachel , Ruas Max , Rouard Mathieu , Roux Nicolas
Published: May 2022

Core activities of genebank operations include the preservation of germplasm identity and maintenance of genetic integrity. Some organisms such as banana are maintained by tissue culture that can foster accumulation of somatic mutations and loss of genetic integrity. Such changes can be reflected in their genome structure and thus be revealed by sequencing methods. Here, we propose a protocol for the detection of large chromosomal gains and/or losses that was applied to in vitro banana accessions with different levels of ploidy. Mixoploidy was detected in triploid (3x) accessions with chromosomal regions being diploid (2x) and tetraploid (4x) and in diploid accessions (2x) where large deletions resulted in partial haploidy (1x). Such abnormal molecular karyotypes can potentially explain phenotypic aberrations observed in off type material. With the affordable cost of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies and the release of the presented bioinformatic pipeline, we aim to promote the application of this methodology as a routine operation for genebank management as an important step to monitor the genetic integrity of distributed material. Moreover, genebank users can be also empowered to apply the methodology and check the molecular karyotype of the ordered material.
Null Distance and Convergence of Lorentzian Length Spaces
Authors: Kunzinger Michael , Steinbauer Roland
Published: May 2022

The null distance of Sormani and Vega encodes the manifold topology as well as the causality structure of a (smooth) spacetime. We extend this concept to Lorentzian length spaces, the analog of (metric) length spaces, which generalize Lorentzian causality theory beyond the manifold level. We then study Gromov–Hausdorff convergence based on the null distance in warped product Lorentzian length spaces and prove first results on its compatibility with synthetic curvature bounds.
Proximal femoral replacement using the direct anterior approach to the hip
Authors: Thaler Martin , Manson Theodore T. , Holzapfel Boris Michael , Moskal Joseph
Published: May 2022

Objective

Proximal femoral replacement (PFR) is a salvage procedure originally developed for reconstruction after resection of sarcomas and metastatic cancer. These techniques can also be adapted for the treatment of non-oncologic reconstruction for cases involving massive proximal bone loss. The direct anterior approach (DAA) is readily utilized for revision total hip arthroplasty (THA), but there have been few reports of its use for proximal femoral replacement.

Indications

Aseptic, septic femoral implant loosening, periprosthetic femoral fracture, oncologic lesions of the proximal femur. The most common indication for non-oncologic proximal femoral placement is a severe femoral defect Paprosky IIIB or IV.

Contraindications

Infection.

Surgical technique

In contrast to conventional DAA approaches and extensions, we recommend starting the approach 3 cm lateral to the anterior superior iliac spine and performing a straight incision directed towards the fibular head. After identification and incision of the tensor fasciae lata proximally and the lateral mobilization of the iliotibial tract distally, the vastus lateralis muscle can be retracted medially as far as needed. Special care should be taken to avoid injuries to the branches of the femoral nerve innervating the vastus lateralis muscle. If required, the distal extension of the DAA can continue all the way to the knee to allow implantation of a total femoral replacement. The level of the femoral resection is detected with an x‑ray. In accordance with preoperative planning, the proximal femur is resected. Ream and broach the distal femoral fragment to the femoral canal. With trial implants in place, leg length, anteversion of the implant and hip stability are evaluated. It is crucial to provide robust reattachment of the abductor muscles to the PFR prosthesis. Mesh reinforcement can be used to reinforce the muscular attachment if necessary.

Postoperative management

We typically use no hip precautions other than to limit combined external rotation and extension for 6 weeks. In most cases, full weight bearing is possible after surgery.

Results

A PFR was performed in 16 patients (mean age: 55.1 years; range 17–84 years) using an extension of the DAA. The indication was primary bone sarcoma in 7 patients, metastatic lesion in 6 patients and massive periprosthetic femoral bone loss in 3 patients. Complications related to the surgery occurred in 2 patients (both were dislocation). Overall, 1 patient required reoperation and 1 patient died because of his disease. Mean follow-up was 34.5 months.
Voltammetric lipase activity assay based on dilinolein and a modified carbon paste electrode
Authors: Rogala Anita , Rechberger Julia , Vasold Vanessa , Samphao Anchalee , Kalcher Kurt , Ortner Astrid
Published: May 2022

In this work, a novel electrochemical assay for characterizing both lipases and lipase inhibitors as well as for the determination of lipase activity is described. It is based on a carbon paste electrode, modified with cobalt(II)phthalocyanine, and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). As reaction media, a sodium borate buffer was used (0.1 M, pH 9). The measurements were carried out in a batch system using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and 1,3-dilinolein as standard substrate. The activity assay showed a linearity for porcine pancreas lipase activity in a range between 20 and 300 U L−1 (per min) with a limit of detection (LOD) of 7 U L−1 and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 20 U L−1. The kinetic behavior of the lipase reaction was investigated, resulting in a KM value of 0.29 mM. The applicability of the activity assay could be shown by investigating the activity of lipases from Aspergillus oryzae and Candida rugosa, and the results were confirmed by a reference method. The inhibitory effects were characterized with Orlistat.

Graphical abstract
Gender als maßgebliche Perspektive in der Psychotherapie
Authors: Schigl Brigitte
Published: May 2022

Der Beitrag bietet einen Überblick über die Bedeutung der Dimension Gender für die Psychotherapie. Als Basistheorie wird die sozialkonstruktivistische Sicht von Doing Gender als für die Psychotherapie hilfreich zugrunde gelegt. Dazu wird an Beispielen zu verschiedenen Phasen im Prozess, zu genderkonnotierten Themen und zu Dynamiken in der jeweiligen Genderzusammensetzung die Bedeutung von Doing Gender dargelegt, und es werden Schlussfolgerungen für die Praxis gezogen. Gendersensible und genderkompetente Psychotherapeut_innen sind sich des eigenen Doing Gender bewusst, beachten die Genderzusammensetzung in der Therapie und die daraus resultierenden Dynamiken von Doing Gender auf beiden Seiten.
Intracavitary brachytherapy with additional Heyman capsules in the treatment of cervical cancer
Authors: Scharl Sophia , Hugo Christine , Weidenbächer Clara-Bianca , Bronger Holger , Brambs Christine , Kiechle Marion , Makowski Marcus R. , Combs Stephanie E. , Schüttrumpf Lars
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Brachytherapy is a mandatory component of primary radiochemotherapy in cervical cancer. The dose can be applied with a traditional intracavitary approach (IC alone) or with multiple catheter brachytherapy to optimize dose distribution in an individual concept. We therefore evaluated whether the utilization of a tandem–ring applicator plus additional intracavitary applicators (add IC) provides an advantage over the traditional IC alone approach, as this method is less time consuming and less invasive compared to a combined intracavitary/interstitial brachytherapy.

Methods

Twenty three procedures of intracavitary brachytherapy for cervical cancer with additional intracavitary applicators performed in seven patients treated between 2016 and 2018 in our institution were included in this study. Plans were optimized for D90 HR-CTV with and without the utilization of the additional applicators and compared by statistical analysis.

Results

D90 for HR-CTV was 5.71 Gy (±1.17 Gy) for fractions optimized with add IC approach and 5.29 Gy (±1.24 Gy) for fractions without additional applicators (p < 0.01). This translates to a calculated mean EQD2 HR-CTV D90 of 80.72 Gy (±8.34 Gy) compared to 77.84 Gy (±8.49 Gy) after external beam therapy and four fractions of brachytherapy for add IC and IC alone, respectively (p < 0.01). The predictive value of improved coverage of HR-CTV in the first fraction was high.

Conclusion

In a subgroup of cases, the addition of intracavitary Heyman capsules can be an alternative to interstitial brachytherapy to improve the plan quality compared to standard IC alone brachytherapy. The benefit from the addition of applicators in the first fraction is predictive for the following fractions.
Confounding factors in the assessment of oral mucositis in head and neck cancer
Authors: Lorini Luigi , Perri Francesco , Vecchio Stefania , Belgioia Liliana , Vinches Marie , Brana Irene , Elad Sharon , Bossi Paolo
Published: May 2022

Treatment of locally advanced head and neck carcinoma not amenable for surgical resection or resected with high-risk features is usually based on (chemo-)radiation treatment. Oral mucositis represents one of the main side effects of (chemo-)radiation, with an important impact on quality of life and causing approximately 20% of early interruption of treatment, leading to a suboptimal dose administered. Treatment and prevention of oral mucositis have a central role in the therapeutic pathways of head and neck cancer patients but remains quite challenging. Although extensive research is conducted to identify interventions for the management of mucositis, very few interventions had sufficient evidence to generate an international expert consensus. This may be partially explained by confounding factors that could influence the development and assessment of oral mucositis. Little is known about the confounding factors of oral mucositis, which, if not well balanced in an experimental study, could lead to non-solid results. The current paper aims to review the main oral mucositis confounding factors related to head and neck cancer patients.
GBA-associated PD: chances and obstacles for targeted treatment strategies
Authors: Höglinger Günter , Schulte Claudia , Jost Wolfgang H. , Storch Alexander , Woitalla Dirk , Krüger Rejko , Falkenburger Björn , Brockmann Kathrin
Published: May 2022

Given the clear role of GBA in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and its impact on phenotypical characteristics, this review provides an overview of the current knowledge of GBA-associated PD with a special focus on clinical trajectories and the underlying pathological mechanisms. Importantly, differences and characteristics based on mutation severity are recognized, and current as well as potential future treatment options are discussed. These findings will inform future strategies for patient stratification and cohort enrichment as well as suitable outcome measures when designing clinical trials.
Siamese block attention network for online update object tracking
Authors: Xiao Dingkun , Tan Ke , Wei Zhenzhong , Zhang Guangjun
Published: May 2022

Visual tracking is a crucial task in computer vision that concentrates on assessing the state of the target in each frame. Siamese based trackers possess an excellent tracking mechanism and balance the accuracy and efficiency well through continuous optimization of network structure. However, the rapid appearance variation and occlusion are still huge challenges to the accuracy and success rate of tracking task. Most Siamese based trackers rely on a fixed object template to match the target in search area and also neglect the importance of feature representation to tracking tasks. Based on the core idea of how to promote the recognition ability of trackers for the dynamic object and keep stable tracking during occlusion process, we present Siamese block attention network for online update object tracking referred to as SBAN. The proposed Siamese block attention module adopts a Siamese network structure to integrate two complementary global descriptors and establish the interdependence among channels to generate channel weights which can enhance the crucial features and restrain inessential ones. We also design an online update target module that can effectively utilize the history tracking information. The final updated target module is the integration of the given template, the process template, and the last tracking results. Experiments on four benchmarks, OTB2015, VOT2018, UAV123, LaSOT, illustrate that our tracker obtains outstanding tracking performance in accuracy and robustness while running at over 53 FPS.
The role of NADPH oxidase 1 in alcohol-induced oxidative stress injury of intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Chen Liuying , Chu Huikuan , Hu Lilin , Li Zhonglin , Yang Ling , Hou Xiaohua
Published: May 2022

Alcohol-mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a vital role in intestinal barrier injury. However, the mechanism of ROS accumulation in enterocytes needs to be explored further. In our study, we found that chronic–binge ethanol-fed mice had increased levels of gut oxidative stress and high intestinal permeability. The transcription profiles of the colonic epithelial cells showed that the level of NADPH oxidase 1 (NOX1) was significantly elevated in alcohol-exposed mice compared with isocaloric-exposed mice. In vitro, NOX1 silencing alleviated ROS accumulation and the apoptosis of human colonic epithelial cells (NCM460), while NOX1 overexpression accelerated oxidative stress injury of NCM460 cells. Propionic acid was reduced in the gut of chronic–binge ethanol-fed mice, compared with isocaloric-fed mice, as observed through untargeted metabolomic analysis. Supplementation with propionate relieved ethanol-induced liver and intestinal barrier injuries and reduced the level of ROS accumulation and apoptosis of ethanol-induced colonic epithelial cells. Propionate alleviating NOX1 induced ROS injury of colonic epithelial cells, independent of G protein-coupled receptors. Propionate significantly inhibited histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) expressions both in ethanol-exposed colonic epithelial cells and TNF-α-treated NCM460. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays showed that propionate suppressed the NOX1 expression by regulating histone acetylation in the gene promoter region. In conclusion, NOX1 induces oxidative stress injury of colonic epithelial cells in alcohol-related liver disease. Propionate, which can act as an endogenous HDAC2 inhibitor, can decrease levels of apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells caused by oxidative stress.

Graphical Abstract
The Co-Moving Velocity in Immiscible Two-Phase Flow in Porous Media
Authors: Roy Subhadeep , Pedersen Håkon , Sinha Santanu , Hansen Alex
Published: May 2022

We present a continuum (i.e., an effective) description of immiscible two-phase flow in porous media characterized by two fields, the pressure and the saturation. Gradients in these two fields are the driving forces that move the immiscible fluids around. The fluids are characterized by two seepage velocity fields, one for each fluid. Following Hansen et al. (Transport in Porous Media, 125, 565 (2018)), we construct a two-way transformation between the velocity couple consisting of the seepage velocity of each fluid, to a velocity couple consisting of the average seepage velocity of both fluids and a new velocity parameter, the co-moving velocity. The co-moving velocity is related but not equal to velocity difference between the two immiscible fluids. The two-way mapping, the mass conservation equation and the constitutive equations for the average seepage velocity and the co-moving velocity form a closed set of equations that determine the flow. There is growing experimental, computational and theoretical evidence that constitutive equation for the average seepage velocity has the form of a power law in the pressure gradient over a wide range of capillary numbers. Through the transformation between the two velocity couples, this constitutive equation may be taken directly into account in the equations describing the flow of each fluid. This is, e.g., not possible using relative permeability theory. By reverse engineering relative permeability data from the literature, we construct the constitutive equation for the co-moving velocity. We also calculate the co-moving constitutive equation using a dynamic pore network model over a wide range of parameters, from where the flow is viscosity dominated to where the capillary and viscous forces compete. Both the relative permeability data from the literature and the dynamic pore network model give the same very simple functional form for the constitutive equation over the whole range of parameters.
Veränderung des Bewegungsverhaltens durch die ersten beiden Coronawellen im Frühling und Winter 2020
Authors: Müller Miriam , Tittlbach Susanne
Published: May 2022

Hintergrund

Da Bewegungsmangel weltweit zu den führenden Risikofaktoren für nicht-übertragbare Krankheiten zählt, ist von besonderem Interesse, wie sich die Coronapandemie auf das Bewegungsverhalten auswirkt.

Fragestellung

Die vorliegende Studie untersucht die coronabedingte Veränderung der Bewegungsaktivitäten deutscher Erwachsener sowie Zusammenhänge der Aktivitätsveränderung mit der psychischen Gesundheit. Dabei wird ein Schwerpunkt auf Unterschiede zwischen sportaffinen und nicht-sportaffinen Personen gelegt.

Methoden

Im Rahmen einer quantitativen Querschnittsstudie wurden Daten zum Aktivitätsausmaß 329 deutscher Erwachsener vor und während der ersten beiden Coronawellen mit Hilfe eines Online-Fragebogens erhoben.

Ergebnisse

Die Coronapandemie führt im Durchschnitt zu einem signifikanten Rückgang des Aktivitätsausmaßes um 56,81 min/Woche. Diese Entwicklung ist allerdings nur bei sportaffinen Personen zu verzeichnen, wohingegen die nicht-sportaffine Gruppe ihr Aktivitätsausmaß um etwa 100 min/Woche erhöht. Ferner korreliert ein verringertes Bewegungsausmaß signifikant positiv mit einer schlechteren psychischen Gesundheit.

Schlussfolgerung

Der coronabedingte Bewegungsrückgang verbunden mit einer schlechteren psychischen Gesundheit ist aufgrund möglicher langfristiger Folgen für die öffentliche Gesundheit besorgniserregend. Das gesteigerte Aktivitätsausmaß in der nicht-sportaffinen Gruppe stellt allerdings eine vielversprechende Entwicklung dar und sollte in Bezug auf künftige gesundheitsfördernde Maßnahmen berücksichtigt werden.
Torque control strategy with V2X information for HEVs to minimize fuel consumption
Authors: Okada Yasutaka , Nishii Shunki , Takeshita Akihiro , Harada Kazuki , Yamasaki Yudai
Published: May 2022

Today, much information from traffic infrastructures and sensors of ego vehicle is available. Using such information has a potential for internal combustion engine vehicle to reduce fuel consumption in real world. In this paper, a powertrain controller for a hybrid electric vehicle aiming to reduce fuel consumption is introduced, which uses information from traffic signals, the global positioning system and sensors, and the preceding vehicle. This study was carried out as a benchmark problem of engine and powertrain control simulation and modeling 2021 (E-COSM 2021). The developed controller firstly decides reference acceleration of the ego vehicle using the traffic signal and the position information and the preceding vehicle speed. The acceleration and deceleration leading to increase in unnecessary fuel consumption is avoided. Next, the reference engine, generator, and motor torques are decided to achieve the reference acceleration and minimize fuel consumption. In addition, the reference engine, generator and motor torques were decided by the given fuel consumption map for the engine, and by the virtual fuel consumption maps for the generator and the motor. The virtual fuel consumption is derived from the efficiency maps of the generator and the motor using a given equivalent factor, which converts electricity consumption to fuel for the generator and the motor. In this study, a controller was designed through the benchmark problem of E-COSM 2021 for minimizing total fuel consumption of the engine, the generator, and the motor. The developed controller was evaluated in driving simulations. The result shows that operating the powertrain in efficient area is a key factor in reducing total fuel consumption.
Safety and efficacy of totally minimally invasive right colectomy in the obese patients: a multicenter propensity score-matched analysis
Authors: Manigrasso Michele , Musella Mario , Elmore Ugo , Allaix Marco Ettore , Bianchi Paolo Pietro , Biondi Alberto , Boni Luigi , Bracale Umberto , Cassinotti Elisa , Ceccarelli Graziano , Corcione Francesco , Cuccurullo Diego , Degiuli Maurizio , De Manzini Nicolò , D’Ugo Domenico , Formisano Giampaolo , Morino Mario , Palmisano Silvia , Persiani Roberto , Reddavid Rossella , Rondelli Fabio , Velotti Nunzio , Rosati Riccardo , De Palma Giovanni Domenico , Milone Marco
Published: May 2022

Despite the well-known benefits of the minimally invasive approach for the right colon cancer treatment, less is known about its feasibility and advantages in morbid obese patients. The aim of this study is to compare the postoperative outcomes after totally minimally invasive right colectomy between the obese and non-obese population. Data derived from a prospectively maintained multicenter colorectal database were analysed, dividing the enrolled patients into two groups: obese (BMI > 29.99) patient group and non-obese patient group. Data about gender, age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Score, tumor characteristics, operative time, anastomosis time, extraction site, incision length, intraoperative complications, postoperative complications, postoperative recovery, specimen length and retrieved nodes were taken to assess the achievement of the oncologic standards. After a propensity score matching, a total of 184 patients was included, 92 in each group. No differences were found in terms of demographic data and tumor characteristics. Intraoperative data showed a significant difference in terms of anastomosis time in favour of non-obese group (p < 0.0001). No intraoperative complications were recorded and no conversion was needed in both groups. No differences were found in terms of postoperative complications. There were no differences in terms of first mobilization (p = 0.745), time to first flatus (p = 0.241) time to tolerance to liquid and solid diet (p = 0.241 and p = 0.06) and length of hospital stay (p = 0.817). The analysis of oncologic outcomes demonstrated adequate results in both groups. The results obtained by our study confirmed the feasibility and safety of the totally minimally invasive approach even in obese population.
Accurate computations with Gram and Wronskian matrices of geometric and Poisson bases
Authors: Mainar E. , Peña J. M. , Rubio B.
Published: May 2022

In this paper we deduce a bidiagonal decomposition of Gram and Wronskian matrices of geometric and Poisson bases. It is also proved that the Gram matrices of both bases are strictly totally positive, that is, all their minors are positive. The mentioned bidiagonal decompositions are used to achieve algebraic computations with high relative accuracy for Gram and Wronskian matrices of these bases. The provided numerical experiments illustrate the accuracy when computing the inverse matrix, the eigenvalues or singular values or the solutions of some linear systems, using the theoretical results.
Agricultural Pea Waste as a Low-Cost Pollutant Biosorbent for Methylene Blue Removal: Adsorption Kinetics, Isotherm And Thermodynamic Studies
Authors: Holliday Mathew C. , Parsons Daniel R. , Zein Sharif H.
Published: May 2022

Biosorbents are an alternative pollutant adsorbent, usually sourced from waste biomass and requiring little to no treatment. This makes them cheaper than conventional adsorbents. In this paper, green pea (Pisum sativum) haulm was used as a biosorbent for the adsorption of methylene blue dye. The potential application of pea haulm as a biosorbent has not been investigated before. Characterisation using scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy and thermal gravitational analysis showed the surface to be coarse, detected functional groups important for adsorption and identified the composition of key biomass components. The effects of particle size, contact time, agitation, dosage, solution pH, temperature and initial dye concentration on the removal of MB by pea haulm were investigated. Using the data from these studies, the best fitting kinetic and isotherm models were found and the thermodynamic properties were identified. The maximum theoretical adsorption capacity was 167 mg/g, which was relatively high compared to other recent biosorbent studies. The pseudo-second-order adsorption kinetic and Freundlich adsorption isotherm models were the best fitting models. The biosorption process was exothermic and spontaneous at low temperatures. It was concluded that pea haulm was an effective adsorbent of methylene blue and could perhaps find application in wastewater treatment.
Comparing the structural characteristics and expression of GA2ox gene in dwarf banana and its wild type
Authors: Lin Jiaqi , Feng Dou , Li Yanpei , Xiao Shixiang , Xuan Weiyan
Published: May 2022

It is necessary to understand the molecular mechanism of banana dwarfing mutation in order to improve the high stem character of banana varieties and breed the new excellent dwarf lines. To elucidate the molecular-level regulation of banana dwarf mutations and identify the relevant genes, the complete cDNA sequence of the gibberellin 2-oxidase gene (GA2ox) in the dwarf banana and its wild type was cloned by RT-PCR and the encoded amino acid sequences bioinformatically was analyzed. Meanwhile, the expression levels of banana GA2ox gene in different tissues of dwarfed banana and its wild type were analyzed by qRT-PCR. Between the GA2ox gene sequences of the dwarf banana and its wildtype, there were 5 base pairs of variation, leading to the predicted GA2ox proteins having different molecular weights, isoelectric points, fat indices, total numbers of positive and negative charges, and hydrophilicity. In addition, the expression of GA2ox in the leaves, stalks, and fruits of dwarf banana plants was higher than that in the wild type in the early and middle stages of banana development. The results showed that the GA2ox gene may have important regulatory effects on banana stem dwarfing, the knowledge of which can help our understanding and manipulation of this important plant.