bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of five flavonoids inhibiting NtMGAM based on molecular simulations
Authors: Wang Ruihong , Zheng Xin , Liang Guizhao
Published: January 2022

Recent studies have showed that five flavonoids (Epigallocatechin gallate [EGCG], Rutin, Silibinin, Genistein, and Quercetin) are potential therapeutic agents for type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Our previous study revealed the mechanism of these five flavonoids with human islet amyloid peptide, but the mechanism of action with other T2DM‐related target proteins is unknown. In this study, we investigate the competitive inhibition mechanism of N‐terminal catalytic domain maltase glucose‐amylase (NtMGAM), which is another important target of T2DM, with the five types of flavonoids through molecular docking, molecular dynamics, and steered molecular dynamics. Our results show that the NtMGAM active pocket tends to bind to the aromatic nucleus. Moreover, EGCG and Rutin can potentially inhibit NtMGAM, and both molecules exhibit a larger binding capability with the active pocket than Acarbose. Compared with the hexasaccharide group, the pentasaccharide group has the advantage to bind with the NtMGAM active pocket, suggesting that the structure embedded into the active pocket should be inadvisable to oversize. Meanwhile, solvent molecules are a crucial factor affecting the binding stability of inhibitor with NtMGAM. In conclusion, this work is helpful to provide a theoretical basis for screening, modifying, and designing new therapeutic or preventive drugs targeting T2DM.
The symptom network structure of posttraumatic stress disorder among Chinese firefighters
Authors: An Yuanyuan , Wang Muyun , Ye Yuchen , Chen Yaru
Published: January 2022

Background

The purpose of this study was to explore the core and driving symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) of firefighters before and after rescue. Identifying core symptoms of PTSD can help clinicians to understand what may be relevant targets for treatment.

Methods

The study recruited 334 firefighters in a firefighter military school in September 2017 (T1). They were followed up 3 months later (T2), during which time they participated in real rescue activities. The network structure of DSM‐5 PTSD was using regularized partial correlation models and a Bayesian approach computing directed acyclic graphs.

Results

The most central symptom both in T1 and T2 was negative emotional state. Irritable or anger emerged as a key driver of other symptoms in traumatized firefighters.

Conclusions

Negative emotional state and irritable or anger might represent important symptoms within PTSD symptomatology and may offer key targets in PTSD treatment for firefighters.
Nasopharyngeal virome analysis of COVID‐19 patients during three different waves in Campania region of Italy
Authors: Ferravante Carlo , Sanna Giuseppina , Melone Viola , Fromentier Aurore , Rocco Teresa , D'Agostino Ylenia , Lamberti Jessica , Alexandrova Elena , Pecoraro Giovanni , Pagliano Pasquale , Astorri Roberta , Manzin Aldo , Weisz Alessandro , Giurato Giorgio , Galdiero Massimiliano , Rizzo Francesca , Franci Gianluigi
Published: January 2022

From December 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection has spread rapidly, leading to a global pandemic. Little is known about possible relationships between SARS‐CoV‐2 and other viruses in the respiratory system affecting patient prognosis and outcomes. This study aims to characterize respiratory virome profiles in association with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and disease severity, through the analysis in 89 nasopharyngeal swabs collected in a patient's cohort from the Campania region (Southern Italy). Results show coinfections with viral species belonging to Coronaviridae, Retroviridae, Herpesviridae, Poxviridae, Pneumoviridae, Pandoraviridae, and Anelloviridae families and only 2% of the cases (2/89) identified respiratory viruses.
New insights about the role of Na–K ratio on the vibrational dynamics of synthetic‐basalt glasses
Authors: Cassetta Michele , Zanatta Marco , Biesuz Mattia , Giarola Marco , Mariotto Gino
Published: January 2022

Basalts are among the most abundant igneous rocks on Earth. Originated from the rapid cooling of magma erupted by volcanoes, they are increasingly used as raw materials in glass and ceramic technology due to their unique physico‐chemical properties. The characteristics of basalts, like the glass transition temperature, are strongly controlled by their structure, which is a function of composition. Therefore, the investigation of the interplay between the intimate structure and the mechanical and physical properties of basalt glasses is of paramount importance in view of their industrial exploitation. Here, we present a Raman study of a set of synthetic‐basalt glasses in which the occurrence of small chemical variations appreciably affects their glass transition temperature. We analyzed the Raman spectra focusing on both the spectral regions of the so‐called nonbridging oxygens and of the boson peak. We show the existence of a scaling law for the boson peak of four synthetic‐basalt glasses, and we infer from its breakdown the occurrence of a deep reorganization of the glass structure resulting from the Na–K replacement in the network, despite small variations of the other major elements.
Time to treatment and hospital visits for patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer in a single payer system
Authors: Guay Evelyne , Cordeiro Erin , Roberts Amanda
Published: January 2022

Background and Objectives

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) requires coordination of various services to ensure timely and accurate delivery of care. This can result in multiple hospital visits and extend time to treatment (TTT). The primary purpose of our study was to evaluate time to NAC for patients at a regional cancer centre. Healthcare resource use in the form of hospital visits before NAC was also evaluated.

Methods

A retrospective chart analysis of patients with invasive breast cancer who underwent NAC between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2018 was performed.

Results

Overall, 286 patients underwent NAC. Median TTT was 22 days (range: 2–105). Median number of visits between first consultation and NAC was 5 (range: 0–12). Majority of additional visits were for diagnostic imaging/interventions, with a median number of 4 visits (range: 0–10). Each additional hospital visit increased time to NAC treatment by 14%.

Conclusions

Women undergoing NAC require multiple visits before initiating treatment—the majority of these visits are for diagnostic imaging. These results support the need for the coordination of multidisciplinary care and diagnostic imaging for breast cancer patients undergoing NAC to reduce hospital visits, improve the patient experience, and reduce TTT.
LINC00704 contributes to the proliferation and accelerates the cell cycle of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells via regulating ETS1/CDK6 axis
Authors: Wang Yan , Tan Qi‐Yan , Shen Ying , Liu Chang‐Yu , Huang Tao , Huai De , Dai Jun
Published: January 2022

This study is aimed at exploring the biological functions and related mechanism of long noncoding RNA 704 (LINC00704) in the proliferation and cell cycle progression of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells. The expression of LINC00704 in NPC tissues and cells was quantified by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). After LINC00704 was overexpressed or knocked down in NPC cell lines, cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assay, 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine assay, flow cytometry assay, and Transwell assay were adopted to detect the proliferation, cell cycle progression, migration, and invasion of NPC cells. The interaction between LINC00704 and ETS proto‐oncogene 1 (ETS1) was verified by bioinformatics analysis, RNA pull‐down assay, and RNA immunoprecipitation assay. Dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by qPCR analysis were used to verify the binding status between ETS1 and the promoter region of cyclin‐dependent kinase 6 (CDK6). The regulatory effects of LINC00704 and ETS1 on CDK6 expression were detected by Western blot. LINC00704 expression was elevated in NPC tissues and cells, which was significantly correlated with the advanced TNM stage and poor differentiation. LINC00704 overexpression promoted the multiplication, migration, and invasion of NPC cells and blocked the cell cycle progression while knocking down LINC00704 worked oppositely. LINC00704 could bind to ETS1, thus promoting CDK6 transcription. Knocking down LINC00704 inhibited the CDK6 expression in NPC cells. LINC00704 promotes CDK6 transcription by recruiting ETS1 to the promoter region of CDK6, thus promoting the malignant progression of NPC.
eIF4A3‐induced circWAC promotes breast cancer progression through mediating miR‐599/E2F3 axis
Authors: Huang Wen‐Hui , Yang Qing , Zhang Chuan
Published: January 2022

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are implicated in the regulation of tumor progression via the “competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs)” mechanism. We intended to explore the molecular mechanism of circRNA WW domain containing adaptor with coiled‐coil (circWAC) in breast cancer (BC) progression. Reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) and Western blot assay were applied to analyze RNA and protein expression. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, glycolysis, and tumorigenesis in nude mice were assessed to analyze the role of circWAC/microRNA‐599 (miR‐599)/E2F transcription factor 3 (E2F3) axis in BC. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay and RNA‐pull down assay were performed to verify intermolecular interactions. CircWAC was up‐regulated in BC tissues and cell lines. CircWAC knockdown restrained the proliferation, migration, invasion, and glycolysis and promoted the apoptosis of BC cells. CircWAC acted as miR‐599 sponge, and miR‐599 interference largely reversed circWAC silencing‐induced effects in BC cells. MiR‐599 interacted with the 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) of E2F3, and miR‐599 overexpression‐induced suppressive effect on cellular malignant potential was overturned by the accumulation of E2F3 in BC cells. Eukaryotic initiation factor 4A3 (eIF4A3) induced the expression of circWAC in BC cells. CircWAC knockdown suppressed xenograft tumor growth in vivo. Our results demonstrated that eIF4A3‐induced circWAC promoted the proliferation, migration, invasion, and glycolysis and suppressed the apoptosis of BC cells through mediating miR‐599/E2F3 axis, which provided novel potential targets for BC therapy.
Postoperative Radiation Therapy in Oral Cavity Verrucous Carcinoma
Authors: Naik Akash N. , Silverman Dustin A. , Rygalski Chandler J. , Zhao Songzhu , Brock Guy , Lin Chen , Puram Sidharth V. , Rocco James W. , Baliga Sujith , VanKoevering Kyle K. , Old Matthew O. , Seim Nolan B. , Kang Stephen Y.
Published: January 2022

Objectives/Hypothesis

We investigate the clinicopathologic and treatment factors associated with the use of postoperative radiation therapy (PORT) and its effect on overall survival (OS) for patients with oral cavity verrucous carcinoma (VC).

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of the National Cancer Database (NCDB) from 2006 to 2015 was performed. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent predictive factors associated with the use of PORT. Cox Regression survival and propensity score analyses were used to evaluate the effect of PORT on mortality.

Results

A total of 356 adult patients with primary oral cavity VC who underwent definitive surgical resection were identified. A total of 10.7% of patients underwent definitive surgical resection followed by PORT. Variables associated with PORT included distance to the hospital per 10 miles (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.81 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.70–0.95]) and stage III–IV disease (aOR, 12.13 and 23.92, respectively). Multivariable Cox regression survival analysis indicated no evidence of survival benefit in patients undergoing PORT compared to surgery alone (adjusted hazard ratio 1.50 [0.74–3.05], P = .23). Propensity score analysis also showed no OS benefit with the use of PORT (P = .41).

Conclusions

Variables associated with the use of PORT on multivariable analysis included closer distance to hospital and stage III–IV disease. No clear survival benefit with PORT was identified on either multivariable survival analysis or propensity score analysis. These results suggest that surgery alone with negative margins may be the optimal treatment for patients with oral cavity VC.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 132:1953–1961, 2022
Linkages between soil respiration and soil eukaryotic microalgae following vegetation restoration in the Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Zhang Lei , Lv Junping
Published: January 2022

Eukaryotic microalgae are widespread in soil. They are generally considered to participate in soil development and the formation of the soil food chain. Interestingly, some microalgae can grow in heterotrophic mode. Therefore, it is a reasonable speculation that eukaryotic microalgae may participate in the process of soil respiration (Rs) via the heterotrophic metabolism of soil organic matter. Nevertheless, the mechanism is not well understood. Here, we investigated the eukaryotic microalgal community in farmland and plantation/grassland soil via high‐throughput sequencing focusing on the Loess Plateau, China. Chlorophyta, Chrysophyta, Cryptophyta, Bacillariophyta, Dinophyta, Xanthophyta, and Haptophyta were found in all samples. Nevertheless, the biomarker for farmland soil was affiliated to Chlorophyta and Xanthophyta, whereas the biomarker for plantation/grassland soil was affiliated to Chrysophyta. Moreover, the distribution of soil microalgae was strongly dependent on soil pH, organic matter, and nitrogen. In addition, afforestation significantly decreased Rs rate, which was significantly related to the soil microalgal community, especially 11 taxa of eukaryotic microalgae affiliating to Chlorophyta and Chrysophyta. Meanwhile, the interaction between microalgae and bacteria in farmland soil was stronger than that in plantation/grassland soil, which was also likely to affect Rs rate. These results suggest that beyond plants, soil eukaryotic microalgae are functionally significant but rarely considered participants of Rs. Therefore, they should be considered when investigating soil carbon cycling.
Comparison between botulinum toxin and steroid septal injection in the treatment of allergic rhinitis
Authors: Huang Cheng‐Chieh , Chen Kuan‐Wei , Twu Chih‐Wen , Huang Hung‐Meng , Hsu Hsin‐Chien
Published: January 2022

Objective

To compare the effects of botulinum toxin and steroid septal injections in treating allergic rhinitis (AR) by evaluating improvements in the rhinitis control assessment test (RCAT), visual analog scale (VAS), nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) scores, and active anterior rhinomanometry (RMM) measurements.

Methods

This prospective, single‐blinded cohort study was conducted at the Department of Otolaryngology, Taipei City Hospital between January 2017 and December 2018. Ninety‐five patients were randomized to receive botulinum toxin, dexamethasone, or normal saline (group A, group B, and placebo, respectively). The main outcome measures were pretreatment subjective nasal symptoms (RCAT, VAS, and NOSE) and active anterior RMM measurements. All measurements were repeated during posttreatment 1, 2, and 3 months.

Results

No significant difference was observed in pretreatment questionnaire scores and RMM values between the study and placebo groups. The mean posttreatment RCAT, VAS, and NOSE scores after 1 and 2 months significantly improved in the treatment groups compared to placebo. The VAS and NOSE at posttreatment 2 months and RCAT, VAS, and NOSE at posttreatment 3 months were significantly different comparing group A to group B. All RMM parameters showed better values in group A than in group B at 1, 2, and 3 months posttreatment, with significant differences in four parameters in posttreatment 3 months.

Conclusions

Botulinum toxin septal injection is a safe treatment option for AR and improves subjective nasal symptoms for 3 months. Botulinum toxin A injection tended to be more effective than steroid septal injection in terms of duration and degree.

Level of Evidence: 2b, individual cohort study.
Research on the reliability of X70 steel gas pipelines under SRB main control factors
Authors: Yang Yuan , Xiao Chuantao , Yang Ye , Liang Bo
Published: January 2022

Sulfate‐reducing bacteria (SRB) corrosion is the main type of corrosion that occurs when steel for transportation gas pipeline (X70) passes through the soil. Based on the actual corrosion data of hanging pieces in an engineering site and SRB preparation liquid experiments, the corrosion characteristics of X70 pipeline steel under the action of SRB were studied, and the safety of gas transmission pipelines was evaluated. The weight‐loss method and scanning electron microscope analysis method were being used. According to the industry standards, the SRB biofilm protection efficiency was selected as the evaluation index to analyze the pipeline safety capabilities. The research results are as follows: (1) Considering the main control factors for SRB, it is found that the corrosion behavior of X70 steel was related to biofilms, SRB metabolism and the formation of corrosion products; (2) the railway crossing section had the highest degree of corrosion, and the areas adjacent to it were also seriously corroded. There was a certain connection between stray current and SRB corrosion, so as to determine the promotion effect of stray current on SRB corrosion. The processing capability was assessed to be severely insufficient, requiring and corrosion and pressure resistance tests. In engineering, high‐performance materials or temporary coatings can be used, but targeted microbial control based on the SRB corrosion mechanism has greater engineering value.
COVID‐19 challenges and firm responses: Analysis of a city‐wide census in a developing country
Authors: Weber Bryan S. , Huynh Toan Luu Duc
Published: January 2022

We use the unique data set of 16,300 firms' responses for the large‐scale census survey in an urban area at Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) to study how firms perceived their problems and responded to during the COVID‐19 pandemic. We provide estimates of 65 cross‐associations between a firm's challenges during the pandemic and their responses. We find several firm characteristics that suggest increased likelihood of pandemic response, including some, such as state ownership, which are typically associated with being slow to respond to market conditions. A theoretical model is posited that matches with the rapidly declared survey response.
Well‐posedness and stability of a nonlinear time‐delayed dispersive equation via the fixed point technique: A case study of no interior damping
Authors: Ammari Kaïs , Chentouf Boumediène , Smaoui Nejib
Published: January 2022

The primary concern of this article is to establish the well‐posedness as well as the exponential stability of the zero solution to a nonlinear time‐delayed dispersive equation of order four in a bounded interval. The main ingredient of the proof is the exploitation of Schauder Fixed Point Theorem. This outcome considerably improves an earlier result of Ammari et al. (2021) in the sense that we prove that no interior damping control is required. Furthermore, our results remain valid regardless of the sign of the antidiffusion parameter. Numerical simulations are also given as an illustration of our theoretical result.
MScanFit motor unit number estimation of human anconeus muscle
Authors: Zong Ya , Lu Zhiyuan , Chen Maoqi , Xie Qin , Zhou Ping
Published: January 2022

Introduction/Aims

Motor unit number estimation (MUNE) studies of the anconeus muscle are very limited, although the information they provide is useful for neurophysiological investigations. The objective of this study was to estimate the number of motor units in the anconeus muscle.

Methods

Compound muscle action potential scans of the anconeus muscle were recorded from 11 healthy participants, all of whom were tested on two occasions. MUNE was determined from the MScanFit program.

Results

The average MUNE of the anconeus muscle was 55.09 ± 3.27 (mean ± standard error of the mean) for the first test and 54.64 ± 3.70 for the retest, demonstrating excellent measurement reliability, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.90.

Discussion

A relatively low motor unit number is found in the anconeus, a muscle not comprehensively studied in literature.
Temporal Trends in Macroscopic Indicators of Fish Health in the South Branch Potomac River
Authors: Keplinger Brandon , Hedrick James , Blazer Vicki S.
Published: January 2022

Over recent decades, the South Branch Potomac River, West Virginia, has experienced fish kills and episodes of suppressed health in adult fish that have spanned small stretches to nearly 120 km of contiguous habitat. Although factors such as endocrine disruption, chemical contaminants, and infectious agents have been detected, no single causal mechanism has been identified. To gain information about the temporal nature of abnormalities, differences in life stage impacts, and potential risk factors, investigations of rank scores of macroscopic fish health indicators were conducted utilizing seasonal and annual boat electrofishing surveys for Smallmouth Bass Micropterus dolomieu (SMB) and Golden Redhorse Moxostoma erythrurum (GDR). Gill and body abnormalities were assigned rank scores for each fish based on visual severity and were tested for correlation with seasonal climatic (flow and stream temperature) and environmental (stream pH, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity) factors. Comparisons between juveniles and adults for these species indicated that body lesions were more common for adult GDR and gill lesions were more common for adult SMB. Significantly higher rank sums of adult gill abnormalities corresponded with heavy annual mortality of SMB between ages 2 and 3 (86%), the period during which this species transitions from juvenile to adult length. Higher ranks were frequently assigned to fish of both species for gill and body/fin lesions in summer and fall samples. Low stream discharge and lower pH correlated with elevations of body raised lesions (GDR) and body erosions (GDR and SMB) as well as erosions of the gill lamellae (SMB). This study connects the disciplines of fisheries management, fish health, and environmental monitoring, providing information gained through tracking the macroscopic conditions of these two indicator species to focus future studies and better understand risks to fish health.
Evaluation of malnutrition risk and nutrition status in adult patients with common variable immunodeficiency
Authors: Yıldız Eray , Arslan Şevket , Çölkesen Fatih , Sadi Aykan Filiz , Evcen Recep , Kılınç Mehmet , Aytekin Gökhan
Published: January 2022

Background

The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of malnutrition in outpatients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) and the utility of nutrition screening tools to detect malnutrition in these patients.

Methods

Fifty outpatients with CVID were included in the study. Nutrition risk for each patient was evaluated using four nutrition screening tools: Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST), Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST), Short Nutritional Assessment Questionnaire (SNAQ), and Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS‐2002).

Results

According to MUST, MST, SNAQ, and NRS‐2002, malnutrition risk was determined to be 48% (n = 24), 26% (n = 13), 20% (n = 10), and 20% (n = 10), respectively. Malnutrition was detected in 54% (n = 27) of the patients. It was found that MUST showed a better correlation in detecting malnutrition in outpatients with CVID (κ = 0.482, P = 0.001). MUST has a higher positive and negative predictive value than other nutrition screening tools (79% and 70%, respectively). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, it was found that low serum immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels at diagnosis increased the risk of malnutrition by ∼15 times, and low CD19+ B‐cell counts increased the risk by approximately eight times.

Conclusion

The prevalence of malnutrition in patients with CVID was found to be quite high, and there was a strong correlation between malnutrition and low CD19+ B‐cell counts and low serum IgA levels. Given the high rate of malnutrition in patients with CVID, nutrition assessment is recommended rather than starting with nutrition screening.
Ocular abnormalities at diagnosis and after the completion of treatment in children and adolescents with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Gotti Giacomo , Stevenson Kristen , Kay‐Green Samantha , Blonquist Traci M. , Mantagos Jason S. , Silverman Lewis B. , Place Andrew E.
Published: January 2022

Background

Ocular abnormalities (OA) in pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are common findings both at diagnosis and later in follow‐up. The frequency, predictors, and prognostic impact of OA in the context of recent ALL protocols are not well characterized.

Procedure

Single‐center retrospective analysis of the medical records of 224 patients with ALL enrolled on Dana‐Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) ALL Consortium Protocol 05‐001.

Results

Overall, 217 (98%) patients had at least one ophthalmic exam. Retinal hemorrhages were the most frequent abnormalities at diagnosis (11%) and cataracts at later time points (13%). OA at diagnosis were associated with age ≥10 years and with the severity of anemia and thrombocytopenia; they were also univariately associated with lower 5‐year event‐free survival (EFS) (high risk [HR] = 3.09 [95% CI: 1.38–6.94]; p = .006), but not in a disease‐free survival (DFS) model adjusted for end‐induction minimal residual disease (p = .82). The cumulative incidence of cataract was 13.1% ± 2.8% at 43 months from diagnosis; its development was associated with high presenting white blood cell count (≥50,000/μl) (p = .010), male sex (p = .036), higher risk group (p = .025), and cranial radiation (p = .004). Cataract was associated with decreased visual acuity.

Conclusions

OA at diagnosis, present in 12% of patients, were associated with older age, anemia, and thrombocytopenia and did not carry a significant prognostic impact. Cataracts were detected in over 10% of patients and were associated with decreased visual acuity, thus supporting routine screening after completion of therapy, especially for those treated with high‐risk protocols.
Electrical treeing characteristics of alumina‐, zinc oxide‐, and organoclay‐nanoparticle‐filledXLPEnanocomposites
Authors: Hamzah Muhammad Safwan , Jaafar Mariatti , Ismail Hanafi , Mohd Jamil Mohamad Kamarol
Published: January 2022

Polymer nanocomposites have been widely exploited in different engineering applications like high‐voltage engineering application. This is mainly associated with the ease at which they can be tailored toward specific applications. In the present work, alumina‐ and organoclay‐based nanofillers were separately incorporated in cross‐linked polyethylene (XLPE). Different formulations of the XLPE nanocomposites were fabricated with the help of an internal mixer after which they were molded to produce test specimens. The effect of nanofiller variation (0.25 and 0.5 wt% loading) on the electrical treeing phenomenon is reported herein. It was observed that the incorporation of 0.5 wt% alumina significantly enhances the tree inception voltage. In addition, compared to 0.25 wt% alumina‐, 0.25 and 0.5 wt% organoclay‐filled XLPE nanocomposites, 0.5 wt% alumina was found to lower the length and growth of the electrical tree, as well as the expansion coefficient of the XLPE nanocomposite.
Iterative learning control for high‐speed trains with velocity and displacement constraints
Authors: Huang Deqing , Huang Tengfei , Chen Chunrong , Qin Na , Jin Xu , Wang Qingyuan , Chen Yong
Published: January 2022

In this article, a novel iterative learning control (ILC) scheme is presented for the operation control of high‐speed train (HST), where the velocity and displacement of HST are strictly limited to ensure safety and comfort. The model of HST constructed in the article is practical in the sense that both parametric and nonparametric uncertainties of system are addressed simultaneously. Backstepping design with the newly proposed barrier Lyapunov function is incorporated in analysis to ensure the uniform convergence of the state tracking error and that the constraint requirements on velocity and displacement would not be violated during the whole operation process. In the end, a simulation study is presented to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed ILC law.
On breadth‐first constructions of scaling limits of random graphs and random unicellular maps
Authors: Miermont Grégory , Sen Sanchayan
Published: January 2022

We give alternate constructions of (i) the scaling limit of the uniform connected graphs with given fixed surplus, and (ii) the continuum random unicellular map of a given genus that start with a suitably tilted Brownian continuum random tree and make “horizontal” point identifications, at random heights, using the local time measures. Consequently, this can be seen as a continuum analogue of the breadth‐first construction of a finite connected graph. In particular, this yields a breadth‐first construction of the scaling limit of the critical Erdős–Rényi random graph which answers a question posed by Addario‐Berry, Broutin, and Goldschmidt. As a consequence of this breadth‐first construction, we obtain descriptions of the radii, the distance profiles, and the two point functions of these spaces in terms of functionals of tilted Brownian excursions.
Arguing about argument and evidence: Disagreements and ambiguities in science education research and practice
Authors: Tang Xiaowei , Levin Daniel M. , Chumbley Alexander K. , Elby Andrew
Published: January 2022

Science education researchers agree about the importance of evidence in science practices such as argumentation. Yet, disagreements and ambiguities about what counts as “evidence” in science classrooms pervade the literature. We argue that these ambiguities and disagreements can be viewed as falling along three fault lines: (i) the source of evidence, specifically, whether it must be first‐hand; (ii) whether “evidence” must always be empirical; and (iii) the extent to which evidence is inferred, and what degree of inference transforms “evidence” into something else. In this paper, after showing how these three fault lines manifest in the literature, we argue that these three dimensions of disagreements and ambiguities are not confined to research and research‐based curricula; they are also salient in teachers' classroom practice, as illustrated by a dramatic, multiday debate between a mentor teacher and her teacher intern. After establishing the salience of the three fault lines in both research and practice, we explore whether Next Generation Science Standard (NGSS) can provide a resolution to the teachers' debate and to the disagreements/ambiguities in the literature. Our analysis reveals that NGSS reproduces rather than resolves those three fault lines—but in doing so, it invites a resolution of a different type. Instead of providing a single, precise, context‐independent definition of “evidence,” NGSS implicitly reflects a defensible view that what counts as “evidence” depends on the epistemic aims of the practices in which the students are engaged. This implied context‐dependency of what counts as good evidence use, we argue, could be made explicit in an addendum document clarifying aspects of NGSS. Doing so would provide valuable guidance to teachers, teacher educators, and researchers.
Science practice‐readiness: Novice elementary teachers' developing knowledge of science practices
Authors: Bismack Amber S. , Davis Elizabeth A. , Palincsar Annemarie S.
Published: January 2022

With the shifts in science education emphasizing the integration of science practices with science content, there is a need to know how teachers understand those science practices within their teaching practice. Our primary research question was, What do novice elementary teachers know about the science practices, in terms of what the practices are and how to engage students in the science practices? To answer that question, the current qualitative case study investigated how three novice elementary teachers' knowledge of the science practices is evident in their teaching practice across 4 years: 2 years in a practice‐based teacher education program and 2 years teaching. Data sources included videorecords of the teachers' science instruction, lesson plans, reflections, and interviews. The findings indicate that the novice elementary teachers' knowledge of the science practices and how to teach them varied, with their understanding of how to teach some science practices more evident than their knowledge of the nuances of the practices themselves. Across all of the science practices, they demonstrated a strong understanding that students should be the ones engaging in the intellectual work of the science practices, and not the teacher. As novice elementary teachers learn how to teach science, they may develop their science practice‐readiness, which can serve as a building block for understanding the science practices in greater depth with more teaching experience. The current study has implications for teacher educators when developing opportunities to support novices' understanding of the science practices in ways that can expand with more teaching experience.
Protein Needles Designed to Self‐Assemble through Needle Tip Engineering
Authors: Kikuchi Kosuke , Fukuyama Tatsuya , Uchihashi Takayuki , Furuta Tadaomi , Maeda Yusuke T. , Ueno Takafumi
Published: January 2022

The dynamic process of formation of protein assemblies is essential to form highly ordered structures in biological systems. Advances in structural and synthetic biology have led to the construction of artificial protein assemblies. However, development of design strategies exploiting the anisotropic shape of building blocks of protein assemblies has not yet been achieved. Here, the 2D assembly pattern of protein needles (PNs) is controlled by regulating their tip‐to‐tip interactions. The PN is an anisotropic needle‐shaped protein composed of β‐helix, foldon, and His‐tag. Three different types of tip‐modified PNs are designed by deleting the His‐tag and foldon to change the protein–protein interactions. Observing their assembly by high‐speed atomic force microscopy (HS‐AFM) reveals that PN, His‐tag deleted PN, and His‐tag and foldon deleted PN form triangular lattices, the monomeric state with nematic order, and fiber assemblies, respectively, on a mica surface. Their assembly dynamics are observed by HS‐AFM and analyzed by the theoretical models. Monte Carlo (MC) simulations indicate that the mica‐PN interactions and the flexible and multipoint His‐tag interactions cooperatively guide the formation of the triangular lattice. This work is expected to provide a new strategy for constructing supramolecular protein architectures by controlling directional interactions of anisotropic shaped proteins.
Fabrication Technologies for the On‐Chip Integration of 2D Materials
Authors: Jia Linnan , Wu Jiayang , Zhang Yuning , Qu Yang , Jia Baohua , Chen Zhigang , Moss David J.
Published: January 2022

With compact footprint, low energy consumption, high scalability, and mass producibility, chip‐scale integrated devices are an indispensable part of modern technological change and development. Recent advances in 2D layered materials with their unique structures and distinctive properties have motivated their on‐chip integration, yielding a variety of functional devices with superior performance and new features. To realize integrated devices incorporating 2D materials, it requires a diverse range of device fabrication techniques, which are of fundamental importance to achieve good performance and high reproducibility. This paper reviews the state‐of‐art fabrication techniques for the on‐chip integration of 2D materials. First, an overview of the material properties and on‐chip applications of 2D materials is provided. Second, different approaches used for integrating 2D materials on chips are comprehensively reviewed, which are categorized into material synthesis, on‐chip transfer, film patterning, and property tuning/modification. Third, the methods for integrating 2D van der Waals heterostructures are also discussed and summarized. Finally, the current challenges and future perspectives are highlighted.
CppyABM: An open‐source agent‐based modeling library to integrate C++ and Python
Authors: Nourisa Jalil , Zeller‐Plumhoff Berit , Willumeit‐Römer Regine
Published: January 2022

Agent‐based modeling (ABM) has been extensively used to study the collective behavior of systems emerging from the interaction of numerous independent individuals called agents. Python and C++ are commonly used for ABM thanks to their unique features; the latter offers superior performance while the former provides ease‐of‐use and rich libraries in data science, visualization, and machine learning. We present the framework CppyABM that unifies these features by providing identical ABM semantic and development styles in both C++ and Python as well as the essential binding tools to expose a certain functionality from C++ to Python. The binding feature allows users to tailor and further extend a type or function within Python while it is originally defined in C++. Using CppyABM, users can choose either C++ or Python depending on their expertise and the specialty of the model or combine them to benefit from the advantages of both languages simultaneously. We provide showcases of CppyABM capabilities using several examples in computational biology, ecology, and virology. These examples are implemented in different formats using either C++ or Python or a combination of both to provide a comparison between the performance of implementation scenarios. The results of the example show a clear performance advantage of the models entirely or partly implemented in C++ compared to purely Python‐based implementations.
Effects of environmental temperature on the mechanical properties of polyethylene fiber‐engineered cementitious composites
Authors: Dong Fangyuan , Yu Kequan , Yu Jiangtao , Wang Yichao , Liu Keke
Published: January 2022

Engineered cementitious composites (ECC) incorporated with synthetic fibers possess extraordinary tensile capacity; however, temperature sensitivity of synthetic fiber arouses concern about the reliability of ECC working at extremely environmental temperature. This article is aimed to study the influence of environmental temperatures, from −20 to 90°C, on the mechanical properties of polyethylene (PE) fiber reinforced ECC (PE‐ECC). Experiments were conducted from four different angles, that is, compressive, and tensile properties of composites, fiber bridging behavior of composites, fracture toughness of cementitious matrix, and tensile property of PE fiber bundle. It is demonstrated that temperatures have significant impacts on the tensile and compressive strength of PE‐ECC. Furthermore, the test results indicated that the tensile strength of PE fiber, fracture toughness of matrix and fiber bridging strength all decreased, while the elongation of fiber and crack opening displacement are increased with temperature increasing from −20 to 90°C. On this basis, a pseudo‐strain‐hardening index is utilized to explain the mechanism underlying the temperature‐dependent behaviors of PE‐ECC.
The GeneCards Suite
Authors: Safran Marilyn , Rosen Naomi , Twik Michal , BarShir Ruth , Stein Tsippi Iny , Dahary Dvir , Fishilevich Simon , Lancet Doron
Published: January 2022

The GeneCards®database of human genes was launched in 1997 and has expanded since then to encompass gene-centric, disease-centric, and pathway-centric entities and relationships within the GeneCards Suite, effectively navigating the universe of human biological data—genes, proteins, cells, regulatory elements, biological pathways, and diseases—and the connections among them. The knowledgebase amalgamates information from >150 selected sources related to genes, proteins, ncRNAs, regulatory elements, chemical compounds, drugs, splice variants, SNPs, signaling molecules, differentiation protocols, biological pathways, stem cells, genetic tests, clinical trials, diseases, publications, and more and empowers the suite’s Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), gene set, shared descriptors, and batch query analysis tools.
Chaos and pole-skipping in rotating black holes
Authors: Blake Mike , Davison Richard A.
Published: January 2022

Abstract

We study the connection between many-body quantum chaos and energy dynamics for the holographic theory dual to the Kerr-AdS black hole. In particular, we determine a partial differential equation governing the angular profile of gravitational shock waves that are relevant for the computation of out-of-time ordered correlation functions (OTOCs). Further we show that this shock wave profile is directly related to the behaviour of energy fluctuations in the boundary theory. In particular, we demonstrate using the Teukolsky formalism that at complex frequency ω∗ = i2πT there exists an extra ingoing solution to the linearised Einstein equations whenever the angular profile of metric perturbations near the horizon satisfies this shock wave equation. As a result, for metric perturbations with such temporal and angular profiles we find that the energy density response of the boundary theory exhibit the signatures of “pole-skipping” — namely, it is undefined, but exhibits a collective mode upon a parametrically small deformation of the profile. Additionally, we provide an explicit computation of the OTOC in the equatorial plane for slowly rotating large black holes, and show that its form can be used to obtain constraints on the dispersion relations of collective modes in the dual CFT.
Insuffizienzfraktur der Klavikula nach Implantation einer inversen Schulterendoprothese
Authors: Streck Laura Elisa , Seefried Lothar , Genest Franca , Reichel Thomas , Rudert Maximilian , Rueckl Kilian
Published: January 2022

Wir stellen den seltenen Fall einer Insuffizienzfraktur der Klavikula nach Implantation einer inversen Schulterendoprothese (RSA) vor. Als Ursache solcher Frakturen wird eine vermehrte Zugbelastung durch den Musculus deltoideus nach RSA diskutiert. In den wenigen verfügbaren Fallberichten zeigten die betroffenen Patienten deutliche Funktionseinschränkungen. Die Versorgung erfolgte im vorliegenden Fall mit Plattenosteosynthese. Trotz intraoperativ gutem Korrekturergebnis kam es im Verlauf ohne Trauma zum Osteosyntheseversagen mit weiterer Dislokation der Fraktur.
Discrete adjoint methodology for general multiphysics problems
Authors: Burghardt Ole , Gomes Pedro , Kattmann Tobias , Economon Thomas D. , Gauger Nicolas R. , Palacios Rafael
Published: January 2022

This article presents a methodology whereby adjoint solutions for partitioned multiphysics problems can be computed efficiently, in a way that is completely independent of the underlying physical sub-problems, the associated numerical solution methods, and the number and type of couplings between them. By applying the reverse mode of algorithmic differentiation to each discipline, and by using a specialized recording strategy, diagonal and cross terms can be evaluated individually, thereby allowing different solution methods for the generic coupled problem (for example block-Jacobi or block-Gauss-Seidel). Based on an implementation in the open-source multiphysics simulation and design software SU2, we demonstrate how the same algorithm can be applied for shape sensitivity analysis on a heat exchanger (conjugate heat transfer), a deforming wing (fluid–structure interaction), and a cooled turbine blade where both effects are simultaneously taken into account.
Proton motive force underpins respiration-mediated potentiation of aminoglycoside lethality in pathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Webster Calum M. , Woody Ayrianna M. , Fusseini Safura , Holmes Louis G. , Robinson Gary K. , Shepherd Mark
Published: January 2022

It is well known that loss of aerobic respiration in Gram-negative bacteria can diminish the efficacy of a variety of bactericidal antibiotics, which has lead to subsequent demonstrations that the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the proton motive force (PMF) can both play a role in antibiotic toxicity. The susceptibility of Gram-negative bacteria to aminoglycoside antibiotics, particularly gentamicin, has previously been linked to both the production of ROS and the rate of antibiotic uptake that is mediated by the PMF, although the relative contributions of ROS and PMF to aminoglycoside toxicity has remained poorly understood. Herein, gentamicin was shown to elicit a very modest increase in ROS levels in an aerobically grown Escherichia coli clinical isolate. The well-characterised uncoupler 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) was used to disrupt the PMF, which resulted in a significant decrease in gentamicin lethality towards E. coli. DNP did not significantly alter respiratory oxygen consumption, supporting the hypothesis that this uncoupler does not increase ROS production via elevated respiratory oxidase activity. These observations support the hypothesis that maintenance of PMF rather than induction of ROS production underpins the mechanism for how the respiratory chain potentiates the toxicity of aminoglycosides. This was further supported by the demonstration that the uncoupler DNP elicits a dramatic decrease in gentamicin lethality under anaerobic conditions. Together, these data strongly suggest that maintenance of the PMF is the dominant mechanism for the respiratory chain in potentiating the toxic effects of aminoglycosides.
Methanol-induced optic neuropathy: a still-present problem
Authors: Liberski Sławomir , Kaluzny Bartlomiej J. , Kocięcki Jarosław
Published: January 2022

Methanol-induced optic neuropathy (Me-ION) is a serious condition that may result in long-term or irreversible visual impairment or even blindness secondary to damage and loss of function of the optic nerve and retina. Me-ION shows a tendency to occur as mass poisonings around the world with a clear predilection for poor societies in developing countries. The main mechanism underlying the molecular basis of Me-ION is the inhibition of the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation process through the binding of the toxic metabolite of methanol—formic acid—with the key enzyme of this process—cytochrome c oxidase. However, other mechanisms, including damage to the eye tissues by oxidative stress causing the intensification of the oxidative peroxidation process with the formation of cytotoxic compounds, as well as an increase in the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines and influence on the expression of key proteins responsible for maintaining cell homeostasis, also play an important role in the pathogenesis of Me-ION. Histopathological changes in the eye tissues are mainly manifested as the degeneration of axons and glial cells of the optic nerve, often with accompanying damage of the retina that may involve all its layers. Despite the development of therapeutic approaches, persistent visual sequelae are seen in 30–40% of survivors. Thus, Me-ION continues to be an important problem for healthcare systems worldwide.
Valuative stability of polarised varieties
Authors: Dervan Ruadhaí , Legendre Eveline
Published: January 2022

Fujita and Li have given a characterisation of K-stability of a Fano variety in terms of quantities associated to valuations, which has been essential to all recent progress in the area. We introduce a notion of valuative stability for arbitrary polarised varieties, and show that it is equivalent to K-stability with respect to test configurations with integral central fibre. The numerical invariant governing valuative stability is modelled on Fujita’s$$\beta $$β-invariant, but includes a term involving the derivative of the volume. We give several examples of valuatively stable and unstable varieties, including the toric case. We also discuss the role that the$$\delta $$δ-invariant plays in the study of valuative stability and K-stability of polarised varieties.