bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
External nasal gland morphology of Eurycea bislineata (Amphibia, Urodela, Plethodontidae)
Authors: Trame Samantha D. , Denova Jacob R. , Pereira Kenzie E. , McClelland Sara J. , Gribbins Kevin M. , Rheubert Justin L. , Siegel Dustin S.
Published: June 2022

Plethodontid salamanders possess numerous courtship glands. Previous studies have shown that the glands are more prominent in male individuals than females, and often experience periods of atrophy and hypertrophy throughout the year that correlate to the nonmating and mating seasons, respectively. We sampled male and female Eurycea bislineata throughout the year to test the hypothesis that external nasal glands are courtship glands. External nasal glands are paired, branched tubular glands that extend from excretory ducts dorsal to the nares to terminal secretory units posterior to the eyes. We found that the glands hypertrophy and stain/react more intensely with histochemical procedures during the mating season. Hypertrophy of the glands is more pronounced in males, and seasonal variation in epithelial height of external nasal glands of males is significantly correlated to that of seasonal variation in mental gland epithelial height, a known courtship gland found in males, when compared throughout the year. This correlation was not as strong in females, confirming sexual dimorphism of external nasal glands in terms of seasonal variation. We found no ultrastructural differences between male and female external nasal glands. In all specimens, the glandular tubules were lined by a simple, columnar epithelium that was packed with secretory granules that often obscured other cytoplasmic contents.
Stock market reaction to global supply chain disruptions from the 2018 US government ban on ZTE
Authors: Jacobs Brian W. , Singhal Vinod R. , Zhan Xinrui
Published: June 2022

Government trade actions are an increasing source of supply chain risk. This research provides empirical evidence of the stock market reaction to trade actions against a targeted firm on other firms in the targeted firm's supply chain eco‐system. We test our hypothesized stock price effects using the case of the 2018 US government ban on US firms from supplying to ZTE, a Chinese telecommunications manufacturer. We estimate the ban's effects on ZTE's tier‐one US and non‐US suppliers, as well as the upstream and downstream supply chain propagation effects by considering ZTE's tier‐two suppliers and business customers. We also estimate impacts to ZTE's competitors. We find that tier‐one US suppliers experienced a stock price effect of −3.33% following the ban, and the reaction was more negative for those suppliers more dependent on ZTE for revenues. We find a stock price effect on tier‐two suppliers of −0.40%, but an insignificant effect on non‐US tier‐one suppliers. Business customers experienced a stock price effect of 0.66%, and the competitors' stock price effect was 1.34%. The reversal of the ban 4 weeks later resulted in a stock price effect of 1.56% for tier‐one US suppliers, 1.72% for tier‐one non‐US suppliers, and 1.35% for competitors.
Strong Neel Ordering and Luminescence Correlation in a Two‐Dimensional Antiferromagnet
Authors: Zhou Yongheng , He Kaiyue , Hu Huamin , Ouyang Gang , Zhu Chao , Wang Wei , Qin Sichen , Tao Ye , Chen Runfeng , Zhang Le , Shi Run , Cheng Chun , Wang Han , Liu Yanjun , Liu Zheng , Wang Taihong , Huang Wei , Wang Lin , Chen Xiaolong
Published: June 2022

Magneto‐optical effect has been widely used in light modulation, optical sensing, and information storage. Recently discovered 2D van der Waals layered magnets are considered as promising platforms for investigating novel magneto‐optical phenomena and devices, due to the long‐range magnetic ordering down to atomically thin thickness, rich species, and tunable properties. However, majority 2D antiferromagnets suffer from low luminescence efficiency which hinders their magneto‐optical investigations and applications. This work uncovers strong light‐magnetic ordering interactions in 2D antiferromagnetic MnPS3 using a newly‐emerged near‐infrared photoluminescence (PL) mode far below its intrinsic bandgap. This ingap PL mode shows strong correlation with the Neel ordering and persists down to monolayer thickness. Combining the density‐functional theory (DFT), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), this work illustrates the origin of the PL mode and its correlation with Neel ordering, which can be attributed to the oxygen ion‐mediated states. Moreover, the PL strength can be further tuned and enhanced using ultraviolet‐ozone (UVO) treatment. The studies offer an effective approach to investigate light‐magnetic ordering interactions in 2D antiferromagnetic semiconductors.
Hybrid Integration of Deterministic Quantum Dot‐Based Single‐Photon Sources with CMOS‐Compatible Silicon Carbide Photonics
Authors: Zhu Yifan , Wei Wenqi , Yi Ailun , Jin Tingting , Shen Chen , Wang Xudong , Zhou Liping , Wang Chengli , Ou Weiwen , Song Sannian , Wang Ting , Zhang Jianjun , Ou Xin , Zhang Jiaxiang
Published: June 2022

Thin film 4H‐silicon carbide (4H‐SiC) is emerging as a contender for realizing large‐scale optical quantum circuits due to its high CMOS technology compatibility and large optical nonlinearities. Though, challenges remain in producing wafer‐scale 4H‐SiC thin film on insulator (4H‐SiCOI) for dense integration of photonic circuits, and in efficient coupling of deterministic quantum emitters that are essential for scalable quantum photonics. Here, hybrid integration of self‐assembled InGaAs quantum dot (QD)‐based single‐photon sources (SPSs) with wafer‐scale 4H‐SiC photonic chips prepared by ion slicing technique is demonstrated. By designing a bilayer vertical coupler, generation and highly efficient routing of single‐photon emission in the hybrid quantum photonic chip are realized. Furthermore, a chip‐integrated beamsplitter operation for triggered single photons through fabricating a 1 × 2 multimode interferometer (MMI) with a symmetric power splitting ratio of 50:50 is realized. The successful demonstration of heterogeneously integrating QD‐based SPSs on 4H‐SiC photonic chip prepared by ion slicing technique constitutes an important step toward CMOS‐compatible, fast reconfigurable quantum photonic circuits with deterministic SPSs.
Jackfruit Starch Based Blends with Polyvinylpyrrolidone: Preparation, Structural Characterization, and Biodegradable Properties
Authors: Pokhrel Shanta , Limbu Shova Kumari , Subedi Subhangi
Published: June 2022

Starch is extracted from the seeds of ripen jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) cultivated in Nepal by treating with distilled water and alkali solution. The properties of extracted starch are evaluated by measuring ash content, moisture content, and amylose content. A series of starch‐based biodegradable blends with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) are prepared through solution casting method and their biodegradable properties are studied. The blend is characterized by thickness measurement, water solubility test, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), optical microscopy, and biodegradability test. The thickness measurement shows the linear increase in thickness of the blend with the addition of starch. The water solubility test reveals the higher solubility of PVP in water than that of the starch. FTIR spectra of PVP/thermoplastic starch (PVP/TPS) blends exhibit the existence of relevant functional groups of both starch and PVP, the peaks shifting, and the change in nature of the peaks after degradation. Optical microscopy reveals the nonuniform dispersion of starch particles in the PVP matrix and the appearance of holes and fractures in composite subjected to compost soil for degradation. The biodegradability study proves that the loading of starch to PVP accelerates the degradation process.
Highlighting the Dystonic Phenotype Related to GNAO1
Authors: Wirth Thomas , Garone Giacomo , Kurian Manju A. , Piton Amélie , Millan Francisca , Telegrafi Aida , Drouot Nathalie , Rudolf Gabrielle , Chelly Jamel , Marks Warren , Burglen Lydie , Demailly Diane , Coubes Phillipe , Castro‐Jimenez Mayte , Joriot Sylvie , Ghoumid Jamal , Belin Jérémie , Faucheux Jean‐Marc , Blumkin Lubov , Hull Mariam , Parnes Mered , Ravelli Claudia , Poulen Gaëtan , Calmels Nadège , Nemeth Andrea H. , Smith Martin , Barnicoat Angela , Ewenczyk Claire , Méneret Aurélie , Roze Emmanuel , Keren Boris , Mignot Cyril , Beroud Christophe , Acosta Fernando , Nowak Catherine , Wilson William G. , Steel Dora , Capuano Alessandro , Vidailhet Marie , Lin Jean‐Pierre , Tranchant Christine , Cif Laura , Doummar Diane , Anheim Mathieu
Published: June 2022

Background

Most reported patients carrying GNAO1 mutations showed a severe phenotype characterized by early‐onset epileptic encephalopathy and/or chorea.

Objective

The aim was to characterize the clinical and genetic features of patients with mild GNAO1‐related phenotype with prominent movement disorders.

Methods

We included patients diagnosed with GNAO1‐related movement disorders of delayed onset (>2 years). Patients experiencing either severe or profound intellectual disability or early‐onset epileptic encephalopathy were excluded.

Results

Twenty‐four patients and 1 asymptomatic subject were included. All patients showed dystonia as prominent movement disorder. Dystonia was focal in 1, segmental in 6, multifocal in 4, and generalized in 13. Six patients showed adolescence or adulthood‐onset dystonia. Seven patients presented with parkinsonism and 3 with myoclonus. Dysarthria was observed in 19 patients. Mild and moderate ID were present in 10 and 2 patients, respectively.

Conclusion

We highlighted a mild GNAO1‐related phenotype, including adolescent‐onset dystonia, broadening the clinical spectrum of this condition. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Fatty acid feedstocks enable a highly efficient glyoxylate‐TCA cycle for high‐yield production of β‐alanine
Authors: Miao Yingchun , Liu Jiao , Wang Xuanlin , Liu Bo , Liu Weifeng , Tao Yong
Published: June 2022

Metabolic engineering to produce tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle‐derived chemicals is usually associated with problems of low production yield and impaired cellular metabolism. In this work, we found that fatty acid (FA) feedstocks could enable high‐yield production of TCA cycle‐derived chemicals, while maintaining an efficient and balanced metabolic flux of the glyoxylate‐TCA cycle, which is favorable for both product synthesis and cell growth. Here, we designed a novel synthetic pathway for production of β‐alanine, an important TCA cycle‐derived product, from FAs with a high theortecial yield of 1.391 g/g. By introducing panD, improving aspA, and knocking out iclR, glyoxylate shunt was highly activated in FAs and the yield of β‐alanine reached 0.71 g/g from FAs, much higher than from glucose. Blocking the TCA cycle at icd/sucA/fumAC nodes could increase β‐alanine yield in a flask cultivation, but severely reduced cell growth and FA utilization during fed‐batch processes. Replenishing oxaloacetate by knocking out aspC and recovering fumAC could restore the growth and lead to a titer of 35.57 g/l. After relieving the oxidative stress caused by FA metabolism, β‐alanine production could reach 72.05 g/l with a maximum yield of 1.24 g/g, about 86% of the theoretical yield. Our study thus provides a promising strategy for the production of TCA cycle‐derived chemicals.
Modeling and electromechanical performance analysis of polyvinylidene difluoride/textile‐system for energy harvesting from the human body toward a novel class of self‐powered sensors
Authors: boutaldat Meriem , Chakhchaoui Nabil , Eddiai Adil , Meddad Mounir , Cherkaoui Omar , Rguiti Mohamed , Mazroui M'hamed
Published: June 2022

Because batteries' ability to power portable and wireless devices is limited, a great deal of research has been conducted on energy harvesting technology as a self‐power source for portable devices. Harvesting mechanical energy from human motion is an attractive approach to obtaining green and renewable energy by converting wasted ambient energy to electrical power. Hence, integrating an energy harvester into shoes is among the most interesting possibilities for harvesting energy from the body. In this paper, we explore the effect of flexible substrate mechanical parameters on the energy harvesting capability of a flexible piezoelectric film. Analytical modeling and simulations of a smart structure composed by polyvinylidene fluoride film stuck on three different textiles substrates have been done to evaluate the ability of this approach to harvest energy and its application within shoes to transform mechanical energy generated by the foot while walking into electrical energy. The maximum harvested power of the polyvinylidene difluoride film under 200 N compressive force was found to be 5.37 μW on a Cotton textile, which is a potentially useful amount of energy.
Synthesis and characterization of sea urchin spike strengthened grape seed oil‐epoxy composite coating material
Authors: S. Rajendran , Yakkala Bhaskarrao , P. Jayaraman , L. Natrayan
Published: June 2022

High toughness grape seed oil‐epoxy based composite coating material was prepared in this present study with sea urchin (Echinoidea) spike particle (SSP) for weather protection and insect repellent anti rusting coating applications. The main aim of this research was to study the effect of adding SSP along with grape seed oil in epoxy resin composite and their mechanical, thermal and barrier properties. The SSP used in this present study was prepared from marine waste dead sea‐urchin spikes using ball‐milling process. The prepared particles are then silane treated using aminosilane via acid hydrolysis. According to the results of the present study, the hardness values showed an increment of 7% for 4.0 vol% of SSP and 10 vol% of grape seed oil for composite designation EGS4. Similarly, the wear properties showed that the sp. wear rate and COF decreases up to 0.007 mm3/Nm and 0.51 for composite designation EGS4. However, for 10 vol% of grape seed oil and 0.5 vol% minimum mechanical properties were observed. The better thermal stability was observed for composite designation EGS4 whereas the barrier properties increased with 10 vol% of grape seed oil and 0.5 vol% of SSP. Nevertheless it is noted that the addition of SSP reduces the oxygen permeability and marginally increased the water permeability. These mechanically, thermally and barrier properties strengthened epoxy bio composite coating materials could be used in food packaging, medical and household product making applications.
The utility of pathologic examination and comprehensive phenotyping for accurate diagnosis with perinatal exome sequencing
Authors: Swanson Kate , Norton Mary E. , Lianoglou Billie R. , Jelin Angie C. , Hodoglugil Ugur , Van Ziffle Jessica , Devine Patrick , Sparks Teresa N.
Published: June 2022

Objective

Exome sequencing (ES) offers the ability to assess for variants in thousands of genes and is particularly useful in the setting of fetal anomalies. However, the ES pipeline relies on a thorough understanding of an individual patient's phenotype, which may be limited in the prenatal setting. Additional pathology evaluations in the pre‐ and postnatal settings can add phenotypic details important for clearly establishing and characterizing a diagnosis.

Methods

This is a case series of prenatal ES performed at our institution in which pathology evaluations, including autopsy, dysmorphology examination, histology, and peripheral blood smear, augmented the understanding of the fetal phenotype. ES was performed at our institution and a multidisciplinary panel reviewed and classified the variants for each case.

Results

We present four cases wherein pathology evaluations were beneficial for supporting a perinatal diagnosis identified with ES. In each of these cases, pathology findings provided additional data to support a more complete understanding of the relationship between the perinatal phenotype and variants identified with ES.

Conclusion

These cases highlight challenges of perinatal ES related to incomplete prenatal phenotyping, demonstrate the utility of pathology evaluations to support diagnoses identified with ES, and further characterize the disease manifestations of specific genetic variants.
29‐Plex tandem mass tag mass spectrometry enabling accurate quantification by interference correction
Authors: Sun Huan , Poudel Suresh , Vanderwall David , Lee Dong Geun , Li Yuxin , Peng Junmin
Published: June 2022

Tandem mass tag (TMT) mass spectrometry is a mainstream isobaric chemical labeling strategy for profiling proteomes. Here we present a 29‐plex TMT method to combine the 11‐plex and 18‐plex labeling strategies. The 29‐plex method was examined with a pooled sample composed of 1×, 3×, and 10× Escherichia coli peptides with 100× human background peptides, which generated two E. coli datasets (TMT11 and TMT18), displaying the distorted ratios of 1.0:1.7:4.2 and 1.0:1.8:4.9, respectively. This ratio compression from the expected 1:3:10 ratios was caused by co‐isolated TMT‐labeled ions (i.e., noise). Interestingly, the mixture of two TMT sets produced MS/MS spectra with unique features for the noise detection: (i) in TMT11‐labeled spectra, TMT18‐specific reporter ions (e.g., 135N) were shown as the noise; (ii) in TMT18‐labeled spectra, the TMT11/TMT18‐shared reporter ions (e.g., 131C) typically exhibited higher intensities than TMT18‐specific reporter ions, due to contaminated TMT11‐labeled ions in these shared channels. We further estimated the noise levels contributed by both TMT11‐ and TMT18‐labeled peptides, and corrected reporter ion intensities in every spectrum. Finally, the anticipated 1:3:10 ratios were largely restored. This strategy was also validated using another 29‐plex sample with 1:5 ratios. Thus the 29‐plex method expands the TMT throughput and enhances the quantitative accuracy.
Comparison of nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation and bubble CPAP with an in‐line high‐frequency interrupter in a premature infant lung model
Authors: Rub David M. , Sivieri Emidio M. , Abbasi Soraya , Sieberlich William , Eichenwald Eric C.
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Noninvasive ventilation has become a staple in the care of premature infants. However, failure rates continue to be high in this population. Modifications to noninvasive support, such as nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV), are used clinically to reduce such failure. Previous in vitro studies have shown improved CO2 clearance when superimposing high‐frequency oscillations onto bubble continuous positive airway pressure (BCPAP).

Objective

To compare the CO2 clearance of NIPPV to BCPAP with an in‐line high‐frequency interrupter (HFI) in a premature infant lung model.

Methods

A premature infant lung model was connected to either a Dräger VN500 for delivery of NIPPV or a BCPAP device with superimposed high‐frequency oscillations generated by an in‐line HFI. Change in end‐tidal CO2 (ETCO2) and mean airway pressure at the simulated trachea were measured and compared for both noninvasive modalities.

Results

Superimposing HF oscillations onto BCPAP with an in‐line HFI resulted in improved CO2 clearance relative to BCPAP alone for all tested oscillation frequencies at all CPAP levels (p < 0.001). NIPPV also resulted in improved CO2 clearance relative to nasal CPAP (NCPAP) alone (p < 0.001). Among the tested settings, BCPAP with an in‐line HFI resulted in decreased ETCO2 relative to BCPAP ranging from –14% to –36%, while NIPPV resulted in decreased ETCO2 relative to NCPAP ranging from –2% to –12%.

Conclusion

Superimposing high‐frequency oscillations onto BCPAP using a novel in‐line HFI was found to be more effective at clearing CO2 than NIPPV in a premature infant lung model.
Ca2+ attenuates nucleation activity of leiomodin
Authors: Smith Garry E. , Tolkatchev Dmitri , Risi Cristina , Little Madison , Gregorio Carol C. , Galkin Vitold E. , Kostyukova Alla S.
Published: June 2022

A transient increase in Ca2+ concentration in sarcomeres is essential for their proper function. Ca2+ drives striated muscle contraction via binding to the troponin complex of the thin filament to activate its interaction with the myosin thick filament. In addition to the troponin complex, the myosin essential light chain and myosin‐binding protein C were also found to be Ca2+ sensitive. However, the effects of Ca2+ on the function of the tropomodulin family proteins involved in regulating thin filament formation have not yet been studied. Leiomodin, a member of the tropomodulin family, is an actin nucleator and thin filament elongator. Using pyrene‐actin polymerization assay and transmission electron microscopy, we show that the actin nucleation activity of leiomodin is attenuated by Ca2+. Using circular dichroism and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, we demonstrate that the mostly disordered, negatively charged region of leiomodin located between its first two actin‐binding sites binds Ca2+. We propose that Ca2+ binding to leiomodin results in the attenuation of its nucleation activity. Our data provide further evidence regarding the role of Ca2+ as an ultimate regulator of the ensemble of sarcomeric proteins essential for muscle function.

Summary Statement

Ca2+ fluctuations in striated muscle sarcomeres modulate contractile activity via binding to several distinct families of sarcomeric proteins. The effects of Ca2+ on the activity of leiomodin—an actin nucleator and thin filament length regulator—have remained unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that Ca2+ binds directly to leiomodin and attenuates its actin nucleating activity. Our data emphasizes the ultimate role of Ca2+ in the regulation of the sarcomeric protein interactions.
AlphaFold accurately predicts distinct conformations based on the oligomeric state of a de novo designed protein
Authors: Cummins Matthew C. , Jacobs Tim M. , Teets Frank D. , DiMaio Frank , Tripathy Ashutosh , Kuhlman Brian
Published: June 2022

Using the molecular modeling program Rosetta, we designed a de novo protein, called SEWN0.1, which binds the heterotrimeric G protein Gαq. The design is helical, well‐folded, and primarily monomeric in solution at a concentration of 10 μM. However, when we solved the crystal structure of SEWN0.1 at 1.9 Å, we observed a dimer in a conformation incompatible with binding Gαq. Unintentionally, we had designed a protein that adopts alternate conformations depending on its oligomeric state. Recently, there has been tremendous progress in the field of protein structure prediction as new methods in artificial intelligence have been used to predict structures with high accuracy. We were curious if the structure prediction method AlphaFold could predict the structure of SEWN0.1 and if the prediction depended on oligomeric state. When AlphaFold was used to predict the structure of monomeric SEWN0.1, it produced a model that resembles the Rosetta design model and is compatible with binding Gαq, but when used to predict the structure of a dimer, it predicted a conformation that closely resembles the SEWN0.1 crystal structure. AlphaFold's ability to predict multiple conformations for a single protein sequence should be useful for engineering protein switches.
Identification of 121 variants of honey bee Vitellogenin protein sequences with structural differences at functional sites
Authors: Leipart Vilde , Ludvigsen Jane , Kent Matthew , Sandve Simen , To Thu‐Hien , Árnyasi Mariann , Kreibich Claus D. , Dahle Bjørn , Amdam Gro V.
Published: June 2022

Proteins are under selection to maintain central functions and to accommodate needs that arise in ever‐changing environments. The positive selection and neutral drift that preserve functions result in a diversity of protein variants. The amount of diversity differs between proteins: multifunctional or disease‐related proteins tend to have fewer variants than proteins involved in some aspects of immunity. Our work focuses on the extensively studied protein Vitellogenin (Vg), which in honey bees (Apis mellifera) is multifunctional and highly expressed and plays roles in immunity. Yet, almost nothing is known about the natural variation in the coding sequences of this protein or how amino acid‐altering variants might impact structure–function relationships. Here, we map out allelic variation in honey bee Vg using biological samples from 15 countries. The successful barcoded amplicon Nanopore sequencing of 543 bees revealed 121 protein variants, indicating a high level of diversity in Vg. We find that the distribution of non‐synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) differs between protein regions with different functions; domains involved in DNA and protein–protein interactions contain fewer nsSNPs than the protein's lipid binding cavities. We outline how the central functions of the protein can be maintained in different variants and how the variation pattern may inform about selection from pathogens and nutrition.
Nuclear quantum effect and H/D isotope effect in excited state intramolecular proton transfer and electron‐induced intramolecular proton transfer reactions in 8‐hydroxyquinoline
Authors: Udagawa Taro , Hattori Ikumi , Kanematsu Yusuke , Ishimoto Takayoshi , Tachikawa Masanori
Published: June 2022

The optimum exponent () value in 1s Gaussian type function (GTF) was analyzed to develop nuclear basis function for multicomponent quantum mechanics (MC_QM) calculations, in which nuclear quantum effects are directly included, on electronic excited state. We have demonstrated that the general values proposed for MC_QM calculations () on electronic ground state are also useful for the MC_QM calculations on excited state. In addition, we also analyzed the value for the MC_QM calculation of transition state (TS) structures. Although the values for TS structures are smaller than those for energy‐minimum structures, indicating that the nuclear wavefunction becomes more diffusive at TS, H/D isotope effects in TS structures can be adequately analyzed using the values. We have demonstrated that 1s GTF with the value is useful for the MC_QM calculation on not only electronic ground state but also excited states and calculation of TS structures.
A combinatorial proof of Aldous–Broder theorem for general Markov chains
Authors: Fredes Luis , Marckert Jean‐François
Published: June 2022

Aldous–Broder algorithm is a famous algorithm used to sample a uniform spanning tree of any finite connected graph , but it is more general: given an irreducible and reversible Markov chain on started at , the tree rooted at formed by the first entrance steps in each node (different from the root) has a probability proportional to , where the edges are directed toward . In this article we give proofs of Aldous–Broder theorem in the general case, where the kernel is irreducible but not assumed to be reversible (this generalized version appeared recently in Hu, Lyons, and Tang [5]). We provide two new proofs: an adaptation of the classical argument, which is purely probabilistic, and a new proof based on combinatorial arguments. On the way we introduce a new combinatorial object that we call the golf sequences.
Resilience to climate change‐caused flooding—Metro Vancouver case study
Authors: Simonovic Slobodan P. , Peck Angela
Published: June 2022

Climate variability, together with other drivers of global change (like population growth, land‐use change, etc.), is affecting the management of floods. Traditional approaches are no longer sufficient to address the increased pressures that areas vulnerable to flooding are facing. A paradigm shift from flood risk reduction to flood resilience‐building strategies is required. An analytical framework is developed to help quantify, compare, and visualize dynamic resilience to flooding to address some shortcomings in current resilience assessment research. The proposed methodological framework for flood resilience combines physical, economic, engineering, health, and social spatio‐temporal impacts and adaptive capacities of flood‐affected systems. To capture the dynamic spatio‐temporal characteristics of resilience and gauge the effectiveness of potential climate change adaptation options, a flood resilience simulation tool (FRST) is developed to use the analytical framework. The FRST is applied to a case study in Metro Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The simulation model focuses on the impacts of climate change‐influenced riverine flooding and sea‐level rise. Simulation results suggest that various adaptation options, such as access to emergency funding, mobile hospital services, and managed retreat can all help to increase resilience to flooding. Results also suggest that, at a regional scale, Metro Vancouver is rather resilient to climate change‐influenced flood hazards.
Sensitivity enhancement of microelectromechanical sensors using femtosecond laser for biological and chemical applications
Authors: Al‐Gawati Mahmoud A. , Albrithen Hamad , Alhazaa Abdulaziz N. , Alodhayb Abdullah N.
Published: June 2022

Rapid, selective, and highly sensitive microelectromechanical sensors are a promising technology for biosensing, medical recognition, and the detection of chemical hazards. At the same time, the surfaces of silicon microcantilevers cannot bond with thiols and cannot be functionalized without a bonding layer, such as gold. Therefore, in past literature, the surfaces of silicon microcantilevers have been coated with gold to facilitate their bonding with the thiol functional groups on the probe layers. However, gold coating produces thermal noise in the results owing to the metallic effect. Accordingly, this study aimed to modify the surface of silicon microcantilevers by patterning it using femtosecond laser (FSL) micromachining so that it could bond with the thiol functional groups with high sensitivity. The surface patterning of silicon microcantilevers enhances their physical, micromechanical, and chemical properties, increasing sensitivity by increasing the quality factor, specific surface area, and creating trapping areas on the microcantilever surfaces. The surfaces of the silicon microcantilever were patterned by microgrooves aligned from the free end to the bounded end, with each microgroove comprising submicrogrooves. To demonstrate their use in a biosensing applications, the modified microcantilevers were functionalized to detect severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2; COVID‐19) by immobilizing thiolated oligonucleotides on the surfaces, which worked as the probe layer. The modified biosensor was used to detect low concentrations of SSDNA sequence targets ranging from 300 nM down to 100 pM. The modified silicon‐microcantilever sensors were directly functionalized without a joining layer, such as a gold layer. The results revealed a selective response to SARS‐CoV‐2 SSDNA down to a 9‐nM concentration. To detect hazardous chemicals, the modified microcantilever was functionalized using reduced L‐cysteine to detect Pb2+ at low concentrations down to 100 pM. The results revealed enhanced sensitivity and selectivity and demonstrated that the FSL patterning activated the microcantilevers to bond with probe layers through the interaction of the silanol created on the surface with the functional groups, such as the thiols, on the probe layers. The microcantilevers patterned with 10 microgrooves exhibited higher responses than those patterned with seven microgrooves.
Construction of a pH‐Mediated Single‐Molecule Switch with a Nanopore‐DNA Complex
Authors: Hu Wei‐Hu , Zhou Ke , Liu Lei , Wu Hai‐Chen
Published: June 2022

A molecular switch is one of the simplest examples of artificial molecular machines. Even so, the development of molecular switches is still at its very early stage. Currently, building single‐molecule switches mostly rely on the molecular junction technique, but many of their performance characteristics are device‐dependent. Here, a pH‐mediated single‐molecule switch based on the combination of an α‐hemolysin (αHL) nanopore and a hexacyclen‐modified DNA strand is developed. The single‐stranded DNA is suspended inside an αHL through biotin‐streptavidin linkage and the hexacyclen‐modified nucleobase interacts with amino acid residues at positions 111, 113, and 147 to cause current oscillations. Distinct current transitions are observed when pH is tuned back and forth in the range of 3.0–7.4, with a typical “up” level when pH > 6.5 and a “down” level when pH < 4.5. This nanopore‐DNA complex possesses membrane‐bound advantages and may find applications in single‐cell studies where pH could be readily tuned to control ON‐OFF functions.
A preliminary evaluation of microbial water quality in the irrigation pond
Authors: Zeki Sibel
Published: June 2022

This study aimed to determine the microbial water quality of Imrahor Pond by enumerating the coliform bacteria levels in the area. Water samples were collected biweekly from the surface and bottom waters at seven points in the pond. Samples were analyzed for total coliforms, Escherichia coli, physicochemical parameters (water temperature, conductivity, pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, nitrate) and 1‐day rainfall. The average values of TC and E. coli were 1487.4 and 36.3 MPN/100 ml, respectively. TC concentrations/physicochemical parameters were met at least 2nd class water quality class and E. coli results were met “guideline value” (E. coli < 250 MPN/100 ml) of national regulation. Overall, among measured physicochemical parameters, rainfall had the strongest positive correlation (r = 0.377 for total coliforms and r = 0.466 for E. coli, p < 0.05) with both indicators, indicted that surface runoff due to rainfall is the main factor which effects microbial water quality in the study area. This study demonstrated the preliminary microbial water quality results (TC and E. coli) in the Imrahor Pond and can serve as a basis for developing more precise water quality monitoring and management studies in the future.

Practitioner points

Prevalence of TC and E. coli in the surface and bottom waters of Imrahor Pond were investigated for the first time.

Imrahor Pond was met guideline value of national regulations based on E. coli concentrations, in the study period.

Surface runoff after rainfall was the main environmental factor which influenced the microbial water quality of the pond.
Improving Education: A Global Perspective
Authors: Püsküllüoğlu Mirosława
Published: June 2022

Improving education is an important issue in oncology in order to assure better care for our patients and provide support for oncologists’ community. This chapter has been written by a former student of the Master Online Advanced Oncology program at the University of Ulm, a MSc graduate in Clinical Education at the University of Edinburgh, and a specialist in clinical oncology and clinical pharmacology who has been engaged last 12 years in under- and postgraduate education. The first part of the chapter summarizes challenges in oncology education. The second part focuses on practical examples and global perspective guiding the reader through exemplary projects performed by oncologists all over the world.
Improving Patient Care
Authors: Achimaş-Cadariu Patriciu-Andrei
Published: June 2022

In this introduction, I summarize the different contributions presented by alumni and faculty about patient care during the alumni meeting on the tenth anniversary of the inauguration of the Advanced Oncology study programme of the University of Ulm. The chapters represent the diversity of the different authors, being from low-income, middle-income (LMICs) as well as high-income countries (HICs), considering specific aspects of the entire spectrum of cancer care. What unifies them is their drive to improve patient care in their areas of expertise, with the means they have at hand and the skillset they acquired during their professional and educational journeys, frequently taking them from different parts of the globe to other ones. The task at hand, to reduce cancer-related morbidity and mortality, remains, as do the cornerstones of cancer control like primary prevention, screening and early treatment. Therefore, the interruptive force of the COVID-19 pandemic should be acknowledged, and measures must be implemented to prevent further delays in care for patients with cancers.
Essential Elements in Improving Oncology in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) and Examples for Their Implementation in Nigeria
Authors: Ntekim Atara
Published: June 2022

In this chapter, I will summarize the major elements contributing to poor cancer disease outcomes in low- and middle-income countries and suggestions on how to address them. Many measures proposed herein involve social work, public education, and only in later stages health-care workforce. Taking the current COVID-19 pandemic as a starting point, launching public health education and vaccination programs together with raising public awareness for lifestyle-driven diseases may prove a turning point in cancer prevention in many low- and middle-income countries. Collaboration with institutions in high-income countries is also advocated. This will assist in supporting upgrade of facilities, training, logistics support, and data acquisition and management as well as funding of essential cancer services.
Improving Clinical Research
Authors: Gemeinder de Moraes Andre A. J.
Published: June 2022

In this chapter, I will briefly introduce you to the research presentations that were given during the tenth anniversary of the inauguration of the Advanced Oncology Study Program of Ulm University, Germany. I will point out the different perspectives on research including my own. The main idea is to relieve the clinicians among you from fear for not doing enough research but rather encouraging you to read the different chapters—we tried to keep them as light as possible—and consider whether you might pursue one or the other avenue, even though you might be residing in a low- or middle-income country like I do. The main point is that bright minds can do research into cancer wherever they are in the world. And they should.
Anchor Sustainability into the Operating Model
Authors: Aichbauer Stefan , Buchhauser Martina , Erben Agnes , Steinert Sven , Tietze Detlef , Wiking Emilia
Published: June 2022

You are not alone. Use the power of industry groups and set standards. Embed and combine best-of-breed solutions to get the most benefits for an efficient, future-proof procurement process.
Early Warning Systems and Their Role in Disaster Risk Reduction
Authors: Šakić Trogrlić Robert , van den Homberg Marc , Budimir Mirianna , McQuistan Colin , Sneddon Alison , Golding Brian
Published: June 2022

In this chapter, we introduce early warning systems (EWS) in the context of disaster risk reduction, including the main components of an EWS, the roles of the main actors and the need for robust evaluation. Management of disaster risks requires that the nature and distribution of risk are understood, including the hazards, and the exposure, vulnerability and capacity of communities at risk. A variety of policy options can be used to reduce and manage risks, and we emphasise the contribution of early warnings, presenting an eight-component framework of people-centred early warning systems which highlights the importance of an integrated and all-society approach. We identify the need for decisions to be evidence-based, for performance monitoring and for dealing with errors and false information. We conclude by identifying gaps in current early warning systems, including in the social components of warning systems and in dealing with multi-hazards, and obstacles to progress, including issues in funding, data availability, and stakeholder engagement.
On the Inclination of a Flying Buttress Arch
Authors: Samper Albert , Martín-Sáiz Rodrigo , Herrera Blas
Published: June 2022

Historically in architecture, the inclination of a flying buttress arch is determined as the amplitude of the angle that spans between the horizontal straight line and the straight line connecting the two ends of the arch’s lower edge. Nonetheless, this inclination does not represent the entire flyer, but at most only its lower edge. Therefore, using techniques based on geometrical and mechanical criteria, applied to twenty flyer arches belonging to twelve flying buttresses from several European Gothic cathedrals, we present a new proposal for a definition of inclination which represents the entire arch.
Sulfavant A as the first synthetic TREM2 ligand discloses a homeostatic response of dendritic cells after receptor engagement
Authors: Gallo Carmela , Manzo Emiliano , Barra Giusi , Fioretto Laura , Ziaco Marcello , Nuzzo Genoveffa , d’Ippolito Giuliana , Ferrera Francesca , Contini Paola , Castiglia Daniela , Angelini Claudia , De Palma Raffaele , Fontana Angelo
Published: June 2022

Objective

The immune response arises from a fine balance of mechanisms that provide for surveillance, tolerance, and elimination of dangers. Sulfavant A (SULF A) is a sulfolipid with a promising adjuvant activity. Here we studied the mechanism of action of SULF A and addressed the identification of its molecular target in human dendritic cells (hDCs).

Methods

Adjuvant effect and immunological response to SULF A were assessed on DCs derived from human donors. In addition to testing various reporter cells, target identification and downstream signalling was supported by a reverse pharmacology approach based on antibody blocking and gene silencing, crosstalk with TLR pathways, use of human allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reaction.

Results

SULF A binds to the Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid cells-2 (TREM2) and initiates an unconventional maturation of hDCs leading to enhanced migration activity and up-regulation of MHC and co-stimulatory molecules without release of conventional cytokines. This response involves the SYK-NFAT axis and is compromised by blockade or gene silencing of TREM2. Activation by SULF A preserved the DC functions to excite the allogeneic T cell response, and increased interleukin-10 release after lipopolysaccharide stimulation.

Conclusion

SULF A is the first synthetic small molecule that binds to TREM2. The receptor engagement drives differentiation of an unprecedented DC phenotype (homeDCs) that contributes to immune homeostasis without compromising lymphocyte activation and immunogenic response. This mechanism fully supports the adjuvant and immunoregulatory activity of SULF A. We also propose that the biological properties of SULF A can be of interest in various physiopathological mechanisms and therapies involving TREM2.
Analytic properties of heat equation solutions and reachable sets
Authors: Strohmaier Alexander , Waters Alden
Published: June 2022

There recently has been some interest in the space of functions on an interval satisfying the heat equation for positive time in the interior of this interval. Such functions were characterised as being analytic on a square with the original interval as its diagonal. In this short note we provide a direct argument that the analogue of this result holds in any dimension. For the heat equation on a bounded Lipschitz domain$$(\Omega \subset \mathbb {R}^{d})$$(Ω⊂Rd)at positive time all solutions are analytically extendable to a geometrically determined subdomain$${\mathcal {E}}(\Omega )$$E(Ω)of$${\mathbb {C}}^d$$Cdcontaining$$(\Omega )$$(Ω). This domain is sharp in the sense that there is no larger domain for which this is true. If$$(\Omega )$$(Ω)is a ball we prove an almost converse of this theorem. Any function that is analytic in an open neighbourhood of$${\mathcal {E}}(\Omega )$$E(Ω)is reachable in the sense that it can be obtained from a solution of the heat equation at positive time. This is based on an analysis of the convergence of heat equation solutions in the complex domain using the boundary layer potential method for the heat equation. The converse theorem is obtained using a Wick rotation into the complex domain that is justified by our results. This gives a simple explanation for the shapes appearing in the one-dimensional analysis of the problem in the literature. It also provides a new short and conceptual proof in that case.
A priori and a posteriori error analysis of the lowest-order NCVEM for second-order linear indefinite elliptic problems
Authors: Carstensen Carsten , Khot Rekha , Pani Amiya K.
Published: June 2022

The nonconforming virtual element method (NCVEM) for the approximation of the weak solution to a general linear second-order non-selfadjoint indefinite elliptic PDE in a polygonal domain $$\Omega $$
Ω
is analyzed under reduced elliptic regularity. The main tool in the a priori error analysis is the connection between the nonconforming virtual element space and the Sobolev space $$H^1_0(\Omega )$$

H
0
1

(
Ω
)

by a right-inverse J of the interpolation operator $$I_h$$

I
h

. The stability of the discrete solution allows for the proof of existence of a unique discrete solution, of a discrete inf-sup estimate and, consequently, for optimal error estimates in the $$H^1$$

H
1

and $$L^2$$

L
2

norms. The explicit residual-based a posteriori error estimate for the NCVEM is reliable and efficient up to the oscillation terms. Numerical experiments on different types of polygonal meshes illustrate the robustness of an error estimator and support the improved convergence rate of an adaptive mesh-refinement in comparison to the uniform mesh-refinement.
Favorable outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pediatric hematology oncology patients during the second and third pandemic waves in Italy: a multicenter analysis from the Infectious Diseases Working Group of the Associazione Italiana di Ematologia e Oncologia Pediatrica (AIEOP)
Authors: Zama Daniele , Baccelli Francesco , Colombini Antonella , Contino Amalia , Calore Elisabetta , Petris Maria Grazia , Meneghello Linda , Mercolini Federico , Lo Vecchio Andrea , Montalto Shana , Meazza Cristina , Barone Angelica , Compagno Francesca , Muggeo Paola , Soncini Elena , Brescia Letizia , Giraldi Eugenia , Giurici Nagua , Mura Rosa Maria , Cellini Monica , Perruccio Katia , Petroni Valeria , La Spina Milena , Ziino Ottavio , Burnelli Roberta , De Santis Raffaella , Mascarin Maurizio , Barretta Valentina , Tridello Gloria , Cesaro Simone
Published: June 2022

COVID-19 has a mild clinical course with low mortality rate in general pediatric population, while variable outcomes have been described in children with cancer. Infectious diseases working party of the AIEOP collected data on the clinical characteristics and outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infections in pediatric oncology/hematology patients from April 2020 to May 2021, including the second and the third waves of the pandemic in Italy. Factors potentially associated with moderate, severe, or critical COVID-19 were analyzed. Of the 153 SARS-Cov2 infections recorded, 100 were asymptomatic and 53 symptomatic. The course of COVID-19 was mild in 41, moderate in 2, severe in 5, and critical in 5 children. A total of 40.5% of patients were hospitalized, ten requiring oxygen support and 5 admitted to the intensive care unit. Antibiotics and steroids were the most used therapies. No patient died due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Infections occurring early (< 60 days) after the diagnosis of the underlying disease or after SCT were associated to moderate, severe, and critical disease compared to infections occurring late (> 60 days) or during maintenance therapy. In the patients on active chemotherapy, 59% withdrew the treatment for a median of 15 days. SARS-CoV-2 presented a favorable outcome in children with cancer in Italy during the pandemic. Modification of therapy represents a major concern in this population. Our findings suggest considering regular chemotherapy continuation, particularly in patients on maintenance therapy or infected late after the diagnosis.