bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The ontogeny of sexual dimorphism in free‐ranging rhesus macaques
Authors: Turcotte Cassandra M. , Mann Eva H. J. , Stock Michala K. , Villamil Catalina I. , Montague Michael J. , Dickinson Edwin ,   Cayo Biobank Research Unit, Surratt Samuel Bauman , Martinez Melween , Williams Scott A. , Antón Susan C. , Higham James P.
Published: January 2022

Objective

Reconstructing the social lives of extinct primates is possible only through an understanding of the interplay between morphology, sexual selection pressures, and social behavior in extant species. Somatic sexual dimorphism is an important variable in primate evolution, in part because of the clear relationship between the strength and mechanisms of sexual selection and the degree of dimorphism. Here, we examine body size dimorphism across ontogeny in male and female rhesus macaques to assess whether it is primarily achieved via bimaturism as predicted by a polygynandrous mating system, faster male growth indicating polygyny, or both.

Methods

We measured body mass in a cross‐sectional sample of 362 free‐ranging rhesus macaques from Cayo Santiago, Puerto Rico to investigate size dimorphism: (1) across the lifespan; and (2) as an outcome of sex‐specific growth strategies, including: (a) age of maturation; (b) growth rate; and (c) total growth duration, using regression models fit to sex‐specific developmental curves.

Results

Significant body size dimorphism was observed by prime reproductive age with males 1.51 times the size of females. Larger male size resulted from a later age of maturation (males: 6.8–7.8 years vs. females: 5.5–6.5 years; logistic model) and elevated growth velocity through the pre‐prime period (LOESS model). Though males grew to larger sizes overall, females maintained adult size for longer before senescence (quadratic model).

Discussion

The ontogeny of size dimorphism in rhesus macaques is achieved by bimaturism and a faster male growth rate. Our results provide new data for understanding the development and complexities of primate dimorphism.
Metal‐Catalyzed Organic Reactions by Resonant Acoustic Mixing**
Authors: Gonnet Lori , Lennox Cameron B. , Do Jean‐Louis , Malvestiti Ivani , Koenig Stefan G. , Nagapudi Karthik , Friščić Tomislav
Published: January 2022

We demonstrate catalytic organic synthesis by Resonant Acoustic Mixing (RAM): a mechanochemical methodology that does not require bulk solvent or milling media. Using as model reactions ruthenium‐catalyzed ring‐closing metathesis and copper‐catalyzed sulfonamide‐isocyanate coupling, RAM mechanosynthesis is shown to be faster, operationally simpler than conventional ball‐milling, while also providing the first example of a mechanochemical strategy for ruthenium‐catalyzed ene‐yne metathesis. Reactions by RAM are readily and directly scaled‐up without any significant changes in reaction conditions, as shown by the straightforward 200‐fold scaling‐up of the synthesis of the antidiabetic drug Tolbutamide, from hundreds of milligrams directly to 30 grams.
Covalent Organic Framework Based Functional Materials: Important Catalysts for Efficient CO2Utilization
Authors: Lu Meng , Zhang Mi , Liu Jiang , Chen Yifa , Liao Jia‐Peng , Yang Ming‐Yi , Cai Yue‐Peng , Li Shun‐Li , Lan Ya‐Qian
Published: January 2022

As hot topics in the chemical conversion of CO2, the photo‐/electrocatalytic reduction of CO2and use of CO2as a supporter for energy storage have shown great potential for the utilization of CO2. However, many obstacles still exist on the road to realizing highly efficient chemical CO2conversion, such as inefficient uptake/activation of CO2and mass transport in catalysts. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs), as a kind of porous material, have been widely explored as catalysts for the chemical conversion of CO2owing to their unique features. In particular, COF‐based functional materials containing diverse active sites (such as single metal sites, metal nanoparticles, and metal oxides) offer great potential for realizing CO2conversion and energy storage. This Minireview discusses recent breakthroughs in the basic knowledge, mechanisms, and pathways of chemical CO2conversion strategies that use COF‐based functional catalysts. In addition, the challenges and prospects of COF‐based functional catalysts for the efficient utilization of CO2are also introduced.
Synergy Effect of a π‐Conjugated Ionic Compound: Dual Interfacial Energy Level Regulation and Passivation to Promote Voc and Stability of Planar Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Liu Xiaoyuan , Min Jihyun , Chen Qian , Liu Tuo , Qu Geping , Xie Pengfei , Xiao Hui , Liou Juin‐Jei , Park Taiho , Xu Zong‐Xiang
Published: January 2022

Defects and energy offsets at the bulk and heterojunction interfaces of perovskite are detrimental to the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, we designed an amphiphilic π‐conjugated ionic compound (QAPyBF4), implementing simultaneous defects passivation and interface energy level alignments. The p‐type conjugated cations passivated the surface trap states and optimized energy alignment at the perovskite/hole transport layer. The highly electronegative [BF4]− enriched at the SnO2 interface featured desired band alignment due to the dipole moment of this interlayer. The planar n‐i‐p PSC had an efficiency of 23.1 % with Voc of 1.2 V. Notably, the synergy effect elevated the intrinsic endothermic decomposition temperature of the perovskite. The modified devices showed excellent long‐term thermal (85 °C) and operational stability at the maximum power point for 1000 h at 45 °C under continuous one‐sun illumination with no appreciable efficiency loss.
Suppression of thermoacoustic instability and NOx emissions of unsteady swirl premixed flame with upstream microjets
Authors: Hu Liubin , Zhou Hao
Published: January 2022

Passive control methods are widely used in unsteady combustion systems due to their robustness and convenience. This paper used the upstream microjets method for the first time to control thermoacoustic instability and pollutant NOx emissions in unsteady swirl premixed flame. Three variables of CO2 microjets flow rate, upstream microjets distance, and microjets number are investigated. Results demonstrate the upstream microjets distance plays a significant role in restraining the thermoacoustic instability and NOx emissions. The smaller the upstream microjets distance, the more completely the thermoacoustic instability is suppressed while the NOx emissions are the opposite, which means a compromise choice needs to be made between them. The damping ratio of pressure amplitude in the chamber can reach the maximum of 81.3%, and the damping ratio of CH* intensity can reach the maximum of 80.2%. Besides, the frequency of pressure and CH* will transit to a lower mode. NOx emissions can realize a maximum reduction of 12.2 ppm. Meanwhile, the flame mode switches from an enlarged Mode‐A flame to a shrunk Mode‐B flame, and the flame length shows a maximum reduction of 14 mm at the largest upstream distance. However, the specific control mechanism under upstream microjets still needs further study to clarify. This research proved the feasibility of suppressing combustion instability and NOx emissions with upstream microjets in unsteady swirl premixed flame, promoting its practical application in gas turbine systems.
Chemical Regulation of the Protein Quality Control E3 Ubiquitin Ligase C‐Terminus of Hsc70 Interacting Protein (CHIP)
Authors: Kanack Adam J. , Olp Michael D. , Newsom Oliver J. , Scaglione Jamie B. , Gooden David M. , McMahon Kevin , Smith Brian C. , Scaglione K. Matthew
Published: January 2022

The ubiquitin ligase C‐terminus of Hsc70 interacting protein (CHIP) is an important regulator of proteostasis. Despite playing an important role in maintaining proteostasis, little progress has been made in developing small molecules that regulate ubiquitin transfer by CHIP. Here we used differential scanning fluorimetry to identify compounds that bound CHIP. Compounds that bound CHIP were then analyzed by quantitative ubiquitination assays to identify those that altered CHIP function. One compound, MS.001, inhibited both the chaperone binding and ubiquitin ligase activity of CHIP at low micromolar concentrations. Interestingly, we found that MS.001 did not have activity against isolated U‐box or tetratricopeptide (TPR) domains, but instead only inhibited full‐length CHIP. Using in silico docking we identified a potential MS.001 binding site on the linker domain of CHIP and mutation of this site rendered CHIP resistant to MS.001. Together our data identify an inhibitor of the E3 ligase CHIP and provides insight into the development of compounds that regulate CHIP activity.
Implant placement in a focal cemento‐osseous dysplasia: A modified protocol with a successful outcome
Authors: Mlouka Mootaz , Tlili Mohamed , Khanfir Faten , Hamrouni Ali , Khalfi Mohamed Salah , Ben Amor Faten
Published: January 2022

Cemento‐osseous dysplasia (COD) is defined as a condition in which normal bone is replaced by fibrous connective tissue and cementum‐like deposits. It is generally asymptomatic and occurs mostly in female patients. Radiologically, it appears as an opaque, lobulated mass. When facing such lesions, it is advised to avoid performing any surgical procedures due to the decreased vascularization and healing potential. The main reported complications being poor healing, sequestrum formation, risk of infection, and fracture of the jaw. Treating posterior mandibular edentulism in presence of a COD can be a challenging situation especially when the patient requires an implant‐supported fixed rehabilitation. The aim of this paper is to describe a three‐stage modified protocol for implant placement in a compromised site presenting a focal cemento‐osseous dysplasia.
Characterization of blast furnace slag particles generated by nitrogen jet granulation
Authors: Yang Xiaoxiao , Zhou Hui , Li Qinghai , Tan Zhongchao , Zhang Yanguo
Published: January 2022

This paper reports an experimental study on the changes in the equivalent diameter and sphericity of flying molten slag particles in terms of heating temperature and nitrogen injection pressure. A high‐speed camera is used to continuously take images of the flying molten particles. Then the images are analyzed by mathematical image processing. With increasing heating temperature, the lower the viscosity, the stronger the fluidity, and the easier it is to be granulated into small particles under the spray of nitrogen. The results show that the equivalent diameter and sphericity of the particles with equivalent diameters remain the same during the flight. During the granulation of the particles, however, rod‐shaped particles gradually change to spherical ones, and the sphericity keeps increasing until it reaches a level. The average flying speed of the studied slag particles at the temperatures of 1400, 1450, 1475, 1500, and 1510°C is 4.0, 4.3, 4.5, 4.3, and 4.2 m/s, respectively. In addition, the higher the temperature, the longer the flight distance of the particles. By changing the gas injection pressure to 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 MPa, the average flying speeds of the studied slag particles are 2.8, 3.7, 5.5, and 8.4 m/s, respectively. This result proves that the higher the injection pressure, the greater the average flying speed of the particles.
Combining lean and green practices to achieve a superior performance: The contribution for a sustainable development and competitiveness—An empirical study on the Portuguese context
Authors: Teixeira Pedro , Coelho Arnaldo , Fontoura Pedro , Sá José Carlos , Silva Francisco J. G. , Santos Gilberto , Ferreira Luis P.
Published: January 2022

This research assesses the lean and green (LG) practices' impact on the competitive advantage (CA) of organizations, through sustainable performance, considering lean maturity as the moderator. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from a cross‐sectional sample of 261 companies operating in Portugal. Hypotheses are tested through structural equation modeling and multigroup analysis to examine the lean maturity moderating role. Results demonstrate a positive impact of LG practices on sustainable development and that their three dimensions of CA, with lean maturity boosting most relationships. This research highlights the impact of LG practices on organization's competitiveness and helps them underpin the importance these practices when comes to enhance their sustainable performance and their CA with help of environmental policy and also stakeholder engagement. Future studies should address these relationships upon a specific dimension, namely the correlation between environmental performance and CA, as it was not dealt in this study.
Improvement of energy efficiency by dynamic load consolidation in C‐RAN
Authors: Aktar Mst. Rubina , Anower Md. Shamim
Published: January 2022

The Fifth Generation (5G) network is the next step in the evolution of cellular networks, which are anticipated to encounter a remarkable growth in traffic. To meet this traffic requirement, the network capacity must be increased, which would inevitably necessitate the expansion of additional base stations (BSs). Moreover, the expenses and energy consumption of BSs are excessively high. The highly complex signal processing in baseband units contributes to a substantial amount of energy consumption. Consequently, cloud radio access network (C‐RAN) has been demonstrated as an effective approach to overcoming 5G wireless challenges through an energy‐efficient means. C‐RAN architecture has a baseband unit (BBU) pool that consists of the number of BBUs and remote sites, which are called remote radio heads (RRHs). As a sharing of ancillary subsystems into one location, BBU pooling has a significant impact on reducing power consumption. However, C‐RAN necessitates a novel paradigm of energy consumption for resource optimization. In this article, a C‐RAN with a dynamic load consolidation algorithm depending on traffic condition is presented to jointly take the power consumption and energy efficiency targeting to decrease power consumption and increase energy efficiency. To capture the energy consumption of C‐RAN, a new energy consumption scheme considering the BBU cloud, optical link, and radio side power has been proposed that optimizes the BBU resources. Numerical results come about based on simulation settings illustrate that the presented model accomplishes an improved energy‐efficient performance with respect to the referred baseline RAN system scheme.
Eyes on amyloidosis: microvascular retinal dysfunction in cardiac amyloidosis
Authors: Zampiccoli Emanuel , Barthelmes Jens , Kreysing Leonie , Nägele Matthias P. , Nebunu Delia , Haider Thomas , von Eckardstein Arnold , Gerber Bernhard , Schwotzer Rahel , Ruschitzka Frank , Sudano Isabella , Flammer Andreas J.
Published: January 2022

Aims

Cardiac involvement in systemic amyloidosis is a marker of particularly poor prognosis. Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is characterized by extracellular amyloid deposits inducing heart failure and symptoms of cardiac microvascular disease. While amyloid deposition is most common in the myocardium but also seen in pericardium and endocardium, atria, and vasculature, the role of (micro‐)vascular dysfunction in CA pathophysiology remains still elusive. Because vascular function is associated with cardiovascular risk and severity of heart failure and represents a potential therapeutic target in CA, the present study investigated retinal vascular function, flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD), and pulse‐wave analysis and velocity (PWA/PWV) in patients with CA.

Methods and results

Flicker‐induced arterial dilatation (FIDa) was measured using dynamic retinal vessel analysis additionally to FMD and PWA/PWV. Thirty‐three patients with CA [age 67 years [interquartile range, IQR, 62, 74], 14 with amyloid light‐chain (AL) and 19 with transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis] were prospectively included in this cross‐sectional, observational study and 70 healthy individuals (age 53 years [IQR 39, 67]) served as control. Potential confounders were balanced using entropy balancing propensity score analysis [inverse probability weighting (IPW)]. FIDa was reduced in CA patients (1.52 ± 1.73% vs. 3.09 ± 1.96%, P < 0.001, after IPW). While PWV was increased (8.74 ± 2.34 m/s vs. 7.49 ± 1.65 m/s, P = 0.018, after IPW), no difference in FMD was observed. FIDa was significantly associated with prognostic biomarkers of CA [estimated glomerular filtration rate (r = 0.33; P < 0.001), log‐scaled troponin T (r = −0.49; P < 0.001), and N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (r = −0.51; P < 0.001)].

Conclusions

Retinal vascular function is impaired, associated with cardiac and renal biomarkers of CA severity, and may represent a potential therapeutic target in patients with amyloidosis.
Facile Access to Saccharin‐Fused 1,4‐Dihydropyridines through [3+3] Annulation Reactions
Authors: Xu Zhi‐Hua , Jia Shi‐Kun , Chang Zhe‐Ran , Hua Yuan‐Zhao , Wang Min‐Can , Mei Guang‐Jian
Published: January 2022

An efficient approach to saccharin‐fused 1,4‐DHPs has been established by using a [3+3] annulation process. The chemical event was enabled by a Et3N‐catalyzed tandem Michael/aza‐Pinner reaction of alkyl cyclic N‐sulfonyl ketimines as nucleophiles with α,α‐dicyanoolefins. Under mild conditions, the desired products were readily prepared in good to excellent yields and with broad functional group tolerance (up to 95 % yield, 29 examples). Notably, this practical methodology features the synthesis of pentacyclic spirooxindoles bearing a quaternary spiro‐stereocenter.
Analysis of solar photo‐voltaic for grid integration viability in Uganda
Authors: Kavuma Chrish , Sandoval Diego , de Dieu Hakizimana Khan Jean
Published: January 2022

This study aimed to analyzing grid‐connected solar PV in Uganda for viability by evaluating the performance ratio of the already‐installed solar systems, and how flexible is the grid to accommodate more power from solar. The data collected from the solar plants included array size, type and rating of each module, array output, cell efficiency, DC to AC ratio, systems capital cost per watt, annual maintenance cost, inverter size and efficiency, array tilt, records of monthly solar irradiation, monthly energy produced, capital costs, operational costs and cost of a unit supplied to the grid. The System Advisor Model was used to analyze the technical and economic performances of solar plants in Uganda. The projected solar penetration by the year 2021 was 6.1%. The total annual energy was estimated at 69.52 GWh. The capacity factor ranges from 13.1% to 17.5% and a performance ratio of 0.76, and are within the recommended values. The grid was flexible up to 25.8% to accommodate more solar energy without destabilizing the network. It is viable to invest in solar energy since all four plants showed a positive net present value.
The effect of deficit irrigation, partial root drying and mulching on tomato yield, and water and energy saving*
Authors: Mahmoud Mahmoud Mohamed Abdalla , Fayad Atef Mohamed
Published: January 2022

Partial root drying (PRD) is a modified irrigation strategy form of deficit irrigation (DI) to improve water productivity. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of PRD, DI and organic mulching on water and energy conservation, as well as tomato yield. A field trial was carried out during the 2019 and 2020 summer seasons in Kafr El‐Sheikh governorate, Egypt. The main plots were assigned for the irrigation treatments, full irrigation with 100% of crop evapotranspiration, ETc (I1), deficit irrigation with 85% of ETc (I2) and 70% of ETc (I3), meanwhile the subplots were allocated for irrigation strategies of irrigating plants from one side only (P1), PRD (P2), and continuous irrigation plants from both sides (P3), and sub‐subplots were allocated for no mulching (M1) and mulching (M2) treatments. The results showed that, compared to I1, tomato growth parameters and yield were reduced significantly for the I2and I3treatments. The tomato yield and water consumptive use were reduced by 3.4 and 5.3%, respectively, for the I2treatment and 28.1 and 18.2%, respectively, for the I3treatment. Water and energy productivity (WEP) increased by 34 and 47% for the I2and I3treatments, respectively. Organic mulching and PRD enhanced tomato growth parameters and yield, productivity of irrigation water and WEP. It was concluded, that I2 × P2 × M2interaction enhanced tomato yield while reducing water and energy consumption.
Molecular and cellular evidence for hsa‐miR‐1254 suppressor effect against HER2 signaling in breast cancer
Authors: Mohamadzade Zahra , Hasannia Kolagar Tabssom , Nemati Hossein , Javanmard Amir‐Reza , Soltani Bahram M.
Published: January 2022

HER2 signaling upregulation is a hallmark of breast cancer which is the second cause of cancer‐related death in women. Here, we were looking for the candidate microRNAs which is capable of regulating the HER2 receptor and the genes of its downstream. To this aim, preliminary bioinformatics analysis introduced hsa‐miR‐1254 (miR‐1254) as a potential common regulator of HER2, HER3, PIK3R2, and AKT1 genes. Then, reverse‐transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) analysis indicated a lower expression level of miR‐1254 in breast cancer specimens, compared to their normal pairs. Furthermore, overexpression of miR‐1254 resulted in HER2, HER3, PIK3R2, and AKT1 genes downregulation, detected by RT‐qPCR and confirmed by western blot analysis and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay test against AKT1, BAX, FADD, and HER2 protein levels in SKBR3 cells. Dual‐luciferase assay also supported direct interaction of miR‐1254 with MREs within 3' untranslated region sequences of HER2, HER3, PIK3R2, and AKT1 target genes. Overexpression of miR‐1254 in SKBR3 cells was followed by increased BAX/BCL2 expression ratio, detected by RT‐qPCR, and increased proportion of G1 cell population, detected by flow cytometry. Corroborated by cell cycle analysis, MTT, Annexin V‐FITC, and Live‐Dead cell staining assays, overexpression of miR‐1254 in MDA‐MB‐231 cells showed opposing results following the overexpression of miR‐1254. Taken together, results indicated that miR‐1254 acts as cell‐type‐specific tumor suppressor that targets HER2, HER3, PIK3R2, and AKT1 transcripts. These results suggest miR‐1254 as a potential therapeutic candidate for breast cancer subtypes.
Hsa_circRNA_0001971 contributes to oral squamous cell carcinoma progression via miR‐186‐5p/Fibronectin type III domain containing 3B axis
Authors: Zhang Jiehua , Peng Youjian , Jiang Shengjun , Li Jun
Published: January 2022

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are closely associated with the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). circRNA_0001971 has been proved to accelerate the OSCC development. Here, we aim to identify the new molecular mechanism of hsa_circRNA_0001971 (circRNA_0001971) in OSCC.

Methods

The levels of circRNA_0001971, miR‐186‐5p, and fibronectin type III domain containing 3B (FNDC3B) in tissues and cells were verified by qRT‐PCR or Western blotting. The interaction between circRNA_0001971, miR‐186‐5p, and FNDC3B was identified by bioinformatics analysis, luciferase assay, and RIP assay. The effect of circRNA_0001971/miR‐186‐5p/FNDC3B axis on OSCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by cell functional experiments including CCK8, wound healing, and transwell assays.

Results

Our study displayed that circRNA_0001971 and FNDC3B were elevated in OSCC, whereas miR‐186‐5p was declined in OSCC. Silencing circRNA_0001971 attenuated the malignancy of OSCC cells by suppressing proliferation, migration, and invasion. In OSCC cells, circRNA_0001971 sponged miR‐186‐5p to enhance FNDC3B. Due to the interaction between circRNA_0001971, miR‐186‐5p, and FNDC3B, FNDC3B overexpression relieved the negative function of silencing circRNA_0001971 in OSCC cells.

Conclusion

Overall, our study discovered that circRNA_0001971 was a tumor promoter in OSCC progression by targeting miR‐186‐5p/FNDC3B axis.
Hsa_circ_0050102 regulates the pancreatic cancer development via miR‐218‐5p/PPME1 axis
Authors: Feng Ningning , Jiao Zhikai , Zhang Yueshan , Yang Baoming
Published: January 2022

Background

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a malignancy worldwide. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) affects the growth of PC, nonetheless the mechanism is blurry. Here, we reconnoitered the parts of hsa_circ_0050102 in PC.

Methods

Hsa_circ_0050102, microRNA‐218‐5p (miR‐218‐5p) and protein phosphatase methylesterase 1 (PPME1) abundances were indicated by quantitative RT‐PCR or Western blot. Moreover, the cell functions were uncovered. Additionally, the relation of miR‐218‐5p and hsa_circ_0050102 or PPME1 was identified by dual‐luciferase reporter assay. Ultimately, the mice teats were utilized to quantity the part of hsa_circ_0050102.

Results

Hsa_circ_0050102 and PPME1 contents were increased, and the miR‐218‐5p was dwindled in PC. Hsa_circ_0050102 lack subdued cell vitality, colony formation, cell migration and invasion, and angiogenesis, but endorsed cell apoptosis in PC cells. Furthermore, miR‐218‐5p was established to block the development of PC cells via PPME1. Hsa_circ_0050102 bound to miR‐218‐5p to adjust the content of PPME1.

Conclusion

Hsa_circ_0050102 expedited the expansion of PC through growing PPME1 abundance by adjusting miR‐218‐5p.
Retrospective study of endodontic treatment performed by undergraduate students using reciprocating instrumentation and single‐cone obturation
Authors: Gavini Giulio , Candeiro George Táccio de Miranda , Potgornik Ferreira Felipe , Rubino Gustavo Alberto , Aun Carmo Antônio , Bezerra Alexandre Gomes , Malavasi Maurílio , Lemos Érico Melo , Caldeira Celso Luiz , Akisue Eduardo
Published: January 2022

Objectives

The aim of this cross‐sectional retrospective study was to evaluate radiographically the technical quality of root canal treatment performed by undergraduate students using reciprocating NiTi instrumentation and single‐cone obturation.

Methods

Endodontic treatment on 1102 teeth performed by undergraduate students from the School of Dentistry of the University of Santa Cecilia (Brazil) was evaluated. All root canal preparations were performed using Reciproc files and were irrigated with 1% NaOCl. The root canal was filled with gutta‐percha, along with AH Plus sealer, using the single‐cone obturation technique. The technical quality of the root canal treatment was evaluated based on immediate postoperative radiographs. Distance between the end of the filling and the radiographic apex, the filling density, and the taper of the root filling was assessed. Inter‐examiner agreement statistic (Kappa) and Chi‐square statistic test were used for statistical evaluation of the results. Differences were considered statistically significant whenp< 0.05.

Results

Anterior teeth, maxillary premolars, and molars presented better results than mandibular premolars and molars (p< 0.05). Mandibular premolars presented a high incidence of a short length of obturation (33.34%) and mandibular molars presented a high incidence of overfilling (6.55%). The majority of the treatment analyzed (62.46%) fulfilled all the criteria showing acceptable working length, taper, and density of obturation. Instrument fractures occurred in eighteen root canals (0.81%).

Conclusions

The use of NiTi reciprocating instruments with the single‐cone obturation technique provided an acceptable quality of endodontic treatment in the majority of the cases performed by undergraduate students.
Characteristics of the first 1119 SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron variant cases, in Marseille, France, November−December 2021
Authors: Houhamdi Linda , Gautret Philippe , Hoang Van Thuan , Fournier Pierre‐Edouard , Colson Philippe , Raoult Didier
Published: January 2022

One thousand one hundred and nineteen cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) Omicron variant cases have been diagnosed at the Institut Hospitalo‐Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France, between November 28, 2021, and December 31, 2021. Among the 825 patients with known vaccination status, 383 (46.4%) were vaccinated, of whom 91.9% had received at least two doses of the vaccine. Interestingly, 26.3% of cases developed SARS‐CoV‐2 infection within 21 days following the last dose of vaccine suggesting possible early production of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 facilitating antibodies. Twenty‐one patients have been hospitalized, one patient required intensive care, and another patient who received a vaccine booster dose died.
Fewer daily steps are associated with greater cartilage oligomeric matrix protein response to loading post‐ACL reconstruction
Authors: Davis‐Wilson Hope C. , Thoma Louise M. , Johnston Christopher D. , Young Emma , Evans‐Pickett Alyssa , Spang Jeffrey T. , Blackburn J. Troy , Hackney Anthony C. , Pietrosimone Brian
Published: January 2022

Aberrant joint loading contributes to the development of posttraumatic knee osteoarthritis (PTOA) following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR); yet little is known about the association between joint loading due to daily walking and cartilage health post‐ACLR. Accelerometer‐based measures of daily steps and cadence (i.e., rate of steps/min) provide information regarding daily walking in a real‐world setting. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between changes in serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP; %∆COMP), a mechanosensitive biomarker that is associated with osteoarthritis progression, following a standardized walking protocol and daily walking in individuals with ACLR and uninjured controls. Daily walking was assessed over 7 days using an accelerometer worn on the right hip in 31 individuals with ACLR and 21 controls and quantified as mean steps/day and time spent in ≥100 steps/min. Serum COMP was measured before and following a 3000‐step walking protocol at a preferred speed. %∆COMP was calculated as a change in COMP relative to the prewalking value. Linear regressions were used to examine associations between daily walking and %∆COMP after adjusting for preferred speed. Fewer daily steps (ΔR2 = 0.18, p = 0.02) and fewer minutes spent in ≥100 steps/min (ΔR2 = 0.16, p = 0.03) were associated with greater %∆COMP following walking in individuals with ACLR; no statistically significant associations existed in controls (daily steps: ΔR2 = 0.03, p = 0.47; time ≥100 steps/min: ΔR2 < 0.01, p = 0.81). Clinical significance: Individuals with ACLR who engage in less daily walking undergo greater %ΔCOMP, which may represent greater cartilage degradation or turnover in response to walking.
Reliability assessment of the classification for facial peri‐implant soft tissue dehiscence/deficiencies (PSTDs): A multi‐center inter‐rater agreement study of different skill‐level practitioners
Authors: Barootchi Shayan , Mancini Leonardo , Heck Teresa , Zucchelli Giovanni , Stefanini Martina , Kazarian Emilia , Rasperini Giulio , Wang Hom‐Lay , Tavelli Lorenzo
Published: January 2022

Background

Along with the popularity of dental implants, implant esthetic complications are also on the rise. Recently a classification was proposed to comprehensively evaluate these conditions, with the definition of peri‐implant soft tissue dehiscence/deficiencies (PSTDs). The aim of this article was therefore to test the inter‐examiner agreement when utilizing the established rubrics among 25 standardized cases and 34 clinicians of different skill levels.

Methods

Twelve periodontal residents, 12 general dentists, and 10 periodontists participated in this study. All examiners were provided with photographs of 25 single PSTDs and asked to rate all cases based on the proposed classification at a single timepoint. Variance components analysis was conducted with multilevel regression fit in a Bayesian framework to obtain uncertainty intervals for fractional variance contributions and interclass correlation values (ICC) to assess the agreement in the rating of all cases, among all examiners, different skill‐level practitioners, and to compare their responses relative to the judgment of a gold standard examiner.

Results

Overall, the results showed reproducible and consistent responses among the 34 examiners, and in each subgroup of skill‐level, comparable to that of the gold examiner. Nevertheless, periodontists and residents were more likely to agree with the response of the gold standard examiner in their assessments of class and subclass of the PSTDs.

Conclusions

The proposed PSTD classification showed reproducible assessments among all examiners, and between examiners of the same skill‐level. The response of the gold standard examiner was more in line with the assessment of the periodontists and periodontal residents.
Low‐temperature elevated‐metal metal‐oxide thin‐film transistors and circuit building blocks on a flexible substrate
Authors: Shi Runxiao , Wang Sisi , Xia Zhihe , Wong Man
Published: January 2022

A low‐temperature (300°C) thin‐film transistor (TFT) technology based on the elevated‐metal metal‐oxide device architecture has been developed and deployed for realizing basic circuit building blocks on a polyimide (PI) flexible substrate. Both digital and analog circuit blocks have been simulated, fabricated, and characterized. Exhibiting insignificant impact on the performance of the TFTs, a 308‐nm excimer laser was used to lift‐off the PI from its glass‐carrier substrate. Based on a multi‐“threshold voltage” technology allowing both depletion‐ and enhancement‐mode TFTs, alternative area‐saving, ratio‐less building blocks have been designed and simulated. The required tuning of the threshold voltage could be accomplished by selective fluorination, laser annealing, incorporation of multiple semiconducting metal oxides, or deployment of a dual‐gate architecture.
Prognostic and Treatment Differences Between T1a and T1b Glottic Cancer
Authors: Syal Amit , Lott David G. , Zhang Nan , Karle William E.
Published: January 2022

Objectives

This study was designed to evaluate significant differences in treatment and survival outcomes between patients with T1a and T1b glottic cancer.

Methods

Patients within the SEER Research Plus, 18 Registries dataset who were diagnosed with Stage I T1a or T1b cancer of the glottis between 2004 and 2015 were included in this study. Data prior to 2004 could not be included, as the SEER database did not distinguish between T1a and T1b glottic cancer until that year.

Results

The 5‐year disease‐specific survival for T1a patients was significantly better than that of patients diagnosed with T1b glottic cancer. Age and year of diagnosis were also independent factors that impacted mortality. More patients who were diagnosed with T1b glottic cancer underwent external beam radiation than those diagnosed with T1a glottic cancer.

Conclusion

Our data shows that there are several independent factors effecting mortality including T classification, age at time of diagnosis, and year of diagnosis. T1a glottic cancers also show a significantly better prognosis compared with T1b. T1b glottic cancers are much more likely to be treated with primary radiotherapy compared with surgery.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 132:2187–2193, 2022
Differential effects of elevated pCO2 and warming on marine phytoplankton stoichiometry
Authors: Velthuis Mandy , Keuskamp Joost. A. , Bakker Elisabeth S. , Boersma Maarten , Sommer Ulrich , van Donk Ellen , Van de Waal Dedmer B.
Published: January 2022

Phytoplankton stand at the base of the marine food‐web, and play a major role in global carbon cycling. Rising CO2 levels and temperatures are expected to enhance growth and alter carbon:nutrient stoichiometry of marine phytoplankton, with possible consequences for the functioning of marine food‐webs and the oceanic carbon pump. To date, however, the consistency of phytoplankton stoichiometric responses remains unclear. We therefore performed a meta‐analysis on data from experimental studies on stoichiometric responses of marine phytoplankton to elevated pCO2 and 3–5° warming under nutrient replete and limited conditions. Our results demonstrate that elevated pCO2 increased overall phytoplankton C:N (by 4%) and C:P (by 9%) molar ratios under nutrient replete conditions, as well as phytoplankton growth rates (by 6%). Nutrient limitation amplified the CO2 effect on C:N and C:P ratios, with increases to 27% and 17%, respectively. In contrast to elevated pCO2, warming did not consistently alter phytoplankton elemental composition. This could be attributed to species‐ and study‐specific increases and decreases in stoichiometry in response to warming. While our observed moderate CO2‐driven changes in stoichiometry are not likely to drive marked changes in food web functioning, they are in the same order of magnitude as current and projected estimations of oceanic carbon export. Therefore, our results may indicate a stoichiometric compensation mechanism for reduced oceanic carbon export due to declining primary production in the near future.
VESPA ASL: VElocity and SPAtially Selective Arterial Spin Labeling
Authors: Woods Joseph G. , Wong Eric C. , Boyd Emma C. , Bolar Divya S.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Spatially selective arterial spin labeling (ASL) perfusion MRI is sensitive to arterial transit times (ATT) that can result in inaccurate perfusion quantification when ATTs are long. Velocity‐selective ASL is robust to this effect because blood is labeled within the imaging region, allowing immediate label delivery. However, velocity‐selective ASL cannot characterize ATTs, which can provide important clinical information. Here, we introduce a novel pulse sequence, called VESPA ASL, that combines velocity‐selective and pseudo‐continuous ASL to simultaneously label different pools of arterial blood for robust cerebral blood flow (CBF) and ATT measurement.

Methods

The VESPA ASL sequence is similar to velocity‐selective ASL, but the velocity‐selective labeling is made spatially selective, and pseudo‐continuous ASL is added to fill the inflow time. The choice of inflow time and other sequence settings were explored. VESPA ASL was compared to multi‐delay pseudo‐continuous ASL and velocity‐selective ASL through simulations and test–retest experiments in healthy volunteers.

Results

VESPA ASL is shown to accurately measure CBF in the presence of long ATTs, and ATTs < TI can also be measured. Measurements were similar to established ASL techniques when ATT was short. When ATT was long, VESPA ASL measured CBF more accurately than multi‐delay pseudo‐continuous ASL, which tended to underestimate CBF.

Conclusion

VESPA ASL is a novel and robust approach to simultaneously measure CBF and ATT and offers important advantages over existing methods. It fills an important clinical need for noninvasive perfusion and transit time imaging in vascular diseases with delayed arterial transit.
A gradient enhanced transversely isotropic damage plasticity model for rock ‐ formulation and comparison of different approaches
Authors: Mader Thomas , Schreter Magdalena , Hofstetter Günter
Published: January 2022

The nonlinear mechanical behavior of intact rock and rock mass is characterized by irreversible deformation, associated with strain hardening, strain softening and degradation of stiffness. In the case of stratified rock types like shales or phyllites, the mechanical behavior additionally depends on the loading direction with respect to the orientation of the principal material directions, resulting in inherent anisotropic material behavior, or in many cases more specifically in transversely isotropic material behavior. On the basis of a critical review of several approaches for modeling nonlinear anisotropic material behavior, proposed in the literature, the linear mapping of the Cauchy stress tensor into a fictitious isotropic configuration, originally proposed by Boehler [1], was identified as the best choice for the application in 3D finite element simulations. Within this framework, an isotropic damage plasticity model for rock, proposed by Unteregger et al. [2], extended to inherent transversely isotropic behavior is presented. It is implemented into a FE‐program by means of the return mapping algorithm and it is regularized by an over‐nonlocal implicit gradient enhancement for ensuring mesh‐insensitive results. For validation, numerical simulations of triaxial compression tests on Tournemire shale, documented in Niandou et al. [3], are performed at both the integration point level and the structural level. The performance of the constitutive model is assessed by its ability to predict the complex direction‐dependent mechanical behavior of transversely isotropic rock and the failure modes observed in triaxial compression tests with different confining pressures and different inclination angles of the stratification planes with respect to the direction of axial loading.
BKW EOS: History of Modifications and Further Improvement of Accuracy with Temperature‐Dependent Covolumes of Polar Molecules
Authors: Suceska Muhamed , Chan Hay Yee Serene , Stimac Barbara , Dobrilovic Mario
Published: January 2022

A hundred years ago (in 1921) Becker proposed an equation of state in which the repulsive term in van der Waals equation of state was replaced by an exponential function. Twenty years later, Kistiakowsky and Wilson modified Becker's equation and used it to calculate the detonation properties of nitroglycerine and mercury fulminate. The resulting equation of state, commonly called the BKW equation of state, is attributed to Becker, Kistiakowsky, and Wilson. Although it was not founded on a strict theoretical background, the BKW equation of state has been widely adopted in thermochemical codes to predict the detonation properties of explosives. Throughout the years, the accuracy of BKW has been significantly improved through proper calibration of the BKW constants and covolumes. This paper presents the concept of temperature‐dependent covolumes of polar molecules (H2O and NH3) as a way to improve the accuracy of prediction of detonation properties of explosives, especially those explosives producing larger amounts of H2O and NH3. It was demonstrated that temperature‐dependent covolumes describe more accurately experimental shock Hugoniots of polar molecules than constant covolumes, and the accuracy of prediction of detonation properties of HNO types of explosives is greatly improved.
A new PCR based molecular method for early and precise quantification of parasitization in the emerging olive pest Dasineura oleae
Authors: Magagnoli Serena , Tondini Elena , Ratti Claudio , Burgio Giovanni , Petacchi Ruggero
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

Dasineura oleae (Angelini 1831) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) was considered a minor pest in olive orchards, but in recent years severe outbreaks have been registered in several Mediterranean countries. Damage is caused by the feeding activity of larvae that induce gall formations and alters the physiological activity of the leaves. In Italy, this pest may be controlled by four Hymenoptera parasitoid species belonging to Platygaster and Mesopolobus genera such as Platygaster demades Walker 1835, Platygaster oleae Szelenyi 1940 (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae), Mesopolobus aspilus (Walker 1835) and Mesopolobus mediterraneus (Mayr 1903) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae), but parasitization becomes evident only after gall dissection.

RESULTS

In this study, we aim to: (i) design a primer for the detection of specimens belonging to Platygaster and Mesopolobus genera; (ii) develop a multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) protocol combined to a fast samples DNA extraction method; (iii) apply the developed protocol to field‐collected specimens and compare this method with traditional techniques based on visual estimation of parasitism rate on larvae. Primers were designed to anneal with cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences of Platygaster and Mesopolobus genera while protocols were developed to be fast and capable to process several samples at the same time. Molecular analyses demonstrated to provide almost double of the parasitism rate assessed by visual inspection. Furthermore, on second instar larvae the PCR‐based method was able to detect ten‐fold times the parasitization rate estimated by visual inspection.

CONCLUSION

The application on a greater scale of this newly developed method could be fundamental in the determination of the biological control potential in olive orchards.
Interactions of a temperate North American fish community with a very low head hydropower facility in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Tuononen Erik I. , Cooke Steven J. , Lédée Elodie J.I. , Timusk Evan R. , Smokorowski Karen E.
Published: January 2022

Efforts are underway to re‐evaluate the use of existing instream infrastructure (e.g., weirs, water control dams) for the purposes of hydroelectric generation, with new very low head turbine technology that is purportedly “fish friendly” making retrofitting a viable option. This is the case at Wasdell Falls on the Severn River, ON, Canada, where the first very low head (VLH) turbines in Canada were put into operation at a long‐standing low‐head dam site. There is little information regarding fish usage of areas upstream from these structures and how this may relate to entrainment risk. Therefore, we assessed the risk of entrainment based on fish use of the forebay areas upstream from the infrastructure, including the forebay of three operating VLH turbines. Acoustic telemetry was used to determine movements and entrainment events of eight north temperate fish species. Entrainment through the VLH turbines did not occur over the course of one year, however, several fish did move downstream via other paths (e.g., over the water control structure). Forebay use was exclusive to rock bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike and largemouth bass, whereas channel catfish, walleye, white sucker and pumpkinseed avoided the forebay. When near the dam, fish tended to select deeper areas located away from the VLH forebay. Fish use of the VLH forebay was limited to brief forays indicating exploratory movements rather than prolonged residence. The findings suggest that entrainment risk at this VLH turbine site is low for the species and life stages studied.
Ceria Nanoparticles as an Unexpected Catalyst to Generate Nitric Oxide from S‐Nitrosoglutathione
Authors: Luo Zijie , Zhou Yingzhu , Yang Tao , Gao Yuan , Kumar Priyank , Chandrawati Rona
Published: January 2022

Ceria nanoparticles (NPs) are widely reported to scavenge nitric oxide (NO) radicals. This study reveals evidence that an opposite effect of ceria NPs exists, that is, to induce NO generation. Herein, S‐nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), one of the most biologically abundant NO donors, is catalytically decomposed by ceria NPs to produce NO. Ceria NPs maintain a high NO release recovery rate and retain their crystalline structure for at least 4 weeks. Importantly, the mechanism of this newly discovered NO generation capability of ceria NPs from GSNO is deciphered to be attributed to the oxidation of Ce3+ to Ce4+ on their surface, which is supported by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional theory analysis. The prospective therapeutic effect of NO‐generating ceria NPs is evaluated by the suppression of cancer cells, displaying a significant reduction of 93% in cell viability. Overall, this report is, to the authors’ knowledge, the first study to identify the capability of ceria NPs to induce NO generation from GSNO, which overturns the conventional concept of them acting solely as a NO‐scavenging agent. This study will deepen our knowledge about the therapeutic effects of ceria NPs and open a new route toward the NO‐generating systems for biomedical applications.