bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial phylogenetics of Japanese ferns: Patterns, processes, and implications for conservation
Authors: Nitta Joel H. , Mishler Brent D. , Iwasaki Wataru , Ebihara Atsushi
Published: April 2022

Premise

Biodiversity is often only measured with species richness; however, this metric ignores evolutionary history and is not sufficient for making conservation decisions. Here, we characterize multiple facets and drivers of biodiversity to understand how these relate to bioregions and conservation status in the ferns of Japan.

Methods

We compiled a community data set of 1239 grid cells (20 × 20 km each) including 672 taxa based on >300,000 specimen records. We combined the community data with a phylogeny and functional traits to analyze taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity and modeled biodiversity metrics in response to environmental factors and reproductive mode. Hierarchical clustering was used to delimit bioregions. Conservation status and threats were assessed by comparing the overlap of significantly diverse grid cells with conservation zones and range maps of native Japanese deer.

Results

Taxonomic richness was highest at mid‐latitudes. Phylogenetic and functional diversity and phylogenetic endemism were highest in small southern islands. Relative phylogenetic and functional diversity were high at high and low latitudes, and low at mid‐latitudes. Grid cells were grouped into three (phylogenetic) or four (taxonomic) major bioregions. Temperature and apomixis were identified as drivers of biodiversity patterns. Conservation status was generally high for grid cells with significantly high biodiversity, but the threat due to herbivory by deer was greater for taxonomic richness than other metrics.

Conclusions

Our integrative approach reveals previously undetected patterns and drivers of biodiversity in the ferns of Japan. Future conservation efforts should recognize that threats can vary by biodiversity metric and consider multiple metrics when establishing conservation priorities.
Digitized collections elucidate invasion history and patterns of awn polymorphism inMicrostegium vimineum
Authors: Barrett Craig F. , Huebner Cynthia D. , Bender Zoe A. , Budinsky Trezalka A. , Corbett Cameron W. , Latvis Maribeth , McKain Michael R. , Motley M'Kayla , Skibicki Samuel V. , Thixton Hana L. , Santee Mathilda V. , Cumberledge Aubrey N.
Published: April 2022

Premise

Digitized collections can help illuminate the mechanisms behind the establishment and spread of invasive plants. These databases provide a record of traits in space and time that allows for investigation of abiotic and biotic factors that influence invasive species.

Methods

Over 1100 digitized herbarium records were examined to investigate the invasion history and trait variation ofMicrostegium vimineum. Presence–absence of awns was investigated to quantify geographic patterns of this polymorphic trait, which serves several functions in grasses, including diaspore burial and dispersal to germination sites. Floret traits were further quantified, and genomic analyses of contemporary samples were conducted to investigate the history ofM. vimineum's introduction and spread into North America.

Results

Herbarium records revealed similar patterns of awn polymorphism in native and invaded ranges ofM. vimineum, with awned forms predominating at higher latitudes and awnless forms at lower latitudes. Herbarium records and genomic data suggested initial introduction and spread of the awnless form in the southeastern United States, followed by a putative secondary invasion and spread of the awned form from eastern Pennsylvania. Awned forms have longer florets, and floret size varies significantly with latitude. There is evidence of a transition zone with short‐awned specimens at mid‐latitudes. Genomic analyses revealed two distinct clusters corresponding to awnless and awned forms, with evidence of admixture.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate the power of herbarium data to elucidate the invasion history of a problematic weed in North America and, together with genomic data, reveal a possible key trait in introduction success: presence or absence of an awn.
Furan fatty acid concentrations in tea infusions prepared from green, black, and herbal teas
Authors: Romanotto Anna , Langner Jeanette , Sander Martin , Müller Franziska , Vetter Walter
Published: April 2022

Furan fatty acids (FuFAs) are valuable antioxidants with highly effective radical scavenging properties which are widely distributed at low levels in food. Previous research indicated that tea is a valuable source of FuFAs. However, tea is only consumed in form of infusions. To fill this gap, we prepared infusions from different herbal, green, and black teas. Initial measurements with GC‐MSMS of tea verified previous findings that 11‐(3,4‐dimethyl‐5‐penylfuran‐2‐yl)‐undecanoic acid (11D5) was the prevalent FuFA in tea matrix. Therefore, 11D5 was quantified in tea infusions by means of UHPLC‐MSMS equipment after mild alkaline hydrolysis. While herbal tea infusions were low or free of FuFAs, 11D5 was detectable in all samples of green and black tea infusions. Amounts of 11D5 were higher in green tea than in black tea. Moreover, Darjeeling tea infusions were by ~30% richer in 11D5 than black and green teas from other regions. Each cup of green and black tea infusion may provide 20–60 μg 11D5, which is about 5% of the amounts found in tea samples. Spread over the day, regular tea consumption may contribute to the intake of valuable FuFAs.
Mitochondrial genomes of Sternochetus species (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and the phylogenetic implications
Authors: Zhang Li‐Jie , Li Yu‐Jie , Ge Xue‐Ying , Li Xue‐Yan , Yang Yu‐Xia , Bai Ming , Ge Si‐Qin
Published: April 2022

The three weevil species, Sternochetus gravis, S. mangiferae, and S. olivieri, have all been reported to be serious pests of mango fruits. Morphology, biology, and various management approaches of these economically important weevils have been well studied. However, no mitochondrial genomes have been reported from the genus Sternochetus. Herein, we assembled mitogenomes of all the three Sternochetus species to reveal their mitogenomic characteristics. A DNA library of 350 bp insert size was constructed and sequenced in Illumina's HiSeq 6000 platform with a pair‐end 150 bp sequencing strategy by Novogene. The sequence reads were assembled using GetOrganelle v1.7.1 and the genes were annotated by Geneious Prime 2021.0.3 and MITOS Web Server. Coupled with 61 published mitogenomes from 13 subfamilies of Curculionidae, we reconstructed phylogenetic trees to resolve evolutionary relationships of these closely related species and also examined subfamily‐level classification among Curculionidae. All three mitogenomes are double‐stranded circular molecules with 22 transfer RNA genes, 13 protein‐coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and 1 noncoding control region as in other insects. Higher interspecific nucleotide divergence (about 10%) of 13 PCGs indicated these three Sternochetus species diverged a long time ago. Phylogenetic analyses using both maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods showed that Sternochetus falls into the basal clade of Cryptorhynchini, a tribe in the subfamily Molytinae. The relationship of S. olivieri as a sister species to S. gravis + S. mangiferae was strongly supported. The monophyly of Cryptorhynchini was also well supported whereas Molytinae was suggested to be a polyphyletic group.
QSAR‐driven synthesis of antiproliferative chalcones against SH‐SY5Y cancer cells: Design, biological evaluation, and redesign
Authors: Mellado Marco , Reyna‐Jeldes Mauricio , Weinstein‐Oppenheimer Caroline , Covarrubias Alejandra A. , Aguilar Luis F. , Coddou Claudio , Mella Jaime , Cuellar Mauricio A.
Published: April 2022

Neuroblastoma is one of the most frequent types of cancer found in infants, and traditional chemotherapy has limited efficacy against this pathology. Thus, the development of new compounds with higher activity and selectivity than traditional drugs is a current challenge in medicinal chemistry research. In this study, we report the synthesis of 21 chalcones with antiproliferative activity and selectivity against the neuroblastoma cell line SH‐SY5Y. Then, we developed three‐dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship models (comparative molecular field analysis and comparative molecular similarity index analysis) with high‐quality statistical values (q2 > 0.7;r2 > 0.8;r2pred > 0.7), using IC50and selectivity index (SI) data as dependent variables. With the information derived from these theoretical models, we designed and synthesized 16 new molecules to prove their consistency, finding good antiproliferative activity against SH‐SY5Y cells on these derivatives, with three of them showing higher SI than the referential drugs 5‐fluorouracil and cisplatin, displaying also a proapoptotic effect comparable to these drugs, as proven by measuring their effects on executor caspases 3/7 activity induction, Bcl‐2/Bax messenger RNA levels alteration, and DNA fragmentation promotion.
Synthesis and Strong π–π Interaction of Hexaazatriphenylene Derivatives with Alternating Electron‐Withdrawing and ‐Donating Groups
Authors: Hinokimoto Akira , Ono Toshinori , Fujiwara Makoto , Mori Hiroki , Akiyoshi Ryohei , Nakamura Shinya , Tsutsumi Osamu , Saeki Akinori , Kitagawa Yasutaka , Horike Satoshi , Tanaka Daisuke
Published: April 2022

Hexaazatriphenylene (HAT) derivatives have attracted wide attention because of their electron‐deficient nature and unique self‐assembly properties. In this work, a facile synthesis method for obtaining HAT derivatives with alternating electron‐withdrawing nitrile and electron‐donating alkoxy groups (HATCNOCn) is proposed. Crystal structure analysis indicated that HATCNOCn forms a one‐dimensional columnar structure via strong π–π interactions. Density functional theory calculations revealed that the edge of HATCNOCn is divided into positively and negatively charged sites owing to the presence of alternating nitrile and alkoxy groups, which would induce strong π–π interactions. Thermal analysis and polarizing optical microscopy revealed that HATCNOCn exhibits columnar liquid‐crystal phases. Time‐resolved microwave conductivity measurements further demonstrated the photoconductive nature of HATCNOCn. The proposed strategy could provide a new strategy for the design of novel organic semiconductive materials.
Combined multivariate statistical and flux balance analyses uncover media bottlenecks to the growth and productivity of Chinese hamster ovary cell cultures
Authors: Yeo Hock Chuan , Park Seo‐Young , Tan Tessa , Ng Say K. , Lakshmanan Meiyappan , Lee Dong‐Yup
Published: April 2022

Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells are widely used for producing recombinant proteins. To enhance their productivity and product quality, media reformulation has been a key strategy, albeit with several technical challenges, due to the myriad of complex molecular mechanisms underlying media effects on culture performance. Thus, it is imperative to characterize metabolic bottlenecks under various media conditions systematically. To do so, we combined partial least square regression (PLS‐R) with the flux balance analysis of a genome‐scale metabolic model to elucidate the physiological states and metabolic behaviors of human alpha‐1 antitrypsin producing CHO‐DG44 cells grown in one commercial and another two in‐house media under development. At the onset, PLS‐R was used to identify metabolite exchanges that were correlated to specific growth and productivity. Then, by comparing metabolic states described by resultant flux distributions under two of the media conditions, we found suboptimal level of four nutrients and two metabolic wastes, which plausibly hindered cellular growth and productivity; mechanistically, lactate and ammonia recycling were modulated by glutamine and asparagine metabolisms in the media conditions, and also by hitherto unsuspected folate and choline supplements. Our work demonstrated how multivariate statistical analysis can be synergistically combined with metabolic modeling to uncover the mechanistic elements underlying differing media performance. It thus paved the way for the systematic identification of nutrient targets for medium reformulation to enhance recombinant protein production in CHO cells.
Market transformations as collaborative change: Institutional co‐evolution through small business entrepreneurship
Authors: Westman Linda , Luederitz Christopher , Kundurpi Aravind , Mercado Alexander Julian , Burch Sarah Lynn
Published: April 2022

Entrepreneurship may be one entry point to trigger transformations toward sustainability. Yet, there is limited knowledge on the ability of small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) to play a role in transformation processes, beyond the initial stages of niche innovation. Building on data collected through 125 interviews in Toronto, Vancouver and London, we examine perceived contributions of SME‐led sustainable entrepreneurship to market transformations. Our data show that sustainable entrepreneurs face significant constraints in individually exercising influence over mass markets, as they encounter social forces that generate resistance to change. However, SMEs are able to act collaboratively to shape transformation processes. We propose three mechanisms of institutional co‐evolution that capture these contributions: network learning, collective norm‐construction and collaborative advocacy.
Sustainable competencies of social entrepreneurship for sustainable development: Exploratory analysis from a developing economy
Authors: Ramadani Veland , Agarwal Sucheta , Caputo Andrea , Agrawal Vivek , Dixit Jitendra Kumar
Published: April 2022

With the establishment of social enterprises, the role of social entrepreneurs (SEs) becomes prominent with their exceptional competencies that contribute to the sustainable development (SD) of the environment. Sustainable competencies (SC) assist these entrepreneurs in strengthening their personalities for the present and future development by facilitating entrepreneurial social activities. This study focuses on the investigation of SC of SEs with the help of in‐depth interviews and exploratory factor analysis by collecting the data from SEs belonging to different regions of Uttar Pradesh, India, through a questionnaire. During the analysis of interviews and data, it has revealed that among the eight vital SC, few are entrepreneurial resilience, empathy, emotional intelligence, strategic thinking and so forth, which are crucial for the success of the social entrepreneurial journey. This is the significant study that focuses on the SC required by the present and future generations for the world's SD with humankind and would facilitate the academic institutes and policymakers to inculcate the SC among the generations to create more social enterprises.
Biomechanical assessment of the first dorsal compartment of the wrist: A fresh cadaver study with relevance to de Quervain's disease
Authors: Sugiura Shiro , Matsuura Yusuke , Suzuki Takane , Nishikawa Satoru , Toyooka Takeshi , Ohtori Seiji
Published: April 2022

Resistance of de Quervain's disease to conservative treatment has been associated with an intertendinous septum in the first compartment. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between intertendinous septum's presence or absence, internal pressure and wrist positon in the first compartment. Fourteen arms were obtained from seven fresh frozen cadavers. A pressure sensor was inserted into the first compartment; if a septum was present, the pressure sensor was inserted into the abductor pollicis longus (APL) side and the extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) side, respectively. Three wrist positions were also tested: neutral, 45° flexion, and 45° extension. Intertendinous septa were present in seven wrists. The average pressure change in the first compartment measured on the EPB side of a present septum was significantly greater than that measured on the APL side of a present septum or where no septum existed: no septum = 54.6 ± 48.3 kPa; septum, EPB = 81.7 ± 76.5 kPa; and septum, APL = 32.8 ± 37.4 kPa. The average pressure change was also significantly greater in the flexion wrist position relative to the neutral and extension positions: neutral = 36.3 ± 58.0 kPa; 45° flexion = 79.5 ± 65.9 kPa; and 45° extension = 50.4 ± 42.6 kPa. Clear relationships existed between (1) the presence of a septum and increased internal pressure on the EPB side in the first compartment and (2) increased internal pressure with the wrist at 45° flexion compared with the neutral and extension position.
Implementing subtype‐specific pre‐clinical models of breast cancer to study pre‐treatment aspirin effects
Authors: Miller Ian S. , Khan Sonja , Shiels Liam P. , Das Sudipto , O' Farrell Alice C. , Connor Kate , Lafferty Adam , Moran Bruce , Isella Claudio , Loadman Paul , Conroy Emer , Cohrs Susan , Schibli Roger , Kerbel Robert S. , Gallagher William M. , Marangoni Elisabetta , Bennett Kathleen , O' Connor Darran P. , Dwyer Róisín M. , Byrne Annette T.
Published: April 2022

Backgorund

Prior data suggest pre‐diagnostic aspirin use impacts breast tumour biology and patient outcome. Here, we employed faithful surgical resection models of HER2+ and triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC), to study outcome and response mechanisms across breast cancer subtypes.

Method

NOD/SCID mice were implanted with HER2+ MDA‐MB‐231/LN/2‐4/H2N, trastuzumab‐resistant HER2+ HCC1954 or a TNBC patient‐derived xenograft (PDX). A daily low‐dose aspirin regimen commenced until primary tumours reached ~250 mm3 and subsequently resected. MDA‐MB‐231/LN/2‐4/H2N mice were monitored for metastasis utilising imaging. To interrogate the survival benefit of pre‐treatment aspirin, 3 weeks post‐resection, HCC1954/TNBC animals received standard‐of‐care (SOC) chemotherapy for 6 weeks. Primary tumour response to aspirin was interrogated using immunohistochemistry.

Results

Aspirin delayed time to metastasis in MDA‐MB‐231/LN/2‐4/H2N xenografts and decreased growth of HER2+/TNBC primary tumours. Lymphangiogenic factors and lymph vessels number were decreased in HER2+ tumours. However, no survival benefit was seen in aspirin pre‐treated animals (HCC1954/TNBC) that further received adjuvant SOC, compared with animals treated with SOC alone. In an effort to study mechanisms responsible for the observed reduction in lymphangiogenesis in HER2+ BC we utilised an in vitro co‐culture system of HCC1954 tumour cells and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC). Aspirin abrogated the secretion of VEGF‐C in MSCs and also decreased the lymph/angiogenic potential of the MSCs and HCC1954 by tubule formation assay. Furthermore, aspirin decreased the secretion of uPA in HCC1954 cells potentially diminishing its metastatic capability.

Conclusion

Our data employing clinically relevant models demonstrate that aspirin alters breast tumour biology. However, aspirin may not represent a robust chemo‐preventative agent in the HER2+ or TNBC setting.
Soluble form of CTLA‐4 is a good predictor for tumor recurrence after radiofrequency ablation in hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Teng Wei , Jeng Wen‐Juei , Chen Wei‐Ting , Lin Chen‐Chun , Lin Chun‐Yen , Lin Shi‐Ming , Sheen I‐Shyan
Published: April 2022

Background

A soluble form of cytotoxic‐T‐lymphocyte‐antigen‐4 (sCTLA‐4) is a prognostic biomarker for several cancers but remains unclear in HCC patients. The aim of study is to evaluate the predictive role of serum sCTLA‐4 levels for tumor recurrence of chronic hepatis C (CHC)‐HCC patients receiving radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

Material and method

A prospective study recruiting 88 CHC‐HCC patients was done between 2013 and 2019. Cox regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of early recurrence. All tests were two‐tailed, and the level of statistical significance was set as p < 0.05.

Results

During a median follow‐up of 44.4 months, 53 of the 88 (60.2%) CHC‐HCC patients encountered early recurrence within 2 years. The predictability of sCTLA‐4 for local recurrence (LR) and intrahepatic metastasis (IHM) by 2‐years using AUROC curve analysis were 0.740 and 0.715, respectively. Patients with high sCTLA‐4 levels (>9 ng/ml) encountered shorter recurrence‐free survival (RFS) for LR (log‐rank p = 0.017) but paradoxically longer RFS for IHM (log‐rank p = 0.007) compared to those with low levels (≤9 ng/ml). By multivariate Cox regression analysis, sCTLA‐4 levels and antiviral therapy were independent prognostic factor of early recurrence both in LR and IHM. A combination of baseline sCTLA‐4 and AFP level could improve the predictability of early LR and IHM with specificity of 80.0% and 79.7% and positive predictive value of 63.3% and 67.3%, respectively.

Conclusions

sCTLA‐4 level is a good predictor for early HCC recurrence with higher levels indicating susceptibility to early LR, but protecting from early IHM.
Morphea in two patients after being infected to and being vaccinated against SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Aryanian Zeinab , Balighi Kamran , Hatami Parvaneh , Tootoonchi Nasim Mazloumi , Goodarzi Azadeh , Mohseni Afshar Zeinab
Published: April 2022

Although the presence of morphea following COVID‐19 has been rarely reported, the development of its generalized form following COVID‐19 vaccination has not been reported yet. Here, we reported the first case of generalized morphea following COVID‐19 vaccination and another similar case following SARS‐Cov‐2 infection. Other etiologic factors were also dealt with.
Chronic recurrent annular neutrophilic dermatosis: A rare entity
Authors: Manaa Linda , Korbi Mouna , Njima Manel , Akkari Hayet , Soua Yosra , Belhadjali Hichem , Zili Jameleddine
Published: April 2022

We report a new case of chronic recurrent annular neutrophilic dermatosis in a woman. Through our observation, we aim to make the clinician aware of this rare entity, in order to consider it among the diagnostic hypotheses of annular dermatosis, with centrifugal, recurrent, and chronic evolution.
Recent progress of flexible aqueous multivalent ion batteries
Authors: Wang Zhenya , Li Yanmei , Wang Jiawei , Ji Runa , Yuan Hao , Wang Yingyu , Wang Hua
Published: April 2022

Flexible aqueous batteries have been thriving with the growing demand for wearable and portable electrical devices. In particular, flexible aqueous multivalent ion batteries (FAMIBs), the charge carriers of which include Zn2+, Al3+, Mg2+, and Ca2+, have great potential for development owing to their high safety, high elemental abundance in the Earth's crust, and a multi‐electron redox mechanism with a high theoretical specific capacity. Therefore, for a comprehensive understanding of this developing field, it is necessary to summarize the recent research progress of FAMIBs in a timely manner. Herein, the advancements of the state‐of‐the‐art FAMIBs are reviewed, and the prospects toward this field are also proposed. This study focuses on the rational material and configuration design for FAMIBs in recent studies to achieve high battery performances under deformation conditions, which is elaborated on by classification of the anode, cathode, hydrogel electrolyte, and configurations of FAMIBs. Besides, the electrochemical performance of FAMIBs under flexible conditions is also reviewed from the perspective of their working voltage, specific capacity, and cycling stability. Finally, the approaches to improve the performance of FAMIBs are comprehensively evaluated, followed by the outlook on the challenges and opportunities in future development of FAMIBs.
PROTOCOL: Mapping the scientific knowledge and approaches to defining and measuring hate crime, hate speech, and hate incidents
Authors: Vergani Matteo , Perry Barbara , Freilich Joshua , Chermak Steven , Scrivens Ryan , Link Rouven
Published: April 2022

The overall aim of the review is to map the definitions and measurement tools used to capture the whole spectrum of hate motivated behaviors, including hate crime, hate speech and hate incidents. This will benefit the field of hate studies by providing a baseline that can inform the building of cumulative knowledge and comparative research. The first review objective is to map definitions of hate crime, hate incidents, hate speech, and surrogate terms. Specific research questions underpinning this objective are: (a) How are hate crimes, hate speech and hate incidents defined in the academic, legal, policy, and programming literature?; (b) What are the concepts, parameters and criteria that qualify a behavior as being hate crime, hate incident or hate speech?; and (c) What are the most common concepts, parameters and criteria found across definitions? What are the differences between definitions and the elements they contain? The second review objective is to map the tools used to measure the prevalence of hate crime, hate incidents, hate speech, and surrogate terms. Specific research questions underpinning this objective are: (a) How are definitions operationalised to measure hate crimes, hate speech, and hate incidents?; and (b) How valid and reliable are these measures?
Recommendations for the surveillance of education and employment outcomes in survivors of childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer: A report from the International Late Effects of Childhood Cancer Guideline Harmonization Group
Authors: Devine Katie A. , Christen Salome , Mulder Renée L. , Brown Morven C. , Ingerski Lisa M. , Mader Luzius , Potter Emma J. , Sleurs Charlotte , Viola Adrienne S. , Waern Susanna , Constine Louis S. , Hudson Melissa M. , Kremer Leontien C. M. , Skinner Roderick , Michel Gisela , Gilleland Marchak Jordan , Schulte Fiona S. M. ,   for the International Guidelines Harmonization Group Psychological Late Effects Group
Published: April 2022

Educational achievement and employment outcomes are critical indicators of quality of life in survivors of childhood, adolescent, and young adult (CAYA) cancer. This review is aimed at providing an evidence‐based clinical practice guideline (CPG) with internationally harmonized recommendations for the surveillance of education and employment outcomes in survivors of CAYA cancer diagnosed before the age of 30 years. The CPG was developed by a multidisciplinary panel under the umbrella of the International Late Effects of Childhood Cancer Guideline Harmonization Group. After evaluating concordances and discordances of 4 existing CPGs, the authors performed a systematic literature search through February 2021. They screened articles for eligibility, assessed quality, and extracted and summarized the data from included articles. The authors formulated recommendations based on the evidence and clinical judgment. There were 3930 articles identified, and 83 of them, originating from 17 countries, were included. On a group level, survivors were more likely to have lower educational achievement and more likely to be unemployed than comparisons. Key risk factors for poor outcomes included receiving a primary diagnosis of a central nervous system tumor and experiencing late effects. The authors recommend that health care providers be aware of the risk of educational and employment problems, implement regular surveillance, and refer survivors to specialists if problems are identified. In conclusion, this review presents a harmonized CPG that aims to facilitate evidence‐based care, positively influence education and employment outcomes, and ultimately minimize the burden of disease and treatment‐related late adverse effects for survivors of CAYA cancers.

Lay Summary

A multidisciplinary panel has developed guidelines for the surveillance of education and employment outcomes among survivors of childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer.

On the basis of evidence showing that survivors are at risk for lower educational achievement and unemployment, it is recommended that all survivors receive regular screening for educational and employment outcomes.
Assessment of 4D flow MRI's quality by verifying its Navier–Stokes compatibility
Authors: Garay Jeremías , Mella Hernán , Sotelo Julio , Cárcamo Cristian , Uribe Sergio , Bertoglio Cristóbal , Mura Joaquín
Published: April 2022

4D Flow Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the state‐of‐the‐art technique to comprehensively measure the complex spatio‐temporal and multidirectional patterns of blood flow. However, it is subject to artifacts such as noise and aliasing, which due to the 3D and dynamic structure is difficult to detect in clinical practice. In this work, a new mathematical and computational model to determine the quality of 4D Flow MRI is presented. The model is derived by assuming the true velocity satisfies the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations and that can be decomposed by the measurements plus an extra field . Therefore, a non‐linear problem with as unknown arises, which serves as a measure of data quality. A stabilized finite element formulation tailored to this problem is proposed and analyzed. Then, extensive numerical examples—using synthetic 4D Flow MRI data as well as real measurements on experimental phantom and subjects—illustrate the ability to use for assessing the quality of 4D Flow MRI measurements over space and time.
Estimation of population mean under probability proportional to size sampling with and without measurement errors
Authors: Sinha Raghaw Raman , Khanna Bharti
Published: April 2022

This research paper deals with the problem of estimating population mean of study variable using information of auxiliary variable under varying probability and measurement error. Motivated by Kadilar and Cingi, App Math Lett, 2006, 19, 75 and Zaman, Stat Trans‐New Ser, 2020, 21, 159, generalized ratio and product enhanced regressed exponential (ERE) estimators are proposed to estimate the population mean using different auxiliary parameters under the sampling of probability proportional to size (pps) and extended for the case of measurement error. Further, following the strategies of Naik and Gupta, J Ind Soc Agr Stat, 1996, 48, 151; Jhajj et al., Pak J Stat, 2006, 23, 1; Singh et al., Auxiliary Information and A Priori Values in Construction of Improved Estimators, Renaissance High Press, 2007; and Solanki and Singh, Chil J Stat, 2013, 4, 3, conventional ratio, product, regression, generalized and many other types of estimators have been adopted under pps sampling with and without measurement error. Up to the first order of large sample approximation, the bias and mean square error (MSE) of the suggested ERE and adopted estimators are derived and their properties have been studied. Comparisons have been made theoretically and empirically to comprehend the merits of recommended estimators over the conventional and adopted estimators.
Effect of Deposition Temperature on Morphological, Optical, and Photocatalytic Properties of ZnO Thin Films Synthesized by Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis Method
Authors: Ouhaibi Abdelhalim , Saoula Nadia , Ghamnia Mostefa , Dahamni Mohamed Amine , Guerbous Lakhdar
Published: April 2022

ZnO thin films are synthesized by an ultrasonic spray pyrolysis method, with the deposition temperature in a range between 250–450 °C. The obtained thin films are analyzed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and photoluminescence (PL). The samples are used in a photocatalytic experiment to compare the degradation efficiency by methylene blue decomposition under UV irradiation. XRD patterns confirm a polycristalline wurtzite structure with preferred orientation along the (002) plane. AFM images reveal an important change in the shape and size of the grains constituting the surface. The roughness values are in the range of 17–93 nm. Thickness values of thin films deposited at 250, 350, and 450 °C are ≈0.9, 2.3, and 1.4 µ, respectively. From PL characterization, the spectra are found to be sensitive to the deposition temperature, where emission peaks with different forms and intensities are observed. One peak at 389 nm is attributed to the recombination of free excitons, and other peaks between 403–522 nm correspond to violet, blue, and green emissions indicating the presence of Zn vacancies, Zn interstitials, and oxygen vacancies, respectively, in the ZnO structure. The photocatlytic results show that the best photocatalytic efficiency of 88% is achieved by ZnO thin film deposited at 450 °C.
A game theory‐based clustering and multi‐hop routing scheme in wireless sensor networks for energy minimization
Authors: Gupta Mansi , Singh Aulakh Navneet , Kaur Aulakh Inderdeep
Published: April 2022

Energy consumption in wireless sensor network (WSN) is one of the important issues as tiny sensor nodes are equipped with a non‐replaceable batteries. Clustering is one of the effective means to prolong the network lifetime in WSN by reducing the number of packets to be sent from cluster heads (CHs) to base station (BS). Recently, game theory techniques have been applied in the clustering process for optimal CH election at each round. However, none of them have considered the energy parameter in their game strategy and multihop routing for data transmission. In this manuscript, an energy‐efficient game‐theoretic clustering and multi‐hop routing scheme (EGCR) has been proposed where the non‐cooperative approach of game theory is used to elect optimal CHs. In the proposed game theoretic framework, each node behaves in a selfish manner while considering the residual energy of nodes and focuses on increasing the overall lifetime of the network. Nash equilibrium is determined among a set of pure and mixed strategies, and then the expected payoff of a node is determined for Nash equilibria. Apart from the energy‐efficient clustering, the EGCR also proposes a multi‐hop routing solution for data transmission that further enhances the lifetime of whole network. In the multi‐hop routing approach, inter‐cluster and intra‐cluster routing techniques are proposed to identify optimal routes from nodes to CHs and from CHs to BS by using various factors such as node centrality, distance from the node to BS, and residual energy. The proposed algorithm is compared with traditional clustering schemes like low‐energy adaptive clustering hierarchy (LEACH) and efficient energy‐aware game theory‐based clustering (EEGC) and also with existing game theory‐based algorithms such as clustered routing for selfish sensors (CROSS), localized game theoretical clustering algorithm (LGCA), and energy‐efficient clustering algorithm based on game theory (ECAGT). Simulation experiments validate that the proposed algorithm enhances the network's lifetime up to 47.49% compared to existing clustering algorithms.
A cascaded algorithm based on GMM, GKF, and data fusion for mobile tracking in wireless sensor network
Authors: Cheng Long , Wei Dacheng , Zhao Peng , Wang Yan
Published: April 2022

Wireless sensor network (WSN) is formed with numerous communication nodes, which plays an important role in the Internet of Things (IoT). Location‐based service is critically important for WSN; however, the nonline of sight (NLOS) condition can deteriorate the positioning precision significantly. In this paper, a robust localization algorithm based on the range measurements to deal with the mixed line of sight (LOS)/NLOS environment is proposed. Firstly, a hypothesis testing based on the data deviation is used to detect the transmission condition. For the identified LOS propagation, the measured data are processed by Gaussian mixture model (GMM) to calculate the mean and standard deviation, which can update the likelihood probability and residual by data fusion. Moreover, for the identified NLOS propagation data, the mean of every Gaussian component is processed by gray Kalman filter (GKF) to discard large outliers. Finally, maximum likelihood (ML) is adopted to derive final coordinates. The simulation results have shown that the proposed algorithm has great advantages in dealing with severe NLOS interference and has higher accuracy compared with existing classic algorithms.
In vitro cytoxicity profile of e‐cigarette liquid samples on primary human bronchial epithelial cells
Authors: Caruso Massimo , Distefano Alfio , Emma Rosalia , Zuccarello Pietro , Copat Chiara , Ferrante Margherita , Carota Giuseppe , Pulvirenti Roberta , Polosa Riccardo , Missale Gesualdo Antonio , Rust Sonja , Raciti Giuseppina , Li Volti Giovanni
Published: April 2022

Cigarette smoke is associated to severe chronic diseases. The most harmful components of cigarette smoke derive from the combustion process, which are significantly reduced in the electronic cigarette aerosol, thus providing a valid option in harm reduction strategies. To develop safer products, it is therefore necessary to screen electronic cigarette liquids (e‐liquids) to meet high safety standards defined by government regulations. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence of metal‐ and plastic‐derived contaminants in four different commercial e‐liquids with high concentration of nicotine and their cytotoxic effect in normal human bronchial epithelial cells by a number of in vitro assays, in comparison with the 1R6F reference cigarette, using an air‐liquid interface (ALI) exposure system. Moreover, we evaluated the effect of aerosol exposure on oxidative stress by measuring the production of reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial potential. Our results showed no contaminants in all e‐liquids and a significantly reduced cytotoxic effect of e‐liquid aerosol compared to cigarette smoke as well as a maintained mitochondria integrity. Moreover, no production of reactive oxygen species was detected with e‐cigarette aerosol. In conclusion, these results support the reduced toxicity potential of e‐cigs compared to tobacco cigarettes in an in vitro model resembling real life smoke exposure.
An emerging class of new therapeutics targeting TGF, Activin, and BMP ligands in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Upton Paul D. , Dunmore Benjamin J. , Li Wei , Morrell Nicholas W.
Published: April 2022

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is an often fatal condition, the primary pathology of which involves loss of pulmonary vascular perfusion due to progressive aberrant vessel remodeling. The reduced capacity of the pulmonary circulation places increasing strain on the right ventricle of the heart, leading to death by heart failure. Currently, licensed therapies are primarily vasodilators, which have increased the median post‐diagnosis life expectancy from 2.8 to 7 years. Although this represents a substantial improvement, the search continues for transformative therapeutics that reverse established disease. The genetics of human PAH heavily implicates reduced endothelial bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling as a causal role for the disease pathobiology. Recent approaches have focused on directly enhancing BMP signaling or removing the inhibitory influence of pathways that repress BMP signaling. In this critical commentary, we review the evidence underpinning the development of two approaches: BMP‐based agonists and inhibition of activin/GDF signaling. We also address the key considerations and questions that remain regarding these approaches.
The important choice of reference environment in microevolutionary climate response predictions
Authors: Ergon Rolf
Published: April 2022

It is well documented that individuals of wild populations can adjust to climate change by means of phenotypic plasticity, but few reports on adaptation by means of genetically based microevolution caused by selection. Disentanglement of these separate effects requires that the reference environment (the environmental zero point) is defined, and this should not be done arbitrarily. The problem is that an error in the reference environment may lead to large errors in predicted microevolution. Together with parameter values and initial mean trait values, the reference environment can be estimated from environmental, phenotypic and fitness data. A prediction error method for this purpose is described, with the feasibility shown by simulations. As shown in a toy example, an estimated reference environment may have large errors, especially for small populations. This may still be a better choice than use of an initial environmental value in a recorded time series, or the mean value, which is often used. Another alternative may be to use the mean value of a past and stationary stochastic environment, which the population is judged to have been fully adapted to, in the sense that the expected geometric mean fitness was at a global maximum. Exceptions are cases with constant phenotypic plasticity, where the microevolutionary changes per generation follow directly from phenotypic and environmental data, independent of the chosen reference environment.
Local ecological divergence of two closely related stag beetles based on genetic, morphological, and environmental analyses
Authors: Zhang Sheng‐Nan , Kubota Kôhei
Published: April 2022

The process of phenotypic adaptation to the environments is widely recognized. However, comprehensive studies integrating phylogenetic, phenotypic, and ecological approaches to assess this process are scarce. Our study aims to assess whether local adaptation may explain intraspecific differentiation by quantifying multidimensional differences among populations in closely related lucanid species, Platycerus delicatulus and Platycerus kawadai, which are endemic saproxylic beetles in Japan. First, we determined intraspecific analysis units based on nuclear and mitochondrial gene analyses of Platycerus delicatulus and Platycerus kawadai under sympatric and allopatric conditions. Then, we compared differences in morphology and environmental niche between populations (analysis units) within species. We examined the relationship between morphology and environmental niche via geographic distance. P. kawadai was subdivided into the “No introgression” and “Introgression” populations based on mitochondrial COI gene – nuclear ITS region discordance. P. delicatulus was subdivided into “Allopatric” and “Sympatric” populations. Body length differed significantly among the populations of each species. For P. delicatulus, character displacement was suggested. For P. kawadai, the morphological difference was likely caused by geographic distance or genetic divergence rather than environmental differences. The finding showed that the observed mitochondrial–nuclear discordance is likely due to historical mitochondrial introgression following a range of expansion. Our results show that morphological variation among populations of P. delicatulus and P. kawadai reflects an ecological adaptation process based on interspecific interactions, geographic distance, or genetic divergence. Our results will deepen understanding of ecological specialization processes across the distribution and adaptation of species in natural systems.
Hazard considerations in the vulnerability assessment of offshore wind farms in seismic zones
Authors: Bhattacharya Subhamoy , Amani Sadra , Prabhakaran Athul , Macabuag Joshua
Published: April 2022

Offshore wind power is increasingly becoming a mainstream energy source, and efforts are underway toward their construction in seismic zones. An offshore wind farm consists of generation assets (turbines) and transmission assets (substations and cables). Wind turbines are dynamically sensitive systems due to the proximity of their resonant frequency to that of loads considered in their analyses. Such farms are considered lifeline systems and need to remain operational even after large earthquakes. This study aims to discuss hazard considerations involved in the resilience assessment of offshore wind farms in seismic regions. The complexity of design increases with larger turbines installed in deeper waters, resulting in different types of foundations. In addition, Tsunami inundation is shown to be an important consideration for nearshore turbines.
Time‐dependent seismic resilience of aging repairable structures considering multiple damage states
Authors: Wang Cao , Ayyub Bilal M.
Published: April 2022

Earthquakes are among the natural hazards threatening the serviceafbility, functionality, and safety of engineering structures significantly. Posthazard structures may suffer from different damage states and correspondingly different functionality losses/recovery processes in the aftermath of hazardous events. This paper proposes a measure for structural time‐dependent seismic resilience considering multiple damage states. Its specific case (i.e., considering damage–no damage scenario) reduces to the existing resilience measure in the literature. The time‐variant fragility curves and the generalized seismic capacities are used to determine the damage states conditional on the peak ground motion (PGA). The proposed measure is applicable for both of the following two cases: (1) the earthquake occurrence rate and the magnitude of PGA conditional on earthquake occurrence are known; (2) the probability distribution of annual maximum PGA is known. In terms of the latter, the annual seismic hazard function can be used to describe the seismic load uncertainty. A numerical example is presented to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed resilience measure. It is shown that the proposed measure can be used to quantitatively guide structural design to meet the target resilience level.
Prognostic impact of a history of cancer and atrial fibrillation in antithrombotic therapy for chronic heart failure
Authors: Nochioka Kotaro , Yasuda Satoshi , Sakata Yasuhiko , Shiroto Takashi , Hayashi Hideka , Takahashi Jun , Takahama Hiroyuki , Miyata Satoshi , Shimokawa Hiroaki
Published: April 2022

Aims

This study aimed to examine the prognostic significance of a history of cancer and atrial fibrillation (AF) in antithrombotic therapy for patients with chronic heart failure (CHF).

Methods and results

We enrolled consecutive 4876 CHF patients (69 ± 12 years; women, 31.9%) in our multicentre, hospital‐based cohort study, the Chronic Heart Failure Analysis and Registry in the Tohoku District‐2 (CHART‐2), with a median follow‐up of 8.7 years. Among them, 14% and 41% had a history of cancer and AF, respectively. AF patients with a history of cancer were older, more frequently men. History of cancer was not statistically associated with higher rate of composite of stroke, systemic thrombosis, and major bleeding defined by International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis [Fine–Gray sub‐distribution hazard ratio (sHR) accounting for the competing risk of all‐cause death, 0.91; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.56–1.48; P = 0.715]. The patients with history of cancer and AF had a heightened risk for the composite of stroke, systemic thrombosis, and major bleeding (sHR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.04–2.60; P = 0.033), especially in those aged >75 years (sHR, 2.14; 95% CI, 1.01–4.53; P = 0.046) and those with ischaemic heart disease (IHD; 2.48; 1.30–4.72; P = 0.006). Furthermore, 36% of AF patients with a history of cancer did not receive anticoagulant therapy.

Conclusions

The CHF patients with history of cancer and AF had higher risk for stroke, systemic thrombosis, and major bleeding, especially in the elderly and those with IHD, but considerable number of the patients did not receive anticoagulant therapy, indicating the need for better optimal anticoagulation strategy.