bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mucosal‐associated invariant T cells: A cryptic coordinator in HIV‐infected immune reconstitution
Authors: Su Bin , Kong Deshenyue , Yang Xiaodong , Zhang Tong , Kuang Yi‐Qun
Published: March 2022

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) infection causes considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although antiretroviral therapy (ART) has largely transformed HIV infection from a fatal disease to a chronic condition, approximately 10%–40% of HIV‐infected individuals who receive effective ART and sustain long‐term viral suppression still cannot achieve optimal immune reconstitution. These patients are called immunological nonresponders, a state associated with poor clinical prognosis. Mucosal‐associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are an evolutionarily conserved unconventional T‐cell subset defined by expression of semi‐invariant αβ T‐cell receptor (TCR), which recognizes metabolites derived from the riboflavin biosynthetic pathway presented on major histocompatibility complex‐related protein‐1. MAIT cells, which are considered to act as a bridge between innate and adaptive immunity, produce a wide range of cytokines and cytotoxic molecules upon activation through TCR‐dependent and TCR‐independent mechanisms, which is of major importance in defense against a variety of pathogens. In addition, MAIT cells are involved in autoimmune and immune‐mediated diseases. The number of MAIT cells is dramatically and irreversibly decreased in the early stage of HIV infection and is not fully restored even after long‐term suppressive ART. In light of the important role of MAIT cells in mucosal immunity and because microbial translocation is inversely associated with CD4+ T‐cell counts, we propose that MAIT cells participate in the maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity and microbial homeostasis, thus further affecting immune reconstitution in HIV‐infected individuals.
Perceptions of Otolaryngology Residency Among Students Underrepresented in Medicine
Authors: Thompson‐Harvey Adam , Drake Marc , Flanary Valerie A.
Published: March 2022

Objective

Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery (OHNS) has historically been one of the least diverse surgical subspecialties. The objective of this study was to better understand perceptions of OHNS from underrepresented students in medicine (URiM) and identify factors affecting URiM application to the specialty.

Study Design

Survey via electronic questionnaire.

Methods

An anonymous, 22‐question electronic survey was administered nationally to URiM medical students (N = 388) regarding factors that play a role in developing an interest in applying to OHNS. Responses to questions were compared between URiMs applying to OHNS and those applying to other fields.

Results

Thirty‐six percent of respondents identified as African American and 26% as Latino. Students completed the survey in all years of medical school. Research opportunities (H(2) = 18.58, P < .001) and having a race‐concordant role model were the most important factors for those pursing OHNS residency. Personality fit and interactions with OHNS faculty had the greatest influence on their decision to pursue OHNS residency. Board scores (e.g., USMLE Step 1/2CK Scores), competitiveness, lifestyle during residency, the influence of application costs, and racial/ethnic and gender distributions did not reach statistical significance or were noninfluential.

Conclusion

URiMs applying to OHNS value race‐concordant mentorship, are involved in research, and have meaningful relationships with their respective OHNS department. We found that establishing meaningful connections with URiM mentors significantly impacts URiM students considering OHNS. While this cohort was not influenced by overemphasis of board scores within the OHNS match process, the COVID‐19 pandemic negatively impacted this aspect of their application, along with away rotations.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 132:2335–2343, 2022
Economic Values of Potential Regulation Changes for the Southern Flounder Fishery in Louisiana
Authors: Smith David R. , Midway Stephen R. , Caffey Rex H. , Penn Jerrod M.
Published: March 2022

Population declines of Southern Flounder Paralichthys lethostigma have reached levels that present management concerns in Louisiana waters. As the need for regulatory change in this fishery approaches, we conducted a survey to better characterize the Southern Flounder fishery in Louisiana, with two primary goals: (1) determining a value for the economic welfare provided by the fishery and (2) evaluating how this value might change in response to hypothetical regulation scenarios. Based on total travel cost estimates, the aggregate economic value of the Southern Flounder fishery among coastal Louisiana anglers reached an estimated US$119.7 million; however, this value primarily stems from anglers targeting multiple species during their coastal angling trips, as the value of the Southern Flounder fishery while only accounting for anglers that solely targeted this species amounted to an estimated $8.4 million. Respondents revealed strong levels of supportiveness for all regulation scenarios that increased limitations on allowable harvest for Southern Flounder. None of the hypothetical regulation scenarios led to significant behavioral responses in the expected number of coastal angling trips taken, leaving the economic value of coastal Louisiana fisheries unchanged. The results of our study illustrate the relatively inconsequential nature of Southern Flounder regulations upon the behavior of coastal Louisiana anglers. The information gathered by this survey can be used to guide the decision-making process in developing a sustainable management strategy that is supported by stakeholders and that keeps the strong economic values of coastal Louisiana fisheries intact.
Environmental Factors and Stock Abundance Influence Year-Class Strength of Spotted Seatrout at Cedar Key, Florida
Authors: Nehemiah Samara , Chagaris David , Lowerre-Barbieri Susan , Allen Micheal
Published: March 2022

Environmental pressures can influence recruitment of estuarine fishes by impacting growth and survival of juveniles as well as adult habitat use and behavior. Identifying potential drivers of year-class strength is an important tool for assessing stock health and implementing management decisions. The goal of this study was to determine how environmental factors and adult stock influence trends in recruitment of Spotted Seatrout Cynoscion nebulosus in Cedar Key, Florida. Juvenile indices of abundance were generated using sampling data from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Fisheries-Independent Monitoring program. Young-of-the-year indices of abundance suggested that annual recruitment was variable in this system and declined throughout the majority of the 1996–2018 time series. Adult abundance and water temperature in the spawning season were the most significant variables in predicting Spotted Seatrout recruitment, and both had positive relationships with recruitment. Salinity and river discharge were not significant environmental variables in predicting year-class strength of Spotted Seatrout in this study. Our results indicated that recruitment was associated with interannual changes in water temperature and adult abundance, which could be used to explore how Spotted Seatrout recruitment dynamics could vary for stock assessments, for management decisions, and as a result of warming waters due to climate change.
Comparison of irradiance forecasts from operational NWP model and satellite‐based estimates over Fennoscandia
Authors: Kallio‐Myers Viivi , Riihelä Aku , Schoenach David , Gregow Erik , Carlund Thomas , Lindfors Anders V.
Published: March 2022

Accurate irradiance forecasts are needed for the growing solar energy industry also in Northern Europe. We have compared irradiance forecasts from an operational numerical weather prediction (NWP) model, a satellite‐based model, and persistence models. We aim to determine whether operational NWP models are suitable for forecasting irradiance at the high latitudes, and how their accuracy compares to the satellite‐based model. We have included all members and the ensemble average of the MetCoOp ensemble prediction system (MEPS), the MetCoOp‐Nowcasting (MNWC) system, the satellite‐based Solis‐Heliosat model, and two persistence models. The comparison is made as a point comparison against in situ irradiance observations in Finland and Sweden, for intra‐day forecasts with hourly and 15‐min output and the full forecast of MEPS with hourly output. In addition, we show two energy market case studies. We find the operational NWP models to be very suitable for irradiance forecasting in the area, up to the full horizon of the forecasts. Solis‐Heliosat errors grow with lead time, while the NWP model errors are largest in the beginning, settling to smaller values after the first hours. Solis‐Heliosat has more accuracy for the first 2–3 h of the forecast, after which NWP models produce better forecasts. However, during morning periods Solis‐Heliosat is found to have limited accuracy, while conversely, MNWC performs better in the morning than in the afternoon. The energy market case study highlights the same results: NWP models do well with forecasting irradiance in Fennoscandia, but the optimal selection of forecast model depends on the required forecast horizon and time.
President Biden's national strategy to support MH workforce, address crisis
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: March 2022

During his first State of the Union (SOTU) address last week, President Joe Biden unveiled a national strategy to strengthen system capacity by supporting behavioral health workforce investments, including building a national certification program for peer specialists, ensuring access to affordable mental health care and expanding the availability of evidence‐based community mental health services.
Differential regulation of Hippo signaling pathway components between 8‐cell and blastocyst stages of bovine preimplantation embryogenesis
Authors: Sharma Jyoti , Madan Pavneesh
Published: March 2022

The Hippo signaling pathway is an important regulator of lineage segregation (trophectoderm and inner cell mass) during blastocyst formation in the mouse embryos. However, the role and regulation of Hippo signaling pathway components during bovine embryonic development is not completely understood. This study was thus designed to interpret the roles of Hippo cell signaling pathway components using two different yet specific chemical inhibitors (Cerivastatin and XMU‐MP‐1). A significant decrease in the blastocyst rates were observed on treatment with Cerivastatin and XMU‐MP‐1 inhibitors for the treatment groups, in comparison to the control groups. At the 8‐cell stage, a significant decrease was observed in the gene expression and nuclear protein localization of YAP1 (Yes Associated Protein 1) and pYAP1 components of Hippo signaling pathway. However, no such effect of Cerivastatin treatment was observed on the localization of TAZ at this cell stage. On the contrary, during bovine blastocyst formation a significant decrease in the gene expression and nuclear localization of both YAP1 and TAZ suggest differences in the regulation of these components at 8‐cell and blastocyst stages of embryonic development. Furthermore, XMU‐MP‐1 mediated chemical inhibition of Mst1 at the blastocyst stage also suggests differences in the regulation of Yap1 and Taz components of Hippo signaling pathway. Overall, this study indicates novel differences in the regulation of Hippo signaling transcript levels and protein localization between the 8‐cell and blastocyst stages of bovine preimplantation embryonic development.
Adaptive Spatial Management to Deal with Postflood Inshore Bycatch in a Penaeid Trawl Fishery
Authors: Taylor Matthew D. , Johnson Daniel D.
Published: March 2022

Adaptive spatial management provides a way to balance the conservation of bycatch species and the potential economic effects of bycatch-induced closures on a fishery, but implementation can be both data and resource intensive. We present a survey exploring a novel approach to adaptively manage an intermittent bycatch issue in an inshore trawl fishery where Sciaenidae bycatch species (including juvenile Mulloway Argyrosomus japonicus, a species of conservation concern) co-occur with large aggregations of a valuable target species (eastern school prawn Metapenaeus macleayi), following flood-induced egression from estuarine habitats. Diurnal sampling surveys followed three flood events and targeted permanent inshore closure zones (designed to protect the normally nocturnally harvested eastern king prawn Melicertus plebejus) and adjacent inshore nonclosure areas. Sciaenidae abundance was mostly <10 fish/ha trawled, but larger catches generally corresponded with larger catches of eastern school prawn, and these relationships appeared to be steeper within nonclosure zones. There were only minor differences in the size structure of eastern school prawn between zones, and patterns were event and location specific. Negligible eastern king prawn were encountered. The results show that temporarily allowing fishers access to permanent trawl closures following floods may support the exploitation of aggregated target species with reduced interaction with bycatch species of concern. The approach presented here is relevant to the consideration of adaptive spatial management in other trawl fisheries.
Evaluation of impact, thermo‐physical properties, and morphology of cornhusk fiber‐reinforced polyester composites
Authors: Sari Nasmi Herlina , Suteja Suteja , Fudholi Ahmad , Sutaryono Yusuf Akhyar , Maskur Maskur , Srisuk Rapeeporn , Rangappa Sanjay Mavinkere , Siengchin Suchart
Published: March 2022

This study aims to investigate the thermo‐physical and morphological morphology of cornhusk fiber‐reinforced polyester composites. The content of corn husk fiber (CHFs) has been varied, namely 20, 30, 40, and 50 (% vol.) in the polyester composite, respectively. The hot press technique has been used in the manufacture of these composites, then properties were investigated through thermo‐physical tests including differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry, Fourier transforms infrared, impact strength properties, and morphology using SEM. The results showed that the composite containing 30% CHF (KJP2) was found to have the most optimal impact strength (4.25 KJ/m2), and the best thermal resistance properties were found in the KJP3 composite, compared with other composites; due to CHF dispersion and good interfacial adhesion between CHF and polyester. SEM images of the fracture of the impact test specimens of the composites show better interfacial bonding between CHFs and polyester.
A new specific method for isolation of tomentosin with a high yield from Inula viscosa (L.) and determination of its bioactivities
Authors: Aydin Tuba , Saglamtas Ruya , Dogan Busra , Kostekci Evin , Durmus Rukiye , Cakir Ahmet
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Tomentosin, the characteristic component of Inula viscosa (L.) is an important sesquiterpene lactone with anticarcinogenic effects. Methods of obtaining pure tomentosin are not sufficient for anticancer drug research.

Objectives

This study aims to develop a specific method to isolate tomentosin from I. viscosa with high yield. It also aims to investigate the inhibitory effects of tomentosin on human carbonic anhydrase I (hCAI), human carbonic anhydrase II (hCAII), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), α‐glucosidase, and α‐amylase enzymes.

Material and methods

Tomentosin was purified by a specific column chromatography method. The content of tomentosin in dichloromethane, dichloromethane by Soxhlet method, ethanol and ethanol by Soxhlet method extracts of I. viscosa was determined by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) and inhibition constant (Ki) values were calculated to determine in vitro enzyme inhibition effects.

Results

Tomentosin was isolated in high yield (0.64%). The IC50 and Ki values for tomentosin were calculated as 5.00 ± 0.19 (r = 0.9688) and 4.62 ± 0.10 μM for hCAI, 5.40 ± 0.26 (r = 0.9677) and 5.22 ± 0.31 μM for hCAII, 6.75 ± 0.208 (r = 0.9891) and 3.75 ± 0.27 μM for AChE, 6.67 ± 0.307 (r = 0.9820) and 0.51 ± 0.11 μM for BChE, 26.61 ± 0.236 (r = 0.9815) and 2.61 ± 0.71 μM for α‐glucosidase and 26.89 ± 1.54 μM (r = 0.9670) for α‐amylase, respectively.

Conclusion

Tomentosin was isolated in high yield from the paste‐like extract of I. viscosa compared to the positive controls, it was determined that tomentosin was weakly effective against hCAI, hCAII, AChE and BChE, but thoroughly effective against α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase. These results suggested that tomentosin has α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase inhibitor potential.
Structural and electrical response of poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐chlorotrifluoroethylene) copolymer free‐ standing films
Authors: Jaffari Ghulam Hassnain , Arooj Hurriyat , Can Musa Mutlu , Khan Nawazish Ali
Published: March 2022

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) based polymers were studied as potential dielectric candidates for polymer film capacitors. The present work focused on the structural and electrical responses of PVDF homopolymer and P(VDF‐CTFE) copolymers (CTFE, chlorotrifluoroethylene). The solvent casting technique was used for the fabrication of free‐standing polymer films. PVDF and P(VDF‐CTFE) copolymer films with different CTFE content were cast under different processing conditions. The structural response of these semicrystalline polymer films showed the existence of crystalline phases and changes in crystallinity depending upon the preparation conditions and CTFE content. The electrical responses of PVDF and P(VDF‐CTFE) copolymers were investigated under the application of low and high electric fields. For the dielectric study, temperature‐dependent dielectric measurements at different frequencies were assessed. Dielectric relaxation in the vicinity of the glass transition temperature was observed along with quantification of activation energies. The effect of CTFE content is also presented. Features such as interface polarization was observed in the high temperature regime. Furthermore, room temperature polarization versus electric field loops of PVDF and P(VDF‐CTFE) copolymers were measured at frequency values of 400 and 10 Hz. All PVDF and P(VDF‐CTFE) copolymers at low frequency showed lossy capacitor behavior which was further investigated by measuring polarization versus electric field loop over a wide range of frequencies, i.e. 0.1–400 Hz. Polarization values of PVDF and P(VDF‐CTFE) copolymer films with different CTFE content were compared on the bases of local dipole moments. © 2022 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Nigerian economic policy response to COVID‐19: An evaluation of policy actors' views
Authors: Ojide Makuachukwu G. , Agu Chigozie O. , Ohalete Precious , Chinanuife Emmanuel
Published: March 2022

COVID‐19 has caused economic hardship globally. Several economies are making efforts to cushion these negative effects. Following the lockdown and downward trend of global oil prices, the Nigerian economy has been hard hit. This paper sheds light on policy actors' views vis‐à‐vis what should be the economic policy response of the Nigerian government to cushion the effects of COVID‐19 and ensure quick economic recovery. A multistage random sampling method was used to select and interview 635 policy actors drawn from academia/research institutes, civil society organizations, development partners, international NGOs, national NGOs, the private sector, and the public sector. The study adopted a participatory development approach. Descriptive and deductive analysis methods were used. The results support direct cash transfers to households, and small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) as the policy option that would have huge impact in mitigating the economic effects of COVID‐19 in Nigeria. The second most recommended policy option is the eradication of corruption among government officials. The paper recommends that pragmatic actions towards eradicating corrupt practices among government officials should be an integral part of any economic recovery policy in Nigeria and other emerging economies.
Implementation of neurally adjusted ventilatory assist and high flow nasal cannula in very preterm infants in a tertiary level NICU
Authors: Piątek Katarzyna , Lehtonen Liisa , Parikka Vilhelmiina , Setänen Sirkku , Soukka Hanna
Published: March 2022

Preterm infants treated with invasive ventilation are often affected by bronchopulmonary dysplasia, brain structure alterations, and later neurodevelopmental impairment. We studied the implementation of neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA) and high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) in a level III neonatal unit, and its effects on pulmonary and central nervous system outcomes. This retrospective cohort study included 193 surviving infants born below 32 weeks of gestation in preimplementation (2007–2008) and postimplementation (2016–2017) periods in a single study center in Finland. The proportion of infants requiring invasive ventilation decreased from 67% in the pre‐ to 48% in the postimplementation period (p = 0.009). Among infants treated with invasive ventilation, 68% were treated with NAVA after its implementation. At the same time, the duration of invasive ventilation of infants born at or below 28 weeks increased threefold compared with the preimplementation period (p = 0.042). The postimplementation period was characterized by a gradual replacement of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) with HFNC, earlier discontinuation of nCPAP, but a longer duration of positive pressure support. The proportion of normal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings at term corrected age increased from 62% to 84% (p = 0.018). Cognitive outcome improved by one standard score between the study periods (p = 0.019). NAVA was used as the primary mode of ventilation in the postimplementation period. During this period, invasive ventilation time was significantly prolonged. HFNC led to a decrease in the use of nCPAP. The change in the respiratory support might have contributed to the improvement in brain MRI findings and cognitive outcomes.
Vip3Aa domain IV and V mutants confer higher insecticidal activity against Spodoptera frugiperda and Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: Yang Xiaoxue , Wang Zeyu , Geng Lili , Chi Baoyan , Liu Rongmei , Li Haitao , Gao Jiguo , Zhang Jie
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

The fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda and cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera are major insect pests of corn and cotton worldwide. Genetically engineered crops producing Vip3Aa, a potent endotoxin, from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are effective in controlling these two harmful pests. However, Vip3Aa efficacy is relatively weak compared to that of other Bt proteins such as Cry1A and Cry1F. This study sought to modify Vip3Aa for increased insecticidal activity and determine the cause of elevated activity.

RESULTS

The two triple Vip3Aa mutants in domains IV and V (Vip3Aa‐S543N/I544L/E627A and Vip3Aa‐S543N/I544L/S686R) exhibited 7.3‐fold and 2.8‐fold increased toxicity against S. frugiperda, respectively, compared with the wild type while the toxicity of Vip3Aa‐S543N/I544L/S686R was 3.2 times that of wild‐type protein in H. armigera. The mutants had enhanced stability in midgut juice and 2.6–5.1 times higher binding affinity against S. frugiperda and H. armigera compared with wild type protein.

CONCLUSIONS

The enhanced toxicity of Vip3Aa mutants was due to increased stability and binding affinity during infection. The amino acids S543 and I544 combined with E627 or S686 in domains IV and V of Vip3Aa are important for maintaining structural stability and receptor binding. The results match insecticidal activity (LC50) with binding activity (Kd), which provides novel clues for the rational design of Bt insecticidal proteins. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Vortex Ring and Helical Current Formation in Superconductors Driven by a THz‐Field‐Induced Toroidal Vector Potential
Authors: Niedzielski Björn , Berakdar Jamal
Published: March 2022

Herein, the vortex dynamics in a type II superconducting torus driven by a curl‐free vector potential corresponding to a toroidal moment is studied, which is triggered within picoseconds in an enclosed semiconductor by polarization‐structured THz vector field pulses. Numerical simulations of the time‐dependent Ginzburg–Landau equation in the presence of the toroidal vector potential evidence the formation of vortex ring structures that depend on the toroidal moment strength with a behavior resembling the Little–Parks effect. Applying in addition a static external magnetic flux density, the induced textures in the superconducting phase can be stabilized and steered to form stripe domains with corresponding helical supercurrent density.
Information construction of construction project management based on internet of things blockchain
Authors: Zhou Jingdong
Published: March 2022

Because of the complexity of construction projects and the frequency of project transactions, smart project management has a huge amount of transaction and operation data. Massive transaction and operation data urgently need a safe, efficient and low–cost storage and data analysis to realize fine management of buildings, low–cost transaction and interconnection of project information. Therefore, the construction project management system based on internet of things blockchain has been gradually improved, and more and more researches have been made on it. This article proposes a parallel design scheme. Parallel algorithms disperse the repeated calculation work on each node, reduce the calculation load and calculation time of a single node, effectively improve the efficiency of the algorithm, and enable it to process large–scale data of different sizes in parallel. Improve the algorithm according to the experiment, and analyze the performance of the parallel algorithm according to the experimental results. Experiments show that Apriori algorithm and K‐means algorithm based on MapReduce are more than 85° optimized than traditional data mining.
Effect of tuned mass damper in wind‐induced response of “V” plan‐shaped tall building
Authors: Bhattacharya Satadru , Dalui Sujit Kumar
Published: March 2022

In this study, a “V” plan‐shaped building with single tuned mass damper (STMD) and multiple tuned mass damper (MTMD) is analyzed in alongwind and crosswind direction considering different mass ratios and tunning ratios. The force coefficient of the “V” plan‐shaped tall building is determined by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method to obtain the time history function of dynamic wind force. An optimum ratio has been adopted to compare the effectiveness of MTMD over STMD installed in the V‐shape building model. Power spectral density of displacement, acceleration, base shear, base moment, and torsional moment due to dynamic wind time history are determined to investigate the vibration control of MTMDs and STMDs. Finally, the optimal mass ratio of the maximum reduction in response and control effectiveness in percentage has been determined for each parameter. The present study indicates that MTMDs are more effective to mitigate wind‐induced vibration than STMDs.
Stimuli‐Responsive Transformable Supramolecular Nanotubes
Authors: Kameta Naohiro
Published: March 2022

Supramolecular nanotubes produced by self‐assembly of organic molecules can have unique structural features such as a one‐dimensional morphology with no branching, distinguishable inner and outer surfaces and membrane walls, or a structure that is hollow and has a high aspect ratio. Incorporation of functional groups that respond to external chemical or physical stimuli into the constituent organic molecules of supramolecular nanotubes allows us to drastically change the structure of the nanotubes by applying such stimuli. This ability affords an array of controllable approaches for the encapsulation, storage, and release of guest compounds, which is expected to be useful in the fields of physics, chemistry, biology, and medicine. In this article, I review the supramolecular nanotubes developed by our group that exhibit morphological transformations in response to pH, chemical reaction, light, temperature, or moisture.
Vanadium(IV) oxide affects embryonic development in mice
Authors: Álvarez‐Barrera Lucila , Rodríguez‐Mercado Juan José , Mateos‐Nava Rodrigo Aníbal , Ocampo‐Aguilera Nydia Angélica , Altamirano‐Lozano Mario Agustín
Published: March 2022

Vanadium(V) and vanadium(IV) are the predominant redox forms present in the environment, and epidemiological studies have reported that prenatal vanadium exposure is associated with restricted fetal growth and adverse birth outcomes. However, data about the toxic effects of vanadium(IV) oxide (V2O4) on the development of mammals are still limited. Therefore, in this work, 4.7, 9.4, or 18.7 mg/kg body weight/injection/day V2O4 was administered through an intraperitoneal (ip) injection to pregnant mice from gestational days 6 to 16. The results showed that V2O4 produced maternal and embryo‐fetal toxicity and external abnormalities in the offspring, such as malrotated and malpositioned hind limbs, hematomas and head injuries. Moreover, the skeletons of the fetuses presented reduced ossification of the cranial bones, including the frontal and parietal bones, corresponding to head injuries observed in the external assessment of the fetuses. These results demonstrate that administration of V2O4 to pregnant females in the organogenesis period adversely affects embryonic development.
The Importance of Dyadic Classroom Conversations for Dual Language Learners
Authors: Jarquin Tapia Cecilia , Surrain Sarah , Curenton Stephanie M.
Published: March 2022

This article presents a case study of a dual‐language learner (DLL) preschooler in three classroom conversations: whole group, small DLL group, and a teacher–child dyadic conversation. By comparing the student's interactions across three contexts, the authors show how dyadic conversations between teachers and students can foster the oral language skills necessary for positive future literacy outcomes. In whole group, the DLL student was not actively engaged. He did not sing along with the class or take part in the ongoing conservations. The smaller DLL group lesson allowed the teacher to personalize the lesson and encourage the use of his home language. However, the dyadic conversation allowed for the greatest use of Spanish and codeswitching and was the setting where the student was seen to be most at ease. Dyadic conversations can help DLL students feel comfortable using English and their home language and should be encouraged in preschool classrooms.
The impact of armed conflicts on health‐care utilization in Northern Nigeria: A difference‐in‐differences analysis
Authors: Ojeleke Olabayo , Groot Wim , Bonuedi Isaac , Pavlova Milena
Published: March 2022

Women and children suffer worse health outcomes during armed conflicts. For more than a decade, Northern Nigeria has been facing one of the most violent armed conflicts in sub‐Saharan Africa. Studies on the conflict's impact on healthcare utilization in the area are few. The aim of this study is to explore the effect of the protracted armed conflicts on healthcare utilization, measured by maternal care and child immunization, in Northern Nigeria. Data from the Armed Conflict Location and Events Data set are spatially merged to birth records from the Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey. An area is classified to be a conflict cluster if it is within a 5–10 km radius of conflict event(s) with at least one fatality. The difference‐in‐differences method is applied to estimate the effect of the armed conflicts on healthcare utilization in the area. We find that residing within a conflict cluster significantly reduces the probability of utilization of healthcare services. We conclude that robust policies and strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of the armed conflicts on healthcare delivery are necessary for the short run. In the long run, systematic efforts to identify and address the root causes of the conflict with a view to finding a lasting solution are necessary to improve health‐care utilization in conflict‐affected areas.
Holography from the Wheeler-DeWitt equation
Authors: Chowdhury Chandramouli , Godet Victor , Papadoulaki Olga , Raju Suvrat
Published: March 2022

Abstract

In a theory of quantum gravity, states can be represented as wavefunctionals that assign an amplitude to a given configuration of matter fields and the metric on a spatial slice. These wavefunctionals must obey a set of constraints as a consequence of the diffeomorphism invariance of the theory, the most important of which is known as the Wheeler-DeWitt equation. We study these constraints perturbatively by expanding them to leading nontrivial order in Newton’s constant about a background AdS spacetime. We show that, even within perturbation theory, any wavefunctional that solves these constraints must have specific correlations between a component of the metric at infinity and energetic excitations of matter fields or transverse-traceless gravitons. These correlations disallow strictly localized excitations. We prove perturbatively that two states or two density matrices that coincide at the boundary for an infinitesimal interval of time must coincide everywhere in the bulk. This analysis establishes a perturbative version of holography for theories of gravity coupled to matter in AdS.
Exponential convergence rate of the harmonic heat flow
Authors: Slegers Ivo
Published: March 2022

We consider the harmonic heat flow for maps from a compact Riemannian manifold into a Riemannian manifold that is complete and of non-positive curvature. We prove that if the harmonic heat flow converges to a limiting harmonic map that is a non-degenerate critical point of the energy functional, then the rate of convergence is exponential (in the $$L^2$$

L
2

norm).
Effects of oligomer toxicity, fibril toxicity and fibril spreading in synucleinopathies
Authors: Cascella Roberta , Bigi Alessandra , Cremades Nunilo , Cecchi Cristina
Published: March 2022

Protein misfolding is a general hallmark of protein deposition diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease, in which different types of aggregated species (oligomers, protofibrils and fibrils) are generated by the cells. Despite widespread interest, the relationship between oligomers and fibrils in the aggregation process and spreading remains elusive. A large variety of experimental evidences supported the idea that soluble oligomeric species of different proteins might be more toxic than the larger fibrillar forms. Furthermore, the lack of correlation between the presence of the typical pathological inclusions and disease sustained this debate. However, recent data show that the β-sheet core of the α-Synuclein (αSyn) fibrils is unable to establish persistent interactions with the lipid bilayers, but they can release oligomeric species responsible for an immediate dysfunction of the recipient neurons. Reversibly, such oligomeric species could also contribute to pathogenesis via neuron-to-neuron spreading by their direct cell-to-cell transfer or by generating new fibrils, following their neuronal uptake. In this Review, we discuss the various mechanisms of cellular dysfunction caused by αSyn, including oligomer toxicity, fibril toxicity and fibril spreading.
Geschichtliche Entwicklung der rekonstruktiven Chirurgie in der Onkologie des HNO-Bereichs
Authors: Bootz Friedrich
Published: March 2022

Die rekonstruktive Chirurgie ist ein wichtiger Bestandteil der Tumorchirurgie des Kopf-Hals-Bereichs. Große ablative Tumorresektionen wurden bereits Anfang des 20. Jahrhunderts durchgeführt, nachdem es möglich wurde, durch verbesserte Operationstechnik den intraoperativen Blutverlust zu reduzieren bzw. durch Transfusionen auszugleichen. Ein weiterer Meilenstein war die postoperative Infektprophylaxe durch die Einführung der Antibiotika. John Conley erkannte als einer der Pioniere der radikalen Tumorchirurgie die dringende Notwendigkeit rekonstruktiver Maßnahmen. Die Anfänge waren jedoch begleitet von funktionellen postoperativen Einschränkungen, die schließlich erst durch die Einführung des Deltopektoral- und des Pektoralis-major-Lappens verbessert werden konnten. Ein weiterer Schritt war die Einführung der mikrovaskulären Transplantate, die eine bessere, der Situation angepasste Rekonstruktion erlaubte. Anfangs waren jedoch die Komplikationsraten aufgrund mangelnder Technik der Anastomosierung kleiner Gefäße und unzureichender Instrumente sehr hoch. Daher konnte sich diese Methode nur schleppend durchsetzen. Die Techniken der Lappenentnahme und der Mikrogefäßanastomose entwickelten sich jedoch weiter, sodass die mikrovaskuläre Gewebetransplantation zu einer zuverlässigen Methode wurde, die heute zum Standardrepertoire der rekonstruktiven Chirurgie gehört.
Defect prediction for assembled products: a novel model based on the structural complexity paradigm
Authors: Verna Elisa , Genta Gianfranco , Galetto Maurizio , Franceschini Fiorenzo
Published: March 2022

Increased assembly complexity is one of the main challenges in manufacturing as it can induce an increase in time, cost, and defects. Several approaches have been proposed in the literature to predict product defects using assembly complexity as a predictor. However, most of these are not directly applicable because they rely on experts’ prior subjective knowledge and are designed for specific industrial applications. To overcome this issue, the present research proposes a novel approach to predict product defects from a purely objective assessment of product complexity, without the need for expert evaluations and assembly experience. A recent conceptual paradigm of complexity that considers only structural properties of assembly parts and their architectural structure is adopted in the proposed approach. The novel model is applied to a real assembly process in the electromechanical field and is compared with one of the most accredited in the literature, i.e., the Shibata–Su model. Empirical results show that, despite the super-linear relationship between defect rates and complexity in both models, the objective approach used in the novel model leads to more accurate and precise predictions of defectiveness rates, as it does not include the variability introduced by expert subjective assessments. Adopting this novel model can effectively improve the estimate of product defects and support designers’ decisions for assembly quality-oriented design and optimization, especially in early design phases.
HV-LSC-ex$$^2$$: velocity field interpolation using extended least-squares collocation
Authors: Steffen Rebekka , Legrand Juliette , Ågren Jonas , Steffen Holger , Lidberg Martin
Published: March 2022

Least-squares collocation (LSC) is a widely used method applied in physical geodesy to separate observations into a signal and noise part but has received only little attention when interpolating velocity fields. The advantage of the LSC is the possibility to filter and interpolate as well as extrapolate the observations. Here, we will present several extensions to the traditional LSC technique, which allows the combined interpolation of both horizontal velocity components (horizontal velocity (HV)-LSC), the separation of velocity observations on different tectonic plates, and the removal of stationarity by moving variance (the latter as HV-LSC-ex(tended)$$^2$$

2

). Furthermore, the covariance analysis, which is required to find necessary input parameters for the LSC, is extended by finding a suitable variance and correlation length using both horizontal velocity components at the same time. The traditional LSC and all extensions are tested on a synthetic dataset to find the signal at known as well as newly defined points, with stations separated on four different plates with distinct plate velocities. The methodologies are evaluated by calculation of a misfit to the input data, and implementation of a leave-one-out cross-validation and a Jackknife resampling. The largest improvement in terms of reduced misfit and stability of the interpolation can be obtained when plate boundaries are considered. In addition, any small-scale changes can be filtered out using the moving-variance approach and a smoother velocity field is obtained. In comparison with interpolation using the Kriging method, the fit is better using the new HV-LSC-ex$$^2$$

2

technique.
Vergleichende Untersuchungen zu Todesart und Todesursache bei Pflegeheim- und Nicht-Pflegeheimbewohnern
Authors: Schulten Phillip , Walz Cleo , Schwarz Clara-Sophie , Germerott Tanja
Published: March 2022

Hintergrund

Die Qualität der ärztlichen Leichenschau wird häufig diskutiert. Gerade bei älteren Verstorbenen erschweren Multimorbidität oder fehlende Informationen zur Krankenvorgeschichte die Benennung der Todesursache. Es wurde ausgewertet, ob bei Pflegeheim- und Nicht-Pflegeheimbewohnern Unterschiede im Hinblick auf die Attestierung der Todesart und -ursache sowie Anordnung einer Obduktion bestehen.

Material und Methode

Retrospektiv wurden aus rechtsmedizinischen Fallakten die Angaben zu Todesart und -ursache auf den Todesbescheinigungen mit den Ergebnissen der im Zeitraum von 2007 bis 2018 durchgeführten Obduktionen bei über 60-jährigen Verstorbenen verglichen. Ferner wurden die Gründe für die Anordnung einer Obduktion ausgewertet. Das Kollektiv wurde in die Gruppen Pflegeheimbewohner und Nicht-Pflegeheimbewohner unterteilt.

Ergebnisse

Ausgewertet wurden 2278 Fallakten (11,3 % Pflegeheimbewohner, 88,7 % Nicht-Pflegeheimbewohner). Bei Pflegeheimbewohnern bedurften v. a. Sturzereignisse (54,4 %) der rechtsmedizinischen Abklärung, bei Nicht-Pflegeheimbewohnern ärztliche Interventionen und Verletzungen (jeweils ca. 35 %). Die Todesart auf der Todesbescheinigung stimmte bei 69,8 % der Pflegeheimbewohner und bei 73,0 % der Nicht-Pflegeheimbewohner mit dem Obduktionsergebnis überein. Bei 14,1 % der Pflegeheimbewohner und 25,4 % der Nicht-Pflegeheimbewohner wurde autoptisch statt einer natürlichen eine nichtnatürliche Todesart festgestellt. Die Übereinstimmung der Todesursache lag bei Pflegeheimbewohnern bei 66,0 %, bei Nicht-Pflegeheimbewohnern bei 73,1 %.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Leichenschau sollte auch bei älteren Verstorbenen, insbesondere Pflegeheimbewohnern, kritisch erfolgen, und es sollte häufiger eine Obduktion zur Klärung der Todesart und -ursache angestrebt werden.
Arsenic 3 methyltransferase (AS3MT) automethylates on cysteine residues in vitro
Authors: Mersaoui Sofiane Y. , Guilbert Cynthia , Chou Hsiang , Douillet Christelle , Bohle D. Scott , Stýblo Miroslav , Richard Stéphane , Mann Koren K.
Published: March 2022

Arsenic toxicity is a global concern to human health causing increased incidences of cancer, bronchopulmonary, and cardiovascular diseases. In human and mouse, inorganic arsenic (iAs) is metabolized in a series of methylation steps catalyzed by arsenic (3) methyltransferase (AS3MT), forming methylated arsenite (MAsIII), dimethylarsenite (DMAIII) and the volatile trimethylarsine (TMA). The methylation of arsenic is coordinated by four conserved cysteines proposed to participate in catalysis, namely C33, C62, C157, and C207 in mouse AS3MT. The current model consists of AS3MT methylating iAs in the presence of the cofactor S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM), and the formation of intramolecular disulfide bonds following the reduction of MAsV to MAsIII. In the presence of endogenous reductants, these disulfide bonds are reduced, the enzyme re-generates, and the second round of methylation ensues. Using in vitro methylation assays, we find that AS3MT undergoes an initial automethylation step in the absence of iAs. This automethylation is enhanced by glutathione (GSH) and dithiothreitol (DTT), suggesting that reduced cysteines accept methyl groups from SAM to form S-methylcysteines. Following the addition of iAs, automethylation of AS3MT is decreased. Furthermore, using a Flag-AS3MT immunoprecipitation coupled to MS/MS, we identify both C33 and C62 as acceptors of the methyl group in vivo. Site-directed mutagenesis (C to A) revealed that three of the previously described cysteines were required for AS3MT automethylation. In vitro experiments show that automethylated AS3MT can methylate iAs in the presence of SAM. Thus, we propose that automethylated may represent an active conformation of AS3MT.
Adaptation and Exaptation: From Small Molecules to Feathers
Authors: Frenkel-Pinter Moran , Petrov Anton S. , Matange Kavita , Travisano Michael , Glass Jennifer B. , Williams Loren Dean
Published: March 2022

Evolution works by adaptation and exaptation. At an organismal level, exaptation and adaptation are seen in the formation of organelles and the advent of multicellularity. At the sub-organismal level, molecular systems such as proteins and RNAs readily undergo adaptation and exaptation. Here we suggest that the concepts of adaptation and exaptation are universal, synergistic, and recursive and apply to small molecules such as metabolites, cofactors, and the building blocks of extant polymers. For example, adenosine has been extensively adapted and exapted throughout biological evolution. Chemical variants of adenosine that are products of adaptation include 2′ deoxyadenosine in DNA and a wide array of modified forms in mRNAs, tRNAs, rRNAs, and viral RNAs. Adenosine and its variants have been extensively exapted for various functions, including informational polymers (RNA, DNA), energy storage (ATP), metabolism (e.g., coenzyme A), and signaling (cyclic AMP). According to Gould, Vrba, and Darwin, exaptation imposes a general constraint on interpretation of history and origins; because of exaptation, extant function should not be used to explain evolutionary history. While this notion is accepted in evolutionary biology, it can also guide the study of the chemical origins of life. We propose that (i) evolutionary theory is broadly applicable from the dawn of life to the present time from molecules to organisms, (ii) exaptation and adaptation were important and simultaneous processes, and (iii) robust origin of life models can be constructed without conflating extant utility with historical basis of origins.
Kinetic Equation for Soliton Gas: Integrable Reductions
Authors: Ferapontov E.V. , Pavlov M. V.
Published: March 2022

Macroscopic dynamics of soliton gases can be analytically described by the thermodynamic limit of the Whitham equations, yielding an integro-differential kinetic equation for the density of states. Under a delta-functional ansatz, the kinetic equation for soliton gas reduces to a non-diagonalisable system of hydrodynamic type whose matrix consists of several $$2\times 2$$

2
×
2

Jordan blocks. Here we demonstrate the integrability of this system by showing that it possesses a hierarchy of commuting hydrodynamic flows and can be solved by an extension of the generalised hodograph method. Our approach is a generalisation of Tsarev’s theory of diagonalisable systems of hydrodynamic type to quasilinear systems with non-trivial Jordan block structure.