bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are you ready for the heat? Phenotypic plasticity versus adaptation of heat tolerance in three‐spined stickleback
Authors: Mottola Giovanna , López María E. , Vasemägi Anti , Nikinmaa Mikko , Anttila Katja
Published: April 2022

Heat waves constitute a challenge for aquatic ectotherms. However, the thermal tolerance of animals and their individual phenotypic plasticity to respond to heat waves may be influenced by thermal history. We tested these hypotheses by comparing the upper thermal tolerance and the individual capacities of three‐spined sticklebacks from populations with different thermal histories to respond to heat waves. Two populations originated from thermally polluted nuclear power plant (NPP) habitats, while four locations represented geographically adjacent control areas. To disentangle the genetic adaptation from the phenotypic plastic response, we measured the individual upper thermal tolerance and the responses at molecular level in common‐garden conditions before and after a laboratory‐mimicked heat wave. We found that the sticklebacks exhibit considerable phenotypic plasticity in thermal tolerance since the heat wave increased fish upper thermal tolerance significantly. The individual plasticity to respond to the heat wave was also negatively correlated with initial thermal tolerance. On the other hand, neither the thermal tolerance nor the plastic responses differed between NPP and control sites despite detection of significant but low genome‐wide divergence in 10 out of 15 pairwise comparisons. Our results suggest that five decades of NPP activity with warmer water have not resulted in a detectable evolutionary change in either the upper thermal tolerance or its plasticity in three‐spined sticklebacks potentially rendering them sensitive to frequent heat waves.
A CuOx/Cu/C electrocatalyst‐based gas diffusion electrode for the electroreduction of CO2 with high selectivity to C2H4
Authors: Chanda Vimanshu , Junqueira João R. C. , Sikdar Nivedita , Sanjuán Ignacio , Braun Michael , Dieckhöfer Stefan , Seisel Sabine , Andronescu Corina
Published: April 2022

Electrochemical conversion of CO2 (CO2RR) has received significant attention since it could provide pathways for renewable energy storage to energy‐dense chemicals and synthetic fuels. We developed a novel CuOx/Cu/C type electrocatalyst via pyrolysis, which we used to convert CO2 at industrially relevantly current densities using gas diffusion electrodes. The influence of the pyrolysis conditions on the electrocatalytic CO2RR activity and selectivity was evaluated. Optimization of the electrode structure to mitigate electrowetting was done by mixing the catalyst with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). We found that mixing the most active catalyst with PTFE in a mass ratio of 1 to 0.25 substantially increased the formation of C2H4 displaying 41% Faradaic efficiency (FE) at –240 mA cm–2. Prolonged CO2RR at different current densities shows that the electrode containing 25 wt.% PTFE in the catalyst layer display FEC2H4 > 40% at –280 mA cm–2 for 2 h.
Environmentally friendly dyeing of wool yarns using of combination of bio‐mordants and natural dyes
Authors: Hosseinnezhad Mozhgan , Gharanjig Kamaladin , Rouhani Shohreh , Razani Narjes , Imani Homan
Published: April 2022

Today, the issue of reducing industrial pollution has received much attention. The textile industry is of high important throughout the world. However, its by‐product wastewater pollutes the environment. The first approach was the selection of plant‐based dyes (madder and reseda) and the application of tannin‐based mordants (pomegranate peel and myrobalan). The extraction of madder, reseda, and pomegranate peel in water with the ultrasound‐assisted method was done. In this article, pre‐mordanting method was used for mordanting and Cu (copper) and alum were selected as the mineral mordant to compare the results. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy method was employed to analyze the obtained extracts and to investigate the changes in the fibers. The results showed that K/S (color strength) values of the dyed samples increased by increasing the dye concentration. The colorfastness properties of the samples were investigated according the ISO standards.
High‐Voltage‐driven Li/Mn‐rich Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.1Co0.1O2 Cathode with nanocomposite blend gel polymer electrolyte for long cyclic stability of rechargeable Li‐battery
Authors: Srivastava Nitin , Singh Shishir Kumar , Meghnani Dipika , Singh Rajendra Kumar
Published: April 2022

Li/Mn‐rich layered oxide is an attractive cathode material for Li‐ion battery due to its low cost, high specific capacity, and high working potential. In this paper, the high capacity layered Li/Mn‐rich NMC cathode (Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.1Co0.1O2) and nanocomposite blend gel polymer electrolytes (NBGPEs) are synthesized by using the sol‐gel method and solution casting technique, respectively. XRD results confirm that the cathode material has a well‐defined hexagonal layered structure. It is observed that the synthesized NBGPE containing 2 wt.% SiO2 nanofiller exhibits maximum ionic conductivity (5.2 mS cm−1), Li‐ion conductivity (~2.40 mS cm−1), and wide electrochemical stability (~5.4 V vs Li/Li+) at 30°C. The electrochemical performance of the cell (Li/NBGPE#1/Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.1Co0.1O2) has been investigated by cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge–discharge measurement. The cell delivers maximum specific discharge capacity of 212.0 mAh g−1 at 0.1C and good rate performance within 2.0‐4.8 V. At 0.2C, the cell shows stable coulombic efficiency ~98% after 200th cycle due to better interfacial stability between NBGPE#1 and the electrode.
Scoring Essays on an iPad Versus a Desktop Computer: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Ling Guangming , Williams Jean , O'Brien Sue , Cavalie Carlos F.
Published: April 2022

Recognizing the appealing features of a tablet (e.g., an iPad), including size, mobility, touch screen display, and virtual keyboard, more educational professionals are moving away from larger laptop and desktop computers and turning to the iPad for their daily work, such as reading and writing. Following the results of a recent survey of individuals who serve as ETS raters, more than 40% reported that they would prefer to use an iPad or other type of tablet to score essays. However, iPad‐based essay scoring could affect scoring accuracy and scoring time because the smaller screen and other features of an iPad may also affect raters' reading comprehension and score assigning processes. To address this issue, we invited 10 experienced raters to score holistically 40 essays for a graduate admission test using a desktop computer and an iPad following a counterbalanced design. We compared the raters' scores against the criterion scores and analyzed scoring times, scoring behaviors, and raters' answers to a structured interview after the scoring experiment. The results reveal no obvious differences between the two devices in the scoring accuracy or average scoring time per essay, which suggests that scoring on an iPad may not reduce scoring quality or scoring productivity for essays that are holistically scored as compared to scoring the essays on a desktop computer. We also found a few iPad‐specific issues that raters reported, including issues associated with the invisible scrolling bar and the extra scrolling needed to reach the score‐assignment panel, difficulty navigating between the prompt and the essay response, and oversensitivity of the touch screen.
Modulation of network centrality and gray matter microstructure using multi‐session brain stimulation and memory training
Authors: Thams Friederike , Külzow Nadine , Flöel Agnes , Antonenko Daria
Published: April 2022

Neural mechanisms of behavioral improvement induced by repeated transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with cognitive training are yet unclear. Previously, we reported behavioral effects of a 3‐day visuospatial memory training with concurrent anodal tDCS over the right temporoparietal cortex in older adults. To investigate intervention‐induced neural alterations we here used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) datasets available from 35 participants of this previous study, acquired before and after the intervention. To delineate changes in whole‐brain functional network architecture, we employed eigenvector centrality mapping. Gray matter alterations were analyzed using DTI‐derived mean diffusivity (MD). Network centrality in the bilateral posterior temporooccipital cortex was reduced after anodal compared to sham stimulation. This focal effect is indicative of decreased functional connectivity of the brain region underneath the anodal electrode and its left‐hemispheric homolog with other “relevant” (i.e., highly connected) brain regions, thereby providing evidence for reorganizational processes within the brain's network architecture. Examining local MD changes in these clusters, an interaction between stimulation condition and training success indicated a decrease of MD in the right (stimulated) temporooccipital cluster in individuals who showed superior behavioral training benefits. Using a data‐driven whole‐brain network approach, we provide evidence for targeted neuromodulatory effects of a combined tDCS‐and‐training intervention. We show for the first time that gray matter alterations of microstructure (assessed by DTI‐derived MD) may be involved in tDCS‐enhanced cognitive training. Increased knowledge on how combined interventions modulate neural networks in older adults, will help the development of specific therapeutic interventions against age‐associated cognitive decline.
Exploring physician agency under demand‐side cost sharing—An experimental approach
Authors: Ge Ge , Godager Geir , Wang Jian
Published: April 2022

The assumption of patient‐regarding physicians has been widely adopted in the health economics literature. Physicians' patient‐regarding preferences are often described as the concern for the health benefits of medical treatments, and thus closely related to the norms and ethics of the medical profession. In this paper, we ask whether physicians' patient‐regarding preferences include a concern for their patient's consumption opportunities alongside patient's health benefits. To identify and quantify physicians' preferences, we design and conduct an incentivized laboratory experiment where choices determine separately the health benefits and the consumption opportunities of a real patient admitted to the nearest hospital. We find strong evidence that future physicians care about their patients' consumption opportunities.
Progressing towards nutritional health in Sub‐Saharan Africa: An econometric analysis of the effect of sustainable food production on malnutrition
Authors: Owusu Samuel Mensah , Chen Jianlin , Merz Ellen , Fu Chuanbo
Published: April 2022

In 1945 the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) chose its Latin motto ‘fiat panis’ which translates as ‘let there be bread’ to prevent an unprecedented health catastrophe as a result of endemic hunger and poor nutritional health. Despite the long standing effort in this regard, for so many people, especially in developing economies in sub‐Saharan Africa, access to enough, good quality, and constant supply of food and water remains an affront to good nutritional health. Globally, the FAO reports that 815 million people representing 10% of the population worldwide are currently undernourished. Our study investigates the effect of sustainable food production on malnutrition across sub‐Saharan African countries. An ensemble of more sophisticated econometric models is applied to dynamic cross‐country panel data from 16 countries in the 4 regions in Sub‐Saharan African. Our study is innovative because it makes a pioneering contribution to the available stock of literature on indicators of sustainable food production and malnutrition which is still at an embryonic stage. We note that even though sub‐Sahara African has a large tract of arable land, it negatively contributes towards malnutrition. We observed a positive and statistically significant relationship between food production (crop and livestock) and agricultural labour on malnutrition. Policy recommendations have been proposed to improve higher nutritional health through food production.
Which predictor is more predictive for Bitcoin volatility? And why?
Authors: Liang Chao , Zhang Yaojie , Li Xiafei , Ma Feng
Published: April 2022

Being more and more popular in the past 10 years, Bitcoin has drawn extensive attention from the press, scholars, and practitioners. The aim of this paper is to investigate which predictor is more predictive for Bitcoin volatility from the aspects of in‐sample and out‐of‐sample in a high‐speed changing world. We utilise the GARCH‐MIDAS model to examine the predictive power of five crucial predictors, including VIX, GVZ, Google Trends, GEPU, and GPR. Our findings provide strong evidence that GVZ exhibits strongest predictability for Bitcoin volatility over other competing predictors. Other empirical results based on different out‐of‐sample forecasting periods, alternative loss functions and combination methods further ensure our major conclusions are robust.
The predictive power of the term spread on inequality in the United Kingdom: An empirical analysis
Authors: Balcilar Mehmet , Berisha Edmond , Çepni Oğuzhan , Gupta Rangan
Published: April 2022

A common tool in forecasting literature used in predicting future economic conditions is the term spread, which tends to contract near peaks and rise near troughs. Building on this known relationship, this paper explores the predictive power of the yield spread on the distribution of income in the United Kingdom (UK). The results reveal that income inequality responds negatively to increases in the yield spread over the medium‐term. Specifically, we show that the term spread can help to predict UK's income inequality growth both in‐ and out‐of‐sample. Our empirical findings show that it is the expected component of the term spread that has predictive power for lower income inequality in the UK.
White light phase shifting interferometric microscopy with whole slide imaging for quantitative analysis of biological samples
Authors: Mann Priyanka , Singh Veena , Tayal Shilpa , Thapa Pramila , Mehta Dalip Singh
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we demonstrate the white light phase shifting interferometer employed as whole slide scanner and phase profiler for determining qualitative and quantitative information over large field‐of‐view (FOV). Experiments were performed on human erythrocytes and MG63 Osteosarcoma cells. Here, we have recorded microscopic images and phase shifted white light interferograms simultaneously in a stepped manner. Sample slide is translated in transverse direction such that there exists a correlation between the adjacent frames, and they were stitched together using correlation functions. Final stitched image has a FOV of 0.24 × 1.14 mm with high resolution ~0.8 μm. Circular Hough transform algorithm is implemented to the resulting image for cell counting and five‐step phase shifting algorithm is utilised to retrieve the phase profiles over a large FOV. Further, this technique is utilised to study the difference between normal and anaemic erythrocytes. Significant changes are observed in anaemic cells as compared to normal cells.
Synthesis of a novel monofilament bioabsorbable suture for biomedical applications
Authors: de la Harpe Kara M. , Marimuthu Thashree , Kondiah Pierre P. D. , Kumar Pradeep , Ubanako Philemon , Choonara Yahya E.
Published: April 2022

In this research, a novel bioabsorbable suture that is, monofilament and capable of localized drug delivery, was developed from a combination of natural biopolymers that where not previously applied for this purpose. The optimized suture formulation comprised of sodium alginate (6% wt/vol), pectin (0.1% wt/vol), and gelatin (3% wt/vol), in the presence of glycerol (4% vol/vol) which served as a plasticizer. The monofilament bioabsorbable sutures where synthesized via in situ ionic crosslinking in a barium chloride solution (2% wt/vol). The resulting suture was characterized in terms of mechanical properties, morphology, swelling, degradation, drug release, and biocompatibility, in addition to Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Powder X‐ray Diffraction (PXRD) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analysis. The drug loaded and non‐drug loaded sutures had a maximum breaking strength of 4.18 and 4.08 N, in the straight configuration and 2.44 N and 2.59 N in the knot configuration, respectively. FTIR spectrum of crosslinked sutures depicted Δ9 cm−1 downward shift for the carboxyl stretching band which was indicative of ionic interactions between barium ions and sodium alginate. In vitro analysis revealed continued drug release for 7 days and gradual degradation by means of surface erosion, which was completed by day 28. Biocompatibility studies revealed excellent hemocompatibility and no cytotoxicity. These results suggest that the newly developed bioabsorbable suture meets the basic requirements of a suture material and provides a viable alternative to the synthetic polymer sutures that are currently on the market.
Antiamyloid β toxicity effect of genistein via activation of DAF‐16 and HSP‐16.2 signal pathways in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Li Ke , Zhang Saiya , Sun Yiyang , Chen Yusi , Chen Wenbo , Ruan Weibin , Liu Yanqiang
Published: April 2022

β‐Amyloid toxicity (Aβ) is an important pathological factor of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Studies have shown that genistein can reduce the toxicity of Aβ to a certain extent; however, the specific mechanism is still uncertain. In the study, we applied Caenorhabditis elegans strains expressing Aβ peptides to evaluate the role of genistein inhibiting Aβ toxicity and the undying mechanism. Genistein influencing the sterol metabolism pathway, the HSP‐16.2 pathway, and lipofuscin in different strains of C. elegans were studied using reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction, fluorescence labeling, RNA interference (RNAi), and so forth. Our results showed that genistein alleviated the paralysis of transgenic C. elegans strains. Furthermore, in AD C. elegans, genistein reduced the fluorescence of lipofuscin, downregulated the messenger RNA (mRNA) level of vit‐3 and vit‐6 which were related to the sterol metabolism pathway, significantly increased the mRNA level and protein level of HSP‐16.2, increased the nuclear translocation of the DAF‐16 transcription factor and increased the survival rate after heat stress, which was closely associated with HSP‐16.2 levels. However, the paralysis‐alleviating effect of genistein was greatly reduced because of RNAi‐mediated inhibition of hsp‐16.2, indicating that the anti‐Aβ toxicity effect of genistein was greatly dependent on HSP‐16.2. The above results suggest that genistein inhibiting the toxicity of Aβ in C. elegans, is involved in the modulation of the sterol metabolism pathway by promoting transcription factor DAF‐16 translocation into the nucleus, increasing the expression level of HSP‐16.2, and reducing the levels of lipofuscin through its antioxidant activity.
ACE2 maybe serve as a prognostic biomarker in breast invasive carcinoma
Authors: ling Jie , Peng Ning , luo Lifei
Published: April 2022

Background

Breast cancer is a frequently occurring malignant tumor in women. Angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is widely expressed in most organs; however, the association of ACE2 with prognosis and immune infiltration in breast invasive carcinoma (BRCA) remains elusive.

Methods

We explored the expression level and prognostic value of ACE2 in patients with BRCA using a series of online bioinformatics analysis databases encompassing Oncomine, UALCAN, Kaplan–Meier plotter, TIMER, LinkedOmics, and GEO. qRT‐PCR was performed to verify our findings.

Results

Angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 mRNA and protein expression levels were decreased in BRCA tissues, and patients with low ACE2 expression levels had a poor prognosis. DNA promoter methylation of ACE2 significantly downregulated ACE2 expression in BRCA, while the expression of this protein was positively linked to immune infiltration of B cells, CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, neutrophils, and dendritic cells in BRCA tissues. The high expression level of ACE2 in enriched basophils, CD8+ T cells, and type‐2 helper T cells, which showed decreasing levels, indicated a better prognosis for BRCA. Enrichment analyses revealed that NF‐κB, IL‐17, and TNF signaling pathways were highly correlated to ACE2 in BRCA. Verification study revealed that downregulation of ACE2 was associated with a better prognosis in BRCA. Univariate and multivariate analysis confirmed ACE2 expression and clinical stage as independent prognostic factors for breast cancer.

Conclusions

Angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 may be a potential prognostic biomarker and target for BRCA. Nevertheless, future investigations are needed for validating our findings and promoting the clinical application of ACE2 in BRCA.
Hsa_circ_0060927 participates in the regulation of Caudatin on colorectal cancer malignant progression by sponging miR‐421/miR‐195‐5p
Authors: Chen Juan , Xu Li , Fang Mingzhi , Xue Yahong , Cheng Yan , Tang Xiuhong
Published: April 2022

Background

Caudatin is extracted from radix cynanchi bungei and has an inhibitory effect on cancer progression. The study aims to reveal the impacts of hsa_circ_0060927 on Caudatin‐mediated colorectal cancer (CRC) development and the underneath mechanism.

Methods

The expression levels of hsa_circ_0060927, microRNA‐421 (miR‐421) and miR‐195‐5p were detected by quantitative real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. The protein expression was analyzed by Western blot or immunohistochemistry assay. Cell viability and proliferation were analyzed by 3‐(4,5)‐dimethylthiahiazo (‐z‐y1)‐3,5‐di‐phenytetrazoliumromide or 5‐Ethynyl‐29‐deoxyuridine assay. Cell apoptosis was quantified by flow cytometry analysis. Cell migration and invasion were investigated by transwell assay. The putative associations among hsa_circ_0060927, miR‐421 and miR‐195‐5p were predicted by the starbase online database, and identified by dual‐luciferase reporter, RNA pull‐down and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays. The impacts of Caudatin treatment on tumor growth in vivo were revealed by a xenograft tumor model assay.

Results

Hsa_circ_0060927 expression was significantly upregulated, whereas miR‐421 and miR‐195‐5p were downregulated in CRC tissues and cells compared with control groups. Hsa_circ_0060927 expression was closely associated with lymph node metastasis and tumor‐node‐metastasis stage. Caudatin treatment significantly decreased hsa_circ_0060927 expression but increased miR‐421 and miR‐195‐5p expression. Caudatin exposure suppressed CRC cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and induced cell apoptosis; however, hsa_circ_0060927 overexpression hindered these impacts. Additionally, hsa_circ_0060927 was associated with miR‐421/miR‐195‐5p. Depletion of miR‐421 or miR‐195‐5p attenuated the influences of hsa_circ_0060927 silencing on CRC development. Furthermore, Caudatin treatment repressed tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusion

Caudatin inhibited CRC cell malignancy through the hsa_circ_0060927/miR‐421/miR‐195‐5p pathway, which provided a potential therapeutic agent for CRC.
Association of tumor necrosis factor alpha ‐308 single nucleotide polymorphism with SARS CoV‐2 infection in an Iraqi Kurdish population
Authors: Ali Hussein N. , Niranji Sherko S. , Al‐Jaf Sirwan M. A.
Published: April 2022

Uncovering risk factors playing roles in the severity of Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid‐19) are important for understanding pathoimmunology of the disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV‐2). Genetic variations in innate immune genes have been found to be associated with Covid‐19 infections. A single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in a promoter region of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) gene, TNF‐α −308G>A, increases expression of TNF‐α protein against infectious diseases leading to immune dysregulations and organ damage. This study aims to discover associations between TNF‐α −308G>A SNP and Covid‐19 infection. Polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) was used for genotyping a general Kurdish population and Covid‐19 patients. The homozygous mutant (AA) genotype was found to be rare in the current studied population. Interestingly, the heterozygous (GA) genotype was significantly (p value = 0.0342) higher in the Covid‐19 patients than the general population. This suggests that TNF‐α −308G>A SNP might be associated with Covid‐19 infections. Further studies with larger sample sizes focusing on different ethnic populations are recommended.
Inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor suppresses parathyroid hormone‐related protein expression in tumours and ameliorates cancer‐associated cachexia
Authors: Weber Bahar Zehra Camurdanoglu , Agca Samet , Domaniku Aylin , Bilgic Sevval Nur , Arabaci Dilsad H. , Kir Serkan
Published: April 2022

Background

Lung cancer is the primary cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) leads to lung cancer progression and poor prognosis while involuntary weight loss remains a major problem. Tumour‐derived parathyroid hormone‐related protein (PTHrP) emerged as a potential mediator of cachexia. Here, we investigated the modulatory role of EGFR signalling in PTHrP (encoded by Pthlh) gene expression and the impact of this relationship on cancer cachexia.

Methods

Global gene expression profiles of Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells were analysed. Pthlh mRNA levels were measured by qRT‐PCR in LLC cells treated with EGFR ligands and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). LLC tumour‐bearing mice received EGFR TKI erlotinib for 7 days via intraperitoneal injection or oral gavage. Tumour Pthlh mRNA, weight of fat/muscle tissue, and grip strength were assessed. RNA‐seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and gene expression analysis tools were used to characterize expression profiles of PTHLH and EGFR along with correlation analysis of PTHLH with EGFR and transforming growth factor alpha (TGFA) in human lung cancer and head and neck squamous carcinoma (HNSC). Survival of lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients with EGFR gene alterations was analysed in regard to PTHLH expression.

Results

Expression of EGFR ligands, EGFR itself, and PTHrP co‐clusters in LLC cells. Activation of EGFR signalling with its ligands significantly increases (3.8‐fold, P < 0.0005) while EGFR TKIs significantly decrease (90%, P < 0.0005) Pthlh mRNA levels in LLC cells. Pthlh mRNA drops 65–75% (P < 0.0005) in tumours upon treatment of LLC tumour‐bearing mice with erlotinib while their muscle mass and grip strength increase (9.2% P < 0.05, 23% P < 0.005, respectively) compared with tumour‐bearing control mice. PTHLH is overexpressed in tumours of LUSC (45.8‐fold, P < 0.05) and HNSC (17.5‐fold, P < 0.05) compared with normal tissue. PTHLH expression correlates with EGFR and its ligand TGFA in both cancers (LUSC: n = 745, R = 0.32, P < 0.0001 and R = 0.51, P < 0.0001; HNSC: n = 545, R = 0.34, P < 0.001 and R = 0.50, P < 0.001, respectively). High PTHLH mRNA associates with poor overall survival in LUAD patients with activating EGFR mutations (n = 40, log‐rank test, P = 0.0451).

Conclusions

Epidermal growth factor receptor signalling regulates expression of cachexia mediator PTHrP. EGFR inhibition reduces PTHrP expression in LLC tumours and ameliorates cachexia in LLC tumour‐bearing mice.
Polynomial bounds for chromatic number II: Excluding a star‐forest
Authors: Scott Alex , Seymour Paul , Spirkl Sophie
Published: April 2022

The Gyárfás–Sumner conjecture says that for every forest , there is a function such that if is ‐free then (where are the chromatic number and the clique number of ). Louis Esperet conjectured that, whenever such a statement holds, can be chosen to be a polynomial. The Gyárfás–Sumner conjecture is only known to be true for a modest set of forests , and Esperet's conjecture is known to be true for almost no forests. For instance, it is not known when is a five‐vertex path. Here we prove Esperet's conjecture when each component of is a star.
Composite branch construction by dual autozooidal budding modes in hornerids (Bryozoa: Cyclostomatida)
Authors: Batson Peter B. , Tamberg Yuta , Taylor Paul D.
Published: April 2022

Horneridae (Cyclostomatida: Cancellata) is a family of marine bryozoans that forms tree‐like colonies bearing functionally unilaminate branches. Colony development in this clade is not well understood. We used micro‐computed tomography and scanning electron microscopy to trace zooidal budding in Hornera from the ancestrula onwards. Results show that hornerid branches are constructed by dual zooidal budding modes occurring synchronously at two separate budding sites at the growing tips. Frontal autozooids bud from a multizooidal budding lamina. Lateral autozooids bud from discrete abfrontal budding loci by “exomural budding,” a previously undescribed form of frontal budding centered on hypostegal pores in interzooidal grooves on the colonial body wall. These two budding modes are integrated during primary branch morphogenesis, forming composite, developmentally bilaminate, branches. Patterns of exomural budding vary among hornerid taxa, and future studies of Cancellata taxonomy and phylogeny may benefit from morphological concepts presented here.
Ultrastructure of proboscis blood vessels in females of Bonellia viridis (Annelida: Bonellinae): New reconstructions
Authors: Kuznetsov Petr , Temereva Elena
Published: April 2022

Many data on echiurid anatomy and ultrastructure are obtained for Bonellia viridis and extrapolated to other species. The ultrastructure of the axial blood vessels, which has been described as an “osmotic pump,” is regarded as one of the unusual features of echiurids. In this study, the ultrastructure of the proboscis blood vessels in females of B. viridis is described, illustrated by accurate schemes, and a new reconstruction of the axial blood vessel is suggested. The walls of the axial and lateral vessels of the proboscis are formed by myoepithelial cells, which are connected to each other via adherence junctions, underlined by basal lamina, and therefore form a true epithelium. Apical, middle, and basal parts of the myoepithelial cells form long, thin projections, which extend to the connective tissue (in axial vessel) or coelomic canals (in lateral vessels) and to the lumen of the vessels. The presence of such projections may evidence active cellular transport. Similarity in the fine structure of the myoepithelial cells of axial and lateral blood vessels evidence their common origin from myoepithelial cells of the coelomic lining. However, in evolution, the coelomic canals were retained around the lateral vessels and disappeared around the axial vessel. The reduction of a hypothetical ancestral axial coelom may be caused by the extensive development of the connective tissue and muscles in the central part of the proboscis, where the axial vessel extends.
The ant abdomen: The skeletomuscular and soft tissue anatomy of Amblyopone australis workers (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Lieberman Ziv E. , Billen Johan , van de Kamp Thomas , Boudinot Brendon E.
Published: April 2022

Recent studies of insect anatomy evince a trend towards a comprehensive and integrative investigation of individual traits and their evolutionary relationships. The abdomen of ants, however, remains critically understudied. To address this shortcoming, we describe the abdominal anatomy of Amblyopone australis Erichson, using a multimodal approach combining manual dissection, histology, and microcomputed tomography. We focus on skeletomusculature, but additionally describe the metapleural and metasomal exocrine glands, and the morphology of the circulatory, digestive, reproductive, and nervous systems. We describe the muscles of the dorsal vessel and the ducts of the venom and Dufour's gland, and characterize the visceral anal musculature. Through comparison with other major ant lineages, apoid wasps, and other hymenopteran outgroups, we provide a first approximation of the complete abdominal skeletomuscular groundplan in Formicidae, with a nomenclatural schema generally applicable to the hexapod abdomen. All skeletal muscles were identifiable with their homologs, while we observe potential apomorphies in the pregenital skeleton and the sting musculature. Specifically, we propose the eighth coxocoxal muscle as an ant synapomorphy; we consider possible transformation series contributing to the distribution of states of the sternal apodemes in ants, Hymenoptera, and Hexapoda; and we address the possibly synapomorphic loss of the seventh sternal–eighth gonapophyseal muscles in the vespiform Aculeata. We homologize the ovipositor muscles across Hymenoptera, and summarize demonstrated and hypothetical muscle functions across the abdomen. We also give a new interpretation of the proximal processes of gonapophyses VIII and the ventromedial processes of gonocoxites IX, and make nomenclatural suggestions in the context of evolutionary anatomy and ontology. Finally, we discuss the utility of techniques applied and emphasize the value of primary anatomical research.
Ontogeny of the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) prenatal head: A morphometric approach
Authors: Beeching Simon C. , Elsey Ruth M. , Rehorek Susan J.
Published: April 2022

Variation in vertebrate cranial morphology is both extensive and functionally significant. Morphometric analysis attempts to explain such variation in form in evolutionary and functional contexts. Developmental morphometric analyses of vertebrate crania are less common, and many taxa are underrepresented. For example, the published morphometric studies of crocodilian cranial development focus mainly on posthatchling head development, with few, incomplete morphometric analyses of prehatchling heads. To further explore ontogenetic changes in the alligator head, we recorded and analyzed six linear cranial measurements in 77 preserved embryonic and hatchling American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) representing 20 different stages. Examination of individual measurements revealed nonlinear changes in growth rate during development, suggesting a level of dynamic complexity worthy of further analysis. Using principal components analysis, we identified three distinct phases in prenatal alligator head growth. The second (intermediate) phase disrupts an otherwise monotonic developmental trajectory and represents a phase of reduced snout growth. Although this is a detailed description of prehatchling ontogenetic trajectory of the alligator head, further studies in other crocodilians are needed to assess evolutionary patterns among crocodilians.
Morphological association between muscle attachments and ossification sites in the late cartilaginous skull of tuatara embryos
Authors: Zhang Zitong , Yaryhin Oleksandr , Koyabu Daisuke , Werneburg Ingmar
Published: April 2022

During development, the embryonic cartilaginous skull in most vertebrates is partially replaced by bones with endochondral and perichondral ossifications. Muscle attachments are thought to influence the patterns of ossification and, hence, the differentiation of the skull. To investigate the association between muscle attachments and early ossifications of reptilian embryos, we conducted digital 3D reconstructions of the cranium, the head, and the neck musculature from a histological section series of a late term embryonic tuatara, Sphenodon punctatus, with a total body length of 52 mm. As the sole living rhynchocephalian species, it is an important outgroup in comparative studies of squamate evolution. We found that head and neck muscles are largely associated with early ossification of the basal plate and the palatoquadrate, and with three other ossifications in an older specimen with a total body length of 72 mm. These results suggest that tensile forces resulting from embryonic muscle contraction are largely, but not exclusively, correlated with the area of endochondral ossification in the chondrocranium and palatoquadrate in tuatara. Beyond little‐known genetic factors, the complexity of chondrocranial architecture, the progress of its development, and the effect of multiple muscle transmitting forces in the chondrocranium must be considered to provide a more comprehensive discussion of the mechanical properties of the embryonic skull.
Variant‐specific SARS‐CoV‐2 within‐host kinetics
Authors: Elie Baptiste , Roquebert Bénédicte , Sofonea Mircea T. , Trombert‐Paolantoni Sabine , Foulongne Vincent , Guedj Jérémie , Haim‐Boukobza Stpéhanie , Alizon Samuel
Published: April 2022

Since early 2021, SARS‐CoV‐2 variants of concern (VOCs) have been causing epidemic rebounds in many countries. Their properties are well characterized at the epidemiological level but the potential underlying within‐host determinants remain poorly understood. We analyze a longitudinal cohort of 6944 individuals with 14 304 cycle threshold (Ct) values of reverse‐transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) VOC screening tests performed in the general population and hospitals in France between February 6 and August 21, 2021. To convertCtvalues into numbers of virus copies, we performed an additional analysis using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). We find that the number of viral genome copies reaches a higher peak value and has a slower decay rate in infections caused by Alpha variant compared to that caused by historical lineages. Following the evidence that viral genome copies in upper respiratory tract swabs are informative on contagiousness, we show that the kinetics of the Alpha variant translate into significantly higher transmission potentials, especially in older populations. Finally, comparing infections caused by the Alpha and Delta variants, we find no significant difference in the peak viral copy number. These results highlight that some of the differences between variants may be detected in virus load variations.
‘The most remarkable man’: James Croll, Quaternary scientist
Authors: Edwards Kevin J.
Published: April 2022

The year 2021 marked the bicentenary of the birth of James Croll (1821–1890), the self‐educated son of a crofter‐stonemason, whose life was characterised by a dizzying range of occupations and homes, poor health and financial concerns, and yet he became a pioneer of orbital dynamics and ice age climate change with an impressive record of publication. Drawing upon archival information and recently published observations, this paper explores selected aspects of Croll's biography, his scientific connections and controversies, and that area of his life relevant to Quaternary science. He was a 19th century polymath whose multifaceted contributions have been a catalyst for subsequent systems‐based climate science on the grand scale, including the foundations for the seminal work of Milutin Milankovitch on the rhythms of Quaternary environmental change.
Accumulation of functional metabolites and transcriptomics in postharvest fume‐drying and air‐drying process in rhubarb
Authors: Liang Wei , Zhang Weimei , Chen Yuan , Guo Fengxia , Sun Jiachen , Zhang Xuemin , Li Xia , Gao Wenyuan
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

The active component content is an important factor affecting quality of traditional Chinese medicines. The fume‐drying process can effectively improve the content of active components in rhubarb, but the accumulation dynamics and molecular mechanisms are not known. In this study, variations in the active components of rhubarb during the drying process were determined, and the most intense changes in the active components were preferred for transcriptome inquiry.

RESULTS

The results showed that the accumulation of active ingredients could be significantly promoted in the early stage of fume‐drying and air‐drying. In particular, the active ingredients increased by 61.57% (from 44.58 to 72.02 mg g−1) on the fourth day of fume‐drying. A total of 4191 DEGs (differentially expressed genes) were identified by transcriptome analysis when the active components changed significantly. Transcriptome data of different dried rhubarb samples revealed, that the fume‐drying process could significantly improve the expression of genes relevant to respiration, phenolic acid, and anthraquinone synthesis pathways in rhubarb, which was more conducive to the synthesis and accumulation of the active components.

CONCLUSION

Fume‐drying stimulated respiration and secondary metabolite synthesis in rhubarb cells by exerting strong external stress on freshly harvested rhubarb. This study revealed the variations and molecular mechanism of active component accumulation in the rhubarb drying process and might serve as a guide for the development of alternative methods for rhubarb fumigation and drying process. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Confinement Assembly of Terpolymer‐Based Janus Nanoparticles
Authors: Azhdari Suna , Herrmann Fabian , Coban Deniz , Linders Jürgen , Gröschel André H.
Published: April 2022

While the confinement assembly of block copolymers into functional microparticles has been extensively studied, little is known about the behavior of Janus nanoparticles (JNPs) in spherical confinement. Here, the confinement self‐assembly of JNPs in drying emulsion droplets is investigated and their behavior compared to their ABC triblock terpolymer precursors. Emulsions of both materials are prepared using Shirasu Porous Glass membranes leading to narrow size distributions of the microparticles with average hydrodynamic radii in the range of Rh = 250–500 nm (depending on the membrane pore radius, Rpore). The internal structure of the microparticles is verified with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) on ultrathin cross sections and compared to the corresponding bulk morphologies. While the confinement assembly of terpolymers results in microparticles with ordered inner morphologies, order for JNPs diminishes when the Janus balance deviates from parity.
QSPR Modelling of the Solubility of Drug and Drug‐like Compounds in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Euldji Imane , Si‐Moussa Cherif , Hamadache Mabrouk , Benkortbi Othmane
Published: April 2022

Quantitative structure–property relationship (QSPR) modeling was investigated to predict drug and drug‐like compounds solubility in supercritical carbon dioxide. A dataset of 148 drug\drug‐like compounds, accounting for 3971 experimental data points (EDPs), was collected and used for modelling the relationship between selected molecular descriptors and solubility fraction data achieved by a nonlinear approach (Artificial neural network, ANN) based on molecular descriptors. Experimental solubility data for a given drug were published as a function of temperature and pressure. In the present study, 11 significant PaDEL descriptors (AATS3v, MATS2e, GATS4c, GATS3v, GATS4e, GATS3 s, nBondsM, AVP‐0, SHBd, MLogP, and MLFER_S), the temperature and the pressure were statistically proved to be sufficient inputs. The architecture of the optimized model was found to be {13,10,1}. Several statistical metrics, including average absolute relative deviation (AARD=3.7748 %), root mean square error (RMSE=0.5162), coefficient of correlation (r=0.9761), coefficient of determination (R2=0.9528), and robustise (Q2=0.9528) were used to validate the obtained model. The model was also subjected to an external test by using 143 EDPs. Sensitivity analysis and domain of application were examined. The overall results confirmed that the optimized ANN‐QSPR model is suitable for the correlation and prediction of this property.
MZI interferometric fiber optic temperature sensor based on MFC
Authors: Yang Tianyu , Feng Yue , Tang Mingda , Liu Chi , Liu Xin , Zhang Jinmeng , Shen Tao
Published: April 2022

For biological embryo incubation, it is very important to monitor temperature accurately, so a new Mach–Zder interference (MZI) fiber temperature sensor is based on a microfiber coupler (MFC). It consists of a 3 dB fiber coupler and MFC forming an MZI structure. Since the MFC has strong evanescent field properties, higher sensitivity can be generated when fully acting with the external temperature environment. The experimental results show that the optical fiber sensor has good temperature response properties in the temperature range of 24–38°C, and the temperature sensitivity increases rapidly as the MFC waist diameter decreases. The maximum wavelength sensitivity of approximately 191.93 pm/°C and R2 = 0.98739, with the advantages of high sensitivity, simple manufacturing, and low cost can be applied in the field of bioincubation temperature monitoring.
Q‐switched neodymium‐doped fiber laser with a gold nanoparticle saturable absorber
Authors: Rosol A. H. A. , Zulkipli N. F. , Apsari R. , Yasin M. , Harun S. W.
Published: April 2022

A gold nanoparticle saturable absorber (SA) was successfully employed in a Neodymium‐doped fiber laser (NDFL) cavity for pulse generation via a Q‐switching mechanism for the first time. The SA device made by mixing the gold nanoparticles into PVA solution before being dried onto a fiber ferrule was included in the NDFL cavity, which was optimized to obtain Q‐switched pulses centered at 1089 nm wavelength. The pulse rate of the laser rose from 32.1 to 47.6 kHz while the pulse width fell from 8.7 to 5.8 µs as the 808 nm pump laser was varied from 67 to 114 mW. The output power also linearly improved from 4.16 to 5.07 mW as the pump strength boosted from 145.83 to 187.04 mW. The gold nanoparticles SA also offers excellent modulation depth of 5.6%, which is fit for SA purpose. The developed Q‐switched laser has numerous applications including, material micromachining, communication, sensing, and so on.
A high gain and wide bandwidth Grooved AML loaded Vivaldi Antenna design for imaging and communication applications
Authors: Binzlekar Vibhor , Sharma Anand , Agarwal Smriti
Published: April 2022

In this paper, a Vivaldi antenna with a grooved, tapered slot loaded with an artificial material lens (AML) is designed and analyzed. The unique feature of the proposed antenna is to provide excellent gain (more than 5.0 dBi) over the entire ultra‐wide bandwidth within the compact area, i.e., 40 × 45 mm2. For improving the gain, symmetrical slot matrices were etched at the flare and AML unit cells were imprinted at the extended dielectric portion. Measured results confirm its operating frequency range from 4.65 to 12.65 GHz, having a peak gain of 9.2 dBi to a minimum of 5 dBi. As compared to conventional antenna, the proposed Vivaldi antenna shows an increase in gain of 2.2 dBi. Furthermore, time‐domain analysis suggests very good isolation (∼35 dB), linear phase response, and negligible group delay (∼1 ns). The compact size, wide bandwidth, good gain, stable radiation, and transient features make it a suitable choice for imaging, and communication applications.
NMR spectroscopic and theoretical study on the isomerism of dimethyl benzodiazepine(diylidene)diacetates
Authors: Michalik Dirk , Jiao Haijun , Langer Peter
Published: April 2022

The isomerism of dimethyl 2,2′‐(7,8‐dichloro‐1H‐benzo[b][1,4]diazepine‐2,4‐(3H,5H)diylidene)diacetate (1a) and dimethyl 2,2′‐(7,8‐dichloro‐3‐methyl‐1H‐benzo[b][1,4]diazepine‐2,4‐(3H,5H)diylidene)diacetate (1b) was investigated by 1H, 13C and 15N nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. In CDCl3 solution, inversion of the diazepine ring was observed, whereas in (D6)DMSO and (D7)DMF solution, besides the ring inversion, a partial cleavage of one chelate ring appeared connected with (E/Z) isomerization about one of the exocyclic C=C bonds. Gibbs free energies (ΔG) and free activation energies (ΔG≠) were calculated based on B3PW91‐SCRF/ZVP DFT computations. Agreement between NMR data and density functional theory (DFT) computations was found.