bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adult survival and per‐capita production of young explain dynamics of a long‐lived goose population
Authors: Weegman Mitch D. , Walsh Alyn J. , Ogilvie Malcolm A. , Bearhop Stuart , Hilton Geoff M. , Hodgson David J. , Fox Anthony David
Published: August 2021

Population growth rates in geese can be sensitive to small changes in survival and/or production of young, and understanding which demographic rates explain more variation in population change can be crucial for implementing effective conservation actions. Here, we show that annual adult survival and production of young (assessed in winter) explained most variation in annual population growth rate across 36 years in Greenland White‐fronted Geese Anser albifrons flavirostris, during which time the population showed a sustained increase followed by a decline. In contrast, there was no strong relationship between annual population growth rate and juvenile survival following autumn migration, suggesting that variation in this demographic parameter contributed little to the population trajectory over the same period. Quantifying the influence of decisions made by Greenland White‐fronted Geese throughout the annual cycle will improve our ability to target seasonal conservation actions that reduce adult mortality and/or increase production of young where possible.
Effect of Propolis mouthwash on clinical periodontal parameters in patients with gingivitis: A double‐blinded randomized clinical trial
Authors: Kiani Sima , Birang Reza , Jamshidian Niloofar
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Periodontal diseases have multifactorial aetiology and are primarily caused by pathogenic bacteria. Using antibacterial mouthwashes as an adjunct to mechanical plaque control can effectively improve the quality of oral hygiene maintenance at home. This study aimed to assess the clinical efficacy of a propolis‐containing mouthwash in gingivitis treatment.

Methods

This clinical trial evaluated 32 patients with gingivitis in two groups (n=16). The intervention group received a mouthwash containing propolis extract while the control group received the same mouthwash without the propolis extract. The papillary bleeding index (PBI), plaque index (PI) and tooth discoloration were evaluated in each patient at baseline (before the intervention) and at 15 and 30 days, after treatment. To facilitate the follow‐up evaluations, the measurements were recorded for the tooth with the most inflamed gingiva in each quadrant (n = 128). The two groups were compared using the Mann‐Whitney test.

Results

The change in PI was 85.19 ± 51.6% in the propolis and 83.93 ± 36.1% in the placebo group with no significant difference between them (p = 0.91). The reduction in papillary bleeding index was significantly greater in the propolis group compared with the placebo group (p < 0.001). The change in tooth colour over time was significant in the placebo and insignificant in the propolis group (p = 0.14).

Conclusions

Considering the current findings, it seems that propolis mouthwash can effectively decrease gingival inflammation and bleeding, without causing tooth discoloration or staining. Considering the limitations of this study such as small sample size (based on participants and also number of teeth included in the study), future studies are warranted on this topic.
Missed nursing care in hospital environments during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Gurková Elena , Mikšová Zdeňka , Šáteková Lenka
Published: August 2021

Background

Studies performed in Central European countries showed a high prevalence of missed nursing care in various clinical settings before the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Aims

The aim of the study was to investigate which domains of the work environment were significant predictors of missed nursing care activities in Czech hospitals during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was used. The RANCARE guideline and STROBE checklist were followed for reporting in the study. The sample consisted of 371 nurses from four acute care hospitals. The MISSCARE Survey and the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index questionnaires were used to collect data. The data were analyzed using multiple linear and logistic regression analyses.

Results

Nurses reporting unfavorable environments consistently describe a higher frequency of episodes of missed care. Prevalence estimates of missed care in Czech acute care hospitals during the COVID‐19 pandemic was predicted from the overtime work, the nurses’ perception of the “Nursing foundations for the quality of care,” and their satisfaction with their current position.

Conclusions

Missed nursing care could be mitigated by improving the nurses’ work environment. Domains of the nurse work environment are known as structural modifiable factors and their refinement could be a cornerstone for interventions to reduce the prevalence of missed nursing care.

Implications for nursing policy

Monitoring the conditions and aspects of the nurse work environment in hospitals and considering nurses’ concerns about the work environment on an ongoing basis are important strategies for nurse supervision as well as for policymakers.
Prevalence of hypomineralised second primary molars (HSPM): A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: McCarra Charlotte , Olegário Isabel Cristina , O’Connell Anne C. , Leith Rona
Published: August 2021

Aim

To evaluate the prevalence of HSPM worldwide on a child and a tooth level and investigate the influence of diagnostic criteria on the prevalence of HSPM.

Design

A comprehensive literature search was performed through MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. The grey literature was also screened as were the reference lists of included studies. An adaptation of the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the quality of the studies. A meta‐analysis was performed to determine the pooled prevalence of HSPM.

Results

The search strategy identified 1,988 articles, 487 were retrieved for full‐text evaluation, and 37 studies were included in the meta‐analysis (32 for child and 23 for tooth level prevalence), providing data from 26,805 individuals and 81,107 molars. The prevalence of HSPM was 6.8% (95% CI 4.98%‐8.86%) on a child level and 4.08% on a tooth level (95% CI = 2.80%‐5.59%). The diagnostic criteria used did not seem to influence the prevalence results (P > .05). The majority of the papers (75%) showed a low‐to‐moderate risk of bias.

Conclusion

There was a broad variation in the prevalence reported that may be attributed to differences in the study population. The present meta‐analysis showed a HSPM prevalence worldwide of 6.8% on a child level and 4.1% on a tooth level.
Drawing with Art‐Well‐Being: Intergenerational Co‐Creation with Seniors, Children and the Living Museum
Authors: Burke Geraldine , Alfrey Laura , Hall Clare , O’Connor Justen
Published: August 2021

This article explores how the Museum, Art and Wellbeing project brought primary school children and seniors from the same local community together to engage in explorative activities designed to reveal individual and mutual assets for wellbeing. The Museum, Art and Wellbeing project undertook a participatory arts‐based approach to investigate how the assets of a large public institution such as Museums Victoria, Australia could reach out and engage different community groups. The seniors came from a local University of the Third Age (U3A) which offers a wide range of classes but does not usually engage with primary schools. Children at the primary school engage in art learning and separate wellbeing learning but these age‐stage sessions, as designated to incremental year levels, had not previously included direct involvement of seniors in learning activities. For both groups, the connection to Victoria’s state museums is marked by previous occasional one‐off visits. Museum resources have not been considered as ongoing assets for wellbeing that link to the local community in the way that this project does. The university’s role in brokering such connections by deploying often ignored human/institutional assets to support health and strengthen community has been explored in papers by fellow researchers, Justen O’Connor and Laura Alfrey. Our enquiry is extended in this article by focusing on how art education, specifically art‐making, and intergenerational learning can strengthen community and enhance wellbeing across school and community‐based educational contexts and museums.
Chalcomoracin prevents vitreous‐induced activation of AKT and migration of retinal pigment epithelial cells
Authors: Han Haote , Yang Yanhui , Liu Bing , Tian Jingkui , Dong Lijun , Qi Hui , Zhu Wei , Wang Jiantao , Lei Hetian
Published: August 2021

Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells are the major cell type in the epi‐ or sub‐retinal membranes in the pathogenesis of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), which is a blinding fibrotic eye disease and still short of effective medicine. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate whether Chalocomoracin (CMR), a novel purified compound from fungus‐infected mulberry leaves, is able to inhibit vitreous‐induced signalling events and cellular responses intrinsic to PVR. Our studies have revealed that the CMR IC50 for ARPE‐19 cells is 35.5 μmol/L at 72 hours, and that 5 μmol/L CMR inhibits vitreous‐induced Akt activation and p53 suppression; in addition, we have discovered that this chemical effectively blocks vitreous‐stimulated proliferation, migration and contraction of ARPE‐19 cells, suggesting that CMR is a promising PVR prophylactic.
Age, growth and reproductive life‐history characteristics infer a high population productivity for the sustainably fished protogynous hermaphroditic yellowspotted rockcod (Epinephelus areolatus) in north‐western Australia
Authors: Boddington Dion K. , Wakefield Corey B. , Fisher Emily A. , Fairclough David V. , Harvey Euan S. , Newman Stephen J.
Published: August 2021

The yellowspotted rockcod,Epinephelus areolatus, is a small‐sized grouper that is widely distributed throughout the Indo‐Pacific, where it forms a valuable component of the harvest derived from multispecies fisheries along continental and insular shelves. Samples ofE. areolatuswere collected from 2012 to 2018 from commercial catches and research surveys in the Kimberley, Pilbara and Gascoyne regions of north‐western Australia to improve the understanding of the life history, inherent vulnerability and stock status of this species. Histological analysis of gonads (n = 1889) determined thatE. areolatuswas a monandric protogynous hermaphrodite. Non‐functional spermatogenic crypts were dispersed within the ovaries of 23% of mature functioning females; nonetheless, these crypts were not observed during the immature female phase. The length and age at which 50% of females matured were 266 mm total length (LT) and 2.7 years, respectively. The spawning period was protracted over 10–12 months of the year with biannual peaks at the start of spring and autumn (i.e., September and March) when the photoperiod was at its mid‐range (i.e., 12.1 h). Estimates of the lengths and ages at which 50% ofE. areolatuschange sex from female to male were very similar (i.e., <5% difference) between the Kimberley and Pilbara regions,i.e.,of 364 and 349 mmLTandof 7.9 and 7.3 years, respectively. A maximum age of 19 years was observed in all three regions, but there was significant regional variation in growth. These variations in growth were not correlated with latitude; instead a parabolic relationship was evident, where the smallest mean length‐at‐age and fastest growth rates (k) occurred in the mid‐latitudes of the Pilbara region. In the Kimberley and Pilbara regions, individuals were not fully selected by commercial fish traps until 5–6 years of age, hence, several years after reaching maturity. These life‐history characteristics infer a high population productivity, which underpins the sustainable harvest of this species, despite comprising the largest catches of all epinephelids in the multispecies tropical fisheries across north‐western Australia.
Optimization of maltodextrin (10DE)—Sucrose moderated microwave osmotic dehydration of mango cubes under continuous flow spray mode (MWODS) conditions
Authors: Shinde Bhakti , Ramaswamy Hosahalli S.
Published: August 2021

The process of microwave osmotic dehydration of mango was optimized under continuous flow medium spray conditions (MWODS) with maltodextrin (10DE) moderated sucrose solutions. Optimization was carried out using a response surface methodology with a central composite rotatable (CCRD) design with three input variables at five levels (temperature, 33°C to 66.7°C; sucrose:maltodextrin ratio from 100:0 to 80:20; and solute concentration, 33 to 66.7%). The response parameters used for optimization were moisture loss (ML), solids gain (SG), weight reduction (WR), ML/SG ratio, color and texture values. For each response, RSM models (p < .05) were developed. As expected, all output variables were responsive to process variables and addition of maltodextrin to sucrose was found to have a significant effect on reducing the SG and increasing ML/SG, and total solute concentration had significant effects on ML, SG and quality parameters. The process was optimized by desirability approach and MWODS at 56°C with total osmotic solute 46% concentration and 84:16 sucrose:maltodextrin proportion had the highest desirability value. Selection of constraints was an influential factor as well.

Practical Applications

Osmotic dehydration (OD) has many advantages, but is a slow process. Carrying out OD in MW environment accelerates the process, enhances moisture loss (ML) and limits the solids gain (SG). The quality of OD foods is related to ML/SG ratio and the MWOD process enhances ML/SG. This can be further enhanced by incorporating high molecular solutes like maltodextrins. This research optimizes the maltodextrin moderated MWOD process under continuous medium flow conditions. The process offers significant potential for reducing the treatment time (to 30 min) and improve the ML/SG ratio. The resulting product can be finish dried, used as intermediate moisture food or frozen (dehydrofreezing).
Ulcerative neutrophilic dermatitis resembling human bromoderma in a dog
Authors: Dedola C. , Gallucci A. , Ibba F. , Ennas F. , Porcellato I. , Brachelente C.
Published: August 2021

A dog was referred because of the presence of painful ulcers with violaceous borders and multiple dermal and subcutaneous haemorrhagic nodules on the bridge of the nose, on the dorsal aspect of the front paws, and on all four legs. Lesions had not responded to antibacterial and immunomodulatory therapy. Nine months earlier, the dog had been diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy and treated with potassium bromide ever since. Histopathological examination of lesions revealed an interstitial neutrophilic dermatitis multifocally extending to the subcutaneous tissue. All special stains were negative for infectious agents, and due to the lack of tropism for follicular structures as well as negative bacterial and fungal cultures, a diagnosis of a sterile neutrophilic process similar to pyoderma gangrenosum was made. A cutaneous drug reaction was suspected, potassium bromide was suspended, and after 6 weeks the ulcerative lesions were completely healed. The present report describes a case of an ulcerative neutrophilic dermatitis presumed to be associated with administration of potassium bromide that resembled human bromoderma.
Contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography in dogs with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Linta Nikolina , Pey Pascaline , Baron Toaldo Marco , Pietra Marco , Felici Manuel , Bettini Giuliano , Cipone Mario , Diana Alessia
Published: August 2021

Background

Contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) is used to evaluate vascularity of the gastrointestinal wall in neoplastic and inflammatory diseases.

Objective

To assess the feasibility of CEUS for the evaluation of duodenal perfusion in dogs with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Animals

Forty‐two dogs with IBD and 20 clinically healthy dogs.

Methods

All CEUS studies of the duodenum were analyzed to obtain time‐intensity curves and perfusion parameters. The procedure was repeated in 12 IBD dogs 2 months after a standardized treatment.

Results

On CEUS, the duodenal wall showed a typical perfusion pattern characterized by a radial and simultaneous enhancement of the wall in all dogs. On qualitative assessment, no differences were observed in contrast medium distribution between healthy and affected dogs, or between dogs with IBD before and after treatment. Peak intensity (PI) and area under the curve (AUC) significantly differed between healthy (PI = 3.58 arbitrary units [au; 1.86‐4.93 au] and AUC = 47.63 au seconds [aus, 22.68‐62.15]) and affected dogs (PI = 5.10 au [0.63‐15.16 au] and AUC = 63.62 aus [5.31‐212.20 aus]; P = .03 and .03, respectively). No significant differences were found for the perfusion parameters before and after treatment.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

We showed that CEUS allows discrimination between IBD affected dogs and healthy dogs by evaluation of time‐intensity curves, but did not provide useful information for monitoring therapeutic response. The qualitative assessment identified no significant differences between healthy and affected dogs, or between dogs before and after treatment.
Essentializing inferences
Authors: Ritchie Katherine
Published: August 2021

Predicate nominals (e.g., “is a female”) seem to label or categorize their subjects, while their adjectival correlates (e.g., “is female”) merely attribute a property. Predicate nominals also elicit essentializing inferential judgments about inductive potential and stable explanatory membership. Data from psychology and semantics support that this distinction is robust and productive. I argue that while the difference between predicate nominals and predicate adjectives is elided by standard semantic theories, it ought not be. I then develop and defend a psychologically motivated semantic account on which predicate nominals attribute kind membership and trigger a presupposition that underpins our essentialist judgments.
Long‐distance communication through systemic macromolecular signaling mediates stress defense responses in plants
Authors: Zhang Guanghai , Kong Guanghui , Li Yongping
Published: August 2021

Land plants have a unique vascular bundle system that ranges in length from a few centimeters to hundreds of meters. These systems integrate the various organs of the whole plant, perform material exchange between different plant tissues and mediate the transmission of signals between cells or over long distances. Grafting and parasitism can reshape the vascular tissues of different ecotypes or species and represent two important systems for studying plant systemic signaling. In recent years, with the advancement of genomics and sequencing technology, the transportation, identification, and function of systemic plant macromolecules have been extensively studied. Here, we review the current body of knowledge of the transport pathways and regulatory mechanisms of macromolecules in plants and assess systemic, long‐distance signal trafficking that mediates stress responses, and plant–environment or plant–insect community interactions. Additionally, we propose several methods for identifying mobile mRNAs and proteins. Finally, we discuss the challenges facing systemic signaling research and put forth the most urgent questions that need to be answered to advance our understanding of plant systemic signaling.
Predicting optimal habitats of Haloxylon persicum for ecosystem restoration using ensemble ecological niche modeling under climate change in southeast Iran
Authors: Ghehsareh Ardestani Elham , Rigi Hafizolah , Honarbakhsh Afshin
Published: August 2021

Ecological restoration plays a vital role in the management of degraded ecosystems; nevertheless, the success of restoration plans depends to a large extent on determining optimal habitats for target species' growth and survival. Ecological niche modeling can be used to predict where climate is presently suitable for a particular species used in restoration, and where suitable climates will be located in the future. Here, we used ensemble ecological modeling to identify areas suitable for restoration of the arid shrub Haloxylon persicum in southeast Iran. We generated environmental suitability predictions for H. persicum restorations from eight different niche modeling algorithms and averaged these predictions to generate an ensemble model prediction. We present projections for the climate suitability of H. persicum for the present climate and the years 2050 and 2070 under the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 emissions scenarios and for three different global circulation models. Our model projected the optimum mean annual temperature for this species to be between 35.5 and 37°C, the optimum temperature of the coldest quarter to be between 3.5 and 13°C and the optimum precipitation of the coldest quarter to be between 65 to 90 mm. Based on our results, H. persicum is predicted to persist north of 27°N latitude in southeast Iran under current and future conditions; however, the availability of habitat suitable for H. persicum restoration is expected to dramatically diminish under future climate change. This study will help identify and prioritize locations for ecological restoration of this species in the face of climate change.
Long‐term effects of bone char and lignocellulosic biochar‐based soil amendments on phosphorus adsorption–desorption and crop yield in low‐input acidic soils
Authors: Wakweya Temesgen , Nigussie Abebe , Worku Gebeyanesh , Biresaw Armaye , Aticho Abebayheu , Hirko Obsu , Ambaw Gebermedihin , Mamuye Melkamu , Dume Bayu , Ahmed Milkiyas
Published: August 2021

Although the addition of biochar has been shown to reduce the phosphorus (P) adsorption capacity of soil, quantitative evidence of this has mainly been provided by incubation experiments and it is therefore essential to conduct long‐term field trials to draw general conclusions. It is largely unknown whether bone char has a greater effect than lignocellulosic biochar on P adsorption–desorption processes and crop yield. The aim of this study was to determine the long‐term (8 years) effect of bone char and biochar on P adsorption–desorption and crop yield in low‐input acidic soils. The results showed that bone char decreased the maximum P adsorption capacity (Qm) by 10% and increased the desorption capacity (Ds) by 150% compared with the control (i.e. without a soil amendment). The desorption ratio was highest for the bone char treatment (10.3%) and three times more than the control. Plant‐available P was seven times greater under bone char than the control. There was no variation in adsorption–desorption characteristics, desorption ratio and plant‐P available content between bone char and lignocellulosic biochar treatments. The average yield increment following the application of bone char and biochar was 1.7 and 1.4 Mg ha−1 for maize and 1.8 and 1.9 Mg ha−1 for soya bean, respectively. Despite the low application rate (4 t ha−1 year−1), these findings demonstrated that the long‐term application of bone char and biochar‐based amendments enhanced P availability in low‐input cropping systems, mainly by altering the P adsorption and desorption capacity of soils.
Molecular phylogeny of Nabidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Cimicomorpha): insight into relationships and reclassification with the proposal of the new tribe Stenonabini
Authors: Kim Junggon , Roca‐Cusachs Marcos , Jung Sunghoon
Published: August 2021

Nabidae is a small predatory family within Cimicomorpha; however, the internal classification within this family has been unclear and controversial, confusing researchers in various fields. This study presents the first comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of Nabidae based on a molecular dataset comprising 16 outgroup and 40 ingroup taxa. A total of 3791 base pairs of mitochondrial (16S, cytochrome oxidase subunit I) and nuclear (18S, 28S) sequences were analyzed based on parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference. Topologies from all analyses were largely congruent. Except for the paraphyly of the second largest genus, Himacerus Wolff, Nabidae and all its subgroups were monophyletic. Based on the result, the validity of the genus Stalia Reuter was confirmed, and phylogenetic relationships of the clades at the genus level were discussed. Finally, a revised classification with the Stenonabini trib.n. is proposed. In addition, molecular dating analysis was used to estimate divergence times within Nabidae. Estimation based on the Bayesian framework revealed that the divergence between Nabinae and Prostemmatinae occurred during the Late Jurassic (152–154.44 Ma). Subsequently, most of the groups in Nabidae diversified in the Late Cretaceous. Based on the estimation result, we hypothesized that Nabinae has evolved and diversified with adaptation to angiosperm plants.
Investigation of a Combined Refrigeration and Air Conditioning System Based on Two-Phase Ejector Driven by Exhaust Gases of Natural Gas Fueled Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition Engine
Authors: Khaliq Abdul , Almohammadi Bandar A. , Alharthi Mathkar A. , Siddiqui Mohd Asjad , Kumar Rajesh
Published: August 2021

A natural gas-fueled homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engine is coupled to an exhaust gas operated turbine driven two-phase ejector cycle to generate power and cooling energy, simultaneously. By establishing a thermodynamic model, the simulation of the proposed system and its parametric analyses are conducted. Energetic and exergetic investigations are carried out to study the role of equivalence ratio, engine speed, condenser temperature, refrigeration evaporator temperature, air-conditioning evaporator temperature, and ejector nozzle efficiency on the thermodynamic performance parameters of the combined cycle. The analysis of two-phase ejector cooling cycle using three working fluids including R717, R290, and R600a is conducted. Results reveal that the thermal efficiency of HCCI engine is increased from 47.44% to 49.94%, and for the R600a operated combined cycle it is increased from 60.05% to 63.26% when the equivalence ratio is promoted from 0.3 to 0.6. Distribution of fuel exergy results show that out of 100% exergy input, in case of R717 operated combined cycle, 139.79 kW (38.72%) is the total exergy output, and 164.21 kW (45.49%) and 57 kW (15.79%) are the values for exergy destruction and exergy losses. It is further shown that change in refrigerant minorly influence the percentages of exergy distribution.
Architected Tunable Structure for Improved Capability in Extreme Environments
Authors: Salehii Mahtab , Yandt Scott , Schaenzer Megan , Pham Minh Quan , Kibsey Mitch , Innes Matthew , Villien Benoit , Riedel Donna , Delaby Lucas , Gerendas Miklos , Shanian Ali , Backman David
Published: August 2021

A novel patterned-void structure is developed to improve the fatigue life compared with conventional circular cooling holes typically used in gas turbine components exposed to high temperatures. The distinctive S-shape of the voids and their specific arrangement enable manipulation of the structure's macroscopic stiffness and Poisson's ratio. An investigation of the isothermal and thermomechanical fatigue (TMF) properties of the proposed structure is carried out in strain-controlled conditions. The testing is performed on tubular specimens machined from a Nickel-based superalloy commonly used in gas turbine combustion systems (HAYNES 230®). The isothermal fatigue tests, performed at 300 °C, 600 °C, and 800 °C, demonstrated an increase in crack-initiation life of the proposed structure by a factor of up to 28 compared with the standard circular holes. The thermomechanical fatigue tests, performed across temperature ranges 300 °C–750 °C and 300 °C–850 °C, and using in-phase (IP) and out-of-phase (OP) strain ratios, demonstrated an increase in crack-initiation life by a factor of up to 16. The life after crack initiation (crack-propagation mode) was also shown to be longer for the proposed structure, which is attributed to a crack-arresting behavior inherent to the structure.
Neuromodulation using ultra low frequency current waveform reversibly blocks axonal conduction and chronic pain
Authors: Jones Martyn G. , Rogers Evan R. , Harris James P. , Sullivan Andrew , Ackermann D. Michael , Russo Marc , Lempka Scott F. , McMahon Stephen B.
Published: August 2021

Nerve conduction and chronic pain are safely inhibited by an ultra low frequency current waveform.
A Live Olfactory Mouse Cytomegalovirus Vaccine, Attenuated for Systemic Spread, Protects against Superinfection
Authors: Farrell Helen E. , Bruce Kimberley , Stevenson Philip G.
Published: August 2021

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the most common cause of congenital infection for which a vaccine is not yet available. Subunit vaccine candidates have failed to achieve licensure.
Features of the Dynamical Evolution of a Massive Disk of Trans-Neptunian Objects
Authors: Emel’yanenko V. V.
Published: August 2021

Abstract—

The dynamical features of a massive disk of distant trans-Neptunian objects are considered in the model of the formation of small bodies in the Hill region of a giant gas-dust clump that arose as a result of gravitational instability and fragmentation of the protoplanetary disk. The dynamical evolution of the orbits of small bodies under the action of gravitational perturbations from the outer planets and self-gravity of the disk has been studied for a time interval of the order of a billion years. It is shown that the secular effects of the gravitational influence of a massive disk of small bodies lead to an increase in the eccentricities of the orbits of individual objects. The result of this dynamical behavior is the creation of a flux of small bodies coming close to the orbit of Neptune. The change in the number of objects surviving in the observable region of distant trans-Neptunian objects (the region of orbits with perihelion distances of 40 < q < 80 AU and semimajor axes 150 < a < 1000 AU), over time depends on the initial mass of the disk. For disks with masses exceeding several Earth masses, there is a tendency to a decrease in the number of distant trans-Neptunian objects surviving in the observable region after evolution for a time interval of the order of the age of the Solar System, with an increase in the initial mass. On the other hand, for most objects, orbital eccentricities decrease under the influence of the self-gravity of the disk. Therefore, the main part of the disk is preserved in the region of heliocentric distances exceeding 100 AU.
Early Manifestations of Short-Term Precursors in Stress-Strain State Dynamics of Southern California
Authors: Bondur V. G. , Gokhberg M. B. , Garagash I. A. , Alekseev D. A.
Published: August 2021

Abstract—The stress-strain state before theМ= 7.1 Ridgecrest earthquake in Southern California is analyzed based on spatiotemporal distribution of shear strains calculated in the geomechanical model within local ~100 × 100 km crustal segments at a depth of 3–7 km. In the epicentral zone of the earthquake, starting from three years before the event, a successive series of the time intervals, up to the occurrence of the earthquake, when shear deformations are completely absent and rocks are farthest from ultimate strength—the so-called quiescence zones—are established. The spatial distribution of shear strains in the vicinity of the epicentral zone is analyzed during the quiescence intervals and subsequent bursts of maximum amplitude in the epicentral zone itself. The time intervals of the bursts are called excursions. The successive emergence of maxima in shear strain amplitudes in the epicentral zone and surrounding medium during the excursions corresponds to the situation of a swing when the entire preparation region of a future earthquake is rocking up to the moment of event. Consistency of the obtained results with the existing theoretical models of earthquake preparation is discussed.
Bounds on dark matter annihilation cross-sections from inert doublet model in the context of 21-cm cosmology of dark ages
Authors: Basu Rupa , Pandey Madhurima , Majumdar Debasish , Banerjee Shibaji
Published: August 2021

We study the fluctuations in the brightness temperature of 21-cm signal [Formula: see text] at the dark ages ([Formula: see text]) with a dark matter (DM) candidate in Inert Doublet Model (IDM). We then explore the effects of different fractions of IDM DM on [Formula: see text] signal. The IDM DM masses are chosen in few tens of GeV region as well as in the high mass region beyond 500 GeV. It has been observed that the [Formula: see text] signal is more sensitive in the DM mass range of 70–80 GeV. A lower bound on annihilation cross-section for this DM is also obtained by analyzing the [Formula: see text] signal. This is found to lie within the range [Formula: see text] cm3/s for the IDM DM mass range 10 GeV[Formula: see text] GeV.
The influence of δ meson on the isospin splitting of in-medium NN → NΔ cross-sections
Authors: Cui Ying , Zhang Yingxun , Tian Yuan , Li Zhuxia
Published: August 2021

The isospin splitting of the in-medium [Formula: see text] cross-sections in asymmetric nuclear medium is investigated in the framework of the one-boson exchange model by including [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] mesons. Our results show that the medium correction factors [Formula: see text] have [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] by using the without-[Formula: see text] sets. By including the [Formula: see text] meson, there appear the totally opposite results in the [Formula: see text] for different channels, i.e., [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
Critical Gagliardo–Nirenberg, Trudinger, Brezis–Gallouet–Wainger inequalities on graded groups and ground states
Authors: Ruzhansky Michael , Yessirkegenov Nurgissa
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we investigate critical Gagliardo–Nirenberg, Trudinger-type and Brezis–Gallouet–Wainger inequalities associated with the positive Rockland operators on graded Lie groups, which include the cases of [Formula: see text], Heisenberg, and general stratified Lie groups. As an application, using the critical Gagliardo–Nirenberg inequality, the existence of least energy solutions of nonlinear Schrödinger type equations is obtained. We also express the best constant in the critical Gagliardo–Nirenberg and Trudinger inequalities in the variational form as well as in terms of the ground state solutions of the corresponding nonlinear subelliptic equations. The obtained results are already new in the setting of general stratified Lie groups (homogeneous Carnot groups). Among new technical methods, we also extend Folland’s analysis of Hölder spaces from stratified Lie groups to general homogeneous Lie groups.
Shear Strength and Microstructure of Intact Loess Subjected to Freeze‐Thaw Cycling
Authors: Liu Kuan , Ye Wanjun , Jing Hongjun
Published: August 2021

In the Loess Plateau, seasonal freeze and thaw cause great damage to the mechanical behavior and microstructure of soil, which leads to frequent geological disasters during winter and spring. To investigate the influence of freeze‐thaw (FT) cycling (FTC) on the shear strength and microstructure of intact loess, triaxial shear, nuclear magnetic resonance, and scanning electron microscope tests were carried out on soil samples after target FT cycles. The results indicate that the FTC has limited changes to the soil stress‐strain curve, but has a significant attenuation effect on the peak deviatoric stress. The peak deviatoric stress was attenuated by FTC but changed insignificantly after ten cycles. The cohesive force decays exponentially with the number of FT cycles, while the internal friction angle increases slightly. Moreover, under FTC, the T2 hydrogen spectra of soil samples showed a multimodal distribution, with the main peak appearing to have two obvious upward shifts that occurred at 6 and 10 FT cycles. Indeed, a depolarization phenomenon related to the directional frequency of soil particles was observed, and the mass fractal dimension of the pore network increased slightly. In an FT environment, the shear strength declines due to accumulated internal microstructural damage. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the response of loess to FTC and provide novel ideas for the prevention of frost damage in loess areas.
Discriminative Codebook Hashing for Supervised Video Retrieval
Authors: Bian Xiaoman , Lan Rushi , Wang Xiaoqin , Chen Chen , Liu Zhenbing , Luo Xiaonan , Lai Kuei-Kuei
Published: August 2021

In recent years, hashing learning has received increasing attention in supervised video retrieval. However, most existing supervised video hashing approaches design hash functions based on pairwise similarity or triple relationships and focus on local information, which results in low retrieval accuracy. In this work, we propose a novel supervised framework called discriminative codebook hashing (DCH) for large‐scale video retrieval. The proposed DCH encourages samples within the same category to converge to the same code word and maximizes the mutual distances among different categories. Specifically, we first propose the discriminative codebook via a predefined distance among intercode words and Bernoulli distributions to handle each hash bit. Then, we use the composite Kullback–Leibler (KL) divergence to align the neighborhood structures between the high‐dimensional space and the Hamming space. The proposed DCH is optimized via the gradient descent algorithm. Experimental results on three widely used video datasets verify that our proposed DCH performs better than several state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Variability and Main Controlling Factors of Hydrocarbon Migration and Accumulation in the Lower Paleozoic Carbonate Rocks of the Tazhong Uplift, the Tarim Basin, Northwest China
Authors: Fang Qifei , Yao Qingzhou , Qu Yongqiang , Jiang Youlu , Li Huizhen , Dai Dongdong , Fan Shan , Zhu Weiping , Yang Lisha , Wang Xiaoxue , Zhang Min
Published: August 2021

Hydrocarbon migration patterns and pathways were studied on the basis of three-dimensional seismic interpretation, drilling, geochemistry, production performance, and other data. Using these findings, the main factors controlling hydrocarbon migration and accumulation in the Lower Paleozoic carbonate rocks of the Tazhong Uplift were discussed. The spatiotemporal relationship between the hydrocarbon kitchens and pathway systems of the Tazhong Uplift and the spatial pattern of pathway systems were considered the main factors causing differences in hydrocarbon enrichment. Results also revealed that the Lower Paleozoic carbonates of the Tazhong Uplift have two hydrocarbon accumulation systems (inside and outside the source rocks). For the accumulation system within the source rocks, hydrocarbon migration and enrichment are vertically differentiated. Middle Cambrian gypsum salt rocks serve as the boundary, above which thrust and strike-slip faults mainly allow vertical transport of hydrocarbons. A multistage superposition pattern of strike-slip faults controls the differences in hydrocarbon enrichment on the periphery of the fault zone. Beneath the gypsum-salt rocks, hydrocarbon migration and enrichment is controlled by the topography of paleostructures and paleogeomorphology. For the hydrocarbon accumulation system outside the source rocks, hydrocarbon migration and enrichment are restricted by the layered pathway system, and the topography of the paleostructures and paleogeomorphology is the key factor controlling hydrocarbon enrichment. The Tazhong No. 1 Fault is the main vertical pathway system in the area underlain by no source rocks, and hydrocarbons are enriched at the periphery of the Middle-Lower Cambrian and No. 1 Fault Zone.
Feature Selection Based on a Large‐Scale Many‐Objective Evolutionary Algorithm
Authors: Li Yue , Sun Zhiheng , Liu Xin , Chen Wei-Tung , Horng Der-Juinn , Lai Kuei-Kuei
Published: August 2021

The feature selection problem is a fundamental issue in many research fields. In this paper, the feature selection problem is regarded as an optimization problem and addressed by utilizing a large‐scale many‐objective evolutionary algorithm. Considering the number of selected features, accuracy, relevance, redundancy, interclass distance, and intraclass distance, a large‐scale many‐objective feature selection model is constructed. It is difficult to optimize the large‐scale many‐objective feature selection optimization problem by using the traditional evolutionary algorithms. Therefore, this paper proposes a modified vector angle‐based large‐scale many‐objective evolutionary algorithm (MALSMEA). The proposed algorithm uses polynomial mutation based on variable grouping instead of naive polynomial mutation to improve the efficiency of solving large‐scale problems. And a novel worst‐case solution replacement strategy using shift‐based density estimation is used to replace the poor solution of two individuals with similar search directions to enhance convergence. The experimental results show that MALSMEA is competitive and can effectively optimize the proposed model.
Deconvoluting Mechanisms of Acquired Resistance to RAF Inhibitors in BRAFV600E-Mutant Human Glioma
Authors: Schreck Karisa C. , Morin Andrew , Zhao Guisheng , Allen Amy N. , Flannery Patrick , Glantz Michael , Green Adam L. , Jones Chris , Jones Kenneth L. , Kilburn Lindsay B. , Nazemi Kellie J. , Samuel David , Sanford Bridget , Solomon David A. , Wang Jiawan , Pratilas Christine A. , Nicolaides Theodore , Mulcahy Levy Jean M.
Published: August 2021

Purpose:

Selective RAF-targeted therapy is effective in some patients with BRAFV600E-mutated glioma, though emergent and adaptive resistance occurs through ill-defined mechanisms.

Experimental Design:

Paired pre-/post- RAF inhibitor (RAFi)-treated glioma samples (N = 15) were obtained and queried for treatment-emergent genomic alterations using DNA and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). Functional validation of putative resistance mechanisms was performed using established and patient-derived BRAFV600E-mutant glioma cell lines.

Results:

Analysis of 15 tissue sample pairs identified 13 alterations conferring putative resistance were identified among nine paired samples (including mutations involving ERRFI1, BAP1, ANKHD1, and MAP2K1). We performed functional validation of mechanisms of resistance, including loss of NF1, PTEN, or CBL, in BRAFV600E-mutant glioma lines, and demonstrate they are capable of conferring resistance in vitro. Knockdown of CBL resulted in increased EGFR expression and phosphorylation, a possible mechanism for maintaining ERK signaling within the cell. Combination therapy with a MEKi or EGFR inhibitor was able to overcome resistance to BRAFi, in NF1 knockdown and CBL knockdown, respectively. Restoration of wild-type PTEN in B76 cells (PTEN−/−) restored sensitivity to BRAFi. We identified and validated CRAF upregulation as a mechanism of resistance in one resistant sample. RNA-seq analysis identified two emergent expression patterns in resistant samples, consistent with expression patterns of known glioma subtypes.

Conclusions:

Resistance mechanisms to BRAFi in glioma are varied and may predict effective precision combinations of targeted therapy, highlighting the importance of a personalized approach.
Cytotoxic Engineered Induced Neural Stem Cells as an Intravenous Therapy for Primary Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer and Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Mercer-Smith Alison R. , Jiang Wulin , Bago Juli R. , Valdivia Alain , Thang Morrent , Woodell Alex S. , Montgomery Stephanie A. , Sheets Kevin T. , Anders Carey K. , Hingtgen Shawn D.
Published: August 2021

Converting human fibroblasts into personalized induced neural stem cells (hiNSC) that actively seek out tumors and deliver cytotoxic agents is a promising approach for treating cancer. Herein, we provide the first evidence that intravenously-infused hiNSCs secreting cytotoxic agent home to and suppress the growth of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Migration of hiNSCs to NSCLC and TNBC in vitro was investigated using time-lapse motion analysis, which showed directional movement of hiNSCs to both tumor cell lines. In vivo, migration of intravenous hiNSCs to orthotopic NSCLC or TNBC tumors was determined using bioluminescent imaging (BLI) and immunofluorescent post-mortem tissue analysis, which indicated that hiNSCs colocalized with tumors within 3 days of intravenous administration and persisted through 14 days. In vitro, efficacy of hiNSCs releasing cytotoxic TRAIL (hiNSC-TRAIL) was monitored using kinetic imaging of co-cultures, in which hiNSC-TRAIL therapy induced rapid killing of both NSCLC and TNBC. Efficacy was determined in vivo by infusing hiNSC-TRAIL or control cells intravenously into mice bearing orthotopic NSCLC or TNBC and tracking changes in tumor volume using BLI. Mice treated with intravenous hiNSC-TRAIL showed a 70% or 72% reduction in NSCLC or TNBC tumor volume compared with controls within 14 or 21 days, respectively. Safety was assessed by hematology, blood chemistry, and histology, and no significant changes in these safety parameters was observed through 28 days. These results indicate that intravenous hiNSCs-TRAIL seek out and kill NSCLC and TNBC tumors, suggesting a potential new strategy for treating aggressive peripheral cancers.
Synergistic Anticancer Effects of Cisplatin Combined with Combretastatin A4 Phosphate on Human Osteosarcoma-Xenografted Mice
Authors: Dai Guo , Zheng Di , Liu Gaiwei , Song Qi
Published: August 2021

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of anticancer therapy combining a cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agent, cisplatin (DDP), and a vascular disruptive drug, combretastatin A4 phosphate (CA4P), in osteosarcoma. First, a human osteosarcoma-xenografted mice model was established. Second, the transplanted tumor models were treated with DDP and CA4P in combination or as monotherapy. Third, the therapeutic effects and the mechanism of the drug combination in the inhibition of transplanted tumors was studied. Finally, the toxic effects of the drugs were observed and recorded. The results showed that DDP combined with CA4P significantly inhibited the growth and lung metastasis of transplanted tumors compared with the monotherapy drug group and vehicle control group. Histopathological analysis revealed that apoptotic and necrotic cell death significantly increased in the combination group, and combined treatment significantly inhibited the proliferation of osteosarcoma cells compared with either agent alone or the vehicle control. Additionally, no obvious toxic effects were observed in the combination group. These results indicate that the combined effects of DDP and CA4P on the progression of human osteosarcoma in vivo were superior to that of either agent alone. DDP combined with CA4P exerted synergistic effects at lower concentrations and promoted apoptosis and necrosis, as well as inhibited proliferation of osteosarcoma cells, but it did not increase the systemic toxic effects of chemotherapy. Our findings highlight CA4P as an effective anticancer agent candidate for combination with DDP in clinical applications to treat osteosarcoma.