bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of near cut‐off properties of electromagnetic wave propagation in homogeneous, collisional plasma slab
Authors: Noori Ehsanollah
Published: April 2022

Fluctuations in the signal of optical coefficients of propagative electromagnetic (EM) waves in plasma, can cause problems in phase analysis, especially in microwave diagnostic systems which are based on the reflection, and transmission of EM waves in the vicinity of cut‐off layer of the plasma. In this study, optical properties of EM wave propagation in a single layer, homogeneous, and partially ionized plasma slab are investigated. For realistic analysis of propagation characteristics of the EM wave in the plasma slab, multiple reflections of the EM wave from plasma‐vacuum boundaries, known as incoherent internal reflections (IIR) are considered. Optical coefficients of the EM wave are numerically simulated in terms of the plasma parameters and wave frequency, with and without consideration of the incoherent internal reflections effect. It was found that in the low‐loss collision regime, the cut‐off fluctuations of the optical coefficients can be filtered considering the incoherent internal reflections of the EM wave. Such analysis of the EM wave propagation in plasma slab can be considered the primary physical design of diagnostic facilities and EM wave absorbing structures operating in the cut‐off frequency ranges.
Design and analysis of clover leaf‐shaped fractal antenna integrated with stepped impedance resonator for wireless applications
Authors: Palanisamy Satheeshkumar , Thangaraju Balakumaran
Published: April 2022

A novel multi‐band clover leaf‐shaped fractal antenna with integrated filtering to reduce higher order harmonics has been proposed. Existing microstrip filtering antennas endure limited gain, narrow impedance bandwidth, and undesired frequency radiations. The proposed antenna is designated to operate simultaneously in following operating bands: 3.35–3.6 GHz for WiMAX, 5.156–5.825 GHz for WLAN, 5.7–6.4 GHz for Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), and 7.7–8.5 GHz for ITU‐R applications. The proposed patch is realized by combining two semi‐fractal ring microstrip patches like the geometry of a three‐leaf clover with dual‐layered stepped impedance resonator (SIR) integrated at bottom layer of the second substrate. The SIR bandpass filter exhibits odd and even modes suppresses higher order harmonics and undesired radiations. An aperture coupled feeding in the proposed patch offers better bandwidth and impedance matching. The number of iterations is increased to get the desired multiband characteristics. The proposed microstrip fractal antenna has the geometrical dimensions of 50 × 50 × 2 mm3. It is observed that both the simulated and measured results offers peak gain of >5 dBi and better return loss (S11), that is, 3.3–3.6‐GHz band offers S11of −33.73 dB, 5.15–5.825‐GHz band offers S11of −36.69 dB, and 5.795–6.4‐GHz band shows the S11of −36.25 dB, and for 7.725–8.5 GHz, the return loss is −33.209 dB. Harmonics at 6.42 GHz (1.8f0), 7.37 GHz (1.5f0), and 9.04 GHz (1.73f0) has been suppressed and shows linear polarization in the WLAN band and circular polarization in the ITU‐R and WiMAX bands.
Estimating animal abundance at multiple scales by spatially explicit capture–recapture
Authors: Howe Eric J. , Potter Derek , Beauclerc Kaela B. , Jackson Katelyn E. , Northrup Joseph M.
Published: April 2022

Information about how animal abundance varies across landscapes is needed to inform management action but is costly and time‐consuming to obtain; surveys of a single population distributed over a large area can take years to complete. Surveys employing small, spatially replicated sampling units improve efficiency, but statistical estimators rely on assumptions that constrain survey design or become less reasonable as larger areas are sampled. Efficient methods that avoid assumptions about similarity of detectability or density among replicates are therefore appealing. Using simulations and data from >3500 black bears sampled on 73 independent study areas in Ontario, Canada, we (1) quantified bias induced by unmodeled spatial heterogeneity in detectability and density; (2) evaluated novel, design‐based estimators of average density across replicate study areas; and (3) evaluated two estimators of the variance of average density across study areas: an analytic estimator that assumed an underlying homogeneous spatial Poisson point process for the distribution of animals' activity centers, and an empirical estimator of variance across study areas. In simulations where detectability varied in space, assuming spatially constant detectability yielded density estimates that were negatively biased by 20% to 30%; estimating local detectability and density from local data and treating study areas as independent, equal replicates when estimating average density across study areas using the design‐based estimator yielded unbiased estimates at local and landscape scales. Similarly, detectability of black bears varied among study areas and estimates of bear density at landscape scales were higher when no information was shared across study areas when estimating detectability. This approach also maximized precision (relative SEs of estimates of average black bear density ranged from 7% to 18%) and computational efficiency. In simulations, the analytic variance estimator was robust to threefold variation in local densities but the empirical estimator performed poorly. Conducting multiple, similar SECR surveys and treating them as independent replicates during analyses allowed us to efficiently estimate density at multiple scales and extents while avoiding biases caused by pooling spatially heterogeneous data. This approach enables researchers to address a wide range of ecological or management‐related questions and is applicable with most types of SECR data.
Rapidly declining body size in an insectivorous bat is associated with increased precipitation and decreased survival
Authors: Davy Christina M. , von Zuben Valerie , Kukka Piia M. , Gerber Brian D. , Slough Brian G. , Jung Thomas S.
Published: April 2022

Reduced food availability is implicated in declines in avian aerial insectivores, but the effect of nutritional stress on mammalian aerial insectivores is unclear. Unlike birds, insectivorous bats provision their young through lactation, which might protect nursing juveniles when prey availability is low but could increase the energetic burden on lactating females. We analyzed a 15‐year capture–mark–recapture data set from 5312 individual little brown myotis (Myotis lucifugus) captured at 11 maternity colonies in northwestern Canada, to test the hypothesis that nutritional stress is impacting these mammalian aerial insectivores. We used long‐bone (forearm [FA]) length as a proxy for relative access to nutrition during development, and body mass as a proxy for access to nutrition prior to capture. Average FA length and body mass both decreased significantly over the study period in adult females and juveniles, suggesting decreased access to nutrition. Effect sizes were very small, similar to those reported for declining body size in avian aerial insectivores. Declines in juvenile body mass were only observed in individuals captured in late summer when they were foraging independently, supporting our hypothesis that lactation provides some protection to nursing young during periods of nutritional stress. Potential drivers of the decline in bat size include one or both of (1) declining insect (prey) abundance, and (2) declining prey availability. Echolocating insectivorous bats cannot forage effectively during rainfall, which is increasing in our study area. The body mass of captured adult females and juveniles in our study was lower, on average, after periods of high rainfall, and higher after warmer‐than‐average periods. Finally, survival models revealed a positive association between FA length and survival, suggesting a fitness consequence to declines in body size. Our study area has not yet been impacted by bat white‐nose syndrome (WNS), but research elsewhere has suggested that fatter bats are more likely to survive infection. We found evidence for WNS‐independent shifts in the body size of little brown myotis, which can inform studies investigating population responses to WNS. More broadly, the cumulative effects of multiple stressors (e.g., disease, nutritional stress, climate change, and other pressures) on mammalian aerial insectivores require urgent attention.
Range‐wide persistence of the endangered arroyo toad (Anaxyrus californicus) for 20+ years following a prolonged drought
Authors: Hitchcock Cynthia J. , Gallegos Elizabeth A. , Backlin Adam R. , Barabe Russell , Bloom Peter H. , Boss Kimberly , Brehme Cheryl S. , Brown Christopher W. , Clark Denise R. , Clark Elizabeth R. , Cooper Kevin , Donnell Julie , Ervin Edward , Famolaro Peter , Guilliam Kim M. , Hancock Jacquelyn J. , Hess Nicholas , Howard Steven , Hubbartt Valerie , Lieske Patrick , Lovich Robert , Matsuda Tritia , Meyer‐Wilkins Katherin , Muri Kamarul , Nerhus Barry , Nordland Jeff , Ortega Brock , Packard Robert , Ramirez Ruben , Stewart Sam C. , Sweet Samuel , Warburton Manna , Wells Jeffrey , Winkleman Ryan , Winter Kirsten , Zitt Brian , Fisher Robert N.
Published: April 2022

Prolonged drought due to climate change has negatively impacted amphibians in southern California, U.S.A. Due to the severity and length of the current drought, agencies and researchers had growing concern for the persistence of the arroyo toad (Anaxyrus californicus), an endangered endemic amphibian in this region. Range‐wide surveys for this species had not been conducted for at least 20 years. In 2017–2020, we conducted collaborative surveys for arroyo toads at historical locations. We surveyed 88 of the 115 total sites having historical records and confirmed that the arroyo toad is currently extant in at least 61 of 88 sites and 20 of 25 historically occupied watersheds. We did not detect toads at almost a third of the surveyed sites but did detect toads at 18 of 19 specific sites delineated in the 1999 Recovery Plan to meet one of four downlisting criteria. Arroyo toads are estimated to live 7–8 years, making populations susceptible to prolonged drought. Drought is estimated to increase in frequency and duration with climate change. Mitigation strategies for drought impacts, invasive aquatic species, altered flow regimes, and other anthropogenic effects could be the most beneficial strategies for toad conservation and may also provide simultaneous benefits to several other native species that share the same habitat.
Predicting how pollinator behavior causes reproductive isolation
Authors: Hopkins Robin
Published: April 2022

Pollinator behavior is an important contributor to plants speciation, yet how variation in pollinator behavior causes variation in reproductive isolation (RI) is largely uncharacterized. Here I present a model that predicts how two aspects of pollinator behavior, constancy and preference, contribute to a barrier to reproduction in plants. This model is motivated by two observations: most co‐occurring plants vary in frequency over space and time, and most plants have multiple pollinators that differ in behavior. Thus, my goal was to understand how relative frequencies of plants and pollinators in a community influence ethological RI between co‐occurring plants. I find that RI for a focal plant generally increases with increasing relative plant frequency, but the shape of this relationship is highly dependent on the strength of pollinator behavior (constancy and preference). Additionally, when multiple pollinators express different behavior, I find that pollinators with stronger preference disproportionately influence RI. But, I show that RI caused by constancy is the average RI predicted from constancy of each pollinator weighted by pollinator frequency. I apply this model to examples of pollinator‐mediated RI in Phlox and in Ipomopsis to predict the relationships between plant frequency and ethological RI in natural systems. This model provides new insights into how and why pollinator specialization causes RI, and how RI could change with changing biological communities.
Reduced habitat quality increases intrinsic but not ecological costs of reproduction
Authors: Michel Vanja T. , Tschumi Matthias , Naef‐Daenzer Beat , Keil Herbert , Grüebler Martin U.
Published: April 2022

Although the costs of reproduction are predicted to vary with the quality of the breeding habitat thereby affecting population dynamics and life‐history trade‐offs, empirical evidence for this pattern remains sparse and equivocal. Costs of reproduction can operate through immediate ecological mechanisms or through delayed intrinsic mechanisms. Ignoring these separate pathways might hinder the identification of costs and the understanding of their consequences. We experimentally investigated the survival costs of reproduction for adult little owls (Athene noctua) within a gradient of habitat quality. We supplemented food to nestlings, thereby relieving the parents’ effort for brood provisioning. We used radio‐tracking and Bayesian multistate modeling based on marked recapture and dead recovery to estimate survival rates of adult little owls across the year as a function of food supplementation and habitat characteristics. Food supplementation to nestlings during the breeding season increased parental survival not only during the breeding season but also during the rest of the year. Thus, the low survival of parents of unfed broods likely represents both, strong ecological and strong intrinsic costs of reproduction. However, while immediate ecological costs occurred also in high‐quality habitats, intrinsic costs carrying over to the post‐breeding period occurred only in low‐quality habitats. Our results suggest that immediate costs resulting from ecological mechanisms such as predation, are high also in territories of high habitat quality. Long‐term costs resulting from intrinsic trade‐offs, however, are only paid in low‐quality habitats. Consequently, differential effects of habitat quality on immediate ecological and delayed intrinsic mechanisms can mask the increase of costs of reproduction in low‐quality breeding habitats. Intrinsic costs may represent an underrated mechanism of habitat quality affecting adult survival rate thereby considerably accelerating population decline in degrading habitats. This study therefore highlights the need for a long‐term perspective to fully assess the costs of reproduction and the role of habitat quality in modifying these costs.
Transcriptome analysis provides new insights into cold adaptation of corsac fox (Vulpes Corsac)
Authors: Yang Xiufeng , Sun Guolei , Xia Tian , Cha Muha , Zhang Lei , Pang Bo , Tang Qingming , Dou Huashan , Zhang Honghai
Published: April 2022

Vulpesare widely distributed throughout the world and have undergone drastic physiological and phenotypic changes in response to their environment. However, little is known about the underlying genetic causes of these traits, especially Vulpes corsac. In this study, RNA‐Seq was used to obtain a comprehensive dataset for multiple pooled tissues of corsac fox, and selection analysis of orthologous genes was performed to identify the genes that may be influenced by the low‐temperature environment. More than 6.32 Gb clean reads were obtained and assembled into a total of 173,353 unigenes with an average length of 557 bp for corsac fox. Selective pressure analysis showed that 16 positively selected genes (PSGs) were identified in corsac fox, red fox, and arctic fox. Enrichment analysis of PSGs showed that the LRP11 gene was enriched in several pathways related to the low‐temperature response and might play a key role in response to environmental stimuli of foxes. In addition, several positively selected genes were related to DNA damage repair (ELP2 and CHAF1A), innate immunity (ARRDC4 and S100A12), and the respiratory chain (NDUFA5), and these positively selected genes might play a role in adaptation to harsh wild fox environments. The results of common orthologous gene analysis showed that gene flow or convergent evolution might be an important factor in promoting regional differentiation of foxes. Our study provides a valuable transcriptomic resource for the evolutionary history of the corsac fox and the adaptations to the extreme environments.
Inborn errors of immunity and immunodeficiencies: Antibody‐mediated pathology and autoimmunity as a consequence of impaired immune reactions
Authors: Minguet Susana , Nyström Alexander , Kiritsi Dimitra , Rizzi Marta
Published: April 2022

B‐cell tolerance to self‐antigen is an active process that requires the temporal and spatial integration of signals of defined intensity. In common variable immune deficiency disorders, CTLA‐4 deficiency, autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome, or in collagen VII deficiency, genetic defects in molecules regulating development, activation, maturation, and ECM composition alter the generation of B cells, resulting in immunodeficiency. Paradoxically, at the same time, the defective immune processes favor autoantibody production and immunopathology through impaired establishment of tolerance. The development of systemic autoimmunity in the framework of defective BCR signaling is relatively unusual in genetic mouse models. In sharp contrast, such reduced signaling in humans is clearly linked to pathological autoimmunity. The molecular mechanisms by which tolerance is broken in these settings are only starting to be explored resulting in novel therapeutic interventions. For instance, in CTLA‐4 deficiency, homeostasis can be restored by CTLA‐4 Ig treatment. Following this example, the identification of the molecular targets causing the reduced signals and their restoration is a visionary way to reestablish tolerance and develop novel therapeutic avenues for immunopathologies.
Homoleptic and Heteroleptic Substituted Amidomethylpyridine Iron Complexes: Synthesis, Structure and Polymerization of rac‐Lactide
Authors: Hashmi Obaid H. , Capet Frederic , Visseaux Marc , Champouret Yohan
Published: April 2022

The synthesis of iron complexes bearing amidomethylpyridine ligands, one homoleptic [2‐[(2,6‐iPr2‐C6H3)NC(Me)]C5H4N]2Fe (1) complex and two heteroleptic silylamide iron complexes [2‐[(2,6‐iPr2‐C6H3)NC(Me)]‐6‐R‐C5H4N]Fe(N(SiMe3)2)C5H5N (R=H, 2Py and R=Me, 3Py), are described together with their application as catalysts for the Ring‐Opening Polymerization (ROP) of rac‐lactide (rac‐LA). The determination of the crystal structure of the three iron complexes is reported as well as their behavior in solution by means of 1H NMR studies. All of these complexes have shown to be active for the polymerization of rac‐LA at 50 °C in toluene, producing, among others, high molecular weight polylactides (PLA) according to SEC analysis, along with a portion of low molecular weight cyclic polymer (cPLA) on the basis of MALDI spectra.
Regioselective Hydroxylation of Stilbenes by White‐Rot Fungal P450s Enables Preparative‐Scale Synthesis of Stilbenoids
Authors: Fessner Nico D. , Weber Hansjörg , Glieder Anton
Published: April 2022

Scaling up biocatalytic reactions involving cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) is challenging due to their instability, low substrate loading, co‐factor, and oxygen requirements as well as the dependency on a reductase partner, which limits their integration into synthetic chemistry. Recently, a biocatalytic study investigated frequently used bacterial P450s to produce bioactive stilbenoids, extending the repertoire of sustainable synthetic strategies with remarkable success. This article explores the complementary application of less common eukaryotic P450s as a viable alternative for generating the same compounds when employed as a Pichia pastoris‐based whole‐cell biocatalyst. In a direct comparison to their bacterial equivalents, the recently discovered P450s CYP5035S7 and CYP5035S9 from the white‐rot fungus Polyporus arcularius are shown to be competitively efficient at synthesising stilbenoids at preparative‐scale.
Fungal β‐Mannosyloxymannitol Glycolipids and Their Analogues: Synthesis and Mincle‐Mediated Signaling Activity
Authors: Matsumaru Takanori , Sakuratani Kasumi , Yanaka Saeko , Kato Koichi , Yamasaki Sho , Fujimoto Yukari
Published: April 2022

Mincle, a C‐type lectin receptor (CLR), senses certain lipid conjugates, leading to the activation of the innate immune system. The lipid conjugate ligands include glyco‐, glycero‐, and mannitol lipids. Recently, a fungal β‐mannosyloxymannitol glycolipid demonstrating a novel architecture, “44‐2,” was isolated from the fungus Malassezia and displayed potent Mincle‐mediated signaling activity. For this study, we synthesized the diastereomeric pair of mannosyloxymannitol glycolipids and their analogues and analyzed the structure‐activity relationships of Mincle‐mediated signaling. The results suggest that the dimannosyl‐fatty acid moiety in the mannosyloxymannitol glycolipid‐type structure plays a major role in the molecular recognition of Mincle.
Regioselective Ring‐Opening of Epoxide and N‐Tosylaziridine with 4‐Hydroxydithiocoumarin: Key Precursors for 2,3‐Dihydro‐1,4‐oxathiin and 2,3‐Dihydro‐1,4‐thiazine Derivatives
Authors: Mondal Santa , Sarkar Shilpi , Ghosh Siddhartha S. , Khan Abu Taleb
Published: April 2022

Regioselective ring‐opening reaction between 4‐hydroxydithiocoumarins with various epoxides and N‐tosylaziridines is achieved for the synthesis of β‐hydroxysulfides and β‐N‐tosylaminosulfides. The present protocols showed high regioselectivity, broad substrates scope compatibility, and mild reaction conditions. In addition, some of the ring‐opening products are utilized for the conversion of 2,3‐dihydro‐1,4‐oxathiin and 2,3‐dihydro‐1,4‐thiazine derivatives in presence of 10 mol% CuI in DMF at 120°C. Moreover, the antiproliferative activity study of the newly synthesized compounds, namely β‐hydroxysulfides (3 d, 3 i & 3 m) and β‐aminosulfides (5 a & 5 e), have been investigated. Furthermore, flow cytometry analysis‐based measurements of elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon treatment of MCF‐7 and HeLa cells with 3 d, 3 i, and 3 m are commensurate with their anti‐cancer properties.
Data‐driven battery degradation prediction: Forecasting voltage‐capacity curves using one‐cycle data
Authors: Tian Jinpeng , Xiong Rui , Shen Weixiang , Lu Jiahuan
Published: April 2022

With the wide deployment of rechargeable batteries, battery degradation prediction has emerged as a challenging issue. However, battery life defined by capacity loss provides limited information regarding battery degradation. In this article, we explore the prediction of voltage‐capacity curves over battery lifetime based on a sequence to sequence (seq2seq) model. We demonstrate that the data of one present voltage‐capacity curve can be used as the input of the seq2seq model to accurately predict the voltage‐capacity curves at 100, 200, and 300 cycles ahead. This offers an opportunity to update battery management strategies in response to the predicted consequences. Besides, the model avoids feature engineering and is flexible to incorporate different numbers of input and output cycles. Therefore, it can be easily transplanted to other battery systems or electrochemical components. Furthermore, the model features data generation, that is, we can use the data of only one cycle to generate a large spectrum of aging data at the future cycles for developing other battery diagnosis or prognosis methods. In this way, the time and energy consuming battery degradation tests can be sharply reduced.

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A complex network community detection algorithm based on random walk and label propagation
Authors: Benazi Makhlouf , Lounnas Bilal , Mokhtari Rabah
Published: April 2022

The community structure is proving to have a very important role in the understanding of complex networks, but discovering them remains a very difficult problem despite the existence of several methods. In this article, we propose a novel algorithm for discovering communities in complex networks based on a modified random walk (RW) and label propagation algorithm (LPA). First, we calculate the similarity between nodes based on the new formula of RW. Then, the labels are propagated by the obtained similarity of the first step using LPA. Finally, the third step will be a new measure to find the optimal partitioning of communities. Experimental results obtained on several real and synthetic networks reveal that our algorithm outperforms existing methods in finding communities.
The association among calorie, macronutrient, and micronutrient intake with colorectal cancer: A case–control study
Authors: Gholamalizadeh Maryam , Behrad Nasab Mojgan , Ahmadzadeh Mina , Doaei Saeid , Jonoush Mona , Shekari Soheila , Afsharfar Maryam , Hosseinzadeh Payam , Abbastorki Saheb , Akbari Mohammad Esmail , Hashemi Maryam , Omidi Saeed , Vahid Farhad , Mosavi Jarrahi Alireza , Lavasani Ali
Published: April 2022

The risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) can be influenced by dietary components. This study aims to investigate the association between dietary intake and CRC in Iranian adults. This hospital‐based case–control study was performed on 160 patients with CRC and 320 healthy people. General and pathological data were collected through face‐to‐face interviews. A validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess the intake of calories, macronutrients, and micronutrients. The case group had a significantly higher intake of calories, carbohydrates, vitamin A, vitamin K, fluoride, and molybdenum and a lower intake of vitamin E, vitamin B1, beta carotene, biotin, folate, magnesium, selenium, manganese, and fiber (all p < .001). CRC was positively associated with the intake of carbohydrate (OR: 1.01, CI% 1.03–1.01, p = .001), and vitamin A (OR: 1.009, CI 95% 1.006–1.01, p = .001) and negatively associated with intake of fiber (OR: 0.67, CI 95% 0.59–0.76, p = .001), beta carotene (OR: 0.99, CI 95% 0.99–0.99, p = .001), vitamin E (OR: 0.27, CI 95% 0.15–0.47, p = .001), folate (OR: 0.98 CI 95% 0.97–0.98, p = .001), and biotin (OR: 0.83, CI 95% 0.77–0.90, p = .001). The associations remained significant after adjusting for age and sex. Further adjustments for physical activity, alcohol consumption, and smoking did not change the results. The results identified that the risk of colorectal cancer can be influenced by dietary intake. Further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these findings and to identify the underlying mechanisms of the effects of dietary components on the risk of colorectal cancer.
Garlic essential oil‐based nanoemulsion carrier: Release and stability kinetics of volatile components
Authors: Hassanzadeh Hamed , Alizadeh Mohammad , Hassanzadeh Reza , Ghanbarzadeh Babak
Published: April 2022

An O/W nanoemulsion of garlic essential oil (GEO) at different oil‐to‐emulsion (O/E) ratios (5%, 10%, 15%, and 25%) was formulated to protect the volatile components of GEO. The effects of O/E ratios on the encapsulation efficiency (EE%) of volatile compounds and droplet size of nanoemulsions were studied. The results showed that with increasing in E/O ratio, droplet size increased while EE% decreased so that the droplet size was below 100 nm for all samples and the EE% was almost above 80% for most samples. The effects of various factors such as temperature (5°C–45°C), pH values (3–7), ionic strength (0–500 mM), and O/E ratios (5%–25%) on kinetic of nanoemulsions stability were studied. Reducing pH values and raising the temperature, ionic strength, and O/E ratios intensified the instability process and constant rate of instability in all nanoemulsions. The effects of temperature and O/E ratios on the release kinetics of volatile components were evaluated over time, and kinetic parameters such as release rate constant (k), Q10, and activation energy (Ea) were calculated in which results showed a zero‐degree model to describe the release kinetic behavior of most nanoemulsions. Both temperature and O/E ratios factors as well as their interaction (which had a synergistic effect) had a significant effect on increasing the release rate of volatiles so that the degree of reaction rate was changed from zero to the first order at simultaneous high levels of both factors. FT‐IR spectroscopy was carried out to study interactions among nanoemulsion ingredients. The presence of sulfur‐containing functional groups of garlic oil (thiosulphate, diallyl trisulfide, etc.) in nanoemulsions was confirmed by FT‐IR.
Fabrication of nanoemulsion delivery system with high bioaccessibility of carotenoids from Lycium barbarum by spontaneous emulsification
Authors: Zhang Chunlan , Li Bin
Published: April 2022

The interest in incorporating carotenoids into foods and beverages is growing due to their potential health benefits. However, the poor water solubility and low bioavailability of carotenoids are still challenges in food application. This work aimed to study the influence of system composition and preparation conditions on the physical properties of carotenoids‐loaded nanoemulsions prepared by spontaneous emulsification. Furthermore, the bioaccessibility of carotenoids in the nanoemulsions was evaluated. The nanoemulsions with the smallest droplet size were produced when the ratio of Span 80:Tween 80 was 1.5:8.5. The droplet size increased slightly with the increase of organic phase content (24%–40%). The droplet size decreased gradually with the increase of stirring speed (200–1000 rpm (revolutions per minute)). The ratio of mixed surfactants and surfactant‐to‐oil ratio (SOR) had an appreciable impact on the droplet size. Carotenoids‐loaded nanoemulsions with small mean droplet size (d < 50 nm) could be prepared with the optimized conditions. The initial digestion rate decreased as the SOR increased. The bioaccessibility could reach up to about 80% at SOR=2–5 in vitro digestion. These results have important implications for the design of effective delivery systems to encapsulate carotenoids and other lipophilic bioactive components in food applications.
The effect of poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) conduit loading insulin‐like growth factor 1 modified by a collagen‐binding domain on peripheral nerve injury in rats
Authors: Zhang Jun , Zhang Yan , Jiang Yi Kun , Li Jian An , Wei Wan Fu , Shi Ming Peng , Wang Yan Bing , Jia Guo Liang
Published: April 2022

Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) exists widely and seriously affects patients' daily lives. However, the effect of nerve repair is still limited, and only 50% of patients can recover useful functions. To overcome these obstacles, collagen‐coated poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) conduits loaded with CBD‐IGF‐1 were designed and tested in vitro and in vivo. The physical characterization of the conduit was tested by scanning electron microscopy, and the static water contact angle, release rate, and nerve regeneration ability of the conduit were verified in a rat sciatic nerve injury model. The results showed that the PLGA/col/CBD‐IGF‐1 conduit had a rough surface and good hydrophilicity. CBD‐IGF‐1 could be released slowly from the PLGA/col/CBD‐IGF‐1 conduit. In the in vivo experiment, gait analysis and electrophysiological evaluation showed that the sciatic functional index and electrophysiological parameters were best in the group treated with the PLGA/col/CBD‐IGF‐1 conduit. The pathological examination results for the sciatic nerve and gastrocnemius muscle in the group treated with the PLGA/col/CBD‐IGF‐1 conduit were better than those in the other three groups. In short, this study demonstrated the beneficial effects of CBD‐IGF‐1 in nerve regeneration. The PLGA/col/CBD‐IGF‐1 conduit has therapeutic potential for use in the treatment of PNI.
Preparation and characterization of a new bio nanocomposites based poly(glycerol sebacic‐urethane) containing nano‐clay (Cloisite Na+) and its potential application for tissue engineering
Authors: Jaberi Navid , Fakhri Vafa , Zeraatkar Ali , Jafari Aliakbar , Uzun Lokman , Shojaei Shahrokh , Asefnejad Azadeh , Faghihi Rezaei Vahid , Goodarzi Vahabodin , Su Chia‐Hung , Ghaffarian Anbaran S. Reza
Published: April 2022

Nanocomposites containing clay nanoparticles often present favorable properties such as good mechanical and thermal properties. They frequently have been studied for tissue engineering (TE) and regenerative medicine applications. On the other hand, poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS), a revolutionary bioelastomer, has exhibited substantial potential as a promising candidate for biomedical application. Here, we present a facile approach to synthesizing stiff, elastomeric nanocomposites from sodium‐montmorillonite nano‐clay (MMT) in the commercial name of Cloisite Na+ and poly(glycerol sebacate urethane) (PGSU). The strong physical interaction between the intercalated Cloisite Na+ platelets and PGSU chains resulted in desirable property combinations for TE application to follow. The addition of 5% MMT nano‐clay resulted in an over two‐fold increase in the tensile modulus, increased the onset thermal decomposition temperature of PGSU matrix by 18°C, and noticeably improved storage modulus of the prepared scaffolds, compared with pure PGSU. As well, Cloisite Na+ enhanced the hydrophilicity and water uptake ability of the samples and accelerated the in‐vitro biodegradation rate. Finally, in‐vitro cell viability assay using L929 mouse fibroblast cells indicated that incorporating Cloisite Na+ nanoparticles into the PGSU network could improve the cell attachment and proliferation, rendering the synthesized bioelastomers potentially suitable for TE and regenerative medicine applications.
Response of Gli1+ Suture Stem Cells to Mechanical Force Upon Suture Expansion
Authors: Jing Dian , Chen Zexi , Men Yi , Yi Yating , Wang Yuhong , Wang Jun , Yi Jianru , Wan Lingyun , Shen Bo , Feng Jian Q , Zhao Zhihe , Zhao Hu , Li Chaoyuan
Published: April 2022

Normal development of craniofacial sutures is crucial for cranial and facial growth in all three dimensions. These sutures provide a unique niche for suture stem cells (SuSCs), which are indispensable for homeostasis, damage repair, as well as stress balance. Expansion appliances are now routinely used to treat underdevelopment of the skull and maxilla, stimulating the craniofacial sutures through distraction osteogenesis. However, various treatment challenges exist due to a lack of full understanding of the mechanism through which mechanical forces stimulate suture and bone remodeling. To address this issue, we first identified crucial steps in the cycle of suture and bone remodeling based on the established standard suture expansion model. Observed spatiotemporal morphological changes revealed that the remodeling cycle is approximately 3 to 4 weeks, with collagen restoration proceeding more rapidly. Next, we traced the fate of the Gli1+ SuSCs lineage upon application of tensile force in three dimensions. SuSCs were rapidly activated and greatly contributed to bone remodeling within 1 month. Furthermore, we confirmed the presence of Wnt activity within Gli1+ SuSCs based on the high co-expression ratio of Gli1+ cells and Axin2+ cells, which also indicated the homogeneity and heterogeneity of two cell groups. Because Wnt signaling in the sutures is highly upregulated upon tensile force loading, conditional knockout of β-catenin largely restricted the activation of Gli1+ SuSCs and suppressed bone remodeling under physiological and expansion conditions. Thus, we concluded that Gli1+ SuSCs play essential roles in suture and bone remodeling stimulated by mechanical force and that Wnt signaling is crucial to this process. © 2022 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Linear and nonlinear optical properties of novel Schiff‐base modified calix[4]arene: Synthesis and characterization
Authors: Shokrzadeh Majid , Dilmaghani Karim Akbari
Published: April 2022

Linear and nonlinear optical properties of upper rim Schiff‐base calix[4]arenes are described in this article. Calix[4]arene Schiff‐base derivatives were obtained by reacting tetrakis‐para‐formylcalix[4]arene with appropriate aryl amines (aniline and para‐amino phenol as electrons donor) to extend and to delocalize π electrons system. In this work, the newly synthesized Schiff‐base compounds were characterized by using FT‐IR, 1H, and 13C‐NMR and mass. Linear optical properties of synthesized compounds (2–5) were investigated by UV–Vis spectroscopy and their nonlinear optical properties (NLO) were obtained by the Z‐scan method in ethanol solvent. Results indicated that the synthesized Schiff‐base compounds have a good refractive index (n2) and satisfactory nonlinear absorption index (β), which are suitable for use as well as development of nonlinear materials and nonlinear optical microscopy.
Chromosomal microarray in postnatal diagnosis of congenital anomalies and neurodevelopmental disorders in Serbian patients
Authors: Perovic Dijana , Damnjanovic Tatjana , Jekic Biljana , Dusanovic‐Pjevic Marija , Grk Milka , Djuranovic Ana , Rasic Milica , Novakovic Ivana , Maksimovic Nela
Published: April 2022

Background

Array‐based genomic analysis is a gold standard for the detection of copy number variations (CNVs) as an important source of benign as well as pathogenic variations in humans. The introduction of chromosomal microarray (CMA) has led to a significant leap in diagnostics of genetically caused congenital malformations and neurodevelopmental disorders, with an average diagnostic yield of 15%. Here, we present our experience from a single laboratory perspective in four years’ postnatal clinical CMA application.

Methods

DNA samples of 430 patients with congenital anomalies and/or neurodevelopmental disorders were analyzed by comparative genome hybridization using oligonucleotide‐based microarray platforms. Interpretation of detected CNVs was performed according to current guidelines. The detection rate (DR) of clinically significant findings (pathogenic/likely pathogenic CNVs) was calculated for the whole cohort and isolated or combined phenotypic categories.

Results

A total of 140 non‐benign CNVs were detected in 113/430 patients (26.5%). In 70 patients at least one CNV was considered clinically significant thus reaching a diagnostic yield of 16.3%. The more complex the phenotype, including developmental delay/intellectual disability (DD/ID) as a prevailing feature, the higher the DR of clinically significant CNVs is obtained. Isolated congenital anomalies had the lowest, while the “dysmorphism plus” category had the highest diagnostic yield.

Conclusion

In our study, CMA proved to be a very useful method in the diagnosis of genetically caused congenital anomalies and neurodevelopmental disorders. DD/ID and dysmorphism stand out as important phenotypic features that significantly increase the diagnostic yield of the analysis.
Preoperative platelet distribution width‐to‐platelet ratio combined with serum thyroglobulin may be objective and popularizable indicators in predicting papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Jin Jin , Wu Guihua , Ruan Chengwei , Ling Hongwei , Zheng Xueman , Ying Changjiang , Zhang Ying
Published: April 2022

Objectives

The incidence of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) has increased more rapidly than that of any other cancer type in China. Early indicators with high sensitivity and specificity during diagnosis are required. To date, there has been a paucity of studies investigating the relationship between preoperative platelet distribution width‐to‐platelet count ratio (PPR) and PTC. This study thus aimed to assess the diagnostic value of PPR combined with serum thyroglobulin (Tg) in patients with PTC.

Methods

A total of 1001 participants were included in our study. 876 patients who underwent surgery for nodular goiter were divided into the PTC group or benign thyroid nodule (BTN) group according to pathology reports, and 125 healthy controls (HCs) were included. Preoperative hemogram parameters and serum Tg levels were compared among three groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the value of PPR combined with serum Tg for diagnosing PTC.

Results

Platelet distribution width (PDW) and PPR levels were higher in the PTC group than in the BTN and HC groups (both p < 0.05) but did not significantly differ between the BTN and HC groups. PDW and PPR levels significantly differed in the presence/absence of lymph node metastasis, the presence/absence of capsule invasion (p = 0.005), and TNM stages (p < 0.001). Multivariable analyses indicated that high serum Tg levels [adjusted odds ratio (OR), 1.007; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.004–1.009; p < 0.001], high neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR,adjusted OR, 1.928; 95% CI, 1.619–2.295; p < 0.001), and high PPR (adjusted OR, 1.378; 95% CI, 1.268–1.497; p < 0.001) were independent risk factors for PTC. In ROC analysis, the areas under the curves (AUCs) of serum Tg, PDW, PPR, and NLR for predicting PTC were 0.603, 0.610, 0.706, and 0.685, respectively. PPR combined with serum Tg (PPR + Tg) had a higher diagnostic value (AUC, 0.738; sensitivity, 60%; specificity, 74.7%) compared with PDW + Tg (AUC, 0.656; sensitivity, 64.4%; specificity, 59.9%) and NLR + Tg (AUC, 0.714; sensitivity, 61.6%; specificity, 71.1%).

Conclusions

Preoperative PPR combined with serum Tg may be objective and popularizable indicators for effective predicting PTC.
Application of online learning combined with case‐based discussion in oral medicine education
Authors: Wu Shujie , Yang Zaiwu , Wu Tong , Tao Xiaoan , Hong Yun , Cheng Bin , Xia Juan
Published: April 2022

Background

During the past decades, the rapid development of modern teaching tools and methods has been observed, and the new teaching module constructed through digitization or networking has been widely used in the field of medical education. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and acceptability of the online learning combined with case‐based discussion (CBD) approach in oral medicine education.

Methods

Sixty senior students majoring in stomatology were randomly divided into two groups. One group (new module‐based teaching group [NG], n = 30) watched an online teaching video and discussed clinical cases in groups. The control group (traditional lecture‐based group [TG], n = 30) was assigned to the traditional lecture‐based teaching. Subsequently, a theory assessment was conducted on the topics taught, and the scores of both groups were compared. Feedback about this teaching model was obtained from the NG.

Results

The results showed that students in the NG had significantly better performance in terms of mastering professional knowledge than did students in the TG. Moreover, most students in the NG had a high degree of satisfaction with this new teaching method, as they agreed that it can mobilize their learning enthusiasm and promote their engagement, interaction, and cooperation in the learning of oral medicine.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate the effectiveness and high satisfaction of CBD combined with online learning in the teaching of oral medicine. This study is expected to provide new ideas for improving the dental teaching quality.
Single vesicle analysis of aqueous humor in pediatric ocular diseases reveals eye specific CD63‐dominant subpopulations
Authors: Peng Chen‐Ching , Im Deborah , Sirivolu Shreya , Reiser Bibiana , Nagiel Aaron , Neviani Paolo , Xu Liya , Berry Jesse L.
Published: April 2022

Aqueous humor (AH), the clear fluid in front of the eye, maintains the pressure and vitality of ocular tissues. This fluid is accessible via the clear cornea which enables use of AH as a liquid biopsy source of biomarkers for intraocular disease. Extracellular vesicles are detectable in the AH and small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are present in the AH from adults. However, EVs in AH from pediatric eyes in vivo have never previously been explored. We know very little about the heterogeneity of AH EV populations in ocular disease. Twenty‐seven processing‐free AH samples from 19 patients across four different pediatric ocular diseases were subjected to Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) and Single Particle‐Interferometric Reflectance Imaging Sensor (SP‐IRIS) analysis. NTA demonstrated the concentration of AH EV/EPs is 3.11 × 109–1.38 × 1010 particles/ml; the majority sized 76.8–103 nm. SP‐IRIS revealed distinct patterns of tetraspanin expression of AH sEVs. An enriched mono‐CD63+ sEV subpopulation identified in AH indicates this is a potential AH‐specific biomarker. In the setting of retinoblastoma there was a more heterogeneous population of sEVs which normalized with treatment. This suggests a potential clinical application of direct measurement of sEV subpopulations in AH samples to monitor successful tumor response to therapy.
Serum extracellular vesicles profiling is associated with COVID‐19 progression and immune responses
Authors: Yim Kevin Ho Wai , Borgoni Simone , Chahwan Richard
Published: April 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has transformed very quickly into a world pandemic with severe and unexpected consequences on human health. Concerted efforts to generate better diagnostic and prognostic tools have been ongoing. Research, thus far, has primarily focused on the virus itself or the direct immune response to it. Here, we propose extracellular vesicles (EVs) from serum liquid biopsies as a new and unique modality to unify diagnostic and prognostic tools for COVID‐19 analyses. EVs are a novel player in intercellular signalling particularly influencing immune responses. We herein show that innate and adaptive immune EVs profiling, together with SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike S1+ EVs provide a novel signature for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. It also provides a unique ability to associate the co‐existence of viral and host cell signatures to monitor affected tissues and severity of the disease progression. And provide a phenotypic insight into COVID‐associated EVs.