bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of different methods for Li2MTi3O8 (M – Co, Cu, Zn) synthesis
Authors: Matsukevich Iryna , Kulak Anatoly , Palkhouskaya Volga , Romanovski Valentin , Jo Jae Hyeon , Aniskevich Yauhen , Mohamed Saad Gomaa
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Mesoporous powders of lithium titanates Li2MTi3O8 (M – Co, Cu, Zn) of spinel structure are promising as anode materials for Li‐ion batteries.

RESULTS

Li2MTi3O8 (M – Co, Cu, Zn) were obtained by the sol–gel method, using self‐propagating high‐temperature synthesis (SHS) from glycine–citrate–nitrate mixtures, and also by the SHS method from aqueous solutions. The crystal structure, phase composition, microstructure and dispersion of the obtained materials were studied.

CONCLUSION

It was established that the SHS method for the synthesis of lithium titanates has several advantages compared with the sol–gel method, including not requiring solvents, reduced aggregation of particles, a higher specific surface area and low bulk density of the obtained powders. The electrode obtained on the basis of Zn‐containing Li titanate by the SHS method from glycine–citrate–nitrate mixtures showed the highest charging capacity of 160 mAh g−1 and high cyclic stability. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Long‐chain fatty acid oxidation and respiratory complex I deficiencies distinguish Barth Syndrome from idiopathic pediatric cardiomyopathy
Authors: Chatfield Kathryn C. , Sparagna Genevieve C. , Specht Kalyn S. , Whitcomb Luke A. , Omar Asma K. , Miyamoto Shelley D. , Wolfe Lisa M. , Chicco Adam J.
Published: November 2021

Barth syndrome (BTHS) is an X‐linked disorder that results from mutations in the TAFAZZIN gene, which encodes a phospholipid transacylase responsible for generating the mature form of cardiolipin in inner mitochondrial membranes. BTHS patients develop early onset cardiomyopathy and a derangement of intermediary metabolism consistent with mitochondrial disease, but the precise alterations in cardiac metabolism that distinguish BTHS from idiopathic forms of cardiomyopathy are unknown. We performed the first metabolic analysis of myocardial tissue from BTHS cardiomyopathy patients compared to age‐ and sex‐matched patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and nonfailing controls. Results corroborate previous evidence for deficiencies in cardiolipin content and its linoleoyl enrichment as defining features of BTHS cardiomyopathy, and reveal a dramatic accumulation of hydrolyzed (monolyso‐) cardiolipin molecular species. Respiratory chain protein deficiencies were observed in both BTHS and DCM, but a selective depletion of complex I was seen only in BTHS after controlling for an apparent loss of mitochondrial density in cardiomyopathic hearts. Distinct shifts in the expression of long‐chain fatty acid oxidation enzymes and the tissue acyl‐CoA profile of BTHS hearts suggest a specific block in mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation upstream of the conventional matrix beta‐oxidation cycle, which may be compensated for by a greater reliance upon peroxisomal fatty acid oxidation and the catabolism of ketones, amino acids, and pyruvate to meet cardiac energy demands. These results provide a comprehensive foundation for exploring novel therapeutic strategies that target the adaptive and maladaptive metabolic features of BTHS cardiomyopathy.
Eggplant grafting on a cold‐tolerant rootstock reduces fruit chilling susceptibility and improves antioxidant stability during storage
Authors: Darré Magalí , Valerga Lucía , Zaro María José , Lemoine María Laura , Concellón Analia , Vicente Ariel Roberto
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Vegetable grafting has been increasingly evaluated to improve preharvest tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, very few studies have identified rootstock–scion combinations able to improve fruit shelf life and reduce the susceptibility to postharvest disorders. Herein, a purple eggplant scion (cv. Monarca) was grafted onto a cold‐tolerant hybrid Solanum rootstock (‘Java’) and the changes in growth, quality, postharvest chilling tolerance, and antioxidant stability were evaluated.

RESULTS

Eggplant grafting enhanced plant vigor and fruit growth rate, decreasing the time from set to harvest by 10–15%. Grafted eggplants had a thinner shape and lighter pulp color than the control. The rootstock–scion combination tested showed lower respiration (~60%), dry matter (~15–20%), and phenolic compounds contents (~15–20%) than eggplants from non‐grafted plants. Grafting markedly improved fruit performance during postharvest storage. Remarkably, grafted eggplants showed much higher tolerance to chilling injury than the control did, evidenced by a reduction of surface scalds along with decreased softening and pulp browning. The trend in antioxidants found at harvest time was reversed after cold storage due to enhanced stability (20% and 100% for pulp and peel respectively) in fruit from grafted plants.

CONCLUSION

Purple eggplant (cv. Monarca) grafting onto ‘Java’ hybrid rootstock modulated fruit growth, quality at harvest, and increased fruit chilling injury tolerance during storage. Grafting may be a bona fide strategy to induce phenotypic traits able to improve vegetable postharvest performance. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Chemical, technological, and sensory evaluation of the suitability of coconut by‐products in white rolls
Authors: Wirkijowska Anna , Sobota Aldona , Zarzycki Piotr , Nawrocka Agnieszka , Blicharz‐Kania Agata , Andrejko Dariusz
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Fortification of rolls, one of the most popular snacks for children and adults, with coconut by‐products can be interesting in terms of both nutritional enrichment and reduction of food waste. Coconut by‐products, such as residues from coconut milk (RCM) and coconut oil (RCO) extraction, are a valuable source of dietary fiber. In the study, coconut flours obtained from RCM and RCO were used (FCM and FCO, respectively) for supplementation of rolls; white wheat flour was replaced with FCM or FCO at levels of 6, 12, and 18 g per 100 g.

RESULTS

The effect of the addition of the coconut by‐products on the nutritional value, sensory evaluation, physical properties, and texture of rolls was determined after 24 and 72 h of storage. The research showed a positive effect of FCM and FCO on the roll yield, crumb moisture, and baking loss. The sensory evaluation revealed that the 12% addition of coconut residues yielded products with high overall acceptability (8 points on a 9‐point scale). Compared with the control, a 12% addition of FCO or FCM contributed to an increase in proteins of 7.9% and 3.9% respectively and an increase in dietary fiber of 76% and 57% respectively. Despite the increase in the fat and protein contents, the energy value of the coconut rolls was significantly lower (244.6 kcal and 245.3 kcal for FCO and FCM respectively) than in the control wheat rolls (266.0 kcal).

CONCLUSION

White rolls with coconut flours obtained after grinding residues from oil or coconut milk extraction significantly increased the nutritional value of the rolls. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Impact of the variety on the adsorption of anthocyanins and tannins on grape flesh cell walls
Authors: Abi‐Habib Elissa , Vernhet Aude , Roi Stéphanie , Carrillo Stéphanie , Jørgensen Bodil , Hansen Jeanett , Doco Thierry , Poncet‐Legrand Céline
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

During winemaking, after extraction from the skins, anthocyanins and tannins adsorb onto the pulp flesh cell walls. The present study aimed to quantify the amounts adsorbed and their impact on wine composition, the impact of variety and ethanol on adsorption, and whether the presence of anthocyanins plays a role and impacts tannin adsorption.

RESULTS

Anthocyanin and tannin fractions obtained by mimicking winemaking conditions were mixed with fresh flesh cell walls of two varieties: Carignan and Grenache. Adsorption isotherms were measured. Adsorption of tannins was higher with Carignan than with Grenache and decreased when the ethanol content increased. In comparison, anthocyanins were adsorbed in small amounts, and their mixing with tannins had no impact on their adsorption. The differences were related to differences in pulp cell wall composition, particularly in terms of extensins and arabinans.

CONCLUSION

Adsorption of tannins, which can reach 50% of the initial amount, depends on the pulp cell wall composition. This needs to be investigated further. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Fluorinated Phthalonitrile Resin with Excellent Thermal Stability and Low Dielectric Constant for High‐Frequency Electronic Packaging
Authors: Wu Minjie , Gu Yuxuan , Hao Diyi , Chen Xinggang , Yu Xiaoyan , Zhang Qingxin
Published: November 2021

Phthalonitrile (PN) resin promising material for preparing high‐speed and high‐frequency electronic packaging because of its unique hightemperature resistance and excellent insulation performance. A fluorinated PN oligomer (4,4’‐bis (p‐perfluoro‐phenol‐(bis(p‐phenol)perflouoropropane‐2,2‐diyl)‐p‐oxy‐diphthalonitrile) (PFDP)) containing trifluoromethyl and decafluorobiphenyl groups are designed, synthesized, and characterized. The oligomer is blended with 4‐(aminophenoxy) phthalonitrile (APPH), and then cured into polymers under the temperature‐programmed process. The reactive blend has good processability, and structures of isoindole, triazine ring, and phthalocyanine ring are found in the curing reactions. The fluorinated PN (P‐380) shows outstanding thermal stability and mechanical properties (5% thermal degradation temperature: 518 °C (N2); 516 (Air), THeat‐resistance index: 268 °C, activation energy of thermal decomposition: 334.89 kJ mol−1, glass transition temperature (Tg) > 400 °C). Meanwhile, the fluorinated PN simultaneously exhibited a superior low dielectric constant (Dk, 2.21) and dielectric loss (Df, 0.01) at 10 GHz. Moreover, the water absorption of the resin is as low as 0.74%, which meets the requirement of dielectric materials. These results would strongly suggest such PFDP PN resin as excellent packaging materials in those high‐tech applications such as aerospace and communication electronic devices.
Alkaline Stability Evaluation of Polymerizable Hexyl‐Tethered Ammonium Cations
Authors: Ertem S. Piril , Coughlin E. Bryan
Published: November 2021

One of the important challenges in designing robust alkaline anion exchange membranes is the difficulty associated with the chemical stability of covalently bound cationic units. Here, a systematic study exploring alkaline stabilities of polymerizable hexyltrimethylammonium cations is presented, where the hexyl chain is linked to a phenyl ring through a direct carbon‐carbon, phenyl ether, or benzyl ether functionality. For this work, small molecule model compounds, styrenic monomer analogs, and their homopolymers are synthesized. Alkaline stabilities of the small molecule cations and their homopolymers are compared to alkaline stability of benzyltrimethylammonium (BTMA) cation and its homopolymer poly(BTMA), respectively. All the hexyl‐tethered cations and their homopolymers are significantly more stable under strongly alkaline conditions (2 m KOD at 80 °C). Moreover, ether‐linked cations show comparable stability to the direct carbon‐carbon linked cation. Via 1H NMR analyses, possible degradation mechanisms are investigated for each small molecule cation. Findings of this study strongly suggest that the alkaline stability is dictated by the steric hindrance around the β‐hydrogen. This study expands beyond the limits of general knowledge on alkaline stability of alkyl‐tethered ammonium cations via the Hofmann elimination route, highlights important design parameters for stable ammonium cations, and demonstrates accessible directly polymerizable alkaline stable ammonium cations.
Strain Sensing Behavior of 3D Printable and Wearable Conductive Polymer Composites Filled with Silane‐Modified MWCNTs
Authors: Wu Zhi , Jin Yuan , Li Guangyong , Zhang Minghua , Du Jianke
Published: November 2021

3D printing of conductive polymers is an attractive technique for achieving high flexibility, wearability, and sensing characteristics without geometrical limitations. However, there is an urgent need to integrate printability, conductivity, and sensing capability. Herein, a conductive polymer ink for 3D printing that combines the desirable features of high electrical conductivity, flexible stretchability, and strain‐sensing monitoring is prepared. The ink matrix is polydimethylsiloxane and synergistically enhanced by acetylene carbon black (ACB) and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) (silane or un‐silane‐modified). The inks are screened step‐by‐step to explore their printability, rheology, mechanical properties, and electrical performance upon loading. The formation of an electrically conductive network, electrical properties upon tensile load, and strain sensing stability under cyclic stretching are investigated intensively. It is demonstrated that conductive polymers filled by ACB and silane‐modified, MWCNTs (MWCNTs‐MTES) possess superior printability, stretchability, conductivity, and strain sensing behaviors. Finally, a flexible wearable strain‐sensing skin patch is printed, and it successfully records joint motion signals on human fingers, wrists, and elbows with good stability and repeatability. Those results show the extent of potential applications in healthcare and motion monitoring fields. This work provides an efficient and simple route to achieve comfortably wearable and high‐performance strain sensors.
Technical note: Monte Carlo study of the mechanism of proton–boron fusion therapy
Authors: Meyer Henry J. , Titt Uwe , Mohan Radhe
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Proton beam therapy has been found to have enhanced biological effectiveness in targets that contain the boron isotope 11B, with the alpha particles resulting from the p + 11B → 3α reaction being hypothesized as the mechanism; in this study, we aimed to elucidate the causes of the enhanced biological effectiveness of proton–boron fusion therapy by performing a detailed Monte Carlo study of the p + 11B → 3α reaction in a phantom geometry.

Methods

We utilized the Geant4 toolkit to create Monte Carlo particle physics simulations. These simulations consisted of a proton beam with a range 30 mm, creating a Spread‐Out Bragg Peak with a modulation width of 10 mm, directed into a water phantom containing a region of boron material. Energy deposition, particle energy, and particle fluence were scored along the path of the beam and grouped by particle species. The scoring was performed using a series of cylindrical volumes with a radius of 2.5 mm and depth of 0.1 mm, constructed such that the depth was parallel to the proton beam. Root was then used to perform the data analysis.

Results

Our simulations showed that the dose delivered by alpha particles produced by p + 11B → 3α was several orders of magnitude lower than the dose delivered directly by protons, even when the boron uptake region was comprised entirely of natural boron or pure 11B.

Conclusions

Our findings do not support the theory that an alpha particle‐based mechanism is responsible for the enhanced biological effectiveness of proton–boron fusion therapy. We conclude that any enhanced biological effect seen in experimental studies was not caused by fusion reactions between protons and 11B nuclei. However, it is necessary to reproduce the past experiments that indicated significant dose enhancement.
Thermoacoustic tomography from magnetic nanoparticles by single‐pulse magnetic field
Authors: Liu Hongjia , Li Yanhong , Liu Guoqiang
Published: November 2021

Purpose

A mechanism of single‐pulse magnetic field (SMF) inducing magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) to generate the thermoacoustic (TA) wave is proposed, and its feasibility is proved by simulation and experiment.

Methods

According to the principle of dimensional consistency, it is proposed that the internal energy variation of MNPs under the adiabatic condition mainly stems from the accumulation of magnetization energy, which leads to the magnetothermal effect, and then the TA wave is excited by thermal expansion. The analytical model of the forward problem is derived based on the method of space‐time separation. The magnetization curve of MNPs is obtained from Langevin theory, and a three‐dimension simulation model based on the magnetization curve is established to analyze the generation process of the TA wave. In the Experimental section, a gel phantom with a 0.5 mm gap is prepared with the magnetic fluid injecting into the gap, and the cross‐sectional image of the gel phantom is reconstructed by the image fusion algorithm based on B‐scan imaging.

Results

The simulation analysis shows that the generated TA signal can reflect the boundary information of the MNPs region, and when the MNPs are in the unsaturated magnetized region, the intensity of the TA signal is positively correlated with the concentration of MNPs. The B‐scan imaging along the X‐axis and Y‐axis directions are obtained through the experimental data. After that, the phantom with 0.5 mm gap labeled by MNPs is faithfully reconstructed by combining image morphology processing and image fusion technology based on wavelet transform.

Conclusions

The results show that the TA tomography from MNPs by SMF uses MNPs as a contrast agent to reconstruct the size and shape of the marked phantom with submillimeter resolution, which is expected to reconstruct the image of the tumor labeled by MNPs in the future. However, it is also a certain challenge to use low‐concentration MNPs to image in vivo.
Role of the gut microbiome in cardiovascular drug response: The potential for clinical application
Authors: Steiner Heidi E. , Gee Kevin , Giles Jason , Knight Hayley , Hurwitz Bonnie L , Karnes Jason H.
Published: November 2021

Response to cardiovascular drugs can vary greatly between individuals, and the role of the microbiome in this variability is being increasingly appreciated. Recent evidence indicates that bacteria and other microbes are responsible for direct and indirect effects on drug efficacy and toxicity. Pharmacomicrobiomics aims to uncover variability in drug response due to microbes in the human body, which may alter drug disposition through microbial metabolism, interference by microbial metabolites, or modification of host enzymes. In this review, we present recent advances in our understanding of the interplay between microbes, host metabolism, and cardiovascular drugs. We report numerous cardiovascular drugs with evidence of, or potential for, gut‐microbe interactions. However, the effects of gut microbiota on many cardiovascular drugs are yet uninvestigated. Finally, we consider potential clinical applications for the described findings.
Identification of essential genes involved in metabolism‐based resistance mechanism to fenoxaprop‐P‐ethyl in Polypogon fugax
Authors: Zhao Ning , Yang Jiajia , Jiang Minghao , Liao Min , Cao Haiqun
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Metabolic resistance is a worldwide concern for weed control but has not yet been well‐characterized at the genetic level. Previously, we have identified an Asia minor bluegrass (Polypogon fugax Nees ex Steud.) population AHHY exhibiting cytochrome P450 (P450)‐involved metabolic resistance to fenoxaprop‐P‐ethyl. In this study, we aimed to confirm the metabolic fenoxaprop‐P‐ethyl resistance in AHHY and uncover the potential herbicide metabolism‐related genes in this economically damaging weed species.

RESULTS

Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) assays indicated the metabolic rates of fenoxaprop‐P‐ethyl were significantly faster in resistant (R, AHHY) than in susceptible (S, SDTS) plants. The amount of phytotoxic fenoxaprop‐P peaked at 12 h after herbicide treatment (HAT) and started to decrease at 24 HAT in both biotypes. R and S plants at 24 HAT were sampled to conduct isoform‐sequencing (Iso‐Seq) and RNA‐sequencing (RNA‐Seq). A reference transcriptome containing 24 972 full‐length isoforms was obtained, of which 24 329 unigenes were successfully annotated. Transcriptomic profiling identified 28 detoxifying enzyme genes constitutively and/or herbicide‐induced up‐regulated in R than in S plants. Real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) confirmed 17 genes were consistently up‐regulated in R and its F1 generation plants. They were selected as potential fenoxaprop‐P‐ethyl metabolism‐related genes, including ten P450s, one glutathione‐S‐transferase, one UDP‐glucosyltransferase, and five adenosine triphosphate (ATP)‐binding cassette transporters.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that the enhanced rates of fenoxaprop‐P‐ethyl metabolism in P. fugax were very likely driven by the herbicide metabolism‐related genes. The transcriptome data generated by Iso‐Seq combined with RNA‐Seq will provide abundant gene resources for understanding the molecular mechanisms of resistance in P. fugax.
Electron Emission from the Electronic States of Oxygen Precipitates in Oxygen‐Implanted Silicon
Authors: Danilov Denis , Vyvenko Oleg , Loshachenko Anton , Sobolev Nikolay
Published: November 2021

Defect structure and electric properties of n‐type silicon samples subjected to multienergy oxygen implantation and subsequent multistage thermal treatments at different high temperatures and durations are investigated with the help of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), capacitance–voltage (C(V)), and deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) techniques. Well spatially separated layers in the depth consisting of three predominant types of defects—threading dislocations (TDs), oxygen precipitates (OPs) together with diverse extended structural defects and OPs only—are observed with TEM. While the properties of DLTS spectra from the layer with TDs coincide well with dislocation‐related ones reported in numerous previously published articles, the spectra from the OP layer are found to show unusual distinct property: the low‐temperature tail of DLTS peak does not or very weakly depend on the rate window. A simplified semiquantitative model is proposed based on a big positive charge of OP layer revealed from C(V) measurements. The model explains the unusual property to be due to an increase of the Coulomb‐like attractive potential upon electron emission from the electronic states of the OPs giving rise to logarithmic emission kinetics.
Effect of Strain on Interactions of Σ3{111} Silicon Grain Boundary with Oxygen Impurities from First Principles
Authors: Maji Rita , Contreras-García Julia , Luppi Eleonora , Degoli Elena
Published: November 2021

The interaction of grain boundaries (GBs) with inherent defects and/or impurity elements in multicrystalline silicon plays a decisive role in their electrical behavior. Strain, depending on the types of GBs and defects, plays an important role in these systems. Herein, the correlation between the structural and electronic properties of Σ3{111} Si‐GB in the presence of interstitial oxygen impurities is studied from the first‐principles framework, considering the global and local model of strain. It is observed that the distribution of strain along with the number of impurity atoms modifies the energetics of the material. However, the electronic properties of the considered Si‐GBs are not particularly affected by the strain and by the oxygen impurities, unless a very high local distortion induces additional structural defects.
Optimizing the Molecular Weight of Poly(vinylidene Fluoride) for Competitive Perfluorosulfonic Acid Membranes
Authors: Feng Chao , Dong Yunfa , Zhong Shijie , Chen Dongjiang , Zeng Guangfeng , He Weidong
Published: November 2021

Homogeneous proton exchange membrane with high mechanical strength and low gas permeation is of paramount importance for the application of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Herein, the impact of different molecular weight of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF, Mw = 350 000–1 100 000 g mol−1) on the performance of the perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA)/PVDF blend membrane is studied systematically for the first time. The mechanical strength of the PFSA/PVDF blend membrane increases and the H2 crossover of PFSA/PVDF blend membrane is decreased with increasing molecular weight of PVDF. Due to the fact that ultra‐high molecular weight PVDF has more long‐chain molecules which can enhance the adhesive strength between PVDF and PFSA, the tensile strength of 25 wt% PVDF5130–PFSA (Mw = 1 100 000) membrane reaches 33.5 MPa with the thickness of 15 μm, 200% higher than that of pure PFSA membrane and 60% higher than that of commercial Nafion 211. The H2 crossover of the blend membrane is 0.69 mA cm−2, much lower than that of commercial Nafion 211 (2.05 mA cm−2). When applied in PEMFCs, the blend membrane shows comparable power density to Nafion 211 with an output of 1.17 W cm−2.
Nickel Complexes of 2,3,5,6‐tetra‐(2‐pyridyl)pyrazine Containing [Ln(NO3)5]2− [Ln(III)=Nd, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Er] as Counterions‐Syntheses, Structures and Luminescent Properties
Authors: Hou Xin‐Wen , Ye Ping , Li Yan , Wang Kai , Liang Wen‐Jie , Zhang Xiu‐Qing
Published: November 2021

Solvothermal reaction of [Ni(tppz)2](NO3)2 with Ln(NO3)3 ⋅ 6H2O afforded a 3d–4f heterometallic coordination complexes [Ni(tppz)2][Ln(NO3)5] ((where tppz = 2,3,5,6‐tetra(2‐pyridyl) pyrazine and Ln(III) = Nd (1), Eu (2), Gd (3), Tb (4), Dy (5), Er (6)). The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, and powder X‐ray diffraction. Moreover, UV‐Vis absorption properties of 1–6 and solid‐state luminescence properties of 2 and 4 are also discussed.
Algebraic surfaces determine analyticity of functions
Authors: Bochnak Jacek , Kucharz Wojciech
Published: November 2021

Let $$f :X \rightarrow \mathbb {R}$$

f
:
X
→
R

be a function defined on a nonsingular real algebraic set X of dimension at least 3. We prove that f is an analytic (resp. a Nash) function whenever the restriction $$f|_{S}$$

f
|

S

is an analytic (resp. a Nash) function for every nonsingular algebraic surface $$S \subset X$$

S
⊂
X

whose each connected component is homeomorphic to the unit 2-sphere. Furthermore, the surfaces S can be replaced by compact nonsingular algebraic curves in X, provided that dim$$X \ge 2$$

X
≥
2

and f is of class $$\mathcal {C}^{\infty }$$

C

∞

.
A cryptic variation in a member of the Ovate Family Proteins is underlying the melon fruit shape QTL fsqs8.1
Authors: Martínez-Martínez Cecilia , Gonzalo Maria José , Sipowicz Pablo , Campos Manuel , Martínez-Fernández Irene , Leida Carmen , Zouine Mohammed , Alexiou Konstantinos G. , Garcia-Mas Jordi , Gómez María Dolores , Tornero Pablo , Pérez-Amador Miguel Ángel , Esteras Cristina , Picó Belén , Romero Carlos , Monforte Antonio J.
Published: November 2021

Key message

The gene underlying the melon fruit shape QTL fsqs8.1 is a member of the Ovate Family Proteins. Variation in fruit morphology is caused by changes in gene expression likely due to a cryptic structural variation in this locus.

Melon cultivars have a wide range of fruit morphologies. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) have been identified underlying such diversity. This research focuses on the fruit shape QTL fsqs8.1, previously detected in a cross between the accession PI 124112 (CALC, producing elongated fruit) and the cultivar ‘Piel de Sapo’ (PS, producing oval fruit). The CALC fsqs8.1 allele induced round fruit shape, being responsible for the transgressive segregation for this trait observed in that population. In fact, the introgression line CALC8-1, carrying the fsqs8.1 locus from CALC into the PS genetic background, produced perfect round fruit. Following a map-based cloning approach, we found that the gene underlying fsqs8.1 is a member of the Ovate Family Proteins (OFP), CmOFP13, likely a homologue of AtOFP1 and SlOFP20 from Arabidopsis thaliana and tomato, respectively. The induction of the round shape was due to the higher expression of the CALC allele at the early ovary development stage. The fsqs8.1 locus showed an important structural variation, being CmOFP13 surrounded by two deletions in the CALC genome. The deletions are present at very low frequency in melon germplasm. Deletions and single nucleotide polymorphisms in the fsqs8.1 locus could not be not associated with variation in fruit shape among different melon accessions, what indicates that other genetic factors should be involved to induce the CALC fsqs8.1 allele effects. Therefore, fsqs8.1 is an example of a cryptic variation that alters gene expression, likely due to structural variation, resulting in phenotypic changes in melon fruit morphology.
Strain-hardening properties of the high-entropy alloy MoNbTaTiVZr processed by high-pressure torsion
Authors: Duan Chuyi , Reiberg Marius , Kutlesa Peter , Li Xiaohu , Pippan Reinhard , Werner Ewald
Published: November 2021

An equiatomic MoNbTaTiVZr refractory high-entropy alloy (HEA) produced by arc melting was processed by high-pressure torsion (HPT) at room temperature. Thermodynamic calculations and experimental results indicated a dual-phase microstructure composed of about 85% BCC Zr-depleted and 15% BCC Zr-rich phase in the as-cast condition. HPT causes grain refinement and an increase in dislocation density without the formation of new phases. After four revolutions, the Zr-depleted phase was hardened to $$\sim $$
∼
540 HV, while the Zr-rich phase exhibited softening with a decrease in hardness to $$\sim $$
∼
480 HV. The occurrence of a vortex-like microstructure and the analysis of elemental concentrations indicated a shear-induced mechanical homogenization, which was supposed to be the cause of the observed softening.
5-axis double-flank CNC machining of spiral bevel gears via custom-shaped tools—Part II: physical validations and experiments
Authors: Escudero Gaizka Gómez , Bo Pengbo , González-Barrio Haizea , Calleja-Ochoa Amaia , Bartoň Michael , de Lacalle Luis Norberto López
Published: November 2021

Recently, a new methodology for 5-axis flank computer numerically controlled (CNC) machining, called double-flank machining, has been introduced (see “5-axis double-flank CNC machining of spiral bevel gears via custom-shaped milling tools—Part I: Modeling and simulation”). Certain geometries, such as curved teeth of spiral bevel gear, admit this approach where the machining tool has tangential contact with the material block on two sides, yielding a more efficient variant of flank machining. To achieve high machining accuracy, the path-planning algorithm, however, does not look only for the path of the tool, but also for the shape of the tool itself. The proposed approach is validated by series of physical experiments using an abrasive custom-shaped tool specifically designed for a particular type of a spiral bevel gear. The potential of this new methodology is shown in the semifinishing stage of gear manufacturing, where it outperforms traditional ball end milling by an order of magnitude in terms of machining time, while keeping, or even improving, the machining error.
Approaches to liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry assessment of glyphosate residues in wine
Authors: Pérez-Mayán L. , Castro G. , Ramil M. , Cela R. , Rodríguez I.
Published: November 2021

The performance of two different analytical methodologies to investigate the presence of glyphosate (GLY) and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) residues in wine samples was evaluated. Transformation of compounds in their fluorene-9-methyloxycarbonyl derivatives permitted their separation under reversed-phase liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) determination. Although the wine matrix severely impaired the efficiency of GLY derivatization, this drawback was solved using a molecularly imprinted sorbent for the previous, selective extraction of GLY and AMPA from wine. Alternatively, the use of a strong anionic exchange, polyvinyl alcohol-based LC column, turned to be the most effective alternative for direct determination of both compounds in diluted wine samples. The chromatographic behavior of this column and the magnitude of matrix effects observed during analysis of diluted wine samples were significantly affected by the composition of the mobile phase. Under final working conditions, this column permitted the separation of AMPA and the fungicide fosetyl (which shows common transitions in tandem MS/MS methods), it improved significantly the sample throughput versus extraction-derivatization-purification method, and it allowed the use of solvent-based calibration standards. Both analytical procedures provided similar limits of quantification (LOQs) for GLY (0.5–1.0 ng mL−1), while the multistep method was 8 times more sensitive to AMPA than the direct procedure. GLY residues stayed above method LOQs in 70% of the processed wines; however, concentrations measured in 95% of positive samples remained 100 times below the maximum residue limit (MRL) set for GLY in vinification grapes.

Graphical abstract
Diet-related urine collections: assistance in categorization of hyperoxaluria
Authors: Dill Hannah , Martin-Higueras Cristina , Hoppe Bernd
Published: November 2021

Hyperoxaluria, one of the major risk factors for calcium oxalate urolithiasis and nephrocalcinosis, causes significant morbidity and mortality and should therefore be detected and treated as soon as possible. An early, consequent and adequate evaluation, but also a distinction between primary (PH) and secondary hyperoxaluria (SH) is therefore essential. We evaluated the usefulness of three consecutive 24-h urine collections under different diets [usual diet, (A), low oxalate diet, (B), high oxalate diet, (C)] to prove SH, or to find evidence of PH by changes in urinary oxalate excretion (Uox). We retrospectively analyzed results from 96 pediatric patients (47 females and 49 males, age 3–18 years) who presented with a history of nephrolithiasis, nephrocalcinosis and/or persistent hematuria in whom hyperoxaluria was found in an initial urine sample. The typical pattern of SH was found in 34 patients (mean Uox (A) 0.85 ± 0.29, (B) 0.54 ± 0.15 and (C) 0.95 ± 0.28 mmol/1.73m2/d). PH was suspected in 13 patients [(A) 1.21 ± 0.75; (B) 1.47 ± 0.51 and (C) 1.60 ± 0.82 mmol/1.73m2/d], but genetically proven only in 1/5 patients examined. No hyperoxaluria was found in 16 patients. Data were inconclusive in 33 patients. Urine collection under different diets is helpful to diagnose secondary hyperoxaluria and may provide evidence, that urinary oxalate excretion is normal. We have now established this procedure as our first diagnostic step before further, more extensive and more expensive evaluations are performed.
Einbezug der Väter in die stationäre Mutter-Kind-Therapie: „Mit Papa geht es besser“
Authors: Müller Jakob Johann , Taubner Svenja
Published: November 2021

Hintergrund

Obwohl Forschungsbefunde auf einen großen väterlichen Einfluss hinweisen, gibt es bislang kaum Interventionsprogramme und wissenschaftliche Studien, die den systematischen Einbezug von Vätern in die stationäre Mutter-Kind-Behandlung zum Gegenstand haben.

Ziel der Arbeit

Die Studie untersucht, wie sich der Einbezug von Vätern auf das Outcome stationärer Mutter-Kind-Behandlungen bei postpartalen psychischen Störungen auswirkt. In dieser Pilotstudie wird das Programm „Mit Papa geht es besser“ vorgestellt.

Methodik

Fünfzehn Partner/Kindsväter von behandelten Mutter-Kind-Dyaden durchliefen ein strukturiertes Begleitprogramm parallel zur Mutter-Kind-Behandlung („Mit Papa geht es besser“). Die Mütter in Behandlung wurden in einem Prä-post-Design zu ihrer Symptomatik (Symptom-Checklist 90, SCL-90), Mutter-Kind-Bindung (Parental Bonding Questionnaire, PBQ) und Partnerschaftszufriedenheit (Kurzversion des Partnerschaftsfragebogens, PFB-K) befragt. Diese Gruppe wurden mit einer historischen Kontrollgruppe von 30 behandelten Müttern verglichen, die die Behandlung wie bisher („treatment as usual“, TAU) durchliefen. Die Gruppen wurden post hoc mithilfe einer „Inverse-probability-of-treatment-weighting“(IPTW)-Schätzung von Propensity Scores (PS) balanciert.

Ergebnisse

Mütter in allen Versuchsbedingungen profitierten von der stationären Behandlung. Mütter in der Interventionsgruppe wiesen im Hinblick auf die Zielvariablen ein tendenziell verbessertes Outcome auf, insbesondere für die Veränderung der Partnerschaftszufriedenheit, die Unterschiede erreichten aber keine statistische Signifikanz.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Befunde weisen darauf hin, dass Mütter in stationärer Mutter-Kind-Behandlung vom Einbezug der Väter profitieren könnten. Die Intervention soll nun im Rahmen eines randomisierten kontrollierten Studiendesigns an einer größeren Stichprobe auf ihre Wirksamkeit überprüft werden.
14–3-3 protein regulation of excitation–contraction coupling
Authors: Thompson Walter C. , Goldspink Paul H.
Published: November 2021

14–3-3 proteins (14–3-3 s) are a family of highly conserved proteins that regulate many cellular processes in eukaryotes by interacting with a diverse array of client proteins. The 14–3-3 proteins have been implicated in several disease states and previous reviews have condensed the literature with respect to their structure, function, and the regulation of different cellular processes. This review focuses on the growing body of literature exploring the important role 14–3-3 proteins appear to play in regulating the biochemical and biophysical events associated with excitation–contraction coupling (ECC) in muscle. It presents both a timely and unique analysis that seeks to unite studies emphasizing the identification and diversity of 14–3-3 protein function and client protein interactions, as modulators of muscle contraction. It also highlights ideas within these two well-established but intersecting fields that support further investigation with respect to the mechanistic actions of 14–3-3 proteins in the modulation of force generation in muscle.
A qualitative study investigating Australian cancer service outpatients’ experience of distress screening and management: what is the personal relevance, acceptability and improvement opportunities from patient perspectives?
Authors: McCarter Kristen , Carlson Melissa A. , Baker Amanda L. , Paul Chris L. , Lynam James , Johnston Lana N. , Fradgley Elizabeth A.
Published: November 2021

Purpose

People diagnosed with cancer experience high distress levels throughout diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. Untreated distress is associated with poor outcomes, including worsened quality of life and higher mortality rates. Distress screening facilitates need-based access to supportive care which can optimize patient outcomes. This qualitative interview study explored outpatients’ perceptions of a distress screening process implemented in an Australian cancer center.

Methods

Adult, English-speaking cancer outpatients were approached to participate in face-to-face or phone interviews after being screened by a clinic nurse using the distress thermometer (DT). The piloted semi-structured interview guide explored perceptions of the distress screening and management process, overall well-being, psychosocial support networks, and improvement opportunities for distress processes. Thematic analysis was used.

Results

Four key themes were identified in the 19 interviews conducted. Distress screening was found to be generally acceptable to participants and could be conducted by a variety of health professionals at varied time points. However, some participants found “distress” to be an ambiguous term. Despite many participants experiencing clinical distress (i.e., DT ≥ 4), few actioned referrals; some noted a preference to manage and prevent distress through informal support and well-being activities. Participants’ diverse coping styles, such as positivity, acceptance, and distancing, also factored into the perceived value of screening and referrals.

Conclusion and implications

Screening models only measuring severity of distress may not be sufficient to direct care referrals, as they do not consider patients’ varying coping strategies, external support networks, understanding of distress terminology, and motivations for accessing supportive care services.
Einfluss von Vorschädigung auf das Reibungsverhalten nasslaufender Lamellenkupplungen im Dauerschaltbetrieb
Authors: Schneider Thomas , Völkel Katharina , Pflaum Hermann , Stahl Karsten
Published: November 2021

Ausfälle von Lamellenkupplungen müssen aufgrund von sicherheitskritischen Funktionalitäten im Antriebsstrang sicher ausgeschlossen werden. Neben Langzeitveränderungen bei Lamellenkupplungen sind insbesondere Spontanschäden von Relevanz. Dieser Beitrag befasst sich mit dem Einfluss von Spontanschäden auf das Schaltverhalten im Dauerschaltbetrieb.

Zunächst werden gezielt Spontanschäden durch Schaltungen mit hohen Belastungen hervorgerufen. Dazu werden drei Kupplungen in Stufenversuchen mit unterschiedlichen Intensitäten vorgeschädigt, so dass Spontanschäden (lokale Verfärbung, lokale Verdickungen) auftreten. Im zweiten Schritt werden Dauerschaltversuche mit den vorgeschädigten Kupplungspaketen und einer nicht vorgeschädigten Referenzkupplung durchgeführt. Das Reibungsverhalten der Kupplungen während der Dauerschaltversuche wird verglichen und bewertet. Lokale Verfärbungen sind nach dem Dauerschaltversuch in abgeschwächter Form sichtbar. An den Stahllamellen sind weiterhin lokale Verdickungen vorhanden. Im Dauerschaltversuch ist die mittlere Reibungszahl µmit der vorgeschädigten Kupplungspakete tendenziell höher. Darüber hinaus sind drehzahlabhängige Drehmomentschwankung zu beobachten Die Schwankungen sind umso stärker, je stärker die Vorschädigung war.
Validation of the Composite Autonomic Symptom Score 31 in the German language
Authors: Hilz Max-Josef , Wang Ruihao , Singer Wolfgang
Published: November 2021

Background

The Composite Autonomic Symptom Score 31 (COMPASS 31) is a validated, 31-item self-assessment questionnaire assessing autonomic symptoms in six domains, orthostatic intolerance, vasomotor, secretomotor, gastrointestinal, bladder, and pupillomotor function. So far, there is no validated German COMPASS 31 version. This study aimed at developing and validating a German COMPASS 31.

Methods

Two autonomic experts with command of German and English independently translated the English COMPASS 31 into German. One agreed-upon German version was translated back into English to assure conformity with the original version. Twenty patients with possible autonomic symptoms and 20 age- and gender-matched healthy persons completed the English and German COMPASS 31 in a randomized order with a 4-week interval. To evaluate reliability of the German COMPASS 31, total scores and sub-scores of the domains assessed with the German version were correlated with corresponding scores of the English version using Pearson’s or Spearman’s test. The Cronbach alpha-coefficient evaluated the internal consistency of the questions. Total- and sub-scores of both COMPASS 31 versions were compared between patients and controls by analysis of variance with post-hoc analysis (significance: p < 0.05).

Results

Total scores and sub-scores of the German and English COMPASS 31 correlated significantly (p < 0.001) and closely (correlation coefficients: 0.757–0.934). Cronbach alpha-coefficients were above 0.7 in all domains except for the secretomotor domain. In the German and English COMPASS 31, total scores were significantly higher in patients than controls.

Conclusions

The German COMPASS 31 is reliable, internally consistent, and valid to detect and quantify autonomic symptoms in patients with neurological disorders.
Middle Stone Age Bifacial Technology and Pressure Flaking at the MIS 3 Site of Toumboura III, Eastern Senegal
Authors: Schmid Viola C. , Douze Katja , Tribolo Chantal , Martinez Maria Lorenzo , Rasse Michel , Lespez Laurent , Lebrun Brice , Hérisson David , Ndiaye Matar , Huysecom Eric
Published: November 2021

Over the past decade, the increasing wealth of new archaeological data on the Middle Stone Age (MSA) in Senegal and Mali has broadened our understanding of West Africa’s contributions to cultural developments. Within the West African sequence, the phase of Marine Isotope Stage 3 (MIS 3, ca. 59-24 ka) yielded so far the best known and extensive archaeological information. The site of Toumboura III encompasses an occupation dated by optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) to between 40 ± 3 ka and 30 ± 3 ka. It provides the largest, well-dated, and stratified lithic assemblage in West Africa for the MSA and sheds light on an unprecedented cultural expression for this period, adding to the notable diversity of the late MSA in this region. We conducted a technological analysis of the lithic components following the chaîne opératoire approach. The lithic assemblage features a prevalence of bifacial technology and the exploitation of flakes as blanks for tool production. The craftspeople manufactured distinct types of bifacial tools, including small bifacial points shaped by pressure technique. The new data from Toumboura III demonstrate behavioral patterns that are entirely new in the region. By revealing behavioral innovations and technological particularities, these results on the techno-cultural dynamics during the MIS 3 phase of the MSA enhance our understanding of the complex Pleistocene population history in this part of Africa.
Gaussoids are two-antecedental approximations of Gaussian conditional independence structures
Authors: Boege Tobias
Published: November 2021

The gaussoid axioms are conditional independence inference rules which characterize regular Gaussian CI structures over a three-element ground set. It is known that no finite set of inference rules completely describes regular Gaussian CI as the ground set grows. In this article we show that the gaussoid axioms logically imply every inference rule of at most two antecedents which is valid for regular Gaussians over any ground set. The proof is accomplished by exhibiting for each inclusion-minimal gaussoid extension of at most two CI statements a regular Gaussian realization. Moreover we prove that all those gaussoids have rational positive-definite realizations inside everyε-ball around the identity matrix. For the proof we introduce the concept of algebraic Gaussians over arbitrary fields and of positive Gaussians over ordered fields and obtain the same two-antecedental completeness of the gaussoid axioms for algebraic and positive Gaussians over all fields of characteristic zero as a byproduct.
Circulating lipids and breast cancer prognosis in the Malmö diet and cancer study
Authors: Harborg Sixten , Ahern Thomas P. , Feldt Maria , Rosendahl Ann H. , Cronin-Fenton Deirdre , Melander Olle , Borgquist Signe
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Examine the association between circulating lipids and breast cancer outcomes in patients enrolled in the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study (MDCS).

Patients and methods

Circulating lipid levels were measured in blood sampled upon enrollment in the female MDCS cohort (N = 17,035). We identified all MDCS participants with incident invasive breast cancer diagnosed between 1991 and 2014. Follow-up time began at breast cancer diagnosis and continued until the first event of breast cancer recurrence, death, emigration, or 5 years of follow-up. We estimated the incidence rates of recurrence at 5 years and fit Cox regression models to compute crude and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) of breast cancer recurrence as well as all-cause mortality according to cohort-specific tertiles of apolipoprotein A-1 (Apo A-1) and apolipoprotein B (Apo B).

Results

We enrolled 850 eligible patients. During the 5 years of follow-up, 90 invasive breast cancer recurrences were diagnosed over 3807 person-years. In multivariable analyses, high baseline levels of Apo B were associated with an increased rate of recurrence (tertile 3 vs. 1, HR = 2.30 [95% CI 1.13–4.68]). However, high baseline levels of Apo B were not associated with all-cause mortality (tertile 3 vs. 1, HR = 1.23 [95% CI 0.68–2.25]). We observed no associations between levels of Apo A-1 and recurrence (tertile 3 vs. 1, HR = 1.34 [95% CI 0.70–2.58]) or all-cause mortality (tertile 3 vs. 1, HR = 1.12 [95% CI 0.61–2.05]).

Conclusion

High pre-diagnostic levels of Apo B were associated with an increased risk of recurrence among breast cancer patients. Circulating Apo A-1 was not associated with breast cancer outcomes.