bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxidative Stress in Lead and Cadmium Toxicity and Its Amelioration
Authors: Patra R. C. , Rautray Amiya K. , Swarup D.
Published: March 2011

Oxidative stress has been implicated to play a role, at least in part, in pathogenesis of many disease conditions and toxicities in animals. Overproduction of reactive oxygen species and free radicals beyond the cells intrinsic capacity to neutralize following xenobiotics exposure leads to a state of oxidative stress and resultant damages of lipids, protein, and DNA. Lead and cadmium are the common environmental heavy metal pollutants and have widespread distribution. Both natural and anthropogenic sources including mining, smelting, and other industrial processes are responsible for human and animal exposure. These pollutants, many a times, are copollutants leading to concurrent exposure to living beings and resultant synergistic deleterious health effects. Several mechanisms have been explained for the damaging effects on the body system. Of late, oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of the lead- and cadmium-induced pathotoxicity. Several ameliorative measures to counteract the oxidative damage to the body system aftermath or during exposure to these toxicants have been assessed with the use of antioxidants. The present review focuses on mechanism of lead- and cadmium-induced oxidate damages and the ameliorative measures to counteract the oxidative damage and pathotoxicity with the use of supplemented antioxidants for their beneficial effects.
The Implications of the Working Memory Model for the Evolution of Modern Cognition
Authors: Wynn Thomas , Coolidge Frederick L.
Published: March 2011

What distinguishes the cognition of biologically modern humans from that of more archaic populations such as Neandertals? The norm in paleoanthropology has been to emphasize the role of language and symbolism. But the modern mind is more than just an archaic mind enhanced by symbol use. It also possesses an important problem solving and planning component. In cognitive neuroscience these advanced planning abilities have been extensively investigated through a formal model known as working memory. The working memory model is now well-enough established to provide a powerful lens through which paleoanthropologists can view the fossil and archaeological records. The challenge is methodological. The following essay reviews the controversial hypothesis that a recent enhancement of working memory capacity was the final piece in the evolution of modern cognition.
Liver Resection after Downstaging Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Sorafenib
Authors: Barbier L. , Muscari F. , Le Guellec S. , Pariente A. , Otal P. , Suc B.
Published: March 2011

Background. Sorafenib is a molecular-targeted therapy used in palliative treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma in Child A patients.Aims. To address the question of sorafenib as neoadjuvant treatment.Methods. We describe the cases of 2 patients who had surgery after sorafenib.Results. The patients had a large hepatocellular carcinoma in the right liver with venous neoplastic thrombi (1 in the right portal branch, 1 in the right hepatic vein). After 9 months of sorafenib, reassessment showed that tumours had decreased in size with a necrotic component. A right hepatectomy with thrombectomy was performed, and histopathology showed 35% to 60% necrosis. One patient had a recurrence after 6 months and had another liver resection; they are both recurrence-free since then.Conclusion. Sorafenib can downstage hepatocellular carcinoma and thus could represent a bridge to surgery. It may be possible to select patients in good general condition with partial regression of the tumour with sorafenib for a treatment in a curative intent.
Endoscopic Vein Harvesting for Coronary Bypass Grafting: A Blessing or a Trojan Horse?
Authors: Accord Ryan , Maessen Jos
Published: March 2011

Conventional open harvest of the great saphenous vein (GSV) during CABG results in approximately 7% donor-site complications. Using endoscopic vein harvesting (EVH) the full GSV length can be harvested through a 3 cm incision. This nonsystematic review discusses several key issues concerning EVH, based on an extensive Pubmed search. Found studies show that EVH results in reduced number of wound complications, less postoperative pain, earlier postoperative mobilisation, reduced length of hospital stay, and is more cost-effective. Initial studies did not find significant differences in graft histology, patency, or clinical outcome. However, in 2009 convincing evidence of inferior histological graft properties became available. Furthermore, an observational study showed that EVH resulted in significantly more graft stenosis, was associated with higher mortality, more myocard infarction, and more reinterventions. Most recent publications could not confirm these findings, however larger randomised controlled trials focusing on graft quality are being awaited.
Contralateral Deafferentation Does Not Affect Regeneration Processes in the Auditory System of Schistocerca gregaria (Orthoptera)
Authors: Krüger Silke , Lakes-Harlan Reinhard
Published: March 2011

The auditory system of locusts has high regeneration capacity following injury of the peripheral afferents. Regenerating auditory afferents can re-innervate their target areas even after changed neuronal pathways. Here, possible influences of contralateral deafferentation on regenerating afferents were investigated. Contralateral deafferentation was performed at different stages of the regeneration. Regeneration was triggered by crushing the tympanal nerve. The regenerated fibers showed aberrant fiber outgrowth, reduced density of terminations in the target area, the auditory neuropile and collateral sprouts crossing the midline. However, these results were not significantly influenced by the contralateral deafferentation. Therefore the bilateral symmetrical systems seem to be largely independent from each other.
Classification of Inductive Limits of Outer Actions of ℝ on Approximate Circle Algebras
Authors: Dean Andrew J.
Published: March 2011

In this paper we present a classification, up to equivariant isomorphism, of C*-dynamical systems (A, ℝ, α) arising as inductive limits of directed systems ﹛(An, ℝ, αn), φnm﹜, where each An is a finite direct sum of matrix algebras over the continuous functions on the unit circle, and the αns are outer actions generated by rotation of the spectrum.
On the Distribution of Irreducible Trinomials
Authors: Shparlinski Igor E.
Published: March 2011

We obtain new results about the number of trinomials tn + at + b with integer coefficients in a box (a, b) ∈ [C,C + A] × [D,D + B] that are irreducible modulo a prime p. As a by-product we show that for any p there are irreducible polynomials of height at most p1/2+o(1), improving on the previous estimate of p2/3+o(1) obtained by the author in 1989.
Representation of tropical deep convection in atmospheric models – Part 1: Meteorology and comparison with satellite observations
Authors: Russo M. R. , Marécal V. , Hoyle C. R. , Arteta J. , Chemel C. , Chipperfield M. P. , Dessens O. , Feng W. , Hosking J. S. , Telford P. J. , Wild O. , Yang X. , Pyle J. A.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. Fast convective transport in the tropics can efficiently redistribute water vapour and pollutants up to the upper troposphere. In this study we compare tropical convection characteristics for the year 2005 in a range of atmospheric models, including numerical weather prediction (NWP) models, chemistry transport models (CTMs), and chemistry-climate models (CCMs). The model runs have been performed within the framework of the SCOUT-O3 (Stratospheric-Climate Links with Emphasis on the Upper Troposphere and Lower Stratosphere) project. The characteristics of tropical convection, such as seasonal cycle, land/sea contrast and vertical extent, are analysed using satellite observations as a benchmark for model simulations. The observational datasets used in this work comprise precipitation rates, outgoing longwave radiation, cloud-top pressure, and water vapour from a number of independent sources, including ERA-Interim analyses. Most models are generally able to reproduce the seasonal cycle and strength of precipitation for continental regions but show larger discrepancies with observations for the Maritime Continent region. The frequency distribution of high clouds from models and observations is calculated using highly temporally-resolved (up to 3-hourly) cloud top data. The percentage of clouds above 15 km varies significantly between the models. Vertical profiles of water vapour in the upper troposphere-lower stratosphere (UTLS) show large differences between the models which can only be partly attributed to temperature differences. If a convective plume reaches above the level of zero net radiative heating, which is estimated to be ~15 km in the tropics, the air detrained from it can be transported upwards by radiative heating into the lower stratosphere. In this context, we discuss the role of tropical convection as a precursor for the transport of short-lived species into the lower stratosphere.
Evaluating a 3-D transport model of atmospheric CO2 using ground-based, aircraft, and space-borne data
Authors: Feng L. , Palmer P. I. , Yang Y. , Yantosca R. M. , Kawa S. R. , Paris J.-D. , Matsueda H. , Machida T.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. We evaluate the GEOS-Chem atmospheric transport model (v8-02-01) of CO2 over 2003–2006, driven by GEOS-4 and GEOS-5 meteorology from the NASA Goddard Global Modeling and Assimilation Office, using surface, aircraft and space-borne concentration measurements of CO2. We use an established ensemble Kalman Filter to estimate a posteriori biospheric+biomass burning (BS + BB) and oceanic (OC) CO2 fluxes from 22 geographical regions, following the TransCom-3 protocol, using boundary layer CO2 data from a subset of GLOBALVIEW surface sites. Global annual net BS + BB + OC CO2 fluxes over 2004–2006 for GEOS-4 (GEOS-5) meteorology are −4.4 ± 0.9 (−4.2 ± 0.9), −3.9 ± 0.9 (−4.5 ± 0.9), and −5.2 ± 0.9 (−4.9 ± 0.9) PgC yr−1, respectively. After taking into account anthropogenic fossil fuel and bio-fuel emissions, the global annual net CO2 emissions for 2004–2006 are estimated to be 4.0 ± 0.9 (4.2 ± 0.9), 4.8 ± 0.9 (4.2 ± 0.9), and 3.8 ± 0.9 (4.1 ± 0.9) PgC yr−1, respectively. The estimated 3-yr total net emission for GEOS-4 (GEOS-5) meteorology is equal to 12.5 (12.4) PgC, agreeing with other recent top-down estimates (12–13 PgC). The regional a posteriori fluxes are broadly consistent in the sign and magnitude of the TransCom-3 study for 1992–1996, but we find larger net sinks over northern and southern continents. We find large departures from our a priori over Europe during summer 2003, over temperate Eurasia during 2004, and over North America during 2005, reflecting an incomplete description of terrestrial carbon dynamics. We find GEOS-4 (GEOS-5) a posteriori CO2 concentrations reproduce the observed surface trend of 1.91–2.43 ppm yr−1 (parts per million per year), depending on latitude, within 0.15 ppm yr−1 (0.2 ppm yr−1) and the seasonal cycle within 0.2 ppm (0.2 ppm) at all latitudes. We find the a posteriori model reproduces the aircraft vertical profile measurements of CO2 over North America and Siberia generally within 1.5 ppm in the free and upper troposphere but can be biased by up to 4–5 ppm in the boundary layer at the start and end of the growing season. The model has a small negative bias in the free troposphere CO2 trend (1.95–2.19 ppm yr−1) compared to AIRS data which has a trend of 2.21–2.63 ppm yr−1 during 2004–2006, consistent with surface data. Model CO2 concentrations in the upper troposphere, evaluated using CONTRAIL (Comprehensive Observation Network for TRace gases by AIrLiner) aircraft measurements, reproduce the magnitude and phase of the seasonal cycle of CO2 in both hemispheres. We generally find that the GEOS meteorology reproduces much of the observed tropospheric CO2 variability, suggesting that these meteorological fields will help make significant progress in understanding carbon fluxes as more data become available.
Chemical composition and mixing-state of ice residuals sampled within mixed phase clouds
Authors: Ebert M. , Worringen A. , Benker N. , Mertes S. , Weingartner E. , Weinbruch S.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. During an intensive campaign at the high alpine research station Jungfraujoch, Switzerland, in February/March 2006 ice particle residuals within mixed-phase clouds were sampled using the Ice-counterflow virtual impactor (Ice-CVI). Size, morphology, chemical composition, mineralogy and mixing state of the ice residual and the interstitial (i.e., non-activated) aerosol particles were analyzed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Ice nuclei (IN) were identified from the significant enrichment of particle groups in the ice residual (IR) samples relative to the interstitial aerosol. In terms of number lead-bearing particles are enriched by a factor of approximately 25, complex internal mixtures with silicates or metal oxides as major components by a factor of 11, and mixtures of secondary aerosol and carbonaceous material (C-O-S particles) by a factor of 2. Other particle groups (sulfates, sea salt, Ca-rich particles, external silicates) observed in the ice-residual samples cannot be assigned unambiguously as IN. Between 9 and 24% of all IR are Pb-bearing particles. Pb was found as major component in around 10% of these particles (PbO, PbCl2). In the other particles, Pb was found as some 100 nm sized agglomerates consisting of 3–8 nm sized primary particles (PbS, elemental Pb). C-O-S particles are present in the IR at an abundance of 17–27%. The soot component within these particles is strongly aged. Complex internal mixtures occur in the IR at an abundance of 9–15%. Most IN identified at the Jungfraujoch station are internal mixtures containing anthropogenic components (either as main or minor constituent), and it is concluded that admixture of the anthropogenic component is responsible for the increased IN efficiency within mixed phase clouds. The mixing state appears to be a key parameter for the ice nucleation behaviour that cannot be predicted from the sole knowledge of the main component of an individual particle.
Cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) from fresh and aged air pollution in the megacity region of Beijing
Authors: Gunthe S. S. , Rose D. , Su H. , Garland R. M. , Achtert P. , Nowak A. , Wiedensohler A. , Kuwata M. , Takegawa N. , Kondo Y. , Hu M. , Shao M. , Zhu T. , Andreae M. O. , Pöschl U.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. Atmospheric aerosol particles serving as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) are key elements of the hydrological cycle and climate. CCN properties were measured and characterized during the CAREBeijing-2006 campaign at a regional site south of the megacity of Beijing, China. Size-resolved CCN efficiency spectra recorded for a supersaturation range of S = 0.07% to 0.86% yielded average activation diameters in the range of 190 nm to 45 nm. The corresponding effective hygroscopicity parameters (κ) exhibited a strong size dependence ranging from ~0.25 in the Aitken size range to ~0.45 in the accumulation size range. The campaign average value (κ = 0.3 ± 0.1) was similar to the values observed and modeled for other populated continental regions. The hygroscopicity parameters derived from the CCN measurements were consistent with chemical composition data recorded by an aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS) and thermo-optical measurements of apparent elemental and organic carbon (ECa and OC). The CCN hygroscopicity and its size dependence could be parameterized as a function of AMS based organic and inorganic mass fractions using the simple mixing rule κ p ≈ 0.1 · forg + 0.7 · finorg. When the measured air masses originated from the north and passed rapidly over the center of Beijing (fresh city pollution), the average particle hygroscopicity was reduced (κ = 0.2 ± 0.1), which is consistent with enhanced mass fractions of organic compounds (~50%) and ECa (~30%) in the fine particulate matter (PM1). Moreover, substantial fractions of externally mixed weakly CCN-active particles were observed at low supersaturation (S = 0.07%), which can be explained by the presence of freshly emitted soot particles with very low hygroscopicity (κ<0.1). Particles in stagnant air from the industrialized region south of Beijing (aged regional pollution) were on average larger and more hygroscopic, which is consistent with enhanced mass fractions (~60%) of soluble inorganic ions (mostly sulfate, ammonium, and nitrate). Accordingly, the number concentration of CCN in aged air from the megacity region was higher than in fresh city outflow ((2.5–9.9) × 103 cm−3 vs. (0.4–8.3) × 103 cm−3) although the total aerosol particle number concentration was lower (1.2 × 104 cm−3 vs. 2.3 × 104 cm−3). A comparison with related studies suggests that the fresh outflow from Chinese urban centers generally may contain more, but smaller and less hygroscopic aerosol particles and thus fewer CCN than the aged outflow from megacity regions.
Exploring the "overflow tap" theory: linking forest soil CO2 fluxes and individual mycorrhizosphere components to photosynthesis
Authors: Heinemeyer A. , Wilkinson M. , Vargas R. , Subke J.-A. , Casella E. , Morison J. I. L. , Ineson P.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. Quantifying soil organic carbon stocks and their dynamics accurately is crucial for better predictions of climate change feedbacks within the atmosphere-vegetation-soil system. However, the composition and environmental responses of the soil CO2 efflux (Rs) are still debated and limited by field data. The objective of this study was to quantify the contribution of the various Rs components and to determine their temporal variability, environmental responses and dependence on gross primary productivity (GPP) using time series analysis. In a deciduous oak forest in SE England hourly replicated Rs fluxes over 4 years were obtained using automated soil CO2 flux chambers and ecosystem CO2 exchange using eddy covariance methodology. Mesh-bag and steel collar treatments prevented root or both roots and mycorrhizal hyphal in-growth, respectively, to allow separation of heterotrophic (Rh) and autotrophic (Ra) soil CO2 fluxes and the Ra components, roots (Rr) and mycorrhizal hyphae (Rm). Annual cumulative Rs values were very similar between years (740 ± 43 g C m−2 yr−1) with an average flux of 2.0 ± 0.3 μmol CO2 m−2 s−1, but Rs components varied. On average, annual Rr, Rm and Rh fluxes contributed 39, 18 and 43%, respectively, showing a large Ra contribution (57%) comprising considerable seasonal Rm contributions. Soil temperature largely explained the daily variation of Rs (R2 = 0.81), mostly because of strong responses by Rh (R2 = 0.65) and less so for Rr (R2 = 0.41) and Rm (R2 = 0.18). However, Ra components showed strong apparent temperature responses around budburst and leaf fall but none during summer. Time series analysis revealed strong daily periodicities for Rs, whereas Rr was dominated by daily, Rm by seasonal (~150 days), and Rh by annual periodicities. Wavelet coherence analysis revealed that Rr and Rm were related to short-term (daily) GPP changes, but for R
Hydrologic similarity among catchments under variable flow conditions
Authors: Patil S. , Stieglitz M.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. An assessment of regional similarity in catchment stream response is often needed for accurate predictions in ungauged catchments. However, it is not clear whether similarity among catchments is preserved at all flow conditions. We address this question through the analysis of flow duration curves for 25 gauged catchments located across four river basins in the northeast United States. The coefficient of variation of streamflow percentiles is used as a measure of variability among catchments across flow conditions. Results show that similarity in catchment stream response is dynamic and highly dependent on flow conditions. Specifically, within each of the four basins, the coefficient of variation is high at low flow percentiles and gradually reduces for higher flow percentiles. Analysis of the inter-annual variation in streamflow percentiles shows a similar reduction in variability from low flow to high flow percentiles. Greater similarity in streamflows is observed during the winter and spring (wet) seasons compared to the summer and fall (dry) seasons. Results suggest that the spatial variability in streamflow at low flows is primarily controlled by the dominance of high evaporative demand during the warm period. On the other hand, spatial variability at high flows during the cold period is controlled by the increased dominance of precipitation input over evapotranspiration. By evaluating variability over the entire range of streamflow percentiles, this work explores the nature of hydrologic similarity from a seasonal perspective.
Creating a catchment perspective for river restoration
Authors: Benda L. , Miller D. , Barquín J.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. One of the major challenges in river restoration is to identify the natural fluvial landscape in catchments with a long history of river control. Intensive land use on valley floors often predates the earliest remote sensing: levees, dikes, dams, and other structures alter valley-floor morphology, river channels and flow regimes. Consequently, morphological patterns indicative of the fluvial landscape including multiple channels, extensive floodplains, wetlands, and fluvial-riparian and tributary-confluence dynamics can be obscured, and information to develop appropriate and cost effective river restoration strategies can be unavailable. This is the case in the Pas River catchment in northern Spain (650 km2), in which land use and development have obscured the natural fluvial landscape in many parts of the basin. To address this issue we coupled general principles of hydro-geomorphic processes with computer tools to characterize the fluvial landscape. Using a 5-m digital elevation model, valley-floor surfaces were mapped according to elevation above the channel and proximity to key geomorphic processes. The predicted fluvial landscape is patchily distributed according to topography, valley morphology, river network structure, and fan and terrace landforms. The vast majority of the fluvial landscape in the main segments of the Pas River catchment is presently masked by human infrastructure, with only 15% not impacted by river control structures and development. The reconstructed fluvial landscape provides a catchment scale context to support restoration planning, in which areas of potential ecological productivity and diversity could be targeted for in-channel, floodplain and riparian restoration projects.
Tsunami hazard in the Black Sea and the Azov Sea: a new tsunami catalogue
Authors: Papadopoulos G. A. , Diakogianni G. , Fokaefs A. , Ranguelov B.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. Data on tsunamis occurring in the Black Sea and the Azov Sea from antiquity up to the present were updated, critically evaluated and compiled in the standard format developed since the 90's for the New European Tsunami Catalogue. Twenty nine events were examined but three of them, supposedly occurring in 557 AD, 815 AD and 1341 or 1343, were very likely falsely reported. Most of the remaining 26 events were generated in Crimea, offshore Bulgaria as well as offshore North Anatolia. For each of the 26 events examined, 22 events were classified as reliable ones receiving a score of 3 or 4 on a 4-grade reliability scale. Most of them were caused by earthquakes, such as the key event 544/545 of offshore Varna, but a few others were attributed either to aseismic earth slumps or to unknown causes. The tsunami intensity was estimated using the traditional 6-grade scale and the new 12-grade scale introduced by Papadopoulos and Imamura (2001). From 544/545 up to now, only two reliable events of high intensity K ≥ 7 have been reported, which very roughly indicates that the mean repeat time is ∼ 750 years. Five reliable tsunamis of moderate intensity 4 ≤ K < 7 have been observed from 1650 up to the present, which implies a recurrence of 72 years on the average. Although these calculations were based on a very small statistical sample of tsunami events, the repeat times found are consistent with the theoretical expectations from size-frequency relations. However, in the Black Sea there is no evidence of tsunamis of very high intensity (K ∼ 10) such as the AD 365, 1303 and 1956 ones associated with large earthquakes occurring along the Hellenic arc and trench, Greece, or the 1908 one in Messina strait, Italy. This observation, along with the relatively low tsunami frequency, indicates that the tsunami hazard in the Black Sea is low to moderate but not negligible. The tsunami hazard in the Azov Sea is very low because of the very low seismicity but also because of the shallow water prevailing there. In fact, only three possible tsunami events have been reported in the Azov Sea.
Clinical Significance of Auditive Involvement in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Alonso Laura , Gutierrez-Farfan Ileana , Peña-Ayala Angelica , Perez-Bastidas Maria-Esther , Espinosa Rolando
Published: March 2011

Introduction. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can involve the incudomalleolar or incudostapedial articulations. Objective. To know the punctual prevalence of audiological alterations in patients with RA. Patients and Methods. RA patients and their controls (Cs), were evaluated by Tonal Audiometry (AU); if there were alterations in the air conduction (AC), bone conduction (BC), Logoaudiometry (LG), and Tympanometry (T) were performed. Results. 45 RA patients and 45 Cs were evaluated. RA patients had 40% of bilateral and 17.8% unilateral alteration versus Cs with 22.2% bilateral and 4.4% unilateral alteration versus Cs with 22.2% bilateral and 4.4% unilateral in AC audiometry. In conventional T (CT) As-type curves in patients with RA, there were 22 LE (48.8%) and 26 RE (57.7%) versus Cs, there were16 RE (35.5%) and 20 LE (44.4%). In High-frequency T (HFT): the 3B1G pattern in RA more frequent versus Controls (Cs) in RE (P=.002 and LE (P=.01). There were no differences according to RA activity or RA disease evolution. Conclusions. There is a greater tendency of auditive loss of As curves in CT (rigidity in ossicular chain) and of the 3B1G pattern in HFT in RA.
Clinical and Radiological Presentations of Late-Onset Spondyloarthritis
Authors: Hmamouchi Ihsane , Bahiri Rachid , Hajjaj-Hassouni Najia
Published: March 2011

The last few years have witnessed considerable progress in the diagnosis and treatment of spondyloarthritis (SpA). Tools are now available for establishing the diagnosis at an early stage, when appropriate treatment may be able to control the inflammatory process, limit the functional impairments, and improve quality of life. Late-onset SpA after the age of 50 years is uncommon. All the spondyloarthritis subgroups are represented in the elderly. Thus, late onset spondyloarthritis is underdiagnosed in favour of other inflammatory disorders that are more frequently observed in the elderly because the clinical or radiological presentations of late-onset spondyloarthritis are modified in the elderly. They deserve further attention because age population is increasing and new criteria for axial SpA including sacroiliitis detected by MRI may help the clinician with diagnosis. Specific studies evaluating the benefit/risk ratio of TNFα-blocking agents in late onset SpA patients are required.
Optimal SNP filtering strategies for pedigree reconstruction: A case study with wild red‐spotted masu salmon population
Authors: Noda Shohei , Akita Tetsuya , Ueda Rui , Katsumura Takafumi , Hashiguchi Yasuyuki , Takeshima Hirohiko , Sato Takuya
Published: May 2024

Pedigree data have provided indispensable information for the study of ecology and evolution. Improvement of bioinformatics guidelines for discovering informative single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from genomic data is essential for pedigree reconstruction because of the trade‐off between the quantity (number of SNPs), quality (minor allele frequency [MAF]), and call rate (CR). However, there are few practical reports assessing the optimal balance of SNP filtering parameter combinations while maintaining a sufficient number of SNPs required for accurate pedigree analysis. In this study, we tested some bioinformatic pipelines for accurate SNP‐based parentage assignment and pedigree reconstruction in a wild population of red‐spotted masu salmon, Oncorhynchus masou ishikawae. We produced nearly complete parentage assignments using any SNP sets filtered for different MAF and CR values. For full sibling and half‐sibling assignments, mid‐point filtered SNP sets performed well. This indicates the significant effects of SNP filtering parameter combinations on pedigree reconstruction in a multi‐generational population. Considering the balance between the quantity and quality of SNP data is essential for accurately inferring pedigrees.
Network Clustering
Authors: Batagelj Vladimir , Ferligoj Anus̆ka , Doreian Patrick
Published: May 2024

We use the term network clustering for both the clustering of nodes/links in a network and the clustering of a set of networks. For the clustering of a set of networks, we can use traditional methods. The crucial point is the definition of an appropriate dissimilarity measure between networks. Some options are presented. For clustering nodes/links of a given network, its graph structure can be considered using graph theory notions in the definition of the set of feasible clusterings (clustering with relational constraint), and/or using special criterion functions compatible with a desired network structure (blockmodeling).
BET Inhibitor JQ1 Selectively Reduce Tregs by Upregulating STAT3 and Suppressing PD‐1 Expression in Patients with Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Huang Youxue , Zhong Mengjun , Gao Rili , Wang Xianfeng , Zhong Shuxin , Zhong Liye , Huang Xin , Li Yangqiu , Zeng Chengwu
Published: May 2024

Multiple myeloma (MM) stands as a prevalent hematological malignancy, primarily incurable, originating from plasma cell clones. MM's progression encompasses genetic abnormalities and disruptions in the bone marrow microenvironment, leading to tumor proliferation, immune dysfunction, and compromised treatment outcomes. Emerging evidence highlights the critical role of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in MM progression, suggesting that targeting Tregs could enhance immune functionality and treatment efficacy. In this study, a notable increase in Treg proportions within MM patients' bone marrow (BM) compared to healthy individuals is observed. Additionally, it is found that the bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) inhibitor JQ1 selectively diminishes Treg percentages in MM patients' BM and reduces TGF‐β1‐induced Tregs. This reduction occurs via inhibiting cell viability and promoting apoptosis. RNA sequencing further indicates that JQ1's inhibitory impact on Tregs likely involves upregulating STAT3 and suppressing PD‐1 expression. Collectively, these findings suggest JQ1's potential to modulate Tregs, bolstering the immune response in MM and introducing a promising avenue for MM immunotherapy.
Spliceosomal snRNAs, the Essential Players in pre‐mRNA Processing in Eukaryotic Nucleus: From Biogenesis to Functions and Spatiotemporal Characteristics
Authors: Su Yuan , Wu Jiaming , Chen Wei , Shan Junling , Chen Dan , Zhu Guangyu , Ge Shengchao , Liu Yunfeng
Published: May 2024

Spliceosomal small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) are a fundamental class of non‐coding small RNAs abundant in the nucleoplasm of eukaryotic cells, playing a crucial role in splicing precursor messenger RNAs (pre‐mRNAs). They are transcribed by DNA‐dependent RNA polymerase II (Pol II) or III (Pol III), and undergo subsequent processing and 3′ end cleavage to become mature snRNAs. Numerous protein factors are involved in the transcription initiation, elongation, termination, splicing, cellular localization, and terminal modification processes of snRNAs. The transcription and processing of snRNAs are regulated spatiotemporally by various mechanisms, and the homeostatic balance of snRNAs within cells is of great significance for the growth and development of organisms. snRNAs assemble with specific accessory proteins to form small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particles (snRNPs) that are the basal components of spliceosomes responsible for pre‐mRNA maturation. This article provides an overview of the biological functions, biosynthesis, terminal structure, and tissue‐specific regulation of snRNAs.
Radioactivity and GMO‐Free Sterile Insect Technology for the Sustainable Control of the Invasive Pest Drosophila suzukii
Authors: Abdelhafiz Ibrahim , Gerth Stefan , Claussen Joelle , Weule Mareike , Hufnagel Eva , Vilcinskas Andreas , Lee Kwang‐Zin
Published: May 2024

Drosophila suzukii (D. suzukii), commonly known as the spotted wing drosophila, is a highly invasive crop pest that is difficult to control using chemical insecticides. To address the urgent need for alternative and more sustainable control strategies, the sterile insect technique (SIT) is improved, which involves the release of sterilized male insects to mate with fertile conspecifics, thereby reducing the size of the pest population in the subsequent generation. The three critical aspects that influence the success of SIT programs in D. suzukii are addressed. First, an accurate and nondestructive method is established to determine the sex of individual insects based on the differential weight of male and female pupae. Second, conditions for X‐ray sterilization are systematically tested and an optimal dose (90 kV/40 Gy) is identified that ensures the efficient production of sterile D. suzukii for release. Finally, the inherent thermosensitivity of D. suzukii males is exploited to develop a temperature‐based sterilization technique, offering an alternative or additional SIT method for this pest. These advances will contribute to the development of a comprehensive and effective strategy for the management of D. suzukii populations, reducing their impact on agriculture and helping to safeguard crop yields.
Ultrahigh Aspect Ratio Through Glass Vias Perforation Utilizing Selective Laser‐Induced Etching with Nanochannels
Authors: Liu Jingli , Xia Chenhui , Ming Xuefei , Dou Guangbin , Yin Chunyan
Published: May 2024

At present, perforation of high aspect ratio through glass vias (TGVs) is one of the primary factors limiting the development of glass interposers. Herein, it is based on a large number of experiments, combined with mechanistic analysis, to realize the perforation of ultrahigh/high aspect ratio fused silica TGVs using selective laser‐induced etching. First, the effect of the number of pulses as well as other laser parameters on the etching selectivity is systematically investigated. It is found that the formation of nanochannels in fused silica is crucial in determining the high selectivity. Subsequently, a model based on diffusion theory is proposed to mathematically explain the reasons for the high selectivity generation. Finally, the perforations of TGVs with diameters of 5.4–26.4 μm, aspect ratios of 11.7–61.3, and vertical sidewalls are achieved, at a laser treatment speed of ≈10 000 TGVs per minute. This research can serve as an essential reference for the manufacturing of TGVs with high aspect ratios and glass interposers with high interconnection density.
Enhancing Single‐Layer WSe2 Light Emission in Perylene‐Doped Polymer Films through Efficient Energy Transfer
Authors: Gadea Marcos , Asaithambi Aswin , Bernabeu‐Cabañero Raúl , Farrando‐Pérez Alex , Ramos Maria , Sancho‐García Juan C. , Kriegel Ilka , Díaz‐García María A. , Calvo M. Reyes
Published: May 2024

The optical and mechanical properties of 2D semiconductors make them excellent candidates for the active components of plastic optoelectronic devices. Here, the integration of single‐layer WSe2 (1L‐WSe2) into a polystyrene (PS) film containing dispersed perylene orange (PDI‐O) molecules is investigated. The findings reveal a notable enhancement in the light emission of 1L‐WSe2, which occurs exclusively upon PDI‐O excitation and scales with the concentration of molecules in the PS film. Moreover, the increase in 1L‐WSe2 photoluminescence coincides with a quenching of the PDI‐O light emission intensity and a decrease in its lifetime. These results point to efficient long‐range interactions, such as Förster energy transfer, between PDI‐O (acting as the donor) and 1L‐WSe2 (acting as the acceptor), as the mechanism responsible for the enhanced light emission in the latter. These findings are of great interest for the development of flexible optoelectronic devices integrating active 2D materials; the polymeric matrix plays a dual role, serving as both physical support and host for organic dopants that can optimize the light emission properties of the active 2D material.
Microenvironment‐Adaptive Metallo‐Polymeric Nanodecoys via Subcomponent Coordination for Bacterial Biofilm Eradication and Immunomodulation
Authors: Li Yuanfeng , Hua Lei , He Wei , Chen Lei , Piao Yinzi , Peng Mengna , Li Dongdong , Shi Linqi , Liu Yong
Published: May 2024

Biofilm‐associated infections pose complex challenges that require addressing the multifaceted requirements of biofilm disruption, bacterial killing, and immunomodulation. In this study, microenvironment‐adaptive metallo‐polymeric nanodecoys (MPNs) are synthesized through one‐pot subcomponent coordination in aqueous solution, effectively eradicating bacterial biofilms and modulating immune response. Within the acidic microenvironment of biofilms, the positively charged MPNs demonstrated the ability to interact with and eliminate bacteria while facilitating a Fenton‐like reaction for efficient eradication of bacterial biofilms. As the local microenvironment shifted from a neutral to a basic state during subsequent tissue healing processes, the MPNs adaptively harness the multiple properties to bind pathogen‐associated molecular patterns, scavenge reactive oxygen species, thereby modulating the immune response, alleviating inflammation, and promoting tissue healing. This study presents an efficient strategy for preparing enzyme‐mimicking materials that closely resemble natural metalloenzymes, and the MPNs offer an efficient alternative to current antibiotic treatments for biofilm‐associated infections.
Design and Application of an In Situ Traceable Nitric Oxide Donor for Promoting the Healing of Wound Infections
Authors: Wang Shasha , Zhan Jiexiang , Zhou Xiaojun , He Chuanglong , Wei Peng , Yi Tao
Published: May 2024

Therapies for wound infections require medications with antibacterial and wound‐healing functions. However, it remains a challenge to produce a single drug that can perform dual functions. Nitric oxide (NO), with its antibacterial and wound‐healing activities, is an ideal solution to address this challenge. However, many controlled‐release strategies for NO rely on external probes for tracing the release in situ, making it difficult to precisely assess the location and magnitude. To address this issue, this study describes a novel NO donor, DHU‐NO1, capable of efficiently releasing NO under mild conditions (450 nm illumination). Simultaneously, DHU‐NO1 generates the fluorophore Azure B (AZB), which enables direct, non‐consumptive tracing of the NO release by monitoring the fluorescence and absorption changes in AZB. Given that NO can be conveniently traced, the amount of released NO can be controlled during biological applications, thereby allowing both functions of NO to be performed. When applied to the affected area, DHU‐NO1, illuminated by both a simple light‐emitting diode (LED) light source and natural light, achieves significant antibacterial effects against wound infections and promotes wound healing in mice. This study offers a novel and effective approach for treating wound infections.
A Versatile Cryomicroneedle Patch for Traceable Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Li Yashi , Li Xingxing , He Gang , Ding Rui , Li Youyan , Chen Peng‐Hang , Wang Dong , Lin Jing , Huang Peng
Published: May 2024

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) continues to encounter multifarious hurdles, stemming from the ineffectual preservation and delivery system of photosensitizers, the dearth of imaging navigation, and the antioxidant/hypoxic tumor microenvironment. Herein, a versatile cryomicroneedle patch (denoted as CMN‐CCPH) is developed for traceable PDT. The therapeutic efficacy is further amplified by catalase (CAT)‐induced oxygen (O2) generation and Cu2+‐mediated glutathione (GSH) depletion. The CMN‐CCPH is composed of cryomicroneedle (CMN) as the vehicle and CAT‐biomineralized copper phosphate nanoflowers (CCP NFs) loaded with hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether (HMME) as the payload. Importantly, the bioactive function of HMME and CAT can be optimally maintained under the protection of CCPH and CMN for a duration surpassing 60 days, leading to bolstered bioavailability and notable enhancements in PDT efficacy. The in vivo visualization of HMME and oxyhemoglobin saturation (sO2) monitored by fluorescence (FL)/photoacoustic (PA) duplex real‐time imaging unveils the noteworthy implications of CMN‐delivered CCPH for intratumoral enrichment of HMME and O2 with reduced systemic toxicity. This versatile CMN patch demonstrates distinct effectiveness in neoplasm elimination, underscoring its promising clinical prospects.
Advanced Anti‐Icing Strategies and Technologies by Macrostructured Photothermal Storage Superhydrophobic Surfaces
Authors: Chu Fuqiang , Hu Zhifeng , Feng Yanhui , Lai Nien‐Chu , Wu Xiaomin , Wang Ruzhu
Published: May 2024

Water is the source of life and civilization, but water icing causes catastrophic damage to human life and diverse industrial processes. Currently, superhydrophobic surfaces (inspired by the lotus effect) aided anti‐icing attracts intensive attention due to their energy‐free property. Here, recent advances in anti‐icing by design and functionalization of superhydrophobic surfaces are reviewed. The mechanisms and advantages of conventional, macrostructured, and photothermal superhydrophobic surfaces are introduced in turn. Conventional superhydrophobic surfaces, as well as macrostructured ones, easily lose the icephobic property under extreme conditions, while photothermal superhydrophobic surfaces strongly rely on solar illumination. To address the above issues, a potentially smart strategy is found by developing macrostructured photothermal storage superhydrophobic (MPSS) surfaces, which integrate the functions of macrostructured superhydrophobic materials, photothermal materials, and phase change materials (PCMs), and are expected to achieve all‐day anti‐icing in various fields. Finally, the latest achievements in developing MPSS surfaces, showcasing their immense potential, are highlighted. Besides, the perspectives on the future development of MPSS surfaces are provided and the problems that need to be solved in their practical applications are proposed.
Insights into Sub‐Thermionic Transport in Schottky Barrier FETs
Authors: Gauhar Ghulam Ali , Bhattacharjee Shubhadeep , Badami Oves
Published: May 2024

Boltzmann carrier statistics restrict the sub‐threshold swing (SS ≥ 60 mVdec–1) and, consequently, the supply voltage (≈ 1 V) of the thermionic transistor. This primary bottleneck results in rapidly increasing power consumption, heating, and associated reliability/scalability challenges as more devices are packed into a small footprint. Despite significant efforts from the device community, a suitable sub‐thermionic alternative is yet to emerge. In this work, an attempt is made to understand the physics of Schottky barrier FETs demonstrating SS < 60 mVdec–1, as evident in some experimental results. Employing the in‐house TCAD tool, the electrostatic potential in the device is accurately modeled with the sweeping gate bias. Next, the Tsu–Esaki model is used to compute the tunneling current. The analysis shows that the steep SS results from an abrupt change in the tunneling barrier profile, from a step‐like to a triangular‐like. However, in the ON regime, the drift component begins to dominate the transfer characteristics. Thus, the subtle interplay between the drift and tunneling components of transport leads to SS < 60 mVdec–1in OFF‐state with improved in ON‐state. Finally, using the calibrated model, the performance metrics of an all‐2D material‐based CMOS inverter operating at a low VDD ≈ 0.6 V are projected.
Uncertainty resulting from constant bulk density assumption when interpreting soil nutrient concentrations
Authors: Singh Arshdeep , Kukal Meetpal S.
Published: May 2024

Soil nutrient concentrations are often expressed as parts per million (ppm) in soil test reports. For incorporation into nutrient management decisions, ppm‐based concentrations have to be converted into pounds per acre, and a conversion factor (multiplier) of 2.0 is typically recommended universally to do so. However, this conversion factor stems from an assumed value of bulk density (ρb) corresponding to silt loam soil and is invariant to any deviation beyond assumed ρb. Here, we quantify and evaluate the potential ramifications of assuming a constant ρb value on calculating soil nitrogen credits. A true dynamic conversion factor that is sensitive to variation in ρb ranges between 1.28 and 2.68 for soils across US cropland. Failure to account for this dynamic conversion factor was shown to result in an underestimation of soil N credits by up to 40%. In addition to spatial variation, management‐induced changes in ρb are also important to incorporate into the conversion factor.
Toward High Specific Energy and Long Cycle Life Li/Mn‐Rich Layered Oxide || Graphite Lithium‐Ion Batteries via Optimization of Voltage Window
Authors: Arifiadi Anindityo , Brake Tobias , Demelash Feleke , Ying Bixian , Kleiner Karin , Hur Hyuck , Wiemers‐Meyer Simon , Winter Martin , Kasnatscheew Johannes
Published: May 2024

Li/Mn‐rich layered oxide (LMR) cathode active materials promise exceptionally high practical specific discharge capacity (>250 mAh g−1) as a result of both conventional cationic and anionic oxygen redox. The latter requires electrochemical activation at high cathode potential (>4.5 V vs Li|Li+), though it is accompanied by capacity and voltage fade in the course of continuous release of lattice oxygen, layered‐to‐spinel phase transformation, redox couple shift, as well as transition metal dissolution, whereas the latter is particularly detrimental for graphite‐based anodes due to electrode crosstalk. Herein, the degradation is investigated in LMR || graphite full cells by systematically varying the voltage windows, analyzing electrochemical data and changes at the anode surface. Based on this, the optimal operational voltage window, i.e., upper and lower cutoff voltage (UCV and LCV), is elaborated to finally solve the dilemma of decent cycle life (at high UCVs) and insufficient LMR activation/capacity (at low UCV) and is shown to be superior via distinguishing between formation and postformation cycles of 4.5 and 4.3 V, respectively.
Incorporating implementation science principles into curricular design
Authors: Gottlieb Michael , Bobitt Julie , Kotini‐Shah Pavitra , Khosla Shaveta , Watson Dennis P.
Published: May 2024

Implementation science (IS) is an approach focused on increasing the application of evidence‐based health interventions into practice, through purposive and thoughtful planning to maximize uptake, scalability, and sustainability. Many of these principles can be readily applied to medical education, to help augment traditional approaches to curriculum design. In this paper, we summarize key components of IS with an emphasis on application to the medical educator.