bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inscriptions: Narrating the Spatial Dynamics of the Immaterial Interior
Authors: Wahid Arif Rahman , Paramita Kristanti Dewi , Yatmo Yandi Andri
Published: February 2021

This paper explores inscription as a projection of the spatial dynamics of a setting, beyond a historical or cultural symbol in a context, and highlights that inscription—a written or carved message on a surface—is an element that immaterially demonstrates a more in-depth narrative of an interior. This paper focuses on exploring inscriptions embedded in various production settings in Jakarta and Central Java, collecting individual and observational accounts on the production of such inscriptions and their meanings. The study suggests that inscriptions demonstrate various roles, from providing information, mediating different spaces and performing as tools to assist activities. Inscriptions may traverse the trajectories of different spaces and exist in different layers of time, creating an interior connection across space and time. These layers and trajectories project the dynamics of material and bodily processes, assembling the immaterial interior.
Spontaneous Jamming of Horizontal Semicircular Canal Combined with Canalolithiasis of Contralateral Posterior Semicircular Canal
Authors: Martellucci Salvatore , Castellucci Andrea , Malara Pasquale , Pagliuca Giulio , Clemenzi Veronica , Stolfa Andrea , Gallo Andrea , Libonati Giacinto Asprella
Published: February 2021

Spontaneous canalith jam is an uncommon form of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo mimicking acute vestibular neuritis. We described for the first time a spontaneous horizontal semicircular canalith jam associated with a typical canalolithiasis involving contralateral posterior semicircular canal (PSC), illustrating how the latter condition modified direction-fixed nystagmus during head movements. An 81-year-old woman with persistent vertigo referred to our center. Video-Frenzel examination showed horizontal direction-fixed right-beating nystagmus in primary gaze position, inhibited by visual fixation. She exhibited corrective saccades after leftward head impulses. Chin-to-chest positioning at the head-pitch test did not modify spontaneous nystagmus, whereas slight torsional components with the top pole of the eye beating toward the right ear appeared in backward head-bending, resulting in mixed horizontal-torsional nystagmus. At supine positioning tests, direction-fixed nystagmus turned into direction-changing geotropic horizontal nystagmus, which was stronger on the left side, while overlapping upbeat nystagmus with torsional right-beating components appeared on the right. Primary clinical findings were consistent with a left horizontal semicircular canalith jam, inducing a persistent utriculofugal cupular displacement, combined with a typical right-sided PSC-canalolithiasis. Once canalith jam crumbled, resulting in a non-ampullary arm canalolithiasis of the horizontal semicircular canal, both involved canals were freed by debris with appropriate repositioning procedures.
Identification of Protein Direct Interactome with Genetic Code Expansion and Search Engine OpenUaa
Authors: Liu Chao , Wu Ting , Shu Xin , Li Shang‐Tong , Wang Daniel R. , Wang Nanxi , Zhou Rong , Yang Hao , Jiang Hong , Hendriks Ivo A. , Gong Pengyun , Zhang Long , Nielsen Michael L. , Li Kui , Wang Lei , Yang Bing
Published: February 2021

Protein crosslinks occur endogenously such as modifications by ubiquitin‐like proteins for signaling, or exogenously through genetically encoded chemical crosslinkers (GECX) for studying elusive protein–protein interactions. However, it remains challenging to identify these protein crosslinks efficiently at the proteomic scale. Herein, software OpenUaa is developed for identifying protein crosslinks generated by genetically encoded unnatural amino acids and endogenous protein conjugation. OpenUaa features inclusive and open search capability, dramatically improving identification sensitivity and coverage. Integrating GECX with OpenUaa, the direct interactome of thioredoxin is identified in Escherichia coli cells, yielding 289 crosslinked peptides and corresponding to 205 direct binding protein of thioredoxin. These identified direct binders provide evidence for thioredoxin's regulation of redox state and mitochondria energy metabolism. When identifying endogenous conjugation of small ubiquitin‐like modifier (SUMO), OpenUaa also markedly improves coverage of SUMOylated peptides by ≈92%, revealing new SUMO targets. GECX–OpenUaa will enable efficient identification of direct interactomes of various proteins in live cells.
Efficient and Stable Antimony Selenoiodide Solar Cells
Authors: Nie Riming , Hu Manman , Risqi Andi Muhammad , Li Zhongping , Seok Sang Il
Published: February 2021

Although antimony selenoiodide (SbSeI) exhibits a suitable bandgap as well as interesting physicochemical properties, it has not been applied to solar cells. Here the fabrication of SbSeI solar cells is reported for the first time using multiple spin‐coating cycles of SbI3 solutions on Sb2Se3 thin layer, which is formed by thermal decomposition after depositing a single‐source precursor solution. The performance exhibits a short‐circuit current density of 14.8 mA cm−2, an open‐circuit voltage of 473.0 mV, and a fill factor of 58.7%, yielding a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 4.1% under standard air mass 1.5 global (AM 1.5 G, 100 mW cm−2). The cells retain ≈90.0% of the initial PCE even after illuminating under AM 1.5G (100 mW cm−2) for 2321 min. Here, a new approach is provided for combining selenide and iodide as anions, to fabricate highly efficient, highly stable, green, and low‐cost solar cells.
Rapid and Repetitive Inactivation of SARS‐CoV‐2 and Human Coronavirus on Self‐Disinfecting Anionic Polymers
Authors: Peddinti Bharadwaja S. T. , Downs Sierra N. , Yan Jiaqi , Smith Steven D. , Ghiladi Reza A. , Mhetar Vijay , Tocchetto Roger , Griffiths Anthony , Scholle Frank , Spontak Richard J.
Published: February 2021

While the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic affirms an urgent global need for effective vaccines as second and third infection waves are spreading worldwide and generating new mutant virus strains, it has also revealed the importance of mitigating the transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 through the introduction of restrictive social practices. Here, it is demonstrated that an architecturally‐ and chemically‐diverse family of nanostructured anionic polymers yield a rapid and continuous disinfecting alternative to inactivate coronaviruses and prevent their transmission from contact with contaminated surfaces. Operating on a dramatic pH‐drop mechanism along the polymer/pathogen interface, polymers of this archetype inactivate the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus, as well as a human coronavirus surrogate (HCoV‐229E), to the minimum detection limit within minutes. Application of these anionic polymers to frequently touched surfaces in medical, educational, and public‐transportation facilities, or personal protection equipment, can provide rapid and repetitive protection without detrimental health or environmental complications.
Drag reduction of aqueous suspensions of fine solid matter in pipe flows
Authors: Watanabe Keizo , Ogata Satoshi
Published: February 2021

It is well known that drag reduction properties of polymer solutions in pipe flows are classified into two categories, based on the relationship between the friction factor and the Reynolds number. The degree of drag reduction either increases with an increase in the Reynolds number or is independent of the Reynolds number. In the latter case, the drag reduction behavior is referred to as type B behavior. In this study, the pressure losses of aqueous suspensions of biofibers and graphene oxide flat particles in pipe flows were measured to clarify the effect of the shape of suspended fine solid matter on the friction factor. The experimental results demonstrated that the behavior of the friction factor corresponded with the type B behavior of drag reduction. The mean velocity profile in the range of the turbulent flow was also estimated from the friction factor data.
Characterizing upper limb function in the context of activities of daily living in CLN3 disease
Authors: Hildenbrand Hanna , Wickstrom Jordan , Parks Rebecca , Zampieri Cris , Nguyen Thuy‐Tien , Thurm Audrey , Jenkins Kisha , Alter Katharine E. , Matsubara Jesse , Hammond Dylan , Soldatos Ariane , Porter Forbes D. , Dang Do An N.
Published: February 2021

In CLN3 disease, impairments in motor function are frequently reported to have later onset compared to visual and cognitive decline, but upper limb motor function has yet to be explored in this population. In a cohort of 22 individuals with CLN3, we used a novel application of multiple measures to (1) characterize motor function, particularly of the upper limbs, in activities of daily living (ADLs), and (2) explore associations between motor function and age as well as visual ability, disease severity, and cognitive function, as evaluated by the Unified Batten Disease Rating Scale (UBDRS), a validated CLN3 disease measure. ADLs that required coordination, speed, and fine motor control were particularly challenging for children with CLN3 based on item‐level performance across direct assessments (Jebsen–Taylor Hand Function Test [JTHFT] and MyoSet Tools) and caregiver reports (Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory‐Computer Adaptive Testing [PEDI‐CAT] and Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System [PROMIS] Pediatric Upper Extremity). Poorer visual ability, disease severity, and cognitive function were associated with worse performance on these measures, whereas age had limited impact. These findings support the need for children with CLN3 to receive skilled clinical evaluation and treatment tailored to their individual needs, particularly in the context of ADLs, as their symptom profile progresses.
Empyema with fistula successfully treated with a comprehensive approach including bronchial blocker and embolization receiving veno‐venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Shin Kijong , Hifumi Toru , Tsugitomi Ryosuke , Isokawa Shutaro , Shimizu Masato , Otani Norio , Ishimatsu Shinichi
Published: February 2021

Background

Complicated empyema accompanied by bronchopleural fistula (BPF) has high mortality. The treatment strategy for severe respiratory failure due to empyema with BPF has yet to be established.

Case Presentation

A 70‐year‐old man was brought to our hospital and diagnosed with right empyema, BPF (at bronchi B4–10), and secondary left pneumonia. We initiated drainage followed by veno‐venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation due to the severe hypoxia. First, the patient underwent endoscopic treatment with obstructive materials (known as endobronchial Watanabe spigot [EWS]) at B8–10, and was weaned off veno‐venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation on day 7. A secondary EWS was carried out at B4–6. A combination of medical treatments (drainage, antibiotics, nutritional therapy, and rehabilitation) improved his general condition. The patient was able to leave the hospital on foot.

Conclusion

A comprehensive approach could explain the success of the medical treatment. The principal components are the repeated application of EWS as damage control.
Head positioning in suspected patients with acute stroke from prehospital to emergency department settings: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hifumi Toru , Yamakawa Kazuma , Shiba Daiki , Okazaki Tomoya , Kobata Hitoshi , Gotoh Jun , Unemoto Kyoko , Kondo Yutaka , Yokobori Shoji ,   the Japan Resuscitation Council (JRC) Neuroresuscitation Task Force and the Guidelines Editorial Committee
Published: February 2021

Aim

This study aimed to clarify whether the lying‐flat position from prehospital to emergency department settings more effectively improves neurological outcomes of patients suspected with acute stroke over the sitting‐up position.

Methods

We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Igaku Chuo Zasshi for published randomized controlled trials until September 2019. The study population included patients suspected with acute stroke from prehospital to emergency department settings. We compared outcomes between the lying‐flat position and sitting‐up position groups. The critical outcome was the modified Rankin Scale score at 90 days, and important composite outcomes were 90‐day mortality, pneumonia recurrence, and recurrent ischemic stroke. The certainty of evidence of the outcome level was compared using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach.

Results

In total, 881 studies were identified from the databases, and two randomized controlled trials were included in the analysis. The pooled risk ratio of 90‐day modified Rankin Scale score was not statistically significant (risk ratio 0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.56–1.32) between the lying‐flat position and sitting‐up position groups. When comparing the 90‐day mortality, pneumonia occurrence, and recurrent ischemic stroke, no significant differences were observed between the two groups. Risk ratio was 1.00 (95% CI 0.87–1.14), 0.90 (95% CI 0.74–1.11), and 0.81 (95% CI 0.14–4.64) for 90‐day mortality, pneumonia occurrence, and recurrent ischemic stroke, respectively.

Conclusion

This study suggests that the lying‐flat position is not more effective than the sitting‐up position in terms of 90‐day modified Rankin Scale score in patients suspected with acute stroke.
Vulcanization of chlorinated polyethylene / chloroprene rubber compounds at lower temperatures in the presence of reactive silanes
Authors: Ünügül Tuba , Karaağaç Bağdagül
Published: February 2021

Vulcanization at lower temperatures can be considered as a good alternative to reduce both investment and operation costs for cable insulation sheat and special purpose hose production lines. In this study, silane vulcanization of chlorinated polyethylene and chloroprene rubber blends at lower temperature was investigated. Rubber compounds were prepared by using internal mixer instead of an extrusion system which is widespread used for projected applications. Rheological and dynamic properties of the rubber compounds were studied. After vulcanization, physico‐mechanical, thermal, morphological and temperature scanning stress‐relaxation properties were investigated before and after thermal aging. Structural analysis was performed by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy so as to identify vulcanization reaction mechanism. All the compound compositions could be vulcanized at 110°C in the presence of water. Amino silane was found to be more effective than epoxy silane.
A polyphenolic biomacromolecule prepared from a flavonoid: Catechin as degradable microparticles
Authors: Suner Selin Sagbas , Mohapatra Subhra , Ayyala Ramesh S. , Brethanabotla Venkat R. , Sahiner Nurettin
Published: February 2021

Catechin (CAT) was crosslinked with trimethylolpropane triglycidyl ether (TMPTGE) to obtain degradable poly(CAT) particles in a single step. Spherical p(CAT) particles with tens of micrometer size range and an isoelectronic point at pH 1.2 were obtained. The hydrolytic degradation of p(CAT) particles provided sustainable and extended release with 264 mg/g CAT release within 10 days at pH 7.4. The antioxidant capacity of 55.0 ± 0.9 μg/ml gallic acid equivalent in terms of total phenol content, and 0.88 ± 0.3 μmol/g trolox equivalent were estimated for p(CAT) particles displaying strong radical scavenging capability. Blood clotting and hemolysis assays demonstrated dose‐dependent blood compatibility revealing higher blood compatibility for p(CAT) particles up to 10 μg/ml concentration. The cytotoxicity results show that p(CAT) particles have almost no toxicity for CCD841 normal colon cells at 250 μg/ml concentration in 24 h incubation time giving ~97% cell viability, whereas CAT molecules only provide ~34% cell viability.
American College of Rheumatology, American Academy of Dermatology, Rheumatologic Dermatology Society, and American Academy of Ophthalmology 2020 Joint Statement on Hydroxychloroquine Use With Respect to Retinal Toxicity
Authors: Rosenbaum James T. , Costenbader Karen H. , Desmarais Julianna , Ginzler Ellen M. , Fett Nicole , Goodman Susan M. , O’Dell James R. , Schmajuk Gabriela , Werth Victoria P. , Melles Ronald B. , Marmor Michael F.
Published: February 2021

Four major medical societies involved with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) therapy concur on the need for common principles and cooperation to minimize the risk of ocular toxicity. At a daily dosage of ≤5 mg/kg/day actual body weight, the risk of retinal toxicity from HCQ is <2% for usage up to 10 years. Widespread adoption of more sensitive testing techniques, such as optical coherence tomography and automated visual fields, by eye care providers will allow the detection of early toxicity and thus preserve the patient’s visual function. Baseline testing is advised to rule out confounding disease when a patient is started on HCQ. Annual screening with sensitive tests should begin no more than 5 years after treatment initiation. Providers should be sensitive to the medical value of HCQ, and not stop the drug for uncertain indications. It is important to note that effective communication among prescribing physicians, patients, and eye care providers will optimize the utility and safety of HCQ.
Shell‐derived chitosan as a green flocculant to harvest microalgae for biofuel production
Authors: Yin Zhihong , Hu Dan , Li Xinzhu , Zhong Yueni , Zhu Liandong
Published: February 2021

Microalgae are considered to be the feedstock for third‐generation biofuels but there are still no commercial applications of microalgae biomass. This is due to the costly harvesting process, resulting from their specific characteristics such as small cell sizes, negatively charged surfaces, and stable dispersion in culture broths. Chitosan derived from crustacean shells, as a highly efficient and non‐toxic flocculant for the harvesting of microalgae, can simultaneously achieve value‐added recycling of shell wastes and efficient flocculation of microalgal biomass. Shell‐derived chitosan is a biopolymer with a high economic value, which might promote shell waste resource utilization. Its application for microalgae harvesting also has no effect on the downstream process for biodiesel production. More than 90% of microalgal biomass can be harvested under certain conditions using chitosan as the flocculant, demonstrating a strong potential for practical application in future. The application of chitosan to flocculate microalgae still has some limitations, and efforts should be made regarding the enhancement of cost‐effectiveness, improvement of harvesting processes, scalability of practical application, and implementation of supporting policies. The contribution of this study lies in the combination of chitosan production from crustacean shell wastes and its application in microalgae harvesting, which can realize the value‐added recycling of shell wastes and efficient flocculation of microalgal biomass. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd
„Als der algoriſmus ſpricht…” – Indisch‐arabische Zahlen und der Algorismus in der Geometria Culmensis
Authors: Wiesinger Michaela
Published: February 2021

The Geometria Culmensis was written around 1400 and is one of the first known mathematical treatises in German. A textbook on land surveying, it not only uses the Hindu‐Arabic numerals throughout the text but also frequently refers to the most influential treatise on these new numbers, the Algorism. Roughly a hundred years before the first German arithmetic books, the Geometria Culmensis tries to educate laymen on the techniques found in the Algorism. This leads to some pertinent questions: How early did the Hindu‐Arabic numerals spread through the vernacular milieu in German‐speaking countries? How important was a mathematical education outside of a scholarly environment (the text refers to the necessity of teaching laymen how to measure and calculate correctly)? What does this early German mathematical language look like, knowing that the author of the Geometria Culmensis had no template from which to copy?
Diagnostic features of a non‐pigmented eccrine poroma with a collarette: Histopathological and dermoscopic correlation
Authors: Takada Tomoaki
Published: February 2021

This is a case that emphasized the need for detailed observation of the entire lesion in dermoscopic examination. Novel dermoscopic findings within a collarette.
Inexpensive Amorphous FeIII Oxo‐/Hydroxide as Highly Active and Ultradurable Electrocatalyst for Water Electrolysis
Authors: Mathi Selvam , Jayabharathi Jayaraman
Published: February 2021

Developing highly active, cost‐effective, and robust electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) still remains a crucial challenge for enhancing the conversion of sustainable energy resources. The performances of existing electrocatalysts is restricted by low electronic conductivity and the limited amount of active sites. Herein, newly synthesized FeIIIOH nanoparticles (NPs) are shown to be efficient and durable electrocatalysts for the OER reaction. FeIIIOH NP‐coated nickel foam (FeIIIOH NPs/NF) operates at an overpotential of 300 mV (@10 mA cm−2) with excellent stability even after 30 h and shows higher stability relative to a cell voltage of 1.55 V in alkaline media, which is substantially lower than the commercial electrocatalyst IrO2 (1.61 V). The FeIIIOH NPs/NF overpotential of 300 mV at 10 mA cm−2 is 89 and 127 mV lower than IrO2/NF (389 mV) and NF (427 mV), respectively. The Tafel slope of FeIIIOH NPs/NF (104 mV dec−1) is lower than IrO2/NF (164 mV dec−1) and NF (199 mV dec−1). The calculated turnover frequency (TOF) of FeIIIOH NPs (0.0128 s−1) is approximately five times higher than that of the IrO2 catalyst (0.0089 s−1) at 1.60 V. This reflects that the FeIIIOH NP catalyst is intrinsically active, giving outstanding OER performances and showing satisfactory kinetics to overcome the sluggish water oxidation rate. Solar water electrolysis shows continuous evolution of oxygen and hydrogen gas at the anode and cathode, respectively, at 1.55 V. The amount of hydrogen generated during solar water electrolysis was calculated as 3.22 mmol h−1 cm−2, which is close to the coulombic efficiency at 1.55 V. This demonstration develops the hope for superior exploration of FeIIIOH NPs/NF toward the expansion of real and large‐scale hydrogen production with the lowest price.
Biomarker‐Guided Individualization of Antibiotic Therapy
Authors: Aulin Linda B.S. , de Lange Dylan W. , Saleh Mohammed A.A. , van der Graaf Piet H. , Völler Swantje , van Hasselt J.G. Coen
Published: February 2021

Treatment failure of antibiotic therapy due to insufficient efficacy or occurrence of toxicity is a major clinical challenge, and is expected to become even more urgent with the global rise of antibiotic resistance. Strategies to optimize treatment in individual patients are therefore of crucial importance. Currently, therapeutic drug monitoring plays an important role in optimizing antibiotic exposure to reduce treatment failure and toxicity. Biomarker‐based strategies may be a powerful tool to further quantify and monitor antibiotic treatment response, and reduce variation in treatment response between patients. Host response biomarkers, such as CRP, procalcitonin, IL‐6, and presepsin, could potentially carry significant information to be utilized for treatment individualization. To achieve this, the complex interactions among immune system, pathogen, drug, and biomarker need to be better understood and characterized. The purpose of this tutorial is to discuss the use and evidence of currently available biomarker‐based approaches to inform antibiotic treatment. To this end, we also included a discussion on how treatment response biomarker data from preclinical, healthy volunteer, and patient‐based studies can be further characterized using pharmacometric and system pharmacology based modeling approaches. As an illustrative example of how such modeling strategies can be used, we describe a case study in which we quantitatively characterize procalcitonin dynamics in relation to antibiotic treatments in patients with sepsis.
From Therapeutic Drug Monitoring to Model‐Informed Precision Dosing for Antibiotics
Authors: Wicha Sebastian G. , Märtson Anne‐Grete , Nielsen Elisabet I. , Koch Birgit C.P. , Friberg Lena E. , Alffenaar Jan‐Willem , Minichmayr Iris K. ,   the International Society of Anti‐Infective Pharmacology (ISAP), the PK/PD study group of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology, Infectious Diseases (EPASG)
Published: February 2021

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) and model‐informed precision dosing (MIPD) have evolved as important tools to inform rational dosing of antibiotics in individual patients with infections. In particular, critically ill patients display altered, highly variable pharmacokinetics and often suffer from infections caused by less susceptible bacteria. Consequently, TDM has been used to individualize dosing in this patient group for many years. More recently, there has been increasing research on the use of MIPD software to streamline the TDM process, which can increase the flexibility and precision of dose individualization but also requires adequate model validation and re‐evaluation of existing workflows. In parallel, new minimally invasive and noninvasive technologies such as microneedle‐based sensors are being developed, which—together with MIPD software—have the potential to revolutionize how patients are dosed with antibiotics. Nonetheless, carefully designed clinical trials to evaluate the benefit of TDM and MIPD approaches are still sparse, but are critically needed to justify the implementation of TDM and MIPD in clinical practice. The present review summarizes the clinical pharmacology of antibiotics, conventional TDM and MIPD approaches, and evidence of the value of TDM/MIPD for aminoglycosides, beta‐lactams, glycopeptides, and linezolid, for which precision dosing approaches have been recommended.
Scary black nodes
Authors: Bharti Jyotsna Naresh , Soudamini Arsha B. , Kaushal Darwin
Published: February 2021

Anthracosis is associated with smoking, air pollution, tuberculosis infection, and exposure to biomass. Anthracosis commonly involves bronchial trees and rarely lymph nodes. We report an unusual case of a 44‐year‐old female presented with painless supraclavicular swelling for 1 month. A fine‐needle aspiration cytology examination was done from the swelling. The smears were markedly cellular and showed the presence of sheets, clusters, and singly scattered round to oval cells with mild anisonucleosis, fine to coarse chromatin, few with tiny nucleoli, and cytoplasm containing abundant black coarse pigment. At many places, the fibroblasts and lymphocytes were admixed with histiocytes containing pigment. The cell block made showed cell morphology similar to that described above for fine‐needle aspiration smears. The immunohistochemistry on the cell block and special stains helped to ascertain the nature of pigment and cell type. The final diagnosis of the anthracofibrosis lymph node was made. Due to its rarity, its awareness is a must; otherwise, it can be mistaken for metastatic deposits from malignant melanoma and can result in unnecessary surgical intervention and morbidity. However, it shall be considered one of the differential diagnoses of neck nodes in nonsmoker females with a history of domestic wood smoke exposure.
Combining kinase inhibitors for optimally co‐targeting cancer and drug escape by exploitation of drug target promiscuities
Authors: Chen Shangying , Yang Sheng Yong , Zeng Xian , Zhu Feng , Tan Ying , Jiang Yu Yang , Chen Yu Zong
Published: February 2021

Cancers resist targeted therapeutics by drug‐escape signaling. Multitarget drugs co‐targeting cancer and drug‐escape mediators (DEMs) are clinically advantageous. DEM coverage may be expanded by drug combinations. This work evaluated to what extent the kinase DEMs (KDEMs) can be optimally co‐targeted by drug combinations based on target promiscuities of individual drugs. We focused on 41 approved and 28 clinical trial small molecule kinase inhibitor drugs with available experimental kinome and clinical pharmacokinetic data. From the kinome inhibitory profiles of these drugs, drug combinations were assembled for optimally co‐targeting an established cancer target (EGFR, HER2, ABL1, or MEK1) and 9–16 target‐associated KDEMs at comparable potency levels as that against the cancer target. Each set of two‐, three‐, and four‐drug combinations co‐target 36–71%, 44–89%, 50–88%, and 27–55% KDEMs of EGFR, HER2, ABL1, and MEK1, respectively, compared with the 36, 33, 38, and 18% KDEMs maximally co‐targeted by an existing drug or drug combination approved or clinically tested for the respective cancer. Some co‐targeted KDEMs are not covered by any existing drug or drug combination. Our work suggested that novel drug combinations may be constructed for optimally co‐targeting cancer and drug escape by the exploitation of drug target promiscuities.
Stress‐induced plasma cortisol concentrations in infancy are associated with later parenting behaviors in female rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Wood Elizabeth K. , Halter Colt M. , Gabrielle Natalia , Capitanio John P. , Higley James Dee
Published: February 2021

Few studies have longitudinally assessed the relationship between infant stress reactivity and future parenting style. Studies show that stress‐induced plasma cortisol concentrations are stable over development and that they can be utilized as a marker for stress reactivity. This study investigates the relationship between stress‐induced plasma cortisol concentrations in infancy and later parenting behavior in a translational nonhuman primate model. We hypothesized that higher stress‐induced cortisol levels in infancy would predict impairments in maternal behaviors in adulthood. Subjects were rhesus macaque females (N = 122; Macaca mulatta), assessed as infants and again as mothers. At 3–4 months of age, subjects underwent a standardized BioBehavioral Assessment during which blood samples were obtained and they were assessed for behaviorally inhibition. Approximately 7 years later, subjects were observed as they interacted with their own offspring for four 300‐s sessions. Typical rhesus monkey mother‐offspring behaviors were recorded, including approaches and leaves and maternal cradling. Results showed that subjects' stress‐induced cortisol concentrations and whether they exhibited behavioral inhibition as infants predicted later maternal behavior, with high cortisol concentrations and behavioral inhibition predicting high rates of offspring approaches and leaves and low rates of maternal cradling. Results also showed that higher stress‐induced cortisol concentrations in infancy predicted higher scores on the Brown Index, an indication that the subjects' offspring, rather than the subject themselves, initiated changes in proximity. Taken together, these results suggest that individuals that exhibit higher stress‐induced cortisol concentrations and behavioral inhibition at 3–4 months of age are at risk for engaging in less sensitive parenting behaviors as adults. To the extent that these findings generalize to humans, they suggest an important link between stress‐induced cortisol concentrations and behavioral inhibition in infancy and behavior later in life, such that early‐life stress reactivity can serve as a marker for later parenting behavior.
Axon–glia interactions in the ascending auditory system
Authors: Kohrman David C. , Borges Beatriz C. , Cassinotti Luis R. , Ji Lingchao , Corfas Gabriel
Published: February 2021

The auditory system detects and encodes sound information with high precision to provide a high‐fidelity representation of the environment and communication. In mammals, detection occurs in the peripheral sensory organ (the cochlea) containing specialized mechanosensory cells (hair cells) that initiate the conversion of sound‐generated vibrations into action potentials in the auditory nerve. Neural activity in the auditory nerve encodes information regarding the intensity and frequency of sound stimuli, which is transmitted to the auditory cortex through the ascending neural pathways. Glial cells are critical for precise control of neural conduction and synaptic transmission throughout the pathway, allowing for the precise detection of the timing, frequency, and intensity of sound signals, including the sub‐millisecond temporal fidelity is necessary for tasks such as sound localization, and in humans, for processing complex sounds including speech and music. In this review, we focus on glia and glia‐like cells that interact with hair cells and neurons in the ascending auditory pathway and contribute to the development, maintenance, and modulation of neural circuits and transmission in the auditory system. We also discuss the molecular mechanisms of these interactions, their impact on hearing and on auditory dysfunction associated with pathologies of each cell type.
Alignment of ordinal and quantitative species abundance and size indices for the detection of shifting baseline syndrome
Authors: Lyver Phil O’B. , Timoti Puke , Richardson Sarah J. , Gormley Andrew M.
Published: February 2021

Loss of knowledge about historical environmental conditions and species’ abundances threatens how new generations potentially perceive their environment and take action. The intergenerational shift in perceptions of environmental thresholds is a phenomenon frequently termedshifting baseline syndrome(SBS). The goals of this study were (1) to determine relationships between ordinal scores (e.g., few, many) and quantitative measures (e.g., estimates of population size) used by members of a Māori community in New Zealand to score indicators for understanding the abundance of forest resources, and (2) to then analyze these relationships according to people’s age to detect the effects of SBS and the rate that this shift was occurring for each indicator. We detected consistent relationships between the ordinal scores and quantitative measures for six forest indicators provided by community members. However, there was only a high degree of confidence about the direction of the age effect for three abundance indicators (Kererū [New Zealand Pigeon],Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae, 15% increase [CI = 5.1–27.1%] in flock size for any given ordinal category for each decade increase in age; long‐finned eel,Anguilla dieffenbachia, 30% decrease [CI = −45.1% to −11.3%] in the distance (m) walked along a riverbank between observations of an eel for any given ordinal category for each decade increase in age; and Australian brush‐tailed possum,Trichosurus vulpecula, 27% decrease [CI = −38.9% to −13.9%] in the distance (m) walked through forest between observations of possum sign for any given ordinal category for each decade increase in age), but the effect was statistically strong for all three. The decoupling of indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLC) from their traditional lands and biodiversity by an array of political, environmental, social and economic drivers and feedback mechanisms have contributed to and exacerbated the conditions for SBS. However, the protection of customary practices to engage with the environment, including the harvest of natural resources, community‐based environmental monitoring initiatives, and cultural immersion education programs offer opportunities for IPLC to mitigate the often deleterious effects of SBS.
Seasonal impoundment alters patterns of tidal wetland plant diversity across spatial scales
Authors: Jones Scott F. , Janousek Christopher N. , Casazza Michael L. , Takekawa John Y. , Thorne Karen M.
Published: February 2021

Understanding patterns of biodiversity is a key goal of ecology and is especially pressing in the current human‐caused biodiversity crisis. In wetland ecosystems, human impacts are centered around hydrologic manipulation including the common practice of wetland diking and impoundment. Constraining how wetland management influences plant biodiversity patterns across spatial scales will provide information on how best to modify actions to preserve biodiversity and ecosystem function in managed wetlands. Here, we compare patterns of plant diversity and species presence, abundance, and community composition at several spatial scales among tidal wetlands along an estuarine salinity gradient and managed wetlands that were formerly tidal. Managed impounded wetlands had decreased alpha and gamma diversity of rare species, with less than 60% of the species richness found in tidal brackish wetlands at several spatial scales. There was little change in the overall pattern of alpha, beta, and gamma diversity for common species in impounded wetlands; however, dominant tidal brackish species, primarily perennial rhizomatous graminoids, were replaced with management target plants and non‐native annual grasses in impounded wetlands. This species replacement led to over 60% of impounded sites being classified as containing novel plant assemblages. An additional 25% of impounded sites were classified as containing tidal saline plant assemblages, suggesting potential soil salinization. Along the estuarine gradient, patchiness and codominance of common plant species drove high diversity and turnover in tidal brackish wetlands, while it remains unclear whether tidal fresh or brackish wetlands maximize rare plant diversity. With reduced species richness, altered functional dominants, and novel or saline assemblages, impounded brackish wetlands may require careful water management to balance native plant biodiversity, associated ecosystem processes, and waterfowl requirements.
Synergistic interactions between detritivores disappear under reduced rainfall
Authors: Joly François‐Xavier , McAvoy Euan , Subke Jens‐Arne
Published: February 2021

Understanding the consequences of altered rainfall patterns on litter decomposition is critical to predicting the feedback effect of climate change on atmospheric CO2 concentrations. Although their effect on microbial decomposition has received considerable attention, their effect on litter fragmentation by detritivores, the other dominant decomposition pathway, remains largely unexplored. Particularly, it remains unclear how different detritivore species and their interactions respond to changes in rainfall quantity and frequency. To fill this knowledge gap, we determined the contribution to litter decomposition of two detritivore species (millipede and isopod), separately and in combination, under contrasting rainfall quantity and frequency in a temperate forest. Although halving rainfall quantity and frequency decreased topsoil moisture by 7.8 and 13.1%, respectively, neither millipede‐ nor isopod‐driven decomposition were affected by these changes. In contrast, decomposition driven by both detritivore species in combination was 65.5% higher than expected based on monospecific treatments under high rainfall quantity, but unchanged or even lower under low rainfall quantity. This indicates that although detritivore activity is relatively insensitive to changes in rainfall patterns, large synergistic interactions between detritivore species may disappear under future rainfall patterns. Incorporating interspecific interactions between decomposers thus seems critical to evaluate the sensitivity of decomposition to altered rainfall patterns.
Efficacy of transforaminal epidural magnesium administration when combined with a local anaesthetic and steroid in the management of lower limb radicular pain
Authors: Awad Mohammed , Raouf Mina M. , Mikhail Hany K. , Megalla Sohair A. , Hamawy Tamer Y. , Mohamed Ahmed H.
Published: February 2021

Background

Lower limb radicular pain resulting from a herniated intervertebral disc is a cause of functional disability and could lead to increased consumption of opioids. We evaluated the efficacy of epidural magnesium combined with a local anaesthetic and steroid in the management of this pain.

Methods

This was a prospective, case‐control, randomized, double‐blind study. Fifty patients each received 2 ml bupivacaine, 1 ml (40 mg) methylprednisolone and 1 ml saline (0.9%) (group C) or magnesium (200 mg) instead of saline (group M). The primary outcome measure was the improvement in the pain score (assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS)), and the secondary outcome was the improvement in the functional ability (assessed using the Modified Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (MODQ)). The VAS and MODQ scores were assessed before and at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month and 3 months post‐intervention.

Results

The VAS and MODQ scores were significantly better in group M compared to those in group C at all times post‐injection (p‐value < 0.001). Comparisons within the same group showed that the VAS and MODQ scores were significantly better at all post‐injection time points compared to the pre‐injection scores in both group C and group M (p‐values < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Adding magnesium to a local anaesthetic and steroid to be injected in the transforaminal epidural space could improve the pain and the quality of life in patients suffering from lower limb radicular pain due to lumbo‐sacral disc herniation, and this improvement could last for up to 3 months.

Significance

Magnesium is efficient when added to local anaesthetics and steroids for management of lower limb radicular pain.
Study of an Mg90Y7Zn3 alloy (WZ73) in sodium chloride solution — An analysis by correlated polarization and climate chamber testing
Authors: Hornig Robert , Mandel Marcel , Krüger Lutz , Bräunling Sven
Published: February 2021

In the present work, the corrosion behavior of a twin‐roll cast WZ73 magnesium alloy is investigated by potentiodynamic polarization and climate chamber tests in different sodium chloride solutions. The corrosion parameters Ecorr and jcorr are extracted from the polarization curves, and the critical concentration for the initiation of pitting corrosion is thus identified. The critical concentration for the initiation of pitting is confirmed by means of climate chamber tests. As a consequence, the WZ73 magnesium alloy is found to be highly susceptible to pitting corrosion in sodium chloride solutions of concentrations higher than 10−4 mol/L. Moreover, when the NaCl concentration increases, the corrosion mechanism changes from pitting to filiform corrosion, which is attributed to micro‐galvanic effects. At low NaCl concentrations, the corrosion attack remains localized. When the NaCl concentration increases, pitting occurs and, in addition to the pits that form, micro‐galvanic corrosion leads to filiform corrosion attack. This is caused by the electrochemical potential of the long period stacking ordered phase, which is higher than that of the α‐Mg matrix. Consequently, the corrosion attack is focused on the phase boundary between the α‐matrix and LPSO phases.
Hydration reactivity enhancement of calcium oxide–based media for thermochemical energy storage
Authors: Guo Rui , Funayama Shigehiko , Kim Seon Tae , Harada Takuya , Takasu Hiroki , Kato Yukitaka
Published: February 2021

The calcium oxide/water/calcium hydroxide system is a promising material system for thermochemical energy storage (TCES). Its high reactivity under various experimental conditions during the cyclic operation of heat storage‐and‐release is a key challenge for practical applications. In this study, we developed a new type of highly durable TCES medium with hydration reactivity enhancement. The composite materials were prepared by heat treatment of a mixture of calcium carbonate and additives, consisting of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and a silane coupling agent, bis(3‐triehoxysilylpropyl) pertetrasulfide (SCA). The kinetic performances of the composites and CaO were compared. It was observed that the additives promoted hydration reactivity at 450°C and 70 kPa, and 0.6 wt% composite exhibited the highest thermal output. Furthermore, it was found that the enhancement in hydration reactivity was affected by the experimental conditions as significant enhancements were observed when the experimental conditions were closer to equilibrium, while almost no enhancement was observed when the conditions were far from equilibrium or at a high vapor partial pressure. Sample characterization via X‐ray diffractometry and scanning electron microscopy revealed that the agglomeration of CaO particle grains was alleviated by pinning effects, and the component that enhanced the hydration reactivity was identified as Ca2SiO4 nanoparticles.
Plant pirates of the Caribbean: is Cuba sheltered by its revolutionary economy?
Authors: Brown Meghan E , Oviedo Prieto Ramona , Corbin Jeffrey D , Ness Joshua H , Borroto-Páez Rafael , McCay Timothy S , S Farnsworth May
Published: February 2021

Cuba – a large, habitat‐rich island that has cultivated economic self‐sufficiency – is tethered between contrasting predictions of non‐native species diversity. A high capacity for colonization is prognosticated by its biogeography; muted introduction of organisms is predicted by its low dependence on imports and tourism, as economic openness is understood to drive modern species redistribution. We document that Cuba has hundreds fewer regionally invasive plants than expected for its area, and its invasive assemblage deviates from other large Caribbean islands. Across dozens of Caribbean islands, area combined with tourism (not trade) predicted 90% of regional‐invasive‐plant richness. Although Cuba is a latecomer to the post‐1960s rise of tourism and merchandise imports, the country is currently experiencing rapid growth in tourism and expansion of commercial ports. Concurrent, forward‐looking policies could limit new introductions from sources such as escaped horticultural species and accidental transport by tourists, which are salient considerations with prospects for normalized trade and travel between Cuba and the US (the Caribbean’s dominant importer and tourism market). Note: a Spanish‐language version of the abstract is provided in WebPanel 3.
Coral conservation requires ecological climate‐change vulnerability assessments
Authors: Dixon Adele M , Forster Piers M , Beger Maria
Published: February 2021

Climate‐driven changes to environmental conditions are driving severe declines of coral reef ecosystems. Current climate vulnerability estimates commonly focus on ocean warming and typically overlook ecological responses or use broad proxies to represent responses, leading to management decisions based on incomplete views of coral reef futures. We explore four underdeveloped aspects of climate vulnerability assessments and make the following recommendations: (1) use climate projections based on changes in global warming as future scenarios in place of the more common emissions scenarios; (2) include available high‐resolution projections for climate variables in addition to thermal stress; (3) combine projected climate stressors accounting for uncertainty in future outcomes; and (4) quantitatively assess historical and project future ecological sensitivity and adaptive capacity of corals to multiple stressors. We demonstrate how this framework can be used to reduce uncertainty in projected climate vulnerability and facilitate targeted investment in managing reefs most likely to endure climatic disturbances.