bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Multifault‐Tolerant Training Scheme for Nonideal Memristive Neural Networks
Authors: Chen Yihong , Fan Zhen , Dong Shuai , Qin Minghui , Zeng Min , Lu Xubing , Zhou Gougu , Gao Xingsen , Liu Jun-Ming
Published: February 2022

Memristor crossbar is extensively investigated as an energy‐efficient accelerator for neural network (NN) computations. However, hardware implementation of NNs using realistic memristors is challenging due to the ubiquity of faults (mainly classified into hard and soft faults) in memristors. Herein, a hardware‐friendly, low‐power multifault‐tolerant training (MFTT) scheme capable of addressing both hard and soft faults simultaneously for memristive NNs is proposed. The MFTT scheme consists of multifault detection, targeted weight pruning, and in situ training with the Manhattan update rule. Specifically, multifault detection is first conducted to detect both hard and large soft faults. The detected faulty weights are subsequently pruned to prevent them from disturbing the NN. The sparsified NN after pruning is in situ trained so that the hard and large soft faults can be effectively tolerated using the sparsity and self‐adaptivity of NNs. In addition, the remaining small soft faults can be well tolerated by the Manhattan update rule. Experimentally, MFTT demonstrates the lowest accuracy losses among several representative fault‐tolerant schemes not only in the hard fault‐only (when the hard fault ratio exceeds 10%) and soft fault‐only (when the soft faults are large) cases, but also in the case where both types of faults coexist.
Training Method for Accurate Off‐Chip Training of One‐Selector‐One‐Resistor Crossbar Array with Nonlinearity and Wire Resistance
Authors: Kim Jihun , Woo Hyo Cheon , Lee Sunwoo , Lee Byeol Jun , Park Taegyun , Hwang Cheol Seong
Published: February 2022

This work provides an off‐chip training method for a one‐selector‐one‐resistor (1S1R) crossbar array (CBA) device with wire resistance (rcc) and nonlinear conductance (g
i,j) of 1S1R devices for hardware neural network (HNN) applications. An iterative method is introduced to calculate the node voltages of the 1S1R CBA, which arises from the variable voltage drop through the wires with rcc and g
i,j. Several mathematical approximations are introduced for fast and efficient calculation. The proposed method trains the HNN to have an inference accuracy of 85.9%, whereas the inference accuracy of HNN without the rcc consideration drops to 38.5%. The inference running time with the proposed method is 1% of the HSPICE‐based simulation for the given HNN structure. As the rcc increases, the inference accuracy declines due to the decreased device voltage from the target values. The worst voltage model is adopted to identify the design factors that affected the accuracy. A CBA with a size almost three times larger can be used for the HNN if the rcc is appropriately addressed under the given device conditions.
Weit verbreitete bifunktionelle, bakterielle Cytochrom P450 Enzyme katalysieren sowohl eine intramolekulare C−C‐Bindung incyclo‐l‐Tyr‐l‐Tyr als auch dessen Verknüpfung mit Nukleinbasen
Authors: Liu Jing , Harken Lauritz , Yang Yiling , Xie Xiulan , Li Shu‐Ming
Published: February 2022

Modifizierende Enzyme spielen eine wichtige Rolle in der Biosynthese von Naturstoffen. Wir berichten hier über sechs orthologe Gencluster mit jeweils zwei Genen für die Biosynthese von Mycocyclosin und Guatyromycinen. Die Expression der CyclodipeptidsynthasegenegymA1–gymA6inEscherichia coliführte zur Produktion voncyclo‐l‐Tyr‐l‐Tyr als Hauptprodukt. Durch Rekonstruktion des Biosynthesewegs inStreptomyces albusin Kombination mit biochemischen Untersuchungen konnte bewiesen werden, dass die Cytochrom P450 Enzyme sowohl als intramolekulare Oxidasen, wie auch als Nukleinbasen‐Transferasen agieren. Sie katalysieren nicht nur die oxidative C−C Verknüpfung innerhalb voncyclo‐l‐Tyr‐l‐Tyr, woraus Mycocyclosin resultiert, sondern auch dessen Verbindung mit Guanin und Hypoxanthin. Somit sind sie verantwortlich für die Entstehung der tyrosinhaltigen Guatyromycine, anstatt der bisher bekannten tryptophanhaltigen Nukleinbasen‐Addukte. Phylogenetische Daten lassen vermuten, dass es mindestens 47 solcher orthologen GymBs gibt. Dies spricht für eine weitverbreitete Enzymklasse.
Widely Distributed Bifunctional Bacterial Cytochrome P450 Enzymes Catalyze both Intramolecular C−C Bond Formation incyclo‐l‐Tyr‐l‐Tyr and Its Coupling with Nucleobases
Authors: Liu Jing , Harken Lauritz , Yang Yiling , Xie Xiulan , Li Shu‐Ming
Published: February 2022

Tailoring enzymes are important modification biocatalysts in natural product biosynthesis. We report herein six orthologous two‐gene clusters for mycocyclosin and guatyromycine biosynthesis. Expression of the cyclodipeptide synthase genesgymA1–gymA6inEscherichia coliresulted in the formation ofcyclo‐l‐Tyr‐l‐Tyr as the major product. Reconstruction of the biosynthetic pathways inStreptomyces albusand biochemical investigation proved that the cytochrome P450 enzymes GymB1–GymB6act as both intramolecular oxidases and intermolecular nucleobase transferases. They catalyze not only the oxidative C−C coupling withincyclo‐l‐Tyr‐l‐Tyr, leading to mycocyclosin, but also its connection with guanine and hypoxanthine, and are thus responsible for the formation of tyrosine‐containing guatyromycines, instead of the reported tryptophan‐nucleobase adducts. Phylogenetic data suggest the presence of at least 47 GymB orthologues, indicating the occurrence of a widely distributed enzyme class.
Textbook typologies: Challenging the myth of the perfect obstetric pelvis
Authors: VanSickle Caroline , Liese Kylea L. , Rutherford Julienne N.
Published: February 2022

Medical education's treatment of obstetric‐related anatomy exemplifies historical sex bias in medical curricula. Foundational obstetric and midwifery textbooks teach that clinical pelvimetry and the Caldwell–Moloy classification system are used to assess the pelvic capacity of a pregnant patient. We describe the history of these techniques—ostensibly developed to manage arrested labors—and offer the following criticisms. The sample on which these techniques were developed betrays the bias of the authors and does not represent the sample needed to address their interest in obstetric outcomes. Caldwell and Moloy wrote as though the size and shape of the bony pelvis are the primary causes of “difficult birth”; today we know differently, yet books still present their work as relevant. The human obstetric pelvis varies in complex ways that are healthy and normal such that neither individual clinical pelvimetric dimensions nor the artificial typologies developed from these measurements can be clearly correlated with obstetric outcomes. We critique the continued inclusion of clinical pelvimetry and the Caldwell–Moloy classification system in biomedical curricula for the racism that was inherent in the development of these techniques and that has clinical consequences today. We call for textbooks, curricula, and clinical practices to abandon these outdated, racist techniques. In their place, we call for a truly evidence‐based practice of obstetrics and midwifery, one based on an understanding of the complexity and variability of the physiology of pregnancy and birth. Instead of using false typologies that lack evidence, this change would empower both pregnant people and practitioners.
Fermentation optimization of surfactin production of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens HM618
Authors: Liu Song , Tang Min‐Hui , Cheng Jing‐Sheng
Published: February 2022

This work isolated a strain named Bacillus amyloliquefaciens HM618 from the soil, which can inhibit the growths of Botrytis cinerea, Rhizoctonia solani, and Escherichia coli DH5α. Based on the results of response surface methodology, the surfactin levels of strain HM618 were elevated from 0.724 to 1.876 g/L and 0.995 to 1.888 g/L under the pure culture with the optimized medium (containing 62.39 g/L sucrose, 15.06 g/L yeast extracts, and 3.27 g/L aspartate) and under the coculture of strains HM618 and Bacillus subtilis 168 with the optimized medium (containing 50.52 g/L sucrose, 19.76 g/L yeast extracts, and 1.02 g/L glutamate), respectively. Additionally, influences of nonconstitutive amino acids involved in the biosynthesis of surfactin were also explored. The highest surfactin level reached 2.04 g/L after adding 3.0 g/L exogenous ornithine. However, the surfactin production of strain HM618 was significantly inhibited after adding the mixtures of nonconstitutive amino acids.
C‐reactive protein levels in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A systematic review
Authors: Kharel Sanjeev , Ojha Rajeev , Preethish‐Kumar Veeramani , Bhagat Riwaj
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting cortical and spinal motor neurons. There is a lack of optimal biomarkers to diagnose and prognosticate the ALS patients. C‐reactive protein (CRP), an inflammatory marker, has shown promising results in ALS patients.

Materials and methods

PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar databases were searched from 2000 to June 1, 2021 for suitable studies showing the relationship between CRP and ALS. The concentration of CRP levels was assessed between ALS patients and controls. Further, end outcomes like ALS functional rating scale (ALSFRS‐R), survival status, and mortality risks were assessed in relation to CRP levels.

Results

Eleven studies including five case–control, five cohorts, and one randomized control study were assessed. There were 2785 ALS patients and 3446 healthy controls. A significant increment in CRP levels among ALS patients in comparison with healthy controls were seen in most of the studies. ALSFRS‐R and disease progression were found to be significantly correlated with CRP levels. Overall accuracy of CRP in CSF was 62% described in a single study.

Conclusion

Although CRP has shown promise as a prognostic biomarker, extensive cohort studies are required to assess its prognostic value and accuracy in diagnosing ALS taking into account the confounding factors.
Venous thromboembolism and radiation therapy: The final radiation‐induced thrombosis study analysis
Authors: Daguenet Elisabeth , Maison Mathilde , Tinquaut Fabien , Giroux Eric‐Alban , Bertoletti Laurent , Suchaud Jean‐Philippe , Rancoule Chloé , Guy Jean‐Baptiste , Magné Nicolas
Published: February 2022

Background

Thromboembolic events frequently complicate the course of malignancy and represent a major cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer patients. In contrast to chemotherapy and other systemic therapies, little is known about the impact of ionizing radiations on the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in cancer patients.

Methods

In the present prospective study, we aimed to investigate the incidence, management, and outcome of VTE in newly diagnosed cancer patients who received curative radiotherapy.

Results

VTE was found in 8 patients, out of 401 patients at a median time of 80 days after radiotherapy initiation. The incidence rate of VTE at 6 months post‐treatment was 2% (95% CI, 0.9–3.7), with 50% of cases occurring during the radiotherapy course and 50% of cases in patients who received or were receiving chemotherapy. As none of the patients harbored a personal history of VTE, no prophylactic measure was initiated during cancer therapy. Most patients received monotherapy with low‐molecular‐weight heparin and were still on surveillance at the end of the study. No specific clinical risk factor was identified that might systematically indicate the need of thromboprophylaxis in the context of curative radiotherapy.

Conclusions

Although this pan‐cancer descriptive study did not relate an increased risk of short‐term thrombosis following ionizing radiation, it provides important insight as a basis for future studies with subcategories of cancer, in order to in fine guide further recommendations in frail patients.

Clinical trial registration number

NCT02696447.
Selective Display of a Chemoattractant Agonist on Cancer Cells Activates the Formyl Peptide Receptor 1 on Immune Cells**
Authors: Sikorski Eden L. , Wehr Janessa , Ferraro Noel J. , Rizzo Sophia M. , Pires Marcos M. , Thévenin Damien
Published: February 2022

Current immunotherapeutics often work by directing components of the immune system to recognize biomarkers on the surface of cancer cells to generate an immune response. However, variable changes in biomarker distribution and expression can result in inconsistent patient response. The development of a more universal tumor‐homing strategy has the potential to improve selectivity and extend therapy to cancers with decreased expression or absence of specific biomarkers. Here, we designed a bifunctional agent that exploits the inherent acidic microenvironment of most solid tumors to selectively graft the surface of cancer cells with a formyl peptide receptor ligand (FPRL). Our approach is based on the pH(Low) insertion peptide (pHLIP), a unique peptide that selectively targets tumors in vivo by anchoring to cancer cells in a pH‐dependent manner. We establish that selectively remodeling cancer cells with a pHLIP‐based FPRL activates formyl peptide receptors on recruited immune cells, potentially initiating an immune response towards tumors.
Manganese Oxides (Mn3O4 & α‐MnO2) as Co‐catalysts in Pd‐Based Nanomaterials for the Ethylene Glycol Electro‐Oxidation.
Authors: Arjona Noé , Espinosa‐Magaña Francisco , Bañuelos Jennifer A. , Álvarez‐Contreras Lorena , Guerra‐Balcázar Minerva
Published: February 2022

Incorporation of α‐MnO2 and Mn3O4 during the synthesis of Pd nanoparticles promoted better particle anchoring. Especially the Mn single spinel (Mn3O4) decreased the Pd particle size from ∼10 nm (obtained for Pd/C and Pd/α‐MnO2) to 4.4 nm. HR‐TEM and XPS analysis confirmed electronic changes from a better interaction between Pd and Mn3O4, decreasing the energy barriers for alcohol oxidation, obtaining the lowest apparent activation energy (15.54 kJ mol−1) and resistance to charge transfer (1.44 Ω cm2). The Pd/Mn3O4/C electrocatalyst displayed a current density of 334.74 mA cm−2 at 2 M EG+2 M KOH with an onset potential of −0.32 V vs. NHE. This current density was 2.2 and 3.6‐fold higher than that obtained using Pd/C and Pd/α‐MnO2/C. Further tests using sorbitol and glycerol as fuels revealed that maximum current densities of 255.2 and 472.9 mA cm−2 can be achieved.
Penalized likelihood ratio test for a biomarker threshold effect in clinical trials based on generalized linear models
Authors: Gavanji Parisa , Jiang Wenyu , Chen Bingshu E.
Published: February 2022

In a clinical trial, the responses to the new treatment may vary among patient subsets with different characteristics in a biomarker. It is often necessary to examine whether there is a cutpoint for the biomarker that divides the patients into two subsets of those with more favourable and less favourable responses. More generally, we approach this problem as a test of homogeneity in the effects of a set of covariates in generalized linear regression models. The unknown cutpoint results in a model with nonidentifiability and a nonsmooth likelihood function to which the ordinary likelihood methods do not apply. We first use a smooth continuous function to approximate the indicator function defining the patient subsets. We then propose a penalized likelihood ratio test to overcome the model irregularities. Under the null hypothesis, we prove that the asymptotic distribution of the proposed test statistic is a mixture of chi‐squared distributions. Our method is based on established asymptotic theory, is simple to use, and works in a general framework that includes logistic, Poisson, and linear regression models. In extensive simulation studies, we find that the proposed test works well in terms of size and power. We further demonstrate the use of the proposed method by applying it to clinical trial data from the Digitalis Investigation Group (DIG) on heart failure.
Hemangiopericytoma: Conducts and perioperative management of an extent sinonasal tumor in a Jehovah's Witnesses patient ‐ Case report
Authors: Amorim Filho Francisco S. , Gripp Flávio M. , Faria Guilherme S. , Capuzzo Gonçalves Mateus , Miyahira Lincoln
Published: February 2022

Background

Hemangiopericytomas (HPCs) are rare tumors derived from mesenchymal cells with pericyte differentiation. About 5% of head and neck HPCs occur in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. Due to its rarity, rich vascularity and variable biological behavior, its management is a challenge in itself.

Case

We report a case of sinonasal HPC in a Jehovah's Witness patient and discuss the obstacles and care related to the restrictions and therapeutic challenges involved in the approach to the patient. The patient was successfully treated by endoscopic endonasal approach with all per‐operative care and restrictions being respected and attended.

Conclusions

The management of HPC by itself involves challenges and when associated with other restrictive conditions attention and care are required.
Visible‐Light‐Triggered Actuators Based on the Molecular Crystals of Anthracenecarbonitrile Undergoing Reversible [4+4] Cycloaddition
Authors: Shu Yuanhong , Sun Jingbo , Yue Yuan , Ye Kaiqi , Lu Ran
Published: February 2022

The photomechanical effects of crystals of halogen‐substituted 9‐anthracenecarbonitrile were investigated. The needle‐like crystals of 10‐fluoroanthracene‐9‐carbonitrile (FCNA) bend rapidly under irradiation with 365 nm, 410 nm light and even white light, and the bent crystal could almost recover to its original shape upon exposure to 254 nm light or heating. The reversible photo‐induced mechanical behaviors originated from [4+4] cycloaddition and the reverse reaction. This type of photoactuator, in response to light irradiation over a broad wavelength range from UV to the visible region, might have important applications in biomimetic systems, biomedicine, artificial muscles, and smart microrobotics. The rapid photo‐induced mechanical movements of the crystals inspired us to fabricate a hybrid polymer film of polyvinylidene difluoride incorporated with the microcrystals of FCNA, which not only showed bending toward or away from the light source depending on the initial bending direction of the film, but also could lift small objects induced by remote light.
Growing Biomorphic Transition Metal Dichalcogenides and Their Alloys Toward High Permeable Membranes and Efficient Electrocatalysts Applications
Authors: Zhu Lijie , Huan Yahuan , Zhang Zhaoqian , Yang Pengfei , Hu Jingyi , Shi Yuping , Cui Fangfang , Zhang Yanfeng
Published: February 2022

3D architecratured transition metal dichalcogenides constructed by atomically thin layers are appealing building blocks in various applications, such as catalysts, energy storage, conversions, sensors, and so on. However, the direct growth of 3D transition metal dichalcogenides architectures with high crystal quality and well‐controlled size/thickness remains a huge challenge. Herein, we report a facile, highly‐repeatable, and versatile chemical vapor deposition strategy, for the mass production of high‐quality 3D‐architecratured transition metal dichalcogenides (e.g., MoS2, WS2, and ReS2) and their alloys (e.g., WxMo(1–x)S2 and RexMo(1–x)S2) nanosheets on naturally abundant and low‐cost diatomite templates. Particularly, the purified transition metal dichalcogenides products exhibit unique and designable 3D biomorphic hierarchical microstructures, controllable layer thicknesses, tailorable chemical compositions, and good crystallinities. The weak interlayer interactions endow them with good dispersity in solutions to form stable additive‐free inks for solution‐processing‐based applications, for example, high‐permeable and high‐stable separation membranes for water purification, and efficient electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reactions. This work paves ways for the low‐cost, mass production of versatile transition metal dichalcogenides powder‐like materials with designable structures and properties, toward energy/environmental‐related applications and beyond.
Mesoporosity and nitrogen doping: The leading effect in oxygen reduction reaction activity and selectivity at nitrogen‐doped carbons prepared by using polyethylene oxide‐block‐polystyrene as a sacrificial template
Authors: Mazzucato Marco , Daniel Giorgia , Perazzolo Valentina , Brandiele Riccardo , Rizzi Gian Andrea , Isse Abdirisak Ahmed , Gennaro Armando , Durante Christian
Published: February 2022

Four mesoporous carbons (MCs) with tunable pore size were synthesized by soft template synthesis, employing a resorcinol‐formaldehyde resin as a carbon precursor and a polyethylene oxide‐block‐polystyrene block copolymer as a sacrificial template in which the length of the polystyrene block (165, 300, 500, and 1150 units) allowed the modulation of the surface area of MCs (567, 582, 718 and 840 m2 g−1, respectively). The complete set of MCs was also doped with nitrogen by ball milling in the presence of cyanamide and stabilized in a second thermal treatment at 750°C, leading to nitrogen content of ∼2.65% in all samples. The two sets of MCs were used for evaluating both the effect of textural properties and nitrogen doping in the electrochemical reduction of oxygen in acid electrolytes. Each catalyst was characterized by means of elemental analysis and N2 physisorption analysis, whereas the selected series of samples were also characterized by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP‐MS), and Raman analysis. Voltammetric rotating ring‐disk measurements in 0.5 M H2SO4 demonstrated that the catalytic activity for the O2 reduction scales with the surface area in the non‐doped series, and also the selectivity for the two‐electron process leading to H2O2 increases in the samples having wider pores and higher surface area, even if the leading mechanism is the tetraelectronic process leading to H2O. The doping with nitrogen leads to a general increase of the catalytic activity with a shift of the O2 peak potential to more positive values of 75–150 mV. In the doped series, nitrogen doping prevails on the textural properties for guiding the selectivity toward the two‐ or four‐electron process, since a similar H2O2 yield was observed for all N‐MC samples. The possible presence of FeNx sites derived from the ball milling fixation of nitrogen was evaluated by using the NO‐stripping technique.
Evolution of the analytical signal in electrochemistry from electrocapillary curve to a digital electrochemical pattern of a multicomponent sample
Authors: Sokolkov Sergey Volodarovich
Published: February 2022

The number of publications on the electrochemical analysis of liquids increases year by year. The growth of publication activity is largely due to the development of new biosensors and the introduction of nanomaterials into the practice of electrochemical analysis. It is not the task of the author to review the entire array of publications, since the basic principles of electrochemical analysis in most publications remain practically unchanged. The purpose of this critical review is to find answers to two important questions for the development of electroanalysis. First, are all of the used electrochemical methods providing a measurement in the strict metrological sense of this term? That is, do they provide the necessary accuracy, validity, reliability, and reproducibility of the measurement results? Secondly, is electroanalytics capable of meeting the challenge of the information revolution by significantly increasing the information efficiency of each individual measurement? To answer these questions, we will identify the main sources of sensor signal noise by considering the electrochemical sensor as the primary decoder of “chemical information” into an analytical signal. Then we will evaluate the information efficiency of various measurement methods by using the approach of thermodynamics of information processes and considering a sensor as an open thermodynamic system.
Population-level variation in parasite resistance due to differences in immune initiation and rate of response
Authors: Hund Amanda K. , Fuess Lauren E. , Kenney Mariah L. , Maciejewski Meghan F. , Marini Joseph M. , Shim Kum Chuan , Bolnick Daniel I.
Published: February 2022

Closely related populations often differ in resistance to a given parasite, as measured by infection success or failure. Yet, the immunological mechanisms of these evolved differences are rarely specified. Does resistance evolve via changes to the host's ability to recognize that an infection exists, actuate an effective immune response, or attenuate that response? We tested whether each of these phases of the host response contributed to threespine sticklebacks’ recently evolved resistance to their tapeworm Schistocephalus solidus. Although marine stickleback and some susceptible lake fish permit fast-growing tapeworms, other lake populations are resistant and suppress tapeworm growth via a fibrosis response. We subjected lab-raised fish from three populations (susceptible marine “ancestors,” a susceptible lake population, and a resistant lake population) to a novel immune challenge using an injection of (1) a saline control, (2) alum, a generalized pro-inflammatory adjuvant that causes fibrosis, (3) a tapeworm protein extract, or (4) a combination of alum and tapeworm protein. With enough time, all three populations generated a robust fibrosis response to the alum treatments. Yet, only the resistant population exhibited a fibrosis response to the tapeworm protein alone. Thus, these populations differed in their ability to respond to the tapeworm protein but shared an intact fibrosis pathway. The resistant population also initiated fibrosis faster in response to alum, and was able to attenuate fibrosis, unlike the susceptible populations’ slow but longer lasting response to alum. As fibrosis has pathological side effects that reduce fecundity, the faster recovery by the resistant population may reflect an adaptation to mitigate the costs of immunity. Broadly, our results confirm that parasite detection and immune initiation, activation speed, and immune attenuation simultaneously contribute to the evolution of parasite resistance and adaptations to infection in natural populations.
From genotype to phenotype: Genetic redundancy and the maintenance of an adaptive polymorphism in the context of high gene flow
Authors: Bataillon Thomas , Gauthier Perrine , Villesen Palle , Santoni Sylvain , Thompson John D. , Ehlers Bodil K.
Published: February 2022

A central question in evolution is how several adaptive phenotypes are maintained within a species. Theory predicts that the genetic determination of a trait, and in particular the amounts of redundancy in the mapping of genotypes to phenotypes, mediates evolutionary outcomes of phenotypic selection. In Mediterranean wild thyme, numerous discrete chemical phenotypes (chemotypes) occur in close geographic proximity. Chemotypes are defined by the predominant monoterpene produced by individual plants in their essential oil. In this study, we analyze the ecological genetics of six chemotypes nested within two well-established chemical families (hereafter ecotypes). Ecotypes, and chemotypes within ecotypes, are spatially segregated, and their distributions track local differences in the abiotic environment. By combining population genomic, phenotypic, and environmental data from 700 individuals, we show how the genetics of ecotype determination mediates this evolutionary response. Variation in three terpene-synthase loci explains variation in ecotype identity, with one single locus accounting for as much as 78% of this variation. Phenotypic selection combined with low segregating genotypic redundancy of ecotypes leaves a clear footprint at the genomic level: alleles associated with ecotype identity track environmental variation despite extensive gene flow. Different chemotypes within each ecotype differentially track environmental variation. Their identity is determined by multiple loci and displays a wider range of genotypic redundancy that dilutes phenotypic selection on their characteristic alleles. Our study thus provides a novel illustration of how genetic redundancy of a phenotype modulates the ability of selection to maintain adaptive differentiation. Identifying the precise genetics of the chemical polymorphism in thyme is the next crucial step for our understanding of the origin and maintenance of a polymorphism that is present in many aromatic plants.
GARCH pricing and hedging of VIX options
Authors: Liu Qiang , Jiao Yuhan , Guo Shuxin
Published: February 2022

We are the first to study the pricing and hedging of VIX options via Monte Carlo (MC) under GARCH(1,1) and Glosten–Jagannathan–Runkle GARCH(1,1) models. Our pricing is ab initio and out‐of‐sample and can be implemented in real time. Importantly, we propose the so‐called single‐option hedge error, a better measure than that of Bakshi et al., and suggest several techniques to expedite MC by over 1000 times, which rivals the potential speedup of quantum computers. Empirically, our proposed approach outperforms two types of benchmarks; further, the asymmetric Glosten–Jagannathan–Runkle outperforms the symmetric GARCH. Overall, our paper has both theoretical and practical implications.
Resale options and heterogeneous beliefs
Authors: Huang Kai‐Min , Kuo I‐Doun , Wang Rong‐Tsorng
Published: February 2022

The resale option theory states investors buy an asset containing a resale option where the value is tied to differences in opinion and short‐sale constraints. This study tests the validity of the resale option theory using warrants sold by individuals to other individuals in Taiwan. The findings of this study support the resale option theory. First, heterogeneous beliefs concerning warrant fundamentals and the fluctuation of heterogeneous beliefs are positively related to resale options. Second, when the estimation accounts for the float, risk‐bearing ratio, and floats relative to risk‐bearing capacity, the theory is valid. Third, the theory holds under the convergence of opinion differences around earnings announcements because resale options have a stronger link before the announcements than after the events. Finally, the holding‐period returns over the short‐term horizon are positive under an increase in opinion differences, consistent with the theory of resale options.
Impacts of urbanization on chloride and stream invertebrates: A 10-year citizen science field study of road salt in stormwater runoff
Authors: Haake Danelle M. , Krchma Stephen , Meyners Claire W. , Virag Robert
Published: February 2022

The use of deicing agents during the winter months is one of many stressors that impact stream ecosystems in urban and urbanizing watersheds. In this study, a long-term data set collected by citizen scientists with the Missouri Stream Team was used to evaluate the relationships between watershed urbanization metrics and chloride metrics. Further, these data were used to explore the effects of elevated chloride concentrations on stream invertebrate communities using quantile regression. While the amount of road surface in a watershed was a dominant factor in predicting the maximum chloride measurement, the median chloride concentration was also strongly related to the amount of medium-to-high density development in the watershed, suggesting that nonmunicipal salt use is an important contributor to increases in base flow chloride concentrations. Additionally, chloride concentration appears to be one of the many factors that impact invertebrate density and diversity measurements, with decreases in invertebrate diversity corresponding with the US Environmental Protection Agency water quality criteria. Our findings suggest that the use of chloride-based road salt on municipal roads as well as on nonmunicipal settings is contributing to a loss of diversity and density of aquatic invertebrate communities in urban regions. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:1667–1677. © 2022 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

KEY POINTS

The amount of road in a watershed is an important factor in predicting the maximum chloride concentration in a stream, while both road area and medium-to-high density development in the watershed are important in predicting median chloride concentrations. Chloride concentrations in urban streams are a limiting factor to the diversity and density of aquatic invertebrates, with decreases in invertebrate measures as chloride concentrations increase. While municipal salt use on roadways is an important contributing factor to chloride loads in streams, contributions from nonmunicipal sources (e.g., sidewalks and parking lots) are also a driver of chloride loads and are in need of further study.
Family socioeconomic status and provincial‐level economic, educational, and health‐related factors as predictors of present‐ and future‐oriented subjective wellbeing in junior high school students in China
Authors: Wu Xiaojing , Gai Xiaosong , Xu Lili , Liu Fangqing , Wang Hong , Kou Hongyang
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Previous studies have examined family socioeconomic status (SES) and regional‐level factors that predict adolescents' present subjective wellbeing (SWB). However, as adolescents' SWB tends to be future‐oriented, this study examined the relationships between family SES and provincial‐level economic, educational, and health‐related factors and adolescents' present‐ and future‐oriented SWB.

Methods

The sample includes 17,341 12‐ to 17‐year‐old adolescents (Mage = 13.86; SDage = 0.79; 9056 girls and 8285 boys) from 31 different provinces of China. Multilevel modeling was used to analyze the data at two levels.

Results

The findings showed that family SES (Level‐1) was positively correlated with present life satisfaction (LS‐P), present positive affect (PPA), hopeful future expectations (HFE), and positive affect toward future life (FPA), but negatively correlated with present negative affect (PNA) and negative affect toward future life (FNA). Provincial‐level (Level‐2) years of education per capita, average life expectancy, and human development index (HDI) were positively associated with LS‐P, PPA, FPA, and HFE, and negatively associated with PNA; only average life expectancy was negatively associated with FNA. There was no association between gross domestic product (GDP) per capita and SWB. Simple slope analyses demonstrated that, in provinces with relatively less or short years of education per capita, GDP per capita, average life expectancy, or HDI, the correlations between family SES and present‐ and future‐oriented negative affect were stronger.

Conclusions

The present‐ and future‐oriented SWB of adolescents from families with low SES in underdeveloped areas was relatively poor. More psychologically focused education activities are needed for these adolescents.
CircRNA_0008194 functions as a ceRNA to promote invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma via inhibiting miR‐190a/AHNAK signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Wei , Pan Ying , Zhu Hengbo , Zhou Yi , Zhang Hui , Liu Liu , Liu Qing , Ji Guozhong
Published: February 2022

Background

Hepatitis B virus infection was identified as the main risk factor of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in China, which induced a high morbidity and mortality. In recent years, circRNAs were reported involving in the oncogenesis and development of multiple malignant tumors.

Method

Bioinformatical analysis has been employed to predict the relevant circRNA with AHNAK. The loss of function and gain of function have been used by knocking‐down circRNA through the shRNA technology while overexpressing through lentivirus infection. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay was used to detect circRNA binding to miRNA and target genes. We further used immunoprecipitation technique to detect the binding ability between non‐coding RNAs.

Results

In this study, according to the previous report, we mainly focused on AHNAK, which has been confirmed as an oncogene involving in the metastasis of HCC. Bioinformatics analysis showed that circ_0008194 could be spliced by AHNAK. In this study, the abnormal upregulated circ_0008194 in tumor tissues was detected. The positive correlation between circ_0008194 and AHNAK was also confirmed. Through knockdown and overexpression of circ_0008194, we conducted in vitro functional studies. We found circ_0008194 could induce the invasion of cells in vitro. Mechanically, circ_0008194 presented the binding ability with miR‐190a causing the suppression of miR‐190a expression, causing the competitive inhibition of AHNAK, resulting in the promotion of EMT.

Conclusion

Our results suggested that circ_0008194 may act as a sponge to adsorb miR‐190a, thereby promoting the expression of AHNAK and promoting the metastasis of liver cancer tumors.
A method comparison of three immunoassays for detection of neutralizing antibodies against SARS‐CoV‐2 receptor‐binding domain in individuals with adenovirus type‐5‐vectored COVID‐19 vaccination
Authors: Chen Hui , Yu Wanwan , Gao Xiaojiao , Jiang Weijun , Li Xiaojun , Liu Guorui , Yang Yang
Published: February 2022

Objective

Detecting neutralizing antibodies targeting receptor‐binding domain (RBD) is important for the assessment of humoral protection and vaccine efficacy after vaccination. We compared the performance of three surrogate immunoassays for detection of neutralizing antibodies targeting RBD.

Methods

We analyzed 115 serum samples obtained from individuals with Ad5‐vectored COVID‐19 vaccination using two competitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (Wantai BioPharm and Synthgene Medical Technology) and one competitive chemiluminescence assay (YHLO Biotech). Performance evaluation and methodology comparison were performed according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute related guidelines.

Results

The precision met the manufacturers’ statements. The linear range of the WANTAI was 0.0625–0.545 U/ml and the YHLO was 0.260–242.4 U/ml. The WANTAI’s limit of blank (LoB) and limit of detection (LoD) were 0.03 and 0.06 U/ml, respectively. The YHLO’s LoB and LoD were 0.048 and 0.211 U/ml, respectively. The correlations of semi‐quantitative results of Synthgene with quantitative results of YHLO (ρ = 0.566) and WANTAI (ρ = 0.512) were medium. For YHLO and WANTAI, there was a good agreement (0.62) and a strong correlation (ρ = 0.931). Passing–Bablok analysis and Bland‐Altman plot showed a positive bias (112.3%) of the YHLO compared to the WANTAI. The exclusion of samples >50 U/ml did not decrease bias.

Conclusion

These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of surrogate viral neutralization assays and provide useful data for future comparison studies.
Dose‐dependent alkaloid sequestration and N‐methylation of decahydroquinoline in poison frogs
Authors: Jeckel Adriana M. , Bolton Sarah K. , Waters Katherine R. , Antoniazzi Marta M. , Jared Carlos , Matsumura Kunihiro , Nishikawa Keisuke , Morimoto Yoshiki , Grant Taran , Saporito Ralph A.
Published: February 2022

Sequestration of chemical defenses from dietary sources is dependent on the availability of compounds in the environment and the mechanism of sequestration. Previous experiments have shown that sequestration efficiency varies among alkaloids in poison frogs, but little is known about the underlying mechanism. The aim of this study was to quantify the extent to which alkaloid sequestration and modification are dependent on alkaloid availability and/or sequestration mechanism. To do this, we administered different doses of histrionicotoxin (HTX) 235A and decahydroquinoline (DHQ) to captive‐bred Adelphobates galactonotus and measured alkaloid quantity in muscle, kidney, liver, and feces. HTX 235A and DHQ were detected in all organs, whereas only DHQ was present in trace amounts in feces. For both liver and skin, the quantity of alkaloid accumulated increased at higher doses for both alkaloids. Accumulation efficiency in the skin increased at higher doses for HTX 235A but remained constant for DHQ. In contrast, the efficiency of HTX 235A accumulation in the liver was inversely related to dose and a similar, albeit statistically nonsignificant, pattern was observed for DHQ. We identified and quantified the N‐methylation of DHQ in A. galactonotus, which represents a previously unknown example of alkaloid modification in poison frogs. Our study suggests that variation in alkaloid composition among individuals and species can result from differences in sequestration efficiency related to the type and amount of alkaloids available in the environment.
Circulating B10 regulatory cells are decreased in severe and critical COVID-19
Authors: Cervantes-Díaz Rodrigo , Sosa-Hernández Váctor A , Romero-Ramírez Sandra , Torres-Ruiz Jiram , Pérez-Fragoso Alfredo , Meza-Sánchez David E , Gómez-Martín Diana , Maravillas-Montero José L
Published: February 2022

The contribution of B cells in COVID-19 pathogenesis, beyond the production of specific antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, is still not well understood. Since one of their most relevant functional roles includes their immune-suppressive mechanisms, we decided to evaluate one of the most recognized human B regulatory subpopulations: the IL-10+ B10 cells, during COVID-19 onset. After stimulation of PBMCs for IL-10 induction, we employed multiparametric flow cytometry to determine B10 frequencies in severe and critical COVID-19 patients and then correlated those with clinical and laboratory parameters. Compared with healthy individuals, we detected a significant reduction in the B10 subset in both patient groups, which correlates with some inflammatory parameters that define the disease severity. This evidence suggests an aberrant role of B10 cells in immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 that needs to be further explained.
Cloning and characterization of phosphoglucose isomerase in Lentinula edodes
Authors: Wang Yunxiao , Chen Juhong , Han Jing , Yang Zhengyan , Zhu Jing , Ren Ang , Shi Liang , Yu Hanshou , Zhao Mingwen
Published: February 2022

Phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI) is a key enzyme that participates in polysaccharide synthesis, which is responsible for the interconversion of glucose‐6‐phosphate (G‐6‐P) and fructose‐6‐phosphate (F‐6‐P), but there is little research focusing on its role in fungi, especially in higher basidiomycetes. The pgi gene was cloned from Lentinula edodes and named lepgi. Then, the lepgi‐silenced strains were constructed by RNA interference. In this study, we found that lepgi‐silenced strains had significantly less biomass than the wild‐type (WT) strain. Furthermore, the extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) and intracellular polysaccharide (IPS) levels increased 1.5‐ to 3‐fold and 1.5‐fold, respectively, in lepgi‐silenced strains. Moreover, the cell wall integrity in the silenced strains was also altered, which might be due to changes in the compounds and structure of the cell wall. The results showed that compared to WT, silencing lepgi led to a significant decrease of approximately 40% in the β‐1,3‐glucan content, and there was a significant increase of 2‐3‐fold in the chitin content. These findings provide support for studying the biological functions of lepgi in L. edodes.
Para‐aortic lymph node dissection in left‐sided colorectal cancer: Risk factors, prognostic impact, and therapeutic value
Authors: Sun Yanwu , Yu Deng , Zhong Jingming , Lin Yu , Cheng Ningyi , Lin Huiming , Jiang Weizhong , Huang Ying , Chi Pan
Published: February 2022

Aim

This study aimed to clarify risk factors, prognostic impact, and the therapeutic value of para‐aortic lymph node (PALN) dissection in left‐sided colorectal cancer.

Method

One hundred and fifty‐four patients who underwent primary tumor resection and PALN dissection for left‐sided colorectal cancer were included. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for PALN metastasis. Cox regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for overall survival (OS).

Results

PALN metastasis was pathologically confirmed in 47 patients (30.5%). Postoperative complications occurred in 42 patients (27.3%). Pathological N stage (OR = 4.661, p = 0.034) and inferior mesenteric artery LNs metastasis (OR = 6.048, p = 0.003) remained to be independently associated with PALN metastasis, the 5‐year OS rate and median survival in patients with PALN metastasis was 37.7% and 24 months. Elevated preoperative serum CA19‐9 level (HR = 1.006, p = 0.007), number of positive LNs > 7 (HR = 7.263, p = 0.001), and mucinous adenocarcinoma or signet ring cell carcinoma (HR = 6.511, p = 0.001) were independently associated with OS in patients with PALN metastasis.

Conclusion

PALN dissection in addition to primary tumor resection have acceptable postoperative complications and may be oncologically beneficial in selected left‐sided colorectal cancer patients with clinically suspicious PALN metastasis.
Evidence‐based posttraumatic stress disorder treatment in a community sample: Military‐affiliated versus civilian patient outcomes
Authors: Jacoby Vanessa M. , Straud Casey L. , Bagley Jenna M. , Tyler Hannah , Baker Shelby N. , Denejkina Anna , Sippel Lauren M. , Kaya Robert , Rozek David C. , Fina Brooke A. , Dondanville Katherine A. ,   for the STRONG STAR Training Initiative
Published: February 2022

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a significant mental health issue among military service members and veterans. Although the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides crucial resources for behavioral health care, many veterans seek mental health services through community clinics. Previous research illustrates that military and veteran patients benefit less from evidence‐based treatments (EBTs) for PTSD than civilians. However, most PTSD treatment outcome research on military and veteran populations is conducted in VA or military settings. Little is known about outcomes among military‐affiliated patients in community settings. The primary aim of this study was to directly compare civilian versus military‐affiliated patient outcomes on PTSD and depression symptoms using the PTSD Checklist for DSM‐5 (PCL‐5) and the nine‐item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐9) in a community setting. Participants (N = 502) included military‐affiliated (veteran, Guard/Reservist, active duty) and civilian patients who engaged in cognitive processing therapy (CPT) or prolonged exposure (PE) for PTSD in community clinics. Both groups demonstrated significant reductions on the PCL‐5, military‐affiliated: d = −0.91, civilian: d = ‐1.18; and PHQ‐9, military‐affiliated: d = ‐0.65, civilian: d = ‐0.88, following treatment. However, military‐affiliated patients demonstrated smaller posttreatment reductions on the PCL‐5, Mdiff = 5.75, p = .003, and PHQ‐9, Mdiff = 1.71, p = .011, compared to civilians. Results demonstrate that military‐affiliated patients benefit from EBTs for PTSD, albeit to a lesser degree than civilians, even in community settings. These findings also highlight the importance of future research on improving EBTs for military personnel with PTSD.
Remote silicate supply regulates spring phytoplankton bloom magnitude in the Gulf of Maine
Authors: Zang Zhengchen , Ji Rubao , Liu Yonggang , Chen Changsheng , Li Yun , Li Siqi , Davis Cabell S.
Published: February 2022

Spring phytoplankton blooms in the Gulf of Maine (GoM) are sensitive to climate‐related local and remote forcing. Nutrient supply through the slope water intrusion has been viewed as critical in regulating the GoM spring blooms, with an assumption that nitrogen is the primary limiting nutrient. In recent years, this paradigm has been challenged, with silicate being recognized as another potential limiting nutrient, but the source of silicate and its associated water mass remain difficult to be determined. In this study, a time series of spring bloom magnitude was constructed using a self‐organizing map algorithm, and then correlated with the fluctuation of water composition in the deep Northeast Channel. The results reveal the importance of silicate supply from previously less‐recognized deep Scotian Shelf Water inflow. This study offers a new hypothesis for spring bloom regulation, providing a better understanding of mechanisms controlling the spring bloom magnitude in the GoM.