bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A replicated study on the response of spider assemblages to regional and local processes
Authors: Müller Jörg , Brandl Roland , Cadotte Marc W. , Heibl Christoph , Bässler Claus , Weiß Ingmar , Birkhofer Klaus , Thorn Simon , Seibold Sebastian
Published: February 2022

Understanding species richness variation among local communities is one of the central topics in ecology, but the complex interplay of regional processes, environmental filtering, and local processes hampers generalization on the importance of different processes. Here, we aim to unravel drivers of spider community assembly in temperate forests by analyzing two independent data sets covering gradients in elevation and forest succession. We test the following four hypotheses: (H1) spider assemblages within a region are limited by dispersal, (H2) local environment has a dominant influence on species composition and (H3) resources, and (H4) biotic interactions both affect species richness patterns. In a comprehensive approach, we studied species richness, abundance, taxonomic composition, and trait‐phylogenetic dissimilarity of assemblages. The decrease in taxonomic similarity with increasing spatial distance was very weak, failing to support H1. Functional clustering of species in general and with canopy openness strongly supported H2. Moreover, this hypothesis was supported by a positive correlation between environmental and taxonomic similarity and by an increase in abundance with canopy openness. Resource determination of species richness (H3) could be confirmed only by the decrease of species richness with canopy cover. Finally, decreasing species richness with functional clustering indicating effects of biotic interactions (H4) could only be found in one analysis and only in one data set. In conclusion, our findings indicate that spider assemblages within a region are mainly determined by local environmental conditions, while resource availability, biotic interactions and dispersal play a minor role. Our approach shows that both the analysis of different aspects of species diversity and replication of community studies are necessary to identify the complex interplay of processes forming local assemblages.
Calcium and strontium stable isotopes reveal similar behaviors of essential Ca and nonessential Sr in stream food webs
Authors: Nitzsche Kai Nils , Wakaki Shigeyuki , Yamashita Katsuyuki , Shin Ki‐Cheol , Kato Yoshikazu , Kamauchi Hiromitsu , Tayasu Ichiro
Published: February 2022

Recent studies showed the potential of stable isotopes of the macronutrient calcium (δ44/40Ca) and nonessential strontium (δ88/86Sr) as new trophic level indicators in terrestrial vertebrates and marine teleost fishes. In this study, we tested whether similar Ca and Sr isotopic fractionation trends existed in macroinvertebrate‐dominated stream food webs compared to vertebrates despite their physiological differences. We have determined the δ44/40Ca and δ88/86Sr values as well as the 87Sr/86Sr ratios of stream macroinvertebrates and small gobies and their potential metal sources (stream water, periphyton, and terrestrial plant litter) in upper and lower reaches of two streams in the Lake Biwa catchment, central Japan. The 87Sr/86Sr ratios revealed that stonefly nymphs, crustacea, and gobies mostly relied on aquatic Sr sources. Higher 87Sr/86Sr ratios of some crane fly and caddisfly larvae, mayfly, dobsonfly, and dragonfly nymphs indicated greater terrestrial contributions via plant litter. Positive correlations between the δ44/40Ca and δ88/86Sr values implied that similar Ca and Sr sources existed, and that Ca and Sr stable isotopes underwent similar fractionation trends although Sr was not essential. The δ44/40Ca and partly the δ88/86Sr values were positively correlated with Sr/Ca ratios and negatively with δ15N values indicating trophic effects on Ca and Sr stable isotopes. The enrichment of 44Ca and 88Sr in large filter‐feeding caddisfly larvae was a notable exception from these trophic trends. Our data confirm that the trophic 44Ca and 88Sr depletion observed for marine teleost fishes and terrestrial vertebrates also applied to macroinvertebrate‐dominated stream food webs despite their different physiologies indicating that shared mechanisms of Ca and Sr isotopic fractionation may exist at the cellular or molecular level between these taxa.
Progeny selection for enhanced forest growth alters soil communities and processes
Authors: Senior John K. , Gundale Michael J. , Iason Glenn R. , Whitham Thomas G. , Axelsson E. Petter
Published: February 2022

Genetic enhancement of tree species is integral to global forest management practices with mass propagation of enhanced plant material being used to reforest whole landscapes. It is unclear, however, how genetic enhancement of basic traits such as tree growth may influence the function of life supporting soil ecosystems. We studied the potential cascading effects of genetic increases in growth of Norway spruce (Picea abies) on a range of soil chemical and biological properties. Because this species is a prime candidate for the genetic enhancement of boreal forest landscapes and it has been introduced around the world, its impacts on soil microbiomes are likely of importance both locally and globally. In a 40‐year common garden, we assessed how genetic increases in growth generated through controlled crossing of high‐quality “plus” trees from across the central boreal zone of Sweden influenced a range of soil properties beneath the canopies. Properties included pH, carbon, nitrogen, nitrate, ammonium, phosphate, respiration rate, and the composition of microbial communities assessed via phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs). We found that Norway spruce family significantly affected each of the seven chemical properties assessed, with differences of up to 140% among families, and that three of the seven were significantly correlated with mean family growth rate. We also found that fungal PLFAs varied significantly across Norway spruce families, but these differences were not strongly related to mean family growth rate. This study, representing just one cycle of selective breeding, suggests that genetic increases in tree growth rates may also be inadvertently altering soil communities and ecosystem services. Such alterations across forest landscapes may have unexpected implications for the function of forest ecosystems (i.e., nutrient cycling) as well as processes of global significance (i.e., carbon sequestration).
Lost in dead wood? Environmental DNA sequencing from dead wood shows little signs of saproxylic beetles
Authors: Winiger Nathalie , Seibold Sebastian , Lucek Kay , Müller Jörg , Segelbacher Gernot
Published: February 2022

eDNA metabarcoding has become a standard method for assessing wood‐inhabiting fungi and bacteria, yet determination of dead‐wood‐inhabiting beetles still relies on time‐consuming collection of beetle specimens. We thus tested whether beetle species can be identified by eDNA sequencing of wood in a mesocosm experiment that manipulated species assemblages. Dead wood samples were taken at exit holes of beetles and DNA was extracted and analyzed using two comparative methods: (i) metabarcoding with standard arthropod primers (421 bp) and (ii) using short species‐specific primers (120–264 bp) with Sanger sequencing. Results showed that beetle DNA was amplified by each of the two approaches, however, with (i) we detected only one non‐target saproxylic beetle species. In addition, we identified 80 different OTUs with four non‐targeted species of arthropods. For (ii) we detected the targeted species in two fresh beetle exit holes out of 20 samples. We suggest that, in contrast to fungi and bacteria, this eDNA metabarcoding approach is not able to reliably detect saproxylic beetles from wood samples, likely due to rapid degradation of their target DNA. Adapting such an approach for large‐scale analyses thus requires a better knowledge of degradation processes affecting DNA quality and quantity in wood.
All‐Climate Stretchable Dendrite‐Free Zn‐Ion Hybrid Supercapacitors Enabled by Hydrogel Electrolyte Engineering
Authors: Jiang Yuqi , Ma Kun , Sun Meiling , Li Yuanyuan , Liu Jinping
Published: February 2022

Hybrid supercapacitors have shown great potentials to fulfill the demand of future diverse applications such as electric vehicles and portable/wearable electronics. In particular, aqueous zinc‐ion hybrid supercapacitors (ZHSCs) have gained much attention due to their low‐cost, high energy density, and environmental friendliness. Nevertheless, typical ZHSCs use Zn metal anode and normal liquid electrolyte, causing the dendrite issue, restricted working temperature, and inferior device flexibility. Herein, a novel flexible Zn‐ion hybrid supercapacitor (FZHSC) is developed by using activated carbon (AC) anode, δ‐MnO2 cathode, and innovative PVA‐based gel electrolyte. In this design, heavy Zn anode and its dendrite issue are avoided and layered cathode with large interlayer spacing is employed. In addition, flexible electrodes are prepared and integrated with an anti‐freezing, stretchable, and compressible hydrogel electrolyte, which is attained by simultaneously using glycerol additive and freezing/thawing technique to regulate the hydrogen bond and microstructure. The resulting FZHSC exhibits good rate capability, high energy density (47.86 Wh kg−1; 3.94 mWh cm−3), high power density (5.81 kW kg−1; 480 mW cm−3), and excellent cycling stability (~91% capacity retention after 30 000 cycles). Furthermore, our FZHSC demonstrates outstanding flexibility with capacitance almost unchanged even after various continuous shape deformations. The hydrogel electrolyte still maintains high ionic conductivity at ultralow temperatures (≤−30°C), enabling the FZHSC cycled well, and powering electronic timer robustly within an all‐climate temperature range of −30~80°C. This work highlights that the promising Zn metal‐free aqueous ZHSCs can be designed with great multifunctionality for more practical application scenarios.
Be[B2(SO4)4] – A Borosulfate Exhibiting Ino‐ and Phyllosilicate Analogue Topology
Authors: Sutorius Stefan , Hanrath Michael , Bruns Jörn
Published: February 2022

Borosulfates are a constantly expanding class of silicate analogue compounds. The anionic substructures are composed of vertex‐connected (BO4)‐ and (SO4)‐tetrahedra and feature topologies of monomeric, oligomeric, and polymeric anions. The latter resemble typical motifs of ino‐, phyllo‐ and tectosilicates but none of the hitherto known borosulfates exhibits two different anion topologies within one structure. However, this is very rare even for the homopolyanionic silicates. Be[B2(SO4)4] is the first borosulfate featuring anionic chains and layers within one structure and both substructures are interconnected by (BeO4)‐tetrahedra. DFT calculations complement the experimental studies and help to describe the bonding situation of the Be−O bonds.
Bayesian‐network‐based risk modeling and inference for structures under a sequence of main and aftershocks
Authors: Mun Changuk , Song Junho
Published: February 2022

A sequence of main and aftershocks is a complex natural hazard, which may introduce severe damage to critical infrastructure systems. Managing the risk caused by sequential earthquake events is challenging due to the uncertainties of aftershocks and their dependency on the preceding mainshock. Moreover, the dynamic behavior of a structural system under aftershocks must be evaluated with consideration of possible structural damage caused by the mainshock. To overcome these difficulties, this paper proposes a new framework based on a Bayesian network (BN) for risk modelling and inference for structures under a sequence of main and aftershocks. The stochastic mechanisms of sequential earthquakes and the hysteretic behavior of structures are described by BN models, which are then integrated for comprehensive modeling of the risk. The developed BN model facilitates probabilistic inference to obtain fragility curves given various circumstances regarding sequential earthquake events and observations. Numerical examples demonstrate fragility assessment and inference with the proposed BN‐based framework.
Numerical investigation on the characteristics of lateral smoke extraction in the immersed road tunnel
Authors: Zhang Shaogang , Huang Yilong , Lin Bin , Shi Long , Liu Jiahao , Wang Jinhui
Published: February 2022

A series of numerical simulations are carried out to explore the characteristics of the smoke layer in an immersed road tunnel with the lateral smoke extraction system. The temperature distribution and velocity field near the lateral exhaust vent with different aspect ratios were investigated, together with the mass flow rate of CO through the lateral exhaust vent. The results show that the smoke layer stratification is quite stable with the lateral smoke extraction, and the plug‐holing phenomenon with the exhaust of fresh air from the bottom edge of the lateral exhaust vent is obviously different from that during the traditional ceiling smoke exhaustion process. A relatively smaller exhaust velocity or a larger heat release rate prevents the plug‐holing phenomenon effectively. The major streamlines presented a flattened “S” shape through the cross section of the immersed road tunnel. The lateral exhaust vent with a higher aspect ratio shows an inherent disadvantage in smoke exhaustion performance, while a flattened exhaust vent under a larger effective contact area with a smoke layer could remove the smoke gas more effectively. In terms of smoke exhaustion volume and energy‐saving, a lateral exhaust vent with an aspect ratio of 1:3 shows optimal smoke exhaustion performance in the immersed road tunnel. The effectiveness of some potential measures to prevent plug‐holing and improve lateral smoke exhaustion is validated briefly. These outcomes will provide some basic guidance and references for the future design of lateral smoke exhaust in the road tunnel.
Henckelia longipedicellata (Gesneriaceae): New addition for the flora of India from Mishmi Hills of Arunachal Pradesh
Authors: Taram Momang , Borah Dipankar , Tag Hui
Published: February 2022

Herein, we present the first record of Henckelia longipedicellata (B.L.Burtt) D.J.Middleton & Mich.Möller (Gesneriaceae) for the flora of India based on specimens from Mayodia, Mishmi Hills, Lower Dibang Valley district of Arunachal Pradesh, India and its rediscovery after type collection. This species is easily recognized due to its solitary flowers with longer peduncles, deeply divided calyx lobes and ventrally pouched campanulate corolla. H. longipedicellata is so far known from Myanmar. A brief description along with additional notes and photographs are provided.
Coding for broader impact: leveraging coding skills for stakeholder communication
Authors: Turner Daniel B , Behm Jocelyn E , Phillips Payton M , Ramirez Victoria A , Helmus Matthew R
Published: February 2022

Sharing ecological research with stakeholders has broader impacts for conservation and sustainability outcomes. However, ecologists face major challenges to effective communication with stakeholders, including lack of reciprocal trust, unacknowledged incentives, differing goals, and scientific inaccessibility. These obstacles largely stem from professional training in ecology prioritizing effective communication among peers over the public. Here, we argue that coding skills honed for peer communication can be leveraged to overcome these challenges within a “coding for broader impact” framework that provides tasks to promote effective communication and culminates in individualized stakeholder reports. The reports explicitly incorporate stakeholder knowledge and are coded in conjunction with tasks for peer communication. We illustrate the framework through three case studies in which we shared data and information about backyard biodiversity, agricultural impacts, and tick‐borne disease with homeowners, farmers, and land managers. A coding for broader impact framework allows a common analytical tool to become a public communication skill valuable to diverse stakeholder audiences.
Reconstruction following transoral robotic surgery for head and neck cancer: Systematic review
Authors: Barrette Louis‐Xavier , De Ravin Emma , Carey Ryan M. , Mady Leila J. , Cannady Steven B. , Brody Robert M.
Published: February 2022

We performed a systematic review to characterize reconstructive modalities and postoperative surgical outcomes following TORS resection. A search of the PubMed, SCOPUS, and EMBASE databases was conducted to identify studies describing patients undergoing reconstruction of TORS defects. Twenty‐six studies met inclusion criteria, consisting of 260 patients who underwent TORS resection followed by reconstruction. Twenty‐one studies reported tumor classification information, with TORS performed for 44 (23.0%) T1, 86 (45.0%) T2, 33 (17.3%) T3, and 28 (14.7%) T4 tumors. Eighteen distinct reconstructive modalities were described in the studies identified, including nine unique free flap types. The most commonly performed reconstruction was the radial forearm free flap (RFFF), accounting for 121/260 (46.5%) of reconstructions performed. Reported surgical complications included 5 pharyngocutaneous fistulae, 13 hemorrhagic complications, 24 infectious complications, and 5 free flap failures. Our findings demonstrate favorable surgical outcomes but minimal quantitative functional data to compare reconstructive options following TORS.
VEntNet: Hybrid deep convolutional neural network model for automated multi‐class categorization of chest X‐rays
Authors: Sudarshan Vidya K. , A. Ramachandra Reshma , Tan Nicole Si Min , Ojha Smit , Tan Ru San
Published: February 2022

Visual interpretation of chest X‐rays (CXRs) is tedious and prone to error. Significant amount of time is spent by the radiologist in differentiating normal from abnormal CXRs and in identifying the location and type of abnormalities. An assistance tool for automatically classifying normal and different types of abnormal CXRs can facilitate the diagnosis and potentially save time costs. In this paper, a novel hybrid model having concatenation of Visual Geometry Group (VGG19) network and Entropy features as a modified deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) architecture, called VEntNet, is proposed for the automated multi‐class categorization of CXR images into normal, coronavirus disease (COVID), tuberculosis (TB), viral pneumonia, and bacterial pneumonia. The VEntNet model implemented consists of deep features extraction from convolutional layers of VGG19 network which are then concatenated with hand‐crafted entropy features extracted from CXRs. The concatenated features are then fed to the fully connected (FC) layers for performing multi‐class categorization using Softmax activation function. The performance of proposed VEntNet model is compared with other DCNNs with and without the hybrid approach for categorization of closely related lung pathologies and normal CXR images. Our proposed VEntNet achieved accuracies of 98.78% and 90.96%, respectively, for four and five‐class classification of CXRs. Thus, it is demonstrated that among the different DCNNs, our VEntNet outperformed in four‐class CXR categorization tasks. The proposed model can potentially save time by facilitating the screening of CXRs to identify those with abnormalities present as well as to categorize the abnormalities.
Hemostatic and antithrombotic stewardship programs: A toolkit for program implementation
Authors: Dane Kathryn E. , Naik Rakhi P. , Streiff Michael B. , Yui Jennifer , Shanbhag Satish , Nesbit Todd W. , Lindsley John
Published: February 2022

Hemostatic and antithrombotic agents are high‐risk medications associated with high cost. The importance of anticoagulation stewardship has been recently highlighted by national organizations, but hemostatic stewardship programs remain underutilized. Several established hemostatic and/or antithrombotic stewardship programs have demonstrated a significant impact on the quality and cost of care provided to patients receiving these therapies. This review provides a comprehensive toolkit for development and implementation of combined hemostatic and antithrombotic stewardship programs.
Mineral‐induced bubbling effect and biomineralization as strategies to create highly porous and bioactive scaffolds for dentin tissue engineering
Authors: de Melo Camila Correa da Silva Braga , Cassiano Fernanda Balestrero , Bronze‐Uhle Érika Soares , Stuani Vitor de Toledo , Bordini Ester Alves Ferreira , Gallinari Marjorie de Oliveira , de Souza Costa Carlos Alberto , Soares Diana Gabriela
Published: February 2022

The objective of the study was to assess the biological and mechanical characteristics of chitosan‐based scaffolds enriched by mineral phases and biomineralized in simulated body fluid (SBF) as a possible biomaterial for dentin regeneration. Thus, porous chitosan scaffolds were prepared by the mineral‐induced bubbling‐effect technique and subjected to biomineralization to create biomimetic scaffolds for dentin tissue engineering. Suspensions containing calcium hydroxide, nanohydroxyapatite, or β‐tricalcium phosphate were added to the chitosan (CH) solution and subjected to gradual freezing and freeze‐drying to obtain CHCa, CHnHA, and CHβTCP porous scaffolds, respectively, by the bubbling effect. Then, scaffolds were incubated in SBF for 5 days at 37°C, under constant stirring, to promote calcium‐phosphate (CaP) biomineralization. Scanning electron microscopy revealed increased pore size and porosity degree on mineral‐containing scaffolds, with CHCa and CHnHA presenting as round, well‐distributed, and with an interconnected pore network. Nevertheless, incubation in SBF disrupted the porous architecture, except for CHCaSBF, leading to the deposition of CaP coverage, confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analyses. All mineral‐containing and SBF‐treated formulations presented controlled degradation profiles and released calcium throughout 28 days. When human dental pulp cells (HDPCs) were seeded onto scaffold structures, the porous and interconnected architecture of CHCa, CHnHA, and CHCaSBF allowed cells to infiltrate and spread throughout the scaffold structure, whereas in other formulations cells were dispersed or agglomerated. It was possible to determine a positive effect on cell proliferation and odontogenic differentiation for mineral‐containing formulations, intensely improved by biomineralization. A significant increase in mineralized matrix deposition (by 8.4 to 18.9 times) was observed for CHCaSBF, CHnHASBF, and CHβTCPSBF in comparison with plain CH. The bioactive effect on odontoblastic marker expression (ALP activity and mineralized matrix) was also observed for HDPCs continuously cultivated with conditioned medium obtained from scaffolds. Therefore, biomineralization of chitosan scaffolds containing different mineral phases was responsible for increasing the capacity for mineralized matrix deposition by pulpal cells, with potential for use in dentin tissue engineering.
Rational design of iron catalysts for C–X bond activation
Authors: Sun Xiaobo , Hansen Thomas , Poater Jordi , Hamlin Trevor A. , Bickelhaupt Friedrich Matthias
Published: February 2022

We have quantum chemically studied the iron‐mediated CX bond activation (X = H, Cl, CH3) by d8‐FeL4 complexes using relativistic density functional theory at ZORA‐OPBE/TZ2P. We find that by either modulating the electronic effects of a generic iron‐catalyst by a set of ligands, that is, CO, BF, PH3, BN(CH3)2, or by manipulating structural effects through the introduction of bidentate ligands, that is, PH2(CH2)nPH2 with n = 6–1, one can significantly decrease the reaction barrier for the CX bond activation. The combination of both tuning handles causes a decrease of the CH activation barrier from 10.4 to 4.6 kcal mol−1. Our activation strain and Kohn‐Sham molecular orbital analyses reveal that the electronic tuning works via optimizing the catalyst–substrate interaction by introducing a strong second backdonation interaction (i.e., “ligand‐assisted” interaction), while the mechanism for structural tuning is mainly caused by the reduction of the required activation strain because of the pre‐distortion of the catalyst. In all, we present design principles for iron‐based catalysts that mimic the favorable behavior of their well‐known palladium analogs in the bond‐activation step of cross‐coupling reactions.
Volunteer leadership: A silent factor in student volunteer retention
Authors: Joseph Bianca M. , Carolissen Ronelle
Published: February 2022

Despite the growing interest in student volunteerism, few students volunteer, and volunteer organisations struggle to retain those who do. We explore motivating factors, expectations, and demotivating factors as they relate to retention in student volunteerism Participants were selected from six volunteer projects associated with three South African universities in the Western Cape region. Seventy active volunteers (N = 70) responded to four open‐ended questions, analysed using thematic analysis. Volunteer leadership is central to student volunteers' expectations and demotivating factors. Good leadership fulfilled student volunteers' expectations, but student volunteers were demotivated in the face of poor leadership. Six indicators of good leadership were identified. This included efficiency, regular and effective communication, being organised, passionate, and dedicated along with being supportive and facilitating volunteer growth. We argue for the importance of including contextual factors such as volunteer leadership when designing a student volunteer retention framework.
The role of exosomal miRNA in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Mahmoudi Ali , Butler Alexandra E. , Jamialahmadi Tannaz , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: February 2022

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) impacts more than one‐third of the population and is linked with other metabolic diseases. The term encompasses a wide spectrum of diseases, from modest steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, fibrosis and, ultimately, cirrhosis with the potential for development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Currently, available methods for diagnosing NAFLD are invasive or lack accuracy, and monitoring to determine response to therapeutic interventions is challenging. Exosomes are nano‐scaled extracellular vesicles that are secreted by a variety of cells. They convey proteins, mRNA, miRNA, and other bioactive molecules between cells and are involved in an extensive range of biological processes, particularly cell‐cell communication. Several reports suggest that exosomes mediate miRNAs and, thus, they have potential clinical utility for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutics in liver diseases. In view of the vital role of exosomal microRNA in disease, we here synthesized current knowledge about the biogenesis of exosomal miRNA and exosome‐mediated microRNA transfer. We then discuss the potential of exosomal miRNA in diagnosis and therapeutics of NAFLD.
Construction and characterization of two SARS‐CoV‐2 minigenome replicon systems
Authors: Zhang Hu , Fischer Douglas K. , Shuda Masahiro , Moore Patrick S. , Gao Shou‐Jiang , Ambrose Zandrea , Guo Haitao
Published: February 2022

The ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic severely impacts global public health and economies. To facilitate research on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) virology and antiviral discovery, a noninfectious viral replicon system operating under biosafety level 2 containment is warranted. We report herein the construction and characterization of two SARS‐CoV‐2 minigenome replicon systems. First, we constructed the IVT‐CoV2‐Rep complementary DNA template to generate a replicon messenger RNA (mRNA) with nanoluciferase (NLuc) reporter via in vitro transcription (IVT). The replicon mRNA transfection assay demonstrated a rapid and transient replication of IVT‐CoV2‐Rep in a variety of cell lines, which could be completely abolished by known SARS‐CoV‐2 replication inhibitors. Our data also suggest that the transient phenotype of IVT‐CoV2‐Rep is not due to host innate antiviral responses. In addition, we have developed a DNA‐launched replicon BAC‐CoV2‐Rep, which supports the in‐cell transcription of a replicon mRNA as initial replication template. The BAC‐CoV2‐Rep transient transfection system exhibited a much stronger and longer replicon signal compared to the IVT‐CoV2‐Rep version. We also found that a portion of the NLuc reporter signal was derived from the spliced BAC‐CoV2‐Rep mRNA and was resistant to antiviral treatment, especially during the early phase after transfection. In summary, the established SARS‐CoV‐2 transient replicon systems are suitable for basic and antiviral research, and hold promise for stable replicon cell line development with further optimization.
Dynamical–statistical seasonal forecasts of winter and summer precipitation for the Island of Ireland
Authors: Golian Saeed , Murphy Conor , Wilby Robert L. , Matthews Tom , Donegan Seán , Quinn Dáire Foran , Harrigan Shaun
Published: February 2022

Seasonal precipitation forecasting is highly challenging for the northwest fringes of Europe due to complex dynamical drivers. Hybrid dynamical–statistical approaches offer potential to improve forecast skill. Here, hindcasts of mean sea level pressure (MSLP) from two dynamical systems (GloSea5 and SEAS5) are used to derive two distinct sets of indices for forecasting winter (DJF) and summer (JJA) precipitation over lead‐times of 1–4 months. These indices provide predictors of seasonal precipitation via a multiple linear regression model (MLR) and an artificial neural network (ANN) applied to four Irish rainfall regions and the Island of Ireland. Forecast skill for each model, lead time, and region was evaluated using the correlation coefficient (r) and mean absolute error (MAE), benchmarked against (a) climatology, (b) bias corrected precipitation hindcasts from both GloSea5 and SEAS5, and (c) a zero‐order forecast based on rainfall persistence. The MLR and ANN models produced skilful precipitation forecasts with leads of up to 4 months. In all tests, our hybrid method based on MSLP indices outperformed the three benchmarks (i.e., climatology, bias corrected, and persistence). With correlation coefficients ranging between 0.38 and 0.81 in winter, and between 0.24 and 0.78 in summer, the ANN model outperformed MLR in both seasons in most regions and lead‐times. Forecast skill for summer was comparable to that in winter and for some regions/lead times even superior. Our results also show that climatology and persistence performed better than direct use of bias corrected dynamical outputs in most regions and lead‐times in terms of MAE. We conclude that the hybrid dynamical–statistical approach developed here—by leveraging useful information about MSLP from dynamical systems—enables more skilful seasonal precipitation forecasts for Ireland, and possibly other locations in western Europe, in both winter and summer.
Impact of the periodontal phenotype in premolar and molar sites on bone loss following full‐thickness mucoperiosteal flap: A 1‐year prospective clinical trial
Authors: Saleh Muhammad H.A. , Couso‐Queiruga Emilio , Ravidà Andrea , Dukka Himabindu , Paiva De Andrade Nathalia , Ou Alice , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: February 2022

Background

Full‐thickness mucoperiosteal flap (FTF) elevation could potentially affect the periodontium of the involved teeth; it is not clear if the periodontal phenotype of teeth involved in a FTF may influence these changes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of FTF on teeth periodontium, as well as assessing the impact of periodontal phenotype on bone remodeling.

Methods

In this single arm prospective clinical trial, 26 subjects and a total of 52 adjacent teeth were included. Patients receiving implant surgery in the posterior area, at the time of implant site preparation, an FTF was extended one tooth mesial and distal to the planned site, and the flap was elevated both facially and lingually. Vertical and horizontal bone linear changes were measured on both adjacent teeth, using superimposed cone‐beam computerized tomography (CBCT) images taken prior to implant placement (T0) and at 12 months (T1). Baseline digital scans of models and DICOM files were superimposed to assess the periodontal phenotype.

Results

Vertical bone changes from T0 to T1 were statistically significant (P = 0.013), with changes were significantly higher at the mesial (−0.31 ± 0.30 mm) and facial (P < 0.05) sites. Horizontal dimensional changes 5 mm subcrestally were similar among different locations (P = 0.086) and the bone width loss was higher closest to the crest (P = 0.001). No correlation was found between soft tissue thickness and bone changes. However, bone thickness at baseline appears to influence the extent of horizontal bone remodeling. Overall, the magnitude of bone loss either vertically or horizontally was clinically insignificant (≤0.4 mm). A preventive effect against bone loss maybe expected with bone thickness > 2 mm.

Conclusion(s)

Marginal bone changes in maxillary and mandibular posterior teeth following FTF at 12 months are very minimal, and mainly influenced by bone rather than soft tissue thickness. Overall, FTF does not seem to have deleterious effects on adjacent teeth periodontium.
Association between groups of immunoglobulin G antibodies against periodontal microorganisms and diabetes‐related mortality
Authors: Merchant Anwar T. , Vidanapathirana Nadeesha , Yi Fanli , Celuch Owen , Zhong Zihang , Jin Qi , Zhang Jiajia
Published: February 2022

Background

Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against periodontal microorganisms can be markers of periodontal infection because their levels rise following infection and remain elevated several years later.

Methods

We evaluated the relationship between groups of IgG antibodies against 19 periodontal microorganisms and diabetes‐related mortality over 27 years among participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III (1988 to 1992) aged ≥40 years at the time of examination (N = 8,153).

Results

Individuals in the highest versus lowest antibody tertiles were at 86% higher risk of dying due to diabetes‐related causes in the Red‐Green antibody cluster (T. forsythia, T. denticola, A. actinomycetemcomitans, E. corrodens, S. noxia, V. parvula, C. rectus) (hazard ratio [HR], 1.86; 95% CI, 1.09 to 3.20) and 55% lower in the Orange‐Blue antibody cluster (E. nodatum, A. naeslundii) (HR, 0.45, 95% CI, 0.32 to 0.63) in multivariable models. In these models, individuals with diabetes at the time of examination had a 16‐fold higher risk of dying due to diabetes‐related causes (HR, 16.4; 95% CI, 11.0 to 24.7).

Conclusion

As a subset of periodontal microorganisms are associated with adverse systemic outcomes, antibody profiles may help in prediction of diabetes‐related mortality and identify subgroups of individuals among whom periodontal treatment may impact diabetes‐related outcomes.
Characterization of a synthetic zinc‐chelating peptide from sea cucumber (Stichopus japonicus) and its gastrointestinal digestion and absorption in vitro
Authors: Wang Zixu , Sun Jiatong , Ma Xiaoyu , Liu Xiaoyang , Yin Fawen , Li Deyang , Nakamura Yoshimasa , Yu Chenxu , Zhou Dayong
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

Zinc absorption in intestinal system could be strongly affected by the gastrointestinal digestion and absorption of zinc‐chelating peptides serving as zinc carriers. In this study, a novel zinc‐chelating sea cucumber synthetic peptide (SCSP) was synthesized to estimate its gastrointestinal digestion and promotive effect of zinc absorption in vitro.

RESULTS

Analysis of isothermal titration calorimetry suggested that the binding of SCSP and zinc (N ≈ 1) was exothermic, with relatively weak binding affinity (K = 1.0 × 10−3 mol L−1). The formation of SCSP–Zn complexes brought morphological changes to the peptides confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which also indicated 6.88% of the existence of zinc element. In addition, the SCSP–Zn complexes remained stable under simulated human gastrointestinal digestion. In an in vitro study, the SCSP–Zn complex could successfully transport through the intestinal membrane in the model of everted rat gut sacs (nearly 7.5 μM cm−2) as well as Caco‐2 cells where the zinc transport reached 0.0014 mg mL−1 carried by SCSP. Fluorescence staining experiments revealed free zinc accumulation inside the tissues and cells treated with the SCSP–Zn complex.

CONCLUSIONS

The chelation SCSP–Zn had the promotion ability of zinc absorption in vitro and ex vivo experiments, which suggested a theoretical basis for the design and production of effective zinc chelating peptides as zinc carriers to improve zinc bioavailability. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effect of stress on germination of djulis (Chenopodium formosanum Koidz.) sprouts: a natural alternative to enhance the betacyanin and phenolic compounds
Authors: Wang Ssu‐Ping , Yeh Yi‐Tyng , Sridhar Kandi , Tsai Pi‐Jen
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

Germination is regarded as a natural method for improving the bioavailability of seed nutrients against stress, which enhances the accumulation of bioactive compounds. The present study aimed to determine the effect of stress (H2O2, catechin, gallic acid, tyrosine, and NaCl) during germination of djulis (Chenopodium formosanum Koidz.) sprouts on betacyanin, phytochemicals, and antioxidant capacities.

RESULTS

The betacyanin and antioxidant activities of the djulis sprouts increased significantly compared to seeds. The lowest betacyanin was found in NaCl‐stressed sprouts. The djulis sprouts reported the presence of celosianins I and II (50.72%), which was absent in seeds. Hydroxycinnamic acids accounted for > 60% of the total phenolic compounds in sprouts, whereas rutin predominated in the seeds.

CONCLUSION

Germination under stress may represent an effective natural method for improving the bioactive potential of sprouts, an alternative to use seeds, in the development of bioactive compounds‐enriched healthy foods that are good for public health. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Determination of Normal Reference Values for Meniscal Extrusion Using Ultrasonography During the Different Range of Motion
Authors: Sharafat Vaziri Arash , Aghaghazvini Leila , Jahangiri Soodeh , Tahami Mohammad , Borazjani Roham , Tahmasebi Mohammad Naghi , Rabie Hamid , Mamaghani Hesan Jelodari , Vosoughi Fardis , Salimi Maryam
Published: February 2022

Objectives

It is essential to know the normal extrusion measures in order to detect pathological ones. In this study, we aimed to define some normal reference values for meniscal extrusion in the normal knees during different ranges of motion.

Methods

The amount of anterior and posterior portion of meniscal extrusion among 21 asymptomatic volunteers (42 knees) were tracked in 0, 45, and 90° of knee flexion using an ultrasound machine. The repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to show the interaction between the amounts of meniscal extrusion and the different degrees of knee flexion.

Results

The anterior portion of the lateral menisci at full knee extension (0.59 ± 1.40) and the posterior portion of the medial menisci during 90° flexion (3.06 ± 2.36) showed the smallest and the highest mean amount of extrusion, respectively. The normal average amounts of anterior extrusion were 1.12 ± 1.17 and 0.99 ± 1.34 mm for medial and lateral menisci, respectively. The posterior meniscal normal extrusions were significantly increasing in both medial and lateral menisci during the survey (F = 20.250 and 11.298; both P values <.001) as they were measured 2.37 ± 2.16 and 1.53 ± 2.18 mm in order.

Conclusions

The medial meniscus can extrude 1.74 ± 1.84 mm normally while this amount was 1.26 ± 1.82 mm for the lateral meniscus. These measures commonly increased with the rising of knee flexion motion. Likewise, the posterior portion showed more extrusion than the anterior portion on both sides. These measures commonly increased with higher knee flexion.
Effect of reversing duration time and commutation meshing state on the elastohydrodynamic lubrication of reciprocating spur gear rack
Authors: Zhao Jing‐jing , Liu Jin‐xiang , Wang You‐qiang
Published: February 2022

Reciprocating spur gear rack is prone to lubrication failure near the reversing dead center position. Ree‐Eyring lubrication fluid, multigrid method and multigrid integral method were used to calculate the pressure profile, film thickness and oil temperature rise. Compared with linear motion, the process of reciprocating commutative movement is more complicated and the lubrication state are more unstable. The effects of different reversing duration time and commutation meshing state on lubricant film were analysed. The results show that, the oil thickness during the gear reversing process is significantly reduced. While shortening the reversing time can improve the lubricating film thickness, it causes the instantaneous oil temperature to rise. Therefore, the gear tooth damage caused by high temperature can be avoided by prolonging the reversing duration time properly. The longer the reversing duration time, the minimum value of central film thickness and central pressure is closer to the meshing outlet area. No matter what the reversing time change, the minimum lubrication film thickness is in the reversing dead center position. So the reversing dead center is still the dangerous point for the lubrication failure of the spur gear rack mechanism. When the reversing dead center is in the leading tooth of double‐tooth meshing, the gear has the largest film thickness and the largest contact area. In addition, the synthetic radius of curvature and entrainment velocity become larger so the lubrication conditions have been improved. The results provide the theoretical basis and guidance for the reasonable design of the spur gear rack and the improvement of its lubricating performance.
Improvement in Mechanical Properties of 3D‐Printed PEEK Structure by Nonsolvent Vapor Annealing
Authors: Chen Wenhui , Zhang Xiaolong , Tan Di , Xu Peng , Yang Baisong , Shi Kui , Zhu Bo , Liu Quan , Lei Yifeng , Liu Sheng , Xue Longjian
Published: February 2022

The broad applications of 3D‐printed poly‐ether‐ether‐ketone (3D‐PEEK) structures are largely hampered by their inadequate mechanical properties that can be improved by post treatments. At present, thermal annealing is generally used to improve the mechanical properties of 3D‐PEEK. However, it cannot simultaneously improve strength and ductility. Here, a cost‐effective postprocessing method is developed to improve the mechanical properties of 3D‐PEEK, based on annealing in nonsolvent vapor at room temperature. The annealing in nonsolvent vapor at room temperature simultaneously improves the strength, ductility, and fracture energy of as‐printed 3D‐PEEK by 22.6%, 151.3%, and 109.1%, respectively. The improved mechanical properties are attributed to enhanced interfacial bonding, increased crystallinity, decreased pinhole defects, and stress relaxation in the 3D‐PEEK. Moreover, the annealing in both polar solvents (such as acetone and chloroform) and nonpolar solvents (such as n‐hexane) are demonstrated to be effective for improving the mechanical properties of 3D‐PEEK. The nonsolvent vapor‐annealed 3D‐PEEK can thus have potential applications in the fields of medical implants, automotive, aerospace, and more.
Graphene and graphene oxide with anticancer applications: Challenges and future perspectives
Authors: Shafiee Ali , Iravani Siavash , Varma Rajender S.
Published: February 2022

Graphene‐based materials have shown immense pertinence for sensing/imaging, gene/drug delivery, cancer therapy/diagnosis, and tissue engineering/regenerative medicine. Indeed, the large surface area, ease of functionalization, high drug loading capacity, and reactive oxygen species induction potentials have rendered graphene‐ (G‐) and graphene oxide (GO)‐based (nano)structures promising candidates for cancer therapy applications. Various techniques namely liquid‐phase exfoliation, Hummer's method, chemical vapor deposition, chemically reduced GO, mechanical cleavage of graphite, arc discharge of graphite, and thermal fusion have been deployed for the production of G‐based materials. Additionally, important criteria such as biocompatibility, bio‐toxicity, dispersibility, immunological compatibility, and inflammatory reactions of G‐based structures need to be systematically assessed for additional clinical and biomedical appliances. Furthermore, surface properties (e.g., lateral dimension, charge, corona influence, surface structure, and oxygen content), concentration, detection strategies, and cell types are vital for anticancer activities of these structures. Notably, the efficient accumulation of anticancer drugs in tumor targets/tissues, controlled cellular uptake properties, tumor‐targeted drug release behavior, and selective toxicity toward the cells are crucial criteria that need to be met for developing future anticancer G‐based nanosystems. Herein, important challenges and future perspectives of cancer therapy using G‐ and GO‐based nanosystems have been highlighted, and the recent advancements are deliberated.
Truncal‐based perforator flaps for autologous breast reconstruction: A review of 975 flaps and their clinical application
Authors: Isaac Kathryn V. , Buchel Edward W.
Published: February 2022

Background

When autologous breast reconstruction is desired and deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap is inadequate or unavailable, other perforator flaps in the truncal region should not be disregarded. This study aimed to review all truncal‐based perforator flaps used for autologous breast reconstruction to identify clinical indications and outcomes of alternate perforator flaps.

Methods

From 2013 to 2018, patients undergoing truncal‐based perforator flap breast reconstruction were reviewed and data recorded for; indications, pre‐operative and intra‐operative treatment decisions, flap failures, take‐backs, and revisions. Compared to the gold standard of the DIEP flap, alternate truncal‐based flaps were evaluated for their reconstructive merit and application.

Results

A total of 975 perforator flaps were harvested circumferentially around the lower trunk. As an alternative or adjunct to the DIEP flap (n = 633, 65%), perforator flaps were harvested based on the superficial inferior epigastric, the deep and superficial circumflex iliac arteries, the intercostal, and lumbar arteries (n = 342, 35%). Overlapping vascular territories facilitate the safe harvest of these alternate flaps with 0.8% of flaps requiring take back (n = 8) and 0.2% flap failure rate (n = 2). There was no difference in peri‐operative outcomes between anterior abdominal and alternate truncal‐based flaps (p > .05).

Conclusions

Circumferential harvest of alternate truncal flaps is an appropriate option for autologous reconstruction with comparable peri‐operative and long‐term outcomes as compared to flaps from the anterior abdomen.
Global dynamics in stochastic n‐species food chain systems with white noise and Lévy jumps
Authors: Tuerxun Nafeisha , Teng Zhidong
Published: February 2022

This paper is concerned with a n‐species stochastic food chain model with white noise and Lévy jumps. The global stochastic dynamics are established, including the existence of the global and positive solutions, stochastic ultimate boundedness, extinction with probability one, and the permanence and global stability in the mean by developing a new research method, using the auxiliary functions and theory of stochastic differential equations. Furthermore, the numerical simulations are presented to verify the theoretical results and illustrate the proposed open problems.