bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Rizzoli Multiple Osteochondromas Classification revised: describing the phenotype to improve clinical practice
Authors: Mordenti Marina , Gnoli Maria , Boarini Manila , Trisolino Giovanni , Evangelista Andrea , Pedrini Elena , Corsini Serena , Tremosini Morena , Staals Eric L. , Antonioli Diego , Stilli Stefano , Donati Davide M. , Sangiorgi Luca
Published: September 2021

Multiple osteochondromas (MO) is a rare disorder, characterized by benign osteocartilaginous tumors (osteochondromas), arising from the perichondrium of bones. The osteochondromas increase during growth, frequently causing deformities and limitations. Our study aims to analyze the data captured by the Registry of Multiple Osteochondromas, to refine Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli (IOR) Classification, providing a representative picture of the phenotypic manifestations throughout the lifespan. We conducted a single‐institution cross‐sectional study. Patients were categorized according to IOR Classification, which identifies three patients' classes on the presence/absence of deformities and/or limitations. The present dataset was compared with our previously published data, to refine the classification. Nine hundred sixty‐eight patients were included: 243 children (<10 years), 136 adolescents (10–15 years), and 589 adults. Of the entire population, half patients presented at least one deformity, and one quarter reported at least one limitation. Compared with our previous study, the amount of children was more than doubled and the percentage of mild/moderate cases was notably increased, giving a better disease overview throughout the lifespan and suggesting a different cut‐off for dividing Class II in subclasses. We confirmed that MO is characterized by phenotypic heterogeneity, suggesting that an early classification of the disease may offer a useful tool to follow disease pattern and evolution, to support clinical practice, and to propose timely interventions.
Genome‐wide association study and polygenic risk score analysis for hearing measures in children
Authors: Schmitz Judith , Abbondanza Filippo , Paracchini Silvia
Published: September 2021

An efficient auditory system contributes to cognitive and psychosocial development. A right ear advantage in hearing thresholds (HTs) has been described in adults and atypical patterns of left/right hearing threshold asymmetry (HTA) have been described for psychiatric and neurodevelopmental conditions. Previous genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) on HT have mainly been conducted in elderly participants whose hearing is more likely to be affected by external environmental factors. Here, we investigated HT and HTA in a children population cohort (ALSPAC, n = 6,743). Better hearing was associated with better cognitive performance and higher socioeconomic status. At the group level, HTA suggested a left ear advantage (mean = −0.28 dB) that was mainly driven by females. SNP heritability for HT and HTA was 0.13 and 0.02, respectively (n = 4,989). We found a modest negative genetic correlation between HT and reading ability. GWAS for HT (n = 5,344) did not yield significant hits but polygenic risk scores for higher educational attainment (EA, ß = −1,564.72, p = .008) and schizophrenia (ß = −241.14, p = .004) were associated with lower HT, that is, better hearing. In summary, we report new data supporting associations between hearing measures and cognitive abilities at the behavioral level. Genetic analysis suggests shared biological pathways between cognitive and sensory systems and provides evidence for a positive outcome of genetic risk for schizophrenia.
Western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) do not show an aversion to inequity in a token exchange task
Authors: Sosnowski Meghan J. , Drayton Lindsey A. , Prétôt Laurent , Carrigan Jodi , Stoinski Tara S. , Brosnan Sarah F.
Published: September 2021

Although individuals in some species refuse foods they normally accept if their partner receives a more preferred one, this is not true across all species. The cooperation hypothesis proposes that this species‐level variability evolved because inequity aversion is a mechanism to identify situations in which cooperation is not paying off, and that species regularly observed cooperating should be more likely to be averse to inequity. To rule out other potential explanations of inequity aversion, we need to test the converse as well: species rarely observed cooperating, especially those phylogenetically close to more cooperative species, should be less likely to be inequity averse. To this end, we tested eight zoo‐housed Western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) on a token exchange task in which subjects received either the same food reward or a less‐preferred reward for the same or more effort than their partner, recording both refusals to participate in the exchange and refusals to accept the reward. Supporting the cooperation hypothesis, even with procedural differences across sessions, gorillas were significantly more likely to refuse in all conditions in which they received a low‐value food reward after completing an exchange, regardless of what their partner received, suggesting that gorillas were not inequity averse, but instead would not work for a low‐value reward. Additionally, gorillas were more likely to refuse later in the session; while the pattern of refusals remained unchanged after accounting for this, this suggests that species should be tested on as many trials as is practical.
Indium‐Catalysed Transfer Hydrogenation for the Reductive Cyclisation of 2‐Alkynyl Enones towards Trisubstituted Furans
Authors: Li Luomo , Kail Sascha , Weber Sebastian M. , Hilt Gerhard
Published: September 2021

Indium tribromide catalysed the transfer hydrogenation from dihydroaromatic compounds, such as the commercially available γ‐terpinene, to enones, which resulted in the cyclisation to trisubstituted furan derivatives. The reaction was initiated by a Michael addition of a hydride nucleophile to the enone subunit followed by a Lewis‐acid‐assisted cyclisation and the formation of a furan–indium intermediate and a Wheland intermediate derived from the dihydroaromatic starting material. The product was formed by protonation from the Wheland complex and replaced the indium tribromide substituent. In addition, a site‐specific deuterium labelling of the dihydroaromatic HD surrogates resulted in site specific labelling of the products and gave useful insights into the reaction mechanism by H–D scrambling.
Dirhodium‐Catalyzed Enantioselective B−H Bond Insertion of gem‐Diaryl Carbenes: Efficient Access to gem‐Diarylmethine Boranes
Authors: Zhao Yu‐Tao , Su Yu‐Xuan , Li Xiao‐Yu , Yang Liang‐Liang , Huang Ming‐Yao , Zhu Shou‐Fei
Published: September 2021

The scarcity of reliable methods for synthesizing chiral gem‐diarylmethine borons limits their applications. Herein, we report a method for highly enantioselective dirhodium‐catalyzed B−H bond insertion reactions with diaryl diazomethanes as carbene precursors. These reactions afforded chiral gem‐diarylmethine borane compounds in high yield (up to 99 % yield), high activity (turnover numbers up to 14 300), high enantioselectivity (up to 99 % ee) and showed unprecedented broad functional group tolerance. The borane compounds synthesized by this method could be efficiently transformed into diaryl methanol, diaryl methyl amine, and triaryl methane derivatives with good stereospecificity. Mechanistic studies suggested that the borane adduct coordinated to the rhodium catalyst and thus interfered with decomposition of the diazomethane, and that insertion of a rhodium carbene (generated from the diaryl diazomethane) into the B−H bond was most likely the rate‐determining step.
A new genus and two new, rare freshwater mussel (Bivalvia: Unionidae) species endemic to Borneo are threatened by ongoing habitat destruction
Authors: Zieritz Alexandra , Jainih Leonardo , Pfeiffer John , Rahim Khairul Adha A. , Prayogo Hari , Anwari Muhammad Sofwan , Fikri Arman Hadi , Diba Farah , Taha Hussein , Sulaiman Zohrah , Froufe Elsa , Lopes‐Lima Manuel
Published: September 2021

Most of the Bornean endemic freshwater mussel (Unionida) species known to date have not been recorded by science for the past 50 years or more, owing to a lack of research effort and presumed population losses.

This study assessed current patterns and recent changes in the diversity and distribution of freshwater mussels in north‐eastern Borneo. Physical surveys and interviews were conducted at 24 sites, and anecdotal evidence for current or historical presence of mussels was collected for a further 13 sites.

Native species, i.e. Schepmania sp. and Khairuloconcha sahanae gen. & sp. nov., were only found in one small stream of the Kinabatangan River basin within the Gomantong Forest Reserve, whereas the non‐native Sinanodonta cf. woodiana was common across the study area.

Molecular phylogenetics (five genes) of the native taxa, including comparative material from West Kalimantan and Sarawak, revealed: (i) the presence of a new genus with two new, rare species: Khairuloconcha lunbawangorum sp. nov. in the Limbang River basin and K. sahanae in the Kinabatangan River basin; (ii) that Khairuloconcha and Ctenodesma form the Bornean endemic tribe Ctenodesmini trib. nov.; and (iii) that Schepmania represents another Bornean endemic tribe Schepmaniini trib. nov.

Both Khairuloconcha gen. nov. species are known from a single stream each and are apparently restricted to forest stream habitats where they occur at very low densities. Schepmania appears to have a severely contracted range in the Kinabatangan and adjacent basins. We urgently call for full protection of the currently known sites of K. lunbawangorum and K. sahanae, and development of an action plan to save the Bornean freshwater mussel fauna.
Spectroscopic, thermodynamic and kinetic analysis of selective triplex formation by peptide nucleic acid with double‐stranded RNA over its DNA counterpart
Authors: Sato Takaya , Sato Yusuke , Nishizawa Seiichi
Published: September 2021

Unlike conventional triplex‐forming oligonucleotide (TFO), triplex‐forming peptide nucleic acid (PNA) can tightly bind with double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) than double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA). Here, we performed spectroscopic, thermodynamic and kinetic experiments for triplex formation by PNA to examine different binding behaviors between PNA − dsRNA and PNA − dsDNA triplexes. We found 9‐mer PNA (cytosine content of 66%) formed the thermally stable triplex with dsRNA compared to dsDNA over a wide range of pH (5.5‐8.0), salt concentration (50‐500 mM NaCl). Both the calorimetric binding constant and the association rate constant for dsRNA were larger than those for dsDNA, indicating the favorable association process for the PNA − dsRNA triplex formation. Comparison with the DNA/RNA heteroduplexes revealed that the DNA strand was detrimental to the triplex stability for PNA, a contrasting result for conventional TFO. The keys underlying the difference in the triplex formation of PNA with different duplexes appear to be the conformational adoptability and the geometric compatibility of PNA to fit the deep, narrow major groove of dsRNA and the helical rigidity difference of the duplexes. Our results emphasize the importance of both the sugar puckering of the duplex and the appropriate conformational flexibility of PNA for the triplex formation.
High‐throughput and automation advances for accelerating single‐cell cloning, monoclonality and early phase clone screening steps in mammalian cell line development for biologics production
Authors: Tejwani Vijay , Chaudhari Minal , Rai Toyaj , Sharfstein Susan T.
Published: September 2021

Mammalian cell line development is a multistep process wherein timelines for developing clonal cells to be used as manufacturing cell lines for biologics production can commonly extend to 9 months when no automation or modern molecular technologies are involved in the workflow. Steps in the cell line development workflow involving single‐cell cloning, monoclonality assurance, productivity and stability screening are labor, time and resource intensive when performed manually. Introduction of automation and miniaturization in these steps has reduced the required manual labor, shortened timelines from months to weeks, and decreased the resources needed to develop manufacturing cell lines. This review summarizes the advances, benefits, comparisons and shortcomings of different automation platforms available in the market for rapid isolation of desired clonal cell lines for biologics production.
Blood supply to the corticospinal tract: A pictorial review with application to cranial surgery and stroke
Authors: Nuñez Maximilano , Guillotte Andrew , Faraji Amir H. , Deng Hansen , Goldschmidt Ezequiel
Published: September 2021

The corticospinal tract (CST) is the main neural pathway responsible for conducting voluntary motor function in the central nervous system. The CST condenses into fiber bundles as it descends from the frontoparietal cortex, traveling down to terminate at the anterior horn of the spinal cord. The CST is at risk of injury from vascular insult from strokes and during neurosurgical procedures. The aim of this article is to identify and describe the vasculature associated with the CST from the cortex to the medulla. Dissection of cadaveric specimens was carried out in a manner, which exposed and preserved the fiber tracts of the CST, as well as the arterial systems that supply them. At the level of the motor cortex, the CST is supplied by terminal branches of the anterior cerebral artery and middle cerebral artery. The white matter tracts of the corona radiata and internal capsule are supplied by small perforators including the lenticulostriate arteries and branches of the anterior choroidal artery. In the brainstem, the CST is supplied by anterior perforating branches from the basilar and vertebral arteries. The caudal portions of the CST in the medulla are supplied by the anterior spinal artery, which branches from the vertebral arteries. The non‐anastomotic nature of the vessel systems of the CST highlights the importance of their preservation during neurosurgical procedures. Anatomical knowledge of the CST is paramount to clinical diagnosis and treatment of heterogeneity of neurodegenerative, neuroinflammatory, cerebrovascular, and skull base tumors.
Social capital mediates the effect of socio‐economic status on prosocial practices: Evidence from the CGSS 2012 survey
Authors: Zhang Yikang , Sun Qian , Liu Yongfang
Published: September 2021

Although the relationship between socio‐economic status (SES) and prosocial practices has been extensively studied, little is known about the role that social capital plays in this relationship. This study examines the mediating effect of different forms of social capital, including informal neighbourhood capital, membership in voluntary associations, and professional connection, on the relationship between SES and prosocial practices. A total of 3,300 urban samples and 2,170 rural samples from the Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS) 2012 were selected to conduct two‐group structural equation modelling. Our results suggested that (a) all three forms of social capital mediated the effect of SES on donating, but only informal neighbourhood capital and membership mediated the effect of SES on volunteering, and (b) SES had a different relationship with social capital in urban China than in rural China. SES had a weak positive correlation with informal neighbourhood capital in rural areas but a negative one in urban areas. SES also had a stronger relationship with membership in voluntary associations in rural areas. Our analyses support the notion that higher SES promotes prosocial practices through social capital.
Heterogeneous NiFeCoP/NF Nanorods as a Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Efficient Water Electrolysis
Authors: Cen Jianmei , Wu Liyan , Zeng Yanfei , Ali Asad , Zhu Yuqing , Shen Pei Kang
Published: September 2021

The exploitation of transition metal phosphates (TMPs)‐based catalysts with excellent activity and stability toward both oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) for water electrolysis is imperative but challenging. Herein, we report a novel heterostructured Ni2P−Fe2P−Co2P−Ni5P4 nanorods derived from a NiFe LDH@ZIF‐67 precatalyst on 3D self‐supported Ni foam (NiFeCoP/NF) for water electrolysis. Owing to systematically engineering the composition, structure, and morphology of catalyst, which not only increase the intrinsic activity and create more accessible catalytic activity centers, but also accelerate electron transfer and promote the gas release, the designed NiFeCoP/NF achieves synergistically enhanced catalytic performance towards OER and HER. The as‐prepared NiFeCoP/NF electrode exhibits excellent activities with low overpotentials of 244.2 mV for OER and 167.5 mV for HER, respectively to reach a current density of 100 mA cm−2 in 1.0 KOH solution, as well as outstanding stability for 140 h at 500 mA cm−2. Additionally, a water electrolysis device constructed with the NiFeCoP/NF electrode as both the anode and cathode only needs a low cell voltage of 1.564 V to achieve 30 mA cm−2. This work presents a viable way for developing the high catalytic performance of TMPs‐based bifunctional electrocatalysts via designing and regulating the electronic structure and morphology.
SnS Nanosheets for Rapid and Effective Bacteria Sterilization Under Near‐infrared Irradiation
Authors: Kim JongGuk , Zhang Ze , Sun JingYu , Mo ShuDi , Yun UnHyok , Yun HuiGwang , Liu Lu
Published: September 2021

Today, the threat of pathogenic bacterial infection worldwide that leads to the increase of mortality rate strongly demands the development of new antibacterial agents that can kill bacteria quickly and effectively. Although there are a lot of antibacterial agents that have been developed so far, few studies on the antibacterial performance of SnS have been investigated at 808 nm laser. Here, we synthesized SnS nanosheets with strong near‐infrared absorption performance and excellent antibacterial performance via a simple solvothermal synthesis route. The as‐prepared SnS nanosheets showed excellent photothermal conversion efficiency (38.7 %), photodynamic performance, and photostability, and at the same time 99.98 % and 99.7 % sterilization effect against Gram‐negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Gram‐positive Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) under near‐infrared irradiation (808 nm, 1.5 W/cm2). This study suggests that SnS nanosheets could be a promising candidate for antibacterial therapy owing to the synergetic effects of photothermal and photodynamic performance.
Asymmetric syntheses of four stereoisomers of 13‐hydroxy‐14‐methylhexadecanoic acid as potential antibacterial agents
Authors: Wang Lifeng , Zhou Yun , Wang Xueyang , Yuan Gucheng , Yuan Chaonan , Yang Yuxiong , Bian Qinghua , Wang Min , Zhong Jiangchun
Published: September 2021

The first total syntheses of four stereoisomers of 13‐hydroxy‐14‐methylhexadecanoic acid have been accomplished. Central to this strategy are asymmetric alkynylation of aldehyde, acid‐catalyzed lactonization, the selective protection of primary alcohol and Wittig reaction. The product 1a was obtained in 17 steps in 2% overall yield. Moreover, these synthetic chiral hydroxy fatty acids 1a‐1d are valuable for the development of antibacterial agents.
Evidence‐based diagnostic performance of novel biomarkers for the diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma in effusion cytology
Authors: Girolami Ilaria , Lucenteforte Ersilia , Eccher Albino , Marletta Stefano , Brunelli Matteo , Graziano Paolo , Pisapia Pasquale , Malapelle Umberto , Troncone Giancarlo , Scarpa Aldo , Huang Tao , Pantanowitz Liron
Published: September 2021

Cytology effusions are often the only material available for diagnosing malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). However, the cytomorphological features alone are not always diagnostic, and cytology samples preclude an assessment for pleural tissue invasion. Accordingly, immunohistochemical, soluble, and molecular biomarkers have been developed. The aim of this study is to provide quantitative evidence regarding the diagnostic performance of novel biomarkers. To that end, a systematic literature review was performed of articles dealing with a loss of BRCA1‐associated protein 1 (BAP1), methylthioadenosine (MTAP), 5‐hydroxymethylcitosine (5‐hmC), glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), insulin like‐growth factor II messenger RNA–binding protein 3 (IMP3), enhanced zeste homologue 2 (EZH2) staining, cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A) homozygous deletion (HD) testing, soluble mesothelin, and microRNA quantification in cytological samples for the diagnosis of MPM versus reactive atypical mesothelial cells. Sensitivity and specificity were extracted, and a meta‐analysis was performed. The quality of the studies was assessed with Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2, and the quality of the evidence was evaluated with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. Seventy‐one studies were included. BAP1 loss showed a sensitivity of 0.65 (confidence interval [CI], 0.59‐0.71) and a specificity of 0.99 (CI, 0.93‐1.00). MTAP loss and p16 HD showed 100% specificity with sensitivities of 0.47 (CI, 0.38‐0.57) and 0.62 (CI, 0.53‐0.71), respectively. BAP1 loss and CDKN2A HD combined showed maximal specificity and a sensitivity of 0.83 (CI, 0.78‐0.89). GLUT1 and IMP3 showed sensitivities of 0.82 (CI, 0.70‐0.90) and 0.65 (CI, 0.41‐0.90), respectively, with comparable specificity. Mesothelin showed a sensitivity of 0.73 (CI, 0.68‐0.77) and a specificity of 0.90 (CI, 0.84‐0.93). In conclusion, some of the recently emerging biomarkers are close to 1.00 specificity. Their moderate sensitivity on their own, however, can be significantly improved by the use of 2 biomarkers, such as a combination of BAP1 and CDKN2A with fluorescence in situ hybridization or a combination of BAP1 and MTAP immunohistochemistry.
Offsets, Insets, Carbon Markets
Authors: McCauley DJ
Published: September 2021

Agriculture is a major factor in the Biden Administration’s plan to greatly reduce greenhouse gases, but how can we create a system that works for both producers and the many other entities interested in carbon sequestration? Carbon sequestration is tied to soil health, and soil health is incentivized differently based on relationships among producers, government programs, nonprofits, and third‐party organizations. Here, we’ll take a look at the landscape of soil health incentives, from government conservation programs to non‐profits, inset practices, and carbon market offsets. Earn 1.5 CEUs in Sustainability by reading this article and taking the quiz at https://bit.ly/2Uz1cAQ.
Galvanic Deposition of Pt Nanoparticles on Black TiO2 Nanotubes for Hydrogen Evolving Cathodes
Authors: Touni Aikaterini , Liu Xin , Kang Xiaolan , Carvalho Patricia A. , Diplas Spyros , Both Kevin G. , Sotiropoulos Sotirios , Chatzitakis Athanasios
Published: September 2021

A galvanic deposition method for the in‐situ formation of Pt nanoparticles (NPs) on top and inner surfaces of high‐aspect‐ratio black TiO2‐nanotube electrodes (bTNTs) for true utilization of their total surface area has been developed. Density functional theory calculations indicated that the deposition of Pt NPs was favored on bTNTs with a preferred [004] orientation and a deposition mechanism occurring via oxygen vacancies, where electrons were localized. High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy images revealed a graded deposition of Pt NPs with an average diameter of around 2.5 nm along the complete nanotube axis (length/pore diameter of 130 : 1). Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) studies in acidic electrolytes showed comparable results to bulk Pt (per geometric area) and Pt/C commercial catalysts (per mg of Pt). The presented novel HER cathodes of minimal engineering and low noble metal loadings (μg cm−2 range) achieved low Tafel slopes (30–34 mV dec−1) and high stability in acidic conditions. This study provides important insights for the in‐situ formation and deposition of NPs in high‐aspect‐ratio structures for energy applications.
Finding common ground: Toward comparable indicators of adaptive capacity of tree species to a changing climate
Authors: Royer‐Tardif Samuel , Boisvert‐Marsh Laura , Godbout Julie , Isabel Nathalie , Aubin Isabelle
Published: September 2021

Adaptive capacity, one of the three determinants of vulnerability to climate change, is defined as the capacity of species to persist in their current location by coping with novel environmental conditions through acclimation and/or evolution. Although studies have identified indicators of adaptive capacity, few have assessed this capacity in a quantitative way that is comparable across tree species. Yet, such multispecies assessments are needed by forest management and conservation programs to refine vulnerability assessments and to guide the choice of adaptation measures. In this paper, we propose a framework to quantitatively evaluate five key components of tree adaptive capacity to climate change: individual adaptation through phenotypic plasticity, population phenotypic diversity as influenced by genetic diversity, genetic exchange within populations, genetic exchange between populations, and genetic exchange between species. For each component, we define the main mechanisms that underlie adaptive capacity and present associated metrics that can be used as indices. To illustrate the use of this framework, we evaluate the relative adaptive capacity of 26 northeastern North American tree species using values reported in the literature. Our results show adaptive capacity to be highly variable among species and between components of adaptive capacity, such that no one species ranks consistently across all components. On average, the conifer Picea glauca and the broadleaves Acer rubrum and A. saccharinum show the greatest adaptive capacity among the 26 species we documented, whereas the conifers Picea rubens and Thuja occidentalis, and the broadleaf Ostrya virginiana possess the lowest. We discuss limitations that arise when comparing adaptive capacity among species, including poor data availability and comparability issues in metrics derived from different methods or studies. The breadth of data required for such an assessment exemplifies the multidisciplinary nature of adaptive capacity and the necessity of continued cross‐collaboration to better anticipate the impacts of a changing climate.
Modeling of the Triacylglycerol Stereospecific Composition of Vegetable Oils: I. Comparison of Models for Triacylglycerol Assembly
Authors: Sovová Helena
Published: September 2021

Stereospecific composition of triacylglycerols (TAGs) is calculated for a set of analytical data on genetically modified sunflower and soybean seed oils, using different mathematical models for TAG assembly. The models are related to biochemical pathways. The data (Reske et al., JAOCS 74 (1997) 989–998) consist of total fatty acid profiles, fatty acid proportion in the sn‐positions of TAGs, and TAG composition determined by HPLC analysis without distinguishing isomers. Besides the 1‐random, 2‐random, 3‐random models, a DAG‐random, 3‐random model is examined, the parameters of which are estimates of mole fractions of sn‐1,2‐diacylglycerols (sn‐1,2‐DAGs) before esterification at the sn‐3 position. Combining the last named model with correlations of fatty acid proportions in the sn‐positions and overall fatty acid composition, triacylglycerol stereospecific composition can be estimated from the TAG composition determined by HPLC. The deviation of the estimates from analytical characteristics of oils (fatty acid distribution and TAG composition) is less than the deviation of results of the Vander Wal model.

Practical Applications: It can be expected that the DAG‐random, 3‐random model with arbitrarily adjustable distribution of acyls in sn‐1,2‐diacylglycerols can reflect the composition of TAGs rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids better than previously used models. The reason is that it can reflect acyl editing in phosphatidylcholine pool of seed cells, while the 1‐random, 2‐random, 3‐random models correspond to simple Kennedy pathway of oil biosynthesis.
Bidirectional Synthesis, Photophysical and Electrochemical Characterization of Polycyclic Quinones Using Benzocyclobutenes and Benzodicyclobutenes as Precursors
Authors: Mohamed Abdelmoniem Amr , Abdelshafy Abdelhamid Ismail , Butenschön Holger
Published: September 2021

Quinones have widespread applications in view of their interesting chemical and photophysical features. On the other hand, benzocyclobutenes (BCBs) are generally masked reactive dienes suitable for the [4+2] cycloaddition reactions. Here, benzocyclobutenes and benzodicyclobutenes (BDCBs) were prepared and further reacted with benzoquinone and naphthoquinone in order to obtain some new polycyclic quinones with highly extendedπsystems, namely, 6‐bromo‐5,8‐dimethoxyanthracene‐1,4‐dione, 2,9‐dibromo‐1,4,8,11‐tetramethoxypentacene‐6,13‐dione, 9‐bromo‐7,10‐dimethoxytetracene‐5,12‐dione, 3,10‐dimethoxycyclobuta[b]anthracene‐1,5,8(2H)‐trione, 6,10,17,21‐tetramethoxynonacene‐1,4,8,12,15,19‐hexaone, and 3,12‐dimethoxycyclobuta[b]tetracene‐1,5,10(2H)‐trione. In addition to their spectroscopic characterization the new compounds are investigated by UV and fluorescence spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and DFT calculations.
N‐Confused Pyritriphyrin: A New Class of Triphyrin and Its Calixphyrin Analogue
Authors: Das Mainak , Singh Deepak , Chitranshi Sangya , Murugavel M. , Srinivasan A.
Published: September 2021

The N‐confused pyritriphyrin(3.3.1) was synthesized by switching the bonding mode of subpyriporphyrin with inclusion of two o‐phenylene rings in the macrocyclic core and prevails nonaromatic character due to the local aromatic characteristic of the embedded 3,5‐diphenylpyridyl unit. The simplest contracted derivative of N‐confused pyricalixphyrin such as calix[2]phyrin(2.2.1.1.1) is mainly achieved; (a) along with N‐confused pyritriphyrin; (b) by changing the reaction condition and (c) from N‐confused pyritriphyrin by using simple reducing agent. The conversion of N‐confused pyritriphyrin to respective calixphyrin analogue was elusive so far. The molecular structure of calixphyrin is unambiguously confirmed by crystal analysis which reveals its partial ruffled conformation with exclusively amine pyrrole units in the macrocyclic core in spite of steric congestion, which is unprecedented to date.
A projection‐based Laplace approximation for spatial latent variable models
Authors: Park Jaewoo , Lee Sangwan
Published: September 2021

Laplace method is a practical tool for obtaining maximum likelihood estimators for a wide class of latent variable models. The main idea is to approximate the integrand using a Gaussian distribution. However, with increasing observations, the Laplace approximation becomes infeasible because the dimension of the correlated latent variables grows, which results in the high‐dimensional optimization problem. One important example is spatial latent variable models, which are widely used in many fields, such as ecology, epidemiology, and sociology. Spatial latent variable models are useful for investigating the relationship between spatial covariates or predicting the unobserved area. Here, we propose a fast Laplace approximation based on the dimension reduction of the latent variables. Our methods are faster and have fewer components to be tuned than simulation‐based methods such as Markov chain Monte Carlo maximum likelihood and Monte Carlo expectation‐maximization. Our approach can be applied to the large non‐Gaussian spatial data sets, commonly used in modern environmental sciences. Especially, we show how we may understand spatial patterns of non‐Gaussian responses for two case studies: confirmed COVID‐19 cases in the United States and thickness of the Antarctic ice sheet. Through simulation studies under different scenarios, we investigate that our method can provide accurate maximum likelihood estimations and predictions quickly. Our study can be widely applicable for practical maximum likelihood inference for high‐dimensional random effect models. We provide a freely available R‐package that can implement the proposed method.
Measuring the spatial distribution of health rankings in the United States
Authors: Davis Will , Gordan Alexander , Tchernis Rusty
Published: September 2021

We rank counties in the United States with respect to population health. We utilize the five observable county health variables used to construct the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute's County Health Rankings (CHRs). Our method relies on a Bayesian factor analysis model that estimates data‐driven weights for our rankings, incorporates county population sizes into the level of rank uncertainty, and allows for spillovers of health stock across county lines. We find that demographic and economic variation explains a large portion of the variation in health rankings. We address the importance of uncertainty caused by imputation of missing data and show that there is a substantial quantity of uncertainty in rankings throughout the rank distribution. Analyzing the health of counties both within and across state lines shows notable degrees of disparity in county health. While we find some disagreement between the ranks of our model and the CHRs, we show that there is additional information gained by utilizing the rankings produced by both methods.
Factors influencing motivation and job satisfaction of community health workers in Africa and Asia—A multi‐country study
Authors: Olaniran Abimbola , Madaj Barbara , Bar‐Zeev Sarah , Banke‐Thomas Aduragbemi , van den Broek Nynke
Published: September 2021

As key stakeholders continue to affirm the relevance of community health workers (CHWs) in universal health coverage, there is a need for a commensurate focus on their motivation and job satisfaction especially in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) where they play prominent roles. Despite the wealth of literature on motivation and job satisfaction, many studies draw on research conducted in high‐income settings. This study explored factors influencing motivation and satisfaction among CHWs in LMICs. Thirty‐two focus group discussions and 116 key informant interviews were conducted with CHWs, programme staff, health professionals and community leaders in Bangladesh, India, Kenya, Malawi and Nigeria. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Overall, CHWs desired: (1) CHW programmes with manageable workload; work schedules that address concerns of female CHWs on work‐life balance; clear career pathway; and a timely, regular and sustainable remuneration. However, no remuneration type guaranteed satisfaction because of an insatiable quest for additional financial reward. (2) Relationship with stakeholders that enhances their reputation. This was more important for unsalaried CHWs. (3) Opportunities to support community members. This was popular among all cadres as it resonated with their altruistic values. This study provides insights for developing a ‘comprehensive motivation package’ for CHWs.
Impact of optical clearing on ex vivo human skin optical properties characterized by spatially resolved multimodal spectroscopy
Authors: Zaytsev Sergey M. , Amouroux Marine , Khairallah Grégoire , Bashkatov Alexey N. , Tuchin Valery V. , Blondel Walter , Genina Elina A.
Published: September 2021

A spatially resolved multimodal spectroscopic device was used on a two‐layered “hybrid” model made of ex vivo skin and fluorescent gel to investigate the effect of skin optical clearing on the depth sensitivity of optical spectroscopy. Time kinetics of fluorescence and diffuse reflectance spectra were acquired in four experimental conditions: with optical clearing agent (OCA) 1 made of polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG‐400), propylene glycol and sucrose; with OCA 2 made of PEG‐400 and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO); with saline solution as control and a “dry” condition. An increase in the gel fluorescence back reflected intensity was measured after optical clearing. Effect of OCA 2 turned out to be stronger than that of OCA 1, possibly due to DMSO impact on the stratum corneum keratin conformation. Complementary experimental results showed increased light transmittance through the skin and confirmed that the improvement in the depth sensitivity of the multimodal spectroscopic approach is related not only to the dehydration and refractive indices matching due to optical clearing, but also to the mechanical compression of tissues caused by the application of the spectroscopic probe.
The role of electric field on decomposition of CL‐20/HMX cocrystal: A reactive molecular dynamics study
Authors: Zhang Jidong , Guo Wei
Published: September 2021

Electric field can initiate decomposition or detonation of explosives, but underlying mechanism is unclear. Here, we performed ReaxFF molecular dynamics simulation for decomposition of a cocrystal, formed by 2,4,6,8,10,12‐hexanitro‐2,4,6,8,10,12‐hexaazaisowurtzitane (CL‐20) and 1,3,5,7‐tetranitro‐1,3,5,7‐tetrazacyclooctane (HMX), solely induced by electric field. A new analytical method was proposed to obtain detailed decomposition mechanism. Results show that electric fields play important roles in decomposition of CL‐20/HMX cocrystal, such as heating the system and causing the explosive to decompose. Strong constant field makes CL‐20 molecules in the cocrystal decompose at significantly lower temperature, which greatly increases sensitivity. This is ascribed to the distinct decomposition mechanism that CN bond rupture dominates the initial step of CL‐20's decomposition. Contrarily, oscillating field has a stronger heating effect but weaker influence on sensitivity. Moreover, HMX exhibits desensitizing effect in CL‐20/HMX cocrystal under electric field. These results enhance our understanding of sensitivity mechanism beyond mechanical stimuli in explosives.
Deep Learning‐Enabled Identification of Autoimmune Encephalitis on 3D Multi‐Sequence MRI
Authors: Xiang Yayun , Zeng Chun , Liu Baiyun , Tan Weixiong , Wu Jiangfen , Hu Xiaofei , Han Yongliang , Luo Qi , Gong Junwei , Liu Junhang , Li Yongmei
Published: September 2021

Background

Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) is a noninfectious emergency with severe clinical attacks. It is difficult for the earlier diagnosis of acute AE due to the lack of antibody detection resources.

Purpose

To construct a deep learning (DL) algorithm using multi‐sequence magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the identification of acute AE.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

One hundred and sixty AE patients (90 women; median age 36), 177 herpes simplex virus encephalitis (HSVE) (89 women; median age 39), and 184 healthy controls (HC) (95 women; median age 39) were included. Fifty‐two patients from another site were enrolled for external validation.

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0 T; fast spin‐echo (T1WI, T2WI, fluid attenuated inversion recovery imaging) and spin‐echo echo‐planar diffusion weighted imaging.

Assessment

Five DL models based on individual or combined four MRI sequences to classify the datasets as AE, HSVE, or HC. Reader experiment was further carried out by radiologists.

Statistical Tests

The discriminative performance of different models was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). The optimal threshold cut‐off was identified when sensitivity and specificity were maximized (sensitivity + specificity − 1) in the validation set. Classification performance using confusion matrices was reported to evaluate the diagnostic value of the models and the radiologists' assessments before being assessed by the paired t‐test (P < 0.05 was considered significant).

Results

In the internal test set, the fusion model achieved the significantly greatest diagnostic performance than single‐sequence DL models with AUCs of 0.828, 0.884, and 0.899 for AE, HSVE, and HC, respectively. The model demonstrated a consistently high performance in the external validation set with AUCs of 0.831 (AE), 0.882 (HSVE), and 0.892 (HC). The fusion model also demonstrated significantly higher performance than all radiologists in identifying AE (accuracy between the fuse model vs. average radiologist: 83% vs. 72%).

Data Conclusion

The proposed DL algorithm derived from multi‐sequence MRI provided desirable identification and classification of acute AE.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
A scoping review of patient selection methods for proton therapy
Authors: Zientara Nicole , Giles Eileen , Le Hien , Short Michala
Published: September 2021

The aim was to explore various national and international clinical decision‐making tools and dose comparison methods used for selecting cancer patients for proton versus X‐ray radiation therapy. To address this aim, a literature search using defined scoping review methods was performed in Medline and Embase databases as well as grey literature. Articles published between 1 January 2015 and 4 August 2020 and those that clearly stated methods of proton versus X‐ray therapy patient selection and those published in English were eligible for inclusion. In total, 321 studies were identified of which 49 articles met the study’s inclusion criteria representing 13 countries. Six different clinical decision‐making tools and 14 dose comparison methods were identified, demonstrating variability within countries and internationally. Proton therapy was indicated for all paediatric patients except those with lymphoma and re‐irradiation where individualised model‐based selection was required. The most commonly reported patient selection tools included the Normal Tissue Complication Probability model, followed by cost‐effectiveness modelling and dosimetry comparison. Model‐based selection methods were most commonly applied for head and neck clinical indications in adult cohorts (48% of studies). While no ‘Gold Standard’ currently exists for proton therapy patient selection with variations evidenced globally, some of the patient selection methods identified in this review can be used to inform future practice in Australia. As literature was not identified from all countries where proton therapy centres are available, further research is needed to evaluate patient selection methods in these jurisdictions for a comprehensive overview.
Trouble with the Outlaws: Bandits, the State, and Political Legitimacy in Greece over the Longue Durée
Authors: Xenakis Sappho
Published: September 2021

Using the case of modern Greece, this article examines the long historical resonance and embattled legacy of state relations with bandits. Whilst there have been enduring debates about the motivations of bandits in the armed struggle for Greek liberation from Ottoman rule in the nineteenth century, their central role within that struggle is nevertheless widely acknowledged. After independence in 1832, bandit histories eventually became a core part of nationalist myths on which the modern Greek state staked its legitimacy. As this article contends, however, this stake was not unproblematic, and was not to go unchallenged. At notable junctures over the course of the twentieth and twenty‐first centuries, the Greek state faced counter‐claims to these cherished tropes, when outlawed groups sought to present themselves as the authentic inheritors of the nationalist bandit mantle. This article thus draws attention to the potential for extended political reverberations over the ascription of bandit tropes and their significance in claims of legitimacy by political actors. In so doing, the paper offers a conceptual bridge over a divide commonly found between, on the one hand, studies of banditry, and, on the other, research on groups of outlaws that emerge over successive periods within the same geographic space.
Growth of Greater White‐Fronted Goose Goslings Relates to Population Dynamics at Multiple Scales
Authors: Fondell Thomas F. , Meixell Brandt W. , Flint Paul L.
Published: September 2021

The abundance of greater white‐fronted geese (Anser albifrons frontalis) on the Arctic Coastal Plain (ACP) of northern Alaska, USA, has more than tripled since the late 1990s; however, recent rate of annual population growth has declined as population size increased, which may indicate white‐fronted geese on the ACP are approaching carrying capacity. We examined rates of gosling growth in greater white‐fronted geese at 3 sites on the ACP during 2012–2014 to assist with predictions of future population trends and assess evidence for density‐dependent constraints on recruitment. We marked goslings at hatch with individually coded webtags and conducted brood drives during early August to capture, measure, and weigh goslings. Annual estimates of gosling mass at 32 days old (range = 1,190–1,685) indicate that goslings had obtained >60% of asymptotic size. This rate of growth corresponds with that of other goose species and populations with access to high‐quality forage and no limitations on forage availability, and is consistent with the overall increase in abundance of white‐fronted geese at the ACP scale. Contrary to most previous investigations, age‐adjusted mass of goslings did not decline with hatch date. Goslings grew faster in coastal areas than at inland freshwater sites. Taken together, these findings suggest forage was not limiting gosling growth rates in either ecosystem, but forage was of greater quality in coastal areas where goose foraging habitat is expanding because of permafrost subsidence. Spatial patterns of gosling growth corresponded with local‐scale patterns of population density and population change; the areas with greatest rates of gosling growth were those with the greatest population density and rates of population increase. We found little evidence to suggest forage during brood rearing was limiting population increase of white‐fronted geese on the ACP. Factors responsible for the apparent slowing of ACP‐wide population growth are likely those that occur in stages of the annual cycle outside of the breeding grounds. Published 2021. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.