bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
'The worst disaster suffered by the people of Scotland in recorded history'
Authors: Oram Richard
Published: January 2021

Informing historical and archaeological discourse with environmental data culled from documentary and climate proxy records is transforming understanding of political, social economic and cultural change across the North Atlantic and European Atlantic regions generally. Limited record evidence and region-specific proxy data has hindered engagement by historians of medieval Scotland with the exploration of environmental factors as motors for long term and large scale change and adoption of the interdisciplinary methodologies involved in their use. This paper seeks to provide an overview of the potential for such data and methodologies in providing context for the well-rehearsed narratives of political upheaval and socio-economic realignment that have characterised much past Scottish historical discourse.
Adelomelon beckii
, The Giant Predator Snail: External Morphology
Authors: Arrighetti Florencia
Published: January 2021

Adelomelon beckii has the typical gastropod external morphology of a gastropod: a head with the sense organs; a mantle cavity which serves as a respiratory chamber and cover the visceral mass and foot for locomotion.
Adelomelon beckii
, The Giant Predator Snail: Gametes
Authors: Arrighetti Florencia
Published: January 2021

Oocytes developed in close association with accessory cells. There are three stages of oocyte development and maturation: oogonias, previtellogenic oocytes, and vitellogenic oocytes. During spermatogenesis, sprematogonia progressively differentiate into a filiform sperm. A vermiform parasperm was also observed.
Haliclona
: Introduction
Authors: Zerarguia Islem , Stillitani Daniele , dos S. Borges Felipe , Moraes Fernando , Vieira Ricardo P. , Costa Manoel L. , Coutinho Cristiano C.
Published: January 2021

The phylum Porifera groups originally filter‐feeding pore‐bearing animals, with carnivore sponges lacking the filtering system. Demospongiae is the class comprising sponges with silica spicule, but it is different from the Homoscleromorph. Sponge taxonomy is based on the morphology and arrangement of spicules, which are highly homoplasics. Molecular studies have importantly contributed to refine sponge taxonomy.

Haplosclerida display (or partially) triangular meshes of diactinal (two‐rayed) spicules with sides of one spicule length (i.e. isodictyal reticulation).

The genus
Haliclona
has variable morphology and consistency (erect, tube‐shaped, and branching forms, soft and fragile, and firm and elastic).
Haliclona
: Reproduction and Development
Authors: Coutinho Cristiano C. , Costa Manoel L. , Stillitani Daniele , Moraes Fernando , Vieira Ricardo P. , Borges Felipe dos Santos , Zerarguia Islem
Published: January 2021

Sponges have the ability to fully regenerate from small number of aggregated cells. The morphogenetic program to mount a sponge body does not require embryonic development. Asexual reproduction by fragmentation and generation of stem cell aggregates contributes significantly to sponge straggling. Sexual reproduction in sponges does not count with a specific germinative lineage, and two somatic stem cell types, the choanocyte and the archeocyte, undergo meiosis to generate spermatozoa and oocyte, respectively. Nurse cells forming brooding chambers and intense phagocytic activity accessorize the internal development of
Haliclona
embryos. Parenchymula larvae are released and set the substrate after some days, initiating the metamorphosis.
Gobionellus oceanicus:
Respiratory System
Authors: da Mota Araujo Helena Rachel , Aguilar Leticia , da Cruz André Luis
Published: January 2021

This article describes the morphology of the respiratory surface gills and integument of the palate of the goby
Gobionellus oceanicus
(Pallas, 1770). We highlight the role of the palate integument's surface for air breathing in estuarine environments under probable hypoxia conditions. Such conditions can result from decreases in dissolved oxygen related to fluctuations in water level between tides, chemical composition, and increase in water temperature. Thus, a surface with respiratory characteristics can guarantee this fish's survival in environments that suffer constant variations.
Broad‐Spectrum Antiviral Agents Based on Multivalent Inhibitors of Viral Infectivity
Authors: Zelikin Alexander N. , Stellacci Francesco
Published: January 2021

The ongoing pandemic of the coronavirus disease (Covid‐19), caused by the spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV‐2), highlights the need for broad‐spectrum antiviral drugs. In this Essay, it is argued that such agents already exist and are readily available while highlighting the challenges that remain to translate them into the clinic. Multivalent inhibitors of viral infectivity based on polymers or supramolecular agents and nanoparticles are shown to be broadly acting against diverse pathogens in vitro as well as in vivo. Furthermore, uniquely, such agents can be virucidal. Polymers and nanoparticles are stable, do not require cold chain of transportation and storage, and can be obtained on large scale. Specifically, for the treatment of respiratory viruses and pulmonary diseases, these agents can be administered via inhalation/nebulization, as is currently investigated in clinical trials as a treatment against SARS CoV‐2/Covid‐19. It is believed that with due optimization and clinical validation, multivalent inhibitors of viral infectivity can claim their rightful position as broad‐spectrum antiviral agents.
Optical Microfluidic Waveguides and Solution Lasers of Colloidal Semiconductor Quantum Wells
Authors: Maskoun Joudi , Gheshlaghi Negar , Isik Furkan , Delikanli Savas , Erdem Onur , Erdem Emine Yegan , Demir Hilmi Volkan
Published: January 2021

The realization of high‐quality lasers in microfluidic devices is crucial for numerous applications, including biological and chemical sensors and flow cytometry, and the development of advanced lab‐on‐chip (LOC) devices. Herein, an ultralow‐threshold microfluidic single‐mode laser is proposed and demonstrated using an on‐chip cavity. CdSe/CdS@CdxZn1−xS core/crown@gradient‐alloyed shell colloidal semiconductor quantum wells (CQWs) dispersed in toluene are employed in the cavity created inside a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) microfluidic device using SiO2‐protected Ag mirrors to achieve in‐solution lasing. Lasing from such a microfluidic device having CQWs solution as a microfluidic gain medium is shown for the first time with a record‐low optical gain threshold of 17.1 µJ cm−² and lasing threshold of 68.4 µJ cm−² among all solution‐based lasing demonstrations. In addition, air‐stable SiO2 protected Ag films are used and designed to form highly tunable and reflective mirrors required to attain a high‐quality Fabry–Pérot cavity. These realized record‐low thresholds emanate from the high‐quality on‐chip cavity together with the core/crown@gradient‐alloyed shell CQWs having giant gain cross‐section and slow Auger rates. This microfabricated CQW laser provides a compact and inexpensive coherent light source for microfluidics and integrated optics covering the visible spectral region.
SiO2‐Decorated Parylene C Micropillars Designed to Probe Cellular Force
Authors: Fohlerova Zdenka , Gablech Imrich , Otahal Alexandr , Fecko Peter
Published: January 2021

Living cells sense and respond to mechanical signals through specific mechanisms generating traction force. The quantification of cell forces using micropillars can be limited by micropillar stiffness, technological aspects of fabrications, and microcontact printing of proteins. This paper develops the new design of SiO2/Parylene C micropillars with an aspect ratio of 6 and 3.5 and spring constant of 4.7 and 28 µN µm−1, respectively. The upper part of micropillars is coated with a 250 nm layer of SiO2, and results confirm protein deposition on individual micropillars via SiO2 interface and non‐adhesiveness on the micropillars’ sidewalls. Results show an absence of cytotoxicity for micropillar‐based substrates and a dependence on its stiffness. Stiffer micropillars enhance cell adhesion and proliferation rate, and a stronger cellular force of ≈25 μN is obtained. The main contribution of SiO2/parylene C micropillars is the elimination of the step involving the fabrication of polydimethylsiloxane stamp because the array enables covalent binding of proteins via SiO2 chemistry. These micropillars stand on Si wafer and thus, any warping of underlying polymer membrane does not have to be considered. Additionally, SiO2/parylene C micropillars can broaden the range of stiffer substrates to be probed by cells.
Fully‐Printed Piezoelectric Devices for Flexible Electronics Applications
Authors: Aliqué Marc , Simão Claudia Delgado , Murillo Gonzalo , Moya Ana
Published: January 2021

Recent advances in materials and manufacturing processes pave the way for the establishment of piezoelectric materials via printing techniques as flexible sensors, actuators, and generators. Such flexible devices are key building blocks for future advanced robotic skin and conformable medical devices. Herein special focus is given to printed devices for its lightweight, flexibility, and manufacturing by high throughput techniques, offering a disruptive advantage in integration technologies and a wide range of opportunities for industrialization routes, where cost‐effective applications are required. In this Progress Report, the different system parameters are discussed, pinpointing the ones that affect the production of reliable flexible printed piezoelectric devices and limit this technology to achieve higher technological maturity. Focus is made on screen and inkjet printing as fabrication techniques and the well‐established piezoelectric polymer poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐trifluoroethylene). Key limiting factors found for the manufacturing of robust scalable all‐printed piezoelectric devices stems mainly from the piezoelectric ink production and processing. Finally, the integration of these materials, via printing technologies, into soft, flexible, and even stretchable substrates is analyzed and insights are gathered on the manufacturing trends to achieve low‐cost production of flexible piezoelectric devices embedded in electronic skin and smart wearables.
A Universal Method for High‐Efficiency Immobilization of Semiconducting Carbon Nanotubes toward Fully Printed Paper‐Based Electronics
Authors: Li Xiaoqian , Ren Yunfei , Wang Xin , Shao Shuangshuang , Li Hui , Wu Liangzhuan , Liu Xuying , Zhao Jianwen
Published: January 2021

Semiconducting single‐walled carbon nanotubes (sc‐SWCNTs) are promising candidates for constructing high‐performance fully printed flexible thin film transistors (TFTs) and circuits. How to achieve highly dense and uniform SWCNT thin films on different substrates has become a key scientific issue for printed flexible carbon‐based electronics. In this work, a universal method to efficiently immobilize conjugated polymer‐sorted sc‐SWCNTs on different substrates using solution‐processable SiO2 thin film as the adhesion layer is developed. Fully printed top‐gate SWCNT TFTs are successfully constructed by combining aerosol jet and inkjet printing using silver electrodes and ionic liquid‐cross‐linkable‐poly(4‐vinylphenol) as metal contact electrodes and dielectrics, respectively. Consequently, the fully printed paper‐based SWCNT TFTs represent extraordinary mechanical flexibility and good electrical properties with high on/off ratio (higher than 105), small subthreshold swing (≈70 mV dec−1), and small hysteresis, as well as high carrier mobility (up to 10.8 cm2 V−1 s−1) at low gate voltages (±1 V). In addition, the resistor‐loaded fully printed paper‐based inverters are also achieved using printed carbon nanotube conductive lines as the loaded resistors, exhibiting relatively large gains (16 at VDD of 1 V) and excellent mechanical flexibility. This work represents an encouraging advancement toward the practical applications of SWCNTs for high‐performance, low‐cost, and eco‐friendly paper‐based electronics.
U‐Shaped Heteroacenes Embedded with Heavy Chalcogen Atoms: Unique Bilayer Self‐Organization of Crooked π‐Cores Enabling Efficient Charge Transport
Authors: Mori Tatsuya , Yasuda Takuma
Published: January 2021

Organic semiconductors are indispensable functional materials for next‐generation printed electronics, and significant progress has been made in the development of high‐mobility organic semiconductors in recent years. Most of these molecules rely on the use of linearly π‐extended polycyclic heteroaromatic systems, referred to as heteroacenes, as the functional core. Here, to expand the scope of the rational design of organic semiconductors, a new series of U‐shaped heteroacenes that features unprecedented “U” geometric configuration together with systematic chalcogen modification is elaborated. This U‐shaped molecular geometry promotes the formation of supramolecular bilayer lamellar assemblies, in which the U‐shaped molecules are packed into a head‐to‐head arrangement via the multiple intermolecular chalcogen interactions. Importantly, the incorporation of heavier chalcogen atoms (selenium and tellurium) instead of sulfur atoms can systematically modulate the key electronic properties of materials by influencing the molecular geometry, frontier orbital energy levels, and noncovalent intermolecular interactions. Consequently, anisotropic, high hole mobilities of up to 3.8 cm2 V−1 s−1 can be attained in thin‐film organic field‐effect transistors based on the selenium‐embedded U‐shaped heteroacene. In this study, the relationship between the molecular structures, supramolecular self‐organization, and charge transport properties among these U‐shaped heteroacenes are investigated from computational and experimental perspectives.
Ultrathin, Ultra‐Conformable, and Free‐Standing Tattooable Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Barsotti Jonathan , Rapidis Alexandros G. , Hirata Ikue , Greco Francesco , Cacialli Franco , Mattoli Virgilio
Published: January 2021

A novel tattooable, ultrathin, green organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) fabricated on top of commercial temporary tattoo paper, is demonstrated. The transfer mechanism relies on dissolution of the sacrificial layer typically incorporated in paper‐tattoos. The ready‐to‐use device can be stored on the tattoo substrate and released on the target surface at a later time, simply by a slight wetting of the tattoo paper with water. This approach provides a quick and easy method of transferring OLEDs on virtually any surface. This is particularly appealing, in perspective, for on‐skin and disposable electronic applications. The proof of concept demonstrates, for the very first time, the feasibility of ultrathin operational OLED tattoos. While the performance of such devices is not yet comparable with that of OLEDs on rigid or flexible non‐tattooable substrates, the results show the potential for an OLED tattoo technology in integrated conformable electronic circuits.
Impact of abdominal aortic calcification on 90‐day mortality in sepsis patients: a pilot retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kato Takayuki , Fujino Kazunori , Tsujita Yasuyuki , Miyatake Hidemitsu , Tabata Takahisa , Eguchi Yutaka
Published: January 2021

Aim

We aimed to investigate the association between aortic calcification and 90‐day mortality in sepsis patients admitted to the intensive care unit.

Methods

We evaluated adult patients (≥18 years) diagnosed with sepsis based on the Sepsis‐3 criteria and admitted to our intensive care unit between April 2011 and March 2015. They were classified according to the degree of abdominal aortic calcification (severe and non‐severe), grouped per age (<65, 65–75, and >75 years), and matched. Survival curves were generated, and between‐group differences were evaluated.

Results

Overall, 164 patients were included. The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores were not significantly different between the severity groups, whereas there were significant differences in age (P < 0.001), sex (P = 0.017), and presence of diabetes mellitus (P < 0.001), hypertension (P < 0.001), dyslipidemia (P = 0.048), and maintenance dialysis (P = 0.001). The severe abdominal aortic calcification group showed significantly poorer prognosis than the non‐severe group (log–rank P = 0.009). The adjusted odds ratio of severe calcification was the highest in patients aged <65 years (7.167; 95% confidence interval, 1.042–49.28, P = 0.045). Twenty‐eight patients from each group were matched. The 90‐day survival rate of the severe calcification group remained significantly lower than that of the non‐severe calcification group (53.6% [15/28] versus 82.1% [23/28], P = 0.022).

Conclusions

Severe abdominal aortic calcification is associated with the 90‐day mortality of sepsis patients, particularly among those aged <65 years. Thus, caution is necessary in patients younger than 65 years; they may need to be treated with as much care as the elderly.
Glycerolysis of Buriti Oil (Mauritia flexuosa) by Magnesium Oxide and Immobilized Lipase Catalysts: Reaction Yield and Carotenoids Degradation
Authors: da Silva João Antônio Pessoa , Bönmann Victória Castro , Kuamoto Douglas Takeshi , Ferreira Amanda Lopes , Petzhold Cesar Liberato , Cardozo Nilo Sérgio Medeiros
Published: January 2021

Buriti (Mauritia flexuosa) is a palm tree widely distributed in South America. The oil extracted from its fruit is an added value product for its high carotenoids content. The aim of this work was to evaluate the alkaline (magnesium oxide—MgO) and enzymatic (lipase B from Candida antarctica immobilized on macroporous acrylic resin) glycerolysis of buriti oil to obtain non‐ionic emulsifiers and evaluate the carotenoids degradation during this process. Alkaline glycerolysis was carried out using a 3:1 glycerol/oil molar ratio, temperatures of 170 and 210 °C, and MgO contents of 0.5 and 1%wt. Enzymatic glycerolysis reactions were performed using 3%wt. of a lipase catalyst and varying the following parameters: glycerol: oil molar ratio (3:1, 6:1, and 9:1), solvent (tert‐butyl alcohol) concentration (50%, 150%, and 250%, vol./substrate mass), and temperature (40, 55 and 70 °C). The products were analyzed by liquid chromatography and UV–visible spectroscopy (370–520 nm). Enzymatic glycerolysis was superior in terms of conversion and selectivity to monoacylglycerols (MAG). MAG yields were close to 80% or higher for most conditions tested for enzymatic glycerolysis, while the maximum yield for alkaline glycerolysis was of 58%. UV–Vis data showed that carotenoids were severally degraded in alkaline glycerolysis, while the enzymatic product exhibited high preservation of carotenoids and color and odor similar to those of the pure buriti oil. Based on the final composition of the non‐ionic emulsifiers obtained from buriti oil by enzymatic glycerolysis, they can be considered potential raw materials for cosmetic and food industries.
Examining the utility of DNA barcodes for the identification of tallgrass prairie flora
Authors: Herzog Sarah A. , Latvis Maribeth
Published: January 2021

Premise

The tallgrass prairies of North America are one of the most threatened ecosystems in the world, making efficient species identification essential for understanding and managing diversity. Here, we assess DNA barcoding with high‐throughput sequencing as a method for rapid plant species identification.

Methods

Using herbarium collections representing the tallgrass prairie flora of Oak Lake Field Station, South Dakota, USA, we amplified and examined four common nuclear and plastid barcode regions (ITS, matK, psbA‐trnH, and rbcL), individually and in combination, to test their success in identifying samples to family, genus, and species levels using BLAST searches of three databases of varying size.

Results

Concatenated barcodes increased performance, although none were significantly different than single‐region barcodes. The plastid region psbA‐trnH performed significantly more poorly than the others, while barcodes containing ITS performed best. Database size significantly affected identification success at all three taxonomic levels. Confident species‐level identification ranged from 8–44% for the global database, 13–56% for the regional database, and 21–80% for the sampled species database, depending on the barcode used.

Discussion

Barcoding was generally successful in identifying tallgrass prairie genera and families, but was of limited use in species‐level identifications. Database size was an important factor in successful plant identification. We discuss future directions and considerations for improving the performance of DNA barcoding in tallgrass prairies.
Influence of a galactic gamma ray burst on ocean plankton
Authors: Rodríguez‐López Lien , Cardenas Rolando , González‐Rodríguez Lisdelys , Guimarais Mayrene , Horvath Jorge
Published: January 2021

The hypothesis that one or more biodiversity drops in the Phanerozoic eon, evident in the geological record, might have been caused by the most powerful kind of stellar explosion so far, known Gamma Ray Bursts (GRBs), has been discussed in several works. These stellar explosions could have left an imprint in the biological evolution on Earth and in other habitable planets. In this work, we calculate the short‐term lethality that a GRB would produce in the aquatic primary producers on Earth. This effect on life occurs because of ultraviolet (UV) retransmission in the atmosphere of a fraction of the gamma energy, resulting in an intense UV flash capable of penetrating tens of meters into the water column in the ocean. We focus on the action of the UV‐flash on phytoplankton as they are the main contributors to global aquatic primary productivity. Our results suggest that the UV‐flash could cause a significant reduction of phytoplankton biomass in the upper mixed layer of the world's oceans.
A method to design mechanical transducers for resonant‐mass gravitational wave detectors
Authors: Bortoli Fabio S. , Frajuca Carlos , Magalhaes Nadja S.
Published: January 2021

In this work, a methodology to design two‐mode mechanical transducers for the spherical resonant‐mass gravitational wave detector SCHENBERG is presented. This detector uses microwave multiparametric sensors and has 17 mechanical modes together with 6 electromagnetic modes for the microwave cavities. These transducers, when placed on the spherical surface of the detector, must have an effective mass ratio between their modes constant to provide the better amplification and compose a resonant system that has characteristics necessary for the detection of gravitational waves. To meet this demand, the transducers must form a resonant system with exactly the same quadrupole frequencies of the sphere. This work describes how these transducers were designed using Finite Element Modeling (FEM).
Non‐coaptation of an implanted caval valve leaflets for severe tricuspid regurgitation: Rethinking the concept of “Eustachian ridge?”
Authors: Qintar Mohammed , Wang Dee Dee , O'Neill William W , O'Neill Brian
Published: January 2021

Severe symptomatic tricuspid regurgitation (TR) remains an undertreated disease. Multiple trans‐catheter treatment options are currently under investigation. Transcatheter caval valve implantation (CAVI) has been utilized as a treatment option and aims at decreasing or eliminating the caval backflow that occurs in severe TR patients. Understanding challenges with this therapy is paramount. Hereby we present a CAVI case with resultant non‐coaptation of valve leaflets in a patient with a prominent Eustachian ridge.
Procedural optimization of drug‐coated balloons in the treatment of coronary artery disease
Authors: Lee Hak Seung , Kang Jeehoon , Park Kyung Woo , Ki You‐Jeong , Chang Mineok , Han Jung‐Kyu , Yang Han‐Mo , Kang Hyun‐Jae , Koo Bon‐Kwon , Kim Hyo‐Soo
Published: January 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the effects of procedural optimization on the clinical outcomes of using the drug‐coated balloon (DCB) in the treatment of coronary artery disease.

Backgrounds

Procedural optimization is considered an essential step in DCB treatment.

Methods

Data of consecutive patients who underwent DCB treatment at the Seoul National University Hospital were collected. The primary outcome was target lesion failure (TLF) at 2 years.

Results

Among 259 patients (309 lesions), TLF was observed in 31 (12.0%) patients. The following were modifiable procedural factors: residual percent diameter stenosis (%DS) after lesion preparation; DCB‐to‐vessel/stent ratio; time‐delay to inflation; and total DCB inflation time. The best cutoff values for these parameters were 20%, 0.95, 25, and 60 s, respectively. The patients were classified based on the number of procedural factors that satisfied adequate criteria. TLF was observed in 7.3% in the fully optimized group, 9.1% in the partially optimized group, and 34.1% in the nonoptimized group over 2 years (p < .001). The adequacy of the four factors for DCB optimization was an independent predictor of TLF (adjusted hazards ratio for each unmet criteria for optimization, 2.05, 95% confidence interval 1.74–2.36, p < .001).

Conclusion

The optimization of the four procedural factors could reduce TLF following DCB treatment.
Neuroendocrine adenoma of the middle ear—An intriguing entity
Authors: Bou Rahal Peter , Wängberg Bo
Published: January 2021

Despite its rarity, the neuroendocrine adenoma of the middle ear (NEAME) is a differential diagnosis of the middle ear disease. We suspect that the NEAME is underdiagnosed and more cases can be detected through education and personal experience. Treatment is R0 resection, and long follow‐up is recommended.
Deoxyfluorination of Carboxylic, Sulfonic, Phosphinic Acids and Phosphine Oxides by Perfluoroalkyl Ether Carboxylic Acids Featuring CF2O Units
Authors: Zhao Shiyu , Guo Yong , Su Zhaoben , Wu Chengying , Chen Wei , Chen Qing‐Yun
Published: January 2021

Main observation and conclusion

The deoxyfluorination of carboxylic, sulfonic, phosphinic acids and phosphine oxides is a fundamentally important approach to access acyl fluorides, sulfonyl fluorides and phosphoric fluorides, thus the development of inexpensive, stable, easy‐to‐handle, versatile, and efficient deoxyfluorination reagents is highly desired. Herein, we report the use of potassium salts of perfluoroalkyl ether carboxylic acids (PFECA) featuring CF2O units as deoxyfluorination reagents, which are generated mainly as by‐products in the manufacture of hexafluoropropene oxide (HFPO). The synthesis of acyl fluorides, sulfonyl fluorides and phosphoric fluorides can be realized via carbonic difluoride (COF2) generated in situ from thermal degradation of the PFECA salt.
Evolution of Routes for Asymmetric Total Synthesis of Cyclocitrinol Enabled by Type II [5+2] Cycloaddition†
Authors: Wu Jianlei , Liu Junyang , Fan Jian‐Hong , Xie Zhi‐Dong , Qin Hukun , Li Chuang‐Chuang
Published: January 2021

Main observation and conclusion

The asymmetric total synthesis of an unusual C25 steroid containing a unique bicyclo[4.4.1]undecene A/B ring system, resulting in the synthesis of cyclocitrinol (1) and its isomer Δ8,14‐cyclocitrinol (38), is reported. Initial attempts to construct the synthetically challenging bicyclo[4.4.1]undecene A/B ring system using a type II [5+2] cycloaddition showed that a chiral substituent at the allylic position of the alkene (C6, cyclocitrinol numbering) controlled the stereoselective outcome of the cycloaddition reaction. Late‐stage migration of the tetrasubstituted C8–C14 double bond in Δ8,14‐cyclocitrinol (38) to obtain cyclocitrinol (1) proved challenging, inspiring an alternative approach. The chiral β‐CH2OR group on the allylic substituent at C6 played a pivotal role both in controlling the diastereoselectivity of the type II [5+2] cycloaddition and retaining the C6 substituent under lithium–amine conditions.
A spatial Bayesian semiparametric mixture model for positive definite matrices with applications in diffusion tensor imaging
Authors: Lan Zhou , Reich Brian J. , Bandyopadhyay Dipankar
Published: January 2021

Studies on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) quantify the diffusion of water molecules in a brain voxel using an estimated 3 × 3 symmetric positive definite (p.d.) diffusion tensor matrix. Due to the challenges associated with modelling matrix‐variate responses, the voxel‐level DTI data are usually summarized by univariate quantities, such as fractional anisotropy. This approach leads to evident loss of information. Furthermore, DTI analyses often ignore the spatial association among neighbouring voxels, leading to imprecise estimates. Although the spatial modelling literature is rich, modelling spatially dependent p.d. matrices is challenging. To mitigate these issues, we propose a matrix‐variate Bayesian semiparametric mixture model, where the p.d. matrices are distributed as a mixture of inverse Wishart distributions, with the spatial dependence captured by a Markov model for the mixture component labels. Related Bayesian computing is facilitated by conjugacy results and use of the double Metropolis–Hastings algorithm. Our simulation study shows that the proposed method is more powerful than competing non‐spatial methods. We also apply our method to investigate the effect of cocaine use on brain microstructure. By extending spatial statistics to matrix‐variate data, we contribute to providing a novel and computationally tractable inferential tool for DTI analysis.
StellarPGx: A Nextflow Pipeline for Calling Star Alleles in Cytochrome P450 Genes
Authors: Twesigomwe David , Drögemöller Britt I. , Wright Galen E.B. , Siddiqui Azra , da Rocha Jorge , Lombard Zané , Hazelhurst Scott
Published: January 2021

Bioinformatics pipelines for calling star alleles (haplotypes) in cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes are important for the implementation of precision medicine. Genotyping CYP genes using high throughput sequencing data is complicated, e.g., by being highly polymorphic, not to mention the structural variations especially in CYP2D6, CYP2A6, and CYP2B6. Genome graph‐based variant detection approaches have been shown to be reliable for genotyping HLA alleles. However, their application to enhancing star allele calling in CYP genes has not been extensively explored. We present StellarPGx, a Nextflow pipeline for accurately genotyping CYP genes by combining genome graph‐based variant detection, read coverage information from the original reference‐based alignments, and combinatorial diplotype assignments. The implementation of StellarPGx using Nextflow facilitates its portability, reproducibility, and scalability on various user platforms. StellarPGx is currently able to genotype 12 important pharmacogenes belonging to the CYP1, 2, and 3 families. For purposes of validation, we use CYP2D6 as a model gene owing to its high degree of polymorphisms (over 130 star alleles defined to date, including complex structural variants) and clinical importance. We applied StellarPGx and three existing callers to 109 whole genome sequenced samples for which the Genetic Testing Reference Material Coordination Program (GeT‐RM) has recently provided consensus truth CYP2D6 diplotypes. StellarPGx had the highest CYP2D6 diplotype concordance (99%) with GeT‐RM compared with Cyrius (98%), Aldy (82%), and Stargazer (84%). This exemplifies the high accuracy of StellarPGx and highlights its importance for both research and clinical pharmacogenomics applications. The StellarPGx pipeline is open‐source and available from https://github.com/SBIMB/StellarPGx.
Utility of fine needle aspiration cytology to diagnose intraoral lymphoma: 7 years study from a tertiary care center
Authors: Agarwal Radhika , Singh Meeta , Rana Deepika , Khushwaha Pritika , Meher Ravi , Khurana Nita , Jain Shyama , Singh Sarika , Verma Nidhi
Published: January 2021

Objective

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology has been successfully utilized in the preoperative diagnosis of oral masses. Lymphoma involving other sites has also been diagnosed frequently on FNA. Oral cavity lymphoma (OL) is rare and is clinically indistinguishable from other lesions of the mouth. A complete excision of these may be difficult. Our experience with FNA diagnosis of 11 OLs along with histopathological correlation is reported herein in a tertiary health care setting.

Methods

In this retrospective study, clinico pathological characteristics of patients with final diagnosis of non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) were reviewed over a 7 year period. Routine cytological giemsa staining was performed in all cases along with immunocytochemistry (ICC) wherever possible. The gold standard for diagnosis of NHL was based on: (1) Histopathology and immunohistochemistry and/or (2) Flow cytometry (FC).

Results

A total of 11 cases were diagnosed as NHL. All showed B cell immunophenotype. Two of them were diagnosed as follicular lymphoma on histopathology. Male to female ratio was 7:4 and ranged in age from 37 to 70 years. The most common site was tonsillar fossa (N = 5), followed by hard palate (N = 3), soft palate (N = 2), and buccal mucosa (N = 1). Size ranged from 1 to 6 cm.

Conclusions

Diagnosis of OLs may be hampered by its rarity and difficulties in obtaining sufficient cellularity in oral FNA but there is need for immediate and accurate diagnostic procedures, including immunohistochemical analysis to avoid delay in treatment. FNA along with ICC helps in early diagnosis of this rare entity and can also provide sample for FC.
Risk for overexploiting a seemingly stable seal population: influence of multiple stressors and hunting
Authors: Silva Willian T. A. F. , Bottagisio Elio , Härkönen Tero , Galatius Anders , Olsen Morten Tange , Harding Karin C.
Published: January 2021

Conservation efforts have mainly been focused on depleted species or populations, but many formerly reduced marine mammal populations have recovered to historical abundances. This calls for new management strategies and new models for ecological risk assessment that incorporate local density dependence and multiple environmental stressors. The harbor seal metapopulation in Swedish and Danish waters has increased from about 2500 to 25,000 over the past 40 yr. Trend analysis based on aerial survey data and somatic growth curves indicates that the population is close to carrying capacity. We performed a population viability analysis based on realistic life history parameters and investigated a range of potential scenarios caused by future stressors. If the population is able to resume its high intrinsic rate of increase at about 11% annually, when pushed down below carrying capacity, it can also sustain additional mortality such as modest hunting and infrequent epizootics. However, if xenobiotics will cause even a slight reduction in average fecundity, the population becomes significantly more vulnerable. In the absence of epizootics, and given full reproductive capacity, hunting of a few hundred animals annually is not harmful to the long‐term persistence of the population. Nevertheless, a slight decrease in growth potential, for example, caused by exposure to endocrine disruptors, makes even limited hunting risky. Our study shows how an apparently stable and abundant marine mammal population can be close to a point of rapid population decline. Thus, careful monitoring of population size, growth rate, health, and exposure to xenobiotics as well as recording of the age and sex structure of the hunt is required to avoid repeating the history of overexploitation and another population collapse.
Transcriptional profiling of microglia in the injured brain reveals distinct molecular features underlying neurodegeneration
Authors: Liu Cong , Dai Shang‐Kun , Shi Ruo‐Xi , He Xuan‐Cheng , Wang Ying‐Ying , He Bao‐Dong , Sun Xiao‐Wen , Du Hong‐Zhen , Liu Chang‐Mei , Teng Zhao‐Qian
Published: January 2021

Neurotrauma has been recognized as a risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases, and sex difference of the incidence and outcome of neurodegenerative diseases has long been recognized. Past studies suggest that microglia could play a versatile role in both health and disease. So far, the microglial mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration and potentially lead to sex‐specific therapies are still very open. Here we applied whole transcriptome analysis of microglia acutely isolated at different timepoints after a cortical stab wound injury to gain insight into genes that might be dysregulated and transcriptionally different between males and females after cortical injury. We found that microglia displayed distinct temporal and sexual molecular signatures of transcriptome after cortical injury. Hypotheses and gene candidates that we presented in the present study could be worthy to be examined to explore the roles of microglia in neurotrauma and in sex‐biased neurodegenerative diseases.
A bargaining model for PLS entrepreneurial financing: A game theoretic model using agent‐based simulation
Authors: El Fakir Adil , Fairchild Richard , Tkiouat Mohamed , Taamouti Abderrahim
Published: January 2021

This article aims to use a bargaining power model to reduce moral hazard—in the form of entrepreneurial effort shirking—and derive an optimum sharing ratio of a Profit and Loss Sharing (PLS) contract that involves a Venture Capitalist and an Entrepreneur. The model reveals the following interesting findings. First, under complete information—where the Venture Capitalist has a bargaining power ‐ Venture Capitalist offers the entrepreneur a profit sharing ratio that is less than her capital contribution ratio. Second, in an incomplete information setting, the entrepreneur demands a profit sharing ratio higher than her capital contribution ratio when the sum of the marginal cost (from exercising a higher effort) and private benefits (from exercising a low effort) is greater than the marginal return (from exercising a high effort). In addition, the model is used to derive a span of negotiation about the profit sharing ratio. Finally, an agent based simulation (Netlogo) platform is considered to implement the model, which allows a faster numerical calculations of the profit share and helps decide on the validity of the funding contract.
Pleural and pulmonary metastases from nonseminomatous germ cell tumors successfully managed by extrapleural pneumonectomy
Authors: Matsuda Hinata , Minagawa Tomonori , Agatsuma Hiroyuki , Uehara Takeshi , Utazu Haruhiko , Ogawa Teruyuki , Yoshida Kazuo , Ishizuka Osamu
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Surgery for postchemotherapy residual nonseminomatous germ cell tumors may be difficult due to exceptional lesion size and location.

Case presentation

A 47‐year‐old man presented with swelling and pain in the left scrotum. Computed tomography revealed a solid occupied lesion in the left scrotum with huge metastases in the left lung and pleura. Results of a left high inguinal orchiectomy indicated a pathological diagnosis of germ cell tumors of several histological types. The patient declined postoperative chemotherapy but returned to our department 10 months later with dyspnea. Serum tumor marker levels were restored to normal range by adjuvant chemotherapy. Thereafter, an extrapleural pneumonectomy was performed for the remaining tumors. He has since been asymptomatic without recurrence or dyspnea for over 5 years.

Conclusion

Extrapleural pneumonectomy is a valid treatment option for the management of huge pleural and pulmonary metastases of nonseminomatous germ cell tumors.
Guide to tremor and twitch syndromes in dogs and cats
Authors: Lowrie Mark
Published: January 2021

Background: Tremors are relatively common in dogs and cats, with them representing a spectrum of disease from the benign through to life‐threatening. Tremors associated with voluntary muscle contraction are divided into postural or kinetic. Twitches, or peripheral nerve hyperexcitability (PNH), are distinct to tremors, distinguished by their irregular rhythm, and have a range of outcomes. Twitches may manifest as fasciculations, myokymia, neuromyotonia, cramps, tetany or tetanus.

Aim of the article: This article describes the common causes for twitches and tremors, and provides tips on how to differentiate them from one another, as well as how best to go about diagnosing and treating these conditions.
Guide to behavioural issues in rabbits
Authors: Stapleton Nadene
Published: January 2021

Background: For many veterinarians, focusing on rabbit behavioural issues may not seem like a top priority in their practice. However, a willingness to engage owners on this topic will significantly improve the welfare and health of the UK's third most popular mammalian pet.

Aim of the article: This article details a simple approach that can be used for the most common behavioural problems encountered in rabbits, and also suggests some tips for what to do if you are out of your depth.
Importance of feedback and personal leadership development plans
Authors: Casey Richard
Published: January 2021

The first step towards great leadership is to understand yourself as a leader, so it is important to reflect on your performance and seek feedback from others. Doing this will enable you to identify your areas of strength and any areas that need development. These can then be used to inform an individual leadership development plan, which can elevate your career progression and both personal and professional confidence, allowing you to become the highly effective leader or manager that today's veterinary profession requires.
Evaluation of surface roughness after root resection: An optical profilometer study
Authors: Ekici Ömer , Aslantaş Kubilay , Kanık Özgür , Keleş Ali
Published: January 2021

The aim of this study was to evaluate the roughness of the apical surface after apical resection performed by six different methods with an optical profilometer. Sixty human single root premolar teeth were used in this in vitro study. After root canal preparation, root canals were filled with gutta‐percha and AH Plus root canal sealers by lateral condensation technique. The teeth were randomly divided into six groups according to the apical resection method: steel fissure bur, tungsten carbide fissure bur, Lindeman bur, diamond fissure bur, laser, and ultrasonic surgical piezo with a diamond tip. The root ends were resected 3 mm away from the root apex and at a 90° angle. The time required for apicectomy was recorded for each group. After apical resection, the root surfaces were analyzed by an optical profilometer. The Kruskal–Wallis method was used to analyze the differences between groups. The significance level was set at 5%. The roughest surfaces were obtained by laser (25.54 ± 9.01 μm) and Lindeman bur (17.35 ± 6.03 μm), respectively. The longest mean resection times were recorded in piezosurgery and laser surgery (57 ± 14.39 s and 50.9 ± 16.86 s), respectively. Although the diamond‐tipped piezo surgical cutting time is long, it has the best results in terms of surface roughness (5.50 ± 1.73 μm). The optical profilometer is a more convenient tool for evaluating the surface after apical surgery, as it provides an opportunity to evaluate objectively with both visual and numerical data.
Implications of the Mn:ligand ratio for Mn uptake by Glycine max L. plants fertilized with heptagluconate and gluconate complexes
Authors: Islas‐Valdez Samira , López‐Rayo Sandra , Lucena Juan J
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

The environmental risk of the application of synthetic chelates has furthered the implementation of biodegradable complexes to correct manganese (Mn)‐deficient plants. This study used the biodegradable ligands of heptagluconate (G7) and gluconate (G6) to test the influence of the Mn2+:ligand ratio on their fertilizers' capacity to provide Mn to plants. The efficacy of these complexes to correct Mn‐deficient soybean was evaluated in hydroponics and calcareous soil conditions and compared with the synthetic chelate EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid).

RESULTS

This study demonstrated that G7 was a biodegradable alternative to EDTA for supplying Mn, maintaining an adequate nutritional balance compared with G6, which reduced iron (Fe) uptake by the plants. The efficacy of the Mn complexes depended on both the ligand and the Mn:ligand ratio, with the 1:1 and 1:2 molar ratios of Mn2+:G7 being the most effective complexes in the short term on the basis of their chemical structure and stability.

CONCLUSION

The Mn2+:G7 (1:1 and 1:2) complexes were found to be effective Mn sources for plant nutrition due to their chemical structures providing adequate stability in alkaline solution and their fast‐action effect. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
An extended reciprocity cycle of gratitude: How gratitude strengthens existing and initiates new customer relationships
Authors: Bock Dora , Thomas Veronica , Wolter Jeremy , Saenger Christina , Xu Pei
Published: January 2021

Customers who feel gratitude toward a firm are motivated to engage in direct reciprocity. However, does gratitude's effect extend beyond the original dyadic interaction to affect relationships with other potential customers? Drawing from indirect reciprocity theory, we propose an extended reciprocity cycle of customer gratitude in which existing customer relationships are strengthened through direct reciprocity and new customer relationships are initiated through indirect reciprocity. Through an experiment, Study 1 demonstrates that employee‐centric reviews are written by grateful customers because they desire to help the firm. Utilizing another experiment, Study 2 reveals that gratitude‐driven employee‐centric reviews significantly increase other consumers' attitudes toward helpful service firms (i.e., positioned as having a sincere brand personality). Study 3 extends the prior findings using field data from Yelp, revealing that employee‐centric reviews are perceived as more useful when shown for sincere rather than sophisticated brands. Collectively, results indicate that customer gratitude fosters not only direct reciprocity, but also indirect reciprocity by encouraging other consumers to reward firms that help customers, signaling to practitioners the importance of managing customers' emotional experiences and strategically placing gratitude‐driven content.
A mathematical model for human papillomavirus vaccination strategies in a random network
Authors: Villanueva Rafael‐Jacinto , Sánchez‐Alonso Víctor , Acedo Luis
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we consider a random network model for sexual contacts in a population developed from real statistical data in order to assess vaccination policies against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The model is constructed by imposing a constraint requiring that individuals of a given sex, in a given age group, would have an average connectivity as that obtained in statistic surveys.

In this model, the disease is transmitted stochastically according to a set of probability of infection parameters that depend on the age group. We are, in particular, interested on human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, characterized by a high infectivity and prevalence among the population. By building a network of up to 1000 nodes, we are able to obtain a stationary state under the assumption of constant population. Starting with this model, we will simulate several scenarios for vaccination against HPV by using the recent HPV ninevalent vaccine, which prevents against several oncogenic genotypes of the virus. Three different scenarios are simulated: only girls are vaccinated, only boys are vaccinated, or both sexes are vaccinated (gender neutral vaccination). Important levels of herd immunity are observed if only one sex is vaccinated and the scenario in which only boys are vaccinated is plausible in terms of cost‐effectiveness. However, the serious consequences for women infected with oncogenic genotypes speak against this latter scenario. Conclusions about global vaccination programs are finally discussed in terms of our model.