bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of tree diameter with body size and lipid content of mountain pine beetles
Authors: Graf M. , Reid M.L. , Aukema B.H. , Lindgren B.S.
Published: May 2012

Host tree diameter is considered an important predictor of the population dynamics of the mountain pine beetle,Dendroctonus ponderosaeHopkins (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), but the relationship between host tree diameter and beetle traits is unclear. The primary objective of this study was to determine how the quality of individual mountain pine beetles, measured as body size (pronotum width) and lipid content, varied with the diameter of lodgepole pine trees,Pinus contortavar.latifoliaEngelmann (Pinaceae). Naturally attacked trees, ranging in diameter from 10 to 35 cm, were selected from stands near Prince George, British Columbia, Canada. Colonisation density and pupal density generally increased with tree diameter, but the number of pupal chambers per gallery start remained constant. Tree diameter positively affected beetle body size, which in turn was positively correlated with absolute lipid content in both sexes and relative lipid content in males. However, tree diameter did not directly predict absolute lipid content, and relative lipid content decreased with tree diameter in males. Larger beetles emerged earlier in the emergence period with relative lipid content remaining constant throughout emergence. All relationships had considerable unexplained variation. Thus, the use of tree diameter or emergence time as predictors of population dynamics of mountain pine beetles should be done with caution.
Classical Ataxia Telangiectasia Patients Have a Congenitally Aged Immune System with High Expression of CD95
Authors: Carney Ellen F. , Srinivasan Venkataramanan , Moss Paul A. , Taylor A. Malcolm
Published: May 2012

Ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) is a rare neurodegenerative immunodeficiency disorder caused by mutations in the ataxia telangiectasia mutated gene. Patients commonly have lymphopenia and Ig-production abnormalities. We used multicolor flow cytometry and IL-7 ELISA to investigate the effect of A-T and age on the proportions of major lymphocyte subsets and their pattern of CD95 expression in relation to IL-7 levels in 15 classical A-T patients. We also analyzed the sensitivity of T cells from four classical A-T patients to CD95-mediated apoptosis using TUNEL and caspase-activation assays. Our results confirmed lymphopenia and a deficiency in naive T and B cells in A-T patients. In contrast to controls, the proportions of naive and memory T and B cell subsets in A-T patients did not vary in relation to age. There was no evidence of a deficiency in plasma IL-7 or IL-7R expression, and IL-7 concentration correlated positively with CD95 expression on CD4+ T cells. CD95 expression on unstimulated A-T lymphocytes was high, and the apoptotic sensitivity of activated naive and central memory T cells was increased. These findings show that the immunodeficiency in A-T patients may be described as congenitally aged and is not progressive. The naive cell deficiency is not related to a deficiency in IL-7 or its receptor. However, IL-7 may upregulate CD95 on A-T lymphocytes. High CD95 expression and increased apoptotic sensitivity of activated naive and central memory T cells may result in an increased level of CD95-mediated apoptosis, which could contribute to the congenital lymphopenia in A-T.
Fcγ Receptor IIb Strongly Regulates Fcγ Receptor-Facilitated T Cell Activation by Dendritic Cells
Authors: van Montfoort Nadine , ’t Hoen Peter A. C. , Mangsbo Sara M. , Camps Marcel G. M. , Boross Peter , Melief Cornelis J. M. , Ossendorp Ferry , Verbeek J. Sjef
Published: May 2012

FcγR ligation by Ag–Ab immune complexes (IC) not only mediates effective Ag uptake, but also strongly initiates dendritic cell (DC) maturation, a requirement for effective T cell activation. Besides the activating FcγRI, FcγRIII, and FcγRIV, the inhibitory FcγRIIb is expressed on DCs. It is unclear how the ratio between signals from the activating FcγR and the inhibitory FcγRIIb determines the outcome of FcγR ligation on DCs. By microarray analysis, we compared the transcriptomes of steady state and IC-activated bone marrow-derived wild-type (WT) DCs expressing all FcγR or DCs expressing only activating FcγR (FcγRIIb knockout [KO]) or only the inhibitory FcγRIIb (FcR γ-chain KO). In WT DCs, we observed a gene expression profile associated with effective T cell activation, which was absent in FcR γ-chain KO, but strikingly more pronounced in FcγRIIb KO bone marrow-derived DCs. These microarray results, confirmed at the protein level for many cytokines and other immunological relevant genes, demonstrate that the transcriptome of IC-activated DCs is dependent on the presence of the activating FcγR and that the modulation of the expression of the majority of the genes was strongly regulated by FcγRIIb. Our data suggest that FcγRIIb-deficient DCs have an improved capacity to activate naive T lymphocytes. This was confirmed by their enhanced FcγR-dependent Ag presentation and in vivo induction of CD8+ T cell expansion compared with WT DCs. Our findings underscore the potency of FcγR ligation on DCs for the effective induction of T cell immunity by ICs and the strong regulatory role of FcγRIIb.
Cutting Edge: TNF Receptor-Associated Factor 4 Restricts IL-17–Mediated Pathology and Signaling Processes
Authors: Zepp Jarod A. , Liu Caini , Qian Wen , Wu Ling , Gulen Muhammet F. , Kang Zizhen , Li Xiaoxia
Published: May 2012

The effector T cell subset, Th17, plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis and of other autoimmune diseases. The signature cytokine, IL-17, engages the IL-17R and recruits the E3-ligase NF-κB activator 1 (Act1) upon stimulation. In this study, we examined the role of TNFR-associated factor (TRAF)4 in IL-17 signaling and Th17-mediated autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Primary cells from TRAF4-deficient mice displayed markedly enhanced IL-17–activated signaling pathways and induction of chemokine mRNA. Adoptive transfer of MOG35–55 specific wild-type Th17 cells into TRAF4-deficient recipient mice induced an earlier onset of disease. Mechanistically, we found that TRAF4 and TRAF6 used the same TRAF binding sites on Act1, allowing the competition of TRAF4 with TRAF6 for the interaction with Act1. Taken together, the results of this study reveal the necessity of a unique role of TRAF4 in restricting the effects of IL-17 signaling and Th17-mediated disease.
Distribution of Ergasilus sp. on the gills of Lamprichthys tanganicanus collected from Lake Tanganyika
Authors: Kilian Esmari , Avenant-Oldewage Annemarie
Published: May 2012

Ergasilus sarsiwas recorded onLamprichthys tanganicanuscollected inLake Tanganyika. Prevalence was 84.40%and the mean intensity 7.56. Parsites occurrredpredominatly on the distal portion of the second gill arch.
New media and identity among fans of a Norwegian football club
Authors: Krøvel Roy
Published: May 2012

This article contributes to the literature on sport, new media and identity by investigating the case of a club (Rosenborg) located outside the dominating football leagues, but still very much affected by migration and other global flow. The study introduces participatory media as sources for information on fan discourses on identity, identification, migration, “us”, “them” and community. Fans of Rosenborg reacted and adapted to global flows of players by questioning borders of identity and community, inviting in new members and reconstructing imagined communities, facilitating de–ethnicization of the local community. Many of the postings at Web forums and blogs for fans are humorous and witty, while the discussion investigated at Web editions of newspapers grew ugly when people started to call each other names. There is a sense of mutual respect on Web pages run by fans themselves which is often loudly missing when similar themes are discussed by fans online elsewhere.
Age-specific reference ranges for prostate-specific antigen among healthy Syrian men
Authors: Bakir M. Adel , Abo-Daher Dima
Published: May 2012

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) has become the most useful serum tumor marker in adjunct to digital rectal examination (DRE) for the management of prostate cancer (PC). The currently cited reference range of normal PSA levels (between 0 and 4.0 ng/mL) is deficient in terms of both sensitivity and specificity. Age-adjusted PSA have been proposed as an alternative to serum PSA. The primary objective of the present study is to determine the age-specific PSA and the percentage of free PSA (%FPSA) in healthy Syrian men. A total of 3,000 healthy Syrian men over 40 years old participated in this study. All men were asked to have total serum (TPSA) and free PSA (FPSA) tested, a DRE, and, when recommended, a prostate biopsy. Serum TPSA levels correlated with age (r=0.30, p<0.001). The 95th percentile TPSA values ranged from 1.7 ng/mL in the age group 40–49 years to 5.8 ng/mL in the group 70–80 years. The general pattern for medians and the percentile values for FPSA across age groups were similar to those seen for TPSA concentrations (r=0.37, p<0.001). However, the %FPSA was fairly constant across age groups except for the higher ratios in the youngest age group. These findings confirm that the serum TPSA and FPSA levels correlate with age. Interestingly, however, Syrian men have lower PSA values compared with other races. Racial differences of PSA concentrations were observed. Our results may help increasing the sensitivity and specificity of PSA measurements in the diagnosis of prostate cancer in Syria and probably in the surrounding regions.
A QSRR Modeling of Hazardous Psychoactive Designer Drugs Using GA-PlS and L-M ANN
Authors: Karimi Hamzeh , Noorizadeh Hadi , Farmany Abbas
Published: May 2012

The hazardous psychoactive designer drugs are compounds in which part of the molecular structure of a stimulant or narcotic has been modified. A quantitative structure-retention relationship (QSRR) study based on a Levenberg-Marquardt artificial neural network (L-M ANN) was carried out for the prediction of the capacity factor (k′) of hazardous psychoactive designer drugs that contain Tryptamine, Phenylethylamine and Piperazine. The genetic algorithm-partial least squares (GA-PLS) method was used as a variable selection tool. A PLS method was used to select the best descriptors and the selected descriptors were used as input neurons in neural network model. For choosing the best predictive model from among comparable models, square correlation coefficient (R2) for the whole set is suggested to be a good criterion. Finally, to improve the results, structure-retention relationships were followed by nonlinear approach using artificial neural networks and consequently better results were obtained. Also this demonstrates the advantages of L-M ANN. This is the first research on the QSRR of the designer drugs using the GA-PLS and L-M ANN.
Profiles of Fatty Acid Distribution of Different Acyl Lipids from Red and Black Rices
Authors: Yoshida Hiromi , Tomiyama Yuka , Mizushina Yoshiyuki , Yoshida Naoko
Published: May 2012

The present study is focused on the variation in fatty acid (FA) composition of the different acyl lipids in red and black rices. Total lipids were fractionated by TLC into eight subfractions. Significant differences (P < 0.05) in FA distribution were found among the different acyl lipids when the two cultivars were compared. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in the positional distribution of FA in triacylglycerols; unsaturated FA was predominantly concentrated in the sn-2 position while saturated FA primarily occupied the sn-1 position or sn-3 position in the oils. Significant differences (P < 0.05) in FA distribution existed when the individual phospholipids were compared. Based on the FA composition of the different acyl lipids, it seems that red and black rices are very similar to each other with a few exceptions. The results suggest that these rice lipids may be well incorporated into our daily diet to improve value of the Japanese diet.
Resurgent Maternal and Congenital Syphilis in Mississippi—Pathways for Prevention
Authors: Dobbs Thomas , Staneva Manuela
Published: June 2024

This Viewpoint discusses Mississippi’s public health challenges particularly as they relate to resurgent maternal and congenital syphilis.
A 5:2 Intermittent Fasting Meal Replacement Diet and Glycemic Control for Adults With Diabetes
Authors: Guo Lixin , Xi Yue , Jin Wenbo , Yuan Huijuan , Qin Guijun , Chen Shuchun , Zhang Lihui , Liu Yu , Cheng Xingbo , Liu Wen , Yu Dongni
Published: June 2024

Importance

An intermittent fasting plan consisting of 2 nonconsecutive fasting days and 5 days of habitual intake per week and meal replacement diet (5:2 MR) could provide additional benefits to patients with type 2 diabetes.

Objective

To evaluate the effect of the 5:2 MR on glycemic control among patients with early type 2 diabetes compared with metformin and empagliflozin.

Design, Setting, and Participants

The EARLY (Exploration of Treatment of Newly Diagnosed Overweight/Obese Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus) study is a randomized, open-label, active parallel-controlled clinical trial conducted between November 13, 2020, and December 29, 2022, in 9 centers across China. A total of 509 eligible patients underwent screening, out of which 405 were randomly assigned to 3 groups and included in the intention-to-treat analysis.

Interventions

Patients were randomly allocated in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive either metformin, empagliflozin, or 5:2 MR. The treatment was 16 weeks, with an 8-week follow-up.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary end point was the change in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level from baseline to 16 weeks. Secondary end points included changes in body weight, anthropometric measurements, and biochemical parameters.

Results

Of the 405 randomized participants (265 men [65.4%]; mean [SD] age, 45.5 [11.0] years; mean [SD] body mass index, 29.5 [4.1]; and mean [SD] HbA1c level, 7.9% [0.6%]), 332 completed the 16-week treatment. From baseline to week 16, participants in the 5:2 MR group showed the greatest reduction in HbA1c (least-squares mean [LSM], −1.9% [SE, 0.2%]), significantly greater than patients receiving metformin (LSM, −1.6% [SE, 0.2%]; adjusted LSM difference, −0.3% [95% CI, −0.4% to −0.1%]) and empagliflozin (LSM, −1.5% [SE, 0.2%]; adjusted LSM difference, −0.4% [95% CI, −0.6% to −0.2%]). At week 16, the mean weight loss in the 5:2 MR group (LSM, −9.7 kg [SE, 2.2 kg]) was greater than that in the metformin group (LSM, −5.5 kg [SE, 2.3 kg]) and empagliflozin group (LSM, −5.8 kg [SE, 2.3 kg]).

Conclusions and Relevance

This randomized clinical trial of Chinese adults with overweight or obesity and with early type 2 diabetes found that 5:2 MR could improve glycemic outcomes and weight loss in the short term compared with metformin or empagliflozin, making it a promising initial intervention and early management for type 2 diabetes.

Trial Registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry Identifier: ChiCTR2000040656
Effects of Plasma Ions/Radicals on Kinetic Interactions in Nanowall Deposition: A Review
Authors: Ishikawa Kenji
Published: June 2024

Recent advances in the growth of carbon nanowalls (CNWs) and vertical graphene nanosheets using various plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) methods are reviewed in this article. Growth methods are classified into hot‐ and cold‐wall reactors equipped with diverse plasma generation systems, and their respective characteristics are summarized, with particular attention to the behavior of reactive species, such as ions and radicals, generated within the plasma. Recent progress in this research domain is outlined for each method, and an organized account of the chemical kinetic phenomena occurring within the plasma is provided. Finally, future perspectives are discussed. Fundamental data are obtained through real‐time in situ measurements of ions and radicals, and the construction of a database from these data offers microscopic insights that significantly enhance processing outcomes for macroscopically controlling the mechanical shapes and chemical properties of CNWs.
Expanding RNAi to Kidneys, Lungs, and Spleen via Selective ORgan Targeting (SORT) siRNA Lipid Nanoparticles
Authors: Vaidya Amogh , Moore Stephen , Chatterjee Sumanta , Guerrero Erick , Kim Minjeong , Farbiak Lukas , Dilliard Sean A. , Siegwart Daniel J.
Published: June 2024

Inhibition of disease‐causing mutations using RNA interference (RNAi) has resulted in clinically approved medicines with additional candidates in late stage trials. However, targetable tissues currently in preclinical development are limited to liver following systemic intravenous (IV) administration because predictable delivery of siRNA to non‐liver tissues remains an unsolved challenge. Here, evidence of durable extrahepatic gene silencing enabled by siRNA Selective ORgan Targeting lipid nanoparticles (siRNA SORT LNPs) to the kidneys, lungs, and spleen is provided. LNPs excel at dose‐dependent silencing of tissue‐enriched endogenous targets resulting in 60%–80% maximal knockdown after a single IV injection and up to 88% downregulation of protein expression in mouse lungs after two doses. To examine knockdown potency and unbiased organ targeting, B6.129TdTom/EGFP mice that constitutively express the TdTomato transgene across all cell types are utilized to demonstrate 58%, 45%, and 15% reduction in TdTomato fluorescence in lungs, spleen, and kidneys, respectively. Finally, physiological relevance of siRNA SORT LNP‐mediated gene silencing is established via acute suppression of endogenous Tie2 which induces lung‐specific phenotypic alteration of vascular endothelial barrier. Due to plethora of extrahepatic diseases that may benefit from RNAi interventions, it is anticipated that the findings will expand preclinical landscape of therapeutic targets beyond the liver.
Catalytic Activation of Bis(2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl) Phosphite with Hf(IV) for the Synthesis of Mixed Dialkyl Phosphites
Authors: Mrdović Dario , Saito Yuki , Kobayashi Shū
Published: June 2024

We developed a second generation of Lewis acid catalyst enabling selective and user‐friendly phosphonylation of diverse alcohols. This one‐pot method utilizes P(III) reagent bis(2,2,2–trifluoroethyl) phosphite under mild conditions. Exploring the influence of metal selection in Lewis acid catalysts revealed four highly active complexes for alcohol phosphonylation: Zn(II), Al(III), Zr(IV), and Hf(IV). Notably, Hf(IV) displayed superior selectivity compared to the previously developed Zn(II) catalyst.
The Toxoplasma Effector GRA4 Hijacks Host TBK1 to Oppositely Regulate Anti‐T. Gondii Immunity and Tumor Immunotherapy
Authors: Hu Zhiqiang , Zhang Yufen , Xie Yingchao , Yang Jianwu , Tang Haotian , Fan Bolin , Zeng Ke , Han Zhongxin , Lu Jiansen , Jiang Huaji , Peng Wenqiang , Li Hongyu , Chen Huadan , Wu Sha , Shen Bang , Lun Zhao‐Rong , Yu Xiao
Published: June 2024

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii)‐associated polymorphic effector proteins are crucial in parasite development and regulating host anti‐T. gondii immune responses. However, the mechanism remains obscure. Here, it is shown that Toxoplasma effector dense granules 4 (GRA4) restricts host IFN‐I activation. Infection with Δgra4 mutant T. gondii strain induces stronger IFN‐I responses and poses a severe threat to host health. Mechanistically, GRA4 binds to phosphorylated TBK1 to promote TRIM27‐catalyzed K48‐ubiquitination at Lys251/Lys372 residues, which enhances its recognition by autophagy receptor p62, ultimately leading to TBK1 autophagic degradation. Furthermore, an avirulent Δgra4 strain (ME49Δompdc/gra4) is constructed for tumor immunotherapy due to its ability to enhance IFN‐I production. Earlier vaccination with ME49Δompdc/gra4 confers complete host resistance to the tumor compared with the classical ME49Δompdc treatment. Notably, ME49Δompdc/gra4 vaccination induces a specific CD64+MAR‐1+CD11b+ dendritic cell subset, thereby enhancing T cell anti‐tumor responses. Overall, these findings identify the negative role of T. gondii GRA4 in modulating host IFN‐I signaling and suggest that GRA4 can be a potential target for the development of T. gondii vaccines and tumor immunotherapy.
3D Printed Organisms Enabled by Aspiration‐Assisted Adaptive Strategies
Authors: Han Guebum , Khosla Kanav , Smith Kieran T. , Ng Daniel Wai Hou , Lee JiYong , Ouyang Xia , Bischof John C. , McAlpine Michael C.
Published: June 2024

Devising an approach to deterministically position organisms can impact various fields such as bioimaging, cybernetics, cryopreservation, and organism‐integrated devices. This requires continuously assessing the locations of randomly distributed organisms to collect and transfer them to target spaces without harm. Here, an aspiration‐assisted adaptive printing system is developed that tracks, harvests, and relocates living and moving organisms on target spaces via a pick‐and‐place mechanism that continuously adapts to updated visual and spatial information about the organisms and target spaces. These adaptive printing strategies successfully positioned a single static organism, multiple organisms in droplets, and a single moving organism on target spaces. Their capabilities are exemplified by printing vitrification‐ready organisms in cryoprotectant droplets, sorting live organisms from dead ones, positioning organisms on curved surfaces, organizing organism‐powered displays, and integrating organisms with materials and devices in customizable shapes. These printing strategies can ultimately lead to autonomous biomanufacturing methods to evaluate and assemble organisms for a variety of single and multi‐organism‐based applications.
Cross‐Modal Graph Contrastive Learning with Cellular Images
Authors: Zheng Shuangjia , Rao Jiahua , Zhang Jixian , Zhou Lianyu , Xie Jiancong , Cohen Ethan , Lu Wei , Li Chengtao , Yang Yuedong
Published: June 2024

Constructing discriminative representations of molecules lies at the core of a number of domains such as drug discovery, chemistry, and medicine. State‐of‐the‐art methods employ graph neural networks and self‐supervised learning (SSL) to learn unlabeled data for structural representations, which can then be fine‐tuned for downstream tasks. Albeit powerful, these methods are pre‐trained solely on molecular structures and thus often struggle with tasks involved in intricate biological processes. Here, it is proposed to assist the learning of molecular representation by using the perturbed high‐content cell microscopy images at the phenotypic level. To incorporate the cross‐modal pre‐training, a unified framework is constructed to align them through multiple types of contrastive loss functions, which is proven effective in the formulated novel tasks to retrieve the molecules and corresponding images mutually. More importantly, the model can infer functional molecules according to cellular images generated by genetic perturbations. In parallel, the proposed model can transfer non‐trivially to molecular property predictions, and has shown great improvement over clinical outcome predictions. These results suggest that such cross‐modality learning can bridge molecules and phenotype to play important roles in drug discovery.
Statistical considerations when estimating time‐saving treatment effects in Alzheimer's disease clinical trials
Authors: Wang Guoqiao , Cutter Gary , Oxtoby Neil P. , Shan Guogen , Wang Whedy , Mangal Brian , Liao Yijie , Llibre‐Guerra Jorge J. , Li Yan , Xiong Chengjie , McDade Eric , Delmar Paul , Bateman Randall J. , Schneider Lon
Published: June 2024

INTRODUCTION

Estimating treatment effects as time savings in disease progression may be more easily interpretable than assessing the absolute difference or a percentage reduction. In this study, we investigate the statistical considerations of the existing method for estimating time savings and propose alternative complementary methods.

METHODS

We propose five alternative methods to estimate the time savings from different perspectives. These methods are applied to simulated clinical trial data that mimic or modify the Clinical Dementia Rating Sum of Boxes progression trajectories observed in the Clarity AD lecanemab trial.

RESULTS

Our study demonstrates that the proposed methods can generate more precise estimates by considering two crucial factors: (1) the absolute difference between treatment arms, and (2) the observed progression rate in the treatment arm.

DISCUSSION

Quantifying treatment effects as time savings in disease progression offers distinct advantages. To provide comprehensive estimations, it is important to use various methods.

Highlights

We explore the statistical considerations of the current method for estimating time savings.

We proposed alternative methods that provide time savings estimations based on the observed absolute differences.

By using various methods, a more comprehensive estimation of time savings can be achieved.
Enhancement of mechanical and flame‐retardant properties of PLA composites through the combined action of flexible chain segments and hydrogen bonding interactions
Authors: Xiao Xingzhen , Lin Xiaoling , Zhong Wei , Lan Jiashui , Lv Jiaojiao , Lan Yongqiang , Zhang Huagui , Chen Mingfeng
Published: June 2024

The development of high toughness as well as flame‐retardant polylactic acid (PLA) materials is important for expanding the practical applications. Herein, a type of high toughness PLA composites with improved flame retardancy was developed through combining modified carbon nanotubes (CNT) and polysiliconoxaborane (PBSi) with PLA matrix. The optimal PLA composite (PLA/PBSi/CNT‐3.0) exhibited excellent crystallization degree (18.7%), thermal stability (the Ea significantly increased), flame retardancy (the values of peak heat release rate (PHRR) polarized optical microscopy and total heat release (THR) decreased to 287.1 W/g and 15.5 kJ/m2, respectively), and mechanical properties (the elongation at break increased to 149.5%, with an increasement of 1745.7%) due to the combined action of flexible chain segments and hydrogen bonding interactions. Furthermore, the toughening mechanism of the PLA/PBSi/CNT composites was illustrated and attributed to the combination of flexible SiOBO segments and two dominant energy dissipation processes (the breakage of hydrogen bond and the destruction of microcrystals). Overall, this work provided a facile approach for improving the toughness and flame retardancy of PLA, which was conducive to expanding the application range of PLA.
The surprising complexity and diversity of sperm storage structures across Galliformes
Authors: Assersohn Katherine , Richards J. Paul , Hemmings Nicola
Published: June 2024

In internal fertilisers, the precise timing of ovulation with the arrival of sperm at the site of fertilisation is essential for fertilisation success. In birds, mating is often not synchronised with ovulation, but instead females utilise specialised sperm storage tubules (SSTs) in the reproductive tract, which can ensure sperm are always available for fertilisation at the time of ovulation, whilst simultaneously providing a mechanism of post‐copulatory sexual selection. Despite the clear importance of SSTs for fertilisation success, we know little about the mechanisms involved in sperm acceptance, storage, and release. Furthermore, most research has been conducted on only a small number of species, based on which SSTs are usually assumed to look and function in the same way across all species. Here, we conduct a comparative exploration of SST morphology across 26 species of Galliformes. We show that SSTs, and the surrounding tissue, can vary significantly in morphology across species. We provide observational evidence that Galliformes exhibit at least 5 distinct categories of tubule types, including distinctive coiled and multi‐branched tubules, and describe 2 additional features of the surrounding tissue. We suggest functional explanations for variation in tubule morphology and propose next steps for future research. Our findings indicate that SSTs are likely to be far more variable than has previously been assumed, with potentially important consequences for our understanding of sperm storage in birds and post‐copulatory sexual selection in general.
Extreme specificity in obligate mutualism—A role for competition?
Authors: Agarwal Renuka , Althoff David M.
Published: June 2024

Obligate mutualisms, reciprocally obligate beneficial interactions, are some of the most important mutualisms on the planet, providing the basis for the evolution of the eukaryotic cell, the formation and persistence of terrestrial ecosystems and the establishment and expansion of coral reefs. In addition, these mutualisms can also lead to the diversification of interacting partner species. Accompanying this diversification is a general pattern of a high degree of specificity among interacting partner species. A survey of obligate mutualisms demonstrates that greater than half of these systems have only one or two mutualist species on each side of the interaction. This is in stark contrast to facultative mutualisms that can have dozens of interacting mutualist species. We posit that the high degree of specificity in obligate mutualisms is driven by competition within obligate mutualist guilds that limits species richness. Competition may be particularly potent in these mutualisms because mutualistic partners are totally dependent on each other's fitness gains, which may fuel interspecific competition. Theory and the limited number of empirical studies testing for the role of competition in determining specificity suggest that competition may be an important force that fuels the high degree of specificity. Further empirical research is needed to dissect the relative roles of trait complementarity, mutualism regulation, and competition among mutualist guild members in determining mutualism specificity at local scales.
Hydrogen Bonding vs Dihydrogen Bonding in the Air Stable Primary Phosphine ortho‐Phosphinophenol
Authors: Protasiewicz John D. , Stone Alexander M. , Golden Andrew R. , Daniel Shan M. , Rheingold Arnold L.
Published: June 2024

ortho‐Phosphinophenol (oPP) is an unusual example of an air‐stable primary phosphine and a valuable precursor to a variety of useful organophosphorus compounds.  The presence of PH2 and OH functionalities offers the possibility of intermolecular and intramolecular P•••HO hydrogen bonding (HB).  The close proximity of these two groups also offers the opportunity for intramolecular PH2•••HO dihydrogen bonding (DHB).  This work provides experimental and computational evidence for these various types of interactions.  In the solid state, oPP is associated by significant intermolecular P•••HO hydrogen bonds as revealed by a single crystal X‐ray structural determination.  Multinuclear NMR and IR spectroscopic studies, coupled with DFT computational studies, suggest that oPP adopts multiple conformations in solution whose nature varies with the identity of the solvent.  In the gas phase or non‐polar solvents (such as cyclohexane) an equilibrium between four conformations of oPP is proposed.  Interestingly, in silico, an isomer having bifurcated intramolecular PH2•••HO DHB (PP4) is found to be more stable than an isomer having intramolecular P•••HO HB (PP1).  In polar solvents (S), NMR studies indicate intermolecular OH•••HB play a dominant role on the 31P NMR chemical shifts.
Transition‐Metal‐Free Perfluoroalkylation of N‐Thiophthalimides or N‐Thioimides to Access Perfluoroalkyl Sulfides
Authors: Liu Wenting , Qian Han , Song Zijie , Liu Yong , Peng Jiajian , Sun Wen-Wu , shao xinxin , Bai Ying
Published: June 2024

A practical and efficient trifluoromethylation of readily available and bench stable N‐Thiophthalimides and N‐Thioimides with Ruppert‐Prakash reagent (TMS‐CF3) is described. The reaction proceeds at room temperature and only requires NaOAc as the mild promoter to prepare a series of trifluoromethyl thioethers in good to excellent yields. Both aryl and alkyl derivates are well trifluoromethylated under transition‐metal‐free reaction conditions. Moreover, the reaction features with scale‐up synthesis and late‐stage modification of bioactive molecule.
Metal‐Free Visible‐Light‐Induced Hydrodifluoroalkylation of Electron‐Deficient Alkenes Using Hantzsch Ester
Authors: Wang Juan , Ren Ke , Hao Jian , Wan Wen
Published: June 2024

A mild, metal‐free Giese‐type hydrodifluoroalkylation of electron‐deficient alkenes under visible‐light irradiation has been developed. This highly reducing photoactivated Hantzsch ester facilitates C(sp3)−CF2 bond formation through photoinduced electron transfer (PET) and hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) processes, providing an easy access to diverse gem‐difluorinated alkanes.
FERPA Fail: What you need to do when the inevitable happens
Authors: D’Orio Wayne
Published: June 2024

COLUMBUS, OHIO — It wasn’t a surprise that an AACRAO session about FERPA would draw a double room, or that the space would quickly fill up during this year's conference. But what might qualify as a surprise was the angle of the speaker, Dr. Kimberly Barber, University Registrar at Florida State University.
Disclosures 13: Do you have to keep records of disclosures?
Authors: Rainsberger Richard
Published: June 2024

Recently a registrar sent me an e‐mail. She asked whether the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act required colleges to keep records of any disclosures that her office makes. Her college's attorney had just requested to see a past student's records. The registrar wondered whether she should get an official letter requesting the records and whether that letter, if needed, should include a reason for the disclosure.
Exploring new pipelines to fill the nursing shortage
Authors: Elfman Lois
Published: June 2024

A veteran nursing educator, Dr. Patty Knecht now uses her position in the corporate world to address the imminent nursing shortage. In an article published in The Hill last fall, she wrote that by 2025 the United States will have a six‐figure shortfall in the number of nurses needed for direct patient care. With approximately 100,000 nurses having left the profession due to pandemic burnout, a significant influx of new nurses entering the healthcare workforce is needed.
Energy conversion efficiency and its improving methods for “Region” solar cell
Authors: Jonoshita Isamu
Published: June 2024

In this paper, a proper noun “Region” is used for nm‐scale n‐type dopant‐rich region in p‐type Si crystal. Using this Region, certain solar cells have been assumed. By resonance absorption between photon energy and potential barrier of the Region, the cell can absorb most photons for visible light frequency without passing loss or thermal loss. This light absorption mechanism is different from conventional band gap absorption. Despite this benefit, output voltage is anticipated to decline according to the principle of detail balance. To control the decline, two methods are proposed in this paper. Theoretical energy conversion efficiencies for several cases are calculated with an ideal condition. The calculation result is over 70% as a theoretical value.
Enhancement of the underground cable current capacity by using nano‐dielectrics
Authors: Gouda Ossama E. , Darwish Mohamed M. F. , Thabet Ahmed , Lehtonen Matti , Osman Gomaa F. A.
Published: June 2024

In most underground power cables, cross‐linked polyethylene (XLPE) is utilized as the main insulating material, while polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is usually used as a nonmetallic sheath or jacketing for the cable. Accordingly, improving the electrical and thermal characteristics of these materials leads to an increase in cable dielectric strength, besides a rise in the current capacity of the underground power cables. Thus, enhancing the thermal characteristics of cable insulation is the goal of many research studies. In this regard, increasing the current capacity of underground power cables is an essential topic for electrical distribution and transmission networks. This usually occurs by increasing the cross‐sectional area of the cable conductor, which means raising the cost of transmitting electrical energy. Another proposed alternative may be to improve the thermal properties of the dielectric material using nanotechnology to allow better dissipation of heat resulting from the cable losses. This article proposes the use of nano‐composite dielectrics to increase the current capacities of underground power cables. Nano‐fillers are used to enhance the thermal and electrical characteristics of XLPE and PVC, which represent cable dielectric materials. Accordingly, in this paper, many experiments are conducted on various nano‐dielectric materials to choose the most appropriate nano‐dielectrics for improving both the thermal and electrical properties. Hence, measurements are performed on the thermal and electrical properties of dielectric nano‐materials manufactured in the laboratory. Further, calculations of the cable's current capacities by the use of the measured properties of nano‐dielectrics are done considering several backfill soils. From the obtained measurements and calculations carried out on cable capacities, it is concluded that the use of XLPE/ZnO 5 wt.% as the insulation and PVC/ZnO 5 wt.% as the jacket material increased the cable current capacity by 6.2% for a cable of 33 kV rating, 9.2% for 66 kV cable, and 15.7% for 220 kV cable when wet clay is used as backfill soil. From the calculations carried out it is found that the use of nano‐composite dielectrics reduces the temperature of the cable components by significant values. For example, the core temperature of the 33 kV cable is reduced by 15.6°C, while for the 66 kV cable, the cable core temperature is decreased by 12.6°C, and for 220 kV the conductor temperature is reduced from 71.3°C to 58.3°C when each cable is loaded by its rating.
Developing and validating a new neural network model for early identification of high‐risk acute pancreatitis patients
Authors: İslam Mehmet Muzaffer , Osoydan Satıcı Merve , Ademoğlu Enis , Erdil Fahriye Naz , Odabaşı Turancan , Eroğlu Serkan Emre
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Existing research studies on the use of machine‐learning algorithms for predicting mortality in acute pancreatitis patients is limited and characterized by low methodological quality. Furthermore, those risk‐scoring systems have demonstrated suboptimal performance. Our objective was to develop a high‐performing, robust neural network (NN) model that can identify acute pancreatitis patients who are at risk of 30‐day mortality early.

Methods

Adult patients with confirmed diagnosis of acute pancreatitis were included in our study. Patients with preexisting diagnoses of pancreatic cancer, iatrogenic endoscopic pancreatitis, abdominal trauma, exacerbations of chronic pancreatitis, or pregnancy were excluded. The measurements of the variables were obtained within the first hour after their admission to the emergency department. The patients were divided into development and validation cohorts with a ratio of 75 to 25 and a NN model was derived in the derivation cohort after oversampling. For the NN model, multilayer perceptron was used. 5‐fold cross‐validation was performed for internal validation and the final model was externally validated. DeLong's test was used to compare the area under the curves (AUC).

Results

There were 279 and 93 patients in the development and validation cohorts, respectively. In the out of sample validation, the model had an AUC of 0.936 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.864–0.999), sensitivity of 100% (95% CI = 47.8–100), specificity of 80.7% (95% CI = 70.9–88.3), and negative likelihood ratio of ≈0.

Conclusion

Our NN model demonstrated excellent performance in both the derivation and validation phases for the early identification of acute pancreatitis patients at high mortality risk. Notably, it was able to identify all patients who had 30‐day mortality. Our study offers several key advantages, including a transparent methodology, credible validation, and the provision of a calculator to assess the model's performance across different populations and settings.
SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging for the evaluation of left ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony in obese patients
Authors: Caliskan Billur , Inanir Mehmet
Published: June 2024

Objective

Left ventricular dyssynchrony (LVD), the loss of coordinated contraction in the left ventricle, is an early sign of heart failure. LVD can be assessed using phase analysis techniques with gated single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI). This study aimed to investigate the impact of obesity on LVD through phase analysis.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 152 obese patients and 80 age‐ and sex‐matched nonobese patients who showed normal myocardial perfusion and normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) on MPI. Phase standard deviation (PSD) and phase histogram bandwidth (PBW), as phase analysis parameters, were compared between patients with and without obesity.

Results

Although PSD values were within the normal range (cut‐off value >23) for both groups, the PSD values of obese patients were higher than those of the nonobese (20.49 ± 8.66 vs. 14.81 ± 4.93; p < 0.05). PBW values of obese patients were statistically significantly higher than those of the nonobese (57.03 ± 23.17 vs. 41.40 ± 9.96; p < 0.05). The PBW values of obese patients exceeded the normal limits (cut‐off value >49). A weak positive correlation was observed between body mass index (BMI) and PBW values in obese patients (r = 0.181, p < 0.05). In patients of normal weight, no correlations were found between BMI and phase analysis parameters.

Conclusion

LVD may develop in obese patients, even when myocardial perfusion and ejection fraction are preserved. The use of phase analysis with gated SPECT could be an additional finding improving the early detection of left ventricular dyssynchrony in obese patients.
Lymph Node Evolution in Eyelid and Orbit Squamous Cell Carcinomas
Authors: Chebib Emilien , Rougier Guillaume , Dubray‐Vautrin Antoine , Martin Joey , Ghanem Wahib , Lesnik Maria , Sabran Baptiste , Matet Alexandre , Malaise Denis , Cassoux Nathalie , Dendale Rémi , Choussy Olivier , Badois Nathalie
Published: June 2024

Objectives

To describe a large cohort of eyelid and periorbital SCCs, to compare the location of the tumor and of the pathological lymph nodes, and to analyze the risk factors for lymph node involvement among tumor characteristics.

Methods

All patients managed inside our institution for an eyelid and periorbital SCCs were included. Tumor characteristics, imaging setup, excision margins, lymph node evolution features, local, regional, and distant recurrences rates, and global survival were reported. The risk for lymph node involvement and location of pathological lymph nodes were analyzed through univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

Between January 2012 and August 2022, 115 patients were included, and 18 presented a lymph node evolution (15.7%), involving the parotid gland in 16 cases (88.9%), the submental and submandibular areas in seven cases (38%), and the jugular and carotid areas in four cases (22%). Tumor size above 20 mm, infiltration of the external canthus and periorbital structures, the presence of perineural invasion or vascular embolism, the depth of infiltration, and the presence of a local recurrence were significantly associated with the risk of lymph node evolution.

Conclusion

Periorbital and eyelid SCCs present a true potential for lymph node evolution especially through the parotid gland. Extension setup including the parotid gland and neck should be mandatory, and lymph node dissection should be associated in case of parotidectomy for lymph node involvement.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 134:4956–4963, 2024
Phytoconstituents of Citrus limon (Lemon) as Potential Inhibitors Against Multi Targets of SARS‐CoV‐2 by Use of Molecular Modelling and In Vitro Determination Approaches
Authors: Raman Kannan , Kalirajan Rajagopal , Islam Fahadul , Jupudi Srikanth , Selvaraj Divakar , Swaminathan Gomathi , Singh Laliteshwar Pratap , Rana Ritesh , Akash Shopnil , Islam Md. Rezaul , Nainu Firzan , Emran Talha Bin , Dawoud Turki M. , Bourhia Mohammed , Dauelbait Musaab , Barua Rashu
Published: June 2024

In the present work, phytoconstituents from Citrus limon are computationally tested against SARS‐CoV‐2 target protein such as Mpro ‐ (5R82.pdb), Spike ‐ (6YZ5.pdb) &RdRp ‐ (7BTF.pdb) for COVID‐19. Docking was done by glide model, QikProp was performed by in silico ADMET screening & Prime MM‐GB/SA modules were used to define binding energy. When compared with approved COVID‐19 drugs such as Remdesivir, Ritonavir, Lopinavir, and Hydroxychloroquine, plant‐based constituents such as Quercetin, Rutoside, Naringin, Eriocitrin, and Hesperidin. bind with significant G‐scores to the active SARS‐CoV‐2 place. The constituents Rutoside and Eriocitrin were studied in each MD simulation in 100 ns against 3 proteins 5R82.pdb, 6YZ5.pdb and 7BTF.pdb.We performed an assay with significant natural compounds from contacts and in silico results (Rutin, Eriocitrin, Naringin, Hesperidin) using 3CL protease assay kit (B.11529 Omicron variant). This kit contained 3CL inhibitor GC376 as Control. The IC50 value of the test compound was found to be Rutin −17.50 μM, Eriocitrin−37.91 μM, Naringin−39.58 μM, Hesperidine−140.20 μM, the standard inhibitory concentration of GC376 was 38.64 μM. The phytoconstituents showed important interactions with SARS‐CoV‐2 targets, and potential modifications could be beneficial for future development.
Current advances in the pain treatment and mechanisms of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Authors: Zhu Xiaoli , Jia Zhuolin , Zhou Ye , Wu Jie , Cao Mayijie , Hu Changjiang , Yu Lingying , Chen Zhimin
Published: June 2024

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), as a unique medical model in China, has been shown to be effective in the treatment of many diseases. It has been proven that TCM can increase the pain threshold, increase the level of endorphins and enkephalins in the body, and reduce the body's response to adverse stimuli. In recent years, TCM scholars have made valuable explorations in the field of pain treatment, using methods such as internal and external application of TCM and acupuncture to carry out research on pain treatment and have achieved more satisfactory results. TCM treats pain in a variety of ways, and with the discovery of a variety of potential bioactive substances for pain treatment. With the new progress in the research of other TCM treatment methods for pain, TCM will have greater potential in the clinical application of pain.
A New Protocol for Semi‐quantum Private Set of Intersection and Union Mixed Cardinality for Any Tripartite Based on Bell States
Authors: Chi Yue‐Ping , Zhang Yu , Zhang Ke‐Jia , Xu Gang , Chen Xiu‐Bo
Published: June 2024

The cardinality of the private set allows multiple parties to jointly compute the cardinality of the intersection and union without revealing their respective private sets. It plays an important role in data mining and data analysis to protect privacy. However, existing studies only focus on computing the cardinality of the intersection or union of private sets. To extend its application in various scenes, a private‐set intersection and union mixed cardinality protocol are proposed for any tripartite based on Bell states for the first time. During the protocol, participants are supposed to be semi‐quantum to reduce the consumption of quantum resources and improve the realizability of the protocol. Furthermore, correctness and security analysis show that the protocol can withstand internal and external attacks. Additionally, the IBM Quantum Simulator (IBMQS) is also applied to illustrate the fundamentals of the protocol and verify the availability of the protocol. The results are expected have positive effects on the further development of secure multiparty computation.