bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification and expression of small multidrug resistance transporters in early‐branching anaerobic fungi
Authors: Seppälä Susanna , Gierke Taylor , Schauer Elizabeth E. , Brown Jennifer L. , O'Malley Michelle A.
Published: July 2023

Membrane‐embedded transporters impart essential functions to cells as they mediate sensing and the uptake and extrusion of nutrients, waste products, and effector molecules. Promiscuous multidrug exporters are implicated in resistance to drugs and antibiotics and are highly relevant for microbial engineers who seek to enhance the tolerance of cell factory strains to hydrophobic bioproducts. Here, we report on the identification of small multidrug resistance (SMR) transporters in early‐branching anaerobic fungi (Neocallimastigomycetes). The SMR class of transporters is commonly found in bacteria but has not previously been reported in eukaryotes. In this study, we show that SMR transporters from anaerobic fungi can be produced heterologously in the model yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, demonstrating the potential of these proteins as targets for further characterization. The discovery of these novel anaerobic fungal SMR transporters offers a promising path forward to enhance bioproduction from engineered microbial strains.
Research and practice of key technologies for landslide dam development and utilization—A case in Hongshiyan landslide Dam Water Conservancy Project
Authors: Zhang Zongliang , Wu Xueming , Xiao Enshang , He Ning , Cheng Kai , Zhang Ga , Zhou Xingbo , Zhao Chun , Wang Huanling , Du Hongming , Jiang Xiangang
Published: July 2023

Based on the emergency rescue, the subsequent disposal, and the development and utilization projects of the Hongshiyan Landside Dam in Ludian, Yunnan, China, research has been conducted on key technical issues facing the development and utilization of landside dams, including the possibilty evaluation of development and utilization, structure analysis of wide gradation material, performance evaluation, investigation and design, dam seepage control, construction technology and equipment, and safe operation assessment. And innovative results has made in all seven aspects mentioned above, writing the history in this field. The achievements were directly applied to the development planning, investigation and design, construction, and operation and maintenance of the Hongshiyan Landside Dam, a comprehensive water conservancy project that integrates flood control, water supply, irrigation, and power generation, with significant comprehensive benefits.
Effective Three‐Step Construction of Betulonic Acid Hybrids with Heterocycle‐Containing Peptidomimetic Fragments
Authors: Murlykina Maryna , Pavlovska Tetiana , Semenenko Oleksandr , Kolomiets Oleksandr , Sanin Edward , Morozova Alisa , Kornet Maryna , Musatov Vladimir , Kulyk Karyna , Mazepa Alexander , Lipson Victoria , Chebanov Valentyn
Published: July 2023

Synthesis of hybrid molecules containing a natural betulonic acid core and a peptidomimetic moiety was carried out by a three‐step transformation: e. g. (i) Ugi four‐component reaction involving heterocyclic amines to obtain some new azido‐substituted peptidomimetics; (ii) isolation of the compounds from the natural raw materials and obtaining betulonic acid propargyl esters; (iii) Cu‐catalyzed cycloaddition of peptide‐structured azides to betulonic acid propargyl esters, resulting in the construction of target molecules. The microbiological properties of the hybrid compounds and their precursors were tested against two Gram‐positive and two Gram‐negative bacterial strains.
Two‐ and Three‐Dimensional Strategies for Determining Consecutive Acidity Constants of Ciprofloxacin and Enrofloxacin Using Fluorescent Excitation‐Emission Measurements
Authors: Dinç Erdal , Yazan Zehra , Ertekin Zehra Ceren , Yıldız Ceren
Published: July 2023

Multidimensional analysis is getting more popular by the day thanks to technical improvements of analytical instruments and development of chemometric methods. Here, we describe the application of two different chemometric methods to the analysis of three‐dimensional spectrofluorimetric dataset for green determination of dissociation constants of ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin with minimal use of consumables. Three‐dimensional spectrofluorimetric datasets of both drugs were obtained by recording excitation‐emission matrices of only six sample solutions having different pH values. Parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) and multivariate curve resolution (MCR) methods with the use of three components were used to decompose three‐dimensional excitation‐emission‐pH arrays. The number of components support the presence of two pKa values. The individual profiles of H2A, HA− and A2− species in excitation, emission and pH modes were obtained by the application of PARAFAC and MCR. The intersection points in the pH modes were used to predict pKa values. pKa1 and pKa2 of ciprofloxacin was reported as 6.35, 9.15 and 6.42, 9.40 by PARAFAC and MCR‐ALS, respectively. For enrofloxacin, consecutive pKa values were predicted as 6.11 and 9.06 by PARAFAC and 6.10 and 9.10 by MCR. A detailed comparison to literature was done for the estimated pKa values.
Water‐Mediated C−H Cyanation of Quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones and Quinoxalines Under Visible‐Light Conditions
Authors: Badhani Gaurav , Adimurthy Subbarayappa
Published: July 2023

Regioselective cyanation of quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones and quinoxalines with acetone cyanohydrin under aqueous aerobic visible‐light conditions at room temperature is described. Acetone cyanohydrin is utilized as a safe source for cyanation. In both cases, good functional group tolerance was observed with very good to quantitative yields of products under metal/base/ligand‐free conditions. Several control experiments revealed that, water and oxygen from air are crucial for the efficiency of the present transformation. These reactions proceed through a radical pathway as confirmed by radical scavengers. To validate the feasibility of the process for commercial syntheses, three products were synthesized at gram scale under the optimized conditions. The conversion of cyanated products into corresponding amides and acid was also performed and the pure products were obtained without column chromatographic separation.
Electrospinning of Highly Bi‐Oriented Flexible Piezoelectric Nanofibers for Anisotropic‐Responsive Intelligent Sensing
Authors: Shao Zhuzhu , Zhang Xuan , Liu Jingfeng , Liu Xingang , Zhang Chuhong
Published: July 2023

Flexible piezoelectric energy harvesters (PEHs) have gained substantial attention owing to their wearability, breathability, and sustainable self‐powered supply. However, existing film PEHs cannot identify forces in different bending directions, limiting their applications in wearable electronics and artificial intelligence. This study constructs a fabric PEH for the first time by introducing piezoelectric anisotropic BaTi2O5 nanorods (BT2‐nr) into piezoelectric polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanofibers with a bi‐oriented architecture, in which BT2‐nr uniformly aligns in the PVDF nanofiber during electrospinning. The dual‐orientation feature endows the flexible PEH with anisotropy, which can sensitively identify the forces at different bending directions (e.g., bent vertically, parallelly, or twisted by 45° along the fiber orientations). Simultaneously, the composite PVDF/BT2 PEH containing 15 wt.% BT2‐nr delivers an optimal piezoelectric output of 31.2 V with a high sensitivity of 5.22 V N−1. The developed anisotropic PEH can be used as a self‐powered pressure sensor for multimodal intelligent biomonitoring of human movement. This study provides a feasible strategy for fabricating self‐powered flexible PEHs with high electromechanical conversion efficiency and multifunctionality for wearable piezoelectric pressure sensors.
Antifungal activity of myco-synthesized bimetallic ZnO-CuO nanoparticles against fungal plant pathogen Fusarium oxysporum
Authors: Gaber Sherif E. , Hashem Amr H. , El-Sayyad Gharieb S. , Attia Mohamed S.
Published: July 2023

Fusarium species are considered one of the most destructing plant pathogens. In the current study, bimetallic zinc oxide-copper oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-CuO NPs) were myco-synthesized using Aspergillus fumigatus for controlling Fusarium oxysporum growth. Aspergillus fumigatus was isolated from soil and identified morphologically and genetically. The myco-synthesized ZnO-CuO NPs were characterized using UV-Vis, DLS, HR-TEM, SEM, and XRD analyses. HR-TEM characterization method indicated that, the biosynthesized bimetallic ZnO-CuO NPs appeared as semi-spherical with the average diameter specified as 54.18 ± 1.9 nm. The DLS method described the characteristic particle size diffusion and was calculated as 85.52 nm, 90.85 nm, and 92.85 nm for ZnO NPs, CuO NPs, and ZnO-CuO NPs, respectively. Additionally, the SEM image of ZnO-CuO NPs displays basic NP surface character and the exterior impression was apparent. The biosynthesized ZnO-CuO NPs were separated naturally as spherical particles connected within the fungal filtrate, which displays as illuminated NPs fused and capped with the fungal filtrate. Antifungal activity of bimetallic ZnO-CuO NPs was evaluated against F. oxysporum. Results revealed that bimetallic ZnO-CuO NPs exhibited promising antifungal activity toward F. oxysporum where inhibition zone at 1000 µg/ml was 22.8 ± 0.76 mm, and MIC was 125 µg/ml. Moreover, growth inhibition percentages of F. oxysporum at different concentrations of bimetallic ZnO-CuO NPs 1000, 500, 250, and 125 µg/ml were 88.9, 65.5, 41.1, and 8.9% respectively, where the highest inhibition was 88.9% at concentration 1000 µg/ml, while the lowest inhibition was 8.9% at concentration 125 µg/ml. In TEM ultrastructure results, the treated F. oxysporum with ZnO-CuO NPs, a clear destruction was found in all cell contents and disintegration of the cell wall as well as destruction of the plasma membrane. Also, the nucleus appeared as small size and damaged shape and the chromatin materials distributed with several dark stained bodies in cytoplasm. In conclusion, bimetallic ZnO-CuO NPs were successfully myco-synthesized using A. fumigatus, where it had promising antifungal activity against F. oxysporum.
Telehealth-Delivered Supports for Daily Living Skills for Autistic Children: a Systematic Review
Authors: Clarke Monique , McLay Laurie , France Karyn , Blampied Neville , van Deurs Jenna
Published: July 2023

The global prevalence of autism has increased markedly in recent years, resulting in a surge in demand for services. Telehealth interventions offer an alternative to traditional service delivery, however, research is needed to examine the effectiveness of telehealth-delivered interventions for daily living skills (DLS; e.g., sleeping, eating, personal hygiene). This review summarized and appraised 17 studies investigating the effectiveness and social validity of telehealth-delivered behavioral interventions (TDBIs) for DLS for autistic children. Most interventions were parent-implemented with clinician coaching via synchronous video coaching. Web-based resources and workbooks were standard features of interventions. TDBIs resulted in improved DLS for autistic children, however, a limited number of studies and lack of methodological rigor limit the conclusions that can be drawn. Avenues for future research are suggested.
Postoperative infusion of dexmedetomidine via intravenous patient-controlled analgesia for prevention of postoperative delirium in elderly patients undergoing surgery
Authors: Xie Kangjie , Chen Jinyan , Tian Lili , Gu Fulei , Pan Yafei , Huang Zhangxiang , Fang Jun , Yu Weifeng , Zhou Huidan
Published: July 2023

Background

Postoperative delirium (POD) is a common clinical complication in elderly patients after surgery and predicts poor outcomes.

Aim

We researched whether postoperative infusion of dexmedetomidine (DEX) had prophylactic effect on POD in elderly patients.

Methods

A total of 236 patients over the age of 60 years undergoing thoracoabdominal tumor surgery were enrolled in Zhejiang Cancer Hospital from November 2016 to October 2020. The patients were randomly assigned into DEX group (group D) and control group (Group C). DEX was provided via PCIA pump 1–3 days after surgery, which consisted of 3 ug/kg sufentanil and 3 ug/kg DEX in group D, and 3 ug/kg sufentanil without DEX in group C. The PCIA parameters were programmed as follows: total amount 150 ml, 2 ml bolus dose with a lock-out of 10 min and background infusion rate 2 ml/h. The primary endpoint was the incidence of POD, assessed twice daily within 7 days after surgery by Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) and the Confusion Assessment Method–Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU). The secondary endpoint was postoperative hospitalization days, ICU stay time, adverse events and non-delirium complications.

Results

The incidence of POD in all patients was 7%. The incidence of POD in group C was significantly higher than that in group D (10.1% vs 3.4%, P = 0.042). There were no significant differences in length of hospital stay after operation, ICU stay time, the percentage of patients discharged within 7 days after surgery, non-delirium complications, and 30-day all-cause deaths between the two groups. The incidence of hypertension in group D was lower than that in group C (P = 0.003), and there were no differences in other adverse events.

Conclusion

Patients aged over 60 years received DEX in addition to intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCIA) for major thoracoabdominal surgery experienced less delirium.
A hybrid metaheuristic and computer vision approach to closed-loop calibration of fused deposition modeling 3D printers
Authors: Ganitano Graig S. , Wallace Shay G. , Maruyama Benji , Peterson Gilbert L.
Published: July 2023

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is one of the most popular additive manufacturing (AM) technologies for reasons including its low cost and versatility. However, like many AM technologies, the FDM process is sensitive to changes in the feedstock material. Utilizing a new feedstock requires a time-consuming trial-and-error process to identify optimal settings for a large number of process parameters. The experience required to efficiently calibrate a printer to a new feedstock acts as a barrier to entry. To enable greater accessibility to non-expert users, this paper presents the first system for autonomous calibration of low-cost FDM 3D printers that demonstrates optimizing process parameters for printing complex 3D models with submillimeter dimensional accuracy. Autonomous calibration is achieved by combining a computer vision-based quality analysis with a single-solution metaheuristic to efficiently search the parameter space. The system requires only a consumer-grade camera and computer capable of running modern 3D printing software and uses a calibration budget of just 30 g of filament (~ $1 USD). The results show that for several popular thermoplastic filaments, the system can autonomously calibrate a 3D printer to print complex 3D models with an average deviation in dimensional accuracy of 0.047 mm, which is more accurate than the 3D printer’s published tolerance of 0.1–0.4 mm.
Enumerative Combinatorics
Authors: Stanley Richard
Published: July 2023

Richard Stanley's two-volume basic introduction to enumerative combinatorics has become the standard guide to the topic for students and experts alike. This thoroughly revised second edition of volume two covers the composition of generating functions, in particular the exponential formula and the Lagrange inversion formula, labelled and unlabelled trees, algebraic, D-finite, and noncommutative generating functions, and symmetric functions. The chapter on symmetric functions provides the only available treatment of this subject suitable for an introductory graduate course and focusing on combinatorics, especially the Robinson–Schensted–Knuth algorithm. An appendix by Sergey Fomin covers some deeper aspects of symmetric functions, including jeu de taquin and the Littlewood–Richardson rule. The exercises in the book play a vital role in developing the material, and this second edition features over 400 exercises, including 159 new exercises on symmetric functions, all with solutions or references to solutions.
Middle Imperial China, 900–1350
Authors: Walton Linda
Published: July 2023

In this highly readable and engaging work, Linda Walton presents a dynamic survey of China's history from the tenth through the mid-fourteenth centuries from the founding of the Song dynasty through the Mongol conquest when Song China became part of the Mongol Empire and Marco Polo made his famous journey to the court of the Great Khan. Adopting a thematic approach, she highlights the political, social, economic, intellectual, and cultural changes and continuities of the period often conceptualized as 'Middle Imperial China'. Particular emphasis is given to themes that inform scholarship on world history: religion, the state, the dynamics of empire, the transmission of knowledge, the formation of political elites, gender, and the family. Consistent coverage of peoples beyond the borders – Khitan, Tangut, Jurchen, and Mongol, among others – provides a broader East Asian context and introduces a more nuanced, integrated representation of China's past.
Transcriptomics of Cruznema velatum (Nematoda: Rhabditidae) with a redescription of the species
Authors: Guo F. , Slos D. , Du H. , Li K. , Li H. , Qing X.
Published: July 2023

Cruznema velatum isolated from soil in a chestnut orchard located at Guangdong province, China, is redescribed with morphology, molecular barcoding sequences, and transcriptome data. The morphological comparison for C. velatum and six other valid species is provided. Phylogeny analysis suggests genus Cruznema is monophyletic. The species is amphimix, can be cultured with Escherichia coli in 7–9 days from egg to egg-laying adult, and has a lifespan of 11 to 14 days at 20°C. The transcription data generated 45,366 unigenes; 29.9%, 31.3%, 24.8%, and 18.6% of unigenes were annotated in KOG, SwissProt, GO, and KEGG, respectively. Further gene function analysis demonstrated that C. velatum share the same riboflavin, lipoic acid, and vitamin B6 metabolic pathways with Caenorhabditis elegans and Pristionchus pacificus.
Should Large Animals be Rescued?
Authors: Duran Jane
Published: July 2023

Several lines of argument are presented to support the notion that hooved animal rescue is justified, however expensive and controversial. The work of Singer and McNamee is discussed. The article concludes that various breeds have distinct arguments in their favour when it comes to rescue.
A molecular mechanosensor for real-time visualization of appressorium membrane tension in Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Ryder Lauren S. , Lopez Sergio G. , Michels Lucile , Eseola Alice B. , Sprakel Joris , Ma Weibin , Talbot Nicholas J.
Published: July 2023

The rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae uses a pressurized infection cell called an appressorium to drive a rigid penetration peg through the leaf cuticle. The vast internal pressure of an appressorium is very challenging to investigate, leaving our understanding of the cellular mechanics of plant infection incomplete. Here, using fluorescence lifetime imaging of a membrane-targeting molecular mechanoprobe, we quantify changes in membrane tension in M. oryzae. We show that extreme pressure in the appressorium leads to large-scale spatial heterogeneities in membrane mechanics, much greater than those observed in any cell type previously. By contrast, non-pathogenic melanin-deficient mutants, exhibit low spatially homogeneous membrane tension. The sensor kinase ∆sln1 mutant displays significantly higher membrane tension during inflation of the appressorium, providing evidence that Sln1 controls turgor throughout plant infection. This non-invasive, live cell imaging technique therefore provides new insight into the enormous invasive forces deployed by pathogenic fungi to invade their hosts, offering the potential for new disease intervention strategies.
Rapid tropicalization evidence of subtidal seaweed assemblages along a coastal transitional zone
Authors: de Azevedo Jonas , Franco João N. , Vale Cândida G. , Lemos Marco F. L. , Arenas Francisco
Published: July 2023

Anthropogenic climate change, particularly seawater warming, is expected to drive quick shifts in marine species distribution transforming coastal communities. These shifts in distribution will be particularly noticeable in biogeographical transition zones. The continental Portuguese coast stretches from north to south along 900 km. Despite this short spatial scale, the strong physical gradient intensified by the Iberian upwelling creates a transition zone where seaweed species from boreal and Lusitanian-Mediterranean origin coexist. On the northern coast, kelp marine forests thrive in the cold, nutrient-rich oceanic waters. In the south, communities resemble Mediterranean-type seaweed assemblages and are dominated by turfs. Recent evidence suggests that in these coastal areas, marine intertidal species are shifting their distribution edges as a result of rising seawater temperatures. Taking advantage of previous abundance data collected in 2012 from subtidal seaweed communities, a new sampling program was carried out in the same regions in 2018 to assess recent changes. The results confirmed the latitudinal gradient in macroalgal assemblages. More importantly we found significant structural and functional changes in a short period of six years, with regional increases of abundance of warm-affinity species, small seaweeds like turfs. Species richness, diversity, and biomass increase, all accompanied by an increase of community temperature index (CTI). Our findings suggest that subtidal seaweed communities in this transitional area have undergone major changes within a few years. Evidence of “fast tropicalization” of the subtidal communities of the Portuguese coast are strong indication of the effects of anthropic climate change over coastal assemblages.
NK cell phenotypic profile during active TB in people living with HIV-evolution during TB treatment and implications for bacterial clearance and disease severity
Authors: Maseko Thando Glory , Rambaran Santhuri , Ngubane Slindile , Lewis Lara , Ngcapu Sinaye , Hassan-Moosa Razia , Archary Derseree , Perumal Rubeshan , Padayatchi Nesri , Naidoo Kogieleum , Sivro Aida
Published: July 2023

Natural killer (NK) cells, key effector cells of the innate immune system, play an important role in the clearance and control of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and HIV infections. Here, we utilized peripheral blood specimens from the Improving Retreatment Success CAPRISA 011 study to characterize NK cell phenotypes during active TB in individuals with or without HIV co-infection. We further assessed the effects of TB treatment on NK cell phenotype, and characterized the effects of NK cell phenotypes during active TB on mycobacterial clearance and TB disease severity measured by the presence of lung cavitation. TB/HIV co-infection led to the expansion of functionally impaired CD56neg NK cell subset. TB treatment completion resulted in restoration of total NK cells, NK cell subset redistribution and downregulation of several NK cell activating and inhibitory receptors. Higher percentage of peripheral CD56bright cells was associated with longer time to culture conversion, while higher expression of NKp46 on CD56dim NK cells was associated with lower odds of lung cavitation in the overall cohort and the TB/HIV co-infected participants. Together these results provide a detailed description of peripheral NK cells in TB and TB/HIV co-infection and yield insights into their role in TB disease pathology.
Role of precession on the transition seasons of the Asian monsoon
Authors: Wu Chi-Hua , Lee Shih-Yu , Chiang John C. H. , Tsai Pei-Chia
Published: July 2023

While there have been many paleoclimate studies on the precessional control of climate, typically only the orbital phase where perihelion occurs close to the solstices has received attention. Here, we explore how precession affects the seasonal evolution of the Asian summer monsoon in the transitional seasons of boreal spring and autumn. With perihelion occurring in boreal spring, the Hadley circulation weakens over the northern Indian Ocean, linked to precession-enhanced sensible heating over the Tibetan Plateau. There is an early northward migration of the midlatitude westerly jet stream, and the advancement of the pre-monsoon along the Asian–Australian land bridge. The pre-monsoon response to precession may have had a major role in the early part of the last deglaciation, when perihelion last occurred during boreal spring. A weak continental summer monsoon and autumn aphelion during the early part of the last deglaciation led to a weak Pacific high over the east of coastal East Asia, allowing for a vigorous oceanic western North Pacific monsoon in the late summer. Additionally, the seasonal expansion of oceanic monsoon trough could shed light on the quasi-stationarity of the oceanic monsoon during a precessional cycle.
Age-related changes in circadian regulation of the human plasma lipidome
Authors: Rahman Shadab A. , Gathungu Rose M. , Marur Vasant R. , St. Hilaire Melissa A. , Scheuermaier Karine , Belenky Marina , Struble Jackson S. , Czeisler Charles A. , Lockley Steven W. , Klerman Elizabeth B. , Duffy Jeanne F. , Kristal Bruce S.
Published: July 2023

Aging alters the amplitude and phase of centrally regulated circadian rhythms. Here we evaluate whether peripheral circadian rhythmicity in the plasma lipidome is altered by aging through retrospective lipidomics analysis on plasma samples collected in 24 healthy individuals (9 females; mean ± SD age: 40.9 ± 18.2 years) including 12 younger (4 females, 23.5 ± 3.9 years) and 12 middle-aged older, (5 females, 58.3 ± 4.2 years) individuals every 3 h throughout a 27-h constant routine (CR) protocol, which allows separating evoked changes from endogenously generated oscillations in physiology. Cosinor regression shows circadian rhythmicity in 25% of lipids in both groups. On average, the older group has a ~14% lower amplitude and a ~2.1 h earlier acrophase of the lipid circadian rhythms (both, p ≤ 0.001). Additionally, more rhythmic circadian lipids have a significant linear component in addition to the sinusoidal across the 27-h CR in the older group (44/56) compared to the younger group (18/58, p < 0.0001). Results from individual-level data are consistent with group-average results. Results indicate that prevalence of endogenous circadian rhythms of the human plasma lipidome is preserved with healthy aging into middle-age, but significant changes in rhythmicity include a reduction in amplitude, earlier acrophase, and an altered temporal relationship between central and lipid rhythms.
Altered brain dynamics index levels of arousal in complete locked-in syndrome
Authors: Zilio Federico , Gomez-Pilar Javier , Chaudhary Ujwal , Fogel Stuart , Fomina Tatiana , Synofzik Matthis , Schöls Ludger , Cao Shumei , Zhang Jun , Huang Zirui , Birbaumer Niels , Northoff Georg
Published: July 2023

Complete locked-in syndrome (CLIS) resulting from late-stage amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterised by loss of motor function and eye movements. The absence of behavioural indicators of consciousness makes the search for neuronal correlates as possible biomarkers clinically and ethically urgent. EEG-based measures of brain dynamics such as power-law exponent (PLE) and Lempel-Ziv complexity (LZC) have been shown to have explanatory power for consciousness and may provide such neuronal indices for patients with CLIS. Here, we validated PLE and LZC (calculated in a dynamic way) as benchmarks of a wide range of arousal states across different reference states of consciousness (e.g., awake, sleep stages, ketamine, sevoflurane). We show a tendency toward high PLE and low LZC, with high intra-subject fluctuations and inter-subject variability in a cohort of CLIS patients with values graded along different arousal states as in our reference data sets. In conclusion, changes in brain dynamics indicate altered arousal in CLIS. Specifically, PLE and LZC are potentially relevant biomarkers to identify or diagnose the arousal level in CLIS and to determine the optimal time point for treatment, including communication attempts.
Easy-plane spin Hall oscillator
Authors: Montoya Eric Arturo , Khan Amanatullah , Safranski Christopher , Smith Andrew , Krivorotov Ilya N.
Published: July 2023

Spin Hall oscillators (SHOs) based on bilayers of a ferromagnet (FM) and a non-magnetic heavy metal (HM) are electrically tunable nanoscale microwave signal generators. Achieving high output power in SHOs requires driving large-amplitude magnetization dynamics by a direct spin Hall current. Here we present an SHO engineered to have easy-plane magnetic anisotropy oriented normal to the bilayer plane, enabling large-amplitude easy-plane dynamics driven by spin Hall current. Our experiments and micromagnetic simulations demonstrate that the easy-plane anisotropy can be achieved by tuning the magnetic shape anisotropy and perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in a nanowire SHO, leading to a significant enhancement of the generated microwave power. The easy-plane SHO experimentally demonstrated here is an ideal candidate for realization of a spintronic spiking neuron. Our results provide an approach to design of high-power SHOs for wireless communications, neuromorphic computing, and microwave assisted magnetic recording.
Lung cancer in never smokers (LCINS): development of a UK national research strategy
Authors: Khan Sam , Hatton Nathaniel , Tough Daniel , Rintoul Robert C. , Pepper Coral , Calman Lynn , McDonald Fiona , Harris Clare , Randle Amelia , Turner Michelle C. , Haley Ruth A. , Rawlinson Janette , Crosbie Philip A. J. , McCaughan Frank , Hatton Matthew
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Lung cancer in never smokers (LCINS) accounts for 15% of lung cancers diagnosed in the UK, making it the 8th most common cancer. There are few robust studies specific to the LCINS population making data surrounding the incidence and mortality of LCINS incomplete, leaving many gaps in our understanding of the needs of this population.

Methods

To address a lack of research in this important area, the UK National Cancer Research Institute Lung Study Group (NCRI-LSG) undertook a national survey and hosted a research strategy day to define key research priorities. A wide cross section of stakeholders, including patient advocates, the charitable sector, basic and translational researchers, and multi-disciplinary healthcare professionals contributed highlighting their research priorities.

Results

One-hundred twenty-seven surveys were completed (52 by patients/patient advocates) prior to the strategy day. These identified themes for expert review presentations and subsequent workshop discussions at the national research strategy day, which registered 190 attendees (50 patients/patient advocates). The four key themes that emerged to form the basis of a research strategy for LCINS are (1) Raising awareness, (2) Risk assessment and early detection, (3) Disease biology, (4) Living with and beyond.

Conclusion

This paper summarises current evidence and important gaps in our knowledge related to LCINS. We present recommendations for a national research strategy aimed at improving outcomes for patients.
Dynamic polymer nanocomposites towards strain sensors and customizable resistors
Authors: Dodo Obed J. , Raji Ibrahim O. , Arny Ian J. , Myers Camryn P. , Petit Leilah , Walpita Kumari , Dunn Derrick , Thrasher Carl J. , Konkolewicz Dominik
Published: July 2023

Multiple architectural pathways are developed towards self-healable responsive polymer nanocomposites using CNT reinforcement and multiple dynamic chemistries. These materials contribute to applications in smart lighting systems and custom resistors.
Multifunctional MXene/PAA organohydrogel as a flexible strain sensor for wearable human–machine interaction
Authors: Ding Ning , Bai Yan , Feng Yuhui , Zou Xiang , Chen Yuzhe , Bi Shuaihang , Liu Shujuan , Zhao Weiwei , Zhao Qiang
Published: July 2023

Flexible strain sensors play a critical role in wearable human–machine interaction (HMI), allowing for natural and intuitive communication between humans and machines.
Copper(i) as a reducing agent for the synthesis of bimetallic PtCu catalytic nanoparticles
Authors: Fernández-Lodeiro Adrián , Lodeiro Javier Fernández , Losada-Garcia Noelia , Nuti Silvia , Capelo-Martinez José Luis , Palomo Jose M. , Lodeiro Carlos
Published: July 2023

This work investigates the potential utilization of Cu(i) as a reducing agent for the transformation of the platinum salt K2PtCl4, resulting in the production of stable nanoparticles.
“FeV-cofactor”-inspired bionic Fe-doped BiVO4photocatalyst decorated with few-layer 2D black phosphorus for efficient nitrogen reduction
Authors: Li Hongda , Jian Shuai , Tao Boran , Xu Guoxiao , Liu Baosheng , Gu Shaonan , Wang Guofu , Chang Haixin
Published: July 2023

An in-built bionic FeV cofactor in Fe-BiVO4catalyst decorated with 2D black phosphorus can not only adsorb and activate N2molecules, but also promote carrier separation and transfer, thus improving photocatalytic nitrogen reduction performance.
Assembly of iodinated indolo[1,2-c]quinazoline amines via I2/CHP-promoted cascade annulation of isocyanides and diarylalkynes
Authors: Zhang Min , Li Meng , Jiang Huanfeng , Nie Biao , Wu Wanqing
Published: July 2023

A convenient and concise approach to iodinated indolo[1,2-c]quinazoline amines via I2/cumene hydroperoxide (CHP)-promoted cascade annulation of diarylalkynes and isocyanides has been established.
Pattern-Based Target Selection for Treatment of Irregular Past Tense: A Single-Case Experimental Design for Children With Developmental Language Disorder
Authors: Hannig Russell Kirsten M. , Wilder Amy , Wambaugh Julie L.
Published: July 2023

Purpose:

Many children with developmental language disorder (DLD) demonstrate difficulty inflecting irregular past tense verbs. We evaluated using phonological-based patterns (i.e., schemas) to select targets for treatment of irregular verb inflection for children with DLD. We hypothesized this approach would result in acquisition of treated verbs, generalization to untreated verbs within the same phonological schema, and increased use of correct irregular verbs in naturalistic contexts.

Method:

Treatment was provided to three 7-year-old participants with DLD in the context of multiple baseline designs across behaviors and participants. Phonological schemas included vowel change, final alveolar, and dual change irregular verbs. Treatment was provided using established therapeutic approaches, including narrative generation, sentence imitation, and naturalistic play activities. Acquisition of treated and untreated targets was assessed at the beginning of sessions, and use of verbs in naturalistic contexts was observed throughout treatment sessions.

Results:

Positive acquisition effects were noted for two of three participants. Generalization to untreated items occurred within and across treatment sets for two participants, whereas increases in accurate irregular verb production in naturalistic contexts were not observed.

Conclusions:

Outcomes demonstrated support for a pattern-based approach to target selection for treatment of irregular past tense verbs. One participant, who demonstrated general difficulty with the probe and treatment tasks, showed no treatment effect, suggesting that the treatment may be effective for some children with DLD. Further research is warranted to determine what factors might have influenced these variable outcomes across participants.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.23671500
Diabetische Nephropathie
Authors: Löffler Ivonne , Wolf Gunter
Published: July 2023

Der Einfluss des Geschlechts auf die Prävalenz, das Auftreten und den Verlauf vieler Erkrankungen ist tiefgreifend. In den meisten Fällen wird ein bestimmtes Geschlecht als Risikofaktor für die Genese und Progression der Krankheit angesehen. Dies ist bei der diabetischen Nephropathie (DN) nicht ganz so eindeutig, deren Entwicklung und Schweregrad von vielen Faktoren wie dem Typ und der Dauer des Diabetes mellitus, der Blutzucker- und Blutdruckeinstellung sowie biologisch-genetischen Risikofaktoren abhängen. Insbesondere die Tatsache, dass die Sexualhormonspiegel, die an der Pathophysiologie der Nieren beteiligt zu sein scheinen, durch den Diabetes mellitus selbst dramatisch beeinflusst werden, verdeutlicht die Komplexität der Frage nach den Geschlechtsunterschieden bei DN. Das Hauptziel dieser Übersichtsarbeit ist es, den aktuellen Wissensstand über biologische geschlechtsspezifische Aspekte bei der Genese der DN zusammenzufassen und die Rolle der Sexualhormone zu beleuchten.
A rare case of nodular fasciitis presenting as a parotid tumor: Clues to cytodiagnosis
Authors: Palo Seetu , Gargade Chitrawati Bal
Published: July 2023

A 14-year-old boy presented with left preauricular painless swelling of 10 months’ duration. Local examination revealed a 3 × 2-cm, firm, nodular, nonmobile mass in the left preauricular area, just in front of tragus. Fine needle aspiration yielded paucicellular smears comprising singly scattered histiocyte/myofibroblast-like spindle cells and occasional giant cells. It was reported as benign mesenchymal lesion on cytology. Left superficial parotidectomy was performed. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the diagnosis of nodular fasciitis (NF). It was an illcircumscribed cellular neoplasm, abutting and focally infiltrating into otherwise normal parotid gland. The tumor comprised spindle cells arranged in short bundles and storiform pattern with interspersed osteoclast-like giant cells, foam cells, extravasated red blood cells (RBCs), and focal areas of keloidal collagenization. The cells were positive for smooth muscle actin and negative for CD34, beta-catenin, S100, and pancytokeratin. Final diagnosis of NF was rendered. NF can rarely involve the parotid gland or present as parotid enlargement and pose diagnostic challenge, especially on cytology. However, in appropriate clinical context, subtle cytomorphological clues such as presence of myofibroblasts and fibrocollagenous stromal fragments can help in ruling out the commonly occurring salivary gland neoplasms and offering a definitive cytodiagnosis of NF which will be helpful in deciding the further course of management.
Ethics, epistemologies, and relational ontologies in researching children’s cultures
Authors: Deszcz-Tryhubczak Justyna , García-González Macarena
Published: July 2023

This chapter argues for a new materialist and posthumanist understanding of children’s cultures as formed by naturalcultural assemblages destabilizing anthropocentric notions of childhood, adulthood, agency, age, creativity, and text. The chapter provides an overview of recent developments in childhood studies – in particular around the decentering of the child (Spyrou 2017, Diaz-Diaz & Semenec 2020) and the “after childhood” approach (Kraftl 2020) – to propose that they may enable new methodological openings in textual and empirical work with texts and media (co-)created for/by/with young audiences.
Psychophysiological effects of evaluative language use on Twitter complaints and compliments
Authors: Ruytenbeek Nicolas , Allaert Jens , Vanderhasselt Marie-Anne
Published: July 2023

This article explores the role of evaluative language in the identification of emotions in–and psychophysiological
responses to–Twitter complaints and compliments by the readers of these messages. Three hypotheses were tested in this research.
First, in line with recent experimental work in French, we expected the presence of negative evaluative language in complaints to
increase perceived dissatisfaction, impoliteness, and offensiveness by the reader. Second, assuming the negativity bias
hypothesis, stronger psychophysiological responses should be found in complaints compared to compliments. Third, readers’
psychophysiological responses should be stronger for complaints and compliments including evaluative language. To test these
hypotheses, we used a reading task involving cardiovascular reactivity measurements and a questionnaire. We found that perceived
customer dissatisfaction, impoliteness and offensiveness were higher in complaints with vs. without evaluative language. We did
not find an effect of the negativity bias on cardiovascular reactivity. Rather, compliments with evaluative language elicited
larger cardiac slowing compared to complaints (with or without evaluative language) and compliments without evaluative language.
As the stimuli is our study concern a railway company (which is mostly the target of criticism and complaints on Twitter),
participants may have reacted more to the sort of feedback they would not expect the company to receive. Future research will be
necessary to establish whether our findings still hold in the case of companies that achieve a better balance between negative and
positive feedback.
AGHmatrix: genetic relationship matrices in R
Authors: Amadeu Rodrigo R , Garcia Antonio Augusto F , Munoz Patricio R , Ferrão Luís Felipe V
Published: July 2023

Motivation

The resemble between relatives computed from pedigree and genomic data is an important resource for geneticists and ecologists, who are interested in understanding how genes influence phenotypic variation, fitness adaptation, and population dynamics.

Results

The AGHmatrix software is an R package focused on the construction of pedigree (A matrix) and/or molecular markers (G matrix), with the possibility of building a combined matrix of pedigree corrected by molecular markers (H matrix). Designed to estimate the relationships for any ploidy level, the software also includes auxiliary functions related to filtering molecular markers, and checks pedigree errors in large data sets. After computing the relationship matrices, results from the AGHmatrix can be used in different contexts, including on prediction of (genomic) estimated breeding values and genome-wide association studies.

Availability and implementation

AGHmatrix v2.1.0 is available under GPL-3 license in CRAN at https://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/AGHmatrix/index.html and also in GitHub at https://github.com/rramadeu/AGHmatrix. It has a comprehensive tutorial, and it follows with real data examples.
Pleistocene glaciations caused the latitudinal gradient of within-species genetic diversity
Authors: Fonseca Emanuel M , Pelletier Tara A , Decker Sydney K , Parsons Danielle J , Carstens Bryan C
Published: July 2023

Intraspecific genetic diversity is a key aspect of biodiversity. Quaternary climatic change and glaciation influenced intraspecific genetic diversity by promoting range shifts and population size change. However, the extent to which glaciation affected genetic diversity on a global scale is not well established. Here we quantify nucleotide diversity, a common metric of intraspecific genetic diversity, in more than 38,000 plant and animal species using georeferenced DNA sequences from millions of samples. Results demonstrate that tropical species contain significantly more intraspecific genetic diversity than nontropical species. To explore potential evolutionary processes that may have contributed to this pattern, we calculated summary statistics that measure population demographic change and detected significant correlations between these statistics and latitude. We find that nontropical species are more likely to deviate from neutral expectations, indicating that they have historically experienced dramatic fluctuations in population size likely associated with Pleistocene glacial cycles. By analyzing the most comprehensive data set to date, our results imply that Quaternary climate perturbations may be more important as a process driving the latitudinal gradient in species richness than previously appreciated.
Feasibility and tolerability of trofosfamide and etoposide in progressive glioblastoma
Authors: Schmidt Teresa , Agkatsev Sarina , Feldheim Jonas , Oster Christoph , Blau Tobias , Sure Ulrich , Keyvani Kathy , Kleinschnitz Christoph , Stuschke Martin , Herrmann Ken , Deuschl Cornelius , Scheffler Björn , Kebir Sied , Glas Martin , Lazaridis Lazaros
Published: July 2023

Background

Standard of care treatment options at glioblastoma relapse are still not well defined. Few studies indicate that the combination of trofosfamide plus etoposide may be feasible in pediatric glioblastoma patients. In this retrospective analysis, we determined tolerability and feasibility of combined trofosfamide plus etoposide treatment at disease recurrence of adult glioblastoma patients.

Methods

We collected clinicopathological data from adult progressive glioblastoma patients treated with the combination of trofosfamide and etoposide for more than four weeks (one course). A cohort of patients receiving empiric treatment at the investigators’ discretion balanced for tumor entity and canonical prognostic factors served as control.

Results

A total of n = 22 progressive glioblastoma patients were eligible for this analysis. Median progression-free survival (3.1 vs 2.3 months, HR: 1.961, 95% CI: 0.9724–3.9560, P = .0274) and median overall survival (9.0 vs 5.7 months, HR: 4.687, 95% CI: 2.034–10.800, P = .0003) were significantly prolonged compared to the control cohort (n = 17). In a multivariable Cox regression analysis, treatment with trofosfamide plus etoposide emerged as a significant prognostic marker regarding progression-free and overall survival. We observed high-grade adverse events in n = 16/22 (73%) patients with hematotoxicity comprising the majority of adverse events (n = 15/16, 94%). Lymphopenia was by far the most commonly observed hematotoxic adverse event (n = 11/15, 73%).

Conclusions

This study provides first indication that the combination of trofosfamide plus etoposide is safe in adult glioblastoma patients. The observed survival outcomes might suggest potential beneficial effects. Our data provide a reasonable rationale for follow-up of a larger cohort in a prospective trial.
Cross-sectional Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Levels and Decay Rates Following Infection of Unvaccinated Elderly Individuals
Authors: Whelan Marilyn , Galipeau Yannick , White-Al Habeeb Nicole , Konforte Danijela , Abou El Hassan Mohamed , Booth Ronald A , Arnold Corey , Langlois Marc-André , Pelchat Martin
Published: July 2023

Background

SARS-CoV-2 infections have disproportionally burdened elderly populations with excessive mortality. While several contributing factors exists, questions remain about the quality and duration of humoral antibody–mediated responses resulting from infections in unvaccinated elderly individuals.

Methods

Residual serum/plasma samples were collected from individuals undergoing routine SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction testing in a community laboratory in Canada. The samples were collected in 2020, before vaccines became available. IgG, IgA, and IgM antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid, trimeric spike, and its receptor-binding domain were quantified via a high-throughput chemiluminescent enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Neutralization efficiency was also quantified through a surrogate high-throughput protein–based neutralization assay.

Results

This study analyzed SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels in a large cross-sectional cohort (N = 739), enriched for elderly individuals (median age, 82 years; 75% >65 years old), where 72% of samples tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by polymerase chain reaction. The age group ≥90 years had higher levels of antibodies than that <65 years. Neutralization efficiency showed an age-dependent trend, where older persons had higher levels of neutralizing antibodies. Antibodies targeting the nucleocapsid had the fastest decline. IgG antibodies targeting the receptor-binding domain remained stable over time, potentially explaining the lack of neutralization decay observed in this cohort.

Conclusions

Despite older individuals having the highest levels of antibodies postinfection, they are the cohort in which antibody decay was the fastest. Until a better understanding of correlates of protection is acquired, along with the protective role of nonneutralizing antibodies, booster vaccinations remain important in this demographic.