bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of sex and APOE ε4 on the association of cognition and hippocampal volume in clinically normal, amyloid positive adults
Authors: Petersen Kellen K. , Grober Ellen , Lipton Richard B. , Sperling Reisa A. , Buckley Rachel F. , Aisen Paul S. , Ezzati Ali
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Cognitive decline follows pathological changes including neurodegeneration on the Alzheimer's disease continuum. However, it is unclear which cognitive domains first become affected by neurodegeneration in amyloid‐positive individuals and if sex or apolipoprotein (APOE) ε4 status differences affect this relationship.

Methods

Data from 1233 cognitively unimpaired, amyloid‐positive individuals 65 to 85 years of age were studied to assess the effect of hippocampal volume (HV) on cognition and to evaluate differences due to sex and APOE ε4 status.

Results

Lower HV was linked with worse performance on measures of memory (free recall, total recall, logical memory delayed recall, Mini‐Mental State Examination [MMSE]), executive functioning (digit symbol substitution, DSS), and the Preclinical Alzheimer's Cognitive Composite (PACC). Among both women and APOE ε4+ individuals, all cognitive measures, except MMSE, were associated with HV. DSS and PACC had the largest effect sizes in differentiating early and intermediate stage neurodegeneration.

Discussion

Despite all cognitive measures being associated with HV, cognitive tests show differences in detecting early or late signs of neurodegeneration. Differences exist in association between cognition and neurodegeneration based on sex and APOE ε4 status
Variable effects of wolves on niche breadth and density of intraguild competitors
Authors: Fowler Nicholas L. , Petroelje Tyler R. , Kautz Todd M. , Svoboda Nathan J. , Duquette Jared F. , Kellner Kenneth F. , Beyer Dean E. , Belant Jerrold L.
Published: February 2022

The parallel niche release hypothesis (PNR) indicates that reduced competition with dominant competitors results in greater density and niche breadth of subordinate competitors and which may support an adaptive advantage.

We assessed support for the PNR by evaluating relationships between variation in niche breadth and intra‐ and interspecific density (an index of competition) of wolves (Canis lupus) coyotes (C. latrans), and bobcats (Lynx rufus).

We estimated population density (wolf track surveys, coyote howl surveys, and bobcat hair snare surveys) and variability in space use (50% core autocorrelated kernel density home range estimators), temporal activity (hourly and overnight speed), and dietary (isotopic δ13C and δ15N) niche breadth of each species across three areas of varying wolf density in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, USA, 2010–2019.

Densities of wolves and coyotes were inversely related, and increased variability in space use, temporal activity, and dietary niche breadth of coyotes was associated with increased coyote density and decreased wolf density supporting the PNR. Variability in space use and temporal activity of wolves and dietary niche breadth of bobcats also increased with increased intraspecific density supporting the PNR.

Through demonstrating decreased competition between wolves and coyotes and increased coyote niche breadth and density, our study provides multidimensional support for the PNR. Knowledge of the relationship between niche breadth and population density can inform our understanding of the role of competition in shaping the realized niche of species.
Real‐world eligibility for vericiguat in decompensated heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Oh Jaewon , Lee Chan Joo , Park Jin Joo , Lee Sang Eun , Kim Min‐Seok , Cho Hyun‐Jai , Choi Jin‐Oh , Lee Hae‐Young , Hwang Kyung‐Kuk , Kim Kye Hun , Yoo Byung‐Su , Choi Dong‐Ju , Baek Sang Hong , Jeon Eun‐Seok , Kim Jae‐Joong , Cho Myeong‐Chan , Chae Shung Chull , Oh Byung‐Hee , Kang Seok‐Min
Published: February 2022

Aims In 2021, vericiguat was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Commission (EC) for reducing cardiovascular mortality and heart failure (HF) hospitalizations in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) based on the Vericiguat Global Study in Subjects with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction (VICTORIA) trial. However, there has been no report for characterizing the generalizability of vericiguat to real‐world clinical practice.

Methods and results The Korean Acute Heart Failure (KorAHF) registry is a multicentre prospective cohort study. A total of 5625 patients who were admitted for HF decompensation were consecutively enrolled. We excluded the patients without left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) quantification, patients with LVEF > 45%, patients with in‐hospital death or urgent heart transplantation, and patients without natriuretic peptide measurement. Among a total of 3014 enrolled patients, there were 21.9% patients with lower systolic blood pressure (SBP) (<100 mmHg) and 20.1% patients without elevated natriuretic peptide. Regarding chronic kidney disease (CKD) status, 5.1% patients had CKD Stage V [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <15 mL/min/1.73 m2] and 11.8% patients had CKD Stage IV (15 ≤ eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2). When we analysed these criteria sequentially, 21.9% were excluded from lower SBP, 15.9% were excluded from elevated natriuretic peptide, and 4.2% were excluded from advanced CKD Stage V (9.6% for CKD Stages IV and V). Among the KorAHF registry patients, we found two main reasons for not meeting the inclusion criteria of the VICTORIA trial such as low SBP and non‐elevated natriuretic peptide.

Conclusions Among the Korean hospitalized HFrEF patients, 94.9% met the FDA/EC label criteria, while 58% met the inclusion criteria of the VICTORIA trial. Our findings suggest the need for better strategies to integrate up‐to‐date HF treatment in a real‐world HF population, especially decompensated HF patients with low SBP and non‐elevated natriuretic peptide.
Association of adherence to a 3 month cardiac rehabilitation with long‐term clinical outcomes in heart failure patients
Authors: Nakanishi Michio , Miura Hiroyuki , Irie Yuki , Nakao Kazuhiro , Fujino Masashi , Otsuka Fumiyuki , Aoki Tatsuo , Yanase Masanobu , Goto Yoichi , Noguchi Teruo
Published: February 2022

Aims

Although comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation (CCR) is recommended for patients with heart failure (HF), participants often show low adherence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of CCR completion and response with long‐term clinical outcomes.

Methods and results

We screened 824 HF patients who participated in a 3 month CCR programme and underwent baseline assessment, including cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX). After excluding 52 participants who experienced all‐cause death or HF hospitalization within 180 days, long‐term outcomes were compared between those who attended 3 month follow‐up assessment including CPX (completers) and those who did not (non‐completers). We also compared the prognostic value of the changes in peak oxygen uptake (VO2) vs. quadriceps muscle strength (QMS) during the 3 month CCR programme. Among the 772 study patients, there were no significant differences in baseline characteristics, including left ventricular ejection fraction, B‐type natriuretic peptide levels, and peak VO2, between the completers (n = 561) and non‐completers (n = 211), except for a higher age (63.2 ± 14.2 vs. 59.4 ± 16.2 years; P = 0.0015) and proportion of females (27% vs. 17%; P = 0.0030) among the completers. During a median follow‐up of 55.4 months, the completers had lower rates of the composite of all‐cause death or HF hospitalization (34.4% vs. 44.6%; P = 0.0015) and all‐cause death (16.9% vs. 24.6%; P = 0.0037) than the non‐completers. After adjustment for prognostic baseline characteristics, including age and sex, CCR completion was associated with 34% and 44% reductions in the composite outcome and all‐cause death, respectively. Among the completers, peak VO2 and QMS increased significantly (8.9 ± 15.8% and 10.5 ± 17.9%, respectively) over 3 months. Patients who had an increase in peak VO2 ≥ 6.3% (median value) during the CCR programme had significantly lower rates of the composite outcome (27.0% vs. 33.8%; P = 0.048) and all‐cause mortality (10.0% vs. 17.4%; P = 0.0069) than those who did not. No statistically significant difference was observed in the composite outcome (30.5% vs. 30.4%; P = 0.76) or all‐cause mortality (13.0% vs. 14.4%; P = 0.39) between those with and without an increase in QMS ≥8.3% (median value).

Conclusions

In HF patients who participated in a 3 month CCR programme, its completion was associated with lower risks of subsequent HF hospitalization and death. Within the group of patients who completed the programme, the improvement in exercise capacity, but not in skeletal muscle strength, over the 3‐month period was associated with better outcomes. These findings highlight the importance of the post‐CCR follow‐up assessment, including CPX, to identify a patient's adherence and response to the CCR programme.
Homophthalic Esters: A New Type of Reagents for the Castagnoli‐Cushman Reaction
Authors: Guranova Natalia , Bakulina Olga , Dar'in Dmitry , Kantin Grigory , Krasavin Mikhail
Published: February 2022

The reactivity pattern of the Castagnoli‐Cushman reaction between homophthalic anhydride and imines was completely reproduced by replacing homophthalic anhydride with o‐(alkoxycarbonyl)methyl benzoic acids activated by CDI (1,1′‐carbonyldiimidazole). This allows obtaining tetrahydroisoquinolonic esters directly and plants the Castagnoli‐Cushman chemistry onto a fundamentally new reagent space not requiring the use of cyclic anhydrides.
Seismic behaviour of rubble masonry: Shake table test and numerical modelling
Authors: de Felice Gianmarco , Liberatore Domenico , De Santis Stefano , Gobbin Francesca , Roselli Ivan , Sangirardi Marialuigia , AlShawa Omar , Sorrentino Luigi
Published: February 2022

The destruction of Amatrice and the surrounding villages in Central Italy after the 2016 seismic sequence was so impressive that engineers, authorities and local communities started sharing the common feeling that historical stone masonry buildings were too below current safety standards. The severe damage caused by the earthquakes led to a general distrust of traditional building techniques, leading to the conclusion that there is nothing to do but demolish and rebuild, perhaps with a false antique. Is there an alternative? Is there a way to combine safety and preservation of architectural heritage? This paper aims contributing to the understanding of the seismic behaviour of stone masonry by reproducing, through simulation on a shake table, the progressive loss of compactness of a real scale rubble masonry wall up to the ruinous collapse with the separation between the two external leaves. The laboratory simulation allowed to evaluate the decrease of the fundamental frequency with increasing damage and estimate the maximum displacement profile and the amount of cracking that the wall is able to sustain before failing. Eventually, two modelling strategies based on finite and discrete element methods were proposed and applied to verify the capability of simulating the out‐of‐plane seismic response and the failure mechanisms of rubble masonry.
Experimental study on the formation characteristics of CO2 hydrate in porous media below the freezing point: Influence of particle size and temperature on the formation process and storage capacity
Authors: Zhang Xuemin , Zhang Mengjun , Yang Huijie , Li Jinping , Li Yinhui , Wu Qingbai
Published: February 2022

CO2 storage in form of hydrate in stratigraphic sediment has been considered to be one of the effective strategies against global warming and mitigating CO2 emission, which has attracted extensive research interest in the field of greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction and natural gas hydrate exploitation in permafrost regions. How the formation characteristics of CO2 hydrate influences the storage process is a fundamental issue related to the hydrate‐based technology of CO2 sequestration and storage in the permafrost regions. In this study, the formation experiments of CO2 hydrate were carried out in porous media below freezing point under the condition of different particle sizes and temperatures. The influence of different factors on the formation rate, conversion rate, and gas storage capacity of CO2 hydrate were studied through experiments. It was indicated that temperature and ice particle size had a significant effect on the formation characteristics of CO2 hydrate in porous media below the freezing point. However, it did not mean that the greater the degree of supercooling was the better the hydrate formation would be. The formation rate and conversion rate of hydrate were relatively higher when the temperature approached to the freezing point. In contrast, the gas storage capacity of CO2 hydrate was higher than that above the freezing point. The average formation rate, conversion rate, and gas storage capacity of CO2 hydrate were obtained under the temperature of 270.15 K, which was 3.68 × 10−4 mol h−1, 40.47%, and 75.09 L/L, respectively. When the ice particle size was 700 µm under the same particle size of quartz sand, the conversion rate and gas storage capacity of CO2 hydrate was the maximum, reached to 49.69% and 92.19 L/L, respectively. These results provide greater insights into the hydrate‐based technology of CO2 sequestration and storage in sediments.
Long‐term spatiotemporal variability in the surface velocity of Eastern Himalayan glaciers, India
Authors: Kaushik Saurabh , Singh Tejpal , Bhardwaj Anshuman , Joshi Pawan Kumar
Published: February 2022

Investigation of spatiotemporal variation in glacier velocity is imperative to comprehend glacier mass and volume loss as a function of their sensitivity to climate change. The long‐term glacier velocity record for the Eastern Himalayan region is of utmost importance owing to its data scarcity and climate sensitivity. Here, we present a long‐term dataset spanning more than two decades (1994–2020) of glacier surface velocity for the entire Sikkim Himalaya by applying image correlation methods on the multi‐temporal Landsat images. Our results demonstrate an average glacier surface velocity decline from 15.7 ± 5.69 (1994/96) to 12.88 ± 2.09 m yr−1 (2018/2020), that is a decline of ~15% during the period of investigation. Trend analysis shows a decreasing trend in median velocity (32.2%) at a rate of 0.25 m yr−1. Despite the general decline in average glacier velocity, the rate of slowdown of individual glaciers is extremely heterogeneous (3.6–20 m yr−1). Our study shows that up to 32% of the observed heterogeneity in velocity variation can be explained by the variation in glacier size. The present study highlights that large glaciers with thick ice cover move faster compared to small glaciers (even those situated on steep slopes). The findings are significant and have direct implications for assessing future water availability scenarios and modelling glacio‐hydrology in the region.
Vicia sativa as a grazed forage for lactating ewes in a temperate grassland production system
Authors: Thomas Benjamin J. , Fychan Rhun , McCalman Heather M. , Sanderson Ruth , Thomas Howard , Marley Christina L.
Published: February 2022

Here, we present research to overcome a current limitation of temperate grassland systems to provide home‐grown, early season protein for lactating ewes—a period of high protein demand in these systems. Traditionally used as a forage crop, there is renewed interest in common vetch (Vicia sativa) due to its ability to grow during low temperatures over‐winter compared to other legumes. We hypothesised that vetch would support the sustainable development of lamb production by reducing reliance on purchased protein typically used in grass‐only systems. A grazing study determined the performance of early lactation ewes and their twin lambs grazing either an Italian ryegrass (IRG) sward or a vetch/IRG (V/IRG) mix over a six‐week period. The experiment comprised replicate plots of two treatments, with 8 ewes, each rearing twin lambs, grazing each plot. Plots were divided into sub‐plots using electric fencing and rotationally grazed. Findings showed i) ewes selectively grazed vetch as evidenced by a drop in vetch percentage by, on average, 10% units between the start and end of grazing; ii) vetch re‐grew when rotationally grazed with a 21– 28‐d rest period, with vetch percentage of the sward increasing 10% units; and iii) grazing lactating ewes on V/IRG improved combined ewe and lamb weights by five weeks post‐lambing but longer term effects were limited by vetch availability. Furthermore, there was a tendency for lamb live‐weight gains to be higher for lambs whose dams grazed on vetch/IRG compared to IRG swards (573 versus 563 g ewe−1 d−1, respectively, p = 0.056). As the need for alternatives to imported protein feed increases, this research demonstrates how vegetative common vetch, as part of a mixed sward, has the potential to provide a home‐produced winter‐grown protein feed in temperate grasslands.
A Review of Recovery Plan Criteria for Threatened and Endangered Fish Taxa Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Authors: Shirey Patrick D , Colvin Susan A R , Roulson Leanne H , Bigford Thomas E
Published: February 2022

Endangered Species Act recovery plans must meet legal requirements (1) to provide recovery time and cost estimates, (2) to set objective and measurable delisting criteria, and (3) to address the five factors that are considered when listing or delisting a species. These five factors include: threats to habitat or range, whether or not a species is subject to overutilization, presence of disease, existence of regulatory mechanisms outside of federal protection (i.e., the states), and if there are other natural or anthropogenic factors impacting continued existence. We reviewed recovery plans for fish listed under the Endangered Species Act and managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to determine how many meet these requirements. Of 105 recovery plans for fish taxa managed by the USFWS, 52% of plans estimated time to recovery, 44% plans estimated cost of recovery, and 61% plans provided quantitative recovery criteria. Only one-third of these recovery plans specifically addressed the five delisting factors, which include taxa-specific threats to species persistence. The USFWS is using the species status assessment (SSA) framework to inform species management, with 15 listed species that have a completed SSA. As SSAs are completed to inform objective and measurable criteria, recovery plans could be revised or amended at the time of 5-year reviews, especially for taxa whose time and cost estimates for recovery have been surpassed.
The Real Costs of Climate Change
Authors: Cartwright Echo D.
Published: February 2022

Several reports released over the last few weeks highlight the latest climate trend metrics and the news is dismal. US carbon dioxide (CO2) emission levels are increasing to pre‐pandemic levels negating progress made over the last decade. The year 2021 was identified as the sixth warmest year on record dating back to 1880, amid a four‐decade warming trend. And costs associated with severe weather‐related disasters in the US during 2021 were more than $145 billion, the third highest costs on record.
Soft‐sediment deformation structures in the Late Messinian Abu Madi Formation, onshore Nile Delta, Egypt: Triggers and tectonostratigraphic implications
Authors: Leila Mahmoud , El Sharawy Mohamed , Mohamed Adel , Gorini Christian , Bucci Monica Giona , Radwan Ahmed E. , Moretti Massimo
Published: February 2022

The Upper Messinian Abu Madi Formation of the Nile Delta constitutes sediments deposited during the final stage of the Messinian salinity crisis (MSC). Several levels of soft‐sediment deformation structures (SSDS) were observed in the transgressive heterolithic fluvial facies deposited adjacent to the deep‐seated faults. The most common deformation features include diapiric structures, intraformational lithoclastic breccia, small‐scale normal faults, slump folds, and liquefied beds. Such association of SSDS typically resembles those described elsewhere as generated by a complex interplay of gravity‐driven and seismically induced liquefaction processes. The pore pressure measurements revealed high pore fluid density ~ 9.1 ppg equivalent density values which reflect a mild pressure disequilibrium in Abu Madi sediments. Pressure disequilibration is observed all over the studied section of the Abu Madi Formation and is not only restricted to the fluvial channel sandstones deposited during rapid loading. Therefore, allogenic seismic activity has been proposed as the main trigger for pressure disequilibrium and the development of SSDS in the Abu Madi Formation. The heterolithic nature of the Abu Madi sediments as well as the scarcity of bioturbation provides the favourable conditions for the preservation of the seismically induced deformation. The lateral variation in thickness suggests deposition of the Abu Madi Formation during periods of active subsidence which promotes the generation of the SSDS. Late MSC tectonism likely controlled the evolution and sedimentary facies variability of the Abu Madi canyon‐infill system, and therefore the distribution of Abu Madi facies varies significantly over very short distances. Abu Madi SSDS follows the spatial distribution observed in other “lago‐mare” deposits (e.g., Foes Formation and SE Spain), characterized by spatial variability and vertical rhythmic alternation between deformed and non‐deformed layers. Accordingly, regional tectonic instability in the circum‐Mediterranean margins during the late stage of the MSC is proposed.
Risk Trade‐Offs and Equitable Decision‐Making in the Covid‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Gostin Lawrence O. , Wetter Sarah
Published: February 2022

Since the start of the Covid‐19 pandemic, societies have faced agonizing decisions about whether to close schools, shutter businesses, delay nonemergency health care, restrict travel, and authorize the use of emergency Covid‐19 countermeasures under limited scientific understanding. When both action and inaction can result in significant harm and irreversible damage, decisions surrounding infection control measures become complicated. Yet ethics can help us think about hard trade‐offs that weigh competing values and have deep consequences for society and particularly the most disadvantaged. This essay discusses the challenges of making policy trade‐offs amid scientific uncertainty. While there may be no perfect formula for deciding what to do and when, we propose four key considerations for assessing risk‐risk trade‐offs and apply those considerations to the areas of education, economies, health care, travel and migration, social engagement, and medical countermeasures.
Pediatric Authenticity: Hiding in Plain Sight
Authors: Nelson Ryan H. , Moore Bryanna , Blumenthal‐Barby Jennifer
Published: February 2022

The range of decisions considered permissible in pediatrics is typically understood to involve a balance between patient interests and parental or surrogate authority. In this article, we argue that there is a distinct set of considerations relevant to pediatric decision‐making that is often neglected or unacknowledged in pediatrics—namely, considerations related to patient authenticity. The standard of pediatric authenticity asks not what is best for the patient or what the patient would choose but, rather, what is most consistent with who the patient is. We begin the article with an overview of the best interest standard and suggest that authenticity can elucidate considerations that fall between a child’s strictly medical interests and broader familial or relational interests. Next, we discuss authenticity in greater detail, noting the limits of applying certain philosophical conceptions of authenticity in pediatrics. We then sketch our own account of pediatric authenticity and distinguish it from the related concepts of subjective interests and assent. We conclude with a discussion of three cases illustrating the normative significance of authenticity in a range of situations arising in pediatric medicine.
Long‐term outcomes in sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma arising from inverted papilloma: Systematic review
Authors: Birkenbeuel Jack L. , Pang Jonathan C. , Lee Ariel , Nguyen Emily S. , Risbud Adwight , Goshtasbi Khodayar , Abiri Arash , Lehrich Brandon M. , Tong Charles C. L. , Adappa Nithin D. , Palmer James N. , Kuan Edward C.
Published: February 2022

Long‐term survival and recurrence patterns of squamous cell carcinoma arising from inverted papilloma (IP‐SCC) have not been thoroughly investigated. Four electronic databases were searched and primary studies describing overall survival (OS), recurrence, and mean time to recurrence of patients with IP‐SCC were included for review. Our search yielded 662 studies. The 28 studies selected for inclusion identified 663 patients with IP‐SCC. In 596 patients with reported T classification, 439 (73.7%) were T3/T4 on presentation. Of the 650 participants with recurrence data (local, regional, and distant), 155 (23.8%) experienced a recurrence, with an aggregate mean time‐to‐recurrence of 24.3 months. In 565 patients with 5‐year OS rates, the aggregate 5‐year OS was 62%. Based on the literature to date, IP‐SCC is associated with a 5‐year OS rate of 62%. 23.8% of patients experienced recurrence at a mean time of 24.3 months, suggesting the need for long‐term surveillance.
Learning from mistakes—Assessing the performance and uncertainty in process‐based models
Authors: Feigl Moritz , Roesky Benjamin , Herrnegger Mathew , Schulz Karsten , Hayashi Masaki
Published: February 2022

Typical applications of process‐ or physically‐based models aim to gain a better process understanding or provide the basis for a decision‐making process. To adequately represent the physical system, models should include all essential processes. However, model errors can still occur. Other than large systematic observation errors, simplified, misrepresented, inadequately parametrised or missing processes are potential sources of errors. This study presents a set of methods and a proposed workflow for analysing errors of process‐based models as a basis for relating them to process representations. The evaluated approach consists of three steps: (1) training a machine‐learning (ML) error model using the input data of the process‐based model and other available variables, (2) estimation of local explanations (i.e., contributions of each variable to an individual prediction) for each predicted model error using SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) in combination with principal component analysis, (3) clustering of SHAP values of all predicted errors to derive groups with similar error generation characteristics. By analysing these groups of different error‐variable association, hypotheses on error generation and corresponding processes can be formulated. That can ultimately lead to improvements in process understanding and prediction. The approach is applied to a process‐based stream water temperature model HFLUX in a case study for modelling an alpine stream in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. By using available meteorological and hydrological variables as inputs, the applied ML model is able to predict model residuals. Clustering of SHAP values results in three distinct error groups that are mainly related to shading and vegetation‐emitted long wave radiation. Model errors are rarely random and often contain valuable information. Assessing model error associations is ultimately a way of enhancing trust in implemented processes and of providing information on potential areas of improvement to the model.
Research progress of anti‐γ‐aminobutyric acid B receptor encephalitis and a case report of paraneoplastic associated encephalitis and treatment analysis
Authors: Lv Yi‐Kun , Zhang Hai‐Qing , Zhang Jun
Published: February 2022

Encephalitis is one of the common diseases in neurology. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatments are essential. Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) generally refers to a type of encephalitis mediated by autoimmune mechanisms. It is gradually considered to be an important cause of reversible encephalitis caused by noninfectious factors. It can occur in children, adolescents, and adults, and is clinically characterized by multifocal or diffuse brain damage such as personality changes, seizures, and cognitive impairment, with an overall good effect of immunotherapy. According to the clinical features of the patients, blood and cerebrospinal fluid tests, neuroelectrophysiology, cranial imaging, treatment and prognosis, AEs can be broadly divided into specific antigen (antibody)‐related AEs and nonspecific antigen (or antibody) ‐related AEs. With the development of AEs research, more and more anti‐neuron antibodies have been found, which provides an important reference for the diagnosis and treatment of AEs. Understanding the knowledge about AEs is important to discover new diseases and deepen the understanding of the immunopathological mechanisms of existing central nervous system diseases. Anti‐γ‐aminobutyric acid B (GABA‐B) receptor encephalitis is a type of AE, but this disease is rare in AE, often develop to the clinical manifestations of marginal encephalitis, accompanied by obvious seizures or status epilepticus, Some patients had tumors, mainly small‐cell carcinoma, prompt diagnosis, early immunotherapy and, if necessary, tumor treatment resulted in complete or partial neurological improvement in most patients.
Regenerating airway epithelium using fibrous biomimetic basement membranes
Authors: Gadalla Dina , Tchoukalova Yourka D. , Lott David G.
Published: February 2022

There are reciprocal interactions between epithelial cells and underlying basement membrane. The resemblance of biomaterials to native basement membrane is thus critical for their success when used to regenerate epithelium‐containing organs. Particularly, the use of nanofibers and the incorporation of basement membrane proteins may mimic both biophysical and biochemical properties of basement membrane, respectively. Herein we tested how electrospun polycaprolactone/heparin fibers with and without adsorbed laminin and collagen IV proteins affect epithelial cell functions. We found that airway epithelial cells attached, migrated, and proliferated on all scaffolds but protein‐functionalized fibers promoted higher attachment, quicker migration, and increased proliferation. Fibers were then integrated on polyethylene scaffolds and cultured at an air‐liquid interface. The detection of secretory and ciliated cell markers was higher in cells on polyethylene with fibers. These findings demonstrate that electrospun fibers incite beneficial epithelial cell responses and can be used in the fabrication of bioengineered functional epithelia.
Establishing derived reinforcers via stimulus equivalence
Authors: Shawler Lesley A. , Miguel Caio F. , Cengher Mirela , Zhelezoglo Karina N. , Luoma Shannon M.
Published: February 2022

If one of several stimuli in an equivalence class acquires a function, it transfers to all members of the respective class. Even though research has demonstrated this transfer across a variety of stimulus functions (e.g., discriminative), few studies have focused on the transfer of the reinforcing function. The current study extended previous literature by establishing derived reinforcers using conditional discrimination training with six neurotypical adults. We established three 4‐member equivalence classes and then created a discriminative stimulus in one member by correlating it with reinforcement. We also expanded classes by adding a stimulus to each class and testing its function. During the transfer of function tests, five out of six participants chose the derived reinforcers more than the other stimuli. Three participants required remedial training or testing prior to demonstrating transfer of function. Results show that stimulus equivalence training is an effective and efficient paradigm to establish derived reinforcers.
Synthesis and herbicidal activities of 2‐phenylpyridine compounds containing alkenyl moieties
Authors: Cai Zengfei , Zhang Wenliang , Cao Yangyang , Du Xiaohua
Published: February 2022

In order to find new heterocyclic compounds with high herbicidal activity, a series of novel 2‐phenylpyridine derivatives were designed and synthesized by incorporating alkenyl into 2‐phenylpyridine moieties. The structures of the title compounds were characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 19F NMR, and HRMS. The herbicidal activities assay demonstrated that most of the title compounds showed 100% inhibition against Abutilon theophrasti and Amaranthus retroflexus at 150 g a.i./ha. At 37.5 g a.i./ha, compounds 6f and 6g exhibited comparable inhibition (>80%) against Abutilon theophrasti, Amaranthus retroflexus, and Eclipta prostrate, when compared with the positive control mesotrione at 150 g a.i./ha.
Militias going rogue: Social dilemmas and coercive brokerage in Rio de Janeiro's urban frontier
Authors: Pope Nicholas
Published: February 2022

Examining Rio de Janeiro's milícias (‘militias’) through the ‘coercive brokerage’ concept can reveal how they are central to how states and markets function. By tracing their emergence through moments of political and economic rupture, this article reveals how milícias responded to the social dilemmas of marginalised populations. Drawing from archival documentation, interviews, and ethnographic fieldnotes, this article argues that by brokering solutions to collective action problems and attempting to level‐up inequalities, milícias gained access to the political system and were able to shape the urban political economy. However, their coercive force also stimulated fresh contradictions, leading to a new set of structural, symbolic, and physical violences.
Modulation of surface CD11c expression tracks plasticity in murine intestinal tissue eosinophils
Authors: Larsen Leigha D , Dockstader Karen , Olbrich Courtney L , Cartwright Ian M , Spencer Lisa A
Published: February 2022

Intestinal eosinophils are implicated in the inflammatory pathology of eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases and inflammatory bowel diseases. Eosinophils also contribute to intestinal immunologic and tissue homeostasis and host defense. Recent studies in allergic airway disease suggest functional subphenotypes of eosinophils may underly their pathogenic versus protective roles. However, subphenotypes of intestinal eosinophils have not been defined and are complicated by their constitutive expression of the putative eosinophil inflammatory marker CD11c. Here, we propose a framework for subphenotype characterization of intestinal eosinophils based on relative intensity of surface CD11c expression. Using this flow cytometry framework in parallel with histology and BrdU tracing, we characterize intestinal eosinophil subphenotypes and monitor their plasticity at baseline and within the context of acute allergic and chronic systemic inflammation. Data reveal a conserved continuum of CD11c expression amongst intestinal eosinophils in health and acute disease states that overall tracked with other markers of activation. Oral allergen challenge induced recruitment of eosinophils into small intestinal lamina propria surrounding crypts, followed by in situ induction of CD11c expression in parallel with eosinophil redistribution into intestinal villi. Allergen challenge also elicited eosinophil transepithelial migration and the appearance of CD11cloCD11bhi eosinophils in the intestinal lumen. Chronic inflammation driven by overexpression of TNFα led to a qualitative shift in the relative abundance of CD11c-defined eosinophil subphenotypes favoring CD11chi-expressing eosinophils. These findings provide new insights into heterogeneity of intestinal tissue eosinophils and offer a framework for measuring and tracking eosinophil subphenotype versatility in situ in health and disease.
Early summer surface air temperature variability over Pakistan and the role of El Niño–Southern Oscillation teleconnections
Authors: Rashid Irfan Ur , Abid Muhammad Adnan , Almazroui Mansour , Kucharski Fred , Hanif Muhammad , Ali Shaukat , Ismail Muhammad
Published: February 2022

Early summer (May–June) is the season where the surface air temperature (SAT) variability is largest and may result in extreme temperature conditions over Pakistan. Therefore, we analysed the early summer interannual SAT variability over Pakistan for the period 1981–2018 using observational dataset and model simulations. We noted that upper‐level anticyclonic circulation anomalies over Pakistan, which are associated with upper to the middle tropospheric descending motion, favour clear skies with an increase in net shortwave radiation that leads to extreme surface warming over the region. Moreover, the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) based on Niño3.4 SST index is negatively associated with SAT anomalies over Pakistan. The cold ENSO phase favours the positive geopotential height anomalies due to the strengthening of the Walker circulation that enhance the sinking motion and result in less cloudiness leading to the extreme higher surface temperature conditions over Pakistan, while the opposite happens in the warm ENSO phase. Moreover, the Saudi‐KAU Atmospheric Global Climate Model (AGCM) simulated large‐scale patterns that are in good agreement with the observations. Sensitivity experiments with the AGCM confirm that cold SST anomalies in the ENSO region significantly favour above‐normal SAT anomalies over Pakistan, while the opposite happens in the warm ENSO phase. These results are important to understand and potentially predict regional heatwaves over the South Asian region, particularly over Pakistan.
A Taguchi design approach for the enhancement of a detergent‐biocompatible alkaline thermostable protease production by Streptomyces mutabilis strain TN‐X30
Authors: Mechri Sondes , Bouacem Khelifa , Chalbi Taha‐Bilel , Khaled Marwa , Allala Fawzi , Bouanane‐Darenfed Amel , Hacene Hocine , Jaouadi Bassem
Published: February 2022

The ability of microorganisms to grow at high temperature, alkaline pH, and high salinity makes them an attractive target for enzyme‐production with several industrial applications. One strain TN‐X30 has been selected as protease producer and identified as Streptomyces mutabilis after a phenotypic and molecular study. Its production of protease was improved using Taguchi L27 design. The strategy was carried out to identify the optimum levels and the interaction of the screened factors. Following this step, maximum protease activity (10,895 U/ml) was achieved after 6‐days of incubation. The TN‐X30 protease activity had an optimum of pH and temperature of 10 and 65°C, respectively. Thermodynamic parameters at 60°C were enthalpy 14.26 kJ/mol, entropy −220 J/mol/K, and Gibbs free energy 90.53 kJ/mol. TN‐X30 protease production displayed a 16‐fold increase reaching 175,000 U/ml in a 100‐L fermentor. Furthermore, the lyophilization in presence of sorbitol enhanced the stability of the TN‐X30 protease which remained active at 75% after 24‐months of storage. The lyophilized TN‐X30 protease exhibited exceptional stability indexes in presence of some known commercialized detergent components as NEODOL® 25‐7, Dehydol® LT 7, Na2 CMC, Galaxy LAS, Galaxy LES 70, Galaxy 110, Galaxy CAPB Plus, and Sulfacid K. The lyophilized enzyme also displayed high stability with respect to both solid and liquid detergents. Finally, TN‐X30 protease exhibited remarkable destaining of blood, egg, and chocolate stained cloth pieces. These findings may promote TN‐X30 protease for use as bioadditive in detergent formulation, thereby reducing environmental chemical threat.
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Authors: Gui Jia‐Ying , Rao Shen , Gou Yuanyuan , Xu Feng , Cheng Shuiyuan
Published: February 2022

The front cover image is based on the Original Article Comparative study of the effects of selenium yeast and sodium selenite on selenium content and nutrient quality in broccoli florets by Feng Xu et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.11511.

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Corrosion behaviour of point‐by‐point wire and arc additively manufactured steel bars
Authors: Michel Lucas , Sanchez Asel M. A. , Silvestru Vlad‐Alexandru , Ariza Inés , Taras Andreas , Angst Ueli
Published: February 2022

Robot‐assisted point‐by‐point wire and arc additive manufacturing is considered a promising technology for optimising the production of metallic connections used in complex nodes, space trusses or grid shells. While mechanical properties of such elements were proved suitable for structural applications, a lack of knowledge exists concerning their durability. We investigate the corrosion performance of low carbon steel bars produced by point‐by‐point wire and arc additive manufacturing. Metallurgical analyses show uniform microstructure along the length of the steel bars. Corrosion initiation tests in simulated atmospheric exposure reveal the influence of geometry on corrosion, in particular, the presence of concave areas. The surface state and postprinting cleaning processes were investigated with microscopy and electrochemical techniques. These experiments indicate a detrimental effect of oxide scales due to the wire and arc additive manufacturing process on the corrosion behaviour of the steel. The results of the study show that special care must be given to the geometry and surface state of wire and arc additively produced low carbon steel components in case of long‐term use.
Poly(β‐trimethylsilyloxy ester): A Degradable Polymer Based on Retro Mukaiyama Aldol Reaction
Authors: Li Yanping , Pan Ke , Chen Yougen
Published: February 2022

Herein, a new type of degradable poly(β‐trimethylsilyloxy ester) prepared by the organocatalyzed Mukaiyama aldol polyaddition between bis(silyl ketene acetal)s and dialdehydes is reported. Specifically, the t‐Bu‐P4‐catalyzed polyaddition between 1,2‐bis[2‐methyl‐1‐(trimethylsiloxy)prop‐1‐enyloxy]ethane (MTS2) and 4,4′‐biphenyldicarboxaldehyde (BPDA) or butane‐1,4‐diyl bis(4‐formylbenzoate) (BDA) can produce poly(β‐trimethylsilyloxy ester)s with number‐average molar mass greater than 10 kg mol−1. For the first time, it is found that these poly(β‐trimethylsilyloxy ester)s are degradable in solution in the presence of nucleophiles such as fluoride and cyanide anions. It is also found that the degradation behavior of poly(β‐trimethylsilyloxy ester)s is highly dependent on the nature of the used catalyst and the bond scission in polymer is fundamentally rooted in the retro Mukaiyama aldol reaction mechanism.
On the first bifurcation point for a free boundary problem modeling a small arterial plaque
Authors: Zhao Xinyue Evelyn , Hu Bei
Published: February 2022

When plaques block the arteries, atherosclerosis occurs. Severe atherosclerosis would result in fatal cardiovascular diseases such as stroke, heart attack, coronary artery disease, or peripheral artery disease; these are leading causes of death in the world. In the paper, we investigate a free boundary PDE model to describe the formation of an arterial plaque in the early stage of atherosclerosis. The bifurcation analysis is carried out for the model. In particular, we establish the first bifurcation point for the system corresponding to the
mode. The symmetry‐breaking stationary solution studied in this paper can be helpful in understanding why there exists arterial plaque that is often accumulated more on one side of the artery than the other.
Blow‐up and lifespan estimates for Nakao's type problem with nonlinearities of derivative type
Authors: Chen Wenhui
Published: February 2022

In the present paper, we investigate blow‐up and lifespan estimates for a class of semilinear hyperbolic coupled system in
with
, which is a part of the so‐called Nakao's type problem weakly coupled a semilinear damped wave equation with a semilinear wave equation with nonlinearities of derivative type. By constructing two time‐dependent functionals and employing an iteration method for unbounded multiplier with slicing procedure, the results of blow‐up and upper bound estimates for the lifespan of energy solutions are derived. The model seems to be hyperbolic‐like instead of parabolic‐like. Particularly, the blow‐up result for one‐dimensional case is optimal.
Hydrophilic Gold Nanoparticles as Anti‐PD‐L1 Antibody Carriers: Synthesis and Interface Properties
Authors: Venditti Iole , Cartoni Antonella , Cerra Sara , Fioravanti Raoul , Salamone Tommaso Alberto , Sciubba Fabio , Tabocchini Maria Antonella , Dini Valentina , Battocchio Chiara , Iucci Giovanna , Carlini Laura , Faccini Riccardo , Collamati Francesco , Mancini Terracciano Carlo , Solfaroli Camillocci Elena , Morganti Silvio , Giordano Alessandro , Scotognella Teresa , Maccora Daria , Rotili Dante , Marchese Cinzia , Anastasiadou Eleni , Trivedi Pankaj , Fratoddi Ilaria
Published: February 2022

Amino and sulfonate ending groups thiols are used as functionalizing agents to stabilize of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), obtaining hydrophilic AuNPs with a 10–20 nm diameter range and tunable surface charge. The nanomaterial is extensively characterized from a physicochemical point of view by UV–Vis and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, synchrotron radiation X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and dynamic light scattering to investigate the bonding between the two thiols and the metal surface. Systems are also biologically characterized on human multiforme glioblastoma T98G cells to understand their behavior in cell culture for biomedical applications. NMR and XPS studies evidence the presence of amino ending thiols with different chain lengths, 6‐amino‐1‐hexanethiol hydrochloride (6EA) or cysteamine (CY) and sodium 3‐mercapto‐1‐propanesulfonate (3MPS) on the metal surface: the relative molar ratio between the thiols bound to the AuNPs (3MPS/6EA or 3MPS/CY) is measured. On selected samples, the anti‐PD‐L1 antibody is loaded using AuNPs/antibody combination in a 2:1 weight ratio. Comparing different AuNPs concentrations (10 and 50 µg mL−1), the effect on colony‐forming capacity after 24 h exposure is evaluated. The synthesized AuNPs are nontoxic, and they do not affect cell proliferation. These small particles can be used for targeting, opening tangible and interesting perspectives for further biomedical studies.
mTOR inhibition by TAK‐228 is effective against growth, survival and angiogenesis in preclinical retinoblastoma models
Authors: Tang Lanlan , Fu Yu , Song Jiarun , Hu Taibing , Li Kun , Li Zhi
Published: February 2022

We and others have shown that aberrant activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling is essential for retinoblastoma progression and has potential therapeutic value. TAK‐228 is a potent inhibitor of mTOR1 and 2 with preclinical activity in a variety of cancers. In this study, we report that TAK‐228 is a dual inhibitor of retinoblastoma and angiogenesis. TAK‐228 inhibits growth and induces apoptosis in a panel of retinoblastoma cell lines, with IC50 at ~0.2 μM. Under the same experimental conditions, TAK‐228 was less effective in inhibiting growth and survival in normal retinal and fibroblast cells than retinoblastoma cells. In addition, TAK‐228 inhibited retinal endothelial cell capillary network formation, migration, growth and survival. We further demonstrate that TAK‐228 inhibits retinoblastoma and retinal angiogenesis through inhibiting mTOR signalling. Rescue studies confirm that mTOR is the target of TAK‐228 in both retinoblastoma and retinal endothelial cells. Finally, we confirm the inhibitory effects of TAK‐228 on tumor and angiogenesis in retinoblastoma xenograft mouse model. Our findings provide a preclinical rationale to explore TAK‐228 as a strategy to treat retinoblastoma and highlight the therapeutic value of targeting mTOR in retinoblastoma.