bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expedient Synthesis of Ubiquitin‐like Protein ISG15 Tools through Chemo‐Enzymatic Ligation Catalyzed by a Viral Protease Lbpro
Authors: Wang Tian , Li Chuntong , Wang Meijing , Zhang Jiachen , Zheng Qingyun , Liang Lujun , Chu Guochao , Tian Xiaolin , Deng Haiteng , He Wei , Liu Lei , Li Jinghong
Published: August 2022

Ubiquitin (Ub)‐like protein ISG15 (interferon‐stimulated gene 15) regulates innate immunity and links with the evasion of host response by viruses such as SARS‐CoV‐2. Dissecting ISGylation pathways recently received increasing attention which can inform related disease interventions, but such studies necessitate the preparation and development of various ISG15 protein tools. Here, we find that the leader protease (Lbpro) encoded by foot‐and‐mouth disease virus can promote ligation reactions between recombinant ISG15 and synthetic glycyl compounds, generating protein tools such as ISG15‐propargylamide and ISG15‐rhodamine110, which are needed for cellular proteomic studies of deISGylases, and the screening and evaluation of inhibitors against SARS‐CoV‐2 papain‐like protease (PLpro). Furthermore, this strategy can be also used to load ISG15 onto the lysine of a synthetic peptide through an isopeptide bond, and prepare Ub and NEDD8 (ubiquitin‐like protein Nedd8) protein tools.
Integrating Low‐Temperature‐Resistant Two‐Dimensional Elastic‐Bending and Reconfigurable Plastic‐Twisting Deformations into an Organic Crystal
Authors: Tang Shiyue , Ye Kaiqi , Zhang Hongyu
Published: August 2022

Integrating plasticity and elasticity in anisotropic molecular crystals is theoretically possible and is beneficial in enabling rich and complex deformations; however, it is much harder to implement in practice. Herein, we report a centimeter‐long organic crystal that is two‐dimensionally (2D) elastically bendable not only at room temperature but also at ultralow temperatures (−196 °C). The straight crystal can also be manually twisted and reconfigured to form arbitrary right‐handed or left‐handed helical structures. The integration of low‐temperature‐resistant (LTR) 2D elastic‐bending and reconfigurable plastic‐twisting deformations into one organic crystal expands the perspectives of the emerging crystal flexibility. Taking advantage of the unique multiple flexibility characteristics, spatial controllability of optical transmission for cryogenic applications and reusability of light‐polarization rotations have been implemented simultaneously in an organic crystal.
Large‐scalable polar bear hair‐like cellular hollow fibers with excellent thermal insulation and ductility
Authors: Wang Liang , Chi Weili , Liu Chuanyong , Fan Jie , Lin Jinyou , Liu Yong
Published: August 2022

Passive warm‐keeping textiles could reduce carbon emissions by turning down indoor heating in winter. Polar bear hair exhibits a unique structure composed of a hollow core and an aligned porous shell, which extremely helps to resist heat transport. Great interest has arisen in the development of thermo‐insulating textiles with this biomimetic structure. In this work, cellular hollow fibers were made by a large‐scalable wet spinning‐foaming process. This efficient method achieved rapid formation of polar bear hair‐like fiber as well as facile turning properties of the fibers. The structure and properties of biomimetic fibers depended on the content of foaming agent. As‐prepared porous thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)/polyacrylonitrile (PAN) composited fiber showed excellent ductility. The maximum tensile strength and breaking elongation was 4.31 MPa and 121%, respectively. The corresponding woven textile exhibited excellent thermal insulation properties even under deformation by compression or tension. The temperature difference across the thickness of textile was 17.9 and 34.9°C under a background temperature of 0 and 80°C, respectively. It may pave the way to fabricate new structure–function integrated fiber materials for warm‐keeping textiles.
The impact of dams on the population viability of a migratory fish in the Yangtze River, China
Authors: Gao Xin , Fujiwara Masami , Zhang Wenwu , Lin Pengcheng , Liu Huanzhang
Published: August 2022

The global diversity of freshwater fish has been greatly reduced as a result of human alteration. In the Yangtze River, China, the species composition has changed hugely owing to dam construction and overfishing. However, insufficient data have prevented the status of several fish species being evaluated, including that of largemouth bronze gudgeon (Coreius guichenoti), which is a commercially important endemic species.

This study describes the effects of the Xiangjia Dam on populations of C. guichenoti. A multivariate autoregressive state‐space model was applied to catch per unit effort data derived from drifting gill nets deployed in the mid‐channel before (2005–2012) and after (2013–2018) the construction of the dam.

The analysis indicated that the mean instantaneous population growth rate of the population was −0.252 over the entire period and that the growth rates of both total and local populations have declined. Before the impoundment, the probability of population extinction was close to 1, which was the result of overfishing. After impoundment, the probability of extinction became 1 at all sites, and the time until quasi‐extinction has decreased. Based on the Euler–Lotka equation, the reproductive parameter (á) has declined by more than 95%.

The results show that the population of C. guichenoti in the upper Yangtze is almost certain to become extinct under the current conditions because of the Xiangjiaba Dam blocking migration routes. To protect this population, conservation measures, such as hatchery supplementation, the removal of small hydropower stations in the tributaries and the relocation of fish, are required.
Cranial anatomy of the mekosuchine crocodylianTrilophosuchus rackhamiWillis, 1993
Authors: Ristevski Jorgo , Weisbecker Vera , Scanlon John D. , Price Gilbert J. , Salisbury Steven W.
Published: August 2022

One of the best‐preserved crocodylian fossil specimens from the Cenozoic of Australia is the holotype of the mekosuchineTrilophosuchus rackhami, from the middle Miocene (13.56 ± 0.67 Ma) Ringtail Site at Riversleigh, northwestern Queensland. Although lacking most of the snout, the holotype skull ofT. rackhami(QMF16856) has an exceptionally well‐preserved cranium. Micro‐CT scanning of the holotype has allowed for all the preserved cranial bones to be digitally disarticulated, facilitating an unprecedented insight into the cranial anatomy of not justT. rackhami, but any mekosuchine.Trilophosuchus rackhamiwas a small‐bodied crocodylian and one of the most morphologically distinct mekosuchines, characterized by a unique combination of cranial characteristics several of which are exclusive to the species. Fossil material that is definitively referrable to the speciesT. rackhamiis currently known solely from the middle Miocene Ringtail Site. However, an isolated parietal from Hiatus Site at Riversleigh demonstrates thatTrilophosuchusalso occurred during the late Oligocene (~25 Ma), extending the range of the genus by more than 10 million years. The new description ofT. rackhamialso allowed for a reevaluation of its phylogenetic relationships. Our results reaffirm the placement ofT. rackhamias a member of Mekosuchinae within the subclade Mekosuchini. In all analyses, Mekosuchinae was consistently found to be monophyletic and part of the larger crocodylian clade Longirostres. However, the assignment of Mekosuchinae as a subset of Crocodylidae is brought into question, suggesting that the status of Mekosuchinae as a subfamily should be reconsidered.
Getting in, getting on, going further: Exploring the role of employers in the degree apprentice to graduate transition
Authors: Jones Katy , Christie Fiona , Brophy Sean
Published: August 2022

Transitions from education into work, or as part of career change and development, are increasingly central to policy debate and academic inquiry. However, the role that employers play in shaping transition is often overlooked. In this paper, we examine this issue through the experiences of a graduating cohort of ‘degree apprentices’. We present original analysis of new empirical data from what we believe to be the first substantive qualitative longitudinal research conducted with those experiencing this new vocational pathway in the English Apprenticeships system. Through analysis of repeat semi‐structured interviews with 22 degree apprenticeship graduates (44 interviews in total), we provide early empirical insights into experiences of this new pathway and add to existing theoretical conceptualisations of transition within the educational literature and the employer's role within it. We show that the degree apprentice to graduate transition can be broken down into three key stages: ‘getting in’, ‘getting on’ and ‘going further’, and that employers—at both strategic and relational levels—shape experiences at each stage.
A novel soft cardiac assist device based on a dielectric elastomer augmented aorta: An in vivo study
Authors: Martinez Thomas , Jahren Silje Ekroll , Walter Armando , Chavanne Jonathan , Clavica Francesco , Ferrari Lorenzo , Heinisch Paul Philipp , Casoni Daniela , Haeberlin Andreas , Luedi Markus M. , Obrist Dominik , Carrel Thierry , Civet Yoan , Perriard Yves
Published: August 2022

Although heart transplant is the preferred solution for patients suffering from heart failures, cardiac assist devices remain key substitute therapies. Among them, aortic augmentation using dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) might be an alternative technological application for the future. The electrically driven actuator does not require bulky pneumatic elements (such as conventional intra‐aortic balloon pumps) and conforms tightly to the aorta thanks to the manufacturing method presented here. In this study, the proposed DEA‐based device replaces a section of the aorta and acts as a counterpulsation device. The feasibility and validation of in vivo implantation of the device into the descending aorta in a porcine model, and the level of support provided to the heart are investigated. Additionally, the influence of the activation profile and delay compared to the start of systole is studied. We demonstrate that an activation of the DEA just before the start of systole (30 ms at 100 bpm) and deactivation just after the start of diastole (0–30 ms) leads to an optimal assistance of the heart with a maximum energy provided by the DEA. The end‐diastolic and left ventricular pressures were lowered by up to 5% and 1%, respectively, compared to baseline. The early diastolic pressure was augmented in average by up to 2%.
The effect of message features on donations in donation‐based crowdfunding
Authors: Jang Hyunkyu , Chu Wujin
Published: August 2022

Crowdfunding platforms have emerged as a popular method to raise funds for both for‐profit and non‐profits. Charities often use donation‐based crowdfunding platforms to reach out to a wider audience for fundraising campaigns. Key three performance metrics that affect the success of a donation campaign are social media spread of the campaign message, number of donors who decide to donate from seeing the message, and donation amount per donor. This research investigates the effectiveness of negatively framed messages on these three metrics. Analysis of message content of more than 3800 charities on GoFundMe.com via text mining was conducted to form a measure of the negativity of the appeals. Also for each charity, the three performance metrics were collected. Results showed that negatively framed messages led to a greater number of donors and greater sharing of the message on social media, but smaller donation amounts per donor. Implication for charity organizations is that negatively framed messages will be more effective if the goal is to obtain a broad base of support, while positively framed messages will be more effective if the objective is to increase the average donation amount.
Drug‐Drug Interaction Studies to Evaluate the Effect of Inhibition of UGT1A1 and CYP3A4 and Induction of CYP3A4 on the Pharmacokinetics of Tropifexor in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Chen Jin , Stringer Rowan , Shah Bharti , Gu Jessie , Zhang Yiming , Hackling Melissa , Prince William , Woessner Ralph
Published: August 2022

Tropifexor, a farnesoid X receptor agonist, is currently under clinical development for the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Tropifexor undergoes glucuronidation by uridine 5′‐diphosphoglucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 1A1 and oxidation by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4, as reported in in vitro studies. Here, we report the results from 2 drug‐drug interaction studies. Study 1 enrolled 20 healthy subjects to investigate the effect of the UGT1A1 inhibitor atazanavir (ATZ) on tropifexor pharmacokinetics (PK). Study 2 had 2 cohorts with 16 healthy subjects each to investigate the effect of the strong CYP3A4 inhibitor itraconazole and strong CYP3A4 inducer rifampin on the PK of tropifexor. Coadministration of ATZ reduced the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of tropifexor by 40%; however, it did not lead to increased exposure of tropifexor (both area under the plasma concentration–time curve [AUC] from time 0 to the last quantifiable concentration [AUClast] and AUC from time 0 to infinity [AUCinf] reduced by only 10%), suggesting minor relevance of the UGT1A1 pathway for clearance of tropifexor and no expected drug‐drug interactions based on UGT1A1 inhibition. Inhibition of CYP3A4 by itraconazole increased the Cmax of tropifexor by only 9% and exposure (both AUClast and AUCinf) by 47%, suggesting a weak effect of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors on tropifexor PK. Inducing CYP3A4 with rifampin decreased Cmax (55%) and AUC (AUClast by 79% and AUCinf by 77%). Coadministration of tropifexor with either ATZ, itraconazole, or rifampin was well tolerated.
An efficient machine learning based ventricular late potential detection and classification technique for cardiac healthcare
Authors: Daphin Lilda S , Jayaparvathy R , Balaji Akshaya
Published: August 2022

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a major cause of death worldwide each year, with myocardial infarction (MI) accounting for the highest percentage of deaths. The rate of mortality can be reduced if electrical homogeneity of the cardiac tissue is detected early. The presence of the ventricular late potential (VLP) at the conclusion of the QRS complex and the start of the ST segment of the electrocardiogram (ECG) signal indicates a violation. Existing research use a wavelet‐based decomposition of the ECG signal for VLP detection, which is a multistage process. The use of empirical mode decomposition (EMD) to automatically distinguish normal ECG signal and signal with the presence of VLP is proposed in this work. Furthermore, utilizing machine learning classifiers, this research aims to enable automated diagnosis of cardiac arrhythmia. Intrinsic mode functions (IMF) are amplitude and frequency modulated waves that result from the decomposition of ECG using the EMD. Each IMF's peak amplitudes, spectral entropy, and mean of the ECG in the EMD are retrieved and used as input features for various machine learning techniques (ML). According to simulation findings, the bagging classifier achieves accuracy and specificity of 98.93% and 98.62%, respectively, while the AdaBoost classifier based on machine learning technique achieves sensitivity of 99.84%. The observed performance is considered to be the best when compared to existing approaches.
Evaluation of variability in seed coat color, weight, oil content, and fatty acid composition within the entire USDA‐cultivated peanut germplasm collection
Authors: Wang Ming Li , Tonnis Brandon D. , Chen Charles Y. , Li Xianran , Pinnow David L. , Tallury Shyam , Stigura Nick , Pederson Gary A. , Harrison Melanie
Published: August 2022

Natural genetic diversity in plant germplasm collections provides the genetic variability for crop improvement. To explore this natural genetic variability, over 8,800 accessions within the USDA cultivated peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) germplasm collection were evaluated for several seed quality traits including seed coat color, 100‐seed weight, oil content, and fatty acid composition. After removing contaminated and/or mixed accessions, the remaining 8,466 accessions were used for further data analysis. The mean of 100‐seed weight was 49.44 g with a wide range of 21.84 to 148.36 g (6.8‐fold difference). Six accessions (PI 414995, PI 648234, PI 318740, PI 336978, PI 320059, and PI 578229) with 100‐seed weight >110 g were identified. The mean of oil content was 48.94% with a range of 36.51 to 59.45% (1.6‐fold difference). Seven accessions (PI 471949, PI 472001, PI 497369, PI 442739, PI 343423, PI 161298, and PI 668582) with oil content >58% were identified. The mean of oleic acid was 45.2% with a wide range of 39.99 to 82.08% (2.1‐fold difference). The mean of linoleic acid was 32.56% with a wide range of 2.0 to 46.68% (23.3‐fold difference). Thirty‐seven accessions were identified with >65% oleic acid. Among them, PI 636472 and PI 596800 had the highest level of oleic acid (82.1 and 81.8%, respectively). Significant variation in these traits was also identified between subspecies and among botanical varieties. Some significantly positive and negative correlations among these traits were also determined. The results presented here will be useful for peanut breeders, geneticists, and other users.
Circuit design and implementation of fault‐tolerant step‐up converter with variable voltage gain
Authors: Mohammadi Farid , Rastegar Hasan , Pichan Mohammad
Published: August 2022

In this paper, a fault‐tolerant (FT) DC–DC converter that is capable of safe operation under open‐circuit and short‐circuit switch failures is presented. This study is based on reconfiguration strategy after a switch failure without employing any additional hardware. To maintain normal operation, the designed topology is reconfigured under various switch‐fault conditions. Using the simple proposed control unit, it is possible to fast detect and regulate the desired output voltage in both healthy and faulty conditions. The reconfigurable capability allows the converter to operate uninterrupted after a switch fault, and the power flow will be continuous. FT operation and reconfiguration capability of a step‐up DC–DC converter under switch failures are investigated in continuous current mode (CCM). A fuse–MOSFET pair is analyzed and designed for FT operation in details. The proposed FT converter has been placed in an integrated transformerless grid‐connected PV system, and simulation tests have been performed to confirm the performance of the converter in the application of a grid‐connected PV system. Also, experimental results carried out on a prototype demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed converter in reducing losses associated with power converter in low‐power applications.
Enhancement of robustness to frequency detuning with wireless power transfer based on Van der Pol resonance
Authors: Wang Meng , Song Guangcheng , Shi Yanyan , Yin Renliang
Published: August 2022

In near‐field energy transmission, wireless power transfer based on magnetic coupling resonance is preferred. For efficient power transfer, the quality factor of magnetic coupling resonance wireless power transfer (MCR‐WPT) system should be kept at a high value, which makes the system sensitive to frequency detuning. Different from conventional approaches dealing with the problem in linear MCR‐WPT system, this paper proposes a novel MCR‐WPT system, which is based on Van der Pol nonlinear resonant circuit to address the problem of frequency detuning. A nonlinear resistor is introduced, and the nonlinear Van der Pol MCR‐WPT system is established. Based on the mathematical model and the theoretical analysis, it is found that the frequency band is broadened. To validate the performance of the proposed system, extensive simulation and experimental work are conducted. Unlike the traditional linear system, which only peaks at the resonant frequency, the results show that the output of the proposed system is still high within a certain frequency band when the operating frequency deviates from the original resonant frequency. The impact of frequency detuning caused by variation of capacitance is also studied. It can be concluded that the proposed MCR‐WPT system is effective in coping with the frequency detuning.
Effects of climate change on plant resource allocation and herbivore interactions in a Neotropical rainforest shrub
Authors: Maynard Lauren D. , Moureau Elodie , Bader Maaike Y. , Salazar Diego , Zotz Gerhard , Whitehead Susan R.
Published: August 2022

Climate change is a mounting global issue, but its consequences will be variable across regions. Tropical species are hypothesized to have reduced climatic adaptability and plasticity. Yet, relative to temperate species, less is understood about how they will respond to climate change. Rising temperature and atmospheric CO2 could impact plant–herbivore systems directly by altering species traits or abundances, or the effects could be indirect by altering the strength and direction of the relationships that govern organismal strategies and interactions. Using open‐top chambers in a Neotropical wet forest, we applied a full‐factorial combination of active warming and CO2 fertilization to investigate the above‐ground, short‐term effects of climate change on plant–herbivore interactions in a common Neotropical shrub, Piper generalense. We aimed to answer two main questions: (1) Could climate change alter plant–herbivore systems through direct effects on plant growth rate, chemical defense, and/or insect herbivore damage rate? and (2) Could climate change affect plant–herbivore systems indirectly by altering (a) the strength of plant resource allocation trade‐offs between growth and defense or (b) the effectiveness of plant chemical defense against herbivory? None of the microclimate treatments had direct effects on plant growth, chemical defense, or herbivore damage. However, we did observe a positive relationship between growth and chemical defense in treatments mimicking climate‐change conditions, which partially supports the growth–differentiation balance hypothesis. We did not detect any effects of treatments on the effectiveness of plant chemical defense against herbivory. It appears that, in this system, increased CO2 concentration and temperature may cause indirect, cascading consequences, even where direct effects are not observable. We recommend more climate‐change experiments addressing multi‐trophic interactions that focus not only on the direct responses of organisms but also on the ways in which climate change can restructure the relationships that govern complex biotic systems.
Climate change expected to improve digestive rate and trigger range expansion in outbreaking locusts
Authors: Youngblood Jacob P. , Cease Arianne J. , Talal Stav , Copa Fernando , Medina Hector E. , Rojas Julio E. , Trumper Eduardo V. , Angilletta Michael J. , Harrison Jon F.
Published: August 2022

Global climate change will probably exacerbate crop losses from insect pests, reducing agricultural production, and threatening food security. To predict where crop losses will occur, scientists have mainly used correlative models of species' distributions, but such models are unreliable when extrapolated to future environments. To minimize extrapolation, we developed mechanistic and hybrid models that explicitly capture range‐limiting processes, and we explored how incorporating mechanisms altered the projected impacts of climate change for an agricultural pest, the South American locust (Schistocerca cancellata). Because locusts are generalist herbivores surrounded by food, their population growth may be limited by thermal effects on digestion more than food availability. To incorporate this mechanism into a distribution model, we measured the thermal effects on the consumption and defecation of field‐captured locusts and used these data to model energy gain in current and future climates. We then created hybrid models by using outputs of the mechanistic model as predictor variables in correlative models, estimating the potential distribution of gregarious outbreaking locusts based on multiple predictor sets, modeling algorithms, and climate scenarios. Based on the mechanistic model, locusts can assimilate relatively high amounts of energy throughout temperate and tropical South America; however, correlative and hybrid modeling revealed that most tropical areas are unsuitable for locusts. When estimating current distributions, the top‐ranked model was always the one fit with mechanistic predictors (i.e., the hybrid model). When projected to future climates, top‐ranked hybrid models projected range expansions that were 23%–30% points smaller than those projected by correlative models. Therefore, a combination of the correlative and mechanistic approaches bracketed the potential outcomes of climate change and enhanced confidence where model projections agreed. Because all models projected a poleward range expansion under climate change, agriculturists should consider enhanced monitoring and the management of locusts near the southern margin of the range.
Cryptogam plant community stability: Warming weakens influences of species richness but enhances effects of evenness
Authors: Gu Qian , Yu Qiang , Grogan Paul
Published: August 2022

Community stability is a fundamental factor sustaining ecosystem functioning and is affected by species richness and species evenness. The Arctic is warming more rapidly than other biomes, and cryptogam plant species (specifically lichens and bryophytes in this study) are major contributors to tundra biodiversity and productivity. However, to our knowledge, the impacts of warming on cryptogam community stability and the underlying mechanisms have not been investigated. We conducted a 13‐year summer warming experiment in mesic birch hummock tundra vegetation near Daring Lake in the continental interior of low Arctic Canada and recorded patterns of cryptogam species abundance in several different growing seasons. Warming decreased the stability of total community abundance, had no effects on species richness, but increased species evenness and species synchrony. Structural equation model analyses indicated that higher species richness was the principal factor associated with the stronger community abundance stability in the control plots and that this effect was driven primarily by a negative correlation with species synchrony. By contrast, higher species evenness was the principal factor associated with the weakened community abundance stability in the warming plots, and this effect was driven primarily by a positive correlation with species synchrony. Our study suggests that climate warming could reduce cryptogam plant community stability in low Arctic tundra and, therefore, decrease important ecosystem services, including carbon storage and food availability to caribou in northern regions.
Pollinator type strongly impacts gene flow within and among plant populations for six Neotropical species
Authors: Gamba Diana , Muchhala Nathan
Published: August 2022

Animal pollinators directly affect plant gene flow by transferring pollen grains between individuals. Pollinators with restricted mobility are predicted to limit gene flow within and among populations, whereas pollinators that fly longer distances are likely to promote genetic cohesion. These predictions, however, remain poorly tested. We examined population genetic structure and fine‐scale spatial genetic structure (FSGS) in six perennial understory angiosperms in Andean cloud forests of northwestern Ecuador. Species belong to three families (Gesneriaceae, Melastomataceae, and Rubiaceae), and within each family we paired one insect‐pollinated with one hummingbird‐pollinated species, predicting that insect‐pollinated species have greater population differentiation (as quantified with the FST statistic) and stronger FSGS (as quantified with the SP statistic) than hummingbird‐pollinated species. We confirmed putative pollinators through a literature review and fieldwork, and inferred population genetic parameters with a genome‐wide genotyping approach. In two of the three species pairs, insect‐pollinated species had much greater (>2‐fold) population‐level genetic differentiation and correspondingly steeper declines in fine‐scale genetic relatedness. In the Gesneriaceae pair, however, FST and SP values were similar between species and to those of the other hummingbird‐pollinated plants. In this pair, the insect pollinators are euglossine bees (as opposed to small bees and flies in the other pairs), which are thought to forage over large areas, and therefore may provide similar levels of gene flow as hummingbirds. Overall, our results shed light on how different animal pollination modes influence the spatial scale of plant gene flow, suggesting that small insects strongly decrease genetic cohesion.
Darwin's naturalization conundrum reconciled by changes of species interactions
Authors: Wang Jiang , Li Shao‐Peng , Ge Yuan , Wang Xiao‐Yan , Gao Song , Chen Tong , Yu Fei‐Hai
Published: August 2022

Although phylogenetic distance between native and exotic species has a close link with their interactions, it is still unclear how environmental stresses and species interactions influence the relationship between phylogenetic distance and biological invasions. Here we assessed the effect of invader–native phylogenetic distance on the growth of the invader (Symphyotrichum subulatum) under three levels of drought (no, moderate, or intense drought). Under no drought, interspecific competition between close relatives was the dominant process and native communities more closely related to the invader showed higher resistance to invasion, supporting Darwin's naturalization hypothesis. In contrast, under intense drought, facilitation between close relatives by mutualism with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) became more important, and the invader became more successful in their more closely related native communities, supporting the preadaptation hypothesis. The colonization rate of AMF of the invader was higher in more closely related native communities regardless of the drought treatment, but it was only positively related to invader biomass under intense drought. Therefore, the shift of species interactions from competition to facilitation may be ascribed to the promotion of AMF to invasion occurring under intense drought, which leads to the effect of closely related natives on the invader shifting from negative to positive. Our results provide a new angle to resolve Darwin's naturalization conundrum from the change of species interactions along a stress gradient, and provide important clues for invasion management when species interactions change in response to global climatic change.
Boosting Zn metal anode stability: from fundamental science to design principles
Authors: Hou Zhen , Zhang Biao
Published: August 2022

The development of Zn metal anodes suffers from several critical issues, including dendrite growth, hydrogen evolution reaction, and corrosion. Extensive efforts have been applied through ameliorating electrode structures, electrode/separator interfaces, and electrolyte formulations. We deviate from the specific approaches and discuss the roots of the existing problems to exploit the fundamental science behind the proposed approaches. We divide the Zn deposition process into four steps, that is, mass transfer in the bulk electrolyte, desolvation on the electrode surface, charge transfer for the Zn2+ reduction, and Zn cluster formation through the electro‐crystallization. It can be seen that all the reported strategies for improving Zn anode stability deal with at least one of these steps, thereby enhancing the understanding of dendrite formation and benefiting the rational design to circumvent the issue. We also scrutinize the previous attempts to suppress the side reactions through water activity reduction and electrode passivation to raise battery reliability. Finally, we propose possible solutions to the remaining but urgent challenges toward low‐cost, high‐safety, and long‐lifespan Zn metal batteries.

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Anorexia and bulimia nervosa in the practice of the paediatric dentist
Authors: Cuadrado‐Ríos Sofía , Huamán‐Garaicoa Fuad , Cruz‐Moreira Karla
Published: August 2022

Objective

This systematic review aimed to highlight the usefulness of the clinical examination of the oral cavity for the diagnostic suspicion of anorexia (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN), being of main interest to the paediatric dentist and paediatrician due to the early onset of symptoms in Eating Disorders (EDs).

Method

A systematic search, applying PICO question, was carried out in biomedical and other electronic databases from 2005 to 2020. Both case reports and case series of patients under 65 years of age with AN and BN were included. Data were extracted and statistically analysed.

Results

A sample of 111 studies was obtained (n = 192; 92.78% female). The most prevalent diagnosis was restrictive type AN (n = 110; 57.29%). Only 16 (8.33%) patients had been clinically examined at the oral cavity, indicating the presence or absence of oral manifestations (OM) and showing dental erosion (n = 10) as the most frequent.

Conclusion

There is a lack of information about the oral examination of anorexic and bulimic patients. Dental erosion and other oral manifestations can help us to make an early ED diagnosis. Clinical observation and basic erosive wear examination (BEWE) Index are necessary steps to detect and record any anomaly in oral cavity during the evaluation of these patients.
Artificial neural network optimized ultra wide band fractal antenna for vehicular communication applications
Authors: Karanam Raghavendra , Kakkar Deepti
Published: August 2022

The article proposes a microstrip patch antenna for vehicular communication applications under 5G communication frequency band. The dimensions of the antenna play an important role in the field of vehicular communication applications. The antenna dimensions are optimized by introducing back propagation algorithm. Overall dimension of the antenna is reduced by 16% as compare to the traditional formulations. Further fractal geometry is implemented on the patch and recessed ground as defected ground structure. FR4 epoxy is used to construct the substrate of the proposed antenna with the dimensions of 50 mm × 60 mm × 1.6 mm and the patch is designed as rectangular patch with H‐cut and I‐cut. The proposed antenna is simulated using Ansys high frequency structure simulator v15 and the frequency of operation is 27 to 33 GHz. The antenna parameters such as reflection coefficient, voltage standing wave ratio, gain, radiation, and current distribution are investigated. The antenna is designed in compact in shape such that it is suitable for vehicular communication applications.
The spectrum of subclonal TP53 mutations in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: A next generation sequencing retrospective study
Authors: De Luca Giuseppa , Cerruti Giannamaria , Lastraioli Sonia , Conte Romana , Ibatici Adalberto , Di Felice Nikki , Morabito Fortunato , Monti Paola , Fronza Gilberto , Matis Serena , Colombo Monica , Fabris Sonia , Ciarrocchi Alessia , Neri Antonino , Menichini Paola , Ferrarini Manlio , Nozza Paolo , Fais Franco , Cutrona Giovanna , Dono Mariella
Published: August 2022

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a hematological disorder with complex clinical and biological behavior. TP53 mutational status and cytogenetic assessment of the deletion of the corresponding locus (17p13.1) are considered the most relevant biomarkers associated with pharmaco‐predictive response, chemo‐refractoriness, and worse prognosis in CLL patients. The implementation of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) methodologies in the clinical laboratory allows for comprehensively analyzing the TP53 gene and detecting mutations with allele frequencies ≤10%, that is, “subclonal mutations”. We retrospectively studied TP53 gene mutational status by NGS in 220 samples from 171 CLL patients. TP53 mutations were found in 60/220 (27.3%) samples and 47/171 (27.5%) patients. Interestingly, subclonal mutations could be detected in 31/60 samples (51.7%) corresponding to 25 patients (25/47, 53.2%). We identified 44 distinct subclonal TP53 mutations clustered in the central DNA‐binding domain of p53 protein (exons 5–8, codons 133–286). Missense mutations were predominant (>80%), whereas indels, nonsense, and splice site variants were less represented. All subclonal TP53 variants but one [p.(Pro191fs)] were already described in NCI and/or Seshat databases as “damaging” and/or “probably damaging” mutations (38/44, 86% and 6/44, 14%, respectively). Longitudinal samples were available for 37 patients. Almost half of them displayed at least one TP53 mutant subclone, which could be alone (4/16, 25%) or concomitant with other TP53 mutant clonal ones (12/16, 75%); different patterns of mutational dynamics overtimes were documented. In conclusion, utilization of NGS in our “real‐life” cohort of CLL patients demonstrated an elevated frequency of subclonal TP53 mutations. This finding indicates the need for precisely identifying these mutations during disease since the clones carrying them may become predominant and be responsible for therapy failures.
Opium use and risk of lung cancer: A multicenter case‐control study in Iran
Authors: Rashidian Hamideh , Hadji Maryam , Gholipour Mahin , Naghibzadeh‐Tahami Ahmad , Marzban Maryam , Mohebbi Elham , Safari‐Faramani Roya , Bakhshi Mahdieh , Sadat Seyyedsalehi Monireh , Hosseini Bayan , Alizadeh‐Navaei Reza , Emami Habib , Haghdoost Ali Akbar , Rezaianzadeh Abbas , Moradi Abdolvahab , Ansari‐Moghaddam Alireza , Nejatizadeh Azim , ShahidSales Soodabeh , Rezvani Alireza , Larizadeh Mohammad Hasan , Najafi Farid , Poustchi Hossein , Mohagheghi Mohammad Ali , Brennan Paul , Weiderpass Elisabete , Schüz Joachim , Pukkala Eero , Freedman Neal D. , Boffetta Paolo , Malekzadeh Reza , Etemadi Arash , Rahimi‐Movaghar Afarin , Kamangar Farin , Zendehdel Kazem
Published: August 2022

Opium use was recently classified as a human carcinogen for lung cancer by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. We conducted a large, multicenter case‐control study evaluating the association between opium use and the risk of lung cancer. We recruited 627 cases and 3477 controls from May 2017 to July 2020. We used unconditional logistic regression analyses to estimate the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) and measured the association between opium use and the risk of lung cancer. The ORs were adjusted for the residential place, age, gender, socioeconomic status, cigarettes, and water pipe smoking. We found a 3.6‐fold risk of lung cancer for regular opium users compared to never users (95% CI: 2.9, 4.6). There was a strong dose‐response association between a cumulative count of opium use and lung cancer risk. The OR for regular opium use was higher for small cell carcinoma than in other histology (8.3, 95% CI: 4.8, 14.4). The OR of developing lung cancer among opium users was higher in females (7.4, 95% CI: 3.8, 14.5) than in males (3.3, 95% CI: 2.6, 4.2). The OR for users of both opium and tobacco was 13.4 (95% CI: 10.2, 17.7) compared to nonusers of anything. The risk of developing lung cancer is higher in regular opium users, and these results strengthen the conclusions on the carcinogenicity of opium. The association is stronger for small cell carcinoma cases than in other histology.
The social and economic impacts of cervical cancer on women and children in low‐ and middle‐income countries: A systematic review
Authors: Dau Hallie , Trawin Jessica , Nakisige Carolyn , Payne Beth A. , Vidler Marianne , Singer Joel , Orem Jackson , Smith Laurie , Ogilvie Gina
Published: August 2022

Background

There is limited knowledge on the social and economic impacts of a diagnosis of cervical cancer on women and children in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs).

Objectives

To determine the social and economic impacts associated with cervical cancer among women and children living in LMICs.

Search strategy

The MEDLINE, PsychInfo, CINAHL, Pais International, and CAB Global Health databases were systematically searched to retrieve studies up to June 2021.

Selection criteria

Studies were included if they reported on either the social or economic impacts of women or children in a LMIC.

Data collection and analysis

Data was independently extracted by two co‐authors. The authors performed a quality assessment on all included articles.

Main results

In all, 53 studies were included in the final review. Social impacts identified included social support, education, and independence. Economic impacts included employment and financial security. No study reported the economic impact on children. Studies that utilized quantitative methods typically reported more positive results than those that utilized qualitative methods.

Conclusions

Additional mixed‐methods research is needed to further understand the social support needs of women with cervical cancer. Furthermore, research is needed on the impact of a mother's diagnosis of cervical cancer on her children.
Is 25 mm the correct mid‐trimester cut‐off for cervical shortening among asymptomatic women?
Authors: Lauterbach Roy , Bachar Gal , Justman Naphtali , Siegler Yoav , Khatib Nizar , Weiner Zeev , Vitner Dana
Published: August 2022

Objectives

To evaluate the impact of asymptomatic cervical shortening (ACS) at mid‐trimester on maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study. Women with singleton gestations and an accidental finding of cervical length of 25 mm or less at mid‐trimester were compared with women with symptomatic cervical shortening (SCS) and women with normal cervical length (NCL). Primary outcome was preterm birth (PTB) rate; secondary outcomes included total hospitalization length, betamethasone treatment rate, and a composite of PTB neonatal outcomes.

Results

In all, 1483 women were diagnosed with ACS. There was no difference in early and late PTB rate between the ACS and NCL groups (4.9% versus 3.8%, P = 0.25), though there was a significantly higher rate of antenatal corticosteroids use in the ACS group (78.2% versus 7.4%, P < 0.001). A CL of 15 mm or less was significantly associated with both early and late PTB, compared with the NCL group (47.2% versus 3.6%, P < 0.001, and 35.8% versus 3.8%, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

An ACS of 15–25 mm is not associated with an increased risk of PTB. In contrast, women with a CL of 15 mm or less are more likely to delivery prematurely compared with women with a CL greater than 15 mm.
Twenty‐four versus 48 hours of expectant management in the setting of premature rupture of membranes at term among women with a prior cesarean delivery
Authors: Daoud‐Sabag Lina , Rottenstreich Amihai , Levitt Lorinne , Porat Shay
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Compare two approaches of expectant management in the setting of term premature rupture of membranes (PROM) among women with prior cesarean delivery.

Methods

A retrospective study conducted in a tertiary care center during 2006 to 2017, including primiparous women with singleton pregnancy and a prior low‐transverse cesarean delivery who presented with term PROM and requested trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC). Outcomes were compared between the two campuses at our center: campus A enabled expectant management up to 48 hours following PROM and campus B enabled up to 24 hours after PROM.

Results

A total of 158 women met the inclusion criteria and were divided into two groups. Maternal characteristics of the two groups were similar. In campus B, the rate of oxytocin administration was significantly higher as compared with campus A (46.6% versus 26.0%, P = 0.01). The rate of successful TOLAC was similar between the groups (84.0% versus 84.5%, P = 0.96). Rates of chorioamnionitis, uterine rupture, postpartum hemorrhage, recurrent hospitalization, and Apg scores did not differ between the groups.

Conclusion

Expectant management up to 48 hours in women with TOLAC presenting with term PROM was associated with a lower rate of induction of labor and similar maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Prostate cancer recurring as small‐cell carcinoma with aBRCA2somatic mutation
Authors: Yabusaki Ryo , Yoshimura Koji , Taku Keisei , Suzuki Makoto
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Small‐cell carcinoma of the prostate has a poor prognosis, and treatment options for the refractory disease are unclear.

Case presentation

A 68‐year‐old man with prostate cancer was referred to our hospital. He was treated with combined androgen blockade (bicalutamide and degarelix acetate). The disease progressed to castration‐resistant prostate cancer, but with additional treatment, prostate‐specific antigen levels remained below 0.02 ng/mL. However, computed tomography revealed enlarged right inguinal lymph nodes; moreover, his neuron‐specific enolase levels were elevated. Histopathologic analysis of a biopsied lymph node confirmed small‐cell carcinoma. After administering cytotoxic chemotherapy (etoposide plus cisplatin and amrubicin), the patient temporarily improved before relapsing. After genetic testing of the biopsy specimen revealed aBRCA2deletion, we administered the oral PARP‐2 inhibitor olaparib, which has achieved partial remission for 8 months.

Conclusion

PARP‐2 inhibition may improve the survival of patients withBRCA2‐positive small‐cell carcinoma of the prostate.
Maternal‐fetal attachment, parenting stress during infancy, and child outcomes at age 3 years
Authors: Hruschak Jessica L. , Palopoli Ava C. , Thomason Moriah E. , Trentacosta Christopher J.
Published: August 2022

Maternal‐fetal attachment (MFA), a woman's relationship with and affiliative behaviors toward her unborn child, has been linked to near‐term infant physical and developmental outcomes. However, further longitudinal research is needed to understand whether the impact of MFA extends past the earliest years of life. The current study explored relationships between MFA and child socioemotional competence and behavior problems at age 3 and whether parenting stress mediated the association between MFA and child outcomes. Data were collected from 221 primarily Black/African‐American mothers who completed a scale of MFA during pregnancy. Mothers reported on parenting stress at infant age 7 months and reported on child socioemotional competence and problem behaviors at child age 3 years. In path analyses, MFA was directly associated with child socioemotional competence at age 3 years, but an indirect association between MFA and socioemotional competence via parenting stress was not significant. We also observed a significant indirect association between lower MFA and child internalizing behavior problems via parenting stress that was related to maternal dissatisfaction regarding interactions with her child. Findings suggest that assessing MFA may serve as a means to identify dyads who would benefit from support to promote individual health outcomes.