bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Landscape Features Fail to Explain Spatial Genetic Structure in White‐Tailed Deer Across Ohio, USA
Authors: Bauder Javan M. , Anderson Christine S. , Gibbs H. Lisle , Tonkovich Michael J. , Walter W. David
Published: September 2021

Landscape features influence wildlife movements across spatial scales and have the potential to influence the spread of disease. Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal prion disease affecting members of the family Cervidae, particularly white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), and the first positive CWD case in a wild deer in Ohio, USA, was recorded in 2020. Landscape genetics approaches are increasingly used to better understand potential pathways for CWD spread in white‐tailed deer, but little is known about genetic structure of white‐tailed deer in Ohio. The objectives of our study were to evaluate spatial genetic structure in white‐tailed deer across Ohio and compare the support for isolation by distance (IBD) and isolation by landscape resistance (IBR) models in explaining this structure. We collected genetic data from 619 individual deer from 24 counties across Ohio during 2007–2009. We used microsatellite genotypes from 619 individuals genotyped at 11 loci and haplotypes from a 547‐base pair fragment of the mitochondrial DNA control region. We used spatial and non‐spatial genetic clustering tests to evaluate genetic structure in both types of genetic data and empirically optimized landscape resistance surfaces to compare IBD and IBR using microsatellite data. Non‐spatial genetic clustering tests failed to detect spatial genetic structure, whereas spatial genetic clustering tests indicated subtle spatial genetic structure. The IBD model consistently outperformed IBR models that included land cover, traffic volume, and streams. Our results indicated widespread genetic connectivity of white‐tailed deer across Ohio and negligible effects of landscape features. These patterns likely reflect some combination of minimal resistive effects of landscape features on white‐tail deer movement in Ohio and the effects of regional recolonization or translocation. We encourage continued CWD surveillance in Ohio, particularly in the proximity of confirmed cases. © 2021 The Wildlife Society. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Monitoring of early‐stage water uptake by hyperspectral imaging and evaluation of nutritional and technological functionality of germinated faba bean (Vicia faba L.) var. minor and var. major as food ingredients
Authors: Holopainen‐Mantila Ulla , Sarlin Tuija , Mäkinen Outi , Laitila Arja , Sozer Nesli
Published: September 2021

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is a potential, sustainable protein alternative. Germination behavior of Vicia faba L. var. minor and Vicia faba L. var. major needs further studies in order to enable larger scale bioprocessing. In this study, early‐stage water uptake of two distinct faba bean varieties was assessed by hyperspectral imaging. Nutritional and technological functionality of germinated faba bean ingredients as such and in combination with fermentation were evaluated. Hyperspectral imaging revealed that early‐stage water uptake in faba beans occurred evenly from the different sides of the beans. Germination on petri dishes and in pilot‐scale showed that smaller faba beans moistened and germinated significantly (p < 0.05) faster and retained water better through germination than larger faba beans. Germinated faba flour of minor‐type variety resulted in 72% higher dextran production in Weissella confusa VTT E‐143403 fermentation than respective native faba flour. With both types of faba bean varieties, germination as such, and with minor‐type variety, germination as combined with fermentation decreased notably the content of raffinose family oligosaccharides. These bioprocessing methods also improved functionality of faba bean ingredients by increasing protein separation efficiency in air classification, protein solubility, foaming capacity, and foam stability. Based on this study, minor‐ and major‐type or small‐ and large‐seeded faba bean varieties set different requirements to the germination process. In addition, germination alone or as combined with fermentation was proved to improve the nutritional and technological quality of faba bean material promoting its use in several food applications including also gluten‐free products.
Statistical solutions for a nonautonomous modified Swift–Hohenberg equation
Authors: Wang Jintao , Zhang Xiaoqian , Zhao Caidi
Published: September 2021

We consider the nonautonomous modified Swift–Hohenberg equation

on a bounded smooth domain
with
. We show that, if |b|<4 and the external force g satisfies some appropriate assumption, then the associated process has a unique pullback attractor in the Sobolev space
. Based on this existence, we further prove the existence of a family of invariant Borel probability measures and a statistical solution for this equation.
Interdigitated photoconductive terahertz antenna for future wireless communications
Authors: Rathinasamy Vaisshale , Thipparaju Rama Rao , Edwin Nisha Flora Boby , Mondal Shyamal
Published: September 2021

Recently, the technology buzz on utilization of terahertz (THz) technology in beyond 5G and 6G communication is growing due to the demands for large network capacity, bandwidth, and ultrahigh data rates. The THz frequencies are prudent for short‐range future wireless communication systems as they provide extraordinary channel capacity with data rates from few Gb/s to Tb/s due to its ultra‐wide spectrum bandwidth. However, there exists many challenges in designing devices that operate under THz frequencies. The photo‐conductive antenna (PCA) is one of the crucial components that support realization of ultrafast wireless THz communications. In this paper, investigations on photoconductive antennas with interdigitated electrodes (IDEs) have been presented for THz communications with an equivalent circuit model for IPCA with corresponding solved expressions. The results show that the maximum THz field strength of 4.41 × 105 V/m is achievable by a 10 μm interdigitated teeth length IPCA with larger spectrum bandwidth of about ~8 THz. The antenna module makes the possibility of miniaturization of the THz sources and detectors for the emerging variety of wireless THz applications.
A radially interleaved sodium and proton coil array for brain MRI at 7 T
Authors: Wang Bili , Zhang Bei , Yu Zidan , Ianniello Carlotta , Lakshmanan Karthik , Paska Jan , Madelin Guillaume , Cloos Martijn , Brown Ryan
Published: September 2021

The objective of the current study was to design and build a dual‐tuned coil array for simultaneous 23Na/1H MRI of the human brain at 7 T. Quality factor, experimental B1+ measurements, and electromagnetic simulations in prototypes showed that setups consisting of geometrically interleaved 1H and 23Na loops performed better than or similar to 1H or 23Na loops in isolation. Based on these preliminary findings, we built a transmit/receive eight‐channel 23Na loop array that was geometrically interleaved with a transmit/receive eight‐channel 1H loop array. We assessed the performance of the manufactured array with mononuclear signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and B1+ measurements, along with multinuclear magnetic resonance fingerprinting maps and images. The 23Na array within the developed dual‐tuned device provided more than 50% gain in peripheral SNR and similar B1+ uniformity and coverage as a reference birdcage coil of similar size. The 1H array provided good B1+ uniformity in the brain, excluding the cerebellum and brain stem. The integrated 23Na and 1H arrays were used to demonstrate truly simultaneous quantitative 1H mapping and 23Na imaging.
Military supply, everyday demand, and reindeer: Zooarchaeology of Nazi German Second World War military presence in Finnish Lapland, Northernmost Europe
Authors: Seitsonen Oula , Broderick Lee G. , Banks Iain , Lundemo Mari Olafson , Seitsonen Sanna , Herva Vesa‐Pekka
Published: September 2021

During the Second World War, in 1941–1944, Nazi German troops held the frontal responsibility of the Arctic front in Finnish Lapland. In this paper, we present the first zooarchaeological study of the wartime faunal remains from German military camps in Lapland. This illustrates the supply situation of both the German soldiers and their multinational prisoners. The official military supply was substantially supplemented with local food sources, namely, with the local semi‐domesticated reindeer that dominates the bone assemblage. Bones of cattle, ovicaprines, and pig occur in lower numbers and appear to represent the German long‐distance supply chain stretching from the Mediterranean to the Arctic Ocean. The remains of reindeer and wild species remind of the close interactions with locals and of the prisoners' hunting activities to supplement their meager diet. Even if the reindeer bones dominate both the soldiers' and prisoners' faunal assemblages, there are notable differences in the body parts, with bones from meatier portions always found in the soldiers' food waste. Besides highlighting a tension between the military supply and everyday demands, the faunal remains can draw attention to wider anthropological questions that reach beyond the information available in historical documents, such as adaptations into an alien northern environment. This emphasizes the importance of zooarchaeological analyses of recent past faunal materials from superficially familiar contexts.
How to Prevent Copper Corrosion in Drinking Water Pipes
Authors: Tang Min , Fields Robert E. , Buse Helen Y. , Lytle Darren A. , Schock Michael R. , Harmon Stephen M. , Kireta Andrew G. , Triantafyllidou Simoni
Published: September 2021

Copper corrosion is affected by a wide variety of environmental conditions in a water system. Proper evaluation approaches are key to helping utilities prevent corrosion.
Use Water Audits to Quantify Real Losses
Authors: Van Arsdel John H.
Published: September 2021

A utility must accurately measure real losses (water leakage) to optimize water loss control efforts. Consider several diagnostic methods to locate and control leakage.
Automatic Flow Control Valves Solve Raw Water Management Challenges
Authors: Sherer Jonathan , Jones Jonathan , Dretzka Phyllis J.
Published: September 2021

For all the historical and natural charm of Greenville, S.C., efforts to serve the city's water customers were hampered by raw water management challenges at a nearby reservoir. A new automatic flow control valve provided Greenville Water, City of Greenville Commission of Public Works, with a customized solution.
Participants’ perspectives on perceived usefulness of digital and in‐person diabetes prevention programs: A qualitative study to inform decisions related to program participation
Authors: Gruß Inga , Mayhew Meghan , Firemark Alison , Fitzpatrick Stephanie L.
Published: September 2021

Objective

Given the effectiveness of both in‐person and digital diabetes prevention programs (DPPs), participants have an opportunity to select a delivery mode based on their needs and preferences. The objective of this study was to understand and compare participants’ experiences with digital and in‐person DPPs to identify factors that affected how useful participants perceived these two program delivery modes.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews with participants who were enrolled in DPPs as either a digital (n = 23) or in‐person (n = 20) program within one health care system were conducted. Data were analyzed following the template method using the qualitative software NVivo 12.

Results

Findings from the interviews indicated that creating accountability for weight loss was crucial for all program participants. In the digital program, weight and food tracking played a central role in creating accountability, while in the in‐person program, group interactions fostered accountability. The digital program was perceived to encourage self‐monitoring, oftentimes resulting in participants’ reflection on their habits. The in‐person program provided a platform for group support and mutual encouragement.

Conclusions

Participants perceived both programs as similarly useful. Yet program characteristics such as the ability to engage with other participants in‐person or to seamlessly track weight on a daily basis appealed to different participants. It may be beneficial to align participants’ preferences with programs’ characteristics and strengths.
Effect of a biomass based waterborne fire retardant coating on the flame retardancy for wood
Authors: Li Sheng , Wang Xiaohui , Xu Miaojun , Liu Lubin , Wang Wenbo , Gao Suliang , Li Bin
Published: September 2021

The biomass based flame retardant additive was prepared derived from renewable chitosan, melamine formaldehyde resin coated ammonium polyphosphate and organic montmorillonite and then incorporated into waterborne epoxy resin (WBEP) to produce waterborne fire‐retardant coatings. Finally, the coating was used to prepare flame retardant wood composites by spraying the mixture on wood surface. The coated wood composites passed UL‐94 V‐0 rating during vertical burning tests and its limiting oxygen index value reached 31.8% when the loading amount of flame retardant additive was 18 wt% in coating and the coating thickness was 3 mm. After water resistance tests, the wood composites remained excellent flame retarded performance. The introduction of biomass based flame retardant enhanced the carbonization capability of coating, and the residual char reached 23.9 wt% at 800°C. The cone calorimeter tests revealed that the release of heat and smoke of the coated wood composites were obviously decreased and the expanded, integrated and sealed char layer was generated at the end of combustion. The formed char layer exhibited excellent isolation effect and the wood substrate was effectively protected from combustion, and the flame retardant performance of the coated wood composites was enhanced. Thus, the prepared flame retardant WBEP coating possessed good water resistance and flame retardant efficiency for wood substrate, and it had excellent application aspect for preparing flame retardant wood composites with good comprehensive performance.
Registration of Tx3489 and Tx3490 sorghum germplasm with enhanced popping attributes
Authors: Kent Mitchell A. , Boerman Nicholas A. , Rooney William L.
Published: September 2021

Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] germplasm lines Tx3489 (Reg. no. GP‐943, PI 698649) and Tx3490 (Reg. no GP‐944, PI 698650) with yellow seed, favorable agronomics, and popping attributes in hybrid combinations were developed by the Texas A&M AgriLife Research sorghum breeding and genetics program in 2020. Compared with a grain sorghum hybrid check, these lines produced hybrids with similar agronomic performance and superior popping performance. In hybrid combinations, the two lines produced hybrids comparable to the agronomic productivity of standard grain sorghum hybrids. Additionally, these two lines produced hybrids with 84 and 78% popping efficiency, 9:1 and 7.4:1 expansion ratios and 0.35‐ and 0.34‐cm3 flake sizes. In contrast, the check hybrid produced grain with 74% popping efficiency, 6.3:1 expansion ratio and a 0.25‐cm3 flake. Ultimately these two lines produce grain sorghum hybrids with comparable agronomic productivity and superior popping performance. While these lines can be used as pollinator parents to produce grain sorghum hybrids for popping, they may also be a parent for the development of new pop sorghum parental lines.
Registration of ‘ND Grano’ durum wheat
Authors: Elias Elias M. , Manthey Frank A. , Kumar Ajay , Salsman Evan
Published: September 2021

Durum wheat [Triticum turgidum L. ssp. durum (Desf.)] is mainly used for the production of pasta, couscous, and bulgur. Spring durum wheat cultivar ‘ND Grano’ (Reg. no. CV‐1186, PI 687795) was released in 2017 and is adapted to North Dakota and surrounding regions. It was developed by the durum breeding program at North Dakota State University and released by the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station. ND Grano was tested as D09557 in the yield trials and has the pedigree D00752/DH01146. In field trials, ND Grano showed high grain yield potential, disease resistance, excellent end‐use qualities, and low cadmium uptake. Based on data from 34 location‐years of testing in the Uniform Regional Durum Nursery, the average grain yield of ND Grano was 4,008 kg ha–1, compared with 3,867 kg ha–1 for ‘Divide’ and 3,978 kg ha–1 for ‘Joppa’. ND Grano has very strong dough mixing characteristics and a high gluten index. Fusarium head blight (FHB) tolerance of ND Grano is similar to Divide. ND Grano is also resistant to predominant races of stem rust.
SGLT2‐Inhibition reverts urinary peptide changes associated with severe COVID‐19: An in‐silico proof‐of‐principle of proteomics‐based drug repurposing
Authors: Latosinska Agnieszka , Siwy Justyna , Cherney David Z. , Perkins Bruce A. , Mischak Harald , Beige Joachim
Published: September 2021

Severe COVID‐19 is reflected by significant changes in urine peptides. Based on this observation, a clinical test predicting COVID‐19 severity, CoV50, was developed and registered as in vitro diagnostic in Germany. We have hypothesized that molecular changes displayed by CoV50, likely reflective of endothelial damage, may be reversed by specific drugs. Such an impact by a drug could indicate potential benefits in the context of COVID‐19. To test this hypothesis, urinary peptide data from patients without COVID‐19 prior to and after drug treatment were collected from the human urinary proteome database. The drugs chosen were selected based on availability of sufficient number of participants in the dataset (n > 20) and potential value of drug therapies in the treatment of COVID‐19 based on reports in the literature. In these participants without COVID‐19, spironolactone did not demonstrate a significant impact on CoV50 scoring. Empagliflozin treatment resulted in a significant change in CoV50 scoring, indicative of a potential therapeutic benefit. The study serves as a proof‐of‐principle for a drug repurposing approach based on human urinary peptide signatures. The results support the initiation of a randomized control trial testing a potential positive effect of empagliflozin for severe COVID‐19, possibly via endothelial protective mechanisms.
Potato plant variety affects the performance and oviposition preference of Phthorimaea operculella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)
Authors: Zhang Mengdi , Yan Junjie , Ali Abid , Gao Yulin
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND

Damage by the potato tuber moth Phthorimaea operculella is one of the major constraints to commercial production of potato in many areas of the world. To promote effective pest management practices for P. operculella based on host plant, larval and adult performance of P. operculella fed on Lishu 6, Hezuo 88, Yunshu 304, and Qingshu 9 potato varieties was compared by examining their survival rate, larval feeding, pupal weight, and oviposition preference.

RESULTS

Compared with larvae fed on the other three potato plants, those fed on Lishu 6 exhibited the highest survival rate, with almost 61.67% developing to the adult stage. Females also preferred to lay their eggs on Lishu 6 over Hezuo 88, Yunshu 304 and Qingshu 9; and the weight of P. operculella pupa on Lishu 6 plant (0.0085 g) was significantly heavier than that of on others, especially on Qingshu 9 (0.0062 g). Moreover, first instar larvae fed on Lishu 6 showed host preference to Qingshu 9.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that Lishu 6 is susceptible to P. operculella, and Qingshu 9 is not relatively susceptible to P. operculella, which suggested that the P. operculella feeding responses to dominant potato varieties in China is different. This variation can be applied for the potato breeding and pest management practice. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Conductive Path Mechanism for Bipolar Resistive Switching Characteristics in Lead‐Free Perovskite CsSnBr3‐Based Nonvolatile Memories
Authors: Wang Hongjun , Wei Hong , Zeng Xiong , Zhou Jing , Zhu Yuanyuan
Published: September 2021

Halide perovskites are intensely studied due to their potential excellent properties in electronic devices. However, the toxicity of lead remains as an obstacle on their way toward large‐scale applications. Herein, the lead‐free all‐inorganic perovskite CsSnBr3 film is used as the switching layer to construct nonvolatile resistive switching (RS) memories and the underlying switching mechanism is systematically explicated. Both memories with Ag/CsSnBr3/Pt and Pt/CsSnBr3/Pt structures exhibit reproducible bipolar RS characteristics, including the large on/off ratios and low reset currents. The RS characteristics are attributed to the formation/rupture of nano‐cone‐shaped conductive paths under external voltage bias. In addition, compared with Pt/CsSnBr3/Pt device, the Ag/CsSnBr3/Pt device manifests lower operation set/reset voltages, revealing the formation of higher density or stronger conductive paths. This work might pave the way for the lead‐free all‐inorganic perovskite‐based RS memory devices in high performance emerging commercial applications.
Analysis of the Fine Structure of the D‐Exciton Shell in Cuprous Oxide
Authors: Heckötter Julian , Rommel Patric , Main Jörg , Aßmann Marc , Bayer Manfred
Published: September 2021

The exciton states in cuprous oxide show a pronounced fine structure splitting associated with the crystal environment and the resulting electronic band structure. High‐resolution spectroscopy reveals an especially pronounced splitting of the yellow D excitons with one state pushed above any other state with the same principal quantum number. This large splitting offset is related to a strong mixing of these D states with the 1S exciton of the green series, as suggested by previously published calculations. Here, a detailed comparison of this theory with experimental data is given, which leads to a complete reassignment of the experimentally observed D exciton lines. The origin of different amounts of green admixture to D‐envelope states is deduced by analyzing the different terms of the Hamiltonian. The yellow–green mixing leads to level repulsion and induces an exchange interaction splitting to D‐envelope states, from which one of them becomes the highest state within each multiplet. Furthermore, the assignment of D exciton states according to their total angular momentum F is given and corrects an earlier description given in a former study.
Functional Modifications Induced via X‐ray Nanopatterning in TiO2 Rutile Single Crystals
Authors: Alessio Andrea , Bonino Valentina , Heisig Thomas , Picollo Federico , Torsello Daniele , Mino Lorenzo , Martinez-Criado Gema , Dittmann Regina , Truccato Marco
Published: September 2021

The possibility to directly write electrically conducting channels in a desired position in rutile TiO2 devices equipped with asymmetric electrodes—like in memristive devices—by means of the X‐ray nanopatterning (XNP) technique (i.e., intense, localized irradiation exploiting an X‐ray nanobeam) is investigated. Device characterization is carried out by means of a multitechnique approach involving X‐ray fluorescence (XRF), X‐ray excited optical luminescence (XEOL), electrical transport, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques. It is shown that the device conductivity increases and the rectifying effect of the Pt/TiO2 Schottky barrier decreases after irradiation with doses of the order of 1011 Gy and fluences of the order of 1012 J m−2. Irradiated regions also show the ability to pin and guide the electroforming process between the electrodes. Indications are that XNP should be able to promote the local formation of oxygen vacancies. This effect could lead to a more deterministic implementation of electroforming, being of interest for production of memristive devices.
Event‐based output feedback control of periodic systems: A piecewise impulsive method
Authors: Yang Liu , Gao Yabin , Feng Zhiguang , Wu Ligang
Published: September 2021

In this article, an event‐triggered control with periodic time‐varying parameters is designed to stabilize a class of periodic systems with exogenous disturbances in a network environment. The continuous‐time periodic system is approximated by some linear subsystems with finite‐number constant matrices based on a piecewise method. It can thus reduce the complexity of theoretical analysis. To tackle the reduction of unnecessary data transmission between the sensor (or controller) and the controller (or actuator), new event‐triggering mechanisms are designed via output feedback. Special parameters are designed to eliminate Zeno behavior, and the minimum triggering interval is obtained according to the designed condition. Then, an event‐triggered periodic piecewise system is modeled as an impulsive periodic piecewise system. The bounded stability, as well as the performance of the impulsive periodic piecewise system, are analyzed. Furthermore, the gains of the event‐triggered controller are obtained by a method of variable substitution. Finally, the validity of the proposed control is demonstrated by an application example.
How Thin Practical Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cells Could Be? Experimental Study under 1 Sun and under Indoor Illumination
Authors: Chime Ugochi , Wolf Leon , Buga Viktoriia , Weigand Daniel , Gad Alaaeldin , Köhler Julian , Lambertz Andreas , Duan Weiyuan , Ding Kaining , Merdzhanova Tsvetelina , Rau Uwe , Astakhov Oleksandr
Published: September 2021

The transition toward thinner microcrystalline silicon wafers for their potential performance gain has been of interest in recent years. Theoretical predictions have estimated a maximum efficiency for silicon wafers to be at about 100−110 μm thickness. The potential and losses in silicon heterojunction solar cells prepared on wafers with thickness in the range of 60−170 μm with focus on open‐circuit voltage (V
OC) and fill factor (FF) are studied experimentally. The applicability of thinner wafers for low light and indoor applications using light emitting diode (LED) lighting is also studied. The implied V
OC (iV
OC) is observed to increase with a decrease in wafer thickness according to theoretical predictions with absolute values approaching the theoretical limit. Unlike the iV
OC, the implied FF is observed to decrease with wafer thickness reduction opposite to the theoretical predictions which are related to the effect of surface recombination. A combination of gains and losses results in a broad range of high efficiency under 1 sun for wafer thicknesses ranging from 75 to 170 μm with maximum of 22.3% obtained at 75 μm. As for indoor performance, thinner wafers show slightly better efficiency at lower light intensity under sun and LED illumination, promising improved performance for even thinner devices.
A Universal and Facile Method of Tailoring the Thickness of Mo(Sx,Se1−x)2, Contributing to Highly Efficient Flexible Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 Solar Cells
Authors: Ge Sijie , Xu Han , Khan Saqib Nawaz , Yang Wentao , Hong Ruijiang , Mai Yaohua , Gu Ening , Lin Xianzhong , Yang Guowei
Published: September 2021

Flexible Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) solar cells have attracted considerable attention due to their potential application in specific areas such as power sources for wearable electronics. However, the over‐thick Mo(Sx,Se1−x)2 at the back contact is one of the factors that limit the device performance. Herein, a facile strategy to inhibit the thick Mo(Sx,Se1−x)2 layer by adding a proper proportion of sulfur during selenization is reported. It is found that the thickness of Mo(Sx,Se1−x)2 can be effectively tailored via tuning the proportion of S, enabling a substantial decrease in series resistance. The suppression mechanism is mainly ascribed to the change of orientation of Mo(Sx,Se1−x)2 induced by S, which limits the diffusion of Se to Mo. Accordingly, the total area efficiency of the flexible CZTSSe device improves significantly from 5.5 to 8.9% with the addition of 2% S, followed by a drop with more S. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that this strategy can also be applied to both kesterite and chalcogenide absorbers deposited on rigid Mo substrates to suppress the thick Mo(Sx,Se1−x)2 layer, indicating the universality of this method. Overall, this work provides a general, facile, and effective approach to modify the back contact interface without introducing extra blocking layers.
Chemotaxis of Oil Droplets and Their Phase Transition to Aggregates with Membrane Structures in Surfactant Solution Containing Metal Salts
Authors: Nakayama Sepia , Kojima Tomoya , Kaburagi Mari , Kikuchi Takanori , Asakura Kouichi , Banno Taisuke
Published: September 2021

The movement of supramolecular self‐assemblies has been induced by the application of external stimuli that cause a shift to non‐equilibrium conditions. However, few supramolecular chemical systems exist in which multiple different functions are associated with movement. Herein, we observed multiple phase transition of micrometer‐sized lauronitrile oil droplets in a solution of cationic surfactants with aniline skeletons in the presence of metal ions. These dynamics include tactic motion and subsequent formation of aggregates with membrane structures, in a linear‐type channel. These dynamic behaviors result from variations in the interfacial tension at the droplet surface and the chemical compositions owing to the interactions between system components. The current findings may provide a methodology for designing molecular systems in which multi‐step phase transitions of supramolecular self‐assemblies are coupled to movement in non‐equilibrium conditions.
Corynoline protects lipopolysaccharide‐induced mastitis through regulating AKT/GSK3β/Nrf2 signaling pathway
Authors: Wu Yunhao , He Tao , Fu Yunhe , Chen Jie
Published: September 2021

Inflammation has been known to be involved in the pathogenesis of mastitis. And anti‐inflammatory agent is proposed to be a possible efficient therapeutic strategy for mastitis. Corynoline, a bioactive compound extracted from Corydalis bungeana Turcz., has been reported to have anti‐inflammatory effect. However, whether corynoline has protective effect against mastitis remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of corynoline on LPS‐induced mastitis in mice. Inflammatory cytokine production was measured by ELISA. The proteins of signaling pathways were detected by western blot analysis. The results showed that treatment of corynoline at the doses of 15, 30, and 60 mg/kg significantly attenuated LPS‐induced pathological damage of mammary tissues. Corynoline also ameliorated LPS‐induced MPO activity, MDA content, and inflammatory cytokine TNF‐α and IL‐1β production in mammary tissues. LPS‐induced NF‐κB activation was inhibited by corynoline. Furthermore, our results showed corynoline significantly increased the expression of Nrf2 and the phosphorylation levels of AKT and GSK3β. In conclusion, our results indicated that corynoline protected against LPS‐induced mastitis through regulating AKT/GSK3β/Nrf2 signaling pathway, which subsequently led to the inhibition of NF‐κB and inflammatory response.
An approach for management modeling of a tropical wetland
Authors: López‐Calatayud Nereida Coromoto , Márquez‐Romance Adriana Mercedes , Guevara‐Pérez Edilberto , Buroz‐Castillo Eduardo
Published: September 2021

This article has proposed an approach for management modeling of a tropical wetland. The model is based on the combination of the components and criteria established in the 4th Strategic Plan (SP4) 2016–2024 of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands with Bloom's Taxonomy. The management modeling of a tropical wetland consists of the formulation of a multiple criteria matrix of wetland management strategic plan (WMSP) for 18 Latin countries based an integral wetland management model index (WMMI‐integral) associated with Bloom's Taxonomy. The WMMI‐integral is categorized into five levels that include knowledge, comprehension, application, evaluation, and creation, which are influenced by the implementation in the Latin‐countries of targets linked to the goals of SP4. The results are fitting a multiple linear regression model to describe the relationship between WMMI‐Integral and five parameters. The proposed wetland management model constitutes a tool to contribute a decision for assessing sustainability by coupling an approach that considers wetland management components and attributes for wetland inventory, diagnosis, assessment, creation.
The Workgroup Serrated Polyps and Polyposis (WASP) classification for optical diagnosis of colorectal diminutive polyps with iScan and the impact of the revised World Health Organization (WHO) criteria
Authors: Soons Elsa , Bisseling Tanya M. , van der Post Rachel S. , Nagtegaal Iris D. , Hazewinkel Yark , van Kouwen Mariette C. A. , Siersema Peter D.
Published: September 2021

Background and aims

The Workgroup Serrated Polyps and Polyposis (WASP) developed criteria for optical diagnosis of colorectal polyps. The aims of this study were: (1) to improve optical diagnosis of diminutive colorectal polyps, especially SSLs, after training endoscopists in applying WASP criteria on videos of polyps obtained with iScan and (2) to evaluate if the WASP criteria are still useful when polyps are pathologically revised according to the World Health Organization (WHO) 2019 criteria.

Methods

Twenty‐one endoscopists participated in a training session and predicted polyp histology on 30 videos of diminutive polyps, before and after training (T0 and T1). After three months, they scored another 30 videos (T2). Primary outcome was overall diagnostic accuracy (DA) at T0, T1 and T2. Polyps were histopathologically classified according to the WHO 2010 and 2019 criteria.

Results

Overall DA (both diminutive adenomas and SSLs) significantly improved from 0.58 (95% CI 0.55–0.62) at T0 to 0.63 (95% CI 0.60–0.66, p = 0.004) at T1. For SSLs, DA did not change with 0.51 (95% CI 0.46–0.56) at T0 and 0.55 (95% CI 0.49–0.60, p = 0.119) at T1. After three months, overall DA was 0.58 (95% CI 0.54–0.62, p = 0.787, relative to T0) while DA for SSLs was 0.48 (95% CI 0.42–0.55, p = 0.520) at T2. After pathological revision according to the WHO 2019 criteria, DA of all polyps significantly changed at all time points.

Conclusion

A training session in applying WASP criteria on endoscopic videos made with iScan did not improve endoscopists' long‐term ability to optically diagnose diminutive polyps. The change of DA following polyp revision according to the revised WHO 2019 criteria suggests that the WASP classification may need revision.
Insulin/IGF-1 signaling promotes immunosuppression via the STAT3 pathway: impact on the aging process and age-related diseases
Authors: Salminen Antero , Kaarniranta Kai , Kauppinen Anu
Published: September 2021

Background

The insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway has a major role in the regulation of longevity both in Caenorhabditis elegans and mammalian species, i.e., reduced activity of this pathway extends lifespan, whereas increased activity accelerates the aging process. The insulin/IGF-1 pathway controls protein and energy metabolism as well as the proliferation and differentiation of insulin/IGF-1-responsive cells. Insulin/IGF-1 signaling also regulates the functions of the innate and adaptive immune systems. The purpose of this review was to elucidate whether insulin/IGF-1 signaling is linked to immunosuppressive STAT3 signaling which is known to promote the aging process.

Methods

Original and review articles encompassing the connections between insulin/IGF-1 and STAT3 signaling were examined from major databases including Pubmed, Scopus, and Google Scholar.

Results

The activation of insulin/IGF-1 receptors stimulates STAT3 signaling through the JAK and AKT-driven signaling pathways. STAT3 signaling is a major activator of immunosuppressive cells which are able to counteract the chronic low-grade inflammation associated with the aging process. However, the activation of STAT3 signaling stimulates a negative feedback response through the induction of SOCS factors which not only inhibit the activity of insulin/IGF-1 receptors but also that of many cytokine receptors. The inhibition of insulin/IGF-1 signaling evokes insulin resistance, a condition known to be increased with aging. STAT3 signaling also triggers the senescence of both non-immune and immune cells, especially through the activation of p53 signaling.

Conclusions

Given that cellular senescence, inflammaging, and counteracting immune suppression increase with aging, this might explain why excessive insulin/IGF-1 signaling promotes the aging process.
Sex-dependent effects of amyloid precursor-like protein 2 in the SOD1-G37R transgenic mouse model of MND
Authors: Truong Phan H. , Crouch Peter J. , Hilton James B. W. , McLean Catriona A. , Cappai Roberto , Ciccotosto Giuseppe D.
Published: September 2021

Motor neurone disease (MND) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterised by progressive destruction of motor neurons, muscle paralysis and death. The amyloid precursor protein (APP) is highly expressed in the central nervous system and has been shown to modulate disease outcomes in MND. APP is part of a gene family that includes the amyloid precursor-like protein 1 (APLP1) and 2 (APLP2) genes. In the present study, we investigated the role of APLP2 in MND through the examination of human spinal cord tissue and by crossing APLP2 knockout mice with the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1-G37R) transgenic mouse model of MND. We found the expression of APLP2 is elevated in the spinal cord from human cases of MND and that this feature of the human disease is reproduced in SOD1-G37R mice at the End-stage of their MND-like phenotype progression. APLP2 deletion in SOD1-G37R mice significantly delayed disease progression and increased the survival of female SOD1-G37R mice. Molecular and biochemical analysis showed female SOD1-G37R:APLP2−/− mice displayed improved innervation of the neuromuscular junction, ameliorated atrophy of muscle fibres with increased APP protein expression levels in the gastrocnemius muscle. These results indicate a sex-dependent role for APLP2 in mutant SOD1-mediated MND and further support the APP family as a potential target for further investigation into the cause and regulation of MND.
Optimization of a protocol for contrast-enhanced four-dimensional computed tomography imaging of thoracic tumors using minimal contrast agent
Authors: Dai Hongya , Yang Dingqiang , Chen Lu , Zhou Yibing , Wen Xiaojing , Sun Jianguo , Li Guanghui
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The accuracy of target delineation for node-positive thoracic tumors is dependent on both four-dimensional computed tomography (4D-CT) and contrast-enhanced three-dimensional (3D)-CT images; these scans enable the motion visualization of tumors and delineate the nodal areas. Combining the two techniques would be more effective; however, currently, there is no standard protocol for the contrast media injection parameters for contrast-enhanced 4D-CT (CE-4D-CT) scans because of its long scan durations and complexity. Thus, we aimed to perform quantitative and qualitative assessments of the image quality of single contrast-enhanced 4D-CT scans to simplify this process and improve the accuracy of target delineation in order to replace the standard clinical modality involved in administering radiotherapy for thoracic tumors.

Methods

Ninety consecutive patients with thoracic tumors were randomly and parallelly assigned to one of nine subgroups subjected to CE-4D-CT scans with the administration of contrast agent volume equal to the patient’s weight but different flow rate and scan delay time (protocol A1: flow rate of 2.0 ml/s, delay time of 15 s; A2: 2.0 ml/s, 20 s; A3: 2.0 ml/s, 25 s; B1: 2.5 ml/s, 15 s; B2: 2.5 ml/s, 20 s; B3: 2.5 ml/s, 25 s; C1: 3.0 ml/s, 15 s; C2: 3.0 ml/s, 20 s; C3: 3.0 ml/s, 25 s). The Hounsfield unit (HU) values of the thoracic aorta, pulmonary artery stem, pulmonary veins, carotid artery, and jugular vein were acquired for each protocol. Both quantitative and qualitative image analysis and delineation acceptability were assessed.

Results

The results revealed significant differences among the nine protocols. Enhancement of the vascular structures in mediastinal and perihilar regions was more effective with protocol A1 or A2; however, when interested in the region of superior mediastinum and supraclavicular fossa, protocol C2 or C3 is recommended.

Conclusion

Qualitatively acceptable enhancement on contrast-enhanced 4D-CT images of thoracic tumors can be obtained by varying the flow rate and delay time when minimal contrast agent is used.
On the probability of lymph node negativity in pN0-staged prostate cancer—a theoretically derived rule of thumb for adjuvant needs
Authors: Paulsen Frank , Bedke Jens , Wegener Daniel , Marzec Jolanta , Martus Peter , Nann Dominik , Stenzl Arnulf , Zips Daniel , Müller Arndt-Christian
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The extent of lymphadenectomy and clinical features influence the risk of occult nodes in node-negative prostate cancer. We derived a simple estimation model for the negative predictive value (npv) of histopathologically node-negative prostate cancer patients (pN0) to guide adjuvant treatment.

Methods

Approximations of sensitivities in detecting lymph node metastasis from current publications depending on the number of removed lymph nodes were used for a theoretical deduction of a simplified formulation of npv assuming a false node positivity of 0.

Results

A theoretical formula of npv = p(N0IpN0) = (100 − prevalence) / (100 − sensitivity × prevalence) was calculated (sensitivity and preoperative prevalence in %). Depending on the number of removed lymph nodes (nLN), the sensitivity of pN0-staged prostate cancer was derived for three sensitivity levels accordingly: sensitivity = f(nLN) = 9 × nLN /100 for 0 ≤ nLN ≤ 8 and f(nLN) = (nLN + 70) /100 for 9 ≤ nLN ≤ 29 and f(nLN) = 1 for nLN ≥ 30.

Conclusion

We developed a theoretical formula for estimation of the npv in pN0-staged prostate cancer patients. It is a sine qua non to use the formula in a clinically experienced context before deciding to electively irradiate pelvic lymph nodes or to intensify adjuvant systemic treatment.
Non-negatively curved GKM orbifolds
Authors: Goertsches Oliver , Wiemeler Michael
Published: September 2021

In this paper we study non-negatively curved and rationally elliptic GKM$$_4$$

4

manifolds and orbifolds. We show that their rational cohomology rings are isomorphic to the rational cohomology of certain model orbifolds. These models are quotients of isometric actions of finite groups on non-negatively curved torus orbifolds. Moreover, we give a simplified proof of a characterisation of products of simplices among orbit spaces of locally standard torus manifolds. This characterisation was originally proved in Wiemeler (J Lond Math Soc 91(3): 667–692, 2015) and was used there to obtain a classification of non-negatively curved torus manifolds.
Determination of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell densities and antibody titers from small volumes of cell culture supernatants using multivariate analysis and partial least squares regression of UV-Vis spectra
Authors: Jarusintanakorn Salinthip , Phechkrajang Chutima , Khongkaew Putthiporn , Mastrobattista Enrico , Yamabhai Montarop
Published: September 2021

Antibody titer and viable cell density (VCD) are two important parameters that need to be closely monitored during the process of cell line development and manufacturing of therapeutic antibodies. Typically, determination of each parameter requires 10–100 μL of supernatant sample, which is not suitable for small scale cultivation. In this study, we demonstrated that as low as 2 μL of culture supernatants were sufficient for the analysis using UV-Vis spectrum assisted with partial least squares (PLS) model. The results indicated that the optimal PLS models could be used to predict antibody titer and VCD with the linear relationship between reference values and predicted values at R2 values ranging from 0.8 to > 0.9 in supernatant samples obtained from four different single clones and in polyclones that were cultured in various selection stringencies. Then, the percentage of cell viability and productivity were predicted from a set of samples of polyclones. The results indicated that while all predicted % cell viability were very similar to the actual value at RSEP value of 6.7 and R2 of 0.8908, the predicted productivity from 14 of 18 samples were closed to the reference measurements at RSEP value of 22.4 and R2 of 0.8522. These results indicated that UV-Vis combined with PLS has potential to be used for monitoring antibody titer, VCD, and % cell viability for both online and off-line therapeutic production process.

Graphical abstract
Thrombectomy for acute large vessel occlusion in posterior and anterior circulation: a single institutional retrospective observational study
Authors: Kuribara Tomoyoshi , Iihoshi Satoshi , Tsukagoshi Eisuke , Teranishi Akio , Kinoshita Yu , Sugasawa Shin , Kohyama Shinya , Takahashi Shinichi , Kurita Hiroki
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Thrombectomy has been the gold standard therapy for anterior circulation occlusion; however, studies regarding thrombectomy in posterior circulation are lacking. In this study, we compared the efficiency of thrombectomy for acute large vessel occlusion between the posterior and anterior circulation at a single institution.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients who underwent thrombectomy for acute large vessel occlusion at our institution between August 2014 and April 2021. Differences in the clinical background, time course, and treatment technique and outcomes were evaluated between anterior and posterior circulation occlusions.

Results

Overall, 353 patients (225 men and 128 women) were included: 314 patients had anterior circulation occlusion and 39 patients had posterior circulation occlusion. Between the patients with anterior and posterior circulation occlusions, the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (16 [12–21] vs. 29 [19–34], respectively, p < 0.001), door-to-puncture time (65 [45–99] vs. 99 [51–121] min, respectively, p = 0.018), and mortality (22 [7%] vs. 8 [20.5%] patients, respectively, p = 0.010) were significantly different; however, favorable outcome was not significantly different.

Conclusion

Higher NIHSS score, delayed treatment, and higher mortality were observed in posterior circulation occlusion than in anterior circulation occlusion; successful reperfusion and favorable outcomes were similar between them. Similar favorable outcomes and reperfusion ratio to the anterior circulation might be achieved also in the posterior circulation; however, delayed treatment and the optimal first-pass strategy might need further improvement.
The importance of a lifeboat-median artery forearm flap in Goldenhar Syndrome
Authors: Jaźwiec Anna M. , Komorowska Timek Ewa D.
Published: September 2021

We present a case of a 32-year-old male with left-sided Goldenhar Syndrome and delta phalanx of the thumb, who was offered free tissue transfer from the forearm to address an intra-oral soft tissue deficiency. Despite the presence of appropriately developed right radial artery, used in previous facial reconstruction, the left radial artery occurred to be hypoplastic. He ultimately underwent free flap transfer based on the anomalous persistent left median artery. We suggest that in face of an unusual hand anatomy, flexible flap creation techniques that allow a lifeboat strategy of adjusting flap design should be considered preoperatively. Level of evidence: Level V, therapeutic study.