bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Divergent natural selection alters male sperm competition success in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Dobler Ralph , Charette Marc , Kaplan Katrin , Turnell Biz R. , Reinhardt Klaus
Published: February 2022

Sexually selected traits may also be subject to non‐sexual selection. If optimal trait values depend on environmental conditions, then “narrow sense” (i.e., non‐sexual) natural selection can lead to local adaptation, with fitness in a certain environment being highest among individuals selected under that environment. Such adaptation can, in turn, drive ecological speciation via sexual selection. To date, most research on the effect of narrow‐sense natural selection on sexually selected traits has focused on precopulatory measures like mating success. However, postcopulatory traits, such as sperm function, can also be under non‐sexual selection, and have the potential to contribute to population divergence between different environments. Here, we investigate the effects of narrow‐sense natural selection on male postcopulatory success in Drosophila melanogaster. We chose two extreme environments, low oxygen (10%, hypoxic) or high CO2 (5%, hypercapnic) to detect small effects. We measured the sperm defensive (P1) and offensive (P2) capabilities of selected and control males in the corresponding selection environment and under control conditions. Overall, selection under hypoxia decreased both P1 and P2, while selection under hypercapnia had no effect. Surprisingly, P1 for both selected and control males was higher under both ambient hypoxia and ambient hypercapnia, compared to control conditions, while P2 was lower under hypoxia. We found limited evidence for local adaptation: the positive environmental effect of hypoxia on P1 was greater in hypoxia‐selected males than in controls. We discuss the implications of our findings for the evolution of postcopulatory traits in response to non‐sexual and sexual selection.
Disturbance reduces fungal white‐rot litter mat cover in a wet subtropical forest
Authors: Lodge D. Jean , Van Beusekom Ashley E. , González Grizelle , Sánchez‐Julia Mareli , Stankavich Sarah
Published: February 2022

Fungi that bind leaf litter into mats and produce white‐rot via degradation of lignin and other aromatic compounds influence forest nutrient cycling and soil fertility. Extent of white‐rot litter mats formed by basidiomycete fungi in Puerto Rico decreased in response to disturbances—a simulated hurricane treatment executed by canopy trimming and debris addition in 2014, a drought in 2015, a treefall, and two hurricanes 10 days apart in September 2017. Percent fungal litter mat cover ranged from 0.4% after Hurricanes Irma and Maria to a high of 53% in forest with undisturbed canopy prior to the 2017 hurricanes, with means mostly between 10% and 45% of fungal litter mat cover in undisturbed forest. Drought decreased litter mat cover in both treatments, except in one control plot dominated by a drought‐resistant fungus, Marasmius crinis‐equi. Percent fungal litter mat cover sharply declined after hurricanes, a treefall, and a simulated hurricane treatment. Solar radiation was significantly inversely correlated with relative humidity (RH) and percent litter mat cover within each of the four climatic seasons. Solar radiation was also directly correlated with prior month litterfall, while RH was moderately correlated with throughfall, rain, and litter wetness. However, rainfall was inversely correlated with litter mat cover, possibly due to erosion or saturation during high rainfall events. Canopy opening reduced leaf fall and litter mat cover but these variables were not correlated except in winter. The main factor inhibiting basidiomycete fungi that bind leaf litter into mats was likely lower litter moisture associated with drought and increased solar radiation from canopy opening but secondary compounds in green litterfall may have contributed. Although higher litterfall likely increases fungal mat cover under closed canopy, changes in environmental factors apparently had a stronger inhibitory effect following canopy disturbances. Drought tolerance of some basidiomycete fungal litter mat species provided some resilience to drought.
Gradient of microbial communities around seagrass roots was mediated by sediment grain size
Authors: Zhang Xia , Liu Songlin , Jiang Zhijian , Wu Yunchao , Huang Xiaoping
Published: February 2022

Although research on plant rhizosphere is extensive, studies focusing on rhizoplane, rhizosphere, and outer rhizosphere of seagrass remain rare. Here, we present a detailed characterization across root‐associated microbiomes of the seagrass Enhalus acoroides at two locations (Xincun Bay and Li'an Harbor in Hainan, South China) with different sediment properties. The metabolic activity and composition of microbial communities within the rhizoplane (R), rhizosphere (SR), and outer rhizosphere (OR) compartments were compared using the Biolog‐Eco method and high‐throughput sequencing, respectively. These results showed R sediment had the highest metabolic ability in utilizing carbon substrates, followed by SR and OR in both locations, which indicated higher or more diverse carbon resources in sediment in proximity to the roots. With respect to bacterial diversity, our study showed that the OR region supported the highest biodiversity (α indices), followed by SR and R communities, which revealed the strongest selective effect of rhizoplane niche. With respect to community composition, three root‐associated communities at Xincun Bay were characterized by a decreasing trend in relative abundance of Sulfurovum and Sulfurimonas (sulfide oxidizers belonging to Episilonproteobacteria) from R to OR, which revealed their better adaption to lower oxygen concentrations and lower available carbon conditions. Vibrio and Photobacterium assigned to Gammaproteobacteria were highly enriched in rhizoplane compared with SR and OR at Li'an Harbor, which may play an important role in nutrient cycling around the seagrass roots. On the other hand, the gradient of bacterial community structure and metabolic capability created by seagrass roots was more obvious at Li'an Harbor than that at Xincun Bay, which may be related to sediment grain size.
Environmental DNA detection and abundance estimates comparable to conventional methods for three freshwater larval species at a power plant discharge
Authors: Bradley Douglas L. , Morey Kevin C. , Bourque Danielle A. , Fost Brooks , Loeza‐Quintana Tzitziki , Hanner Robert H.
Published: February 2022

Early life stage (ELS) fishes provide a valuable metric for species, population, and ecosystem monitoring. Industrial, manufacturing, and power generating facilities in the United States can be required to monitor ELS fishes to assess impacts of facility intake waters. Traditional methods for collecting, identifying, and enumerating ELS fishes include ichthyoplankton netting and pumping from intake and discharge waters. However, sampling at these sites can prove challenging from logistical and safety standpoints, with added challenges of identifying and post‐processing of ELS fishes to quantify facility impacts on waterbodies for regulatory purposes. Methods utilizing environmental DNA (eDNA) may offer improvements in these areas. This study assessed the utility of novel, species‐specific qPCR assays to detect eDNA from three differentially abundant fish species (alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus; Wilson, 1811), gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum; Lesueur, 1818), and yellow perch (Perca flavescens; Mitchill, 1814)) at the outflow of an industrial site. eDNA concentrations were compared with abundance estimates derived from two conventional collection methods to explore the potential utility of eDNA‐based methods in future monitoring. The likelihood of detecting gizzard shad, yellow perch, and alewife in the discharge waters of the power generation station was not significantly different among eDNA, plankton netting, or pump sampling. Results suggest successful detections differ by species and time of year for each method. Gizzard shad eDNA relative abundance correlated strongly with total larval abundances captured by the pumping but not the netting methods, whereas yellow perch eDNA abundance was found to correlate with both conventional methods. Alewife was not detected by any method, consistent with documentation of the decline in this species within the lake. Overall, our study found a positive relationship between eDNA abundance and larval fish abundance in both daily and seasonal sampling, suggesting that fluctuations in eDNA concentration may be linked to larval abundance.
First Report for the Electrooxidation of Antifungal Anidulafungin: Application to its Voltammetric Determination in Parenteral Lyophilized Formulation Using a Boron‐doped Diamond Electrode in the Presence of Anionic Surfactant
Authors: Özok Hande İzem , Allahverdiyeva Shabnam , Yardım Yavuz , Şentürk Zühre
Published: February 2022

In this paper, for the first time, the study of electrochemical oxidation and electroanalytical determination of anidulafungin (ANF), a semi‐synthetic echinocandin with antifungal activity was conducted. For this purpose, a commercially available boron‐doped diamond (BDD) electrode pretreated electrochemically (anodic and subsequent cathodic) was used. Employing cyclic voltammetry, the compound presented a single and irreversible oxidation step. The electrode process is controlled by a dual mechanism of diffusion and adsorption. A systematic study of various experimental conditions, such as the effect of electrode pretreatment, pH and the nature of the supporting electrolyte, surfactant, accumulation variables, and instrumental parameters on the adsorption behavior of ANF, was carried out by using square‐wave voltammetry. When the stripping mode (after 90 s accumulation at +0.3 V) was applied in 0.1 mol L−1 HNO3 containing 3×10−4 mol L−1 SDS, there was a linear dependence between the oxidation peak current at +1.29 V and the ANF concentration in the range from 0.1 to 10.0 μg mL−1 (8.8×10−8–8.8×10−6 mol L−1). The limit of detection value was found to be 0.021 μg mL−1 (1.8×10−8 mol L−1). Practical applicability of the proposed method was demonstrated in commercial parenteral dosage form.
Evaluating a motivational and psycho‐educational self‐help intervention for athletes with mild eating disorder symptoms: A mixed methods feasibility study
Authors: Sandgren Sebastian S. , Haycraft Emma , Arcelus Jon , Plateau Carolyn R.
Published: February 2022

Objective

The primary aim was to assess the feasibility of undertaking a study evaluating the novel Motivational and Psycho‐Educational Self‐Help Programme for Athletes with Mild Eating Disorder Symptoms (MOPED‐A). A mixed‐methods approach was adopted to explore the feasibility of recruiting and retaining participants, and to evaluate the acceptability of measures, procedures and the intervention. A secondary aim was to explore the potential efficacy of MOPED‐A in reducing athletes' eating disorder symptoms.

Method

Thirty‐five athletes were recruited. Participation involved completing MOPED‐A over a 6‐week period and completing self‐report measures at baseline (T1), post‐intervention (T2) and 4‐week follow‐up (T3). A subsample (n = 15) completed an interview at T2.

Results

Retention was good throughout the study (n = 28; 80%). Quantitative and qualitative feedback suggested the format, delivery, content and dosage of MOPED‐A were acceptable. Athletes valued that the intervention was tailored to them, and this facilitated both participation and completion. Over a third of participants reported disclosing their eating difficulties and deciding to seek further support. Large reductions in eating disorder symptoms were detected at T2 and sustained at T3.

Conclusions

The MOPED‐A intervention can be feasibly implemented, is acceptable to participants, and demonstrates potential for reducing symptoms in athletes. A larger, controlled trial is warranted.
Teenage motherhood in Africa: The epidemic in the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Molek Katherina , Bellizzi Saverio
Published: February 2022

Efforts are urgently needed to increase access to sexual education and contraception, which has been proven to be effective in other contexts during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
The implementation of a multi‐level reflective consultation model in a statewide infant & early childcare education professional development system: Evaluation of a pilot
Authors: Shea Sarah E. , Sipotz Kelly , McCormick Ashley , Paradis Nichole , Fox Brandy
Published: February 2022

The growth in professional development for the infant‐early childhood workforce has necessitated the implementation of novel, sustainable approaches to meet infant early childhood mental health (IECMH) training and reflective supervision consultation (RSC) needs. The 12‐month pilot of a US statewide reflective consultation (RC) group model included IECMH consultants, grant specialists, supervisors, and program managers (n = 38) and their group reflective consultants (n = 6). The pilot evaluation provided an opportunity to design a study that assessed the impact of RC on infant‐early childhood professionals. The mixed‐methods study included an assessment of consultees’ reflective practice skills and experience of their work. Findings included consultees’ self‐reported increased reflective practice self‐efficacy and increased use of reflective practice skills. While there were no changes in the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) personal accomplishment, emotional exhaustion, or depersonalization results, qualitative findings indicated a decrease in burnout and an increase in relationship‐based practice across professional roles. This unique pilot provides an example of an organizational approach to instituting RC with a broad spectrum of infant‐early childhood professionals and yields valuable information about the impacts of RC models on such professionals’ work experience and professional practice.
Irrigation and soil mulching can improve the quality of flower stems of gladiolus
Authors: Lima Elton Ferreira , Streck Nereu Augusto , Petry Mirta Teresinha , Martins Juliano Dalcin , Buffon Paola Ana , Netto Jainara Fresinghelli , Schwab Natalia Teixeira , Uhlmann Lilian Osmari , dos Santos Maurício Siqueira , da Silva Clarissa Moraes
Published: February 2022

Gladiolus is one of the most important bulbous flowers produced worldwide. The objective of this study was to evaluate the combined effect of irrigation and soil mulching on soil water conservation and its effect on gladiolus floral stem quality. Two field experiments were conducted with gladiolus at the Federal University of Santa Maria, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, during 2019 and 2020. The experimental design was a completely randomized three‐factor design, with two cultivars (Red Beauty and T704 in experiment 1 ‐ E1 and Red Beauty and Jester in experiment 2 ‐ E2), two cultivation systems (soil mulched with straw and bare soil) and two water regimes (irrigated and non‐irrigated) as treatments. When gladiolus plants reached the R2 stage (harvest point), total stem length, spike length, stem diameter and final number of florets were evaluated. Variables were subjected to analysis of variance and Tukey's test at 5% of error probability. Irrigation improved the quality of floral stems, with greater stem and spike length, greater diameter and number of florets per spike, thus resulting in stems with greater decorative value. The soil covered with straw did not influence the quality parameters of the floral stem of the gladiolus, the only observed difference between cultivars being the variable length of the spike.
Ternary complexes of vanadium(IV) and titanium(IV) of Schiff bases as primary ligand: Synthesis, spectral characterization, biomedical applications, and molecular docking withSARS‐CoV‐2 Mpro
Authors: Uddin Mohammad Nasir , Begum Sajeda , Akter Jebunnisa , Ahmed Sayeda Samina , Rahman Md. Saifur , Shumi Wahhida
Published: February 2022

Ternary complexes of vanadium(IV) and titanium(IV) containing macrocyclic chelate ring were synthesized from dibasic tetra‐dentate Schiff bases as primary (LH2) and succinic acid (SA) as secondary ligand. Their stable formation was confirmed on the basis of spectro‐analytical evidences and octahedral geometry has been proposed for mononuclear ternary complexes, [M(L)SA] (M = Ti4+, V4+). The proposed structure of the complexes has been optimized by quantum mechanical calculations. Some of the complexes have good antioxidant property and considerable inhibition capacity against selected pathogenic microorganisms. Molecular docking of a ligand against SARS‐CoV‐2 main protease (6 LU7) revealed binding affinity comparable to chloroquine used as standard. The ADMET analysis showed that it is noncarcinogenic and less toxic indicating as good candidate against SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.
Reference values of skeletal muscle area for diagnosis of sarcopenia using chest computed tomography in Asian general population
Authors: Moon Sung Woo , Lee Sang Hoon , Woo Ala , Leem Ah Young , Lee Su Hwan , Chung Kyung Soo , Kim Eun Young , Jung Ji Ye , Kang Young Ae , Park Moo Suk , Kim Young Sam , Kim Chang Oh , Kim Song Yee
Published: February 2022

Background

Diagnostic cutoff points for sarcopenia in chest computed tomography (CT) have not been established although CT is widely used for investigating skeletal muscles. This study aimed to determine reference values for sarcopenia of thoracic skeletal muscles acquired from chest CT scans and to analyse variables related to sarcopenia using the cutoff values determined in a general Asian population.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed chest CT scans of 4470 participants (mean age 54.8 ± 9.9 years, 65.8% male) performed at a check‐up centre in South Korea (January 2016–August 2017). To determine cutoffs, 335 participants aged 19–39 years (mean age 35.2 ± 3.6 years, 75.2% male) were selected as the healthy and younger reference group, and 4135 participants aged ≥40 years (mean age 56.4 ± 8.4 years, 65.1% male) were selected as the study group. We measured the following: cross‐sectional area (CSA) of the pectoralis, intercostalis, paraspinal, serratus, and latissimus muscles at the 4th vertebral region (T4CSA); T4CSA divided by height2 (T4MI); pectoralis muscle area (PMCSA); and PMCSA divided by height2 (PMI) at the 4th vertebral region. Sarcopenia cutoff was defined as sex‐specific values of less than −2 SD below the mean from the reference group.

Results

In the reference group, T4CSA, T4MI, PMCSA, and PMI cutoffs for sarcopenia were 100.06cm2, 33.69cm2/m2, 29.00cm2, and 10.17cm2/m2 in male, and 66.93cm2, 26.01cm2/m2, 18.29cm2, and 7.31cm2/m2 in female, respectively. The prevalence of sarcopenia in the study group measured with T4CSA, T4MI, PMCSA and PMI cutoffs were 11.4%, 8.7%, 8.5%, and 10.1%, respectively. Correlations were observed between appendicular skeletal mass divided by height2 measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and T4CSA (r = 0.82; P < 0.001)/T4MI (r = 0.68; P < 0.001), and ASM/height2 measured by BIA and PMCSA (r = 0.72; P < 0.001)/PMI (r = 0.63; P < 0.001). In the multivariate logistic regression models, sarcopenia defined by T4CSA/T4MI were related to age [odds ratio (95% confidence interval), P‐values: 1.09 (1.07–1.11), <0.001/1.05 (1.04–1.07), <0.001] and diabetes [1.60 (1.14–2.25), 0.007/1.47 (1.01–2.14), 0.043]. Sarcopenia defined by PMCSA/PMI were related to age [1.09 (1.08–1.10), <0.001/1.05 (1.03–1.06), <0.001], male sex [0.23 (0.18–0.30), <0.001/0.47 (0.32–0.71), <0.001], diabetes [2.30 (1.73–3.05), <0.001/1.63 (1.15–2.32), 0.007], history of cancer [2.51 (1.78–3.55), <0.001/1.61 (1.04–2.48), 0.033], and sufficient physical activity [0.67 (0.50–0.89), 0.007/0.74 (0.56–0.99), 0.042].

Conclusions

The reference cutoff values of a general population reported here will enable sex‐specific standardization of thoracic muscle mass quantification and sarcopenia assessment.
Optical mapping of the Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melongenae genome
Authors: Ates Duygu , Altinok Hacer H. , Tanyolac Muhammed Bahattin
Published: February 2022

Optical mapping approaches are widely preferred and applied in different branches of genomic studies because of their accuracy, low cost, and high efficiency. In the current study, a sequence orientation of the Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melongenae (FOMG) genome that is deposited in GenBank National Center for Biotechnology Information under accession number MPIL00000000 was used as the reference genome, which we checked with Bionano Genomics optical mapping approaches. The optical mapping produced 103 contigs, the longest of which was 3.05 Mb. The N50 value of optical map contigs is 0.85 Mb. The sequences of the FOMG reference genome and optical map mainly match each other. Results obtained in the current study indicate that optical mapping can be used to construct complete and gapless assemblies of the FOMG genome. It also can be applied to validate a previous genome assembly.
Docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid levels are correlated in human milk: Implications for new European infant formula regulations
Authors: Hopperton Kathryn E. , Pitino Michael A. , Walton Kathryn , Kiss Alex , Unger Sharon L. , O'Connor Deborah L. , Bazinet Richard P.
Published: February 2022

From February 2022, all infant formula sold in the European Union must contain docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) at ~0.33%–1.14% of total fat with no minimum requirement for arachidonic acid (ARA). This work examines the association between DHA and ARA levels in human milk, the gold standard for infant feeding. Human milk (n = 470) was collected over 12‐weeks postpartum from lactating mothers (n = 100) of infants born weighing <1250 g (NCT02137473). Fatty acids were analyzed by gas chromatography. ARA and DHA concentrations were associated in human milk (β = 0.47 [95% confidence interval 0.38–0.56] mol%), including transitional and mature milk, but not colostrum. This remained significant upon adjustment for percentages of other saturated, monounsaturated, n‐3, or n‐6 fatty acids, day of sample collection, or maternal characteristics (body mass index, ethnicity, education, and income). Infant formulas containing relatively high concentrations of DHA without ARA, as permitted by the new regulations, would not reflect the balance of these fatty acids in human milk.
High energy, double pass helium plasma dermal resurfacing: A prospective, multicenter, single‐arm clinical study
Authors: Holcomb J. David , Doolabh Vaishali , Lin Michael , Zimmerman Edward
Published: February 2022

Background

A previous multi‐center clinical study of low energy (20% power), single‐pass helium plasma dermal resurfacing (HPDR) showed positive results but did not fully reveal the true potential of this novel technology. A second multi‐center clinical study, reported herein, was therefore undertaken to evaluate efficacy and safety of high energy (40%), double pass HPDR for treatment of facial rhytids (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04185909).

Methods

Fifty‐five eligible subjects seeking improvement in facial rhytids were enrolled for study at one of four investigational sites. All subjects underwent full‐face HPDR treatment. The forehead, nose, cheeks, and peri‐oral treatment zones were treated at 40% power with two passes whereas the peri‐orbital and jawline/mandibular zones were treated at 20% power (up to 40% for jawline/mandibular zone) and one or two passes. Photographic images of the face were captured using the VISIA‐CR system. Three‐month posttreatment Fitzpatrick Wrinkle and Elastosis Scale (FWS) scores were compared to baseline scores as determined by blinded independent photographic reviewers (IPRs) and study investigators.

Results

Blinded IPRs and study investigators observed a ≥1‐point FWS improvement in 100% of subjects with mean change in IPR FWS from baseline to the 90‐day visit of −3.6 (±1.2). 96.4% of subjects indicated “improvement” in appearance at the 90‐day visit utilizing the modified Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale. Evaluation of VISIA‐CR data revealed statistically significant improvements in wrinkles, brown spots, and pore counts. Overall, 269 Adverse Events in 55 subjects were reported; most were mild‐moderate in severity (99.3%), anticipated (86.2%), and of relatively short duration with most having resolved within 30 days (60.6%) of treatment.

Conclusion

Treatment of facial rhytids with high energy, double pass HPDR as detailed herein enables a marked improvement in FWS that parallels or surpasses competing technologies. VISIA‐CR analysis demonstrates additional improvements in skin quality with statistically significant quantitative improvements in brown spots and enlarged pores as well as wrinkles. Effective rhytid effacement combines with high subject satisfaction and few unanticipated adverse events for a reasonable benefit‐risk ratio.
Quantum B‐modules
Authors: Zhang Xia , Rump Wolfgang
Published: February 2022

Quantum B‐algebras are partially ordered algebras characterizing the residuated structure of a quantale. Examples arise in algebraic logic, non‐commutative arithmetic, and quantum theory. A quantum B‐algebra with trivial partial order is equivalent to a group. The paper introduces a corresponding analogue of quantale modules. It is proved that every quantum B‐module admits an injective envelope which is a quantale module. The injective envelope is constructed explicitly as a completion, a multi‐poset version of the completion of Dedekind and MacNeille.
Genetic testing users in Italy and Germany: Health orientation, health‐related habits, and psychological profile
Authors: Ongaro Giulia , Brivio Eleonora , Cincidda Clizia , Oliveri Serena , Spinella Francesca , Steinberger Daniela , Cutica Ilaria , Gorini Alessandra , Pravettoni Gabriella
Published: February 2022

Background

Rapid advances in genomic knowledge and widespread access to the web contributed to the development of genetic services by private companies or medical laboratories. In the European landscape, though, there is not a single coherent regulatory approach to genetic testing (GT). The study aimed to investigate differences and similarities between two populations of GT users, Italians and Germans, in terms of health‐related behaviors, psychological characteristics, and attitudes toward genetic information.

Methods

Ninety‐nine Italian GT users from one private genetic company and 64 Germans GT users from one medical laboratory, completed an ad hoc self‐administered questionnaire.

Results

Results showed significant differences in health‐related behaviors (unhealthy eating behaviors, smoking behaviors, and frequency in medical check‐ups), with Germans reporting higher levels of unhealthy eating habits and smoking behaviors than Italians; Italian users also were more medically controlled. Furthermore, German participants were less willing to change their lifestyle following the GT results compared to Italian participants. Regarding psychological variables, German users felt more confident about their physical well‐being and they seemed more motivated than Italians to avoid becoming unhealthy. Finally, two samples differed in the way they accessed genetic testing (with the Italians guided predominately by a physician in contrast with the Germans who were recommended by friends) and managed genetic testing results (with Italian participants significantly more willing to share results with doctors than German participants, who preferred sharing with the family).

Conclusion

The analysis of cultural and organizational differences could help in defining adequate guidelines for counseling, and provide inputs for regulators in different European contexts.
Thermomechanical performance of biodegradable poly (lactic acid)/carbonaceous hybrid nanocomposites: Comparative study
Authors: Charitos Ilias , Klonos Panagiotis A. , Kyritsis Apostolos , Koralli Panagiota , Kontos Athanassios G. , Kontou Evagelia
Published: February 2022

In the present research, a series of hybrid nanocomposites based on polylactic acid (PLA) matrix and mixtures of graphene oxide (GO) with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) or carbon nanofibers (CNFs), at various loadings, were prepared and experimentally studied. Several experimental techniques were employed to analyze the morphology and the thermomechanical performance of the materials, as well as the dielectric properties. The related experimental data support the conclusion that a synergistic effect is exhibited by the PLA/GO/CNT nanocomposites. This effect was verified by the higher mechanical enhancement, the higher crystallinity and the development of conductive paths into the bulk matrix.
High antibacterial activity of new eco‐friendly and biocompatible polyurethane nanocomposites based on Fe3O4/Ag and starch moieties
Authors: Kamali Farinaz , Faghihi Khalil , Mirhoseini Farid
Published: February 2022

Control of microbial infections is one of the growing concerns in modern societies due to the increasing presence and risk of pathogenic bacterial spread. Therefore, there is a strong demand to design new antibacterial agents to overcome these problems. The aim of this study is the preparation of a new series of biocompatible starch‐based polyurethane (PU) nanocomposites with a unique combination of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). In order to perform the study, first, a new synthetic diisocyanate was synthesized by a three‐step reaction and grafted into bis(2‐hydroxyethyl terephthalate) (BHET) and starch as a covering agent of MNPs containing different amounts of AgNPs. Afterward, the diisocyanate containing two active isocyanate moieties was reacted with hydroxyl groups of BHET and starch to form stable urethane linkages. Subsequently, the antibacterial activity of the pure synthetic PU and the produced nanocomposites were investigated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus as Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive microorganism models, respectively. The obtained results exhibited that the nanocomposites have a synergistic effect on the antibacterial activity, which decreased with increasing of the Ag content. Such results may be related to the AgNPs agglomeration in the nanocomposite.
Thermal Behaviour and Kinetic Parameters of Ternary Mg+SrO2+DNAN Pyrotechnic Compositions
Authors: Rosères Charles , Courty Léo , Gillard Philippe , Boulnois Christophe
Published: February 2022

Thermal analyses of raw components are necessary to understand the behavior of pyrotechnic compositions they are incorporated in. Ternary compositions containing strontium peroxide, magnesium, and 2,4‐dinitroanisole (DNAN) are studied thermally using TGA and DSC. Activation energies are given for the components using three different methods. Thermal behavior of strontium peroxide is focused on as little scientific literature exists about it: heat capacity is measured, and a thermal evolution model is given. Effects of magnesium particles size are also studied. The results obtained show that the presence of DNAN decreases activation energies of all reactions within the ternary compositions. Decreasing magnesium granulometry only decreases the activation energy of magnesium oxidation, but does not play a role in other reactions.
Healthcare costs and mortality associated with serious fluoroquinolone‐related adverse reactions
Authors: Kuula Laura S.M. , Backman Janne T. , Blom Marja L.
Published: February 2022

The aim of this study was to estimate healthcare costs and mortality associated with serious fluoroquinolone‐related adverse reactions in Finland from 2008 to 2019. Serious adverse reaction types were identified from the Finnish Pharmaceutical Insurance Pool’s pharmaceutical injury claims and the Finnish Medicines Agency’s Adverse Reaction Register. A decision tree model was built to predict costs and mortality associated with serious adverse drug reactions (ADR). Severe clostridioides difficile infections, severe cutaneous adverse reactions, tendon ruptures, aortic ruptures, and liver injuries were included as serious adverse drug reactions in the model. Direct healthcare costs of a serious ADR were based on the number of reimbursed fluoroquinolone prescriptions from the Social Insurance Institution of Finland’s database. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to address parameter uncertainty. A total of 1 831 537 fluoroquinolone prescriptions were filled between 2008 and 2019 in Finland, with prescription numbers declining 40% in recent years. Serious ADRs associated with fluoroquinolones lead to estimated direct healthcare costs of 501 938 402 €, including 11 405 ADRs and 3,884 deaths between 2008 and 2019. The average mortality risk associated with the use of fluoroquinolones was 0.21%. Severe clostridioides difficile infections were the most frequent, fatal, and costly serious ADRs associated with the use of fluoroquinolones. Although fluoroquinolones continue to be generally well‐tolerated antimicrobials, serious adverse reactions cause long‐term impairment to patients and high healthcare costs. Therefore, the risks and benefits should be weighed carefully in antibiotic prescription policies, as well as with individual patients.
Targeting coat protein II complex genes via RNA interference inhibits female adult feeding and reproductive development in the cabbage beetle Colaphellus bowringi
Authors: Tian Zhong , Guo Shuang , Zhu Fen , Liu Wen , Wang Xiao‐Ping
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

The cabbage beetle Colaphellus bowringi is a highly destructive cruciferous vegetable pest in Asia. This beetle is predominantly controlled by synthetic chemical pesticides, which leave pesticide residues on food and constitute a major hidden danger to human health. Based on preliminary research, we hypothesized that the coat protein II (COPII) complex, a primary coated vesicle that exports cargo molecules from the endoplasmic reticulum, is a promising novel target for the control of Colaphellus bowringi.

RESULTS

This study investigated whether disrupting COPII using RNA interference (RNAi) affects the growth and development of Colaphellus bowringi adults. The results showed that five COPII assembly genes, Sar1, Sec23, Sec24, Sec13, and Sec31, were uniformly expressed in multiple tissues of adult female Colaphellus bowringi. Injecting double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) against each gene induced a high RNAi efficiency by approximately 55–99%, and considerably inhibited yolk deposition and ovarian growth. Moreover, knockdown of Sar1, Sec23 and Sec24 suppressed feeding and increased mortality to 26.67%, 46.67%, and 42.22%, respectively. This was partially due to the down‐regulation of insulin/mTOR‐associated nutritional pathways. The results indicate that silencing any of the five genes responsible for COPII complex assembly represses Juvenile hormone and ecdysone signaling pathways, suggesting that vesicle transport plays a vital role in the endocrine regulation of Colaphellus bowringi females.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that the COPII complex could be a promising RNAi target for the management of Colaphellus bowringi, which would reduce our dependence on chemical pesticides for pest control. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Physicomechanical, thermal and dielectric properties of eco‐friendly starch‐microcrystalline cellulose‐clay nanocomposite films for food packaging and electrical applications
Authors: Gürler Nedim , Torğut Gülben
Published: February 2022

Potato starch (PS) films reinforced with microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) were prepared with casting solution, and the effect of montmorillonite (MMT) clay in different proportions (1, 3, 5 and 10 wt%) using nanofiller was established. The films were investigated by Fourier transform ınfrared (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), tensile strength, opacity, colour, water vapour permeability and solubility. Tensile strength for nanocomposite films depending on the clay content was increased significantly from 0.64 to 1.89 MPa. The water vapour permeability of nanocomposite films was improved compared to the PSMCC blend without MMT. Also, dielectric properties and electrical conductivity of films were studied. The dielectric permittivity (έ), the dielectric loss (ε˝) and the electrical conductivity (σ) increased with increasing MMT content at frequencies between 100 Hz to 10 kHz. This nanocomposite with improved functional properties could be used in potential food packaging materials and electrical applications.
Retinal vessel changes in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: DuPont Mariana , Lambert Savanna , Rodriguez‐Martin Antonio , Hernandez Okaeri , Lagatuz Mark , Yilmaz Taygan , Foderaro Andrew , Baird Grayson L. , Parsons‐Wingerter Patricia , Lahm Tim , Grant Maria B. , Ventetuolo Corey E.
Published: February 2022

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is classically considered an isolated small vessel vasculopathy of the lungs with peripheral pulmonary vascular obliteration. Systemic manifestations of PAH are increasingly acknowledged, but data remain limited. We hypothesized that retinal vascular changes occur in PAH. PAH subjects underwent retinal fluorescein angiography (FA) and routine disease severity measures were collected from the medical record. FA studies were analyzed using VESsel GENerational Analysis (VESGEN), a noninvasive, user‐interactive computer software that assigns branching generation to large and small vessels. FAs from controls (n = 8) and PAH subjects (n = 9) were compared. The tortuosity of retinal arteries was higher in PAH subjects compared to unmatched controls (1.17, 95% confidence interval: [1.14, 1.20] in PAH vs. 1.13, 95% CI: [1.12, 1.14] in controls, p = 0.01). Venous tortuosity was higher and more variable in PAH (1.17, 95% CI: [1.14, 1.20]) compared to controls (1.13, 95% CI: [1.12, 1.15]), p = 0.02. PAH subjects without connective tissue disease had the highest degree of retinal tortuosity relative to controls (arterial, p = 0.01; venous, p = 0.03). Younger PAH subjects had greater retinal arterial tortuosity, which attenuated with age and was not observed in controls. Retinal vascular parameters correlated with some clinical measures of disease in PAH subjects. In conclusion, PAH subjects exhibit higher retinal vascular tortuosity. Retinal vascular changes may track with pulmonary vascular disease progression. Use of FA and VESGEN may facilitate early, noninvasive detection of PAH.
Scalable reverse‐engineering of gene regulatory networks from time‐course measurements
Authors: Montefusco Francesco , Procopio Anna , Bates Declan G. , Amato Francesco , Cosentino Carlo
Published: February 2022

Topological inference of biological interaction networks from experimental data is a fundamental research topic in the broad area of Systems Biology. Several algorithms presented in the literature have been devised in order to infer the topology of a network from time‐course data. The present work introduces a novel method for reverse‐engineering gene regulatory networks from time‐course experiments, which combines the instrumental variables technique for the identification of dynamical systems with a regularization strategy for dealing with over‐parametrized systems. Differently from least squares methods, the proposed approach can explicitly address the bias and nonconsistency issues that arise when dealing with time‐course measurements, thus yielding improved performance with respect to methods designed for steady‐state data. Moreover, the devised approach, which has been named RIVA (Reverse‐engineering of biological networks via Instrumental VAriables), can simultaneously exploit multiple time‐series, thus enabling one to get improved results by collecting and exploiting data from multiple experiments, and is computationally efficient, thus it can be also applied to large‐scale (in the order of thousands of nodes) networks. To analyze the applicability and effectiveness of RIVA, we performed several tests, both with simulated data and with experimental data, and compared the results against other state‐of‐the‐art inference methods designed for time‐series data.
Hypothesis test for causal mediation of time‐to‐event mediator and outcome
Authors: Huang Yen‐Tsung
Published: February 2022

Hepatitis B has been a well‐documented risk factor of liver cancer and mortality. To what extent hepatitis B affects mortality through increasing liver cancer incidence is of research interest and remains to be studied. We formulate the research question as a hypothesis testing problem of causal mediation where both the mediator and the outcome are time‐to‐event variables. The problem is closely related to semicompeting risks because time to the intermediate event may be censored by an occurrence of the outcome. We propose two hypothesis testing methods: a weighted log‐rank test (WLR) and an intersection‐union test (IUT). A test statistic of the WLR is constructed by adapting a nonparametric estimator of the mediation effect; however, the test may be conservative regarding its Type I Error rate. To address this, we further propose the IUT, the test statistic of which is constructed under the composite null hypothesis. Asymptotic properties of the two tests are studied, showing that the IUT is a size test with better statistical power than the WLR. The theoretical properties are supported by extensive simulation studies under finite samples. Applying the proposed methods to the motivating hepatitis study, both WLR and IUT provided strong evidence that hepatitis B had a significant mediation effect on mortality via liver cancer incidence.
Dewetting‐Assisted Patterning of Organic Semiconductors for Micro‐OLED Arrays with a Pixel Size of 1 µm
Authors: Zhou Xiaojie , Cai Yichen , Xu Mingsheng , Li Jianping , Sheng Chenxu , Zhang Qiuyi , Qiu Xinxia , Wang Wenchong , Xiong Shisheng , Cong Chunxiao , Qiu Zhi‐Jun , Liu Ran , Hu Laigui
Published: February 2022

The emergence of near‐eye displays, such as head‐mounted displays, is triggering a requirement for highly enhanced display resolution. High‐resolution micro‐displays with micro‐organic light‐emitting diodes (micro‐OLEDs) can be a preferential candidate, owing to the mature industrialization of OLEDs along with the advantages of flexibility, light weight, and ease of processing. However, micro‐OLEDs with pixel sizes down to micrometers are difficult to be achieved using conventional techniques such as fine metal mask evaporation and lithography. Here, a solution‐processing approach to pattern organic semiconductors (OSCs) for micro‐OLED arrays with the assistance of templated dewetting is demonstrated. Solvents containing organic functional materials are dewetted on the surface with hydrophobic/hydrophilic patterns to form ordered droplet arrays using dip‐coating. Subsequently, patterned OSC films are produced by effectively controlling solvent evaporation. Micro‐OLED arrays with a pixel size down to 1 µm are successfully fabricated by further deposition of emitting/electron transport layers and top electrodes. This approach can open an avenue for low‐cost manufacturing of flexible and high‐resolution micro‐displays.
Deep learning and machine learning‐based prediction of capillary water absorption of hybrid fiber reinforced self‐compacting concrete
Authors: Kina Ceren , Turk Kazim , Tanyildizi Harun
Published: February 2022

Deep auto‐encoders and long short‐term memory methodology (LSTM) based on deep learning as well as support vector regression (SVR) and k‐nearest neighbors (kNN) based on machine learning models for the capillary water absorption prediction of self‐compacting concrete (SCC) with single and binary, ternary, and quaternary fiber hybridization were developed. A macro and two types of micro steel fibers having different aspect ratios, and PVA fiber were used. One hundred and sixty‐eight specimens produced from 24 mixtures were used in the prediction models. The input was the content of cement, fly ash, silica fume, fine and coarse aggregate, water, superplasticizer (SP), macro and micro steel fibers, PVA, time that the specimen was immersed in water, and splitting tensile strength. Water absorption was used as output. As per the ANOVA analysis of the experiment results, the most effective parameters were macro steel fiber and time for tensile strength and water absorption, respectively. Finally, binary hybridization of 1% macro steel fiber and PVA improved the splitting tensile strength while the use of PVA as binary, ternary, and quaternary fiber hybridization increased the water absorption of SCC specimens. The auto‐encoder, LSTM, SVR, and kNN models predicted the water absorption of fiber reinforced SCC with 99.99%, 99.80%, 94.57%, and 95.50% accuracy, respectively. The performance of deep autoencoder in the estimation of water absorption of fiber‐reinforced SCC was superior to the other prediction models.
Expansion of servitization in the energy sector and its implications
Authors: Park Chankook
Published: February 2022

The business model of as‐a‐service is rapidly spreading in the energy industry. This study aims to examine how servitization in the energy sector is progressing, what sectors are in the spotlight, and what their implications are. By understanding the servitization aspect of the energy sector, it is possible to gauge the direction of change in the energy industry. This study has reviewed various as‐a‐service types in the energy sector through new articles analytics. For a total of 6 years from 2015 to 2020, news articles containing keywords related to the energy industry and the term “as a service” were extracted from Google News using the R package. As a result, well‐known as‐a‐service models such as software‐as‐a‐service and platform‐as‐a‐service are being emphasized in the energy sector. Also, new types of services such as zero‐carbon‐as‐a‐service and resilience‐as‐a‐service have been emerging recently. With the spread of as‐a‐service, the value chain structure of the energy industry is expected to shift towards various types of services and platforms. Servitization, represented by as‐a‐service, is becoming a trend in the energy industry, and policy and regulatory support to foster the data industry and expand opportunities to demonstrate innovative technologies and services is required.

This article is categorized under:

Policy and Economics > Governance and Regulation

Policy and Economics > Research and Development
A Narrative Approach to Exploring Values in Organisations
Authors: Espedal Gry , Synnes Oddgeir
Published: February 2022

Values are often part of tacit and taken-for-granted knowledge in organisations. As such, investigating values as part of organisations and their members’ work on values can be difficult. In this chapter, we suggest a narrative approach to exploring values and values work. A narrative approach can be used to gain in-depth information on organisational activities, identity, sense-making and change. The analytical approaches of narrative research are not standardised and are instead dependent on the narratives involved and the content, aim and structure of the narratives. An organisational study is provided as an illustrative case to identify sacred stories as a form of values work manifested in creative acts of storytelling in everyday practice.
Observation and Shadowing: Two Methods to Research Values and Values Work in Organisations and Leadership
Authors: Sirris Stephen , Lindheim Tone , Askeland Harald
Published: February 2022

The aim of this chapter is to provide insights into how participant observation and shadowing, which are relevant methods for studying practices, can be used for collecting data in studies on values work, which refers to examining values in action. Our review of important observational studies in the domain of organisation and leadership research shows how the growing interest in practice has paved way for such methods. We characterise and compare each method and illustrate with examples how such methodological studies can be undertaken. With the help of these examples and considerations, we discuss the contributions and implications of using participant observation and shadowing when researching values. Importantly, these methods offer insights into the core dimensions of values practices by means of granulated in situ and in vivo data.