bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complete mitochondrial genomes of three skippers in the tribe Aeromachini (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae: Hesperiinae) and their phylogenetic implications
Authors: Hao Xiangyu , Liu Jiaqi , Chiba Hideyuki , Xiao Jintian , Yuan Xiangqun
Published: May 2021

The mitochondrial genome is now widely used in the study of phylogenetics and molecular evolution due to its maternal inheritance, fast evolutionary rate, and highly conserved gene content. To explore the phylogenetic relationships of the tribe Aeromachini within the subfamily Hesperiinae at the mitochondrial genomic level, we sequenced and annotated the complete mitogenomes of 3 skippers: Ampittia virgata, Halpe nephele, and Onryza maga (new mitogenomes for 2 genera) with a total length of 15,333 bp, 15,291 bp, and 15,381 bp, respectively. The mitogenomes all contain 13 protein‐coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNAs (tRNAs), 2 ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), and a noncoding A + T‐rich region and are consistent with other lepidopterans in gene order and type. In addition, we reconstructed the phylogenetic trees of Hesperiinae using maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) methods based on mitogenomic data. Results show that the tribe Aeromachini in this study robustly constitute a monophyletic group in the subfamily Hesperiinae, with the relationships Coeliadinae + (Euschemoninae + (Pyrginae + ((Eudaminae + Tagiadinae) + (Heteropterinae + ((Trapezitinae + Barcinae) + Hesperiinae))))). Moreover, our study supports the view that Apostictopterus fuliginosus and Barca bicolor should be placed out of the subfamily Hesperiinae.
Population ecology of the spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus) in the Apaporis River middle basin
Authors: Balaguera‐Reina Sergio A. , Vargas‐Castillo Alfredo , Densmore Llewellyn D.
Published: May 2021

Population ecology studies on spectacled caimans (Caiman crocodilus) in Colombia have been few and far between with many covering short periods and defining population parameters based on relative indices (i.e., individuals/km). This reflects a lack of information on the general effects that environmental variables have on annual cycles of population dynamics, as well as a bias in abundance estimations due to the uncertainty of detection error. Keeping this in mind, we assessed the abundance and demographic structure of the spectacled caiman population inhabiting the Apaporis River middle basin over a year, based on robust hierarchical model that accounts for imperfect detection. We recorded a total of 1156 caiman observations between December 2018 and November 2019, estimating an average predicted value for abundance across all surveys of 29.99 ± 13.17 individuals, slowly increasing as the transect length increases and increasing variation as months passed by. The average detection probability was 0.69 ± 0.25 across all surveys, with no apparent effect as water temperature and relative humidity change across space‐time and slowly decreasing as months go through. The population size estimated based on the top‐performing model was 1763 ± 786 caimans across ~7.1 km2 assessed. We estimate the commonly used relative abundance (encounter rate) index as well as a generalized linear model and discuss how those relate with the values predicted by N‐mixture models. We also discuss the relevance and cautions researchers should have when using N‐mixture models to better understand spectacled caiman ecology.
Reactivity Trends with Borylalkyl Copper(I) Species
Authors: Corro Macarena , Salvado Oriol , González Sara , Dominguez‐Molano Paula , Fernández Elena
Published: May 2021

The renaissance on the application of gem‐diborylalkanes from 2010, has allowed the conquest of new synthetic application towards C−C and C−N bond formation. The activation of gem‐diborylalkanes by Cu(I) catalysts, generates active borylalky copper(I) species that are able to trap several electrophilic reagents, in an efficient way. In addition, the modification of Cu(I) complexes with chiral ligands, induces asymmetric platforms towards the synthesis of enantioenriched organoboron compounds.
Phosphine‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Chiral N‐Heterocycles through (Asymmetric) P(III)/P(V) Redox Cycling
Authors: Lorton Charlotte , Saleh Nidal , Voituriez Arnaud
Published: May 2021

Phosphine‐catalyzed tandem Michael addition/intramolecular Wittig reactions have been developed for the synthesis of chiral 2,5‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrrole and tetrahydropyridine derivatives. These processes have been rendered catalytic in phosphine, thanks to the in situ reduction of phosphine oxide by phenylsilane. Furthermore, catalytic and asymmetric P(III)/P(V) processes were implemented using enantiopure chiral phosphines.
Total Synthesis of a Hypothetical Macroketone of Migrastatin
Authors: Choudhury Rahul , Reddy D. Srinivasa
Published: May 2021

Danishefsky's macroketone, a simplified analogue of natural product Migrastatin, is one of the lead compounds with potent cancer cell migration inhibition potential. Different biological assays suggest fascin protein as the potential target. Although it was indicated through X‐ray co‐crystallography where the concerned macroketone analogue was found to bind in the actin‐binding sites of fascin, there was a structural discrepancy, as the X‐ray co‐crystal structure suggested an E‐olefin along with inversion of methyl stereochemistry from that of Danishefsky's macroketone. Here, we have accomplished the total synthesis of the ‘hypothetical macroketone’ for the first time. The TiCl4 mediated vinylogous Mukaiyama aldol reaction is the key step in present synthesis.
Coupled structural and heat conduction FE analysis of laminated high damping rubber bearing
Authors: Miyamura Tomoshi , Ohsaki Makoto , Fujiwara Jun , Yamamoto Masashi
Published: May 2021

A framework for coupled structural and heat conduction finite element analysis is developed for laminated high damping rubber bearings (HDRBs), and coupled analyses are conducted for full‐scale tests of an HDRB using the shaking table at E‐Defense. An HDRB, which is used in base‐isolated buildings, is modeled using hexahedral solid elements. The high damping rubber is modeled as an overlaid viscohyperelastic and elastic‐plastic constitutive model. However, material parameters are identified using the results for the HDRB subjected to one‐directional loading, and temperature dependences of the parameters are taken into account by a simple method based on empirical formulae for the HDRB because no cyclic coupon test was conducted for the high damping rubber used in the full‐scale tests. The combined structural and heat conduction analyses are conducted for a number of loading cases. The same hexahedral mesh of the HDRB is used for both structural and heat conduction analyses. Analysis results are presented for a one‐directional cyclic loading test, two‐directional loading test with elliptical orbit, and earthquake loading test. The results obtained by the tests and those obtained by the coupled structural and heat conduction analyses are compared. The coupling effect of the mechanical and thermal behaviors is clearly shown in the analysis results, although reductions of the equivalent stiffness and damping are not large because the number of loading cycles in the present analyses is limited.
A new empirical method for obtaining horizontal site amplification factors with soil nonlinearity
Authors: Wang Ziqian , Nagashima Fumiaki , Kawase Hiroshi
Published: May 2021

Currently, the theoretical prediction of soil amplification considering nonlinear soil behaviors can be implemented through nonlinear analysis of soil layers in time domains. However, in such theoretical methods, we need detailed velocity information down to the seismological bedrock and nonlinear properties of sediments, which are challenging to obtain in a wider area for a scenario‐type seismic risk evaluation. Recently, using diffuse‐field theory, we found that the horizontal‐to‐vertical spectral ratio of Earthquake (EHVR) is the ratio of the S‐wave horizontal transfer function with respect to the P‐wave vertical transfer function with the vertical incidence from the seismological bedrock with a coefficient for HVRs at the bedrock. Therefore, if there is no significant nonlinearity in the P‐wave vertical transfer function during strong shaking, we can regard soil nonlinearity emerging on the EHVR as the nonlinearity of the S‐wave horizontal amplification. In this study, we tried to distinguish the difference between the EHVRs in the linear and nonlinear cases, quantify the difference, and utilize a creative empirical approach to acquire the S‐wave horizontal amplification factors with soil nonlinearity to improve the quality of strong motion prediction in the near field in the future.
Mutation load decreases with haplotype age in wild Soay sheep
Authors: Stoffel Martin A. , Johnston Susan E. , Pilkington Jill G. , Pemberton Josephine M.
Published: May 2021

Runs of homozygosity (ROH) are pervasive in diploid genomes and expose the effects of deleterious recessive mutations, but how exactly these regions contribute to variation in fitness remains unclear. Here, we combined empirical analyses and simulations to explore the deleterious effects of ROH with varying genetic map lengths in wild Soay sheep. Using a long-term dataset of 4879 individuals genotyped at 417K SNPs, we found that inbreeding depression increases with ROH length. A 1% genomic increase in long ROH (>12.5 cM) reduced the odds of first-year survival by 12.4% compared to only 7.7% for medium ROH (1.56–12.5 cM), whereas short ROH (<1.56 cM) had no effect on survival. We show by forward genetic simulations that this is predicted: compared to shorter ROH, long ROH will have higher densities of deleterious alleles, with larger average effects on fitness and lower population frequencies. Taken together, our results are consistent with the idea that the mutation load decreases in older haplotypes underlying shorter ROH, where purifying selection has had more time to purge deleterious mutations. Finally, our study demonstrates that strong inbreeding depression can persist despite ongoing purging in a historically small population.
Antagonistic pleiotropy and the evolution of extraordinary lifespans in eusocial organisms
Authors: Kreider Jan J. , Pen Ido , Kramer Boris H.
Published: May 2021

Queens of eusocial species live extraordinarily long compared to their workers. So far, it has been argued that these lifespan divergences are readily explained by the classical evolutionary theory of ageing. As workers predominantly perform risky tasks, such as foraging and nest defense, and queens stay in the well-protected nests, selection against harmful genetic mutations expressed in old age should be weaker in workers than in queens due to caste differences in extrinsic mortality risk, and thus, lead to the evolution of longer queen and shorter worker lifespans. However, these arguments have not been supported by formal models. Here, we present a model for the evolution of caste-specific ageing in social insects, based on Williams’ antagonistic pleiotropy theory of ageing. In individual-based simulations, we assume that mutations with antagonistic fitness effects can act within castes, that is, mutations in early life are accompanied by an antagonistic effect acting in later life, or between castes, where antagonistic effects emerge due to caste antagonism or indirect genetic effects between castes. In monogynous social insect species with sterile workers, large lifespan divergences between castes evolved under all different scenarios of antagonistic effects, but regardless of the degree of caste-specific extrinsic mortality. Mutations with antagonistic fitness effects within castes reduced lifespans of both castes, while mutations with between-caste antagonistic effects decreased worker lifespans more than queen lifespans, and consequently increased lifespan divergences. Our results challenge the central explanatory role of extrinsic mortality for caste-specific ageing in eusocial organisms and suggest that antagonistic pleiotropy affects castes differently due to reproductive monopolization by queens, hence, reproductive division of labor. Finally, these findings provide new insights into the evolution of tissue-specific ageing in multicellular organisms in general.
Development of a new intermediate‐scale box test on sandwich panel products compared with ISO 13784‐1 room test and EN 13501‐1 classification system
Authors: Yoshioka Hideki , Noguchi Takafumi , Kobayashi Kyoichi , Kanematsu Manabu , Ando Tatsuo , Pareek Sanjay , Hayakawa Tetsuya
Published: May 2021

With respect to the reaction to fire performance of sandwich panel products, in ISO/TC92/SC1/WG7 “Large and intermediate scale fire test methods,” ISO 13784‐1 “Reaction to fire test for sandwich panel building systems—Part 1: Small room test” is specified as a method of test for determining the reaction to fire behavior of sandwich panel building systems. On the other hand, according to EN 13501‐1 “Fire classification of construction products and building elements,” EN 13823 (SBI test) and EN ISO 11925‐2 (ignitability test) are used especially for evaluating the classes B, C, and D in the Euroclass system. The authors have developed a new intermediate‐scale box test for sandwich panel products, pertaining to the correlation with ISO 13784‐1 especially on the flashover occurrence, which was locally standardized as JIS A 1320:2017, and is now internationally being discussed as ISO/WD TS 23657 at ISO/TC92/SC1/WG7. In this paper, regarding five sandwich panel specimens, various fire tests were conducted according to ISO 13784‐1, EN 13501‐1, and ISO/WD TS 23657, and those results were compared with each other, indicating that ISO/WD TS 23657 has a good correlation with ISO 13784‐1 in terms of flashover, and that evaluation results based on ISO/WD TS 23657 could be similar to those based on EN 13501‐1. Furthermore, a new tentative classification system was proposed based on those limited experimental results conducted in this research.
The density paradox: Are densely‐populated regions more vulnerable to Covid‐19?
Authors: Moosa Imad A. , Khatatbeh Ibrahim N.
Published: May 2021

The “density paradox” refers to the observation that some highly populated cities and countries have recorded a smaller number of Covid‐19 cases than regions that are sparsely populated. We present empirical evidence on the role played by population density in spreading the coronavirus, based on cross‐sectional data covering 172 countries (obtained from several sources, including the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, the World Bank and the Center for Health Security). The results, obtained by using the techniques of extreme bounds analysis (EBA) and variable addition tests, show that population density has a significantly positive effect on the number of cases but not the number of deaths, as the latter is better explained by measures of preparedness. Plausible explanations are presented for the results to conclude that the “density paradox” is not really a paradox. This paper makes a contribution by shedding more light on a frequently debated issue by using a completely different, and more robust, statistical techniques and by providing results that may be helpful for health and urban planners.
UV filters used in sunscreens—A lack in current coral protection?
Authors: Pawlowski Sascha , Moeller Mareen , Miller Ingo B. , Kellermann Matthias Y. , Schupp Peter J. , Petersen-Thiery Mechtild
Published: May 2021

Ultraviolet (UV) filters used in sunscreens are among the anthropogenic substances that may enter the marine environment by both indirect (via wastewater) and direct pathways (leisure activities). Owing to the recent global decline in coral population, the impact of those UV filters on the coral health is currently under increased investigation. First results from scientists suggest that some of the filters may be toxic to various coral life stages, but an initial cross comparison with existing data from other freshwater organisms does not indicate that corals are specifically more susceptible to UV filters than other standard species. In fact, the available data leading to this conclusion is still vague and based on toxicity and bioaccumulation tests with corals, which are both still at the research stage. To facilitate a proper hazard assessment, robust experimental procedures for coral ecotoxicological studies are considered mandatory. In other words, additional steps should be taken to standardize and validate such new test systems to generate reliable results, which then can be used in regulatory decision making. Furthermore, to facilitate a more detailed and site-specific environmental risk assessment in the marine area, an application-based exposure scenario must be developed. Until these data and tools become available, environmental hazard and risk assessments may be carried out using existing data from freshwater organisms and existing tonnage-based exposure scenarios as a potential surrogate. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:926–939. © 2021 SETAC

KEY POINTS

UV filters are key ingredients in sunscreens, with a similar function but decidedly different in their physicochemical properties and environmental hazard profiles. Environmental risk assessments of UV filters are currently based on toxicity data from standard test organisms (i.e., algae, Daphnia, fish) and tonnage-based exposure scenarios, making it difficult to assess their impacts on corals. Results indicate that this approach could also safeguard corals, although uncertainty exists linked to data quality and scenarios used. Standardized coral toxicity tests and application-based exposure scenarios would certainly help to clarify existing uncertainties.
An approach for cancer classification using optimization driven deep learning
Authors: Devendran Menaga , Sathya Revathi
Published: May 2021

The normal and cancer cell tissues exhibit different gene expressions. Therefore, gene expression data are the effective source for cancer classification, in which the usage of the original gene expression data is challenging due to their high dimension and small size of the data samples. This article proposes a fractional biogeography‐based optimization‐based deep convolutional neural network (FBBO‐based deep CNN) for cancer classification. The developed FBBO is the integration of the fractional calculus (FC) in the biogeography‐based optimization (BBO), which aims at determining the optimal weights for tuning the deep CNN. Initially, the gene expression data is pre‐processed and subjected to dimensional reduction using the probabilistic principal component analysis (PPCA). The selected features are used for cancer classification enabling a high degree of robustness and accuracy. The experimental analysis using the Colon dataset and Leukemia dataset reveals that the proposed classifier acquired maximal accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, precision, and F‐Measure of 0.98.
Viral Affirmation as Pressure to Perform: Exploring the Role of Affect in Participatory Culture
Authors: Hagge Julia
Published: May 2021

As society becomes increasingly globalized and networked, online participatory cultures provide youth with experiences to foster dispositions and skills required to engage in virtual spaces. This 5‐year longitudinal case study explores the role of affect in the composition practices of an adolescent girl in Scratch, an online programming community. The author applies affect theory to examine why a successful member in a participatory culture would suddenly leave the space where she found success. Findings from this study inform understanding of the role of affect in participatory cultures, including a perceived need to perform. The author provides considerations for literacy educators to foster skills and dispositions necessary for students to engage in sustainable literacy practices in participatory cultures.
Are they ready yet?: A theory‐driven evaluation of suicide risk assessment trainings in psychology graduate programs
Authors: Monahan Maureen F. , Karver Marc S.
Published: May 2021

Objectives

The present study sought to understand the state of suicide risk assessment trainings in clinical psychology graduate programs.

Methods

We surveyed 167 clinical psychology doctoral students' behavioral competency in responding to suicidal clients and their attitudes, perceived behavioral control, subjective norms, and intentions related to suicide risk assessment. Hypotheses were tested using path analysis.

Results

Ninety six percent of participants reported receiving some type of suicide risk assessment training at their program. Results provided partial support for significant relationships between attitudes, perceived behavioral control, subjective norms, and intentions. Unexpectedly, amount of training in suicide risk assessments was not related to theory of planned behavior variables including behavioral competency.

Conclusion

These findings have implications regarding the effectiveness of current suicide risk assessment training practices and ways to improve trainings to help increase the number of clinical psychologists competent in suicide risk assessment and management.
How did the ancient bacterium, Helicobacter pylori, cause an epidemic of chronic duodenal ulceration?
Authors: Roberts‐Thomson Ian C
Published: May 2021

The association of Helicobacter pylori with chronic duodenal ulceration was a seminal observation in the short history of gastroenterology. However, H. pylori is now known to be an ancient bacterium, whereas there is persuasive evidence that the epidemic of duodenal ulceration began in the second half of the 19th century and continued into the second half of the 20th century. Possible explanations for the epidemic include genomic changes in the organism and environmental or other influences on the human host. While genomic changes resulted in the appearance of virulence factors, these seem likely to have appeared thousands of years ago with minimal effects on gastritis because of coexisting suppression of gastric immunity. In contrast, the emergence of duodenal ulceration is best explained by a change in the pattern of gastritis from inflammation involving the antrum and body in most individuals to a significant minority (10–20%) with antral gastritis but with relative sparing of the body of the stomach. In the latter group, the increase in serum gastrin (particularly G17) associated with antral gastritis had trophic effects on gastric parietal cells with an increase in the parietal cell mass and hypersecretion of gastric acid. Hypersecretion of acid is seen as the major risk factor for duodenal ulceration with significant contributions from environmental factors including smoking and use of nonsteroidal, anti‐inflammatory drugs. Host factors favoring changes in the pattern of gastritis include delayed acquisition of infection and improved nutrition; both with enhancing effects on mucosal immunity.
Altered Functional Connectivity of Hippocampal Subfields in Poststroke Dementia
Authors: Zhao Zhiyong , Cai Huaying , Huang Manli , Zheng Weihao , Liu Tingting , Sun Di , Han Guocan , Ni Linhui , Zhang Yi , Wu Dan
Published: May 2021

Background

The hippocampus (HP) plays a critical role in memory and orientational functions and is functionally heterogeneous along the longitudinal anterior–posterior axis. Although the previous study has reported volumetric atrophy in hippocampal subfields of patients with poststroke dementia (PSD), how the functional connectivity (FC) is altered in these subfields remains unclear.

Purpose

To examine the FC changes of the HP subfields in patients with PSD.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

Seventeen normal controls, 20 PSD, and 24 nondemented poststroke (PSND) patients.

Field Strength/Sequence

A 3.0 T/ T1‐weighted imaging, resting‐state functional and diffusion tensor imaging.

Assessment

We first segmented the HP using independent component analysis, and then used granger causality analysis to calculate the directed FCs (dFCs) between the subfields and the whole brain, and compared the dFCs among PSD, PSND, and controls.

Statistical Tests

Student's t‐test, chi‐square test, one‐way ANCOVA, multiple regression, support vector machine, multiple comparison correction, and reproducibility analysis. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Our results showed HP was functionally divided into HPhead, HPbody, and HPtail bilaterally along the longitudinal axis. PSD patients showed significant dementia‐specific decreases in the inward information flow and increases in the outward information flow associated with the bilateral entire HP/HPhead and left HPbody (P < 0.05). Moreover, we observed significant correlations (P < 0.05) between the cognition score and the dFCs related to the bilateral entire HP and left HPhead in the PSD group. Furthermore, dFCs of the HP and its subfields improved the classification between the PSD and PSND patients (accuracy/sensitivity/specificity: 94%/95%/93%) compared to the clinical and demographic parameters alone.

Data Conclusion

These findings suggest that altered transmission and reception of information in the HP. These alternations were specific to individual subfields in PSD patients and may offer insight into the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying PSD.

Evidence Level

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Optimal design for 1:2n demultiplexer using QCA nanotechnology with energy dissipation analysis
Authors: Sharma Vijay Kumar
Published: May 2021

Quantum‐dot cellular automata (QCA) is an emerging technology to design logic circuits at the nanoscale level. It has the potential to replace the complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology. In this paper, an optimal, single layered, single clocked 1:2 demultiplexer (DeMux) circuit is proposed using 19 QCA cells in QCA technology. Proposed 1:2 DeMux circuit is further utilized for designing of 1:4 DeMux and 1:8 DeMux circuits using 72 and 206 QCA cells respectively. DeMux is an important module at the receiver side in the communication system. The performance of the proposed DeMux circuits are checked and compared with the available similar designs using QCA Designer‐E. Proposed 1:2 DeMux decreases 79.17% layout cost and 50% clock latency as compared to the best reported work in the literature. Proposed 1:4 DeMux reduces 48.57% cells count and 40.63% total area while proposed 1:8 DeMux cuts 63.54% cells count and 64.54% total area as compared to best reported similar works in the literature. Energy dissipation pays an important role to design the energy efficient circuits at nanoscale level. Energy dissipations are estimated using QCA Designer‐E and QCA Pro tools. Proposed 1:2 DeMux saves 8.20% total energy dissipation as compared to the existing design.
Comparison of CMIP6 and CMIP5 models in simulating mean and extreme precipitation over East Africa
Authors: Ayugi Brian , Zhihong Jiang , Zhu Huanhuan , Ngoma Hamida , Babaousmail Hassen , Rizwan Karim , Dike Victor
Published: May 2021

This study examines the improvement in Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase Six (CMIP6) models against the predecessor CMIP5 in simulating mean and extreme precipitation over the East Africa region. The study compares the climatology of the precipitation indices simulated by the CMIP models with the CHIRPS data set using robust statistical techniques for 1981–2005. The results display the varying performance of the general circulation models (GCMs) in the simulation of annual and seasonal precipitation climatology over the study domain. CMIP6 multi‐model ensemble mean (hereafter MME) shows improved performance in the local annual mean cycle simulation with a better representation of the rainfall within the two peaks, especially the MAM rainfall relative to their predecessor. Moreover, simulation of extreme indices is well captured in CMIP6 models relative to CMIP5. The CMIP6‐MME performed better than the CMIP5‐MME with lesser biases in simulating Simple Daily Intensity Index (SDII), consecutive dry days (CDD), and very heavy precipitation days >20 mm (R20mm) over East Africa. Remarkably, most CMIP6 models are unable to simulate extremely wet days (R95p). Some CMIP6 models (e.g., NorESM2‐MM and CNRM‐CM6‐1) depict robust performance in reproducing the observed indices across all analyses. OND season shows wet biases for some indices (i.e., R95p, PRCPTOT), except for SDII, CDD, and R20mm in CMIP6 models. Consistent with other studies, the mean ensemble performance for both CMIP5/6 shows better performance as compared with individual models due to the cancellation of some systematic errors in the individual models. Generally, CMIP6 depicts improved performance in the simulation of MAM rainfall compared with CMIP5 models. However, the new model generation is still marred by uncertainty, thereby depicting unsatisfactory performance over the East Africa domain. This calls for further investigation into the sources of persistent systematic biases and a methodology for identifying individual models with robust features that can accurately simulate observed patterns for future usage.
Idea Generation, Selection, and Evaluation: A Metacognitive Approach
Authors: Puente‐Díaz Rogelio , Cavazos‐Arroyo Judith , Puerta‐Sierra Lizbeth
Published: May 2021

In the present investigation, we make the claim that the creative process of generating, evaluating, and selecting ideas has cognitive and metacognitive components, capable of influencing each other. Hence, we suggest broadening the scope of creative metacognition. We take an exploratory approach to test relationships between creative beliefs and metacognitive indicators in three studies with business students. Across three studies, overestimation of the quality of one´s ideas and originality scores had a negative relationship with accurate idea selection. Creative self‐efficacy, growth mindsets, and ease of idea generation were positively related to the overestimation of the creativity of ideas generated. In addition, creative self‐efficacy and growth mindsets had a positive relationship with originality scores. We also found some results that were interesting, but inconsistent across all three studies. Ease of idea generation, for example, had a positive relationship with accurate idea selection but a non‐significant relationship in the remaining two studies. Similarly, originality scores significantly informed ease of idea generation in one of three studies. The applied and theoretical implications for creative metacognition were discussed.
Cementocyte alterations associated with experimentally induced cellular cementum apposition in Hyp mice
Authors: Lira dos Santos Elis J. , Salmon Cristiane R. , Chavez Michael B. , de Almeida Amanda B. , Tan Michelle H. , Chu Emily Y. , Sallum Enilson A. , Casati Marcio Z. , Ruiz Karina G. S. , Kantovitz Kamila R. , Foster Brian L. , Nociti Júnior Francisco H.
Published: May 2021

Background

Cellular cementum, a mineralized tissue covering apical tooth roots, grows by apposition to maintain the tooth in its occlusal position. We hypothesized that resident cementocytes would show morphological changes in response to cementum apposition, possibly implicating a role in cementum biology.

Methods

Mandibular first molars were induced to super‐erupt (EIA) by extraction of maxillary molars, promoting rapid new cementum formation. Tissue and cell responses were analyzed at 6 and/or 21 days post‐procedure (dpp).

Results

High‐resolution micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT) and confocal laser scanning microscopy showed increased cellular cementum by 21 dpp. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that cementocytes under EIA were 50% larger than control cells, supported by larger pore sizes detected by micro‐CT. Cementocytes under EIA displayed ultrastructural changes consistent with increased activity, including increased cytoplasm and nuclear size. We applied EIA to Hyp mutant mice, where cementocytes have perilacunar hypomineralization defects, to test cell and tissue responses in an altered mechanoresponsive milieu. Hyp and WT molars displayed similar super‐eruption, with Hyp molars exhibiting 28% increased cellular cementum area versus 22% in WT mice at 21 dpp. Compared to control, Hyp cementocytes featured well‐defined, disperse euchromatin and a thick layer of peripherally condensed heterochromatin in nuclei, indicating cellular activity. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for cementum markers revealed intense dentin matrix protein‐1 expression and abnormal osteopontin deposition in Hyp mice. Both WT and Hyp cementocytes expressed gap junction protein, connexin 43.

Conclusion

This study provides new insights into the EIA model and cementocyte activity in association with new cementum formation.
Organic and soil material between tills in east‐midland England – direct evidence for two episodes of lowland glaciation in Britain during the Middle Pleistocene
Authors: Rose James , Turner Jenni , Turton Elaine , Riding James B. , Palmer Adrian , Wright John K. , Lee Jonathan R. , Bullimore Nicholas S. J. Q.
Published: May 2021

This paper provides a record and analysis of a site in east‐midland England, at which organic and soil material are found between two Middle Pleistocene tills. This is the first discovery of its kind in the area, and demonstrates unequivocally that the region was glaciated on two separate occasions, something that has long been inferred and articulated, but not actually demonstrated. The landforms, sediments and soils are studied with respect to their geomorphological, lithological, pedological, palaeobotanical and structural properties. The organic and soil material along with soil structures indicate, sequentially, a periglacial climate, a long period of warm temperate weathering and a cool temperate climate. Evaluation of this evidence in terms of existing published work identifies a number of problems with existing models and suggests that the most likely model for the glacial history of this part of midland England is an early Middle Pleistocene glaciation which is represented only by trace erratics, a Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 12 age glaciation which moved across the area from the NW and deposited a chalk‐free till, and an MIS 8 age glaciation that transported and deposited an upper chalky till from the NE.

© 2021 The Authors. Journal of Quaternary Science Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Vibrational spectroscopy and phonon‐related properties of monoclinic GABA, a non‐proteinogenic inhibitory neurotransmitter amino acid
Authors: Silva José Barbosa , Costa Gabriel , da Silva Mauricélio Bezerra , Costa Stefane Nunes , dos Santos Regina Cláudia Rodrigues , Sales Francisco Adilson Matos , Valentini Antoninho , Caetano Ewerton Wagner Santos , Freire Valder Nogueira
Published: May 2021

The γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the most important inhibitory neurotransmitter in vertebrate central nervous systems. Taking full account of the measured X‐ray diffractogram of its stable monoclinic polymorph, we have performed density functional theory (DFT) calculations to analyze/understand its infrared and Raman spectra considering its monoclinic polymorph, an isolated stabilized (120) plane, and a single GABA molecule. Besides, phonon dispersion/density of states, heat capacity, Debye temperature, and entropy/enthalpy/free energies were also obtained for the GABA monoclinic crystal. Vibrational signatures due to the GABA (120) planes are pointed out for the first time for several wavenumbers. The results obtained for the GABA monoclinic polymorph reinforce the need of dispersion‐corrected solid‐state calculations to describe the vibrational properties of molecular crystals instead of considering a single isolated molecule picture, even for wavenumbers larger than those usually associated with lattice modes.
Charge transfer evidence in donor–acceptor single‐walled carbon nanotubes filled with sexithiophene oligomers: Nanotube diameter dependence
Authors: Chenouf Jamal , Boutahir Mourad , Rahmani Abdelhai , Chadli Hassane , Hermet Patrick , Mejía‐López José , Rahmani Abdelali
Published: May 2021

Encapsulation of photoactive organic molecules inside single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) appears to be of great interest in terms of high power conversion efficiency and long‐term stability for a commercial application of organic solar cells (OSCs). In this paper, we report a charge transfer (CT) evidence in donor–acceptor SWNTs filled with Sexithiophene oligomers (6T) by Raman spectroscopy. To compute the optimal diameter and demonstrate the most stable structure of the hybrid systems with either a single 6T molecule encapsulated into SWNTs (6T@SWNTs), or two 6T chains encapsulated (6T‐6T@SWNTs), we have performed structural geometry optimization on the hybrid encapsulated systems using a convenient Lennard–Jones (LJ) expression of the van der Waals (vdW) intermolecular potential. Combining the density functional theory (DFT), molecular mechanics, bond polarizability model, and the spectral moment method (SMM), we computed the polarized nonresonant Raman spectra of 6T molecule and SWNTs (metallic and semiconducting) before and after encapsulation. The influence of the encapsulation on the Raman‐active modes of the 6T molecule and those of the nanotube (radial breathing modes and tangential modes) are analyzed. In particular, significant changes observed in the G‐band wavenumber. The possibility (or not) of an eventual CT between the 6T oligomer and the nanotube in both hybrid systems (6T@SWNTs and 6T‐6T@SWNTs) is discussed. We show that there is a dependence of the CT with respect to the diameter of SWNTs, the CT vanish with increasing diameter of the nanotubes. Our finding of CT behavior in the filled SWNTs with respect to SWNT diameter will provide a useful guidance for enhancing the performance of OSCs by SWNTs.
Clinical significance of sarcoid‐like reaction in lymph nodes of gastric cancer patients
Authors: Itai Yusuke , Ueda Yoshitake , Etoh Tsuyoshi , Shirasaka Yoshinori , Shiroshita Hidefumi , Shiraishi Norio , Daa Tsutomu , Inomata Masafumi
Published: May 2021

Background

Although granulomatous formation (sarcoid‐like reaction [SR]) similar to sarcoidosis occasionally occurs in regional lymph nodes of malignant tumors, the pathological significance of SR is unknown. We aimed to elucidate the clinicopathological significance and prognostic relevance of SR in gastric cancer.

Methods

We evaluated 391 patients who underwent curative gastrectomy for gastric cancer between 2007 and 2016 at our hospital. The patients were divided into two groups according to presence of SR in lymph nodes, and clinicopathological factors and prognosis were compared between the two groups.

Results

SR was found in 67 (17.1%) of the 391 patients, and 332 (3.3%) of 10,149 lymph nodes examined. Regarding clinicopathological factors, SR‐positive group showed significantly higher average age (p < 0.01) and numbers of differentiated tumors than SR‐negative group (p < 0.05). Three‐year overall survival rate in elderly patients aged ≥75 years was significantly more favorable in SR‐positive group (n = 27, 85.2%) versus SR‐negative group (n = 97, 63.4%) (p < 0.05). Immunohistochemical studies showed the predominant presence of CD68‐positive macrophages for SR, with CD4/CD8‐positive T cells and interleukin‐10 also positive.

Conclusion

The presence of SR in gastric cancer is frequent in elderly patients and might be a favorable indicator of prognosis. SR is suggested to reflect immune activation in the host.
Residual Perforation Risk Assessment of Intratympanic Steroids via Tympanostomy Tube Versus Transtympanic Injections
Authors: Simani Liam , Shilo Shahaf , Oron Yahav , Eta Rani A. , Handzel Ophir , Muhanna Nidal , Warshavsky Anton , Horowitz Gilad , Ungar Omer J.
Published: May 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

To investigate the risk of residual tympanic membrane (TM) perforation after intratympanic (IT) steroidal treatment administered via transtympanic injection compared with trans‐tympanostomy tube (TyT).

Study Design

Case series, systematic review and meta analysis.

Methods

Data were retrieved from the medical files of an original cohort of all consecutive patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss necessitating IT steroidal treatment in a tertiary medical center between January 1, 2016 and November 20, 2020. A systematic literature search of “MEDLINE” via “PubMed,” “Embase,” and “Web of Science” on comparable published cases was performed and meta‐analysis was established.

Results

Eighteen studies describing 818 ears were included in the quantitative meta‐analysis in addition to a local cohort of 140 ears. The proportion of residual TM perforation was 1.11% and 1.14% (95% confidence interval: 0.01%–3.27% and 0.028%–2.38%) in the TyT and trans‐tympanic groups, respectively, suggesting no significant difference in residual TM perforation risk between these techniques.

Conclusion

IT steroid therapy via trans‐TyT is not associated with more residual perforations than IT steroid therapy via transtympanic injections.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 131:E2583–E2591, 2021
Risk Factors of Postoperative Facial Palsy for Benign Parotid Tumors: Outcome of 1,018 Patients
Authors: Kawata Ryo , Kinoshita Ichita , Omura Shuji , Higashino Masaaki , Nishikawa Shuji , Terada Tetsuya , Haginomori Shin‐Ichi , Kurisu Yoshitaka , Hirose Yoshinobu , Tochizawa Takeshi
Published: May 2021

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of postoperative facial palsy in benign parotid tumors, as well as its risk factors, pathology, and clinical results.

Study Design

Retrospective analysis.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of data from patients whose initial operation for a benign parotid tumor had been performed in our department between 1999 and 2020.

Results

We included 1,018 patients in this study. The most common tumor observed was pleomorphic adenoma (614 patients), followed by Warthin tumor (234 patients). Fine‐needle aspiration cytology and frozen section biopsy were used to identify the tumor histopathology. The overall rate of postoperative facial nerve palsy was 19.5%; the rate was significantly higher in patients with large‐diameter tumors or deep lobe tumors. Postoperative facial palsy improved within 24 months of surgery in all cases. There were no cases with permanent facial palsy.

Conclusions

Postoperative facial nerve palsy developed regularly after surgery to remove benign parotid tumors despite preservation of the nerve. Palsy rate was high in patients with large tumors or deep lobe tumors. Despite the high risk of facial palsy in these patients and the benign nature of the tumor, we recommend surgery rather than follow‐up observation, as the risk of postoperative facial palsy may increase as the tumor grows. It is important to provide an accurate explanation on the risks of postoperative complications to all patients to obtain appropriate informed consent for surgery.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E2857–E2864, 2021
Evaluation of Audiological Results and Cochleo‐Vestibular Subclinical Injury After CO2 Laser Stapedotomy
Authors: Mariani Cinzia , Carta Filippo , Piras Nicoletta , Marrosu Valeria , Serra Federica , De Seta Daniele , Puxeddu Roberto
Published: May 2021

Background and Objectives

Evaluation of the effectiveness and safety of CO2 laser stapedotomy, focusing on the audiological results, and on the surgical cochleo‐vestibular trauma.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Retrospective clinical trial on 38 patients with the diagnosis of otosclerosis, who underwent CO2 laser stapedotomy between January 2015 and October 2019. Postoperative air‐bone gap (ABG), mean air conduction gain, and postoperative changes of high frequency threshold were evaluated 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Videoculography (VOG) was performed to assess the vestibular impairment preoperatively and 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month after surgery.

Results

Postoperative ABG closure within 10 dB was obtained in 35 cases (92.1%), with a mean postoperative ABG of 4.4 dB and a mean air conduction improvement of 32.3 dB. No significant worsening of high frequency threshold was observed. Spontaneous nystagmus was found preoperatively in 5/38 patients (13.2%), 1 day after surgery in 13/38 patients (34.2%), 1 week after surgery in 12/38 patients (31.6%), and 1 month after surgery in 4/38 patients (10.5%). Positional nystagmus was found preoperatively in 12/38 patients (31.6%), 1 day after surgery in 25/38 patients (65.8%), 1 week after surgery in 22/38 patients (57.9%), and 1 month after surgery in 10/38 patients (26.3%). The occurrence of nystagmus did not always correlate with vestibular symptoms: after surgery, 10 patients (26.3%) experienced vertigo associated with dizziness, 8 patients (21.1%) suffered from dizziness without vertigo, and 14 patients (36.8%) showed nystagmus without any symptomatology. At 1 month after surgery none of the patients complained about vestibular symptoms.

Conclusion

CO2 laser stapedotomy is a safe and effective technique, which allows to obtain good functional results with minimal perioperative cochleo‐vestibular trauma.© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
The LncRNA FGD5‐AS1/miR‐497‐5p axis regulates septin 2 (SEPT2) to accelerate cancer progression and increase cisplatin‐resistance in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Song Kaibin , Yu Pingyang , Zhang Cong , Yuan Zhennan , Zhang Hailin
Published: May 2021

Aberrant expression or mutation of the Septin gene family is closely associated with cancer progression, and septin 2 (SEPT2) exerts its tumor‐promoting effects in multiple cancers, but its role in regulating laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) progression and drug resistance has not been investigated. Based on the published data, the present study identified that SEPT2 promoted cancer progression and increased cisplatin‐resistance in LSCC, and a novel LncRNA FGD5‐AS1/miR‐497‐5p axis was crucial for this process. Mechanistically, SEPT2 tended to be enriched in LSCC tissues and cells, and knock‐down of SEPT2 inhibited cell proliferation, viability, migration, and tumorigenesis in LSCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Aside from that, SEPT2 overexpression increased cisplatin resistance in LSCC cells. Next, by conducting the dual‐luciferase reporter gene system assay, we identified that the LncRNA FGD5‐AS1/miR‐497‐5p axis regulated SEPT2 in LSCC. Specifically, LncRNA FGD5‐AS1 sponged miR‐497‐5p to upregulate SEPT2 in LSCC cells in a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) mechanisms‐dependent manner. Interestingly, upregulated LncRNA FGD5‐AS1 and downregulated miR‐497‐5p were observed in LSCC tissues and cells, and LncRNA FGD5‐AS1 ablation inhibited cancer progression. Also, LncRNA FGD5‐AS1 overexpression increased cisplatin‐resistance in LSCC by modulating the miR‐497‐5p/SEPT2 axis. Collectively, we conclude that targeting the LncRNA FGD5‐AS1/miR‐497‐5p/SEPT2 signaling cascade may be an alternative strategy to treat LSCC in the clinic.