bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solvent‐Free Synthesis and Processing of Conductive Elastomer Composites for Green Dielectric Elastomer Transducers
Authors: Danner Patrick M. , Iacob Mihail , Sasso Giacomo , Burda Iurii , Rieger Bernhard , Nüesch Frank , Opris Dorina M.
Published: January 2022

Stretchable electrodes are more suitable for dielectric elastomer transducers (DET) the closer the mechanical characteristics of the electrodes and elastomer are. Here, a solvent‐free synthesis and processing of conductive composites with excellent electrical and mechanical properties for transducers are presented. The composites are prepared by in situ polymerization of cyclosiloxane monomers in the presence of graphene nanoplatelets. The low viscosity of the monomer allows for easy dispersion of the filler, eliminating the need for a solvent. After the polymerization, a cross‐linking agent is added at room temperature, the composite is solvent‐free screen‐printed, and the cross‐linking reaction is initiated by heating. The best material shows conductivity σ = 8.2 S cm–1, Young's modulus Y10% = 167 kPa, and strain at break s = 305%. The electrode withstands large strains without delamination, shows no conductivity losses during repeated operation for 500 000 cycles, and has an excellent recovery of electrical properties upon being stretched at strains of up to 180%. Reliable prototype capacitive sensors and stack actuators are manufactured by screen‐printing the conductive composite on the dielectric film. Stack actuators manufactured from dielectric and conductive materials that are synthesized solvent‐free are demonstrated. The stack actuators even self‐repair after a breakdown event.
Clinical and socioenvironmental characterizations associated with the genealogical analysis of a group of Dominican patients with nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate
Authors: Arévalo‐Caro Catalina , Silva‐Vetri María Guadalupe , Díaz Clara Arteaga , Villadiego Saret Pineda , Martinez Ángela Ramirez , Federico Bezaleht Joaquín
Published: January 2022

Introduction and Aim

In the Dominican Republic, there is an important number of individuals affected by nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NS CL/P); in the search for the etiology, this study sought to determine the inheritance pattern of NS CL/P and to establish possible associations with clinical and socioenvironmental characteristics in a group of affected patients.

Materials and Methods

The type of cleft was characterized according to the general phenotypic category, the family trees were built according to Bennett et al. (2008, 10.1007/s10897‐008‐9169‐9), the socioenvironmental factors analyzed were tobacco consumption, alcohol, and radiation exposure.

Results

Seventy‐eight patients were analyzed, among whom severe phenotypes were more prevalent, including complete cleft lip and palate (CLP) (61.53%) and bilateral clefts (64%). In the analysis of genealogies, it was determined that 81.5% of the families were sporadic cases, 12.3% were autosomal dominant inheritance, and 6.2% were presented with a multifactorial inheritance. The consumption of alcohol was the most common socioenvironmental factor. There were no reports on the evaluated socioenvironmental factors in cases where heredity was determined as autosomal dominant. No inbred relationships were observed.

Conclusion

There were diverse inheritance models for NS CL/P in patients from the Dominican Republic. Sporadic cases constituted the most frequent condition, followed by the existing families with autosomal dominance, and multifactorial inheritance. The absence of socioenvironmental factors commonly associated with pathology in families with autosomal dominant inheritance supports the hypothesis of a more significant genetic influence in this type of inheritance.
The toll of transition: Caregiver perceptions of family adjustment during the transition off pediatric cancer therapy
Authors: Jones Anna M. , Browne Emily K. , Adams Kristen , Potter Brian S. , McLaughlin Crabtree Valerie , Jurbergs Niki , Heidelberg R. Elyse , Tillery Webster Rachel
Published: January 2022

Objective

The role of transition‐focused psychology appointments in managing the transition off therapy is unclear. The objective of this research was to explore caregiver perceived familial distress and the role of psychology in preparing families for transition.

Methods

Fifty‐seven caregivers of youth, who finished treatment, completed an online questionnaire through a quality improvement project on experiences of families at transition. Twenty‐two percent of caregivers had children who completed a transition‐focused psychology consult and 63% completed a cognitive assessment at transition. Retrospective analyses were conducted assessing the association of psychology visits on caregiver perceptions of being informed of and prepared to manage transition‐related challenges.

Results

Most caregivers reported experiencing adjustment concerns for family members. Caregivers of children completing a transition‐focused psychology consult or cognitive assessment reported feeling more informed and greater preparedness to manage difficulties. Although decreased distress was not associated with the visit, those who felt more informed and prepared reported lower distress.

Conclusions

Caregivers perceive transitioning off therapy as stressful for their family, though they experience decreased familial distress when informed of and prepared to manage transition‐related challenges. These findings highlight the importance of psychosocial support at transition.
The effect of dimerization and ligand binding on the dynamics of Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus protease
Authors: Bern David , Tobi Dror
Published: January 2022

The Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus protease is essential for virus maturation. This protease functions under allosteric regulation that establishes its enzymatic activity upon dimerization. It exists in equilibrium between an inactive monomeric state and an active, weakly associating, dimeric state that is stabilized upon ligand binding. The dynamics of the protease dimer and its monomer were studied using the Gaussian network model and the anisotropic network model , and its role in mediating the allosteric regulation is demonstrated. We show that the dimer is composed of five dynamical domains. The central domain is formed upon dimerization and composed of helix five of each monomer, in addition to proximal and distal domains of each monomer. Dimerization reduces the mobility of the central domains and increases the mobility of the distal domains, in particular the binding site within them. The three slowest ANM modes of the dimer assist the protease in ligand binding, motion of the conserved Arg142 and Arg143 toward the oxyanion, and reducing the activation barrier for the tetrahedral transition state by stretching the bond that is cleaved by the protease. In addition, we show that ligand binding reduces the motion of helices α1 and α5 at the interface and explain how ligand binding can stabilize the dimer.
Structural insights into the discrepant synergistic activity of Codlemone and (Z)‐8‐dodecenol towards Grapholita molesta pheromones
Authors: Liu Jiyuan , Zhou Tong , Li Ruichi , Tian Zhen
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

Insect pheromone synergists have been widely used to produce potent pheromone products for environment‐friendly pest control. Codlemone (Cod) and (Z)‐8‐dodecenol (Dod) are two major Grapholita molesta pheromone synergists, with Cod having greater synergism and affinity for G. molesta pheromone binding protein 2 (GmolPBP2). Uncovering structural information key to the different binding affinity of Cod and Dod to GmolPBP2 would gain insights into what causes their synergy activity discrepancy.

RESULTS

Binding modes of the two synergists in the binding pocket of GmolPBP2 were analyzed and compared by molecular dynamics‐based approaches. Although Cod and Dod were stabilized in a similar hydrophobic pocket, their interaction details with GmolPBP2 were divergent due to the extra double bond (C10═C11) in Cod. The C10═C11 improved the hydrophobic interactions of Cod with around residues. Such hydrophobic interaction improvement was also reflected in the raised importance of Phe11 in the GmolPBP2‐Cod interaction. Not only that, the increased hydrophobic forces introduced by the C10═C11 changed the CH2–OH orientation in the GmolPBP2‐Cod complex, which improved the H‐bond interaction. Electrostatic complementarity analysis further indicated the positive role of C10═C11 in optimizing GmolPBP2‐Cod interaction.

CONCLUSION

The C10═C11 is thought to contribute greatly to Cod's stronger synergy as a group key to the higher GmolPBP2‐affinity, based on which the improvement directions for Cod and Dod were addressed as well. Our findings will aid in the development and optimization of more effective pheromone synergists, resulting in more effective pheromone‐based pest management.
Nitrogen‐doped Graphene Loaded with Cobalt Nanoparticles as Efficient Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Zhang Hong , Li Yanping , Han Gaoyi
Published: January 2022

Developing non‐noble‐metal electrocatalysts used for efficient oxygen reduction reactions (ORR) is greatly significant in the advancement of fuel cells. Herein, a novel electrocatalyst Co/N−G has been synthesized via simply pyrolyzing the mixture of amino phenanthroline (NH2‐Phen), graphene oxide and cobalt salt. The microstructure of the catalyst has been characterized by using HADDF‐STEM, XRD, Raman and XPS, the results indicate that the precursor complex has formed Co nanoparticle during the high‐temperature pyrolysis process. The obtained catalyst of Co/N−G shows relatively good ORR catalytic activity (E1/2=0.80 V) and almost 4e− oxygen reduction pathway in alkaline. In addition, the Co/N−G catalyst shows better methanol‐tolerant ability and longer‐term stability than Pt/C catalyst.
New One Pot and Efficient Four‐Components Reaction for Synthesis of 2,3‐Dihydrothiophene Carbamate Derivatives
Authors: Boudebbous Khawla , Boulcina Raouf , Harakat Dominique , Roisnel Thierry , Debache Abdelmadjid
Published: January 2022

A new series of 2,3‐dihydrothiophenes bearing ethyl carbamate moiety (4 a–4 l) was designed and synthesized through a facile synthetic route involving domino ring‐opening/recyclization reaction of 1,3‐thiazolidinedione. The synthesis was achieved via a novel one‐pot four‐component reaction of aromatic aldehydes, malononitrile and 1,3‐thiazolidinedione, using 4‐dimethylaminopyridine as base catalyst under ethanol reflux. The molecular structures of the synthesized compounds were elucidated by usual spectroscopic techniques such as FT‐IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and HRMS methods. X‐ray diffraction was used to confirm the structures of compounds 4 d and 4 j. Readily available starting materials, atom‐efficient routes employing more mild reaction conditions and environmentally benign are the attracting features of this current protocol.
Multi‐Strategy Architecture of High‐Efficiency Electrocatalysts for Underwater Zn–H2O2 Batteries with Superior Power Density of 442 mW cm−2
Authors: Yue Cuiyu , Zhang Nian , Zhu Zhenjiang , Chen Peng , Meng Fancheng , Liu Xiaosong , Wei Xiangfeng , Liu Jiehua
Published: January 2022

A facile multistage regulated strategy is reported to synthesize ZnCo‐NC based carbon nanotubes including DMEA induced crystallization, Zn ion activation, and magnetic control growth of carbon nanotubes. Uniform Co distribution and the modulation of Zn, and their catalytic properties are carefully investigated by X‐ray absorption spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The surface contents of pyridinic N for the oxygen‐reduction reaction (ORR) and the surface contents of CoNx and high valence Co for the oxygen‐evolution reaction (OER) can be significantly modulated by Zn content in precursors and the sintering temperature. Furthermore, the catalyst also contains high specific surface areas, high porosity, and high electrochemical active surfaces. Therefore, the ZnCo‐NC based catalyst exhibits outstanding bifunctional electrocatalytic activities for ORR with a high Eonset (1.02 V) and E1/2 (0.91 V) and OER with low Ej=10 (1.56 V), better than Pt/C and RuO2. Importantly, the ZnCo‐NC based Zn–H2O2 batteries achieve the superior power density of 442 mW cm−2, much higher than 238 and 198 mW cm−2 of Zn–air batteries with ZnCo‐NC based catalyst and Pt/C respectively. More importantly, the high‐power Zn–H2O2 batteries can work well in underwater conditions while Zn–air batteries are out of work.
Surface Protection and Interface Regulation for Zn Anode via 1‐Hydroxy Ethylidene‐1,1‐Diphosphonic Acid Electrolyte Additive toward High‐Performance Aqueous Batteries
Authors: Li Min , Xie Kaixuan , Peng Ruiying , Yuan Boyu , Wang Qinghong , Wang Chao
Published: January 2022

Metallic zinc is regarded as an ideal anode material for high‐energy aqueous zinc ion batteries owing to its high theoretical capacity, low cost, and abundant resource. However, the undesirable dendrite formation and side reactions occurring on Zn anode during the long‐term cycling process seriously restrict the electrochemical performance of the device. Herein, 1‐hydroxy ethylidene‐1,1‐diphosphonic acid (HEDP) is used as electrolyte additive to release the chemical corrosion and hydrogen evolution occurring on Zn anode based on the absorption of HEDP on the Zn foil. Moreover, the strong coordination of HEDP with Zn2+ can balance ion flux at the electrode/electrolyte interface, thus inducing uniform Zn deposition. Thereby, Zn anode exhibits a prolonged cycle life of reversible Zn plating/stripping under different current densities (2800 h at 2 mA cm‐2, 1 mAh cm‐2, and more than 1772 h at 4 mA cm‐2, 1 mAh cm‐2). Moreover, the cell shows a high average coulombic efficiency of ≈99.6% for ≈600 cycles at 1 mA cm‐2 with a cycling capacity of 1 mAh cm‐2. This work provides a facile yet effective method for developing reversible aqueous zinc metal batteries.
Targeted Nanoparticle for Co‐delivery of HER2 siRNA and a Taxane to Mirror the Standard Treatment of HER2+ Breast Cancer: Efficacy in Breast Tumor and Brain Metastasis
Authors: Ngamcherdtrakul Worapol , Bejan Daniel S. , Cruz‐Muñoz William , Reda Moataz , Zaidan Husam Y. , Siriwon Natnaree , Marshall Suphalak , Wang Ruijie , Nelson Molly A. , Rehwaldt Justin P. C. , Gray Joe W. , Hynynen Kullervo , Yantasee Wassana
Published: January 2022

The first‐line treatment of advanced and metastatic human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2+) breast cancer requires two HER2‐targeting antibodies (trastuzumab and pertuzumab) and a taxane (docetaxel or paclitaxel). The three‐drug regimen costs over $320,000 per treatment course, requires a 4 h infusion time, and has many adverse side effects, while achieving only 18 months of progression‐free survival. To replace this regimen, reduce infusion time, and enhance efficacy, a single therapeutic is developed based on trastuzumab‐conjugated nanoparticles for co‐delivering docetaxel and siRNA against HER2 (siHER2). The optimal nanoconstruct has a hydrodynamic size of 100 nm and specifically treats HER2+ breast cancer cells over organ‐derived normal cells. In a drug‐resistant orthotopic HER2+ HCC1954 tumor mouse model, the nanoconstruct inhibits tumor growth more effectively than the docetaxel and trastuzumab combination. When coupled with microbubble‐assisted focused ultrasound that transiently disrupts the blood brain barrier, the nanoconstruct inhibits the growth of trastuzumab‐resistant HER2+ BT474 tumors residing in the brains of mice. The nanoconstruct has a favorable safety profile in cells and in mice. Combination therapies have become the cornerstone of cancer treatment and this versatile nanoparticle platform can co‐deliver multiple therapeutic types to ensure that they reach the target cells at the same time to realize their synergy.
Typification of the Linnaean nameCleome heptaphylla(Cleomaceae) and Miller'sCleome erucago
Authors: Neto Raimundo Luciano Soares , Thomas William Wayt , Roalson Eric H. , de Vasconcellos Barbosa Maria Regina
Published: January 2022

The nameCleome heptaphyllawas published by Linnaeus in the second edition ofSpecies plantarumand is still untypified. Analysis of the protologue and the associated pre‐Linnaean names indicated the absence of original material that could serve for lectotypification. A specimen from Miller's herbarium at BM is designated as its neotype. The neotype ofC. heptaphyllais also original material ofC. erucago, another untypified name in this group, published a few years later by Miller.Cleome erucagois lectotypified using the same specimen and, as such, it is a homotypic synonym ofC. heptaphylla.
Evaluating advanced glycation end products by the clinical effects of Astragali Radix using skin autofluorescence
Authors: Watanabe Shunsuke , Aoyama Shigeo
Published: January 2022

Case

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) associated with diabetes, renal failure, and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease have recently been receiving attention. The present study aimed to investigate therapeutic effects of Astragali Radix (AR) using skin autofluorescence (SAF) to evaluate AGEs. Treatment group (May 2019 to May 2020) was 18 patients. AR administration period was six months. SAF, body mass index, mean blood pressure, hemoglobin A1c, serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), aspartate transaminase, and alanine transaminase (ALT) were used.

Outcome

Significant differences in SAF (P <0.01) and serum creatinine (P = 0.03) were observed in the treatment group. Regression analysis showed that SAF was correlated with serum creatinine and ALT.

Conclusion

We suggest that AR may improve SAF, serum creatinine, and ALT. Improving AGEs through AR may ameliorate liver function, and eGFR with improvement of serum creatinine. Future studies are necessary to confirm our findings.
A journey toward the heaven of chemical fidelity of intermolecular force fields
Authors: James Anto , John Chris , Melekamburath Ajay , Rajeevan Megha , Swathi Rotti Srinivasamurthy
Published: January 2022

Alongside the evolution of density functional theory into a new era led by the dispersion‐corrected hybrid density functional theory approaches, formulation of a new generation of intermolecular potentials has also taken the center stage. An ideal potential formulation should desirably possess simplicity of functional forms, physically meaningful parameters, separability of various terms into atomic‐level contributions, computational tractability, ability to capture non‐additivity of interactions, transferability across different chemical species, and crucially, chemical fidelity in terms of reproducing the benchmark data. The Lennard‐Jones potential, one of the popular intermolecular pair potentials for performing large‐scale simulations fails to capture the intricate features of molecular interactions. Woven around the central theme of anisotropy in the nature of intermolecular interactions, herein, we describe various landmark contributions in the quest for chemical fidelity of empirical potential formulations that include (i) incorporation of the anisotropic nature of exchange‐repulsion and dispersion contributions, (ii) multipolar description of the dispersion terms, (iii) damping functions to provide an accurate description of the asymptotes, and (iv) transferability of intermolecular interaction terms. We illustrate the nuances of intermolecular force field development in the context of modeling the non‐covalent interactions governing the (i) binding of atoms and molecules with carbon nanostructures, (ii) molecular aggregates of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and (iii) interlayer interactions in layered nanostructures. We exemplify the hierarchy of empirical potentials by depicting them on the various rungs of the Jacob's ladder equivalent of density functional theory for the intermolecular force fields. Finally, we discuss some possible futuristic directions in intermolecular force field development.

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Computational Materials Science

Software > Molecular Modeling

Molecular and Statistical Mechanics > Molecular Interactions
Treatment of vegetable oil wastewater by a conventional activated sludge process coupled with electrocoagulation process
Authors: Akarsu Ceyhun , Bilici Zeynep , Dizge Nadir
Published: January 2022

The present work aims to study chemical oxygen demand (COD), oil‐grease, and color removal from vegetable oil wastewater by combined electrocoagulation and activated sludge processes. For this purpose, the sample was pretreated using electrocoagulation by various optimization parameters such as electrode type (Al–Al and Fe–Fe), current density (100–400 A/m2), pH (2–8), and electrolysis time (15–180 min). The results showed that 89.3% of COD, 100% of oil‐grease, and 66.2% of color were removed by electrocoagulation under the conditions of 300‐A/m2 current density, pH 2, and 180‐min reaction time with Al–Al electrode pairs. Then, the effluent of electrocoagulation was treated by an activated sludge process. The results depicted that the activated sludge process was also effective for vegetable oil wastewater treatment and it enhanced 98.9% COD and 79.2% color removal efficiency. The effluent of the combined process was very clear, and its quality exceeded the direct discharge standard of the water pollution control regulation. The laboratory‐scale test results indicate that the combined electrocoagulation and activated sludge process is feasible for the treatment of vegetable oil wastewater.

Practitioner points

Vegetable oil wastewater was treated by combination of electrocoagulation and activated sludge processes.

The combined electrocoagulation and activated sludge processes supplied 99.9% COD, 100% oil‐grease, and 93.0% color removal efficiency.

The laboratory‐scale test results indicate that the combined EC‐SBR processes were feasible for the treatment of vegetable oil wastewater.
The effects of Zoo Lights on animal welfare: A case study of great Indian hornbills at Denver Zoo
Authors: Readyhough Taylor S. , Joseph Sharon , Vyas Katie , Schreier Amy L.
Published: January 2022

Popular evening events, such as Zoo Lights, increase the exposure of animals in managed care to stressors such as artificial light and noise, which may alter their behavior and negatively affect animal well‐being. The pair of great Indian hornbills (Buceros bicornis) at Denver Zoo provided an opportunity to study the impacts of these stressors because their exhibit was open every evening during Zoo Lights 2017. We expected the hornbills to display increased aggressive behaviors during Zoo Lights due to more exposure to stressors compared to the periods before and after the holiday event. Alternatively, if behavioral changes were associated with hornbills' breeding season which runs from December−March, we expected the hornbills to engage in more affiliative behaviors, and to increase conspecific and nest proximity, during and after Zoo Lights compared to before it due to the onset and progression of the breeding season. The hornbills did not engage in significantly more aggressive behavior during Zoo Lights than before or after it. By contrast, the hornbills engaged in significantly more affiliative behaviors and increased conspecific proximity during and after Zoo Lights compared to before the event. These results are consistent with the timing of the hornbills' breeding season and not with the increased exposure to stressors during Zoo Lights. This case study provides an early step in assessing the impact of Zoo Lights on animals whose exhibits are part of these holiday events. Studies like this will help inform best practices for Zoo Lights events such that they are positive experiences for the zoo, visitors, and animals.
2 → 2N scattering: Eikonalisation and the Page curve
Authors: Gaddam Nava , Groenenboom Nico
Published: January 2022

Abstract

In the spirit of studying the information paradox as a scattering problem, we pose and answer the following questions: i) What is the scattering amplitude for N particles to emerge from a large black hole when two energetic particles are thrown into it? ii) How long would we have to wait to recover the information sent in? The answer to the second question has long been expected to be Page time, a quantity associated with the lifetime of the black hole. We answer the first by evaluating an infinite number of ‘ladder of ladders’ Feynman diagrams to all orders in MPl/MBH. Such processes can generically be calculated in effective field theory in the black hole eikonal phase where scattering energies satisfy EMBH » $$ {M}_{\mathrm{Pl}}^2 $$

M
Pl
2

. Importantly, interactions are mediated by a fluctuating metric; a fixed geometry is insufficient to capture these effects. We find that the characteristic time spent by the particles in the scattering region (the so-called Eisenbud-Wigner time delay) is indeed Page time, confirming the long-standing expectation. This implies that the entropy of radiation continues to increase, after the particles are thrown in, until after Page time, when information begins to re-emerge.
Conformal wavefunctions for graviton amplitudes
Authors: Liu Chang , Lowe David A.
Published: January 2022

Abstract

The extended-BMS algebra of asymptotically flat spacetime contains an SO(3, 1) subgroup that acts by conformal transformations on the celestial sphere. It is of interest to study the representations of this subgroup associated with gravitons. To reduce the equation of motion to a Schrodinger-like equation it is necessary to impose a non-covariant gauge condition. Using these solutions, leading-order gauge invariant Weyl scalars are then computed and decomposed into families of unitary principal series representations. An invertible holographic mapping is constructed between these unitary principal series operators and massless spin-2 perturbations of flat spacetime.
Polar-Analytic Functions: Old and New Results, Applications
Authors: Bardaro Carlo , Butzer Paul L. , Mantellini Ilaria , Schmeisser Gerhard
Published: January 2022

Here we review the notion of polar analyticity introduced in a previous paper and successfully applied in Mellin analysis and for quadrature formulae over the positive real axis. This approach provides a simple way of describing functions which are analytic on a part of the Riemann surface of the logarithm. New results are also obtained.
Novel alkaloids from the fire ant, Solenopsis geminata
Authors: Vander Meer Robert K. , Chinta Satya P. , Jones Tappey H.
Published: January 2022

South American fire ants, Solenopsis richteri and Solenopsis invicta, were accidently introduced into the southern USA in the 1900s and 1930s, respectively. The rapid spread and high population densities of S. invicta, and its potent sting, resulted in broad economic impacts and a variety of research efforts. In the 1970s, their venom alkaloids were identified as a complex blend of trans-2-methyl-6-alkyl- and alkenyl-piperidines. Solenopsis geminata is a worldwide tramp species but a native of the southern coastal regions of the USA. It was found to only produce cis- and trans-2-methyl-6-undecyl-piperidines. These alkaloids were considered the Solenopsis ancestral alkaloid profile since they were identified from female sexuals (potential queens) of all Solenopsis species in South and North America. The dramatic modification of alkaloids in Solenopsis invicta was attributed to their response to evolutionary pressure and the lack of change in S. geminata alkaloids due to no response to evolutionary pressure. Here we report the unexpected discovery of 6-undecyl-pyridine, 2-methyl-6-undecyl-pyridine and 2-methyl-6-(1)-undecenyl-pyridine as components of S. geminata worker venom, suggesting that S. geminata like its South American relatives have responded to evolutionary pressures. Our results will stimulate future research on S. geminata populations throughout the tropical/subtropical world.
Tropical Jucys covers
Authors: Hahn Marvin Anas , Lewanski Danilo
Published: January 2022

We study monotone and strictly monotone Hurwitz numbers from a bosonic Fock space perspective. This yields to an interpretation in terms of tropical geometry involving local multiplicities given by Gromov-Witten invariants. Furthermore, this enables us to prove that a main result of Cavalieri-Johnson-Markwig-Ranganathan is actually equivalent to the Gromov-Witten/Hurwitz correspondence by Okounkov-Pandharipande for the equivariant Riemann sphere.
Impact of spawning season on fillet quality of wild pikeperch (Sander lucioperca)
Authors: Tönißen Katrin , Pfuhl Ralf , Franz George P. , Dannenberger Dirk , Bochert Ralf , Grunow Bianka
Published: January 2022

Pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) is a freshwater fish that has become increasingly popular as a food fish. Within this study, the influence of the spawning process on meat quality was investigated. For this purpose, adult pikeperch was examined directly before and after spawning, and compared regarding physical meat parameters and lipid composition. The results indicate that after spawning, the values of the pH, the electrical conductivity and the yellowness value of fillet were significantly higher than those of the animals sampled before spawning. Analysis of the sum of the total lipid content indicates no differences before and after closed season, but differences in the fatty acid profile were present. Despite significant lower MUFA concentrations, the EPA and DHA showed unaffected high contents. Therefore, the fish muscle indicated an equivalent meat quality. Nevertheless, the significant changes of some physical meat quality parameters after spawning season could have a particular impact on the shelf life and storage of the pikeperch fillet, highlighting the need for further research.
Newly Hatched Stage I American Lobster (Homarus americanus) Survival Following Exposure to Physically and Chemically Dispersed Crude Oil
Authors: de Jourdan Benjamin P. , Boloori Tahereh , Burridge Les E.
Published: January 2022

Standard model species are commonly used in toxicity tests due to their biological and technical advantages but studying native species increases the specificity and relevance of results generated for the potential risk assessment to an ecosystem. Accounting for intraspecies variability and other factors, such as chemical and physical characterization of test medium, is necessary to develop a reproducible bioassay for toxicity testing with native species. In this study, larval stage I American lobster (Homarus americanus), a commercially important and native species of Atlantic Canada, was used as the test species. Toxicity tests were first conducted by exposing lobster larvae to a reference toxicant of copper sulphate (CuSO4) and then to physically and chemically (using Corexit 9500A) dispersed oil (WAF and CEWAF, respectively). The effect on larval survival was estimated by calculating the 24-h median effect concentration (24-h EC50), and there was no difference between WAF or CEWAF exposure when the results are reported on a total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) basis. The 24-h EC50s ranged from 2.54 to 9.73 mg TPH/L when all trials (n = 19) are considered together. The HC5 (hazardous concentration for 5 per cent of the population) value was 2.52 mg TPH/L and similar to the EC50 value when all trials were pooled. To evaluate the reproducibility of the lobster toxicity tests, inter-trial variability was determined, and the resultant coefficients of variation (%CV) were compared to those reported for two standard test species, mysid shrimp (Americamysis bahia) and inland silverside (Menidia beryillina). This comparison showed that the %CV for the lobster toxicity tests were lower than those for the standard species tests indicating that the described larval lobster toxicity bioassay produces reliable and repeatable results.
Sex differences in immune gene expression in the brain of a small shorebird
Authors: Valdebenito José O. , Maher Kathryn H. , Zachár Gergely , Huang Qin , Zhang Zhengwang , Young Larry J. , Székely Tamás , Que Pinjia , Liu Yang , Urrutia Araxi O.
Published: January 2022

Males and females often exhibit differences in behaviour, life histories, and ecology, many of which are typically reflected in their brains. Neuronal protection and maintenance include complex processes led by the microglia, which also interacts with metabolites such as hormones or immune components. Despite increasing interest in sex-specific brain function in laboratory animals, the significance of sex-specific immune activation in the brain of wild animals along with the variables that could affect it is widely lacking. Here, we use the Kentish plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) to study sex differences in expression of immune genes in the brain of adult males and females, in two wild populations breeding in contrasting habitats: a coastal sea-level population and a high-altitude inland population in China. Our analysis yielded 379 genes associated with immune function. We show a significant male-biased immune gene upregulation. Immune gene expression in the brain did not differ in upregulation between the coastal and inland populations. We discuss the role of dosage compensation in our findings and their evolutionary significance mediated by sex-specific survival and neuronal deterioration. Similar expression profiles in the coastal and inland populations suggest comparable genetic control by the microglia and possible similarities in pathogen pressures between habitats. We call for further studies on gene expression of males and females in wild population to understand the implications of immune function for life-histories and demography in natural systems.
Genetics of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Padyukov Leonid
Published: January 2022

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease involving symmetric joints and is generally characterized by persistent pain, tenderness, and destruction of joints. The vast majority of RA patients produce autoantibodies, and immune cell involvement in disease development is well recognized, as is the contribution of other types of cells in synovial tissue, like fibroblasts. It is known that there are major genetic associations with the HLA locus, while multiple non-HLA genetic variants display relatively low risk of RA. Both HLA and non-HLA associations suggest that the profiles of genetic associations for autoantibody-positive vs. autoantibody-negative RA are different. Several alleles ofHLA-DRB1are associated with high risk for autoantibody-positive RA, with the strongest risk characterized by valine at position 11 of the protein sequence (HLA-DRB1*04 and *10 alleles). There is a strong protective effect for the risk of autoantibody-positive RA associated withHLA-DRB1*13 alleles. Although major genetic associations have been known for several years, understanding of the specific mechanisms in the development of increased risk of RA for these variations is work in progress. Current studies focus on the binding of immune receptors involved in recognition of putative peptides in activation of T cells, as well as investigation of cell signaling mechanisms. At least a part of RA risk could be explained by gene–gene and gene-environment interactions. There are currently more than 150 candidate loci with polymorphisms that associate with RA, mainly related to seropositive disease, and new discoveries are anticipated in the future from investigation of diverse human populations. This new research will help create a strong foundation for the continuing process of integrating genetic, epigenetic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data in studies of RA.
Long-term effects of pallidal deep brain stimulation in tardive dystonia: a follow-up of 5–14 years
Authors: Krause Patricia , Kroneberg Daniel , Gruber Doreen , Koch Kristin , Schneider Gerd-Helge , Kühn Andrea A.
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Pallidal DBS is an established treatment for severe isolated dystonia. However, its use in disabling and treatment-refractory tardive syndromes (TS) including tardive dyskinesia and tardive dystonia (TD) is less well investigated and long-term data remain sparse. This observational study evaluates long-term effects of deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the globus pallidus internus (GPi) in patients with medically refractory TS.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of seven TD patients with bilateral GPi-DBS. Involuntary movements, dystonia and disability were rated at long-term follow-up (LT-FU) after a mean of 122 ± 33.2 SD months (range 63–171 months) and compared to baseline (BL), short-term (ST-FU; mean 6 ± 2.0 SD months) and 4-year follow-up (4y-FU; mean 45 ± 12.3 SD months) using the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) and the Burke–Fahn–Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale (BFMDRS), respectively. Quality of life and mood were evaluated using the SF36 and Beck Depression Index (BDI) questionnaires, respectively.

Results

At LT-FU patients had improved by 73% ± 14.2 SD in involuntary movements and 90% ± 1.0 SD in dystonia. Mood had improved significantly whereas quality of life remained unchanged compared to baseline. No serious long-lasting stimulation-related adverse events (AEs) were observed. Three patients of this cohort presented without active stimulation and ongoing symptom relief at long-term follow-up after 3–10 years of continuous DBS.

Conclusion

Pallidal DBS is a safe and effective long-term TD treatment. Even more interesting, three of our patients could stop stimulation after several years of DBS without serious relapse. Larger studies need to explore the phenomenon of ongoing symptom relief after DBS cessation.
On the knowledge of solitary juvenile xanthogranuloma of the eyelid: a case series and literature review
Authors: Chen Rongxin , Liu Shu , Tang Lijuan , Yu Xinyue , Meng Ziwei , Hu Yu , Li Jing , Liang Xuanwei
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Solitary eyelid juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) is extremely rare, and there is limited literature on its clinical features and treatment outcomes. Here, we present a case series and comprehensive review of the literature on patients with isolated eyelid JXG.

Methods

We systematically extracted data from our institution’s records of isolated eyelid JXG cases and conducted a search for additional cases from the literature utilising the PubMed, Wanfang, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases. Patients with JXG were analysed with respect to age, sex, clinical presentation, therapy, and outcome. Group comparisons were performed.

Results

Thirty-two patients (including 13 at our institution and 19 from prior publications) were identified. The median age at first presentation was higher in current patients than in the patients from the published cases (median 9 years, range 1.2 to 47.0 years; median 2 years, range 0.5 months to 46.0 years, respectively, P = 0.014). Of the patients who had known characteristics, no significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of sex, affected eye, eyelid site, type of cutaneous involvement, or duration of symptoms (each P > 0.05). Seventeen (54.8%) patients were male. The most common lesion location was the upper eyelid (n = 10, 62.5%). Twenty-four (75.0%) cutaneous lesions had full-thickness skin involvement; 8 (25.0%) subcutaneous masses had a chalazion-like appearance. Histologically, the JXG masses were characterised by Touton giant cells with inflammatory cells. Additionally, there was no significant difference in treatment modalities between the two groups (P = 0.072), and 24 (75.0%) patients underwent surgical excision. The overall recurrence-free survival was 3.6 to 52.8 (median 27.0) months in the current patients. For published cases with available follow-up information, there was no recurrence in 10 cases and improvement in 1 case, with a median follow-up of 9.5 months.

Conclusion

Solitary eyelid JXG is a rare clinical entity and should be included in the differential diagnosis of eyelid mass lesions in patients of all age groups. Surgical excision is often selected for efficient treatment and to obtain an excisional biopsy.
The regulation of FGF23 under physiological and pathophysiological conditions
Authors: Rausch Steffen , Föller Michael
Published: January 2022

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is an important bone hormone that regulates phosphate homeostasis in the kidney along with active vitamin D (1,25(OH)2D3) and parathyroid hormone (PTH). Endocrine effects of FGF23 depend, at least in part, on αKlotho functioning as a co-receptor whereas further paracrine effects in other tissues are αKlotho-independent. Regulation of FGF23 production is complex under both, physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Physiological regulators of FGF23 include, but are not limited to, 1,25(OH)2D3, PTH, dietary phosphorus intake, and further intracellular and extracellular factors, kinases, cytokines, and hormones. Moreover, several acute and chronic diseases including chronic kidney disease (CKD) or further cardiovascular disorders are characterized by early rises in the plasma FGF23 level pointing to further mechanisms effective in the regulation of FGF23 under pathophysiological conditions. Therefore, FGF23 also serves as a prognostic marker in several diseases. Our review aims to comprehensively summarize the regulation of FGF23 in health and disease.
Fast, exact, and parallel-friendly outlier detection algorithms with proximity graph in metric spaces
Authors: Amagata Daichi , Onizuka Makoto , Hara Takahiro
Published: January 2022

In many fields, e.g., data mining and machine learning, distance-based outlier detection (DOD) is widely employed to remove noises and find abnormal phenomena, because DOD is unsupervised, can be employed in any metric spaces, and does not have any assumptions of data distributions. Nowadays, data mining and machine learning applications face the challenge of dealing with large datasets, which requires efficient DOD algorithms. We address the DOD problem with two different definitions. Our new idea, which solves the problems, is to exploit an in-memory proximity graph. For each problem, we propose a new algorithm that exploits a proximity graph and analyze an appropriate type of proximity graph for the algorithm. Our empirical study using real datasets confirms that our DOD algorithms are significantly faster than state-of-the-art ones.
Differential Diagnosis and Molecular Stratification of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors on CT Images Using a Radiomics Approach
Authors: Starmans Martijn P. A. , Timbergen Milea J. M. , Vos Melissa , Renckens Michel , Grünhagen Dirk J. , van Leenders Geert J. L. H. , Dwarkasing Roy S. , Willemssen François E. J. A. , Niessen Wiro J. , Verhoef Cornelis , Sleijfer Stefan , Visser Jacob J. , Klein Stefan
Published: January 2022

Treatment planning of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) includes distinguishing GISTs from other intra-abdominal tumors and GISTs’ molecular analysis. The aim of this study was to evaluate radiomics for distinguishing GISTs from other intra-abdominal tumors, and in GISTs, predict the c-KIT, PDGFRA, BRAF mutational status, and mitotic index (MI). Patients diagnosed at the Erasmus MC between 2004 and 2017, with GIST or non-GIST intra-abdominal tumors and a contrast-enhanced venous-phase CT, were retrospectively included. Tumors were segmented, from which 564 image features were extracted. Prediction models were constructed using a combination of machine learning approaches. The evaluation was performed in a 100 × random-split cross-validation. Model performance was compared to that of three radiologists. One hundred twenty-five GISTs and 122 non-GISTs were included. The GIST vs. non-GIST radiomics model had a mean area under the curve (AUC) of 0.77. Three radiologists had an AUC of 0.69, 0.76, and 0.84, respectively. The radiomics model had an AUC of 0.52 for c-KIT, 0.56 for c-KIT exon 11, and 0.52 for the MI. The numbers of PDGFRA, BRAF, and other c-KIT mutations were too low for analysis. Our radiomics model was able to distinguish GISTs from non-GISTs with a performance similar to three radiologists, but less observer dependent. Therefore, it may aid in the early diagnosis of GIST, facilitating rapid referral to specialized treatment centers. As the model was not able to predict any genetic or molecular features, it cannot aid in treatment planning yet.
Tunable three-dimensional nonreciprocal transmission in a layered nonlinear elastic wave metamaterial by initial stresses
Authors: Li Zhenni , Wang Yize , Wang Yuesheng
Published: January 2022

In this work, the three-dimensional (3D) propagation behaviors in the nonlinear phononic crystal and elastic wave metamaterial with initial stresses are investigated. The analytical solutions of the fundamental wave and second harmonic with the quasi-longitudinal (qP) and quasi-shear (qS1 and qS2) modes are derived. Based on the transfer and stiffness matrices, band gaps with initial stresses are obtained by the Bloch theorem. The transmission coefficients are calculated to support the band gap property, and the tunability of the nonreciprocal transmission by the initial stress is discussed. This work is expected to provide a way to tune the nonreciprocal transmission with vector characteristics.
Measuring hope: validity of short versions of four popular hope scales
Authors: Pleeging Emma
Published: January 2022

Popular hope-instruments differ significantly in how they define hope. Due to their length, these instruments are rarely used in large-scale surveys or combined in interdisciplinary research. This study validates short versions of four hope instruments; the Adult Trait Hope Scale; Herth Hope Index; Locus Of Hope Scale; and spiritual dimension of the Comprehensive Hope Scale. Results show that the short versions function equally well as their longer counterparts. However, all scales show remarkably low correlations with similar concepts such as a single-item-hope-question and expectations. We argue that hope is a multi-dimensional phenomenon and that each of these instrument covers only one part of the experience, meaning that combining these instruments would yield more comprehensive insights. Moreover, cross-cultural comparison indicates that the social LOHS and spiritual CHS are less important in the Netherlands compared to Mexico. These findings suggest that different instruments might be more relevant in different contexts.
A semi-analytical solution to organic contaminants transport through composite liners considering a single crack in CCL
Authors: Xie Haijian , Ding Hao , Yan Huaxiang , Yang Dandi , Lou Zhanghua , Qiu Zhanhong , Chen Yun
Published: January 2022

Compacted clay liners (CCLs) are extensively used as engineering barriers for groundwater and soil pollution. The existence of cracks/fractures in CCL caused by thermally induced shrinkage is reported to importantly damage the performance of the CCL. An analytical model is developed to study the effects of the cracks/fractures on the migration of organic contaminants through a composite liner system. Laplace transformation and Laplace inversion using the Stehfest method are adopted to derive the analytical solution, which is validated by the experimental data. The existence of crack shows a significant impact on the breakthrough curve and bottom flux of organic contaminants. Increasing the crack width from 1 to 25 mm results in an enhancement of contaminant bottom concentration by a factor of 280. Increasing the adsorption factor and degradation rate of contaminants can effectively improve the performance of the composite liner with cracks. The effects of degradation of contaminants on the breakthrough curve are found to be more significant for the case with a larger retardation factor. This may be due to the fact that increasing the retardation factor can significantly slow down the transport of contaminants, which may indirectly create a longer period for the degradation of contaminants.