bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Yield performance and fiber quality of Pima cotton grown in the southeast United States
Authors: Holladay Sarah K. , Bridges William C. , Jones Michael A. , Campbell B. Todd
Published: March 2021

Commercial production of Pima cotton (Gossypium barbadense L.) in the United States is currently limited to the western United States and West Texas. Before the 1930s, Pima cotton was produced in coastal regions of the southeast United States. However, in an effort to escape yield and economic losses caused by the boll weevil, which invaded the United States in the 1920s, production of long‐season Pima cotton was eliminated and shifted to shorter‐season upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Today, the value of Pima cotton fiber is nearly double that of upland cotton. We hypothesized that Pima cotton could be successfully cultivated in the southeast United States because of the eradication of the boll weevil, alongside improvements in genetics and production practices. We evaluated the agronomic performance, fiber quality, and net economic return of 48 Pima genotypes in field trials conducted during 2018 and 2019 in Florence, SC, compared with two popular commercial upland cultivars. We also evaluated the impact of the ginning method (saw vs. roller) on fiber quality. On average, in comparison with upland cotton, the lint yield of Pima genotypes was reduced by half. However, most of the Pima genotypes produced higher‐quality fibers compared with the upland checks. Surprisingly, the ginning method appeared to have little impact on fiber quality. Net return analysis revealed no significant differences among several of the higher‐yielding, higher‐quality Pima genotypes and the upland genotypes in this study, indicating that the reintroduction of a Pima production system in the southeast United States may be feasible.
Modulational instability of dust‐ion‐acoustic waves in pair‐ion plasma having non‐thermal non‐extensive electrons
Authors: Islam M.K. , Noman A.A. , Akter J. , Chowdhury N.A. , Mannan A. , Roy T.S. , Salahuddin M. , Mamun A.A.
Published: March 2021

The modulational instability (MI) criteria of dust‐ion‐acoustic (DIA) waves (DIAWs) have been investigated in a four‐component pair‐ion plasma having inertial pair ions, inertialess non‐thermal non‐extensive electrons, and immobile negatively charged massive dust grains. A nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLSE) is derived by using reductive perturbation method. The nonlinear and dispersive coefficients of the NLSE can predict the modulationally stable and unstable parametric regimes of DIAWs and associated first and second‐order DIA rogue waves (DIARWs). The MI growth rate and the configuration of the DIARWs are examined, and it is found that the MI growth rate increases (decreases) with increasing the number density of the negatively charged dust grains in the presence (absence) of the negative ions. It is also observed that the amplitude and width of the DIARWs increase (decrease) with the negative (positive) ion mass. The implications of the results to laboratory and space plasmas are briefly discussed.
Certain investigations on recent advances in the design of decoding algorithms using low‐density parity‐check codes and its applications
Authors: Kingston Roberts Michaelraj , Kumari Saru , Anguraj Parthibaraj
Published: March 2021

Information theory coding is an impressive and most celebrated field of research that has spawned numerous extremely important solutions to the intractable problems of secure data communications. Recent advancements in error control coding methods have seen a huge surge in using low‐density parity‐check (LDPC) code‐based decoding algorithms to solve imperative issues related to reliable data transmission and reception. Till date, extensive research efforts have been consistently being made on LDPC codes which focus on algorithm‐driven and hardware‐realization‐based approaches. The main intension of this research work is to provide an extensive systematic elucidation on the recent advancements in LDPC decoding algorithms. In addition, a thorough performance evaluation and analysis of several outstanding LDPC decoding techniques is presented. Finally, conclusions are drawn by summarizing the important research findings, interesting open problems, current challenges and broader perspectives for future directions of research.
Energy‐efficient cluster‐based unmanned aerial vehicle networks with deep learning‐based scene classification model
Authors: Pustokhina Irina V. , Pustokhin Denis A. , Kumar Pareek Piyush , Gupta Deepak , Khanna Ashish , Shankar K.
Published: March 2021

In present days, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have gained significant interest among researchers and academicians. The UAVs were found useful in diverse application areas, namely, intelligent transportation system, disaster management, surveillance, and wildlife monitoring. Clustering is a well‐known energy‐efficient technique, which elects a cluster head (CH) among other nodes. At the same time, scene classification from the high‐resolution remote sensing images captured by UAV is also a major issue in the UAV networks. In order to resolve these problems, this paper projects novel energy‐efficient cluster‐based UAV networks with deep learning (DL)‐based scene classification method. The proposed model involves a clustering with parameter tuned residual network (C‐PTRN) model, which operates on two major phases such as cluster construction and scene classification. Initially, the UAVs are clustered using the type II fuzzy logic (T2FL) technique on the basis of residual energy, distance to nearby UAVs, and UAV degree. Next, the chosen CHs transmit the captured images to the base station (BS). At the second level, a DL‐based ResNet50 technique is employed for scene classification. To tune the hyperparameters of the ResNet50 model, water wave optimization (WWO) algorithm is used. At last, kernel extreme learning machine (KELM) model is used to perform the scene classification process. In order to ensure the performance of the proposed method, a detailed set of simulations takes place under different dimensions. The obtained results ensured that the C‐PTRN model has showcased supreme outcome with the maximum precision of 95.89%, recall of 98.91%, and F score of 96.54%.
A dynamic sleep‐scheduling algorithm based on vertex cover in autonomous systems
Authors: Dabaghi‐Zarandi Fahimeh , Movahedi Zeinab
Published: March 2021

Over recent years, energy conservation in Internet backbone networks has been proposed to reduce economic cost and environmental pollution produced by networking sectors. In this regard, we propose a new dynamic vertex cover‐based green algorithm (DVCGA) in order to conserve energy. Our solution considers online local/global traffic knowledge to switch off some underutilized network devices during nonpeak periods and reswitch on some sleep devices in congestion situation. In addition, DVCGA does not require any centralized controller and uses only information provided by a link‐state protocol. Results, obtained by real network scenario, show that up to 28% of network nodes and up to 82% of the maximum number of switchable links are switched off after DVCGA running. In addition, network performance metrics such as delay and packet delivery ratio during DVCGA running are close to original network and better than similar works. Moreover, the number of device state changes in the effect of DVCGA execution during network running is lower than similar proposals resulting in low network overhead.
Dining from the coast to the summit: Salmon and pine nuts determine the summer body condition of female brown bears on the Shiretoko Peninsula
Authors: Shirane Yuri , Jimbo Mina , Yamanaka Masami , Nakanishi Masanao , Mori Fumihiko , Ishinazaka Tsuyoshi , Sashika Mariko , Tsubota Toshio , Shimozuru Michito
Published: March 2021

Body condition in mammals fluctuates depending on energy intake and expenditure. For brown bears (Ursus arctos), high‐protein foods facilitate efficient mass gain, while lipids and carbohydrates play important roles in adjusting dietary protein content to optimal levels to maximize energy intake. On the Shiretoko Peninsula, Hokkaido, Japan, brown bears have seasonal access to high‐lipid pine nuts and high‐protein salmon. To assess seasonal and annual fluctuation in the body condition of adult female brown bears in relation to diet and reproductive status, we conducted a longitudinal study in a special wildlife protection area on the Shiretoko Peninsula during 2012–2018. First, analyses of 2,079 bear scats revealed that pine nuts accounted for 39.8% of energy intake in August and salmon accounted for 46.1% in September and that their consumption by bears varied annually. Second, we calculated the ratio of torso height to torso length as an index of body condition from 1,226 photographs of 12 adult females. Results indicated that body condition continued to decline until late August and started to increase in September when salmon consumption increased. In addition, body condition began to recover earlier in years when consumption of both pine nuts and salmon was high. Furthermore, females with offspring had poorer body condition than solitary females, in particular in late August in years with low salmon consumption. Our findings suggest that coastal and subalpine foods, which are unique to the Shiretoko Peninsula, determine the summer body condition of female brown bears, as well as their survival and reproductive success.
The origin of volatiles in the Emeishan large igneous province, China: Constraints from chemical and C–He–Ar isotopic compositions of volatiles in picrites and basalts
Authors: Tang Qingyan , Bao Jian , Su Tianbao , Xu Shihai , Zhang Jiahe , Song Hong
Published: March 2021

The Emeishan large igneous province (LIP) consists of Permian flood basalts and coeval intrusive rocks with compositions varying from mafic–ultramafic rocks to syenites and granites. The volatiles in the Emeishan LIP are dominated by H2O with high H2, indicating that the plume‐derived magma was generated under a reduced condition. Picrite has minor contents of H2S without detectable SO2, and the basalt samples show no detectable H2S and SO2, indicating that the basaltic magma may have undergone sulphur‐saturation during magma evolution. The δ13C values of CO2 and CH4 in picrites and basalts are between the values of mantle and crustal organic carbon. This, together with the distribution patterns among CH4 homologue, indicates contribution of recycled sediments to the Emeishan mantle‐derived magma. The 3He/4He ratios of volatiles extracted from olivine and pyroxene phenocrysts of picrites vary from 0.01 to 0.66 Ra, and those from pyroxene separates of olivine websterite samples in the Zhubu intrusion vary from 0.92 to 1.05 Ra. The low 3He/4He ratios of the picrites from Emeishan LIP are lower than those from the Siberian LIP, but within the values of continental crust and oceanic crust. The positive correlation between 4He/40Arc and 4He contents in Emeishan picrite suggests that the isotopic ratios were dramatically affected by crustal contamination rather than degassing. The He and Ar isotopes indicate that Emeishan picrite experienced addition of subducted oceanic crustal materials, and the Zhubu magma was contaminated by continental crustal materials.
Brain network integration dynamics are associated with loss and recovery of consciousness induced by sevoflurane
Authors: Luppi Andrea I. , Golkowski Daniel , Ranft Andreas , Ilg Rüdiger , Jordan Denis , Menon David K. , Stamatakis Emmanuel A.
Published: March 2021

The dynamic interplay of integration and segregation in the brain is at the core of leading theoretical accounts of consciousness. The human brain dynamically alternates between a sub‐state where integration predominates, and a predominantly segregated sub‐state, with different roles in supporting cognition and behaviour. Here, we combine graph theory and dynamic functional connectivity to compare resting‐state functional MRI data from healthy volunteers before, during, and after loss of responsiveness induced with different concentrations of the inhalational anaesthetic, sevoflurane. We show that dynamic states characterised by high brain integration are especially vulnerable to general anaesthesia, exhibiting attenuated complexity and diminished small‐world character. Crucially, these effects are reversed upon recovery, demonstrating their association with consciousness. Higher doses of sevoflurane (3% vol and burst‐suppression) also compromise the temporal balance of integration and segregation in the human brain. Additionally, we demonstrate that reduced anticorrelations between the brain's default mode and executive control networks dynamically reconfigure depending on the brain's state of integration or segregation. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the integrated sub‐state of brain connectivity is especially vulnerable to anaesthesia, in terms of both its complexity and information capacity, whose breakdown represents a generalisable biomarker of loss of consciousness and its recovery.
Impact of HIV‐infection on human somatosensory processing, spontaneous cortical activity, and cortical thickness: A multimodal neuroimaging approach
Authors: Casagrande Chloe C. , Lew Brandon J. , Taylor Brittany K. , Schantell Mikki , O'Neill Jennifer , May Pamela E. , Swindells Susan , Wilson Tony W.
Published: March 2021

HIV‐infection has been associated with widespread alterations in brain structure and function, although few studies have examined whether such aberrations are co‐localized and the degree to which clinical and cognitive metrics are related. We examine this question in the somatosensory system using high‐resolution structural MRI (sMRI) and magnetoencephalographic (MEG) imaging of neural oscillatory activity. Forty‐four participants with HIV (PWH) and 55 demographically‐matched uninfected controls completed a paired‐pulse somatosensory stimulation paradigm during MEG and underwent 3T sMRI. MEG data were transformed into the time‐frequency domain; significant sensor level responses were imaged using a beamformer. Virtual sensor time series were derived from the peak responses. These data were used to compute response amplitude, sensory gating metrics, and spontaneous cortical activity power. The T1‐weighted sMRI data were processed using morphological methods to derive cortical thickness values across the brain. From these, the cortical thickness of the tissue coinciding with the peak response was estimated. Our findings indicated both PWH and control exhibit somatosensory gating, and that spontaneous cortical activity was significantly stronger in PWH within the left postcentral gyrus. Interestingly, within the same tissue, PWH also had significantly reduced cortical thickness relative to controls. Follow‐up analyses indicated that the reduction in cortical thickness was significantly correlated with CD4 nadir and mediated the relationship between HIV and spontaneous cortical activity within the left postcentral gyrus. These data indicate that PWH have abnormally strong spontaneous cortical activity in the left postcentral gyrus and such elevated activity is driven by locally reduced cortical gray matter thickness.
Fetal origins—A life cycle model of health and aging from conception to death
Authors: Dalgaard Carl‐Johan , Hansen Casper Worm , Strulik Holger
Published: March 2021

The fetal origins hypothesis suggests that health and nutrition shocks in utero are causally related to health deficits in old age. It has received considerable empirical support, both within epidemiology and economics but so far it has not been integrated into a life cycle theory of human aging and longevity. The present study shows that the health deficit model, based on the frailty index developed in gerontology, generates shock amplification consistent with the hypothesis. In order to discuss human health over the life cycle from conception to death, we develop a theory of ontogenetic growth and health in utero and during childhood, unify it with the health deficit model of adult aging, and discuss the transmission of early‐life shocks to late‐life health deficit accumulation.
Weighting or aggregating? Investigating information processing in multi‐attribute choices
Authors: Genie Mesfin G. , Krucien Nicolas , Ryan Mandy
Published: March 2021

Multi‐attribute choices are commonly analyzed in economics to value goods and services. Analysis assumes individuals consider all attributes, making trade‐offs between them. Such decision‐making is cognitively demanding, often triggering alternative decision rules. We develop a new model where individuals aggregate multi‐attribute information into meta‐attributes. Applying our model to a choice experiment (CE) dataset, accounting for attribute aggregation (AA) improves model fit. The probability of adopting AA is greater for: homogenous attribute information; participants who had shorter response time and failed the dominance test; and for later located choices. Accounting for AA has implications for welfare estimates. Our results underline the importance of accounting for information processing rules when modelling multi‐attribute choices.
Sediment quality assessment framework for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances: Results from a preparatory study and regulatory implications
Authors: Casado-Martinez Carmen , Pascariello Simona , Polesello Stefano , Valsecchi Sara , Babut Marc , Ferrari Benoit J. D.
Published: March 2021

A preparatory study was performed to develop a sediment quality and risk assessment strategy for Switzerland, addressing the following questions: the sediment fraction to be analyzed chemically (< 63 µm, or alternatively < 2 mm); the suitability of using perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) as an indicator of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in sediments; the availability of data for the derivation of sediment quality guidelines; and the suitability of normalization to total organic carbon (TOC). The results confirmed PFOS as a suitable indicator of PFAS contamination in sediments from small streams, being the most detected and on average with the highest concentrations among the analyzed PFAS. The fine fraction (< 63 µm) was more appropriate to screening for possible sources and studying the compound profiles at the study sites, but the analysis of the < 2 mm fraction and the normalization to a sample consisting of 100% of the < 63 μm fraction was, in principle, feasible for PFOS. Sediment quality guidelines for PFOS aiming to protect benthic invertebrates from generic adverse effects could be derived, but the available toxicity database is still too sparse. It was only possible to derive preliminary values. Sediment quality guidelines to protect wildlife and human health from secondary poisoning, using the equilibrium partitioning approach and simple trophic web models, were also derived. The use of food web models to derive sediment quality guidelines has not been validated, and the available database of Biota-Sediment Accumulation Factors and Trophic Magnification Factors for PFOS remains limited. However, it is still larger than the effect concentrations database based on sediment studies using benthic invertebrates. Normalization to TOC content in the field (0.2%–12.9%) was decisive in the quality assessment outcome. This is a widely accepted practice for hydrophobic organic contaminants, but its endorsement for PFOS would also benefit from validation. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:716–725. © 2021 SETAC

KEY POINTS

Results of a preparatory study performed for the development of a sediment quality and risk assessment strategy for Switzerland. Comparison of concentrations of 12 PFAAs and FOSA quantified in the < 2 mm and < 63 µm fractions of surficial sediments from 18 wadeable streams. PFOS is proposed as indicator of PFAS contamination, being the most detected and on average with the highest concentrations among the analyzed PFAS. Sediment quality guidelines for PFOS aiming to protect benthic invertebrates from generic adverse effects and to protect wildlife and human health from secondary poisoning are proposed; the available database is still too sparse and it is only possible to derive preliminary values.
Novel imaging techniques for intraoperative margin assessment in surgical oncology: A systematic review
Authors: Heidkamp Jan , Scholte Mirre , Rosman Camiel , Manohar Srirang , Fütterer Jurgen J. , Rovers Maroeska M.
Published: March 2021

Inadequate margins continue to occur frequently in patients who undergo surgical resection of a tumor, suggesting that current intraoperative methods are not sufficiently reliable in determining the margin status. This clinical demand has inspired the development of many novel imaging techniques that could help surgeons with intraoperative margin assessment. This systematic review provides an overview of novel imaging techniques for intraoperative margin assessment in surgical oncology, and reports on their technical properties, feasibility in clinical practice and diagnostic accuracy. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane library were systematically searched (2013‐2018) for studies reporting on imaging techniques for intraoperative margin assessment. Patient and study characteristics, technical properties, feasibility characteristics and diagnostic accuracy were extracted. This systematic review identified 134 studies that investigated and developed 16 groups of techniques for intraoperative margin assessment: fluorescence, advanced microscopy, ultrasound, specimen radiography, optical coherence tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, elastic scattering spectroscopy, bio‐impedance, X‐ray computed tomography, mass spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, nuclear medicine imaging, terahertz imaging, photoacoustic imaging, hyperspectral imaging and pH measurement. Most studies were in early developmental stages (IDEAL 1 or 2a, n = 98); high‐quality stage 2b and 3 studies were rare. None of the techniques was found to be clearly superior in demonstrating high feasibility as well as high diagnostic accuracy. In conclusion, the field of imaging techniques for intraoperative margin assessment is highly evolving. This review provides a unique overview of the opportunities and limitations of the currently available imaging techniques.
A comparison of function‐ and nonfunction‐based extinction treatments for inappropriate mealtime behavior
Authors: Kirkwood Caitlin A. , Piazza Cathleen C. , Peterson Kathryn M.
Published: March 2021

Previous literature supports the use of functional analyses to prescribe treatments for children with feeding disorders (Bachmeyer et al., 2009). Nevertheless, clinicians often train caregivers to use healthy contingencies, independent of whether those contingencies are function based. However, it is unclear whether including nonfunction‐based contingencies differentially affects inappropriate mealtime behavior. In the current investigation, the caregivers of 3 children with feeding disorders provided escape from bites and drinks and attention following inappropriate mealtime behavior. Results of a functional analysis showed escape from bites or drinks, but not attention, reinforced inappropriate mealtime behavior. We then tested the effects of escape extinction when the feeder either provided or withheld attention following inappropriate mealtime behavior. Inappropriate mealtime behavior decreased and acceptance increased when the feeder implemented escape extinction independent of whether they provided or withheld attention. We discuss the implications of including nonfunction‐based components in the treatment of pediatric feeding disorders.
Sclerostin Downregulation Globally by Naturally Occurring Genetic Variants, or Locally in Atherosclerotic Plaques, Does Not Associate With Cardiovascular Events in Humans
Authors: Holdsworth Gill , Staley James R , Hall Peter , van Koeverden Ian , Vangjeli Ciara , Okoye Remi , Boyce Rogely W , Turk James R , Armstrong Martin , Wolfreys Alison , Pasterkamp Gerard
Published: March 2021

Inhibition of sclerostin increases bone formation and decreases bone resorption, leading to increased bone mass, bone mineral density, and bone strength and reduced fracture risk. In a clinical study of the sclerostin antibody romosozumab versus alendronate in postmenopausal women (ARCH), an imbalance in adjudicated serious cardiovascular (CV) adverse events driven by an increase in myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke was observed. To explore whether there was a potential mechanistic plausibility that sclerostin expression, or its inhibition, in atherosclerotic (AS) plaques may have contributed to this imbalance, sclerostin was immunostained in human plaques to determine whether it was detected in regions relevant to plaque stability in 94 carotid and 50 femoral AS plaques surgically collected from older female patients (mean age 69.6 ± 10.4 years). Sclerostin staining was absent in most plaques (67%), and when detected, it was of reduced intensity compared with normal aorta and was located in deeper regions of the plaque/wall but was not observed in areas considered relevant to plaque stability (fibrous cap and endothelium). Additionally, genetic variants associated with lifelong reduced sclerostin expression were explored for associations with phenotypes including those related to bone physiology and CV risk factors/events in a population-based phenomewide association study (PheWAS). Natural genetic modulation of sclerostin by variants with a significant positive effect on bone physiology showed no association with lifetime risk of MI or stroke. These data do not support a causal association between the presence of sclerostin, or its inhibition, in the vasculature and increased risk of serious cardiovascular events. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Characteristics of the gut microbiome profile in obese patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Shoji Masakuni , Sasaki Yu , Abe Yasuhiko , Nishise Shoichi , Yaoita Takao , Yagi Makoto , Mizumoto Naoko , Kon Takashi , Onozato Yusuke , Sakai Takayuki , Umehara Matsuki , Ito Minami , Koseki Ayumi , Murakami Ryoko , Miyano Yuki , Sato Hidenori , Ueno Yoshiyuki
Published: March 2021

Background and Aim

Obesity affects the gut microbiome, which in turn increases the risk for colorectal cancer. Several studies have shown the mechanisms by which some bacteria may influence the development of colorectal cancer; however, gut microbiome characteristics in obese patients with colorectal cancer remain unclear. Therefore, this study evaluated their gut microbiome profile and its relationship with metabolic markers.

Methods

The study assessed fecal samples from 36 consecutive patients with colorectal cancer and 38 controls without colorectal cancer. To identify microbiotic variations between patients with colorectal cancer and controls, as well as between nonobese and obese individuals, 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was performed.

Results

Principal coordinate analysis showed significant differences in the overall structure of the microbiome among the study groups. The α‐diversity, assessed by the Chao1 index or Shannon index, was higher in patients with colorectal cancer versus controls. The relative abundance of the genera Enterococcus, Capnocytophaga, and Polaribacter was significantly altered in obese patients with colorectal cancer, whose serum low‐density lipoprotein concentrations were positively correlated with the abundance of the genus Enterococcus; among the most abundant species was Enterococcus faecalis, observed at lower levels in obese versus nonobese patients.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated several compositional alterations of the gut microbiome in patients with colorectal cancer and showed that a reduced presence of E. faecalis may be associated with obesity‐related colorectal cancer development. The gut microbiome may provide novel insights into the potential mechanisms in obesity‐related colorectal carcinogenesis.
Impaired Very‐Low‐Density Lipoprotein catabolism links hypoglycemia to hypertriglyceridemia in Glycogen Storage Disease type Ia
Authors: Hoogerland Joanne A. , Peeks Fabian , Hijmans Brenda S. , Wolters Justina C. , Kooijman Sander , Bos Trijnie , Bleeker Aycha , van Dijk Theo H. , Wolters Henk , Gerding Albert , van Eunen Karen , Havinga Rick , Pronk Amanda C. M. , Rensen Patrick C. N. , Mithieux Gilles , Rajas Fabienne , Kuipers Folkert , Reijngoud Dirk‐Jan , Derks Terry G. J. , Oosterveer Maaike H.
Published: March 2021

Prevention of hypertriglyceridemia is one of the biomedical targets in Glycogen Storage Disease type Ia (GSD Ia) patients, yet it is unclear how hypoglycemia links to plasma triglyceride (TG) levels. We analyzed whole‐body TG metabolism in normoglycemic (fed) and hypoglycemic (fasted) hepatocyte‐specific glucose‐6‐phosphatase deficient (L‐G6pc−/−) mice. De novo fatty acid synthesis contributed substantially to hepatic TG accumulation in normoglycemic L‐G6pc−/− mice. In hypoglycemic conditions, enhanced adipose tissue lipolysis was the main driver of liver steatosis, supported by elevated free fatty acid concentrations in GSD Ia mice and GSD Ia patients. Plasma very‐low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels were increased in GSD Ia patients and in normoglycemic L‐G6pc−/− mice, and further elevated in hypoglycemic L‐G6pc−/− mice. VLDL‐TG secretion rates were doubled in normo‐ and hypoglycemic L‐G6pc−/− mice, while VLDL‐TG catabolism was selectively inhibited in hypoglycemic L‐G6pc−/− mice. In conclusion, fasting‐induced hypoglycemia in L‐G6pc−/− mice promotes adipose tissue lipolysis and arrests VLDL catabolism. This mechanism likely contributes to aggravated liver steatosis and dyslipidemia in GSD Ia patients with poor glycemic control and may explain clinical heterogeneity in hypertriglyceridemia between GSD Ia patients.
Development of a 68Ga‐labelled PET tracer for carbonic anhydrase IX‐overexpressed tumors using the artificial sweetener saccharin
Authors: Shin Un chul , Choi Jeong Su , Beak Yeon Jae , Lee Min woo , Kim Hyung Soo , Choi Dal Woong , Kim Dong Gil , Kim Suhng Wook
Published: March 2021

In this study, we developed a saccharin (SAC)‐based radiopharmaceutical (68Ga‐NOTA‐SAC) and evaluated the possibility of its application as a PET tracer in the diagnosis of carbonic anhydrase IX (CA IX)‐overexpressed tumors. We did a water‐soluble tetrazolium assay and flow cytometry analysis to identify the cell viability decrease by SAC. The radiochemical purity and stability of 68Ga‐ NOTA‐SAC in human and mouse serum was greater than 98%. The small animal PET image‐based radioactivity distribution of all organs decreased over time.68Ga‐NOTA‐SAC presented the highest tumor‐to‐muscle ratio at 90 min post injection (p.i). The growth rates of tumor‐to‐muscle ratios of 68Ga‐NOTA‐SAC were 88% at 60 min and 220% at 90 min, compared to 30 min p.i. The potential of 68Ga‐NOTA‐SAC as a PET tracer is expected to contribute to the diagnostic research on CA IX‐overexpressed tumors with the advantages of a relatively simple synthesis method.
Seasonal distribution and variability of surface winds in the Indonesian seas using scatterometer and reanalysis data
Authors: Alifdini Inovasita , Shimada Teruhisa , Wirasatriya Anindya
Published: March 2021

The distribution and variability of surface winds in the seas and straits in the Maritime Continent, or the Indonesian seas, are investigated using scatterometer wind measurements and reanalysis wind data. This study focuses on the detailed climatology of surface winds in the Indonesian seas and has significant implications for a better understanding of regional climate, meteorological disasters, and offshore wind resource. The monsoon winds predominantly blow over the seas along the routes formed by the coastlines of the large islands and the chains of the small islands. The wind speeds are persistently strong along these routes, and the major direction of the variability in winds is well aligned with these routes. The wind jets are formed in the central part of the routes. The interisland gaps and channels form wind jets of various scales. The Australian winter monsoon is stronger and more persistent than the East Asian winter monsoon in the Indonesian seas. The onset of each monsoon differs by approximately 40 days between the east and west of the Indonesian seas. The amplitudes and spatial extents of diurnally varying winds dominate along the northern coasts of Java Island and the small islands to the east, along the northwest and northeast coasts of Borneo, along the coast of southern Sulawesi Island, and to the southwest of Papua, and vanish along the centre lines of the monsoon routes. Sea areas with a large amplitude of diurnally varying wind are much the same throughout the year. The amplitude of diurnally varying wind has an annual maximum in September in the southern Indonesian seas, possibly in correspondence with the annual maximum of the temperature difference between land and sea.
Landing biomechanics deficits in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction patients can be assessed in a non‐laboratory setting
Authors: Peebles Alexander T. , Miller Thomas K. , Queen Robin M.
Published: March 2021

Landing biomechanics provide important information pertaining to second anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk in patients following ACL reconstruction (ACLR). While traditional motion analysis technologies are often impractical for use in non‐laboratory settings, methods to assess landing biomechanics which are inexpensive, portable, and user‐friendly have recently been developed and validated. The purpose of this study was to compare landing kinematics and kinetics between ACLR patients and uninjured controls in a non‐laboratory setting. Sixteen ACLR patients (7 male/9 female, 6–12 months post‐ACLR) and 16 gender‐matched controls completed seven bilateral drop vertical jumps and seven unilateral drop landings on each limb. Plantar force was measured bilaterally using force sensing insoles and frontal and sagittal‐plane knee kinematics were measured using two tablets, six reflective markers, and automated point tracking software. Plantar force impulse normalized symmetry index (NSI) and knee frontal plane projection angle (FPPA) range of motion were computed during bilateral landing, and knee flexion range of motion NSI was computed during unilateral landing and compared between groups using independent samples t tests. ACLR patients had larger NSIs (reflecting less symmetry) for plantar force impulse during bilateral landing (p < 0.001) and knee flexion range of motion during unilateral landing (p = 0.004). No between‐group differences were observed for knee FPPA range of motion (p = 0.111). This study is an important step towards assessing landing biomechanics in non‐research settings with the goal of providing quantitative injury risk metrics in a clinical setting that can be used for return to sport decision making.
Correlation of local strain and temperature measurements in confocal Raman microscopy
Authors: Lubio Aura D. , Dörfler Andreas , Plathier Julien , Dequivre Thomas , Kolhatkar Gitanjali , Charlebois Serge A. , Ruediger Andreas
Published: March 2021

In microsystem technologies, it is very common to employ Raman spectroscopy to monitor the strain generated during the fabrication of microelectromechanical systems and integrated circuits devices, an example being through‐silicon vias. Typically, for strain analysis, the laser intensity is chosen to be sufficiently low to avoid the laser heating affecting the position of the Raman lines under consideration, because theoretically, the measured strain can have two origins: for one as a consequence of mechanical stress through Hooke's law, and for the other, as a consequence of temperature. The latter has often been overlooked throughout literature. Here, we revisit a couple of cases, for which tensile strain is detected, by comparing them to Raman analysis on samples of empty through‐silicon vias, that were expected to be strain free. By simultaneously monitoring strain and the local temperature through the ratio of anti‐Stokes to Stokes lines, it is found that at least part of the strain usually attributed to mechanical stress can be quantitatively attributed to laser‐induced thermal expansion, even at relatively low laser intensities. We support our findings using a finite element model and present key implications on the interpretation of strain measurements in copper‐filled through‐silicon vias.
Evaluation of Non‐Ambiguous Critical Micelle Concentration of Surfactants in Relation to Solution Behaviors of Pure and Mixed Surfactant Systems: A Physicochemical Documentary and Analysis
Authors: Moulik Satya P. , Rakshit Animesh K. , Naskar Bappaditya
Published: March 2021

Critical micelle concentration (CMC) is a fundamental physical parameter of surfactant aggregation in solution. The CMC is determined by different methods, tensiometry, conductometry, microcalorimetry, fluorimetry, and so on. However, it is known that though CMC is reported as a single value, in reality, micelle formation occurs over a narrow range of concentration for different experimental procedures produce different results. We shall discuss about a unique procedure of measuring correct CMC applicable to all potential methods used in practice. This is essential for the evaluation of thermodynamic properties of the micelle forming process in pure and mixed states in terms of solution theories. As we in this short documentary want to deal with various aspects of Milton Rosen's research—wherein we have also worked—a few other facets of surfactant chemistry research, besides the micelle formation, are also briefly discussed. In mixed surfactant systems, synergistic effects in various surfactant properties like detergency, foaming, solubilization, and so on are found whereas in some others non‐synergistic effects are observed. Dehydration of micelles with an increase in temperature or by the addition of hydrophilic substances may cause clouding to the system. Soluble amphiphilic systems produce Gibbs monolayer at the air/water interface; insoluble amphiphiles form Langmuir monolayers. A documentary of the above aspects will be herein presented and discussed. We mention that this article is neither an original research article nor a review article. This is a mixture of the two: a documentary of both original research and some review of our works presented in memory of Prof. Milton Rosen.
Promotion of monacolin K production in Monascus extractive fermentation: the variation in fungal morphology and in the expression levels of biosynthetic gene clusters
Authors: Yang Xuelian , Xiang Longbei , Zhang Chan , Cao Yanping , Wang Chengtao
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Monacolin K, an important secondary metabolite of Monascus, possesses a cholesterol‐lowering effect and is widely used in the manufacture of antihypertensive drugs. In the present study, we constructed an extractive fermentation system by adding non‐ionic surfactant and acquired a high monacolin K yield. The mechanism was determined by examining both cell morphology and the transcription levels of the related mokA‐I genes in the monacolin K biosynthetic gene cluster.

RESULTS

The monacolin K yield was effectively increased to 539.59 mg L−1 during extraction, which was an increase of 386.16% compared to that in the control group fermentation. The non‐ionic surfactant showed good biocompatibility with Monascus. Electron scanning microscopy revealed alterations in the morphology of Monascus. The loosened mycelial structure and increased number of cell surface wrinkles were found to be related to the increased cell‐membrane permeability and extracellular accumulation of monacolin K. Gene expression levels were measured via a quantitative reverse transciptase‐polymerase chain reaction. By contrast, in the control group, mokA, mokB, mokC, mokD and mokF showed higher‐level and longer‐term expression in the extractive fermentation group, whereas mokE and mokG did not present a similar trend. The expression levels of mokH and mokI, encoding a transcription factor and efflux pump, respectively, were also higher than the control levels.

CONCLUSION

The addition of a non‐ionic surfactant to Monascus fermentation effectively increases the yield of monacolin K by transforming the fungus morphology and promoting the expression of monacolin K biosynthesis genes. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
A context‐driven approach on coping with COVID‐19: From hiding knowledge toward citizen engagement
Authors: Cegarra‐Navarro Juan‐Gabriel , Vătămănescu Elena‐Mădălina , Martínez‐Martínez Aurora
Published: March 2021

The current study sets out to investigate the relationships among three interconnected dimensions, that is hiding knowledge by the Government, the realized absorptive capacity (RACAP) and citizen engagement, giving way to a context‐driven approach. Emphasis is laid on the effects engendered by the lack of official information transparency in the critical context of COVID‐19 outbreak at the global level, through the lens of the Spanish example. The relationships among the variables are analyzed by means of an empirical study conducted with 151 Spanish subjects with a view to identify whether the impact of knowledge hiding by the Government on citizen engagement can be mitigated and to acknowledge how the presence of RACAP impacts citizens in limiting the spread of COVID‐19 information disorders.
Extraordinary Fast Forward and Backward Light in Transparent Non‐Hermitian Systems
Authors: Zhang Lingxuan , Ying Lei , Ge Li , Zhao Wei , Zhang Wenfu
Published: March 2021

The phenomenon of fast forward and backward light pulse propagation in effectively transparent non‐Hermitian photonic systems is reported. Specifically, the propagation eigenmodes are analyzed in several parity‐time‐symmetric coupled waveguides. In contrast to a previous finding that showed slow light due to an exceptional point in such systems, a critical point in its close proximity that displays a diverging dispersion is identified. Superluminal light pulse propagation in the forward and backward directions is then found and observed numerically on the two sides of the critical point, respectively. This abnormal phenomenon can be understood by a conservation relation of group velocities, which can be extended to other transparent non‐Hermitian photonic systems with different symmetries. More importantly, the abrupt transition across the critical point between the fast forward and backward light can be tuned, indicating the possibility of detecting atom‐scale movement of the waveguides with little time delay. In addition, bandwidth broadening and a passive superluminal propagation configuration are discussed.
Genotype–Phenotype Relations for the Atypical Parkinsonism Genes: MDSGene Systematic Review
Authors: Wittke Christina , Petkovic Sonja , Dobricic Valerija , Schaake Susen ,   MDS‐endorsed PSP Study Group, Respondek Gesine , Weissbach Anne , Madoev Harutyun , Trinh Joanne , Vollstedt Eva‐Juliane , Kuhnke Neele , Lohmann Katja , Dulovic Mahlow Marija , Marras Connie , König Inke R. , Stamelou Maria , Bonifati Vincenzo , Lill Christina M. , Kasten Meike , Huppertz Hans‐Jürgen , Höglinger Günter , Klein Christine
Published: March 2021

This Movement Disorder Society Genetic mutation database Systematic Review focuses on monogenic atypical parkinsonism with mutations in the ATP13A2, DCTN1, DNAJC6, FBXO7, SYNJ1, and VPS13C genes. We screened 673 citations and extracted genotypic and phenotypic data for 140 patients (73 families) from 77 publications. In an exploratory fashion, we applied an automated classification procedure via an ensemble of bootstrap‐aggregated (“bagged”) decision trees to distinguish these 6 forms of monogenic atypical parkinsonism and found a high accuracy of 86.5% (95%CI, 86.3%–86.7%) based on the following 10 clinical variables: age at onset, spasticity and pyramidal signs, hypoventilation, decreased body weight, minimyoclonus, vertical gaze palsy, autonomic symptoms, other nonmotor symptoms, levodopa response quantification, and cognitive decline. Comparing monogenic atypical with monogenic typical parkinsonism using 2063 data sets from Movement Disorder Society Genetic mutation database on patients with SNCA, LRRK2, VPS35, Parkin, PINK1, and DJ‐1 mutations, the age at onset was earlier in monogenic atypical parkinsonism (24 vs 40 years; P = 1.2647 × 10−12) and levodopa response less favorable than in patients with monogenic typical presentations (49% vs 93%). In addition, we compared monogenic to nonmonogenic atypical parkinsonism using data from 362 patients with progressive supranuclear gaze palsy, corticobasal degeneration, multiple system atrophy, or frontotemporal lobar degeneration. Although these conditions share many clinical features with the monogenic atypical forms, they can typically be distinguished based on their later median age at onset (64 years; IQR, 57–70 years). In conclusion, age at onset, presence of specific signs, and degree of levodopa response inform differential diagnostic considerations and genetic testing indications in atypical forms of parkinsonism. © 2021 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson Movement Disorder Society.
Existence theory and stability analysis of switched coupled system of nonlinear implicit impulsive Langevin equations with mixed derivatives
Authors: Rizwan Rizwan , Zada Akbar , Ahmad Manzoor , Shah Syed Omar , Waheed Hira
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we consider switched coupled system of nonlinear implicit impulsive Langevin equations with mixed derivatives. Some sufficient conditions are constructed to observe the existence, uniqueness, and generalized Ulam–Hyers–Rassias stability of our proposed model, with the help of Generalized Diaz–Margolis's fixed point approach, over generalized complete metric space. We give an example which supports our main result.
Extended convergence for a fifth‐order novel scheme free from derivatives
Authors: Behl Ramandeep , Argyros Ioannis K. , Martínez Eulalia , Joshi Janak
Published: March 2021

The objective in this paper is the expansion of the utilization for a fifth convergence order scheme without derivatives for finding solutions of Banach space valued equations. Conditions of the first order divided difference of the operator involved are only imposed. In this way the use of the scheme is expanded, since in earlier articles the derivatives until order four that do appear in the iterative method are required for setting convergence. Our technique also provides bounds on error distances as well as information about the location of the solutions not given in earlier works. Experiments with concrete problems complete this study.
Acute Effects of Temperature, pH, and Suspended Solids on Antioxidant and Digestive Enzyme Activities and Stress-Response Gene Expressions in the Boring Giant Clam Tridacna crocea
Authors: Ma Shaobo , Qin Geng , Zhang Bo , Li Chunyan , Fang Shaobin , Yin Jianping
Published: March 2021

The present study investigated the acute effects of three key environmental factors (temperature, pH, and suspended solids) on the physiology of the boring giant clam Tridacna crocea. Single-factor experiments for a duration time of 10 h showed that high thermal stress (25 [control], 28, and 30°C), water acidification (pH 8.0 [control], 7.5, and 7.0), and suspended solids (no sands [control], or coral sand with grain size either 0.1 or 0.5 mm) all increased the mRNA expressions of heat-shock-protein genes and apoptosis-related genes, respectively, in the gills of giant clams. Both water acidification and suspended solids also up-regulated lactic acid dehydrogenase and glutamic-pyruvate transaminase enzyme activities. There was no significant variation among the different treatment conditions in the digestive enzyme (trypsin, lipase, and amylase) activities in the hepatopancreas of giant clams, except that significant higher lipase activities were observed in those that were exposed to 28°C and pH 7.0. The present results imply that temperature, pH, and suspended solids are important environmental conditions that affect the physiology of giant clams during large-scale artificial breeding.