bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scapular Glenoid Cavity in Central Indian Population: A Morphological Study
Authors: Wahane Abhilasha M , Talokar Sonal A , Dange Rajeshree N
Published: February 2022

Introduction: The Glenoid Cavity (GC) of scapula has highly variable morphology. The rim of GC presents a notch in its upper and front part, because of this glenoid notch, various shapes of GC are found like pear, oval or inverted comma shaped. For total shoulder arthroplasty, knowledge of the shape and dimensions of the glenoid are important in the design and fitting of glenoid component. Various anatomical parameters of the glenoid like height, width, articular surface area, inclination, vault size and shape are relevant for prosthesis design. There is considerable natural variability in these parameters. Anatomical variations of GC are also important for understanding the various pathologies involving the shoulder joints. The present study tries to determine the measurements of various dimensions of the GC including the variations in its shape and surface area. Aim: To obtain the morphometric data and various shapes of the GC relevant to the central Indian population and to compare the data obtained from the present study with previous studies. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out on 150 dry, adult human scapulae of unknown sex, collected from the museum of Department of Anatomy, out of which, 67 were of right side and 83 of left side belonging to central Indian population of unknown sex and age. Morphological evaluation and morphometric measurements for GC were done in each scapula using digital vernier calliper. The height and anteroposterior diameter of the GC was measured at three different levels. Shape of the GC, based on the presence of a notch on the anterior glenoid rim, was noted as pear, oval or inverted comma shape. Results: The mean Superior-inferior (SI) diameter of the GC was observed as 33.84±3.08 mm on right side and 33.68±2.75 mm on left side. The mean Anterior Posterior 1 was 23.65±3.47 and 23.60±2.79 on right and left side, respectively. Anterior Posterior 2 was 14.98±2.41 and 14.16±2.23 on right and left side, respectively, whereas, Anterior Posterior 3 were 19.12±3.59 and 18.44±3.11 on right and left side, respectively. A 33.3% glenoid cavities were oval shaped, 50.66% were of pear shape and 16% were of inverted comma shape. Conclusion: The present study can be helpful to orthopaedic surgeons and biomechanical engineers during designing and fitting the implants for total shoulder arthroplasty. The size of the GC is known to be variable in different population. Hence, while designing the glenoid component of the prosthesis; smaller dimensions of the glenoid cavities in Indian population should be considered.
Periodic Unit and its Effect on Improving Academic Performance of Students in Anatomy- A Pilot Study
Authors: Pushpa NB , Pushpalatha K , Smitha MC
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Anatomy is one of the basic sciences of medicine. Optimal anatomical knowledge is essential for competent future doctors. Assessments in medical education not only help the students but also, the teachers to address the critical areas of weakness among the students and guide them. Most of the times, the process of periodic assessment becomes stressful for the students and an extra work for the teachers. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of Periodic unit test in improving academic performance of first year MBBS students in Anatomy. Materials and Methods: A pilot study was conducted among 26 students of first year MBBS belonging to two dissection tables- table A and table B (randomly selected) for a period of six months. Each table consisted of 13 students. Marks of the 1st and 2nd internals of both table students were analysed with and without intervention (periodic unit tests). Feedback was taken from the students about the periodic unit tests by a questionnaire with 11 statements (answered using Likert scale). Median scores were calculated for each statement. Independent t-test was done between the 1st and 2nd theory internal assessment marks of both the table students using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Results: About 76.9% of students had performed well in the theory internals with intervention (periodic units) than without intervention. In the feedback, all the students were of the opinion that the periodic unit tests were not stressful and helped them in various ways in the preparation for the Internal assessment examination. Conclusion: Formative assessment and appropriate feedback by the mentors help students to score marks and gain confidence about the subject.
Prevalence of Retromolar Foramen in Dry Human Mandibles: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Sumalatha T , Bethi Manasa , Vedula Sailaja
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Retromolar foramen present in the retromolar area is related with neurovascular contents, which can be manipulated in surgical procedures. So the knowledge of the presence of foramen is important. In this study, presence of retromolar foramen is identified on dry mandibles. Aim: The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of the retromolar foramen, its size and shape and the distance of the retromolar foramen from the last socket and the anterior border of mandible and its clinical implications. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted for a period of three months from September 2019 to November 2019. Forty mandibles were observed on both sides for the presence of the retromolar foramen and its size was measured with a divider and ruler to the nearest millimeters and its shape was observed. The distances of the foramen from last molar socket and also from the anterior border of the mandible were measured with a divider and ruler to the nearest millimeters. Results: Among the 80 sides, on 9 sides (11.25%) retromolar foramen was found: 5 (6.25%) on right side, 2 (2.5%) on left side and 1 (1.25%) bilaterally. Conclusion: According to the present study retromolar foramen can be sometimes observed in mandibles. For surgical and anaesthetical procedures in the retromolar area, retromolar foramen is considered as the neurovascular bundle passing through it.
Morphometric Study of Scapular Index in South Indian Population: An Observational Study
Authors: Somesh MS , Revankar Sanjaykumar B , Ramulu Mutyalapati Venkata
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Scapula is a flat, triangular bone forming very important shoulder joint and with the evolution it has undergone modifications especially in its shape. It can be best studied with the help of Scapular Index (SI)-which denotes the relationship of breadth of the scapula to the length of the scapular bone. Aim: To determine the morphometric dimensions and SI in South Indian population and to compare it with various ethnic groups and laterality. Materials and Methods: The present retrospective observational study utilised a total of 98 scapulae of both right and left sides from South Indian population available over a period of one year in the Department of Anatomy of tertiary care centre. The relationship of Scapular Length (SL) with its breadth was expressed as the SI. The obtained values are analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Software version 21.0. Mean, ratio, percentage and standard deviations were applied and results were analysed. Results: The breadth of the scapula ranged from 83-112 mm and the mean value was 96.71±6.98 mm. The length of scapula ranges from 104.5-165 mm and the mean value was 136±13.52 mm. The SI was ranging from 55.62-87.08 and the mean value was 71.46±5.64. The Infraspinous Index (IB), ranged from 68.42- 121.33 and the mean value was 94.14±10.98. Conclusion: The morphometric data of the present study can be not only in comparative anatomy between the different races, but also between the subpopulations of our country also. The data of the present study can be useful for manufacturing various prosthetic products, for procedures such as prosthetic positioning of scapula and also in various surgical maneuvers such as screw fixations, replacements of the shoulder joint in our subset of population for various medical fields such as Orthopaedics.
СОЛНЕЧНАЯ АКТИВНОСТЬ, КОСМИЧЕСКАЯ ПОГОДА И ЗЕМЛЕТРЯСЕНИЯ, "Земля и Вселенная"
Authors: Тарасов Н.Т.
Published: February 2022

Еще в 1853 г. всемирно известный астроном Рудольф Вольф предположил, что повышение солнечной активности (СА) может влиять на сейсмичность Земли. Более широкие исследования влияния процессов, протекающих на Солнце и в околоземном пространстве на состояние земной коры и сейсмичность, начались 50–60 лет назад, когда развитие инструментальных наблюдений на Земле и в околоземном пространстве позволило получать большие объемы данных, необходимых для таких исследований. За прошедшие годы этой теме был посвящен целый ряд работ, выполненных как в России (СССР), так и за рубежом. Такой интерес вызван тем, что новые результаты, полученные в этом направлении, могут помочь более точно предсказывать периоды повышения сейсмической опасности на Земле, изучить воздействие на сейсмичность факторов разной физической природы и более полно понять закономерности солнечно-земных связей. Однако опубликованные результаты нередко носят противоречивый характер. Дискуссионными остаются также вопросы о первопричине и физическом механизме влияния СА на сейсмичность Земли. Поэтому требуются дальнейшие исследования. В предлагаемой работе представлены новые результаты, полученные автором при исследовании влияния на сейсмичность Земли магнитных бурь (МБ) и других факторов, связанных с повышением СА.
ПУЛКОВСКАЯ ОБСЕРВАТОРИЯ — ВОКРУГ РЕФРАКТОРА, "Земля и Вселенная"
Authors: Кияева О.В. , Измайлов И.С. , Соболева Т.В. , Шахт Н.А.
Published: February 2022

Герой нашей статьи – 26-дюймовый рефрактор, самый большой линзовый телескоп в Европе, который продолжает успешно наблюдать в Пулковской обсерватории. Однако история данного телескопа началась задолго до его рождения.
Recursive Bayesian inference and learning for target tracking with unknown maneuvers
Authors: Ji Ruiping , Liang Yan , Xu Linfeng
Published: February 2022

This paper addresses the problem of target tracking under completely unknown maneuvering behavior to cope with the complicated target maneuvers. The actual but unknown motion model is formulated as a linear stochastic model with unknown transition matrix and modeling error covariance. Considering the diversity and time‐varying of maneuvers, both the transition matrix and covariance are random. Accordingly, the tracker design amounts to recursively updating the joint posterior of target state and unknown parameters (i.e., the transition matrix and covariance). Since it is difficult to obtain the analytical joint posterior, a Bayesian inference and learning scheme is proposed in the sequential Monte Carlo (SMC) framework to alternatively update the state posterior and the unknown parameters posterior. Particularly, it is revealed that the state prediction density used in the SMC obeys a Student's t‐distribution, thus ensuring the effective sampling of particle trajectories. Finally, a maneuvering benchmark shows that the proposed tracker can significantly reduce the peak tracking error, which is one of the most important performance indices for preventing tracking failure.
Senators introduce bill to allow pharmacy methadone dispensing
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: February 2022

On Feb. 10, Senators Edward J. Markey (D‐Mass.) and Rand Paul, M.D. (R‐Ky.), introduced a bill to allow pharmacies to dispense methadone for treating opioid use disorder (OUD). The Opioid Treatment Access Act would revise regulations, which the sponsors call “outdated,” on methadone treatment by reducing the time in treatment required for patients to receive take‐home doses of medication and allowing pharmacies to dispense methadone for OUD treatment for the first time. The bill is a companion to the bill introduced by Rep. Donald Norcross (D‐N.J.) in December 2021 (see Methadone ‘modernization’ bill introduced in Congress, ADAW Dec 10, 2021; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/adaw.33288).
Grazed perennial grasslands can match current beef production while contributing to climate mitigation and adaptation
Authors: Jackson Randall D.
Published: February 2022

The U.S. grain‐finished beef system is highly productive but has many negative consequences for human health and well‐being because it pollutes surface and groundwaters, exacerbates flooding, reduces biodiversity, and contributes to climate change. Moving the entire U.S. grain‐fed beef production system to a grass‐finished system is possible without displacing food production and under conservative soil carbon (C) change estimates would result in a reduced but similar C footprint, while improving soil health, water quality, and biodiversity. More optimistic estimates for soil C accumulation indicate the system would result in significant atmospheric C drawdown. Agroecological transformation like this is limited only by our imagination and policies that incentivize agriculture for the public good rather than profits for a few.
Safety and efficacy of a humanized CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T cells for relapsed/refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Shi Ming , Li Li , Wang Shiyuan , Cheng Hai , Chen Wei , Sang Wei , Qi Kunming , Li Zhenyu , Wang Gang , Li Huizhong , Lan Jianping , Huang Jinqi , Fei Xiaoming , Yu Min , Li Fei , Qiao Jianlin , Wu Qingyun , Zeng Lingyu , Jing Guangjun , Zheng Junnian , Gale Robert Peter , Xu Kailin , Cao Jiang
Published: February 2022

CD19‐targeted chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR‐T) cells using murine single‐chain variable fragment (scFv) has shown substantial clinical efficacy in treating relapsed/refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia (R/R ALL). However, potential immunogenicity of the murine scFv domain may limit the persistence of CAR‐T cells. In this study, we treated 52 consecutive subjects with R/R ALL with humanized CD19‐specific CAR‐T cells (hCART19s). Forty‐six subjects achieved complete remission (CR) (N = 43) or CR with incomplete count recovery (CRi) (N = 3) within 1 month post infusion. During the follow‐up with a median time of 20 months, the 1‐year cumulative incidence of relapse was 25% (95% confidence interval [CI] 13–46), and 1‐year event‐free survival was 45% (95% CI 29–60). To the cutoff date, 20 patients presented CD19+ relapse and 2 had CD19− relapse. Among the 22 relapsed patients, 14 had treatment‐mediated and treatment‐boosted antidrug antibodies (ADA) as detected in a sensitive and specific cell‐based assay. ADA positivity was correlated with the disease relapse risk. ADA‐positive patients had a significantly lower CAR copy number than ADA‐negative patients at the time of recurrence (p < .001). In conclusion, hCART19s therapy is safe and highly active in R/R ALL patients, and the hCART19s treatment could induce the emergence of ADA, which is related to the recurrence of the primary disease.
Is age of menarche directly related to vitamin D levels?
Authors: Al‐Taiar Abdullah , Al‐Sabah Reem , Shaban Lemia , Sharaf Alddin Reem , Durgampudi Praveen K. , Galadima Hadiza
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Very few studies have examined the direct link between age of menarche and vitamin D level and controversial results have been reported. This study aimed to investigate the association between vitamin D and age of menarche in a group of adolescent girls in an area with plenty of sunshine.

Methods

At baseline, data were collected on 722 middle schoolgirls that were randomly selected by probability proportional to size sampling method. Of this group, 598 were followed including 173 who had their menarche during the follow‐up. Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) was measured at baseline using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). Data on potential confounders were collected at baseline from the parents using self‐administered questionnaire and from schoolgirls through face‐to‐face interview. Multiple linear regression and time‐to‐event analysis were used to investigate the association between 25OHD concentration and age of menarche.

Results

The mean (SD) age of the study group was 12.51 (0.91) years while the main (SD) age of menarche was 11.82 (1.04) years. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (<50 nmol/L) among schoolgirls was 91.69%. We found no evidence for the association between 25OHD levels and age of menarche before (β, .00, 95% confidence interval (CI) [−0.01, 0.01]; p = .808) or after (β, .00, 95% CI [−0.01, 0.01]; p = .765) adjusting for potential confounders. We also found no evidence for association between 25OHD status and age of menarche before (p = .424) or after (p = .356) adjusting for potential confounders. Time‐to‐event analysis showed no association between 25OHD level or status and age of menarche (p = .850).

Conclusion

In Middle Eastern setting, where vitamin D deficiency is common despite plenty of sunshine, vitamin D is not a major determinant of the age at menarche. Regardless of the link between vitamin D and age of menarche, there are several other health benefits of having adequate vitamin D level during childhood and adolescence.
Location, symptoms, and management of plexiform neurofibromas in 127 children with neurofibromatosis 1, attending the National Complex Neurofibromatosis 1 service, 2018–2019
Authors: Collins‐Sawaragi Yoshua Colyn , Ferner Rosalie , Vassallo Grace , De Agrò Germana , Eccles Simon , Cadwgan Jill , Hargrave Darren , Hupton Eileen , Eelloo Judith , Lunt Lauren , Tang Vivian , Burkitt Wright Emma , Lascelles Karine
Published: February 2022

We report on the location, symptoms, and management of plexiform neurofibroma (PN) in children with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) attending the 2 National Complex Neurofibromatosis 1 Services at Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London and St Mary's Hospital, Manchester. Retrospective data collection was performed from patient chart reviews from April 2018 to April 2019. There were 127 NF1 patients with PN, age range 0.8–17.0, mean age was 9.9 years (SD ± 4.2 years). The main location of the PN was craniofacial in 35%, and limb in 19%. Disfigurement was present in 57%, pain in 28%, impairment of function in 23%, and threat to function in 9% of children. Fifty‐four percent of patients were managed conservatively, 28% surgically, and 19% are either taking or due to start a mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitor (selumetinib or trametinib), either through a clinical trial or compassionate usage scheme. This national study provides a comprehensive overview of the management of children with PN in an era where new therapies (MEK inhibitors) are becoming more widely available. We anticipate that there will be a shift to more patients receiving MEK inhibitor therapy and combination therapy (surgery and MEK inhibitor) in the future.
Analysis of induced pluripotent stem cell clones derived from a patient with mosaic neurofibromatosis type 2
Authors: Ishi Yukitomo , Era Takumi , Yuzawa Sayaka , Okamoto Michinari , Sawaya Ryosuke , Motegi Hiroaki , Yamaguchi Shigeru , Terasaka Shunsuke , Houkin Kiyohiro , Fujimura Miki
Published: February 2022

The diagnosis of mosaicism is challenging in patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) subset due to low variant allele frequency. In this study, we generated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) were generated from a patient clinically diagnosed with NF2 based on multiple schwannomas, including bilateral vestibular schwannomas and meningiomas. Genetic analysis of the patient's mononuclear cells (MNCs) from peripheral blood failed to detect NF2 alteration but successfully found p.Q65X (c.193C>T) mutation in all separate tumors with three intracranial meningiomas and one intraorbital schwannoma, and confirming mosaicism diagnosis in NF2 alteration using deep sequencing. Five different clones with patient‐derived iPSCs were established from MNCs in peripheral blood, which showed sufficient expression of pluripotent markers. Genetic analysis showed that one of five generated iPSC lines from MNCs had the same p.Q65X mutation as that found in NF2. There was no significant difference in the expression of genes related to NF2 between iPSC clones with the wild‐type and mutant NF2. In this case, clonal expansion of mononuclear bone marrow‐derived stem cells recapitulated mosaicism's genetic alteration in NF2. Patient‐derived iPSCs from mosaic NF2 would contribute to further functional research of NF2 alteration.
Molybdenum bound nitrogen‐doped graphene catalyst for reduction of N2 to NH3 and NH2NH2, using FLP as a co‐catalyst: A DFT study
Authors: Sivan Akhil K. , Thomas Jisha Mary , Jeyakumar Thayalaraj Christopher , Sivasankar Chinnappan
Published: February 2022

Chemists have long been pursuing the aim of synthesising practically viable low temperature catalysts with high stability, activity and selectivity towards the generation of ammonia under less expensive reaction conditions by using H2 and N2. In this regard, we have used molybdenum bound nitrogen‐doped graphene as a catalyst in the present computational investigation. We developed a new concept of the Frustrated Lewis Pair [AH]+[BH]− (FLP‐H2), which can be used as a source of hydrogen to functionalise the coordinated dinitrogen into ammonia. Furthermore, the utilisation of FLP‐H2 can prevent the competition in binding of N2 and H2 with Mo centre and enable the product formation. Our computed thermodynamic and kinetic barriers clearly reveal that the molybdenum bound nitrogen‐doped graphene can be used as a catalyst to activate and functionalise the dinitrogen. In the proposed catalytic cycle, H+ and H− can be added in an alternate manner using the FLP‐H2 source to yield NH3 and NH2NH2. Some thermodynamically viable penta‐coordinated [M]H intermediates have also been identified in the current study.
Molecular synergistic synthesis of AIPO‐18 zeolite‐stabilized Pt nanocatalysts with high dispersion for the hydrogenation of levulinic acid to γ‐valerolactone
Authors: Wang Yanyun , Zhou Yuming , Bao Jiehua , Wang Jiajia , Zhang Yiwei , Sheng Xiaoli , Huang Yuzhong
Published: February 2022

Pt nanocatalysts have received enthusiastic attention in the field of clean energy technologies due to their high catalytic activity and selectivity. The growth size and dispersion of Pt particles play significant effects on the reaction activity, especially in high temperature catalytic reactions where catalysts are prone to deactivation due to agglomeration and sintering of Pt particles. Herein, the Pt nanoparticles were effectively stabilized on AIPO‐18 molecular sieve by a biomolecule‐mediated green synthesis method. Based on the biocompatibility and electrostatic synergy of carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC), a high degree of Pt nanoclusters dispersion in AIPO‐18 zeolites was achieved. The hydroconversion of levulinic acid (LA)was carried out at 160°C and 2 MPa hydrogen pressure, and the LA conversion of Pt/AIPO‐18 (5CMC) reached 95.2% and the selectivity of γ‐valerolactone (GVL) was 97.9% after 2 h. Pt/AIPO‐18 (5CMC) exhibited satisfactory results that superior to the initial reactivity of Pt/AIPO‐18 (0CMC) after five runs.
Mesoscale hydrated morphology of perfluorosulfonic acid membranes
Authors: Wang Jihao , Chen Jia , Xu Zhiyang , Yang Xiaozhen , Ramakrishna Seeram , Liu Yong
Published: February 2022

Fuel cells are expected to play an important role in global carbon neutralization and future social development with high conversion efficiency and zero emissions. The core of the fuel cell is the proton exchange membrane (PEM). However, the unclear of the proton transport mechanism in PEMs limits the development of membranes with improved performance. Perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) membranes are currently the most widely used type of PEM, and exhibit varying proton transport capabilities with various chemical structures. In this study, the hydration morphology of several PFSA membranes was studied using dissipative particle dynamics. The result shows that under low water content the hydrophilic and hydrophobic phases separated and the water clusters are relatively isolated. The increased water content formed hydrophilic channels, while the increase in equivalent weight decreases the water cluster size and improves water dispersion. Aciplex 1128 shows great variation owing to the presence of a long sulfonic acid terminated side chain in water cluster size and dispersion compared with Nafion. The average diffusivity and mean square displacement results showed similar results. These results will promote the development of high performance PEM for fuel cells.
On the Barbalat lemma extension for the generalized conformable fractional integrals: Application to adaptive observer design
Authors: Ben Makhlouf Abdellatif , Naifar Omar
Published: February 2022

The Barbalat‐type lemma for the generalized conformable fractional‐order derivative is examined in this work. An adaptive observer design is presented as an application to validate such proposed theory.
Vanadium removal from drinking water by fixed‐bed adsorption on granular ferric hydroxide
Authors: Bahr Carsten , Jekel Martin , Amy Gary
Published: February 2022

The metal vanadium (V), often present as pentavalent oxyanion vanadate, can be present in groundwaters worldwide due to natural origin. While there are presently no US drinking water standards for vanadium, the German Environmental Protection Agency has defined a guidance value of 4 μg/L in drinking water. Impacted water suppliers need an effective and selective treatment process for meeting this value. In 2020, an extended efficiency test (EET) was completed successfully at a water works in Daun, Germany using GEH®, Granular Ferric Hydroxide, an adsorbent that has been in use for over 20 years in several thousand treatment plants worldwide, primarily for removal of arsenic present as arsenate, with chemical similarities to vanadate. An EET, performed in a treatment plant with a flow of 34 m3/h over 13 months, demonstrated reliable removal of vanadium, present at 28 μg/L, down to the limit of quantification (2 μg/L). Thus, for water supplies with vanadium occurrence and a similar water quality, GEH® may provide an effective treatment option.
High‐level expression of functional Pfu DNA polymerase recombinant protein by mimicking the enhanced green fluorescence protein gene codon usage
Authors: Chen Yu‐San , Wu Hsing‐Chieh , Lin Jin‐Ru , Yang Jia‐Ling , Kuo Tsun‐Yung
Published: February 2022

Pfu DNA polymerase is a vital enzyme in PCR‐related experiments. However, it is not easy to achieve high‐level expression and high purity through one‐step purification. This paper illustrates the method to acquire the full‐length open reading frame of Pfu DNA polymerase. Without altering its amino acids, we have modified the codon usage, based on that of the enhanced green fluorescence protein (eGFP), and named it rPfu. The synthesized rPfu gene has been subcloned into the pET28a plasmid and expressed in four Escherichia coli strains without the pLysS plasmid. Three strains have expressed a high level of soluble Pfu DNA polymerase. With the aid of Ni‐NTA His•Bind® resin, we could obtain high purity (>95%) soluble recombinant protein. Compared with the commercial, proofreading DNA polymerase, rPfu’s bioactivity was 12,987 U/mg; that is, 88,311 U of rPfu could be obtained from 50 mL cultured E. coli. The purified rPfu was able to amplify the length of DNA fragments at least 5.5 kb. The method of increasing soluble protein's yield using the eGFP codon usage may introduce a new possibility to the expression of other soluble recombinant proteins.
Effect of hepar‐protecting Wuzhi capsule on pharmacokinetics and dose‐effect character of tacrolimus in healthy volunteers
Authors: Teng Fei , Wang Wei , Zhang Weiyue , Qu Jinlong , Liu Binguo , Chen Jiani , Liu Shiyi , Li Mingming , Chen Wansheng , Wei Hua
Published: February 2022

Wuzhi capsule (WZC), a preparation of Fructus Schisandra sphenanthera extract, has been used widely for the treatment of viral and drug‐induced hepatitis in China. This study aimed to determine the pharmacokinetic parameters of tacrolimus (TAC) when co‐administered with WZC and the dose‐effect of WZC on tacrolimus in healthy volunteers. The effect of an increased dosage of WZC (1, 2, 6, and 8 capsules once daily) on the relative oral exposure of tacrolimus was assessed to explore the dose–response relationship between WZC and tacrolimus using bioanalysis, pharmacokinetic, and genotypical analyses. The influence of CYP3A5 and MDR1 genetic polymorphisms on the WZC dose was elucidated by maintaining the Ctrough of tacrolimus in Chinese healthy volunteers. When co‐administered with WZC, the Tmax of tacrolimus was increased significantly while the apparent oral clearance was decreased. The plasma tacrolimus level in volunteers with high CYP3A5 expression was much lower than that in those with mutant CYP3A5. However, polymorphisms of MDR1 exon26 C3435T, exon21 G2677T/A, and exon12 C1236T were not associated with plasma tacrolimus levels. Our findings provide important information on interactions between modern medications and herbal products, thus facilitating a better usage of tacrolimus in patients receiving WZC.
How false feedback influences decision‐makers' risk preferences
Authors: Kusev Petko , van Schaik Paul , Teal Joseph , Martin Rose , Hall Lars , Johansson Petter
Published: February 2022

Recent decision‐making research provides empirical evidence that human risk preferences are constructed “on the fly” during risk elicitation, influenced by the decision‐making context and the method of risk elicitation (Kusev et al., 2020). In this article, we explore the lability of human risk preferences and argue that the most recent choices guide decision‐making. Accordingly, our novel proposal and experimental method provide a psychological tool that measures people's shift in preferences. Specifically, in our experiment (240 participants, registered UK users of an online survey panel), we developed and employed a two‐stage risk elicitation experimental method. The results from the experiment revealed that providing participants with false feedback on their initial decisions (stage 1) changes their risk preferences at the feedback stage of the experiment in the direction of the false feedback. Moreover, participants' final decisions (stage 2) were influenced by the type of feedback (correct or false) and informed by their altered risk preferences at the feedback stage of the experiment. In conclusion, our work provides experimental evidence that human preferences are constructed “on the fly,” influenced by the decision‐making context and recent decision‐making experience (e.g., Kusev et al., 2020; Slovic, 1995).
Towards sustainable business models with a novel life cycle assessment method
Authors: Goffetti Giulia , Böckin Daniel , Baumann Henrikke , Tillman Anne‐Marie , Zobel Thomas
Published: February 2022

Business model (BM) innovation for sustainability is hampered by a lack of tools for environmental assessment and guidance at the BM level. Conventional life cycle assessment (LCA) neglects the economic and socio‐technical mechanisms within a BM, and tools based on the BM canvas (BMC) cannot provide recommendations substantiated by environmental data. Here, a new method, BM‐LCA, is applied to a case comparing the selling and renting of jackets, using profit as basis of comparison. Results identify how business parameters influence environmental performance, permitting analysis for decoupling within a business practice. This is made possible by the unique way the method links physical life cycle and the monetary flows of a BM. Usefulness of BM‐LCA is discussed relative to BM innovation, business strategy and similar tools. BM‐LCA provides insights into a broad range of BM elements and emerges as useful for business strategy. By measuring BM environmental performance, it helps determine what BM to compete with and support critical analysis of business against greenwashing. BM‐LCA also enables identification of BM elements in greatest need of environmental innovation. BM‐LCA appears as a promising tool for guiding business companies towards sustainability, filling a space between LCA and BMC. The method offers a practical way for business and LCA experts to merge their respective knowledge.
Non‐Linear Effects in Asymmetric Catalysis: Impact of Catalyst Precipitation
Authors: Geiger Yannick , Bellemin‐Laponnaz Stéphane
Published: February 2022

Non‐linear effects between the enantiomeric excesses of both the ligand and the product are ubiquitous phenomena in asymmetric catalysis, allowing asymmetric amplification (or depletion) and are widely used tools for mechanistic investigations. Non‐linear effects are caused by catalyst aggregation; however, the effect of catalyst precipitation on NLEs has not been systematically investigated to date, except in special cases such as ternary phase systems. In this article, we show through simulations and with several literature cases at hand how precipitation affects shape and amplitude of NLE curves. The limit of solubility of the homo‐ or heterochiral dimeric species causes broken‐shaped NLE curves or very pronounced NLEs even though the equilibria between the different species in solution are not favorable, at first sight. Peculiar features such as horizontal segments, inverse S‐shaped curves and a strong effect of total catalyst concentration are also observed. Overall, this study allows to get a better understanding of chiral catalytic systems and gives an outlook at other types of phase separation leading to NLEs.
Simultaneous Organic and Inorganic Host–Guest Chemistry within Pillararene–Protein Cage Frameworks
Authors: Shaukat Ahmed , Anaya‐Plaza Eduardo , Beyeh Ngong Kodiah , Kostiainen Mauri A.
Published: February 2022

Invited for the cover of this issue are Mauri A. Kostiainen and co‐workers at Aalto and Oakland Universities. The image depicts two ferritin protein cages joined by a cationic pillararene hosting a guest dye. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202104341.
Top advances in esophageal/gastroesophageal junction cancers in 2021
Authors: Cowzer Darren , Janjigian Yelena Y.
Published: February 2022

A review of 2021's advances in the treatment of esophageal/gastroesophageal junction cancers, particularly in locally advanced disease (CheckMate‐577), metastatic HER2‐negative disease (CheckMate‐648, CheckMate‐649, and KEYNOTE‐590), and HER2‐positive disease (KEYNOTE‐811, DESTINY‐Gastric‐02), is presented.
Towards the Development, Maintenance and Standardized Phenotypic Characterization of Single‐Seed‐Descent Genetic Resources for Chickpea
Authors: Rocchetti Lorenzo , Gioia Tania , Logozzo Giuseppina , Brezeanu Creola , Pereira Luis Guasch , la Rosa Lucía De , Marzario Stefania , Pieri Alice , Fernie Alisdair R. , Alseekh Saleh , Susek Karolina , Cook Douglas R. , Varshney Rajeev K. , Agrawal Shiv Kumar , Hamwieh Aladdin , Bitocchi Elena , Papa Roberto
Published: February 2022

Here we present the approach used to develop the INCREASE “Intelligent Chickpea” Collections, from analysis of the information on the life history and population structure of chickpea germplasm, the availability of genomic and genetic resources, the identification of key phenotypic traits and methodologies to characterize chickpea. We present two phenotypic protocols within H2O20 Project INCREASE to characterize, develop, and maintain chickpea single‐seed‐descent (SSD) line collections. Such protocols and related genetic resource data from the project will be available for the legume community to apply the standardized approaches to develop Chickpea Intelligent Collections further or for multiplication/seed‐increase purposes. © 2022 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

[Correction added on May 16, 2022, after first online publication: CRUI‐CARE funding statement has been added.]

Basic Protocol 1: Characterization of chickpea seeds for seed‐trait descriptors

Basic Protocol 2: Characterization of chickpea lines for plant‐trait descriptors specific for primary seed increase
Structure‐induced low‐sensitivity design of sampled data and digital ladder filters using delta discrete‐time operator
Authors: Khoo I‐Hung , Reddy Haranatha (Hari) C. , Moschytz George S.
Published: February 2022

The concept of the delta discrete‐time operator‐based doubly terminated two‐pair (ladder) is discussed here for use in sampled‐data and digital filter design. The two‐pair filter utilizes traditional backward Euler and forward Euler integrators, is lossless under scaling (LUS), and possesses good magnitude sensitivity which is induced intrinsically due to the filter structure. This paper is an overview and consolidation of results published by the authors over the years in various conferences (Khoo et al., 1998, 1999, 2001, 2008, 2008a, 2008b) in a unifying and tutorial fashion. To achieve the low magnitude sensitivity, the well‐known Feldtkeller equation corresponding to the delta‐operator formulation is derived to establish the theoretical basis for the realization. One significant advantage of the design procedure presented here using the delta operator is that it overcomes the numerical problem at the spectral factorization stage of the conventional z‐domain lossless‐discrete‐time integrator (LDI) synthesis method when the filter poles are clustered around z = 1. Furthermore, the entire operation involves only rational polynomials, as opposed to fractional power polynomials as in the LDI and other methods in z‐domain. The method presented can realize three distinct forms of transfer functions with varied transmission zeros.
Social tensions in studying ancient history
Authors: Foster Frances , Wise Juliette
Published: February 2022

This article reports on the findings of an investigation into the tensions perceived by students aged 14–15 studying Ancient History in England, between their interest in the ancient world itself and the status of Ancient History as a curriculum subject. We use Young's distinction between Powerful Knowledge and Knowledge of the Powerful as a critical tool. The empirical data arise from an interview study across three different school communities in England of 14–15‐year‐old students studying Ancient History as a curriculum subject. 32 students took part in the interview study across the three schools. Students focused on the ancient world's personal relevance for their own lives. They also ascribed value not just to expertise about the ancient world but to understanding how others responded to it. However, the students all felt that studying Ancient History was a sign of an elite and privileged education, an image with which they did not feel entirely comfortable.
Differentiation of boldenone administration from ex vivo transformation in the urine of castrated male horses
Authors: Viljanto Marjaana , Kaabia Zied , Taylor Polly , Muir Tessa , Habershon‐Butcher Jocelyn , Bailly‐Chouriberry Ludovic , Scarth James
Published: February 2022

Boldenone is an anabolic‐androgenic steroid that is prohibited in equine sports. However, in certain situations, it is endogenous or is believed to be formed by microbes in urine, and therefore, an approach for the differentiation is required. Following the identification of Δ1‐progesterone and 20(S)‐hydroxy‐Δ1‐progesterone as potential biomarkers of microbial activity, the presence of six steroids was investigated in the postrace urine of castrated male horses (geldings, n = 158). In line with endogenous findings from several other species when ultrasensitive methods are employed, boldenone was detected at low concentrations in all urine samples (27.0–1330 pg/ml). Furthermore, testosterone and androstenedione were detected in 157 samples (≤12,400 and 944 pg/ml, respectively), boldienone in two samples (≤22.0 pg/ml) and 20(S)‐hydroxy‐Δ1‐progesterone in 20 samples (≤66.0 pg/ml). Δ1‐Progesterone was not detected in any population samples analysed on arrival at the laboratory. The ex vivo transformation of boldienone, boldenone, androstenedione, Δ1‐progesterone and 20(S)‐hydroxy‐Δ1‐progesterone was induced following the storage of urine samples at room temperature for 7 days but not after refrigeration. Because the administration of inappropriately stored feed sources also resulted in an increase in 20(S)‐hydroxy‐Δ1‐progesterone concentrations, a biomarker approach to distinguish steroid administrations was proposed. In situations where the presence of boldenone would exceed a proposed action limit, the presence of Δ1‐progesterone and 20(S)‐hydroxy‐Δ1‐progesterone would be investigated. If either Δ1‐progesterone or 20(S)‐hydroxy‐Δ1‐progesterone would exceed 50 and 100 pg/ml, respectively, for instance, then this would indicate ex vivo transformation or consumption of altered feed rather than steroid administration.
Copepod reproductive effort and oxidative status as responses to warming in the marine environment
Authors: von Weissenberg Ella , Jansson Anna , Vuori Kristiina A. , Engström‐Öst Jonna
Published: February 2022

The marine ecosystems are under severe climate change‐induced stress globally. The Baltic Sea is especially vulnerable to ongoing changes, such as warming. The aim of this study was to measure eco‐physiological responses of a key copepod species to elevated temperature in an experiment, and by collecting field samples in the western Gulf of Finland. The potential trade‐off between reproductive output and oxidative balance in copepods during thermal stress was studied by incubating female Acartia sp. for reproduction rate and oxidative stress measurements in ambient and elevated temperatures. Our field observations show that the glutathione cycle had a clear response in increasing stress and possibly had an important role in preventing oxidative damage: Lipid peroxidation and ratio of reduced and oxidized glutathione were negatively correlated throughout the study. Moreover, glutathione‐s‐transferase activated in late July when the sea water temperature was exceptionally high and Acartia sp. experienced high oxidative stress. The combined effect of a heatwave, increased cyanobacteria, and decreased dinoflagellate abundance may have caused larger variability in reproductive output in the field. An increase of 7°C had a negative effect on egg production rate in the experiment. However, the effect on reproduction was relatively small, implying that Acartia sp. can tolerate warming at least within the temperature range of 9–16°C. However, our data from the experiment suggest a link between reproductive success and oxidative stress during warming, shown as a significant combined effect of temperature and catalase on egg production rate.
Predicting potential distribution of Ziziphus spinosa (Bunge) H.H. Hu ex F.H. Chen in China under climate change scenarios
Authors: Zhao Qian , Mi Ze‐Yuan , Lu Chan , Zhang Xin‐Fei , Chen Li‐Jun , Wang Shi‐Qiang , Niu Jun‐Feng , Wang Zhe‐Zhi
Published: February 2022

Ziziphus spinosa (Bunge) H.H. Hu ex F.H. Chen is a woody plant species of the family Rhamnaceae (order Rhamnales) that possesses high nutritional and medicinal value. Predicting the effects of climate change on the distribution of Z. spinosa is of great significance for the investigation, protection, and exploitation of this germplasm resource. For this study, optimized maximum entropy models were employed to predict the distribution patterns and changes of its present (1970–2000) and future (2050s, 2070s, and 2090s) potential suitable regions in China under multiple climate scenarios (SSP1‐2.6, SSP2‐4.5, SSP3‐7.0 & SSP5‐8.5). The results revealed that the total area of the present potential suitable region for Z. spinosa is 162.60 × 104 km2, which accounts for 16.94% of China's territory. Within this area, the regions having low, medium, and high suitability were 80.14 × 104 km2, 81.50 × 104 km2, and 0.96 × 104 km2, respectively, with the high suitability regions being distributed primarily in Shanxi, Hebei, and Beijing Provinces. Except for SSP‐1‐2.6‐2070s, SSP‐5‐8.5‐2070s, and SSP‐5‐8.5‐2090s, the suitable areas for Z. spinosa in the future increased to different degrees. Meanwhile, considering the distribution of Z. spinosa during different periods and under different climate scenarios, our study predicted that the low impact areas of Z. spinosa were mainly restricted to Shanxi, Shaanxi, Ningxia, Gansu, Liaoning, Inner Mongolia, and Jilin Provinces. The results of core distributional shifts showed that, except for SSP1‐2.6, the center of the potential suitable region of Z. spinosa exhibited a trend of gradually shifting to the northwest.
Species interactions in three Lemnaceae species growing along a gradient of zinc pollution
Authors: Lanthemann Lorena , van Moorsel Sofia J.
Published: February 2022

Duckweeds (Lemnaceae) are increasingly studied for their potential for phytoremediation of heavy‐metal polluted water bodies. A prerequisite for metal removal, however, is the tolerance of the organism to the pollutant, e.g., the metal zinc (Zn). Duckweeds have been shown to differ in their tolerances to Zn; however, despite them most commonly co‐occurring with other species, there is a lack of research concerning the effect of species interactions on Zn tolerance. Here, we tested whether the presence of a second species influenced the growth rate of the three duckweed species Lemna minor, Lemna gibba, and Lemna turionifera. We used four different Zn concentrations in a replicated microcosm experiment under sterile conditions, either growing the species in isolation or in a two‐species mixture. The response to Zn differed between species, but all three species showed a high tolerance to Zn, with low levels of Zn even increasing the growth rates. The growth rates of the individual species were influenced by the identity of the competing species, but this was independent of the Zn concentration. Our results suggest that species interactions should be considered in future research with duckweeds and that several duckweed species have high tolerance to metal pollution, making them candidates for phytoremediation efforts.
Experimental study and finite element analysis of T‐shaped precast shear walls with H‐shaped shear keys
Authors: Shen Shao‐Dong , Pan Peng , He Zhi‐Zhou , Xiao Gen‐Qi , Ren Jun‐Yu
Published: February 2022

To achieve an effective horizontal connection between the flange and web of a prefabricated T‐shaped shear wall and ensure the seismic performance of the joint, a prefabricated T‐shaped reinforced concrete (RC) shear wall with H‐shaped shear keys (HSKs) is developed in this study through tests of full‐scale specimens, finite element (FE) parametric analysis, and deriving design equations. To facilitate transportation and installation, the flange and web of this T‐shaped shear wall are composed of several precast wall panels without protruding parts. The HSKs are welded between these wall panels to transfer the out‐of‐plane load of the flange wall and the in‐plane load of the web wall. The target mechanical properties of the HSK can be accurately designed by adjusting its geometric parameters such as the shape, height, thickness, and the core area width. Based on the test results, a FE model of the HSK shear wall is established, and parametric analysis is carried out to optimize its design. Finally, based on the design target of both yield force and yield displacement, a double‐target design approach is proposed to meet the different seismic requirements of HSK shear walls at different storeys.