bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of non-oil sectors on GDP/capita in selected African countries: evidence from panel analysis
Authors: Adeosun Oluyemi Theophilus , Gbadamosi Isaac Idris
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact or contribution of non-oil sectors on economic growth (GDP/capita) of some selected African countries using panel data analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper focused on secondary data for the period 1991–2019 for macro parameters, including agriculture, industry, export and service, and GDP/capita received from World Development Indicators (WDI). Panel unit root tests like Levin, Lin and Chu test and Im, Pesaran and Shin test, Johansen co-integration test, Granger causality test and an error correction model were also applied to the data for analysis.

Findings

The study reveals no causality from agriculture to economic growth, which implies most of the African countries (used in this study) have neglected agriculture as a source of economic growth. The industry independent variable was of no effect on these countries’ economic growth, whereas the findings reveal that industry has causality on economic growth. Economic growth has no causality on the industry, which means the industry is not contributing to economic growth. The study also shows no causality from export and service to economic growth, but a causality runs from economic growth to export and service.

Originality/value

The paper examines the contribution of the non-oil sectors to economic growth in selected African countries.
Ecological variation drives morphological differentiation in a highly social vertebrate
Authors: Freudiger Annika , Josi Dario , Thünken Timo , Herder Fabian , Flury Jana M. , Marques David A. , Taborsky Michael , Frommen Joachim G.
Published: June 2021

Animals may respond to ecological heterogeneity by genetic differentiation or phenotypic plasticity. Responses of organisms to their ecology can include adaptation at various levels of organization, including morphology, behaviour and social structure. Adaptations at one level might constrain or enhance adaptations on other levels, which highlights the importance of understanding their interactions.

In highly social animals, understanding the influence of their ecological niche on the evolution and maintenance of complex social organization poses an intriguing challenge. Predation risk and habitat characteristics determine social structure in the cooperatively breeding cichlidNeolamprologus pulcher. Here we examine how varying combinations of these ecological factors across eight distinct populations influence morphological differentiation.

We investigated the relationship between body shape and ecological parameters for 137 wild‐caught individuals from eight distinct populations. Furthermore, we examined the genetic structure and differentiation among these populations using microsatellites. Finally, to disentangle heritable from plastic responses, we raised two successive generations from six populations in the laboratory under common garden conditions and screened 188 individuals for morphological differentiation.

We found that body shape ofN. pulcherstrongly correlates with the measured ecological parameters. Low predation risk, low habitat structure and small shelter size favoured shallow bodies, whereas at the opposite end of these environmental gradients deep body shapes prevail. These consistent morphological differences persisted over two laboratory‐reared generations, revealing a heritable basis. In contrast to the significant effect of local ecology on morphological differentiation between populations, both geographical and genetic distance had little explanatory power, suggesting that morphological differentiation between populations is not a simple by‐product of genetic isolation. Remarkably, the largest difference in body depth emerged between the two populations located closest to each other, but differing strongly in their ecological niche.

These results highlight that morphological variation is a key component of local adaptation in neighbouring populations of a highly social species. Such morphological differentiation has the potential to influence individual cooperative behaviour, which will eventually feed back on group structure and mediate the evolution and maintenance of complex social systems.

A freePlain Language Summarycan be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Increased sediment deposition triggered by climate change impacts freshwater pearl mussel habitats and metapopulations
Authors: Baldan Damiano , Kiesel Jens , Hauer Christoph , Jähnig Sonja C. , Hein Thomas
Published: June 2021

The freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera is a benthic organism sensitive to hydrological regime alterations and habitat degradation driven by excessive fine bed material deposit (FBMD). Both issues are potentially exacerbated by climate change. Understanding how climate change affects future mussel habitats and the dispersal among them (dependent on the brown trout as fish host) can support the planning of effective conservation actions.

To project the impacts of climate change on the mussel, a semi‐mechanistic modelling cascade was implemented for the Aist catchment in Austria (630 km2), including a hydrological model, a hydraulic model, Random Forest Models for FBMD accumulation risk and Species Distribution Models. Two climate change models (RCPs 4.5 and 8.5) for two future horizons (2060 and 2090) were considered. A graph‐based assessment of the structural connectivity was used to measure the probability of successful dispersal.

Results show a reduction of peak discharge that cascades into a widespread reduction in shear stresses during high flow. The mussel's habitats, defined by hydraulics (i.e. patches with low shear stresses during high flow), are predicted to be stable over the simulated scenarios.

The pressure of FBMDs over the delineated habitat patches is predicted to increase in the future due to the reduced stream transport capacity, reducing up to 25% of the available patches in 2090 for RCP 8.5. Consequently, the mussel's dispersal probability decreases to 44.3%–75.6% of the maximum theoretical value, with the highest drops for short dispersal distances, impacting metapopulation dynamics.

Synthesis and applications. The widespread issue of fine sediment deposition in the streambed will be exacerbated for those catchments where climate change reduces the stream transport capacity. The impacts on the freshwater pearl mussel include habitat loss due to the formation of a new unsuitable substrate, and a decrease in the potential dispersal among the residual habitats. Thus, conservation plans that aim to protect the mussel in the future should focus on the mitigation of fine bed material deposits, prioritizing those subreaches that offer the highest potential for preserving connectivity among suitable habitats.
Greater trochanteric pain syndrome in women: Analysis of magnetic resonance, sagittal alignment, muscular strength and endurance of the hip and trunk
Authors: Miyasaki Maurício Rodrigues , Marcioli Marieli Araujo Rossoni , Cunha Amanda Paula Ricardo Rodrigues da , Polesello Giancarlo Cavalli , Marini Marcelo Garcia , Fernandes Karen Barros Parron , Macedo Christiane de Souza Guerino
Published: June 2021

Introduction

There are many studies on the Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS), however its relationship with radiographic and biomechanics parameters is not established.

Objective

To compare the magnetic resonance images (MRI) of the hip, radiographic parameters of sagittal alignment (pelvic incidence, sacral slope and lumbar lordosis), muscular strength and endurance in women with and without GTPS.

Methods

Forty women, age over 45, IMC <30 Kg/m2 and sedentary, were recruited and distributed in two groups: GTPS group (GTPSG, n = 20) and Control group (CG, n = 20). All participants underwent MRI scans and X‐ray for sagittal alignment analysis in the hip and performed tests for muscular strength and endurance of the hip and trunk.

Results

No differences were found between the GTPSG and CG for the frequency of tendinopathy (P = .30), peritendinitis (P = .10), bursitis (P = .68) and enthesitis (P = .15), however the gluteus medius tendon tear was more prevalent in GTPSG (P = .05). There were no differences in radiographic parameters for pelvic incidence (P > .05), sacral slope (P > .05) and lumbar lordosis (P > .05). The GTPSG showed lower strength of all hip muscle groups (abductors, adductors, flexors, extensors and rotators; P < .01 for all), as well as lower endurance in the Supine Bridge test and Prone bridge test (P < .01).

Conclusion

The results of the MRI and radiographic parameters did not differentiate women with and without GTPS. However, the evaluation of muscle strength and endurance can establish the difference between groups.
Letter: Confounders and outcomes in studies of beta‐blockers in liver disease—role of PPIs? Authors' reply
Authors: Sasso Roula , Rockey Don C.
Published: June 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Sasso et al and Kilincalp & Papachrysos papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16156 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16306
Editorial: type D personality and its relationship with depression and disease activity in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Knowles Simon R. , Mikocka‐Walus Antonina
Published: June 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Jordi et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16365 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16398
Cardiac disease in the Spix Macaw (Cyanopsitta spixii): two cases
Authors: de Carvalho MPN , Cunha MPV , Knöbl T , Cirqueira CS , Dias‐Neto RN , Serafini PP , Catão‐Dias JL , Díaz‐Delgado J
Published: June 2021

Cardiovascular disease in avian species, other than poultry, is being increasingly reported. In psittacine birds, atherosclerosis and congestive heart failure are the leading cardiovascular diseases, often resulting in multiorgan dysfunction and demise. The Spix's macaw (Cyanopsitta spixii) is arguably the most endangered psittacine species worldwide. We aimed to describe the gross and microscopic findings in two adult Spix's macaws wherein severe cardiovascular pathology resulted in sudden death. Bird 1 had pathologic findings consistent with fibrinoheterophilic vegetative pulmonic valvular endocarditis with luminal obliterative thrombosis, myocarditis and epicarditis, myocardial fibrofatty infiltration and cardiomyocyte loss, as well as generalized septicaemia. Microbiological analysis yieldedPantoea septicafrom the intestines andAcinetobacter baylyifrom the cerebrum. Bird 2 had changes suggestive of right brachiocephalic coarctation‐like obliterative arteriopathy. The latter is a novel cardiovascular pathology in avian species, and its severity and extent likely led to acute decompensation of pre‐existing cardiac disease. These results add to the body of knowledge on avian cardiovascular pathology and may aid in veterinary medical decisions on caged birds, including those part of ex situ conservation efforts.
LDH‐A negatively regulates dMMR in colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhang Yongjie , Li Juan , Wang Bo , Chen Ting , Chen Yun , Ma Wen
Published: June 2021

Although immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have achieved unprecedented success in dMMR tumors, pMMR tumors accounting for 85% of colorectal cancer (CRC) cases remain unresponsive. Lactate dehydrogenase A (LDH‐A) is the rate‐limiting enzyme that catalyzes the transformation of pyruvate to lactate in the process of glycolysis. We investigated the relationship between LDH‐A and dMMR with the purpose of exploring the treatment strategy for pMMR CRC patients. We here show that LDH‐A can promote the proliferation of dMMR and pMMR CRC cells by positively regulating MMR proteins both in vitro and in vivo. LDH‐A inhibition can improve the efficacy of PD‐1 blockade in a pMMR CRC xenograft model. A statistical analysis of 186 CRC specimens showed a significant correlation between LDH‐A and dMMR status. Moreover, patients with both low LDH‐A expression and dMMR exhibited better disease‐free survival compared with patients with other combinations. The close correlation of LDH‐A and dMMR may offer a promising therapeutic strategy in which the combination of LDH‐A inhibitor and ICIs may improve the clinical benefit for pMMR CRC patients.
Widening health inequalities related to type 1 diabetes care in children and young people in the UK: A time to act now
Authors: Ng Sze May , Evans Mark L.
Published: June 2021

In this recent 2019–2020 audit, 96% (168/173) of paediatric diabetes teams submitted data and included a total of 29,242 children and young people (CYP) up to the age of 24 years, and type 1 diabetes consisted of 27,653 CYP. One of the key findings was that CYP with type 1 diabetes from minority ethnic communities have higher HbA1 compared to white ethnicity and that significantly lower use of insulin pumps or real‐time continuous glucose monitoring systems was used among black children. There has been an increasing trend of widening health inequalities reported the past 6 years. As chairs of Diabetes UK Diabetes Research Study Groups, the authors urge that research into barriers of access to technology for T1D in CYP in the UK specifically looking at provider bias, systemic issues within the health system, and individual and family factors are conducted with urgency.
Extending the integrate‐and‐fire model to account for metabolic dependencies
Authors: Jaras Ismael , Harada Taiki , Orchard Marcos E. , Maldonado Pedro E. , Vergara Rodrigo C.
Published: June 2021

It is widely accepted that the brain, like any other physical system, is subjected to physical constraints that restrict its operation. The brain's metabolic demands are particularly critical for proper neuronal function, but the impact of these constraints continues to remain poorly understood. Detailed single‐neuron models are recently integrating metabolic constraints, but these models’ computational resources make it challenging to explore the dynamics of extended neural networks, which are governed by such constraints. Thus, there is a need for a simplified neuron model that incorporates metabolic activity and allows us to explore the dynamics of neural networks. This work introduces an energy‐dependent leaky integrate‐and‐fire (EDLIF) neuronal model extension to account for the effects of metabolic constraints on the single‐neuron behavior. This simple, energy‐dependent model could describe the relationship between the average firing rate and the Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) cost as well as replicate a neuron's behavior under a clinical setting such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Additionally, EDLIF model showed better performance in predicting real spike trains – in the sense of spike coincidence measure – than the classical leaky integrate‐and‐fire (LIF) model. The simplicity of the energy‐dependent model presented here makes it computationally efficient and, thus, suitable for studying the dynamics of large neural networks.
The effect of temperature on the spatial learning rate of zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Babkiewicz Ewa , Surga Krzysztof , Gliwicz Zbigniew Maciej , Maszczyk Piotr
Published: June 2021

Temperature has a wide range of effects on the biology and ecology of ectotherms, including fish. However, the literature provides only a few studies assessing its effect on their cognitive abilities. We tested the effect of temperature on the spatial learning rate of zebrafish by comparing the daily rate of change in the number of fish choosing the correct arm first and behavioural performance (i.e., distance travelled, time needed to locate the daily food reward and swimming speed) in two temperatures (21 and 31°C) in 7 successive sessions. The daily rate of change in behavioural performance was expressed as the percentage difference between the value in a given session and the value in the previous session. Two experiments were performed in a T‐maze with single feeders in the arms, one empty and the other with a food reward. In each of the experiments, we used 10 naive fish, which were placed in the T‐maze individually once a day. The fish were fed between sessions to avoid increasing differences in hunger levels and, in turn, increasing the differences in motivation to find the food between the temperature treatments. The results revealed that the learning rate was greater at the higher temperature, which was apparent in a greater percentage reduction in the time and distance travelled needed to locate the daily food reward between successive sessions at the higher temperature than at the lower temperature. The results show there was a significant effect of temperature on the daily rate of change in the number of fish choosing the correct arm, distance travelled and time needed to locate the daily food reward, which may be attributed to the positive effect of temperature on learning rate, and may indicate the importance of temperature for the cognitive testing of zebrafish.
Experimental gluten‐free biscuits with underexploited flours versus commercial products: Preference pattern and sensory characterisation by Check All That Apply Questionnaire
Authors: Di Cairano Maria , Condelli Nicola , Galgano Fernanda , Caruso Marisa C.
Published: June 2021

Acceptability and the sensory profile of experimental and commercial gluten‐free biscuits were evaluated using a consumer test. Experimental biscuits contained flours little employed in commercial gluten‐free products (buckwheat, sorghum and lentil) and without rice and maize flours and starches. Liking scores, answers to a Check All That Apply questionnaire and responses to a dietary habits survey were collected from consumers. Consumers were clustered through Hierarchical Clustering of Principal Components and CLUSCATA. Interestingly, the cluster that, based on dietary habits survey, was more used to the consumption of wholemeal biscuits preferred experimental formulations. On the contrary, liking scores expressed by consumers that consumed less often wholemeal biscuits were below the threshold of acceptance. Different groups of consumers had a diverse perception of the products and different drivers of liking and disliking. The information achieved in this study confirms the importance of consumers’ data.
Distinct antigen uptake receptors route to the same storage compartments for cross‐presentation in dendritic cells
Authors: Ho Nataschja I. , Camps Marcel G. , Garcia‐Vallejo Juan J. , Bos Erik , Koster Abraham J. , Verdoes Martijn , van Kooyk Yvette , Ossendorp Ferry
Published: June 2021

An exclusive feature of dendritic cells (DCs) is their capacity to present exogenous antigens by MHC class I molecules, called cross‐presentation. Here, we show that protein antigen can be conserved in mature murine DCs for several days in a lysosome‐like storage compartment, distinct from MHC class II and early endosomal compartments, as an internal source for the supply of MHC class I ligands. Using two different uptake routes via Fcγ receptors and C‐type lectin receptors, we could show that antigens were routed towards the same endolysosomal compartments after 48 h. The antigen‐containing compartments lacked co‐expression of molecules involved in MHC class I processing and presentation including TAP and proteasome subunits as shown by single‐cell imaging flow cytometry. Moreover, we observed the absence of cathepsin S but selective co‐localization of active cathepsin X with protein antigen in the storage compartments. This indicates cathepsin S‐independent antigen degradation and a novel but yet undefined role for cathepsin X in antigen processing and cross‐presentation by DCs. In summary, our data suggest that these antigen‐containing compartments in DCs can conserve protein antigens from different uptake routes and contribute to long‐lasting antigen cross‐presentation.
Characterization and criteria of phase transformations and lattice slipping in potassium dihydrogen phosphate crystals
Authors: Yang Shengyao , Zhang Liangchi , Wu Zhonghuai
Published: June 2021

Being an important nonlinear optical material, potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP) has been widely used in many technological fields such as laser frequency conversion and high‐speed Q‐switching. Nevertheless, KDP is one of the most difficult‐to‐handle materials because it is prone to phase transformations under mechanical loading during component fabrication. This study investigated the mechanisms of phase transformations and microstructural lattice slipping in KDP with the aid of molecular dynamics (MD) analysis. A fundamental structural characterization method was established to identify the structural changes, enabling the determination of the corresponding trigger criteria. The results showed that various phase transformations can be initiated under a range of mechanical loading conditions. Microstructural lattice slipping can be nucleated via different mechanisms. These findings provide insights for developing damage‐free manufacturing processes of ultraprecision KDP components.
Effectiveness of xenogeneic and synthetic bone‐block substitute materials with/without recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2: A preclinical study using a rabbit calvarium model
Authors: Lim Hyun‐Chang , Paeng Kyeong‐Won , Jung Ui‐Won , Benic Goran I.
Published: June 2021

Aim

To investigate new bone (NB) formation by using bone‐block substitute materials with/without recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (rhBMP‐2).

Materials and Methods

Three synthetic bone‐block substitute materials [biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP); nanostructured hydroxyapatite (NH); 3D‐printed tricalcium phosphate/hydroxyapatite (3DP)] and one xenogeneic deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) block substitute were affixed to rabbit calvarium using osteosynthesis screws, either with rhBMP‐2 (n = 12) or without rhBMP‐2 (n = 16). At 2 or 12 weeks (n = 6 with rhBMP‐2 and n = 8 without rhBMP‐2 for each week), histologic, histomorphometric and microcomputed tomography analyses were performed.

Results

The application of rhBMP‐2 increased NB formation in all experimental groups at both weeks. DBBM resulted in a greater area of NB compared with synthetic blocks either with or without rhBMP‐2 at 2 weeks (2.8 ± 0.9 vs. 1.4 ± 0.5–1.9 ± 1.4 mm2; 1.4 ± 1.0 vs. 0.6 ± 0.3–0.9 ± 0.5 mm2) and without rhBMP‐2 at 12 weeks (3.0 ± 0.8 vs. 1.7 ± 0.7–2.6 ± 1.5 mm2) (p > 0.05). NB formation did not differ significantly for DBBM and the three types of synthetic block with rhBMP‐2 at 12 weeks (4.5 ± 2.0 vs. 3.8 ± 0.7–5.1 ± 1.1 mm2; p > 0.05).

Conclusions

rhBMP‐2 enhanced NB in all blocks. DBBM blocks yielded more NB than synthetic blocks without rhBMP‐2. The application of rhBMP‐2 appears to compensate for differences in late healing.
Systemic inflammation and the relationship between periodontitis, edentulism, and all‐cause mortality: A 17‐year prospective cohort study
Authors: Winning Lewis , Patterson Christopher C. , Linden Katie , Cullen Kathy M. , Kee Frank , Linden Gerard J.
Published: June 2021

Aim

The aim was to investigate the role of systemic inflammation in the relationship between periodontitis, edentulism, and all‐cause mortality in a group of men in Northern Ireland aged 58–72 years.

Materials and methods

A representative sample of 1558 men had a detailed dental examination between 2001 and 2003. The primary end point was death from any cause. Cox's proportional hazards model was used to assess the longitudinal relationship between periodontitis, edentulism, and all‐cause mortality. Accelerated failure time modelling was performed to investigate the mediating role of systemic inflammation.

Results

Mean age of the men at baseline was 64.3 (standard deviation 2.9) years. During a median follow‐up of 17 years, 500 (32.1%) men died. After adjustment for confounding variables, compared to men with no/mild periodontitis, edentulous men had a hazard ratio for all‐cause mortality of 1.52 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16–1.99) p < .01 and for those with severe periodontitis, it was 1.34 (95% CI 1.06–1.70) p = .01. Systemic inflammation accounted only for a minor mediating pathway effect of 10%.

Conclusions

There was evidence in this group of men that those who were edentulous or had severe periodontitis had a significantly increased risk of all‐cause mortality. Systemic inflammation was not a major explanatory mediator of this association.
Clinical utility of 1‐month postpartum random plasma glucose and glycated hemoglobin combined with pre‐pregnancy body mass index for detecting postpartum glucose intolerance in Japanese women with gestational diabetes
Authors: Sugiyama Kazutoshi , Saisho Yoshifumi , Kasuga Yoshifumi , Ochiai Daigo , Itoh Hiroshi
Published: June 2021

During the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, the Japanese Society of Diabetes and Pregnancy proposed the use of random plasma glucose and glycated hemoglobin measured 1 month after delivery combined with pre‐pregnancy body mass index to detect postpartum glucose intolerance instead of carrying out the oral glucose tolerance test in women with gestational diabetes. We retrospectively evaluated the clinical utility of this strategy to detect postpartum glucose intolerance evaluated by the oral glucose tolerance test after delivery. A total of 275 Japanese women with gestational diabetes were included in the present study. The specificity of 1‐month postpartum random plasma glucose and glycated hemoglobin combined with pre‐pregnancy body mass index to predict postpartum glucose intolerance was 98.0%, with a negative predictive value of 72.6%. However, sensitivity was 6.4%, with a positive predictive value of 55.6%. In conclusion, this Japanese Society of Diabetes and Pregnancy strategy showed high specificity, but low sensitivity, for detecting glucose intolerance postpartum.
Primary root and root hair development regulation by OsAUX4 and its participation in the phosphate starvation response
Authors: Ye Rigui , Wu Yunrong , Gao Zhenyu , Chen Hao , Jia Lixia , Li Dongming , Li Xugang , Qian Qian , Qi Yanhua
Published: June 2021

Among the five members of AUX1/LAX genes coding for auxin carriers in rice, only OsAUX1 and OsAUX3 have been reported. To understand the function of the other AUX1/LAX genes, two independent alleles of osaux4 mutants, osaux4‐1 and osaux4‐2, were constructed using the CRISPR/Cas9 editing system. Homozygous osaux4‐1 or osaux4‐2 exhibited shorter primary root (PR) and longer root hair (RH) compared to the wild‐type Dongjin (WT/DJ), and lost response to indoleacetic acid (IAA) treatment. OsAUX4 is intensively expressed in roots and localized on the plasma membrane, suggesting that OsAUX4 might function in the regulation of root development. The decreased meristem cell division activity and the downregulated expression of cell cycle genes in root apices of osaux4 mutants supported the hypothesis that OsAUX4 positively regulates PR elongation. OsAUX4 is expressed in RH, and osaux4 mutants showing longer RH compared to WT/DJ implies that OsAUX4 negatively regulates RH development. Furthermore, osaux4 mutants are insensitive to Pi starvation (‐Pi) and OsAUX4 effects on the ‐Pi response is associated with altered expression levels of Pi starvation‐regulated genes, and auxin distribution/contents. This study revealed that OsAUX4 not only regulates PR and RH development but also plays a regulatory role in crosstalk between auxin and ‐Pi signaling.
Integrating Facial and Intraoral Scans for Digital Esthetic and Occlusal Design: A Technical Report
Authors: Sun Ao , Yang Yang , Gao Hanqi , Lin Wei‐Shao , Chen Li , Tan Jianguo
Published: June 2021

The provisional prosthesis is a prerequisite for prosthodontic rehabilitation. The purpose of this technique was to register facial and intraoral scans predictably. A 3D virtual patient was created through facial scans, intraoral scans, digital face‐bow transfer, and digital cross‐articulation technique. This virtual patient allowed predictable positioning of intraoral scans to a virtual articulator by using digital face‐bow transfer. The resulting virtual patient facilitated the design of definitive prostheses following a facially generated treatment planning principle. In addition, the virtual articulator was used to improve occlusal design on the definitive prostheses and reduce the need for intraoral adjustment.
Spatial distribution of apoplastic antioxidative constituents in maize root
Authors: Dragišić Maksimović Jelena , Mojović Miloš , Vučinić Željko , Maksimović Vuk
Published: June 2021

Apoplastic antioxidative constituents (enzymes, primary and secondary metabolites, ROS) from different root zones of hydroponically grown maize (Zea mays L.) were investigated using a noninvasive isolation procedure: filter strip method. Filter strips were placed at specific positions on the root surface: apical zone (tip) and basal zone (base) to absorb apoplastic fluid. Three major classes of low‐weight metabolites (organic acids, sugars, and phenolics) have been identified by HPLC‐ECD. The longitudinal distribution of sugars and organic acids had the same pattern: higher concentration in the tip than the base, while it was vice versa for phenolics. The specific activities of guaiacol peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and ascorbate peroxidase were higher in the apoplastic fluid from the root base than the tip, and their different isoforms were separated by isoelectric focusing. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy coupled with the spin‐trapping method using DEPMPO showed a persistent generation of hydroxyl radical in the root tip. In vivo EPR imaging of the whole maize root with membrane‐permeable and impermeable aminoxyl spin‐probes, enabling real‐time detection of ROS formation within and outside the membranes, demonstrated ROS accumulation on the root surface, while endodermis and central cylinder were ROS free. For the first time in plant research, 2D EPR images enabled the direct demonstration of site‐specific free radical production along the root. Highly sensitive analytical techniques combined with the filter strips, as a non‐invasive tool, have increased our knowledge of metabolic processes occurring in the apoplast and their spatial–temporal changes in small regions of the intact root tissue.
Velocity, Temperature, and Heat-Transfer Measurements in a Turbulent Boundary Layer Downstream of a Stepwise Discontinuity in Wall Temperature
Authors: Johnson D. S.
Published: June 2021

Results are presented of an experimental investigation of the concomitant thermal and velocity fields occurring when there is a small stepwise discontinuity in the temperature of the wall on which a zero-pressure-gradient, low-speed, turbulent boundary layer has formed. The mean velocity and temperature fields have been measured and local heat-transfer-coefficient values in the stream-wise direction have been obtained in the region where the thermal boundary layer has not yet reached the free stream. No over-all similarity between the thermal and velocity fields was found.
Experiments for the Determination of Transient Stress and Strain Distributions in Two-Dimensional Problems
Authors: Durelli A. J. , Riley W. F.
Published: June 2021

The object of this investigation was to develop a method utilizing photoelasticity for determining transient stress and strain distributions in two-dimensional problems. Numerous investigators have approached this problem using the common photoelastic materials which have a relatively high modulus of elasticity and correspondingly high velocity of wave propagation. However, many difficulties were encountered in photographically recording data, and only a few reliable stress patterns were obtained. In order to avoid these difficulties, a material with a low modulus of elasticity and a correspondingly low velocity of wave propagation was developed. As a result the 8-mm. Fastax camera is capable of recording precise fringe patterns. The material used was a member of the epoxy-resin family, modified to give the desired properties. Both its static and dynamic properties were determined as accurately as possible. It was found that the strain-fringe value of the material is approximately constant, but the modulus of elasticity and stress-fringe value are different for static and dynamic loadings. Preliminary studies were conducted to develop the method using a circular disk under a radially applied concentrated impact load as the model. A simply supported beam under central impact was then studied, and deflection curves obtained were compared with curves theoretically predicted by Saint Venant and Flamant. The comparisons showed good agreement. An analysis of the formation of the fringe pattern for various times after impact also was made.
Effect of Stress on Creep at High Temperatures
Authors: Laks H. , Wiseman C. D. , Sherby O. D. , Dorn J. E.
Published: June 2021

Experimental investigations on pure aluminum and its dilute solid-solution alloys revealed that the high-temperature creep rate ϵ̇ is related to the stress σ by ϵ̇ ∼ σn for low stresses and ϵ̇ ∼ eBσ for high stresses where n and B are constants independent of the creep strain and temperature. According to a preliminary dislocation-climb model for high-temperature creep, the activation energy for creep is that for self-diffusion, the effect of stress on the creep rate depends on the number of active Frank-Read sources, and the rate of climb depends on the structure as determined by the pattern of climbing dislocations. Many of the experimental observations on high-temperature creep can be accounted for by this model.
Some Mixed Boundary-Value Problems of the Semi-Infinite Strip
Authors: Horvay G. , Born J. S.
Published: June 2021

Rigorous and approximate (variational) solutions are given for the semi-infinite elastic strip, traction-free along the long edges, when the short edge is subjected (a) to a quadratic shear displacement, zero normal stress, (b) to a cubic normal displacement, zero shear stress. The approximate method of self-equilibrating functions is extended.
Motion and Stress of an Elastic Cable Due to Impact
Authors: Ringleb F. O.
Published: June 2021

The motion and stress of an initially straight elastic cable one point of which suddenly moves with a constant vector velocity are studied. Formulas for the phase velocities of waves of constant stress and of waves of constant slope including the effect of initial tension and neglecting lateral contraction are derived. Under these assumptions exact and approximate relations between the impact stress and the distribution of energy in the cable are derived and discussed. The theoretical results (which had been classified for a considerable time) are compared with results from tests on aircraft arresting gears carried out at the Naval Air Engineering Facility (Ship Installations), Philadelphia, Pa.
Stresses in Beams During Transverse Impact
Authors: Barnhart K. E. , Goldsmith Werner
Published: June 2021

A theory is developed for the transverse impact of spheres on elastic beams which incorporates a dynamic plastic force-indentation law and linear elastic boundary conditions. A method is devised to account for the effect of an infinite number of bending modes. The influence of various force-indentation relations on the calculated stress history is discussed and a comparison with an experimental stress curve is provided.
Buckling of Rectangular Plates With Two Unsupported Edges
Authors: Shuleshko P.
Published: June 2021

In this paper the elastic stability of rectangular plates compressed in two perpendicular directions by forces uniformly distributed along the edges is considered. Edges x = 0, and x = a are simply supported, edges y = ±b/2 are unsupported (Fig. 2a). The nondimensional coefficient k = Pa2/π2D for various ratios b/a and ν = P1/P2 (0 ≤ ν ≤ ∞) is tabulated and corresponding graphs are presented.
Preoperative Multiparametric Ultrasound and Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology evaluation of parotid gland tumors: which is the best technique?
Authors: Guiban Olga , Rubini Antonello , Fresilli Daniele , Lucarelli Giuseppe Tiziano , Ralli Massimo , Cassoni Andrea , Bezzi Mario , Radzina Maija , Greco Antonio , De Vincentiis Marco , De Vito Corado , De Cristofaro Flaminia , Catalano Carlo , Cantisani Vito
Published: June 2021

Aims: To evaluate the pre-surgical diagnostic value of Multiparametric Ultrasound (MPUS) and Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) in differentiating parotid gland tumors, comparing the results with histology. Materials and methods:The study enrolled 84 patients with parotid gland lesions surgically treated in a single tertiary center and evaluated by MPUS. Each patient underwent FNAC. Histological examination was considered the gold standard. Results: Histology identified 62 benign tumors and 22 malignancies. In the differential diagnosis between malignant and benign lesions, B-mode Ultrasound (US), Color-Doppler US, Contrast-Enhanced US (CEUS), Elastography (USE) and FNAC showed the following values of sensitivity: 82%, 81%, 86%, 77%, 73% respectively; specificity: 97%, 61%, 95%, 71%, 97% respectively; PPV: 90%, 43%, 86%, 50%, 89% respectively; NPV: 93%, 90%, 95%, 88%, 91% respectively; and accuracy: 89%, 71%, 90%, 78%, 84% re-spectively. Conclusions: CEUS proved to be a valid and accurate method for identifying malignant tumors of parotid gland; the combination of B-mode US with CEUS showed similar diagnostic accuracy, but better sensitivity than CEUS taken alone. USE did not improve the diagnostic performance of the B-mode US, alone or in association with CEUS; however, it revealed the highest diagnostic accuracy in the differentiation between benign lesions. FNAC demonstrated lower values in comparison with CEUS and with USE. Therefore, according to our study, MPUS could be proposed as a valid alternative to FNAC.
Zirconia-titania-doped tantala optical coatings for low mechanical loss Bragg mirrors
Authors: Lalande Émile , Lussier Alexandre W. , Lévesque Carl , Ward Marianne , Baloukas Bill , Martinu Ludvik , Vajente Gabriele , Billingsley Garilynn , Ananyeva Alena , Bassiri Riccardo , Fejer Martin M. , Schiettekatte François
Published: June 2021

The noise caused by internal mechanical dissipation in high refractive index amorphous thin films in dielectric mirrors is an important limitation for gravitational wave detection. The objective of this study is to decrease this noise spectral density, which is linearly dependent on such dissipation and characterized by the loss angle of Young’s modulus, by adding zirconia to titania-doped tantala, from which the current mirrors for gravitational wave detection are made. The purpose of adding zirconia is to raise the crystallization temperature, which allows the material to be more relaxed by raising the practical annealing temperature. The Ta, Ti, and Zr oxides are deposited by reactive magnetron sputtering in an Ar:O2 atmosphere using radio frequency and high power impulse plasma excitation. We show that, thanks to zirconia, the crystallization temperature rises by more than 150°C, which allows one to obtain a loss angle of 2.5×10−4, that is, a decrease by a factor of 1.5 compared to the current mirror high-index layers. However, due to a difference in the coefficient of thermal expansion between the thin film and the silica substrate, cracks appear at high annealing temperature. In response, a silica capping layer is applied to increase the temperature of crack formation by 100°C.
Cell size controlled in plants using DNA content as an internal scale
Authors: D’Ario Marco , Tavares Rafael , Schiessl Katharina , Desvoyes Bénédicte , Gutierrez Crisanto , Howard Martin , Sablowski Robert
Published: June 2021

Cell size set by cell cycle regulation

In the
Arabidopsis
meristem, cell sizes are regularized despite asymmetric cell divisions. D'Ario
et al.
describe a balanced regulatory system that controls the duration of the growth phase of the cell cycle preceding DNA synthesis. KIP-related protein 4 (KRP4) inhibits progression to DNA synthesis. Because the amount of KRP4, which binds to mitotic chromosomes, is titrated to the amount of chromosomal DNA, daughter cells begin with similar amounts of KRP4 despite possible asymmetric cell divisions. Deviations are adjusted as excess KRP4 is degraded and the cell size is normalized.

Science
, abb4348, this issue p.
1176
Substrate and product complexes reveal mechanisms of Hedgehog acylation by HHAT
Authors: Jiang Yiyang , Benz Thomas L. , Long Stephen B.
Published: June 2021

How Hedgehog gets its lipid tail

Phospholipid membranes serve as barriers between different cellular environments but are also crucial platforms for biosynthesis, signaling, and transport. In animals, the developmental signaling protein Hedgehog must be modified with an acyl group by the membrane-embedded enzyme Hedgehog acyltransferase (HHAT) to be recognized by its receptor. Using cryo–electron microscopy, Jiang
et al.
determined structures of HHAT bound to palmitoyl–coenzyme A or a palmitoylated peptide product. Two cavities connect at the active site, enabling acylation of Hedgehog in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum by lipid substrates from the cytosolic face of the membrane.

Science
, abg4998, this issue p.
1215
Spatiotemporal imaging of 2D polariton wave packet dynamics using free electrons
Authors: Kurman Yaniv , Dahan Raphael , Sheinfux Hanan Herzig , Wang Kangpeng , Yannai Michael , Adiv Yuval , Reinhardt Ori , Tizei Luiz H. G. , Woo Steffi Y. , Li Jiahan , Edgar James H. , Kociak Mathieu , Koppens Frank H. L. , Kaminer Ido
Published: June 2021

Imaging polariton dynamics

Two-dimensional (2D) materials can confine light to volumes much shorter than the wavelength, and, together, the long propagation lengths make them attractive materials for developing nanophotonic platforms. Characterizing the spatiotemporal control of 2D polariton wave packets has been hindered for the same reasons that make their potential applications exciting: They have extremely small wavelengths and are strongly confined inside the material. Kurman
et al.
developed a new pump-probe technique based on electron emission that provides access to the spatiotemporal dynamics of 2D polaritons. The nanometric spatial resolution and femtosecond temporal resolution will be useful for probing the excitation dynamics of these materials.

Science
, abg9015, this issue p.
1181
The safety of nuclear's future
Authors: Grossi Rafael Mariano
Published: June 2021

The explosion at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine 35 years ago forged a strong safety culture that underpins nuclear energy today. At a time when the world was divided profoundly by distrust, the accident prompted nations to collaborate and communicate as they became more transparent and open about their nuclear power programs. After the tsunami of 2011 hit the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in northern Japan, the international community came together again to reinforce the global nuclear safety regime. These anniversaries are reminders of the ever-evolving efforts to strengthen nuclear safety. This is especially important today because public trust is a prerequisite for nuclear power to play its part in mitigating climate change. Too often, the debate about how to move the world onto a more sustainable energy path is framed in the false dichotomy of “either we invest in solar and wind power, or in nuclear energy.” Reaching netzero carbon emissions will require investment in all of them.
Impact of FtsZ Inhibition on the Localization of the Penicillin Binding Proteins in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Ferrer-González Edgar , Huh Hyun , Al-Tameemi Hassan M. , Boyd Jeffrey M. , Lee Sang-Hyuk , Pilch Daniel S.
Published: June 2021

MRSA is a multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogen of acute clinical importance, infecting many thousands of individuals globally each year. The essential cell division protein FtsZ has been identified as an appealing target for the development of new drugs to combat MRSA infections.
Differential recovery of Streptococcus mutans from various mitis-salivarius agar preparations
Authors: Liljemark W F , Okrent D H , Bloomquist C G
Published: June 2021

Recoveries of Streptococcus mutans from human dental plaque were lower when plated on mitis-salivarius agar obtained from Baltimore Biological Laboratories as compared with mitis-salivarius agar obtained from Difco Laboratories. However, no difference in recoveries of established laboratory strains of S. mutans was observed between these two agar preparations.
Evaluation of a hypertonic sucrose medium for the detection of fungi in blood cultures
Authors: Roberts G D , Horstmeier C D , Ilstrup D M
Published: June 2021

A comparison was made between biphasic brain heart infusion medium without and with 15% sucrose in vented blood culture bottles. A higher recovery rate (P less than 0.01) of fungi was noted in the medium without sucrose.
Qualitative evaluation of the reagin screen test
Authors: Black D A , Ray P E , Therrell B L
Published: June 2021

After a preliminary study of 557 sera used as a procedural training exercise, the Reagin screen test (RST) for the macroscopic detection of reagin (as an aid to detecting syphilis) was qualitatively compared to the rapid plasma Reagin (RPR) (circle) card test and Veneral Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) slide test on 435 random portions of sera using fluorescent treponemal antibody adsorption (FTA-ABS) results as a comparative base. A comparison of total agreement (positive and negative) with the FTA-ABS results led to the following order. RPRCT (I5.5%), VDRL (79.8%), and RST (74.5%). Of the total samples shown to be reactive by the FTA-ABS procedure, the percentage of these interpreted as nonreactive (i.e., "false negative") by the procedures compared was considerably higher with the RST procedure (29.3%) than with either the RPRCT (10.9%) or the VDRL (7.1%) procedures. Minor problems encountered with procedural techniques are also mentioned.
Comparison of human fecal and serum parvo-like viruses
Authors: Paver W K , Clarke S K
Published: June 2021

Parvovirus-like particles found in the sera of two blood donors had the size and appearance on electron microscopy of a virus (B19) found in the serum of a blood donor by Cossart et al. (1975), and those of a virus found in the feces of a normal subject. Antibody to these viruses was detected by immune electron microscopy and immunoelectro-osmophoresis in the sera of 50 children aged 10 to 15 years. Of these, 36% had antibody to the fecal virus, 36% had antibody to B19, and 54% had antibody to the two other serum viruses. The results of these tests suggest that serologically the three serum viruses were similar to one another, but that the fecal virus was distinct. The two blood donors had nonspecific symptoms at the time of viremia. Both donors had developed immunoglobulin M antibody to the virus when tested 3.5 and 4.5 weeks later, but no viruses were detected in the feces or urine.
Genetic Transformation as a tool for detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: Janik A , Juni E , Heym G A
Published: June 2021

A rapid method for the detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, making use of the ability of deoxyribonucleic acid samples from clinically isolated strains of this organism to transform nutritional mutants of a particular strain of N. gonorrhoeae, has been described. In addition to using isolated cultures, transforming deoxyribonucleic acid can be obtained directly from the material that adheres to swabs of the cervix or the urethra. The time interval for transfer of swabs to the diagnostic laboratory is not a significant factor. It is not necessary to use pure cultures on primary isolation plates to obtain definitive results. Nongonorrhoeae neisserias, as well as a large variety of commonly encountered unrelated bacteria, do not react or interfere in the transformation assay when using one of the mutant strains under a standardized set of conditions. The entire assay can be completed in less than 24 h. It has also been shown that type T4 cells of the strain of N. gonorrhoeae employed in the present study are competent for genetic transformation, although type T4 cells are transformed at a significantly lower frequency than are type T2 cells of the same strain.