bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rank‐based data synthesis of common bean on‐farm trials across four Central American countries
Authors: Brown David , de Bruin Sytze , de Sousa Kauê , Aguilar Amílcar , Barrios Mirna , Chaves Néstor , Gómez Marvin , Hernández Juan Carlos , Machida Lewis , Madriz Brandon , Mejía Pablo , Mercado Leida , Pavón Mainor , Rosas Juan Carlos , Steinke Jonathan , Suchini José Gabriel , Zelaya Verónica , van Etten Jacob
Published: October 2022

Location‐specific information is required to support decision making in crop variety management, especially under increasingly challenging climate conditions. Data synthesis can aggregate data from individual trials to produce information that supports decision making in plant breeding programs, extension services, and of farmers. Data from on‐farm trials using the novel approach of triadic comparison of technologies (tricot) are increasingly available, from which more insights could be gained using a data synthesis approach. The objective of our study was to present the applicability of a rank‐based data synthesis approach to several datasets from tricot trials to generate location‐specific information supporting decision making in crop variety management. Our study focuses on tricot data from 14 trials of common bean (Phaseolus vulgarisL.) performed between 2015 and 2018 across four countries in Central America (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua). The combined data of 17 common bean genotypes were rank aggregated and analyzed with the Plackett–Luce model. Model‐based recursive partitioning was used to assess the influence of spatially explicit environmental covariates on the performance of common bean genotypes. Location‐specific performance was predicted for the three main growing seasons in Central America. We demonstrate how the rank‐based data synthesis methodology allows integrating tricot trial data from heterogenous sources to provide location‐specific information to support decision making in crop variety management. Maps of genotype performance can support decision making in crop variety evaluation such as variety recommendations to farmers and variety release processes.
Electron Beam Etching of Cellulose Microgels for Absorptive Separation of DMSO from Reactions of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural Synthesis
Authors: Dong Xiaohan , Sheng Keyan , Chen Zhiyan , Guo Changhao , Huang Jiang , Gu Yanlong
Published: October 2022

In this study, an efficient method for the separation of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural by the specific adsorption of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) with cellulose microgels fabricated by electron beam irradiation was developed. The cellulose microgel was recovered and reused although this was accompanied by a decrease in the separation efficiency. A series of characterizations, including ultraviolet and infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and swelling ability tests, were performed to determine the adsorption behavior of the chemical structures of the microgel toward DMSO. The results showed that after the first run, the chemical structure of the recovered microgel did not change significantly. Electron‐beam etching played a pivotal role in conferring a special capacity for enriching DMSO in its matrix on the microgel.
Exploring undergraduate thesis manuscript assessment feedback
Authors: Olande Oduor , Lindström Torsten
Published: October 2022

The present case study explores the assessment practice of two examiners from different academic backgrounds on an undergraduate thesis work in mathematics education. Reflection notes and feedback from two instances of a thesis‐writing process are interrogated using a framework based on a semiotics perspective to meaning‐making. It is shown that the examiners utilize aspects that are ‘immediate and non‐contested’ to successively make accessible that which is ‘withdrawn yet to be revealed.’ In this process, varied interventional approaches are observed to support desirable aspects of teacher professional knowledge including critical‐analytical disposition. The study also highlights knowledge integration for teaching, scientific disposition, collaboration, and knowledge transformation as some of the desirable aspects of teacher professional knowledge. The findings indicate that knowledge integration and transformation remain an issue of concern for pre‐service teachers. This raises the question of how desirable traits for a teacher‐as‐a researcher can be promoted within the context of thesis work.
Multiparameter analysis of human B lymphocytes identifies heterogeneousCD19+CD21losubsets
Authors: Wilfong Erin M. , Vowell Katherine N. , Crofford Leslie J. , Kendall Peggy L.
Published: October 2022

Autoreactive B cell subsets have been described in a variety of settings, using multiple classification schemes and cell surface markers also found on healthy cells. CD19+CD21loB cells have been identified as an autoreactive‐prone subset of B cells, although the downregulation of CD21 has been observed on a variety of B cell subsets in health and disease. This variation has led to confusion regarding the meaning and applicability of the loss or reduction of CD21 in peripheral B cells. To better understand the relationships between commonly used B cell markers and their associated characteristics, we analyzed human B cells from healthy participants using multiparameter flow cytometry and the visualization algorithm, tSNE. This approach revealed significant phenotypic overlap amongst five previously described autoimmune‐prone B cell subsets, including CD19+CD10−CD27−CD21loB cells. Interestingly, 12 different subpopulations of CD19+CD21loB cells were identified, some of which mapped to previously described autoreactive populations, while others were consistent with healthy B cells. This suggests that CD21 is downregulated in a variety of circumstances involving B cell activation, all of which are present in low numbers even in healthy individuals. These findings describe the utility of unbiased multiparameter analysis using a relatively limited panel of flow cytometry markers to analyze autoreactive‐prone and normal activated B cells.
Diagnostic yield of liquid‐based cytology in serial pancreatic juice aspiration cytological examination
Authors: Kitagawa Koh , Mitoro Akira , Tomooka Fumimasa , Asada Shohei , Fujinaga Yukihisa , Nishimura Norihisa , Kaji Kosuke , Kawaratani Hideto , Akahane Takemi , Ozutsumi Takahiro , Kaneko Miki , Fujimoto Yuki , Tsuji Yuki , Enomoto Masahide , Takeda Soichi , Murata Koji , Kubo Takahiro , Iwai Satoshi , Koizumi Aritoshi , Shibamoto Akihiko , Suzuki Junya , Tanaka Misako , Matsuda Takuya , Yorioka Nobuyuki , Masuda Hiroyuki , Takami Masayoshi , Yoshiji Hitoshi
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Serial pancreatic juice aspiration cytological examination (SPACE) via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is a useful diagnostic method for early‐stage pancreatic cancer, such as carcinoma in situ that are difficult to diagnose by endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA). However, the diagnostic accuracy of SPACE is low, which is attributed to problems regarding specimen treatment. Hence, we evaluated the diagnostic efficacy of liquid‐based cytology (LBC) in pancreatic juice cytology for pancreatic cancer.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 24 patients with suspected pancreatic cancer that was difficult to diagnose by endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration who underwent SPACE using LBC between April 2017 and April 2021.

Results

The most common reason for performing SPACE was localized stenosis of the main pancreatic duct without a mass. Eleven patients were diagnosed with malignancy after surgical resection, nine of whom had pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Ten patients were diagnosed as benign after a follow‐up of more than 1 year. The nine cases of malignancy were diagnosed before surgical resection by SPACE using LBC, with a sensitivity of 81.8% and specificity of 100%. The overall diagnostic accuracy was 91.7%. A total of 152 LBC examinations were performed via SPACE, with an adequate sample collection rate of 88.9%. No adverse events, including acute pancreatitis, occurred after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

Conclusion

SPACE with LBC offers good diagnostic efficacy in patients with pancreatic cancer that is difficult to diagnose by endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration.
Case Study in 21st-Century Ecotoxicology: Using In Vitro Aromatase Inhibition Data to Predict Reproductive Outcomes in Fish In Vivo
Authors: Villeneuve Daniel L. , Blackwell Brett R. , Blanksma Chad A. , Cavallin Jenna E. , Cheng Wan-Yun , Conolly Rory B. , Conrow Kendra , Feifarek David J. , Heinis Larry J. , Jensen Kathleen M. , Kahl Michael D. , Milsk Rebecca Y. , Poole Shane T. , Randolph Eric C. , Saari Travis W. , Watanabe Karen H. , Ankley Gerald T.
Published: October 2022

To reduce the use of intact animals for chemical safety testing, while ensuring protection of ecosystems and human health, there is a demand for new approach methodologies (NAMs) that provide relevant scientific information at a quality equivalent to or better than traditional approaches. The present case study examined whether bioactivity and associated potency measured in an in vitro screening assay for aromatase inhibition could be used together with an adverse outcome pathway (AOP) and mechanistically based computational models to predict previously uncharacterized in vivo effects. Model simulations were used to inform designs of 60-h and 10–21-day in vivo exposures of adult fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) to three or four test concentrations of the in vitro aromatase inhibitor imazalil ranging from 0.12 to 260 µg/L water. Consistent with an AOP linking aromatase inhibition to reproductive impairment in fish, exposure to the fungicide resulted in significant reductions in ex vivo production of 17β-estradiol (E2) by ovary tissue (≥165 µg imazalil/L), plasma E2 concentrations (≥74 µg imazalil/L), vitellogenin (Vtg) messenger RNA expression (≥165 µg imazalil/L), Vtg plasma concentrations (≥74 µg imazalil/L), uptake of Vtg into oocytes (≥260 µg imazalil/L), and overall reproductive output in terms of cumulative fecundity, number of spawning events, and eggs per spawning event (≥24 µg imazalil/L). Despite many potential sources of uncertainty in potency and efficacy estimates based on model simulations, observed magnitudes of apical effects were quite consistent with model predictions, and in vivo potency was within an order of magnitude of that predicted based on in vitro relative potency. Overall, our study suggests that NAMs and AOP-based approaches can support meaningful reduction and refinement of animal testing. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:100–116. © 2022 SETAC. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.

Abstract

Key events in the adverse outcome pathway linking aromatase inhibition to reduced cumulative fecundity and spawning that were impacted following 60 h, 10 days, or 21 days of waterborne exposure to imazalil. Black shading indicates that no measurements were made. X indicates that activity was confirmed in vitro. Checkmark indicates that the measurement was made, with color bar indicating the lowest-observed-effect concentration.
A Multiplex Gene Expression Assay for Direct Measurement of RNA Transcripts in Crude Lysates of the Nematode Caenorhabditis elegans Used as a Bioanalytical Tool
Authors: Karengera Antoine , Bao Cong , Bovee Toine F. H. , Dinkla Inez J. T. , Murk Albertinka J.
Published: October 2022

Gene expression profiling in Caenorhabditis elegans has been demonstrated to be a potential bioanalytical tool to detect the toxic potency of environmental contaminants. The RNA transcripts of genes responding to toxic exposure can be used as biomarkers for detecting these toxins. For routine application in environmental quality monitoring, an easy-to-use multiplex assay is required to reliably quantify expression levels of these biomarkers. In the present study, a bead-based assay was developed to fingerprint gene expression in C. elegans by quantitating messenger RNAs (mRNAs) of multiple target genes directly from crude nematode lysates, circumventing RNA extraction and purification steps. The assay uses signal amplification rather than target amplification for direct measurement of toxin-induced RNA transcripts. Using a 50-gene panel, the expression changes of four candidate reference genes and 46 target mRNAs for various contaminants and wastewaters were successfully measured, and the expression profiles indicated the type of toxin present. Moreover, the multiplex assay response was in line with previous results obtained with more time-consuming reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and microarray analyses. In addition, the transcriptomic profiles of nematodes exposed to wastewater samples and extracts prepared from tissues of swimming crabs were evaluated. The profiles indicated the presence of organic pollutants. The present study illustrates the successful development of a multiplex fluorescent bead–based approach using nematode C. elegans crude lysates for gene expression profiling of target RNAs. This method can be used to routinely fingerprint the presence of toxic contaminants in environmental samples and to identify the most biologically active fraction of the contaminant mixture in a toxicity identification and evaluation approach. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:130–142. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Co-control of the haze pollution emissions in China: Insight from supply chains
Authors: Yu Yang , Chi Yulin , Du Yiming
Published: October 2022

Because of rapid economic development and the increase in social demand, China has been suffering from serious air pollution, in particular, haze pollution. To mitigate haze from the source, it is essential to achieve co-control of three important haze precursors: volatile organic compounds (VOCs), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxide (NOx). In this study, we used the environmentally extended input–output model, structural path analysis, and structural path decomposition method to investigate changes in consumption-based emissions of three major haze precursors (i.e., NOx, SO2, and VOCs) in China during 2007–2017. First, the results revealed that fixed capital formation was the most critical final demand to co-control the three precursors. Investment in construction was the most important behavior for co-control. Second, the most crucial common path driving the changes in emissions of the three precursors was “transportation and warehousing→household consumption” during 2007–2012, and “electricity, gas, and water supply→household consumption” during 2012–2017. Finally, direct emission intensity of transportation and warehousing, and electricity, gas, and water supplies were critical to co-control precursors. The results of this study provided a comprehensive understanding of changes in haze precursor emissions driven by demand. Therefore, China must strengthen the co-control of multiple pollutant emissions on both the production and consumption sides by adjusting supply chains. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:1048–1063. © 2022 SETAC
Bullying perpetration and social status in the peer group: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Wiertsema Maria , Vrijen Charlotte , van der Ploeg Rozemarijn , Sentse Miranda , Kretschmer Tina
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Associations between bullying perpetration and social status vary, not only between different facets of social status but also between bullying in primary versus secondary school. The main aim of the present study was to meta‐analyse existing evidence regarding the prospective associations between bullying perpetration and various facets of social status, that is, popularity, peer acceptance, peer rejection, and social preference.

Methods

Electronic databases were searched to identify studies on bullying perpetration and later social status published up to January 17, 2022. Multilevel random effects models were performed using Metafor and differences in effect sizes as a function of substantive and methodological moderators were tested.

Results

In total, 116 effects were included from 18 publications, reporting on 17 different samples and more than 15,000 participants (mean age bullying assessment = 11.57 years, on average 51% female participants). Most samples were from the United States (7) or Europe (7). Overall, bullies were more popular, but also more rejected and scored lower on social preference compared with non‐bullies. These associations remained when effects were adjusted for previous social status and other confounders. No link between bullying perpetration and acceptance was found. There was little evidence that effect sizes differed as a function of moderators.

Conclusions

Bullies become more popular over time, but also have a higher risk of being rejected and being less socially preferred. Bullying perpetrators are more popular but also more rejected by their peers. There is no evidence that these links differ depending on sex or age at which perpetrators bully, reporter or type of bullying.
PTH Treatment Increases Cortical Bone Mass More in Response to Compression than Tension in Mice
Authors: Rooney Amanda M. , McNeill Tyler J. , Ross F. Patrick , Bostrom Mathias P.G. , van der Meulen Marjolein C.H.
Published: October 2022

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is an anabolic osteoporosis treatment that increases bone mass and reduces fracture risk. Clinically, the effects of PTH are site-specific, increasing bone mass more at the spine than the hip and not increasing bone mass at the radius. Differences in local loading environment between the spine, hip, and radius may help explain the variation in efficacy, as PTH and mechanical loading have been shown to synergistically increase bone mass. We hypothesized that differences in loading mode might further explain these variations. Owing to the curvature of the mouse tibia, cyclic compression of the hindlimb causes bending at the tibial midshaft, placing the anterior surface under tension and the posterior surface under compression. We investigated the combination of PTH treatment and tibial loading in an osteoblast-specific estrogen receptor-alpha knockout mouse model of low bone mass (pOC-ERαKO) and their littermate controls (LCs) and analyzed bone morphology in the tensile, compressive, and neutral regions of the tibial midshaft. We also hypothesized that pretreating wild-type C57Bl/6J (WT) mice with PTH prior to mechanical loading would enhance the synergistic anabolic effects. Compression was more anabolic than tension, and PTH enhanced the effect of loading, particularly under compression. PTH pretreatment maintained the synergistic anabolic effect for longer durations than concurrent treatment and loading alone. Together these data provide insights into more effective physical therapy and exercise regimens for patients receiving PTH treatment. © 2022 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Coping with loneliness through consumption
Authors: Shrum L. J. , Fumagalli Elena , Lowrey Tina M.
Published: October 2022

Loneliness is a complex set of aversive feelings that arises when people perceive that their belongingness needs are not being met. Usually, these feelings of loneliness are temporary because people successfully cope with their loneliness by connecting with others. However, for some people, their attempts to cope with loneliness are unsuccessful, and their loneliness becomes chronic, which can have severe consequences for their mental and physical health. Understanding the causes and consequences of loneliness is critical for developing interventions to reduce loneliness, a need made more urgent by the dramatic rise in reported loneliness over the last few decades. In this review, we provide a synthesis of the research on how people cope with loneliness through consumption situations and the extent to which these coping strategies are successful. We also provide a discussion of how the marketplace has responded to the rapidly increasing levels of chronic loneliness worldwide. We conclude with an agenda for future research to answer both basic and applied research questions regarding the causes, consequences, and underlying processes of loneliness.
Large‐scale production of extracellular vesicles: Report on the “massivEVs” ISEV workshop
Authors: Paolini Lucia , Monguió‐Tortajada Marta , Costa Marta , Antenucci Fabio , Barilani Mario , Clos‐Sansalvador Marta , Andrade André Cronemberger , Driedonks Tom A. P. , Giancaterino Sara , Kronstadt Stephanie M. , Mizenko Rachel R. , Nawaz Muhammad , Osteikoetxea Xabier , Pereira Carla , Shrivastava Surya , Boysen Anders Toftegaard , van de Wakker Simonides Immanuel , van Herwijnen Martijn J. C. , Wang Xiaoqin , Watson Dionysios C. , Gimona Mario , Kaparakis‐Liaskos Maria , Konstantinov Konstantin , Lim Sai Kiang , Meisner‐Kober Nicole , Stork Michiel , Nejsum Peter , Radeghieri Annalisa , Rohde Eva , Touzet Nicolas , Wauben Marca H. M. , Witwer Kenneth W. , Bongiovanni Antonella , Bergese Paolo
Published: October 2022

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) large‐scale production is a crucial point for the translation of EVs from discovery to application of EV‐based products. In October 2021, the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles (ISEV), along with support by the FET‐OPEN projects, “The Extracellular Vesicle Foundry” (evFOUNDRY) and “Extracellular vesicles from a natural source for tailor‐made nanomaterials” (VES4US), organized a workshop entitled “massivEVs” to discuss the potential challenges for translation of EV‐based products. This report gives an overview of the topics discussed during “massivEVs”, the most important points raised, and the points of consensus reached after discussion among academia and industry representatives. Overall, the review of the existing EV manufacturing, upscaling challenges and directions for their resolution highlighted in the workshop painted an optimistic future for the expanding EV field.
Enhanced Anticorrosion and Antifouling Properties of Lubricant‐Infused Pyramidal Polydimethylsiloxane Coating
Authors: Li Dandan , Zhu Jiahui , Yu Jing , Liu Jingyuan , Chen Rongrong , Liu Qi , Mei Li , Lin Zaiwen , Wang Jun
Published: October 2022

Although slippery liquid‐infused porous surfaces (SLIPSs) have been extensively studied for anticorrosion and antifouling applications, their durability and stability restrict their practicality. Herein, a technique is presented for fabricating SLIPS with dual‐protection. First, a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) coating with a pyramidal morphology is fabricated through mold‐based lithographic techniques. The mold is prepared by applying a texturing process to a monocrystalline silicon wafer of the type used to produce solar cells. Once infused with lubricant, the SLIPS is prepared and has a water‐contact angle of 112°, on an inclined surface, water droplets slide easily off its surface. Due to the excellent chemical stability and low superficiality of the lubricant layer, the SLIPS offers excellent antifouling and anticorrosion properties. In a static marine environment, the SLIPS has an extremely low coverage fraction of algae. After being immersed in a 3.5% NaCl solution for 400 days, |Z|0.01 Hz ≈ 1011 Ω, and the phase angle at high frequency is approximately −90°. SLIPSs based on the PDMS coating provide dual protection (anticorrosion and antifouling), showing that this design approach produces SLIPSs with excellent potential for applications in marine environments.
Dockground resource for protein recognition studies
Authors: Collins Keeley W. , Copeland Matthew M. , Kotthoff Ian , Singh Amar , Kundrotas Petras J. , Vakser Ilya A.
Published: October 2022

Structural information of protein–protein interactions is essential for characterization of life processes at the molecular level. While a small fraction of known protein interactions has experimentally determined structures, computational modeling of protein complexes (protein docking) has to fill the gap. The Dockground resource (http://dockground.compbio.ku.edu) provides a collection of datasets for the development and testing of protein docking techniques. Currently, Dockground contains datasets for the bound and the unbound (experimentally determined and simulated) protein structures, model–model complexes, docking decoys of experimentally determined and modeled proteins, and templates for comparative docking. The Dockground bound proteins dataset is a core set, from which other Dockground datasets are generated. It is devised as a relational PostgreSQL database containing information on experimentally determined protein–protein complexes. This report on the Dockground resource describes current status of the datasets, new automated update procedures and further development of the core datasets. We also present a new Dockground interactive web interface, which allows search by various parameters, such as release date, multimeric state, complex type, structure resolution, and so on, visualization of the search results with a number of customizable parameters, as well as downloadable datasets with predefined levels of sequence and structure redundancy.
A case of ectopic cervical thymoma with myasthenia gravis mimicking a parathyroid tumour
Authors: Kamimura Go , Ueda Kazuhiro , Takeda Aya , Miyata Ryo , Aoki Masaya , Nagata Toshiyuki , Sato Masami
Published: October 2022

Reports of cervical thymoma with myasthenia gravis are rare. In addition, 99mTc‐MIBI (methoxyisobutylisonitrile:sestamibi) scintigraphy is a useful diagnostic examination for enlarged parathyroid tumours; however, there are a few reports of its accumulation in thymoma. Among them, there are no reports of cervical thymomas with 99mTc‐MIBI accumulation complicated by myasthenia gravis. In this study, we performed surgery on a patient with preoperative myasthenic crisis accompanied by a cervical thymoma and a parathyroid tumour. Preoperatively, the cervical mass was determined to be a parathyroid tumour and was complicated by myasthenia gravis without thymic tumour. However, a pathological examination revealed that the cervical tumour with 99mTc‐MIBI accumulation was a Type B2 thymoma, and a parathyroid tumour was identified in the vicinity. We report a very rare case in which symptoms improved with surgery.
Sodium titanate nanowires for Na+‐based hybrid energy storage with high power density
Authors: Jinghan Zuo , Zeyu Liu , Huaning Jiang , Qian Chen , Zhilin Yang , Xiaokang Gu , Yuying Jiao , Yongji Gong
Published: October 2022

It is crucial to enhance the rate capability of the titanium‐based materials for fulfilling their promising potential as the anode materials of sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). Herein, Mn‐doped sodium titanate (Mn‐NTO) nanowires with homogeneously distributed ultrathin carbon nanosheets (Mn‐NTO@C) are synthesized by a one‐step salt‐template‐assisted method, showing much‐enhanced power density. The as‐prepared Mn‐NTO@C demonstrates the realization of hybrid energy storage, which reconciles the diffusion‐controlled behavior with the pseudocapacitive‐controlled behavior. It has been revealed that the Mn heteroatoms can raise the proportion of Na2Ti3O7 phase with the expanded crystal lattice, facilitating the diffusion‐controlled insertion/extraction process of sodium ions. Meanwhile, the hybrid morphology of Mn‐NTO nanowires and carbon nanosheets provides a promoted structure stability. As a result, the assembled Na||Mn‐NTO@C half‐cells work well at an extreme current density of 24 A g−1 for 10 000 cycles with a capacity retention of 95.2%. Moreover, the Mn‐NTO@C||Na3V2(PO4)3 (NVP) full cells exhibit an attenuation of only 0.0015% per cycle at 20 A g−1 for over 10 000 cycles, and the energy density and power density of the full cells reach an ultrahigh level of 262 Wh kg−1 and 16.3 kW kg−1, respectively.
Revealing the contribution of GbPR10.5D1 to resistance against Verticillium dahliae and its regulation for structural defense and immune signaling
Authors: Guo Jin , Cao Peihua , Yuan Leitian , Xia Guixian , Zhang Huanyang , Li Jing , Wang Fuxin
Published: October 2022

As an important family of pathogenesis‐related (PR) proteins, the functional diversification and roles of PR10s in biotic stress have been well documented. However, the molecular basis of PR10s in plant defense responses against pathogens remains to be further understood. In the present study, we analyzed the phylogenetic relationship and function of a novel PR10 named GbPR10.5D1 in Sea‐Island (or Pima or Egyptian) cotton (Gossypium barbadense L.), which has been identified as a Verticillium dahliae Kleb.‐induced protein in a previous proteomics study. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that GbPR10.5D1, located on chromosome 2, is a unique member of GbPR10. The expression of GbPR10.5D1 was preferably in the root and induced upon V. dahliae infection. GbPR10.5D1 proteins were distributed in both nucleus and cytoplasm. GbPR10.5D1‐virus‐induced gene‐silencing (VIGS) cotton plants were more susceptible to infection by V. dahliae, whereas overexpression (OE) of GbPR10.5D1 in cotton enhanced the resistance. By comparative transcriptome analysis between GbPR10.5D1‐OE and wild‐type (WT) plants and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) verification, we found transcriptional activation of genes involved in cutin, suberine, and wax biosynthesis and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling under normal conditions. Upon pathogen infection, defense signaling, fatty acid degradation, and glycerolipid metabolism were specifically activated in GbPR10.5D1‐OE plants; biological processes (BPs), including glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, DNA replication, and cell wall organization, were specifically repressed in WT plants. Collectively, we proposed that GbPR10.5D1 possibly mediated lipid metabolism pathway to strengthen structural defense and activate defense signaling, which largely released the repression of cell growth caused by V. dahliae infection.
Comparison of aerodynamic models for horizontal axis wind turbine blades accounting for curved tip shapes
Authors: Horcas Sergio González , Ramos‐García Néstor , Li Ang , Pirrung Georg , Barlas Thanasis
Published: October 2022

Curved tip extensions are among the rotor innovation concepts that can contribute to the higher performance and lower cost of horizontal axis wind turbines. One of the key drivers to exploit their advantages is the use of accurate and efficient computational aerodynamic models during the design stage. The present work gives an overview of the performance of different state‐of‐the‐art models. The following tools were employed, in descending order of complexity: (i) a blade‐resolved Navier Stokes solver, (ii) a lifting line model, (iii) a vortex‐based method coupling a near‐wake model with a far‐wake model, and (iv) two implementations of the widely used blade element momentum method (BEM), with and without radial induction. The predictions of the codes were compared when simulating the baseline geometry of a reference wind turbine and different tip extension designs with relatively large sweep angle and/or dihedral angle. Four load cases were selected for this comparison, to cover several aspects of the aerodynamic modeling: steady power curve, pitch step, extreme operating gust impact, and standstill in deep stall. The present study highlighted the limitations of the BEM‐based formulations to capture the trends attributed to the introduction of curvature at the tip. This was true even when using the radial induction submodel. The rest of the computational methods showed relatively good agreement in most of the studied load cases. An exception to this was the standstill configuration, as the blade‐resolved Navier‐Stokes solver was the only code able to capture the highly unsteady effects of deep stall.
Sodalite‐type Ga16/3[P12N24]O2: Synthesis, Electron Crystallography and Powder X‐ray Diffraction
Authors: Günther Daniel , Eisenburger Lucien , Schnick Wolfgang , Oeckler Oliver
Published: October 2022

The gallium(III) nitridophosphate‐oxide Ga16/3[P12N24]O2 was synthesized by metathesis reaction between GaF3 and LiPN2. The crystal structure was elucidated by electron crystallography and powder X‐ray diffraction, comparing both approaches. This reveals a partially collapsed sodalite‐type structure (space group I
3m, a=8.1585(2) Å) with a tilt angle ϕ of ∼33°. Vertex‐sharing PN4 tetrahedra build up a sodalite network that hosts gallium(III) cations and oxide anions. Gallium forms bonds to further three N atoms. The structure model is confirmed by EDX analyses, IR spectroscopy and bond valence sum calculations.
A toy model for background independent string field theory
Authors: Grigoriev Maxim , Meyer Adiel , Sachs Ivo
Published: October 2022

Abstract

We study gauge theories of background fields associated to BRST quantized spinning particle models and identify background-independent algebraic structures which allow to systematically reduce the spectrum of fields and subject some of them to dynamical equations of motion. More specifically, we construct a manifestly background-independent extension of the model based on N = 2 spinning particle. The resulting system describes an on-shell spin-1 field coupled to off-shell background fields including metric and dilaton. Tensoring with a given Lie algebra results in a non-abelian extension of the model.
$$H^\infty $$-Calculus for the Surface Stokes Operator and Applications
Authors: Simonett Gieri , Wilke Mathias
Published: October 2022

We consider a smooth, compact and embedded hypersurface$$\Sigma $$Σwithout boundary and show that the corresponding (shifted) surface Stokes operator admits a bounded$$H^\infty $$H∞-calculus with angle smaller than$$\pi /2$$π/2. As an application, we consider critical spaces for the Navier–Stokes equations on the surface$$\Sigma $$Σ. In case$$\Sigma $$Σis two-dimensional, we show that any solution with a divergence-free initial value in$$L_2(\Sigma , \textsf{T}\Sigma )$$L2(Σ,TΣ)exists globally and converges exponentially fast to an equilibrium, that is, to a Killing field.
Vorsicht: bissig! Hundebissverletzungen in der klinischen Rechtsmedizin
Authors: Kolbe V. , Bingert R. , Märzheuser S. , Büttner A.
Published: October 2022

Insbesondere jüngere Kinder sind aufgrund ihrer geringen Körpergröße gefährdet, Opfer von Hundeangriffen zu werden. Ein solcher Beißvorfall kann verschiedene Strafbestände erfüllen. Um möglichen rechtlichen Ansprüchen genügen zu können, sollten die Verletzungen rechtsmedizinisch und damit gerichtfest dokumentiert werden. Es empfiehlt sich daher eine enge Zusammenarbeit von behandelnden ChirurgInnen und RechtsmedizinerInnen. Es wurde eine retrospektive Analyse der klinisch-rechtsmedizinisch bearbeiteten Fälle von Hundebissverletzungen bei Kindern und Erwachsenen an der Universitätsmedizin Rostock unter verschiedenen Aspekten durchgeführt. Erwachsene Verletzte wurden überwiegend an der unteren Extremität verletzt. Die untersuchten Kinder wurden überwiegend die Kopf‑, Hals- und Gesichtsregion sowie die obere Extremität gebissen. Die Verletzungsschwere reichte von Hautrötungen bis zu schweren Substanzdefekten mit Verlust von Körperstrukturen. Der beißende Hund war in gut der Hälfte der Fälle bekannt. Um Beißangriffe durch Hunde auf Kinder zu vermeiden, sollten Eltern sowie auch Kinder unbedingt im Umgang mit Hunden geschult werden.
Milder loss of insulin-containing islets in individuals with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes-associated TCF7L2 genetic variants
Authors: Redondo Maria J. , Richardson Sarah J. , Perry Daniel , Minard Charles G. , Carr Alice L. J. , Brusko Todd , Kusmartseva Irina , Pugliese Alberto , Atkinson Mark A.
Published: October 2022

Aims/hypothesis

TCF7L2 variants are the strongest genetic risk factor for type 2 diabetes. In individuals with type 1 diabetes, these variants are associated with a higher C-peptide AUC, a lower glucose AUC during an OGTT, single autoantibody positivity near diagnosis, particularly in individuals older than 12 years of age, and a lower frequency of type 1 diabetes-associated HLA genotypes. Based on initial observations from clinical cohorts, we tested the hypothesis that type 2 diabetes-predisposing TCF7L2 genetic variants are associated with a higher percentage of residual insulin-containing cells (ICI%) in pancreases of donors with type 1 diabetes, by examining genomic data and pancreatic tissue samples from the Network for Pancreatic Organ donors with Diabetes (nPOD) programme.

Methods

We analysed nPOD donors with type 1 diabetes (n=110; mean±SD age at type 1 diabetes onset 12.2±7.9 years, mean±SD diabetes duration 15.3±13.7 years, 53% male, 80% non-Hispanic White, 12.7% African American, 7.3% Hispanic) using data pertaining to residual beta cell number; quantified islets containing insulin-positive beta cells in pancreatic tissue sections; and expressed these values as a percentage of the total number of islets from each donor (mean ± SD ICI% 9.8±21.5, range 0–92.2).

Results

Donors with a high ICI% (≥5) (n=30; 27%) vs a low ICI% (<5) (n=80; 73%) were older at onset (15.3±6.9 vs 11.1±8 years, p=0.013), had a shorter diabetes duration at donor tissue procurement (7.0±7.4 vs 18.5±14.3 years, p<0.001), a higher African ancestry score (0.2±0.3 vs 0.1±0.2, p=0.043) and a lower European ancestry score (0.7±0.3 vs 0.9±0.3, p=0.023). After adjustment for age of onset (p=0.105), diabetes duration (p<0.001), BMI z score (p=0.145), sex (p=0.351) and African American race (p=0.053), donors with the TCF7L2 rs7903146 T allele (TC or TT, 45.5%) were 2.93 times (95% CI 1.02, 8.47) more likely to have a high ICI% than those without it (CC) (p=0.047).

Conclusions/interpretation

Overall, these data support the presence of a type 1 diabetes endotype associated with a genetic factor that predisposes to type 2 diabetes, with donors in this category exhibiting less severe beta cell loss. It is possible that in these individuals the disease pathogenesis may include mechanisms associated with type 2 diabetes and thus this may provide an explanation for the poor response to immunotherapies to prevent type 1 diabetes or its progression in a subset of individuals. If so, strategies that target both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes-associated factors when they are present may increase the success of prevention and treatment in these individuals.

Graphical abstract
Circulating Extracellular Vesicles Express Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor κB Ligand and Other Molecules Informative of the Bone Metabolic Status of Mouse Models of Experimentally Induced Osteoporosis
Authors: Cappariello Alfredo , Muraca Maurizio , Teti Anna , Rucci Nadia
Published: October 2022

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are potent means of cell-to-cell communication. They are released in biological fluids, including blood, urine, and saliva, and can be exploited to identify new biomarkers of diseases. We hypothesized that EVs contain molecular cargos involved in bone metabolism, possibly mirroring biological differences between postmenopausal and disuse osteoporosis. We tested this hypothesis in primary murine osteoblasts subjected to steroid depletion or to unloading, and in the serum of animal models of osteoporosis induced by ovariectomy or hindlimb tail suspension. EVs were isolated by ultracentrifugation and analysed by transmission electron microscopy, cytofluorimetry, immunoblotting and RT-PCR. Large-scale analyses were performed by Real-Time arrays and Proteome Profiler™ Antibody arrays. Finally, precise titration of analytes was carried out by ELISA assay. In vitro, we confirmed an increased release of EVs enriched in surface RANKL by primary mouse osteoblasts subjected to steroid depletion or simulated microgravity compared to controls. In vivo, circulating EVs isolated from the sera of control female mice expressed RANKL along with other genes associated with bone metabolism. Serum EVs from ovariectomized or hindlimb tail-suspended mice showed distinct molecular profiles. They expressed RANKL with different kinetics, while transcriptomic and proteomic profiles uncovered unique molecular signatures that discriminated the two conditions, unveiling exclusive molecules expressed in time- and osteoporosis type-dependent manner. These results suggest that circulating EVs could represent a new tool for monitoring the onset and the progression of diverse types of the disease in mice, paving the way for their exploitation to diagnose human osteoporosis in liquid biopsies.
Influence of working conditions on the condensation efficiency of the prototype condensation hood
Authors: Ryfa Arkadiusz , Tokarski Mieszko , Ostrowski Ziemowit , Rojczyk Marek , Nowak Andrzej J.
Published: October 2022

In the paper performance of the prototype design of the condensation hood is analysed. Results of some experiments/measurements as well as results of CFD simulations are used to investigate the dependence of quantity called the condensation efficiency on selected working parameters. It was found that both the air inlet temperature and the air mass flow rate have significant impact on the performance of the heat exchanger. However, such changes did not influence the condensation efficiency which stays stable at the level of 100% for quite wide range of parameters changes. The same applies to the relative humidity of the inlet air. The only parameter which causes changes of the condensation efficiency is the steam mass flow rate when it exceeds 2.0 g/s. Nevertheless, operation of the hood with the steam mass flow rate up to $$\approx 3.0$$

≈
3.0

g/s guarantees that at least 90% of the steam is condensed.
Milk fat globule membrane plus milk fat increase docosahexaenoic acid availability in infant formulas
Authors: Gázquez Antonio , Sabater-Molina María , Domínguez-López Inés , Sánchez-Campillo María , Torrento Neus , Tibau Joan , Moreno-Muñoz José A. , Rodríguez-Palmero María , López-Sabater María C. , Larqué Elvira
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) has components with emulsifier properties that could affect the provision of substrates to the brain. We evaluated the effects of MFGM plus milk fat addition to infant formulas on docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) availability and gut development.

Methods

In Experiment 1, suckling piglets were divided into 3 groups: Group L1 (n = 8): fed with a vegetal fat formula with palm oil; L2 (n = 8): canola oil formula and L3 (n = 8): milk fat + canola oil + 1% Lacprodan (3% MFGM of total protein content). In Experiment 2, Group L4 (n = 7): fed with canola oil + 1% Lacprodan (3% MFGM) and Group L5 (n = 5): milk fat + canola oil + 2% Lacprodan (6% MFGM). All formulas contained 0.2% DHA and 0.2% arachidonic acid.

Results

In Experiment 1, DHA was similar among the groups in both total fatty acids and plasma phospholipids (PL). However, 3% MFGM (L3) increased significantly the proportion of DHA and LC-PUFA n-3 in liver total fatty acids, jejunum, and also in jejunum PL respect to the other formulas. There were no changes in gut histology, cell proliferation, apoptosis, or brain DHA content. In Experiment 2, higher MFGM dose was used. Then, higher DHA was not only found in peripheral tissues of 6% MFGM (L5) piglets but also in plasma PL, while a similar trend was observed in cortex PL (p = 0.123).

Conclusion

In conclusion, MFGM plus milk fat may increase DHA availability of infant formulas which could contribute to their beneficial health effects.
Road safety assessment and risks prioritization using an integrated SWARA and MARCOS approach under spherical fuzzy environment
Authors: Jafarzadeh Ghoushchi Saeid , Shaffiee Haghshenas Sina , Memarpour Ghiaci Ali , Guido Giuseppe , Vitale Alessandro
Published: October 2022

There are a lot of elements that make road safety assessment situations unpredictable and hard to understand. This could put people's lives in danger, hurt the mental health of a society, and cause permanent financial and human losses. Due to the ambiguity and uncertainty of the risk assessment process, a multi-criteria decision-making technique for dealing with complex systems that involves choosing one of many options is an important strategy of assessing road safety. In this study, an integrated stepwise weight assessment ratio analysis (SWARA) with measurement of alternatives and ranking according to compromise solution (MARCOS) approach under a spherical fuzzy (SF) set was considered. Then, the proposed methodology was applied to develop the approach of failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) for rural roads in Cosenza, southern Italy. Also, the results of modified FMEA by SF-SWARA-MARCOS were compared with the results of conventional FMEA. The risk score results demonstrated that the source of risk (human) plays a significant role in crashes compared to other sources of risk. The two risks, including landslides and floods, had the lowest values among the factors affecting rural road safety in Calabria, respectively. The correlation between scenario outcomes and main ranking orders in weight values was also investigated. This study was done in line with the goals of sustainable development and the goal of sustainable mobility, which was to find risks and lower the number of accidents on the road. As a result, it is thus essential to reconsider laws and measures necessary to reduce human risks on the regional road network of Calabria to improve road safety.
Effectiveness of the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine against invasive pneumococcal disease among 948,263 individuals ≥ 65 years of age: a Danish cohort study
Authors: Nielsen Katrine Finderup , Nielsen Lise Birk , Lomholt Frederikke Kristensen , Nørgaard Sarah Kristine , Slotved Hans-Christian , Dalby Tine , Fuursted Kurt , Jørgensen Charlotte Sværke , Valentiner-Branth Palle
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to estimate the effectiveness of the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) against invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) among individuals ≥ 65 years of age. We used Danish nationwide databases to obtain information on PPV23 vaccination, covariates, and IPD and linked data on an individual level using a unique personal identifier. A total of 948,263 individuals were included and followed between June 15, 2020, and September 18, 2021 (58.6% were vaccinated during follow-up). The adjusted vaccine effectiveness was 42% (95% confidence interval (CI): 9–63%) for all-serotype IPD and 58% (95% CI: 21–78%) for PPV23-serotype IPD, using no vaccination as the reference.
The role of the cortex in indentation experiments of animal cells
Authors: Krzemien Leszek , Giergiel Magdalena , Kurek Agnieszka , Barbasz Jakub
Published: October 2022

We present a model useful for interpretation of indentation experiments on animal cells. We use finite element modeling for a thorough representation of the complex structure of an animal cell. In our model, the crucial constituent is the cell cortex—a rigid layer of cytoplasmic proteins present on the inner side of the cell membrane. It plays a vital role in the mechanical interactions between cells. The cell cortex is modeled by a three-dimensional solid to reflect its bending stiffness. This approach allows us to interpret the results of the indentation measurements and extract the mechanical properties of the individual elements of the cell structure. During the simulations, we scan a broad range of parameters such as cortex thickness and Young’s modulus, cytoplasm Young’s modulus, and indenter radius, which define cell properties and experimental conditions. Finally, we propose a simple closed-form formula that approximates the simulated results with satisfactory accuracy. Our formula is as easy to use as Hertz's function to extract cell properties from the measurement, yet it considers the cell’s inner structure, including cell cortex, cytoplasm, and nucleus.