bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrogel‐Guided, rAAV‐Mediated IGF‐I Overexpression Enables Long‐Term Cartilage Repair and Protection against Perifocal Osteoarthritis in a Large‐Animal Full‐Thickness Chondral Defect Model at One Year In Vivo
Authors: Maihöfer Johanna , Madry Henning , Rey‐Rico Ana , Venkatesan Jagadeesh K. , Goebel Lars , Schmitt Gertrud , Speicher‐Mentges Susanne , Cai Xiaoyu , Meng Weikun , Zurakowski David , Menger Michael D. , Laschke Matthias W. , Cucchiarini Magali
Published: March 2021

The regeneration of focal articular cartilage defects is complicated by the reduced quality of the repair tissue and the potential development of perifocal osteoarthritis (OA). Biomaterial‐guided gene therapy may enhance cartilage repair by controlling the release of therapeutic sequences in a spatiotemporal manner. Here, the benefits of delivering a recombinant adeno‐associated virus (rAAV) vector coding for the human insulin‐like growth factor I (IGF‐I) via an alginate hydrogel (IGF‐I/AlgPH155) to enhance repair of full‐thickness chondral defects following microfracture surgery after one year in minipigs versus control (lacZ/AlgPH155) treatment are reported. Sustained IGF‐I overexpression is significantly achieved in the repair tissue of defects treated with IGF‐I/AlgPH155 versus those receiving lacZ/AlgPH155 for one year and in the cartilage surrounding the defects. Administration of IGF‐I/AlgPH155 significantly improves parameters of cartilage repair at one year relative to lacZ/AlgPH155 (semiquantitative total histological score, cell densities, matrix deposition) without deleterious or immune reactions. Remarkably, delivery of IGF‐I/AlgPH155 also significantly reduces perifocal OA and inflammation after one year versus lacZ/AlgPH155 treatment. Biomaterial‐guided rAAV gene transfer represents a valuable clinical approach to promote cartilage repair and to protect against OA.
Moisture‐Triggered Self‐Healing Flexible Perovskite Photodetectors with Excellent Mechanical Stability
Authors: Wang Meng , Sun Haoxuan , Cao Fengren , Tian Wei , Li Liang
Published: March 2021

Flexible devices are urgently required to meet the demands of next‐generation optoelectronic devices and metal halide perovskites are proven to be suitable materials for realizing flexible photovoltaic devices. However, the tolerance to moisture corrosion and repeated mechanical bending remains a critical challenge for flexible perovskite devices. Herein, a self‐healing formamidinium lead iodide (FAPbI3) film is fabricated to cure mechanical damage by absorbing moisture from the surrounding environment. A poly(vinyl alcohol) microscaffold is designed not only to stabilize the black phase of the FAPbI3 film but also to endow it with self‐healing ability in a humid environment. The photodetector based on a self‐healing film exhibits a high responsivity of 11.3 A W−1 and recovers to over 90% of the initial responsivity after the self‐healing process. This work provides an effective self‐healing strategy to stabilize the operation of flexible perovskite devices under normal high‐humidity environmental conditions.
Effective Energy Transfer for Green, Orange, and Red Phosphorescent Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes Based on a Bipolar Deep‐Blue Emitter with Low Efficiency Roll‐Off at High Brightness
Authors: Yang Guo-Xi , Zhu Jie-Ji , Tang Shan-Shun , Tan Hong-Ji , He Xin , Jian Jing-Xin , Zheng Xu-Hui , Tong Qing-Xiao
Published: March 2021

Of paramount significance in phosphorescent organic light‐emitting diodes (PHOLEDs) are the facts that Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) must be sufficient and back energy transfer should be prohibited. Herein, the FRET efficiencies for high‐performance PHOLEDs based on a simple bipolar luminogen 1‐phenyl‐2‐(5′‐phenyl‐[1,1′:3′,1″‐terphenyl]‐4‐yl)‐1H‐phenanthro[9,10‐d]imidazole (PHT‐PPI) with high triplet energy of 2.44 eV are systematically investigated. As a result, with PO‐01 as dopant, the high‐performance orange PHOLED is achieved with maximum external quantum efficiency (EQEmax) of 26.14% and ultrahigh brightness of 152 000 cd m−2, which are the highest reported efficiencies for orange OLEDs with such high brightness. In addition, the green and red PHOLEDs are also fabricated with EQEmax of 15.38% and 16.12%, respectively. Furthermore, the nondoped device based on PHT‐PPI as a deep‐blue emitter is also obtained with an EQEmax of 5.12% and the Commission Internationale de L’Eclairage (CIE) index of (0.15, 0.08). More importantly, the blue, green, orange, and red devices exhibit low efficiency roll‐off, particularly, of which the orange PHOLED is extremely small (<9%) even at the brightness of 10 000 cd m−2.
A Dimension Reduction Approach for Energy Landscape: Identifying Intermediate States in Metabolism‐EMT Network
Authors: Kang Xin , Li Chunhe
Published: March 2021

Dimension reduction is a challenging problem in complex dynamical systems. Here, a dimension reduction approach of landscape (DRL) for complex dynamical systems is proposed, by mapping a high‐dimensional system on a low‐dimensional energy landscape. The DRL approach is applied to three biological networks, which validates that new reduced dimensions preserve the major information of stability and transition of original high‐dimensional systems. The consistency of barrier heights calculated from the low‐dimensional landscape and transition actions calculated from the high‐dimensional system further shows that the landscape after dimension reduction can quantify the global stability of the system. The epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and abnormal metabolism are two hallmarks of cancer. With the DRL approach, a quadrastable landscape for metabolism‐EMT network is identified, including epithelial (E), abnormal metabolic (A), hybrid E/M (H), and mesenchymal (M) cell states. The quantified energy landscape and kinetic transition paths suggest that for the EMT process, the cells at E state need to first change their metabolism, then enter the M state. The work proposes a general framework for the dimension reduction of a stochastic dynamical system, and advances the mechanistic understanding of the underlying relationship between EMT and cellular metabolism.
High‐Voltage Potassium Ion Micro‐Supercapacitors with Extraordinary Volumetric Energy Density for Wearable Pressure Sensor System
Authors: Zheng Shuanghao , Ma Jiaxin , Fang Kaixin , Li Shiwen , Qin Jieqiong , Li Yaguang , Wang Jiemin , Zhang Liangzhu , Zhou Feng , Liu Fangyan , Wang Kai , Wu Zhong‐Shuai
Published: March 2021

To cate for the rapid development of flexible, wearable and implantable microelectronics, the miniaturized and integrated energy storage devices with mechanically robust properties, high voltage, and highly compatible integration are in extreme demand. Here, potassium ion micro‐supercapacitors (KIMSCs) are rationally designed by applying MXene‐derived potassium titanate (KTO) nanorods anode and porous activated graphene (AG) cathode to power the sensitively integrated pressure sensing system. Benefiting from the advanced nanostructure of KTO nanorods, it offers a high potassium ion storage capacity of 145 mAh g−1. Notably, the constructed KIMSCs exhibit a large operating voltage window of 3.8 V, outperforming the previously reported micro‐supercapacitors. Furthermore, an extraordinary volumetric energy density of 34.1 mWh cm−3 is achieved for KIMSCs with robust rate capability and remarkable capacitance retention, due to the dominated capacitive mechanism and tiny volume change of reversible intercalation/deintercalation of K cations in KTO and adsorption/desorption of bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide anions on AG. More importantly, a KIMSC compatibly integrated with a wireless pressure sensor on a flexible substrate can monitor body movement. Therefore, this work not only provides insight on designing high‐performance KIMSCs, but also presents a blueprint for KIMSCs powered flexible electronics.
Carbonaceous and Polymer Materials for Li–S Batteries with an Emphasis on Flexible Devices
Authors: Chen Ao , Li Qing , Chen Ze , Zhi Chunyi
Published: March 2021

Flexible energy storage devices have received tremendous attention with the rapid development of wearable electronics. Commercial lithium‐ion batteries are gradually reaching their theoretical capacity, which is still unable to meet the requirements of flexible electronics for high energy density. Lithium–sulfur batteries with a high theoretical capacity of 1675 mA h g−1 are regarded as the most promising next‐generation high‐energy‐density power source. Herein, the various recent efforts in the development of lithium–sulfur batteries based on carbonaceous and polymer materials are summarized, with an emphasis on flexible systems. Flexible lithium–sulfur batteries based on carbonaceous materials such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, and carbonized polymer or biomass, polymers, and solid‐state electrolytes are reviewed. Finally, the challenges and further improvements of lithium–sulfur batteries are summarized and prospected.
Weather effects on U.S. cow‐calf production: A long‐term panel analysis
Authors: Patalee Buddhika , Tonsor Glynn T.
Published: March 2021

Extreme weather events can significantly affect beef cow production. For example, unfavorable weather conditions deteriorate pasture quality and reduce pasture growth, forcing livestock producers to use high‐cost alternative feedstuffs, which consequently increases production costs. Extreme weather may also reduce overall animal performance, including decreased feed gain efficiency, and breeding performance. By exploiting seasonal weather changes and using 67 years of state‐level beef cow inventories, we estimate the impact of weather on cow‐calf production throughout 25 states in the United States. Results suggest that the U.S. cow‐calf industry is sensitive to changes in seasonal temperature. Results of an out‐of‐sample prediction using rolling window assessments prove that adding seasonal weather information to the forecasting model improves the prediction accuracy of state‐level beef cow inventories. Investigating the effects of seasonal temperature and precipitation on cow‐calf production will enhance the management and future production planning. [EconLit Citations: Q11].
A price premium for the farmer‐owned label? A choice experiment with milk consumers in the Netherlands
Authors: Grashuis Jasper
Published: March 2021

Organized milk producers may use marketing mechanisms in response to price and policy variability. While adopted by numerous milk producer co‐operatives across the world, the farmer‐owned label is not yet used in the Dutch consumer marketplace. We estimate the viability of the farmer‐owned label in the Netherlands with a branded choice experiment. We observe a significant and positive willingness‐to‐pay for the farmer‐owned label, but only given the disclosure of additional information in terms of profit allocation to farmers as opposed to investors. Further variation in the willingness‐to‐pay across attributes is indicative of its complex position in the crowded landscape of marketing mechanisms. [EconLit Citations: C25, D83, D91, Q13].
Motion Enhancement of Spherical Surface Walkers with Microstructures
Authors: Wang Gang , Li Xiying , Tan Xiangkui , Ji Songsong , Huang Jianyong , Duan Huiling , Lv Pengyu
Published: March 2021

Surface walkers are widely studied as carriers for biomedical applications, such as targeted drug delivery and cell manipulation. For in vivo/in vitro therapeutic applications, high movement velocity is necessary for efficient operation on targets with high throughput. Herein, a fast underwater microstructured spherical surface walker (i.e., microsphere) driven by a rotating magnetic field is reported, and the effect of the surface microstructures on the mobility of microspheres is explored. Compared with the motion of smooth sphere walking nearby a smooth plane, a twofold and a fourfold increases in the velocity are found for the microstructured sphere (MS) walking nearby a smooth plane and a patterned plane, respectively. A hydrodynamic model of MS moving nearby a plane is used to reveal the underlying mechanism of the enhanced motion, which demonstrates that the slippage of fluid on the microstructured surface and the interaction between fluid and microstructures are crucial to the motion enhancement. The result of motion enhancement induced by microstructures can be used for the design of fast biomimetic microrobots, anti‐adhesion, cell manipulation, and targeted drug delivery in complex aqueous environments.
Earlier spring reduces potential for gene flow via reduced flowering synchrony across an elevational gradient
Authors: Rivest Sébastien , Lajoie Geneviève , Watts David A. , Vellend Mark
Published: March 2021

Premise

One of the best‐documented ecological responses to climate warming involves temporal shifts of phenological events. However, we lack an understanding of how phenological responses to climate change vary among populations of the same species. Such variability has the potential to affect flowering synchrony among populations and hence the potential for gene flow.

Methods

To test whether an earlier start of the growing season affects the potential for gene flow among populations, we quantified the distributions of flowering times of two spring‐flowering plants (Trillium erectum and Erythronium americanum) over 6 years along an elevational gradient. We developed a novel model‐based metric of potential gene flow between pairs of populations to quantify the potential for pollen‐mediated gene flow based on flowering phenology.

Results

Earlier onset of spring led to greater separation of peak flowering dates across the elevational gradient for both species investigated, but was only associated with a reduction in potential gene flow in T. erectum, not E. americanum.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that climate change could decrease gene flow via phenological separation among populations along climatic gradients. We also provide a novel method for quantifying potential pollen‐mediated gene flow using data on flowering phenology, based on a quantitative, more biologically interpretable model than other available metrics.
Allenylidene Induced 1,2‐Metalate Rearrangement of Indole‐Boronates: Diastereoselective Access to Highly Substituted Indolines
Authors: Simlandy Amit Kumar , Brown M. Kevin
Published: March 2021

A process to achieve 1,2‐metalate rearrangements of indole boronate as a way to access substituted indolines in high diastereoselectivities is presented. The reaction involves the generation of a Cu–allenylidene, which is sufficiently electrophilic to induce the 1,2‐metalate rearrangement. The scope of the reaction is evaluated as well as further transformations of the product.
Structural elucidation, molecular modeling, and biological and antioxidant studies of phenanthroline/nicotinamide metals complexes
Authors: El‐Shwiniy Walaa H. , Elwahed Mohamed G. Abd , Saeed Reham M. , Zordok Wael A. , El‐Desoky Sameh I.
Published: March 2021

Three new cobalt (II), nickel (II), and copper (II) complexes [M (nicotinamide)(phenanthroline)(H2O)3]Cl2·3H2O (where M: Co (II), Ni (II) and Cu (II)) have been prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), and ultraviolet/visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy as well as thermal analysis. The molar conductance measurements proved that the complexes were electrolytes. The results obtained from FT‐IR confirm that the metal atoms were coordinated by one nitrogen atom from nicotinamide (NA) ligand, two nitrogen atoms from phenanthroline (Phen), and three oxygen atoms from three different water molecules. The complexes have octahedral structure. thermogravimetry (TGA) and its differential (DTG) analyses confirmed the suggested stereochemistry. Coats–Redfern and Horowitz–Metzger equations were used to calculate kinetic and thermodynamic parameters. Molecular modeling calculations confirm the structural geometry of the complexes, and the data indicate that the complexes are soft with respect to ligands where absolute softness (σ) varied from 5.34 to 13.33 eV, whereas σ for NA and Phen are 5.34 and 8.19 eV, respectively. The ligands and their complexes were assayed for their in vitro antimicrobial activities against some bacterial and fungal strains; the data showed that the complexes were active against some bacterial species compared with NA and Phen. Moreover, complexes and ligands revealed excellent antioxidant properties and could be useful in fighting the free radicals which occur in close connection with cancerous cells.
Stahlfaserbeton – Charakterisierung von rissquerenden Fasern mittels Computer‐Tomografie
Authors: Schuler Frank , Breit Wolfgang
Published: March 2021

Zur Klassifizierung von Stahlfaserbetonen werden diese über die Nachrissbiegezugfestigkeit, also die Leistungsfähigkeit im Nachrissbereich, in Leistungsklassen eingestuft. Auf makroskopischer Ebene wird das Verhalten des Stahlfaserbetons im Nachrissbereich maßgeblich durch die Art, die Menge, die Verteilung und die Ausrichtung der zugegebenen Fasern bestimmt. Auf der Mesoebene zeigt sich für den Wirkungsmechanismus „Faserauszug“ das Verbund‐ und Auszugverhalten der einzelnen Fasern als ausschlaggebend. Das heißt, die entscheidende Rolle für die Wirksamkeit der Faser wird neben der Menge und Orientierung der Fasern durch faserspezifische Parameter, wie z. B. die Einbindelänge der einzelnen Fasern in die Rissflanken, bestimmt. Diese, für die Faserwirkung spezifischen Parameter konnten mit bisherigen Untersuchungsverfahren nicht bzw. nur zerstörend z. B. durch Aufbrechen und somit verfälscht bestimmt werden. Die im Folgenden vorgestellten Untersuchungen ermöglichen mithilfe der Computer‐Tomographie und angepasster Auswerteverfahren eine Charakterisierung der einzelnen, am Lastabtrag beteiligten Fasern und somit die nahezu zerstörungsfreie Ermittlung der Parameter, die maßgeblich das Auszugverhalten aus der Betonmatrix bestimmen.
Spectroelectrochemical Behaviour of 1,4‐Dimethoxypillar[5]arene (P5A) and its Monomer in Different Organic Solvents
Authors: Wiloch Magdalena Z. , Kuna Ewelina , Kosiorek Sandra , Sashuk Volodymyr , Jönsson‐Niedziółka Martin
Published: March 2021

The spectroelectrochemical response of the macrocyclic compound 1,4‐dimethoxypillar[5]arene (P5A) and its monomer 1,4‐dimethoxybenzene was investigated using cyclic voltammetry combined with UV‐Vis spectroscopy. The influence of three different aprotic solvents, acetonitrile, dichloromethane, and dichloroethane, as well as supporting electrolyte, on the anodic behaviour of P5A were studied and discussed. The results indicate that the donor‐acceptor Lewis‐type interactions between tested compounds and the solvent molecules affect the oxidation processes and thus the formal potentials (Ef). In all solvents we see subsequent oxidation of P5A to P5A5+ followed at higher potential by an irreversible oxidation to the corresponding quinone. The results also show that small amounts of water can significantly influence the redox behaviour of the P5A.
Discordance between lactic acidemia and hemodynamics in patients with advanced heart failure
Authors: Narang Nikhil , Dela Cruz Mark , Imamura Teruhiko , Chung Ben , Nguyen Ann B. , Holzhauser Luise , Smith Bryan A. , Kalantari Sara , Raikhelkar Jayant , Sarswat Nitasha , Kim Gene H. , Jeevanandam Valluvan , Burkhoff Daniel , Sayer Gabriel , Uriel Nir
Published: March 2021

Background

Elevated lactic acid (LA) levels carry a poor prognosis in patients with shock. Data are lacking on the significance of LA levels in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF).

Hypothesis

This study assessed the relationship between LA levels, hemodynamics and clinical outcomes.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of registry data of 100 advanced heart failure patients presenting for right heart catheterization (RHC) for concern of ADHF. LA levels (normal≤2.1 mmol/L) were obtained prior to RHC; no significant changes in therapy were made between LA collection and RHC.

Results

Median age was 58 (47.3, 64.8) years; 57% were receiving inotropes prior to RHC. Median pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) and cardiac index (CI) were 28 (21, 35) mmHg and 2.0 (1.7, 2.5) L/min/m2, respectively. Eighty patients had normal LA prior to RHC. There was no correlation between LA levels and PCWP (R = 0.09,p = .38); 63% of the normal LA group had a PCWP>24 mmHg. There was a moderate inverse correlation between LA and CI (R = − 0.40;p < .001); 58% of the normal LA group had a CI <2.2 L/min/m2. Thirty‐day survival free of death/hospice, inotrope dependence, progression to heart transplant/left‐ventricular assist device implant was comparable between the normal and elevated LA groups (28% vs. 20%;p = .17).

Conclusion

In patients presenting with ADHF, normal LA levels do not exclude the presence of depressed CI (a hemodynamic criteria for cardiogenic shock) and may not offer accurate risk stratification. Invasive hemodynamics should not be delayed based on normal LA levels alone.
From cancer to COVID, Boston to Beirut
Authors: Khuri Fadlo R.
Published: March 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic has highlighted health and vaccine disparities. Lessons from the collaborative development of targeted therapies for lung cancer and their impact on survival show that there is a better path forward.
Fuzzy‐based secure exchange of digital data using watermarking in NSCT‐RDWT‐SVD domain
Authors: Singh Om Prakash , Kumar Chandan , Singh Amit Kumar , Singh Maheshwari Prasad , Ko Hoon
Published: March 2021

Due to the remarkable development of Internet technologies, a great deal of valuable digital data is now transmitted over public networks. To guarantee the security of this data during the transfer process, the authentication of its integrity is extremely important. This paper introduces a robust and secure dual‐watermarking‐based fusion of watermarking, optimization, and a compression method utilizing non‐sub‐sampled contourlet transform (NSCT), redundant discrete wavelet transform (RDWT), and singular value decomposition (SVD). In our method, we first apply the NSCT to a higher entropy sub‐band of the host image. Then, our method uses RDWT‐SVD on higher frequency coefficients of the NSCT image. A similar procedure is followed for both mark images. Finally, an appropriate scaling factor, as obtained by fuzzy inference system, is used to invisibly embed the singular values of both mark data into the host image. Here, any more important mark data are scrambled before the embedding process. The simulation tests reveal that the proposed technique is not only imperceptible and secure but also robust against common attacks. The suggested method has a superior ability to extract hidden information than previous conventional techniques.
Advanced hybrid secure multipath optimized routing in Internet of Things (IoT)‐based WSN
Authors: Kala I. , Karthik S. , K Srihari
Published: March 2021

Exploration has been done on Internet of Things (IoT) with accentuation on the security like remote system security, correspondence security, sensor information security, respectability of physical signals, and impelling gadgets. The procedure for current security is not reasonable for IoT applications as gadgets that are included at the ground level have some of the restricted assets, low multifaceted nature, and vitality requirements. IoT being a system of systems permits billions of people and machines to connect with each other. IoT offers us a chance to build compelling organizations, applications for assembling, lifesaving arrangements, appropriate development, and the sky is the limit from there. The manuscript proposes a broad review of the IoT innovation and its differed applications in life sparing, brilliant urban communities, rural, mechanical by looking into the ongoing examination work. Existing strategies manage static remote sensor web to reason the interruptions in which the sensor hubs are conveyed in a uniform way to hold the consistency. Since the sensor hubs are referred to through various transmission locales having a determination of sensor checking hubs has become a difficult activity in ongoing examination. The enemies are additionally moving starting with one area then onto the next to investigate its particular tasks around the system. Hence, to given adaptable security, a protected routing along with the observing convention with multivariation tuples utilizing two‐fish symmetric key (TFSK) way to deal with the foes in the worldwide sensor organize. The proposed approach is the advanced hybrid secure multipath optimized routing in Internet of Things (IoT)‐based WSN. The two methodologies that are involved making a better routing protocol is the enhanced‐multipath optimized link state routing (E‐MP‐OLSR) and secure and efficient ad hoc on‐demand multipath distance vector (SE‐AOMDV) protocols. Besides, the proposed directing system is tough to different versatile foes; and henceforth, it guarantees multipath conveyance.
Meta‐analysis shows that environmental DNA outperforms traditional surveys, but warrants better reporting standards
Authors: Fediajevaite Julija , Priestley Victoria , Arnold Richard , Savolainen Vincent
Published: March 2021

Decades of environmental DNA (eDNA) method application, spanning a wide variety of taxa and habitats, has advanced our understanding of eDNA and underlined its value as a tool for conservation practitioners. The general consensus is that eDNA methods are more accurate and cost‐effective than traditional survey methods. However, they are formally approved for just a few species globally (e.g., Bighead Carp, Silver Carp, Great Crested Newt). We conducted a meta‐analysis of studies that directly compare eDNA with traditional surveys to evaluate the assertion that eDNA methods are consistently “better.”

Environmental DNA publications for multiple species or single macro‐organism detection were identified using the Web of Science, by searching “eDNA” and “environmental DNA” across papers published between 1970 and 2020. The methods used, focal taxa, habitats surveyed, and quantitative and categorical results were collated and analyzed to determine whether and under what circumstances eDNA outperforms traditional surveys.

Results show that eDNA methods are cheaper, more sensitive, and detect more species than traditional methods. This is, however, taxa‐dependent, with amphibians having the highest potential for detection by eDNA survey. Perhaps most strikingly, of the 535 papers reviewed just 49 quantified the probability of detection for both eDNA and traditional survey methods and studies were three times more likely to give qualitative statements of performance.

Synthesis and applications: The results of this meta‐analysis demonstrate that where there is a direct comparison, eDNA surveys of macro‐organisms are more accurate and efficient than traditional surveys. This conclusion, however, is based on just a fraction of available eDNA papers as most do not offer this granularity. We recommend that conclusions are substantiated with comparable and quantitative data. Where a direct comparison has not been made, we caution against the use of qualitative statements about relative performance. This consistency and rigor will simplify how the eDNA research community tracks methods‐based advances and will also provide greater clarity for conservation practitioners. To this end suggest reporting standards for eDNA studies.
The effects of four decades of climate change on the breeding ecology of an avian sentinel species across a 1,500‐km latitudinal gradient are stronger at high latitudes
Authors: Vega Marta Lomas , Fransson Thord , Kullberg Cecilia
Published: March 2021

Global warming affects breeding phenology of birds differentially with latitude, but there is contrasting evidence about how the changing climate influences the breeding of migrating songbirds at their northern breeding range. We investigate the effect of climate warming on breeding time and breeding success of European pied flycatchers Ficedula hypoleuca in Sweden during a period of 36 years using nest reports from bird ringing. To account for the latitudinal variation, we divided Sweden into three latitudinal bands (northern, intermediate, and southern). We applied a sliding window approach to find the most influential period and environment characteristics (temperature, vegetation greenness, and precipitation), using linear mixed models and model averaging. Our results show a long‐term advancement of breeding time related to increasing spring temperature and vegetation greenness during a period before hatching. Northern breeders revealed a larger advancement over the years (8.3 days) compared with southern breeders (3.6 days). We observed a relatively stronger effect of temperature and greenness on breeding time in the north. Furthermore, northern birds showed an increase in breeding success over time, while birds breeding at southern and intermediate latitudes showed reduced breeding success in years with higher prehatching temperatures. Our findings with stronger environment effects on breeding time advancement in the north suggest that pied flycatchers are more responsive to weather cues at higher latitudes. Breeding time adjustment and, potentially, low competition help explain the higher long‐term success observed in the north. Reduced breeding success at more southerly latitudes suggests an inability to match breeding time to very early and warm springs, a fate that with continued climate change could also be expected for pied flycatchers and other long‐distance migrants at their very northern breeding range.
Measuring single‐cell protein secretion in immunology: Technologies, advances, and applications
Authors: Bucheli Olivia T. M. , Sigvaldadóttir Ingibjörg , Eyer Klaus
Published: March 2021

The dynamics, nature, strength, and ultimately protective capabilities of an active immune response are determined by the extracellular constitution and concentration of various soluble factors. Generated effector cells secrete such mediators, including antibodies, chemo‐ and cytokines to achieve functionality. These secreted factors organize the individual immune cells into functional tissues, initiate, orchestrate, and regulate the immune response. Therefore, a single‐cell resolved analysis of protein secretion is a valuable tool for studying the heterogeneity and functionality of immune cells. This review aims to provide a comparative overview of various methods to characterize immune reactions by measuring single‐cell protein secretion. Spot‐based and cytometry‐based assays, such as ELISpot and flow cytometry, respectively, are well‐established methods applied in basic research and clinical settings. Emerging novel technologies, such as microfluidic platforms, offer new ways to measure and exploit protein secretion in immune reactions. Further technological advances will allow the deciphering of protein secretion in immunological responses with unprecedented detail, linking secretion to functionality. Here, we summarize the development and recent advances of tools that allow the analysis of protein secretion at the single‐cell level, and discuss and contrast their applications within immunology.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Hoshionolactam‐Based Compounds
Authors: Jachak Gorakhnath R. , Elizebath Drishya , Shukla Anurag , Shanmugam Dhanasekaran , Reddy D. Srinivasa
Published: March 2021

In search of novel antitrypanosomal agents based on hoshinolactam (IC50=3.9 nM), we disclose the synthesis and biological evaluations of 14 different analogues of the natural product using combinations of different acids and lactams. Antitrypanosomal activity assays revealed that the synthesized analogues were less potent than the parent natural product.
Field and flume measurements with the impact plate: Effect of bedload grain‐size distribution on signal response
Authors: Nicollier Tobias , Rickenmann Dieter , Hartlieb Arnd
Published: March 2021

The Swiss plate geophone is a bedload surrogate monitoring system that has been calibrated in several gravel‐bed streams using direct sampling techniques. Past systematic flume experiments have highlighted the dependency of the signal response on the bed roughness and the flow velocity. To further develop the existing calibration approaches and better understand the role of site‐specific factors, we conducted calibration measurements of the Swiss plate geophone system in two gravel‐bed streams in the Swiss Alps with a crane‐mounted net sampler. In parallel, we performed full‐scale controlled flume experiments at an outdoor flume facility, where we reproduced the channel characteristics and the transport conditions observed at each field site. We evaluated changes in signal response using relations between the transported bedload mass and the number of detected impulses or packets (representing a single particle impact). Using experiments with single grain sizes, we confirmed that increasing flow velocity reduces the signal response. Additionally, we performed mixed‐grain‐size experiments and found that the grain‐size distribution of the transported bedload can influence the signal response of the Swiss plate geophone system over more than one order of magnitude and lead to a biased estimation of the bedload flux. We show that the effect of the grain‐size distribution on the signal response is visible at multiple field sites and discuss possible explanations for this phenomenon.
The effects of methylcellulose coating containing carvacrol or menthol on the physicochemical, mechanical, and antimicrobial activity of polyethylene films
Authors: Jahdkaran Elahe , Hosseini Seyed Ebrahim , Mohammadi Nafchi Abdorreza , Nouri Leila
Published: March 2021

In this study, the physicochemical, mechanical, and antimicrobial activities of polyethylene (PE) films coated with peppermint (Menthol) and Origanum vulgare (Carvacrol) essential oil were evaluated. For this reason, PE films were coated with MC‐HPMC solution containing different concentrations of menthol and carvacrol (0, 1, 1.5, and 2%), and mechanical, electromagnetic, barrier, and antimicrobial properties of all prepared films were examined. The obtained results demonstrated that by increasing the concentration of menthol and carvacrol in film coatings, tensile strength (from 36 to 23 MPa), water vapor permeability (from 12 to 11 g.m‐1s‐1Pa‐1), and L* and b* indexes were decreased, while the oxygen permeability (OP) and elongation at break significantly were increased (p < .05). Increment of menthol and carvacrol concentration in PE film coating leads to an increase in the antimicrobial activity of films against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria innocua, and Saccharomyces cervicea. Finally, the results obtained from this study demonstrated that PE film coated with high levels of carvacrol and menthol could be used as active antimicrobial packaging in the food packaging industry.
Implication of cerebral astrocytes in major depression: A review of fine neuroanatomical evidence in humans
Authors: O'Leary Liam Anuj , Mechawar Naguib
Published: March 2021

Postmortem investigations have implicated astrocytes in many neurological and psychiatric conditions. Multiple brain regions from individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) have lower expression levels of astrocyte markers and lower densities of astrocytes labeled for these markers, suggesting a loss of astrocytes in this mental illness. This paper reviews the general properties of human astrocytes, the methods to study them, and the postmortem evidence for astrocyte pathology in MDD. When comparing astrocyte density and morphometry studies, astrocytes are more abundant and smaller in human subcortical than cortical brain regions, and immunohistochemical labeling for the astrocyte markers glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and vimentin (VIM) reveals fewer than 15% of all astrocytes that are present in cortical and subcortical regions, as revealed using other staining techniques. By combining astrocyte densities and morphometry, a model was made to illustrate that domain organization is mostly limited to GFAP‐IR astrocytes. Using these markers and others, alterations of astrocyte densities appear more widespread than those for astrocyte morphologies throughout the brain of individuals having died with MDD. This review suggests how reduced astrocyte densities may relate to the association of depressive episodes in MDD with elevated S100 beta (S100B) cerebrospinal fluid serum levels. Finally, a potassium imbalance theory is proposed that integrates the reduced astrocyte densities generated from postmortem studies with a hypothesis for the antidepressant effects of ketamine generated from rodent studies.
Prognostic scoring models in parotid gland carcinoma
Authors: Westergaard‐Nielsen Marie , Möller Sören , Godballe Christian , Grau Eriksen Jesper , Larsen Stine Rosenkilde , Kiss Katalin , Agander Tina , Parm Ulhøi Benedicte , Charabi Birgitte , Ehlers Klug Tejs , Jacobsen Henrik , Johansen Jørgen , Kristensen Claus Andrup , Andersen Elo , Andersen Maria , Bjørndal Kristine
Published: March 2021

Background

The aim was to identify prognostic factors and test three prognostic scoring models that predicted the risk of recurrence in patients with parotid gland carcinoma.

Methods

All Danish patients with parotid gland carcinoma, treated with curative intent, from 1990 to 2015 (n = 726) were included. Potential prognostic factors were evaluated using Cox regression and competing risk analyses. The concordance of each prognostic model was estimated using Harrel's C index.

Results

The study population consisted of 344 men and 382 women, with a median age of 63 years. Age above 60 years, high grade histology, T3/T4 tumor, regional lymph node metastases, and involved surgical margins were all associated with a significant reduction in recurrence‐free survival. The prognostic model that agreed best with actual outcomes had a C‐index of 0.76.

Conclusion

Prognostic scoring models may improve individualized follow‐up strategies after curatively intended treatment for patients with parotid gland carcinoma.
The Lamprey River Hydrological Observatory: Suburbanization and changing seasonality
Authors: Wymore Adam S. , Shattuck Michelle D. , Potter Jody D. , Snyder Lisle , McDowell William H.
Published: March 2021

The Lamprey River Hydrological Observatory (LRHO) is a lowland coastal watershed in southeastern New Hampshire (USA). The LRHO offers a platform to investigate the effects of suburbanization and changing seasonality on watershed hydrology, biogeochemistry, and nutrient export to an estuarine ecosystem. The LRHO utilizes a nested‐watershed design to examine headwater stream and main‐stem river dynamics distributed across a mixed land‐use environment. Data sets from the LRHO now comprise over 20 years of weekly grab sample data as well as 7 years of high‐frequency sensor data. Collectively these data sets include measures of discharge, dissolved organic matter, nutrients, cations and anions, greenhouse gases, and other physio‐chemical properties. Here we share information on the setting and motivating questions of the LRHO and data availability.
Inhibition of osteoclast activities by SCPC bioceramic promotes osteoblast‐mediated graft resorption and osteogenic differentiation
Authors: El‐Ghannam Ahmed , Nakamura Miho , Muguruza Leire Bergara , Sarwar Uruj , Hassan Mohammad , Fotawi Randa Al , Horowitz Robert
Published: March 2021

Maximizing vital bone in a grafted site is dependent on a number of factors. These include resorption or turnover of the graft material, stimulation of bone formation pathway without a need for biological molecules added to the site and inhibition of cellular activities that compromise the mineralization of new bone matrix. In the present study, the dissolution profile of silica‐calcium phosphate composite (SCPC) in physiological solution was measured and the data were fed to (ANN‐NARX) prediction model to predict the time required for complete dissolution. The inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectrometer ionic composition analysis of the culture medium incubated for 3 days with SCPC showed 57% decrease in Ca concentration and a significant increase in the concentration of Si (13.5 ± 1.8 μg/ml), P (249.4 ± 22 μg/ml), and Na (9.3 ± 0.52 μg/ml). In conjunction with the release of Si, P, and Na ions, the bone resorptive activity of osteoclasts was inhibited as indicated by the significant decrease in multinucleated tartrate resistant acidic phosphate stained cells and the volume of resorption pits on bone slices. In contrast, addition of SCPC to hBMSC cultured in conventional medium promoted higher Runt‐related transcription factor 2 (p < .05), osteocalcin (p < .01), and bone sialo protein (p < .01) than that expressed by control cells grown in the absence of SCPC. The predicted dissolution time of 200 mg of porous SCPC particles in 10 ml phosphate buffered saline is 6.9 months. An important byproduct of the dissolution is inhibition of osteoclastic activity and promotion of osteoblastic differentiation and hence bone formation.
Experiencing visions of Canadian church workers: Exploring the mentality fueling systems involved in poverty reduction
Authors: Tamlin Holly , Cresswell James , Hoppe Alexandra
Published: March 2021

To better understand the preferred role of faith‐based organizations in secular society, the Canadian Council of Churches partnered with researchers to explore current systems of poverty reduction. The nature of the systems involved in attending to the underlying collective subjectivities (i.e., group/communally‐shaped psychological experiences such as shared motivations, values, and aspirations) often being overlooked was justification for the importance of the research. These collective subjectivities are the forces that often drive system functioning. We conducted exploratory qualitative work situated in a theoretical frame informed by bringing together systems theory along with cultural psychology (an approach that focuses on socio‐communally shaped collective subjectivities). In turn, this theoretical frame‐shaped how Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis was employed. A total of 33 participants' collective subjectivities undergirding systems surrounding poverty reduction reveals a missional faith foundation leading toward perceived essential processes of advocacy and congregational connections bridging communal divisions. They see themselves as distinctly striving to create opportunities that encourage poverty alleviation in a holistic and dignified manner reflected in a multidimensional understanding of poverty. Perceived procedural tension exists between giving (that has long‐lasting change and resonates with colonial forms of charity) and forming relationships can help people more effectively.
Persister cells as a possible cause of antibiotic therapy failure in Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Bahmaninejad Parvin , Ghafourian Sobhan , Mahmoudi Mina , Maleki Abbas , Sadeghifard Nourkhoda , Badakhsh Behzad
Published: March 2021

Background and Aim

Due to the failure of antibiotic treatment and recurrence of infection in patients with Helicobacter pylori, this study was designed to find the possible cause of treatment failure and recurrence of the H. pylori infections in Ilam, Iran.

Methods

One hundred patients with specific symptoms of H. pylori infection were selected, and after taking a biopsy specimen, identification of H. pylori, antibiotic susceptibility assay, and persister cell assay were performed. In addition, after treatment, patients with persister cells were followed for possible recurrence of infection. Furthermore, an antibiotic susceptibility assay was performed.

Results

Our results demonstrated that, among 100 patients, 50% (n = 50) showed positive results for the existence of H. pylori. Among the susceptible isolates, 18% (n = 9) were persister cells that were sensitive to clarithromycin as confirmed by a 5 folds higher than the Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of clarithromycin. The data were confirmed by following up the suspected patients.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated that persister cells in H. pylori infections may be responsible to recurrent infection and antibiotic treatment failure. However, more research is needed to obtain more information in this area.
Raman spectroscopy provides insight into carbonate rock fabric based on calcite and dolomite crystal orientation
Authors: Murphy Ashley E. , Jakubek Ryan S. , Steele Andrew , Fries Marc D. , Glamoclija Mihaela
Published: March 2021

Carbonate rocks record the oldest forms of life on Earth, and their geologic reconstruction requires multiple methods to determine physical and chemical processes before conclusions of ancient biosignatures are made. Since crystal orientation within rock fabric may be used to infer geologic settings, we present here a complementary Raman method to study the orientation of calcite (CaCO3) and dolomite [CaMg (CO3)2] minerals. The relative peak intensity ratio of the carbonate lattice Eg modes T and L reveals the crystallographic orientation of calcite and dolomite with respect to the incident light polarization. Our results for calcite show that when the incident laser light propagates down the crystallographic a/b axis: (1) the L mode is always greater in intensity than the T mode (IT < IL), and (2) the spectra are most intense at 45° and least intense at 90° polarization angles measured from around the c axis. Our results for dolomite show that (1) IT > IL when the incident light propagation is down the crystallographic c axis and (2) IT < IL when the incident light propagation is down the crystallographic a/b axis. This study reveals mineral orientation variation related to deposition and paragenesis within limestone and dolostone samples. The method presented yields information related to growth and deformation during diagenetic and metamorphic alteration and may be used in research seeking to identify the fabric parameters of any calcite or dolomite containing rock. The compositional and structural data obtained from Raman mapping is useful in structural geology, materials science, and biosignature research.
Evaluation of the Human Vocal Fold Lamina Propria Development Using Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Benboujja Fouzi , Greenberg Max , Nourmahnad Anahita , Rath Nicholas , Hartnick Christopher
Published: March 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

Identifying distinctive features of the vocal fold (VF) during development could have significant clinical implications for treating voice disorders. This study investigates the structural organization of the VF microanatomy across gender and age groups using optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Study Design

Prospective clinical trial.

Materials and Methods

In vivo OCT images were acquired from 97 patients (58 males and 39 females) aged between 6 weeks and 27 years. All patients showed no signs of vocal fold pathology on endoscopy. Morphological features were extracted from OCT images and statistically compared between age groups. This study was performed at Massachusetts Eye and Ear between 2017 and 2019.

Results

All OCT acquisitions show a stratified microanatomy across age groups, even in newborns suggesting the presence of a superficial lamina propria (SLP) at birth. Furthermore, the optical scattering in the VF lamina propria changes according to age, suggesting subepithelial maturation. Although the epithelium thickness was relatively constant across age groups, the SLP showed a significant linear relationship between age and thickness (P = .016). Furthermore, a significant difference (P = .002) in SLP thickness was found between young adult males and females. The overall thickness of the entire mucosa did not change significantly with age.

Conclusion

OCT is a noninvasive imaging modality capable of providing quantitative morphological features to describe the VF development. A stratified structure can be observed in OCT from newborns to young adults. Further investigations could combine OCT, acoustic measurements, and molecular sensitive techniques to provide a complete interpretation of the VF development.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 131:E2558–E2565, 2021