bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Cellular Heterogeneity and an Immune Subpopulation of Human Megakaryocytes
Authors: Liu Cuicui , Wu Dan , Xia Meijuan , Li Minmin , Sun Zhiqiang , Shen Biao , Liu Yiying , Jiang Erlie , Wang Hongtao , Su Pei , Shi Lihong , Xiao Zhijian , Zhu Xiaofan , Zhou Wen , Wang Qianfei , Gao Xin , Cheng Tao , Zhou Jiaxi
Published: May 2021

Megakaryocytes (MKs) and their progeny platelets function in a variety of biological processes including coagulation, hemostasis, inflammation, angiogenesis, and innate immunity. However, the divergent developmental and cellular landscape of adult MKs remains mysterious. Here, by deriving the single‐cell transcriptomic profiling of MKs from human adult bone marrow (BM), cellular heterogeneity within MKs is unveiled and an MK subpopulation with high enrichment of immune‐associated genes is identified. By performing the dynamic single‐cell transcriptomic landscape of human megakaryopoiesis in vitro, it is found that the immune signatures of MKs can be traced back to the progenitor stage. Furthermore, two surface markers, CD148 and CD48, are identified for mature MKs with immune characteristics. At the functional level, these CD148+CD48+ MKs can respond rapidly to immune stimuli both in vitro and in vivo, exhibit high‐level expression of immune receptors and mediators, and may function as immune‐surveillance cells. The findings uncover the cellular heterogeneity and a novel immune subset of human adult MKs and should greatly facilitate the understanding of the divergent functions of MKs under physiological and pathological conditions.
Floral morphology of robusta coffee genotypes
Authors: Silva Cleidson Alves da , Partelli Fábio Luiz , Aoyama Elisa Mitsuko , Bonomo Robson , Vieira Henrique Duarte , Ramalho José C. , Ribeiro‐Barros Ana Isabel
Published: May 2021

Knowledge about the diversity in the morphological characteristics of robusta coffee (Coffea canephora Pierre ex Froehner) flowers is fundamental to understanding reproduction processes, interpret pollination‐related mechanisms, and contribute to breeding studies. The objective of this study was to analyze and characterize morphological variability of flower traits among robusta coffee cultivar Conilon genotypes of high agronomic performance. The experiment was arranged in a randomized block, split‐plot design. The main plot corresponded to six Conilon coffee genotypes and the subplots to 2 yr of evaluation (2018 and 2019). Eight floral traits were measured and analyzed through analysis of variance by the F test (<.01), Tocher's optimization method and hierarchical Unweighted Pair Group Method using Arithmetic Averages (UPGMA) clustering. The relative importance of each character was also estimated to predict genetic diversity, and the degree of trait interrelation was assessed by Spearman's correlation. Genotype Pirata had outstanding floral morphological structure and was grouped separately by Tocher and UPGMA clustering. Style length was the major contributor to genetic diversity, followed by the lengths of the corolla tube and stigmatic lobes. The flower trait characteristics were positively correlated, and corolla tube length and style length were most strongly correlated. These results contribute to other studies related to the interpretation of the mechanisms related to pollination and reproduction of this species, and also outline diversity of genetic resources of interest to plant‐breeding programs.
TSPEAR variants are primarily associated with ectodermal dysplasia and tooth agenesis but not hearing loss: A novel cohort study
Authors: Bowles Bradley , Ferrer Alejandro , Nishimura Carla J. , Pinto e Vairo Filippo , Rey Tristan , Leheup Bruno , Sullivan Jennifer , Schoch Kelly , Stong Nicholas , Agolini Emanuele , Cocciadiferro Dario , Williams Abigail , Cummings Alex , Loddo Sara , Genovese Silvia , Roadhouse Chelsea , McWalter Kirsty ,   Undiagnosed Diseases Network, Wentzensen Ingrid M. , Li Chumei , Babovic‐Vuksanovic Dusica , Lanpher Brendan C. , Dentici Maria Lisa , Ankala Arun , Hamm J. Austin , Dallapiccola Bruno , Radio Francesca Clementina , Shashi Vandana , Gérard Benedicte , Bloch‐Zupan Agnes , Smith Richard J. , Klee Eric W.
Published: May 2021

Biallelic loss‐of‐function variants in the thrombospondin‐type laminin G domain and epilepsy‐associated repeats (TSPEAR) gene have recently been associated with ectodermal dysplasia and hearing loss. The first reports describing a TSPEAR disease association identified this gene is a cause of nonsyndromic hearing loss, but subsequent reports involving additional affected families have questioned this evidence and suggested a stronger association with ectodermal dysplasia. To clarify genotype–phenotype associations for TSPEAR variants, we characterized 13 individuals with biallelic TSPEAR variants. Individuals underwent either exome sequencing or panel‐based genetic testing. Nearly all of these newly reported individuals (11/13) have phenotypes that include tooth agenesis or ectodermal dysplasia, while three newly reported individuals have hearing loss. Of the individuals displaying hearing loss, all have additional variants in other hearing‐loss‐associated genes, specifically TMPRSS3, GJB2, and GJB6, that present competing candidates for their hearing loss phenotype. When presented alongside previous reports, the overall evidence supports the association of TSPEAR variants with ectodermal dysplasia and tooth agenesis features but creates significant doubt as to whether TSPEAR variants are a monogenic cause of hearing loss. Further functional evidence is needed to evaluate this phenotypic association.
New euchromatic variant dup(11)(p15.3p15.1) transmitted through two generations defined by low coverage whole genome sequencing
Authors: Singer Sylke , Gazou Anastasia , Sturm Marc , Demidov German , Mazzola Pascale , Riess Olaf , Ossowski Stephan , Dufke Andreas
Published: May 2021

We report on a 14‐year old boy, his father, and his paternal uncle, all three carriers of a duplication of chromosomal region 11p15.3‐p15.1. The aberration was transmitted by the grandmother, who is carrier of a balanced insertion 46,XX,ins(14;11)(q32.1;p15.3p15.1). In order to determine the precise molecular basis of this structural variant, we performed low‐coverage whole genome sequencing on the boy's father. This approach allowed precise determination of the genomic breakpoints and revealed a duplication of 6.9 Mb, centromeric to the Beckwith–Wiedemann/Silver–Russell syndrome critical region in 11p15.5, that inserted in inverse orientation into 14q32.12 (according to HGVS nomenclature: NC_000014.8:g.92871000_92871001ins[NC_000011.9:g.12250642_19165928inv;T]). To our knowledge, this is the first report of a duplication of 11p15.3‐p15.1 involving more than 40 genes and transmitted through two generations without apparent clinical effects.
Blood–Brain Barrier Breakdown in Relationship to Alzheimer and Vascular Disease
Authors: Lin Zixuan , Sur Sandeepa , Liu Peiying , Li Yang , Jiang Dengrong , Hou Xirui , Darrow Jacqueline , Pillai Jay J. , Yasar Sevil , Rosenberg Paul , Albert Marilyn , Moghekar Abhay , Lu Hanzhang
Published: May 2021

Objective

Blood–brain barrier (BBB) breakdown has been suggested to be an early biomarker in human cognitive impairment. However, the relationship between BBB breakdown and brain pathology, most commonly Alzheimer disease (AD) and vascular disease, is still poorly understood. The present study measured human BBB function in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients on 2 molecular scales, specifically BBB's permeability to water and albumin molecules.

Methods

Fifty‐five elderly participants were enrolled, including 33 MCI patients and 22 controls. BBB permeability to water was measured with a new magnetic resonance imaging technique, water extraction with phase contrast arterial spin tagging. BBB permeability to albumin was determined using cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)/serum albumin ratio. Cognitive performance was assessed by domain‐specific composite scores. AD pathology (including CSF Aβ and ptau) and vascular risk factors were examined.

Results

Compared to cognitively normal subjects, BBB in MCI patients manifested an increased permeability to small molecules such as water but was no more permeable to large molecules such as albumin. BBB permeability to water was found to be related to AD markers of CSF Aβ and ptau. On the other hand, BBB permeability to albumin was found to be related to vascular risk factors, especially hypercholesterolemia, but was not related to AD pathology. BBB permeability to small molecules, but not to large molecules, was found to be predictive of cognitive function.

Interpretation

These findings provide early evidence that BBB breakdown is related to both AD and vascular risks, but their effects can be differentiated by spatial scales. BBB permeability to small molecules has a greater impact on cognitive performance. ANN NEUROL 2021;90:227–238
Adaptive control using stochastic approach for unknown but bounded disturbances and its application in balancing control
Authors: Singh Rupam , Bhushan Bharat
Published: May 2021

This paper presents a simultaneous perturbation stochastic approximation (SPSA) approach for unknown but bounded disturbances in a typical closed loop system. These random disturbances are represented by a sequence of uncertainties along with the measured system output. Further, the proposed approach constructs a sequence of estimates and formulates an optimization problem which is minimized to achieve the adaptive control. In addition, the convergence conditions and additional generalizations are proposed to enhance the operation of SPSA algorithms for trail perturbation properties. To address the major challenges with unknown disturbances on the closed loop system, a balancing control problem with two degree of freedom (2DoF) ball balancer system and proportional integral derivative (PID) controller is considered. The proposed SPSA method minimizes the optimization problem to obtain the gain values of the PID controller. Simulation and experimental analysis are carried out, and the results substantiate that the PID gains optimized using SPSA provide better control when compared to conventional control approach in terms of tracking response under random uncertainties.
Autistic traits are associated with faster pace of aging: Evidence from the Dunedin study at age 45
Authors: Mason David , Ronald Angelica , Ambler Antony , Caspi Avshalom , Houts Renate , Poulton Richie , Ramrakha Sandhya , Wertz Jasmin , Moffitt Terrie E. , Happé Francesca
Published: May 2021

Growing evidence indicates that the defining characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are distributed throughout the general population; hence, understanding the correlates of aging in people with high autistic traits could shed light on ASD and aging. 915 members of the Dunedin longitudinal birth cohort completed a measure of autistic traits at age 45. A composite measure of the “pace of aging” was derived by tracking the decline in 19 biomarkers across ages 26, 32, 38, and 45 years. Facial age was also assessed. Reports of perceived health were collected from participants themselves, informants, and interviewers. Higher self‐reported autistic traits significantly correlated with a faster pace of aging, older facial age, and poorer self‐, informant‐, and interviewer‐rated health. After control for sex, SES and IQ, autistic traits were significantly associated with each variable: pace of aging (β = 0.09), facial age (β = 0.08), self‐ (β = −0.15), informant (β = −0.12), and interviewer‐rated (β = −0.17) health. Autistic traits measured at age 45 are associated with faster aging. Participants with high autistic traits appear to be more vulnerable to poor health outcomes, as previously reported for those clinically diagnosed with ASD. Therefore, autistic traits may have important health implications. Replicating these findings in samples of autistic people is needed to identify the mechanism of their effect on aging and physical health to improve outcomes for those with ASD diagnoses or high autistic traits.

Lay Summary

The role that autistic traits have in relation to health outcomes has not been investigated. We looked at how physical health and aging (measured with self‐reported questions and decline in multiple biological measures) were related to autistic traits (measured with a questionnaire, at age 45). We found that higher autistic traits were associated with poorer reports of physical health, and a faster pace of aging. This suggests that both those with autism and those with higher autistic traits may be more likely to experience poorer health outcomes.
Opportunity identification for sustainable entrepreneurship: Exploring the interplay of individual and context level factors in India
Authors: Argade Padmaja , Salignac Fanny , Barkemeyer Ralf
Published: May 2021

Sustainable entrepreneurship is becoming an increasingly established topic within the entrepreneurship literature. The phenomenon of businesses incorporating social and environmental agendas within their core activities has gathered an increasing academic interest. However, few empirical studies have explored the stage of opportunity identification in the sustainable entrepreneurship process in a more systematic manner, even more so in non‐Western contexts such as India. We structure our analysis using a framework situated in the conventional entrepreneurship literature and the literature on National Business Systems (NBS). We conduct a qualitative study to explore the motivations of Indian sustainable entrepreneurs in two sectors: sustainable energy and ethical clothing. While we find that the conventional entrepreneurship based framework provides crucial insights to understand opportunity identification within sustainable entrepreneurship, we also observe a number of features unique to sustainable entrepreneurship in the Indian context—including the personal backgrounds of the participants as well as prioritization of motivational factors. Importantly, we find notable within‐country variation in the contextual factors that appear to shape motivational dynamics. In the words of one participant, “there are many Indias” rather than one monolithic approach to sustainable entrepreneurship in India.
Association between pre‐diagnostic serum albumin and cancer risk: Results from a prospective population‐based study
Authors: Yang Zhuoyu , Zheng Yadi , Wu Zheng , Wen Yan , Wang Gang , Chen Shuohua , Tan Fengwei , Li Jiang , Wu Shouling , Dai Min , Li Ni , He Jie
Published: May 2021

Background

Albumin is supposed to be associated with cancer risk. However, evidence on serum albumin and cancer risk among the Chinese population is sparse. This study was conducted to evaluate the association between pre‐diagnostic serum albumin and cancer risk among Chinese.

Methods

A total of 82,061 participants with baseline information on serum albumin concentration in the Kailuan cohort were recruited. Cox proportional hazards models and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analyses were used to evaluate the association between pre‐diagnostic serum albumin and cancer risk.

Results

Albumin levels were inversely associated with overall cancer risk (HR [95% CI]: Q2, Q3, Q4 vs. Q1: 0.91 [0.78–1.07], 0.80 [0.70–0.92], 0.73 [0.63–0.85]), and the risk of lung, colorectal, and liver cancer (HR [95% CI]: Q4 vs. Q1: lung: 0.70 [0.52–0.95], colorectal: 0.43 [0.26–0.72], liver: 0.59 [0.36–0.95]). After excluding new cancer cases within 2 years since enrollment, a more significant association was observed for liver cancer (HR [95% CI]: Q4 vs. Q1: 0.41 [0.21–0.78]), while associations converted to nonsignificant for lung and colorectal cancer. The RCS model suggested an inverse linear association between albumin and the risk of overall cancer (p‐overall < 0.0001, p‐nonlinear = 0.3716) and liver cancer (p‐overall = 0.0002, p‐nonlinear = 0.1807).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that pre‐diagnostic serum albumin is inversely and linearly associated with cancer risk among the Chinese population. This study provides evidence that albumin may be valuable to the prediction and stratification of cancer risk in the general population. However, the biological mechanism and clinical significance remain to be elucidated. Population studies with longer follow‐up time as well as experimental studies are further required.
The impact of short hospital stay on prognosis after acute myocardial infarction: An analysis from the ACSIS database
Authors: Tomer Orr , Leibowitz David , Einhorn‐Cohen Michal , Shlomo Nir , Dobrecky‐Mery Idit , Blatt Alex , Meisel Simcha , Alcalai Ronny
Published: May 2021

Background

Current evidence regarding the optimal length of hospital stay (LOS) following myocardial infarction (MI) is limited. This study aimed to examine LOS policy for MI patients and to assess the safety of early discharge.

Methods

A prospective observational study that included patients with STEMI and NSTEMI enrolled in the Acute Coronary Syndrome Israeli Survey (ACSIS) during the years 2000–2016. Patients were divided into three subgroups according to their LOS: <3 days (short‐LOS), 3–6 days (intermediate‐LOS) and >6 days (long‐LOS). We compared baseline characteristics, management strategies and clinical outcomes at 30 days and 1 year in these groups.

Results

Ten thousand four hundred and fifty eight patients were enrolled in the study. The LOS of MI patients gradually decreased over time. Short‐LOS and intermediate‐LOS patients had similar clinical characteristics while patients in the long‐LOS group were older with more co‐morbidity. There was no difference in the clinical outcomes, including re‐MI, arrhythmias, 30 days MACE, and 30 days mortality between the short‐LOS and intermediate‐LOS groups. However, the rate of re‐hospitalizations was higher in the short‐LOS group (20.9% vs. 17.8%, p = .004) without evidence of increased cardiovascular events. In multivariate analysis, the LOS did not predict either 30 days mortality (HR: 1.3; CI:0.45–5.48), nor MACE at 30 days (HR: 1.1; CI:0.79–1.56).

Conclusion

Our study suggests that an early discharge strategy of up to 3 days from admission is safe for low and intermediate‐risk patients after both STEMI and NSTEMI. Nevertheless, this strategy is associated with an increased risk of potential avoidable readmission and there might be psychological and social factors that may warrant a longer stay.
Efficacy and safety comparing prasugrel/ticagrelor and clopidogrel in Hong Kong post‐acute coronary syndrome patients–A 10‐year cohort study
Authors: Lam Amy S. M. , Yan Bryan P. Y. , Lee Vivian W. Y.
Published: May 2021

Background

Clinical evidence of prasugrel/ticagrelor in dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in Asian acute coronary syndrome (ACS) population remains inconclusive. We aimed to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of prasugrel/ticagrelor compared to clopidogrel as part of DAPT in Hong Kong ACS population for 10 years.

Hypothesis

Prasugrel/ticagrelor, compared to clopidogrel, reduces risk of major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) in Hong Kong ACS population.

Methods

The retrospective observational cohort study included patients admitted to seven institutions under Hospital Authority Hong Kong with diagnosis of ACS during 2008–2017. Risk of MACE, defined as composite of cardiovascular (CV) death, non‐fatal myocardial infarction (MI) and non‐fatal stroke, and risk of any bleeding leading to hospitalization were examined. Baseline characteristics difference was adjusted by propensity score (PS) matching. Adjusted Cox regression model was used to estimate hazard ratio of interested outcome.

Results

In PS matched cohort including 944 patients in each group, MACE risk reduction of 40% from 1 year to 5 years after index ACS event was observed in prasugrel/ticagrelor group (HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.39–0.91, p = .015). The risk reduction was highly driven by MI reduction (HR 0.54, 95% CI 0.33–0.91, p = .019). Lower bleeding risk was observed in prasugrel/ticagrelor group compared to clopidogrel from 1 year to 5 years (HR 0.46, 95% CI 0.21–1.00, p = .051).

Conclusions

Prasugrel/ticagrelor showed MACE risk reduction over clopidogrel as part of DAPT up to 5 years after index event, while prasugrel/ticagrelor was not associated with increased bleeding risk.
Plant Tissue Testing: How Precise Is My Lab Data?
Authors: Hopkins Bryan G. , Cardon Grant E. , Lawley John R.
Published: May 2021

The carpenter’s adage of “measure twice and cut once” is an important one in most things we do. But how precise is the tape measure capable of providing that information? In plant tissue analysis, we need to have an understanding of what is realistic with regard to the precision provided by laboratories and not attempt to interpret the results to a finer scale than what is actually achieved. Agricultural and environmental laboratories doing plant analysis are capable of great precision. However, some methods have good precision, and others are relatively less precise. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Crop Management by reading the article and taking the quiz at www.certifiedcropadviser.org/education/classroom/classes/981.
Environmental filtering and dispersal limitation jointly shaped the taxonomic and phylogenetic beta diversity of natural forests in southern China
Authors: Shi Wei , Wang Yong‐Qiang , Xiang Wu‐Sheng , Li Xian‐Kun , Cao Kun‐Fang
Published: May 2021

Aim

The mechanisms underlying the maintenance of biodiversity remain to be elucidated. Taxonomic diversity alone remains an unresolved issue, especially in terms of the mechanisms of species co‐existence. We hypothesized that phylogenetic information could help to elucidate the mechanism of community assembly and the services and functions of ecosystems. The aim of this study was to explore the mechanisms driving floral diversity in subtropical forests and evaluate the relative effects of these mechanisms on diversity variation, by combining taxonomic and phylogenetic information.

Location

We examined 35 1‐ha tree stem‐mapped plots across eight national nature reserves in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China.

Taxon

Trees.

Methods

We quantified the taxonomic and phylogenetic β‐diversity between each pair of plots using the (abundance‐based) Rao's quadratic entropy and the (incidence‐based) Sørensen dissimilarity indices. Using a null model approach, we compared the observed β‐diversity with the expected diversity at random and calculated the standard effect size of the observed β‐diversity deviation. Furthermore, we used distance‐based redundancy analysis (dbRDA) to partition the variations in taxonomic and phylogenetic observed β‐diversity and β‐deviation into four parts to assess the environmental and spatial effects.

Results

The taxonomic β‐deviation was related to and higher than the phylogenetic β‐deviation (r = .74). This indicated that the species turnover between pairwise plots was mainly the turnover of closely related species. Higher taxonomic and phylogenetic β‐deviation were mainly concentrated in the pairwise karst and nonkarst forest plots, indicating that the species in karst forests and nonkarst forests were predominantly from distantly related clades. A large proportions of the variation in taxonomic and phylogenetic β‐deviation were explained by the joint effect of environmental and spatial variables, while the contribution of environmental variables was greater than that of spatial variables, probably owing to the influence of the sampling scale dependence, integrality of sampling size and species pool, and the unique climatic and geomorphic characteristics.

Main conclusions

Our study highlights the importance of phylogeny in biodiversity research. The incorporation of taxonomic and phylogenetic information provides a perspective to explore potential underlying mechanisms that have shaped species assemblages and phylogenetic patterns in biodiversity hotspots.
Restricted left atrial dilatation can visually differentiate cardiac amyloidosis from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Higashi Haruhiko , Inoue Katsuji , Inaba Shinji , Nakao Yasuhisa , Kinoshita Masaki , Miyazaki Shigehiro , Miyoshi Toru , Akazawa Yusuke , Kawakami Hiroshi , Uetani Teruyoshi , Aono Jun , Nagai Takayuki , Nishimura Kazuhisa , Ikeda Shuntaro , Saito Makoto , Yamaguchi Osamu
Published: May 2021

Aims

Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is an infiltrative myocardial disease that occasionally mimics hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The aim of this study is to investigate the discriminatory ability of visual assessment of left atrial (LA) function between CA and HCM on echocardiography.

Methods and results

In total, 93 patients with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR)‐confirmed HCM and 34 with cardiac biopsy‐confirmed CA were retrospectively assessed. LA dilatation was assessed via echocardiography in an apical four‐chamber view. Visual assessment was performed to identify LA dilatation grade (preserved = 1, abnormal = 2, and restricted = 3) based on the extent of outward expansion in the LA reservoir phase. Regarding the reproducibility of visually assessing LA dilatation grade, the kappa values between intra‐ and inter‐observer measurements were 0.82 and 0.70, respectively. Of 127 participants, 57 (45%), 42 (33%), and 28 (22%) presented with LA dilatation Grades 1, 2, and 3, respectively. All 57 patients with preserved LA dilatation (Grade 1) had HCM, and 20 of 28 patients (71%) with restricted LA dilatation (Grade 3) presented with CA. Patients with CA had a higher LA dilatation grade than those with HCM (P < 0.01). LA emptying fraction and reservoir strain were also quantitatively evaluated. The area under the curves of LA dilatation grade (0.88) and LA emptying fraction (0.88) for differentiation of these two diseases were higher than that of LA reservoir strain (0.73) (P < 0.01, respectively). During follow‐up, nine patients with HCM and 16 with CA experienced cardiac event (cardiac death or hospitalization due to heart failure). In Kaplan–Meier analysis including both groups of HCM and CA, the incidence of cardiac events was higher in patients with restricted LA dilatation than in those with preserved or abnormal LA dilatation (log‐rank test, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Restricted LA dilatation is an indicator for the diagnosis of CA. Further, visual assessment of abnormal LA motion may facilitate diagnosis in patients with CA and high‐risk patients with HCM.
The Crucial Role of S‐oxidation State on the Selectivity and Reaction Rate of the 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition of Azomethine Ylides and Homochiral Thiazolines
Authors: Gracia‐Vitoria Jaime , Osante Iñaki , Cativiela Carlos
Published: May 2021

The novel enantiopure synthesis of protected proline‐cysteine analogs by means of 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of homochiral thiazolines and azomethine ylides is described. The important role of the oxidation state of the sulfur atom of the dipolarophile in such reaction is demonstrated affecting strongly the regioselectivity and reactivity of the 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition. Mono‐oxidized sulfur atom (sulfoxide group) and di‐oxidized (sulfone group) led to 2,3 regio‐addition whereas reactions starting from non‐oxidized sulfur atom resulted in the 2,4 addition. Besides, sulfur oxidized thiazolines reacted smoothly upon heating in an organic solvent media but the non‐oxidized sulfur thiazoline required metal catalysis. Diastereofacial selectivity was observed to be independent of the oxidation state of the sulfur atom but controlled by the bulky tert‐butyl group at the thiazoline ring. The highly substituted and functionalized enantiopure pyrrolidine‐thiazolidine bicyclic compounds are considered as novel (homo)cysteine‐proline analogs with important properties to discover.
A novel metal–organic framework‐derived NiSe2/ZnSe‐NC as advanced anode materials for high‐performance asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Xu Rui , Chi Kai , Wu Jihuai , Wang Liangjie , Lin Jianming , Wang Shuai
Published: May 2021

To obtain high energy density asymmetric supercapacitors, searching anode materials with large electrochemical properties remains a great challenge. Herein, a novel anode material composed of metal−organic framework‐derived NiSe2, ZnSe, and nitrogen/carbon (NiSe2/ZnSe‐NC) composites with high specific capacity has been successfully designed and synthesized via simple hydrothermal and two‐step calcination‐thermolysis processes. Electrochemical tests on the NiSe2/ZnSe‐NC//active carbon asymmetric supercapacitor demonstrate an outstanding energy density of 45 W·h·kg–1 at a power density of 400 W·kg–1 and only lost 5.6% of specific capacity after 5000 cyclic voltammetry cycles. In addition, after fully charged, the assembled NiSe2/ZnSe‐NC//active carbon asymmetric supercapacitor can easily light up a series of red light‐emitting diode indicators, indicating that the NiSe2/ZnSe‐NC is promising as efficient anode materials for fabrication of environment‐friendly and low‐cost supercapacitors.
Chromosome microarray characterisation of chromosome arm 12p loss associated with complex molecular karyotype and recurrent adverse cytogenetic markers in multiple myeloma
Authors: Hung Dorothy , Lenton Douglas , Eslick Renee , Blennerhassett Richard , Joshi Maansi , McCaughan Georgia , Day Samantha , Wright Dale
Published: May 2021

Copy number loss within chromosome 12 short arm (12p) has gained attention as an adverse cytogenetic marker in multiple myeloma. The prognostic significance and characterisation of the common minimal deleted region remains controversial between various studies with loss of CD27 proposed as the putative critical gene. We aimed to determine the frequency of 12p loss, its correlation with adverse cytogenetic markers further to define and characterise 12p deletions. Our study included a prospective cohort of 574 multiple myeloma patients referred for cytogenetic testing, including interphase fluorescence in situ hybridisation for IGH (14q32.33) translocations and chromosome microarray. Loss of 12p was detected in 54/574 (9.4%) patients and when compared with the non‐12p loss group [520/574 (90.6%)], 12p loss patients demonstrated a statistically significant association with specific recurrent cytogenetic markers: complex molecular karyotypes (98.1% vs 45.2%), 1p loss (50.0% vs 20.2%), t(4;14) (20.4% vs 7.7%), 8p loss (37.0% vs 15.0%), 13/13q loss (70.4% vs 41.7%), and 17p loss (33.3% vs 6.5%). The size and location of 12p losses were heterogeneous with a common 0.88 Mb minimally deleted region that included ~9 genes from ETV6 to CDKN1B in 52/54 (~96.3%) patients but did not include CD27. Our findings support 12p loss being a secondary chromosome abnormality frequently co‐occurring with adverse cytogenetic markers and complex molecular karyotypes indicative of chromosome instability.
Centering across the Center
Authors: Wills Ben
Published: May 2021

In my time at The Hastings Center, the projects I've worked on have intersected in fascinating ways, but one through line has impressed me as especially important: centering the experiences and needs of people and communities most affected by the issue at hand.
Visual mechanisms for voice‐identity recognition flexibly adjust to auditory noise level
Authors: Maguinness Corrina , von Kriegstein Katharina
Published: May 2021

Recognising the identity of voices is a key ingredient of communication. Visual mechanisms support this ability: recognition is better for voices previously learned with their corresponding face (compared to a control condition). This so‐called ‘face‐benefit’ is supported by the fusiform face area (FFA), a region sensitive to facial form and identity. Behavioural findings indicate that the face‐benefit increases in noisy listening conditions. The neural mechanisms for this increase are unknown. Here, using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we examined responses in face‐sensitive regions while participants recognised the identity of auditory‐only speakers (previously learned by face) in high (SNR −4 dB) and low (SNR +4 dB) levels of auditory noise. We observed a face‐benefit in both noise levels, for most participants (16 of 21). In high‐noise, the recognition of face‐learned speakers engaged the right posterior superior temporal sulcus motion‐sensitive face area (pSTS‐mFA), a region implicated in the processing of dynamic facial cues. The face‐benefit in high‐noise also correlated positively with increased functional connectivity between this region and voice‐sensitive regions in the temporal lobe in the group of 16 participants with a behavioural face‐benefit. In low‐noise, the face‐benefit was robustly associated with increased responses in the FFA and to a lesser extent the right pSTS‐mFA. The findings highlight the remarkably adaptive nature of the visual network supporting voice‐identity recognition in auditory‐only listening conditions.
Nontargeted mass spectrometry of dried blood spots for interrogation of the human circulating metabolome
Authors: Ward Casey , Nallamshetty Shriram , Watrous Jeramie D. , Acres Eowyn , Long Tao , Mathews Ian T. , Sharma Sonia , Cheng Susan , Imam Farhad , Jain Mohit
Published: May 2021

Advances in high‐resolution, nontargeted mass spectrometry allow for the simultaneous measure of thousands of metabolites in a single biosample. Application of these analytical approaches to population‐scale human studies has been limited by the need for resource‐intensive blood sample collection, preparation, and storage. Dried blood spotting, a technique developed decades ago for newborn screening, may offer a simple approach to overcome barriers in human blood acquisition and storage. In this study, we find that over 4,400 spectral features across diverse chemical classes may be efficiently and reproducibly extracted and relatively quantified from human dried blood spots using nontargeted metabolomic analysis employing HILIC and reversed‐phase liquid chromatography coupled to Orbitrap mass spectrometry. Moreover, over 80% of metabolites were found to be chemically stable in dried blood spots stored at room temperature for up to a week. In direct relation to plasma samples, dried blood spots exhibited comparable representation of the human circulating metabolome, capturing both known and previously uncharacterized metabolites. Dried blood spot approaches provide an opportunity for rapid and facile human biosampling and storage and will enable widespread metabolomics study of populations, particularly in resource‐limited areas.
Exploring Factors that Differentiate Art and Non‐Art High School Students
Authors: Ozga Wioletta Karina , Cudo Andrzej
Published: May 2021

Are there differences in divergent thinking and personality traits between students who attend art‐based high schools and non‐art‐based high schools? The main goal of this exploratory study was to focus on this question and to explore the factors that might differentiate a sample of art and non‐art high school students. We addressed these questions by exploring a convenience sample (N = 167) of students from art schools (N = 79) and students from non‐art high schools (N = 88). We used three divergent‐thinking measures (i.e., Sketches Test, Brick Uses Test, and Consequences Test) and the five‐factor personality inventory (NEO‐FFI) to explore potential differences. The results showed that the type of school was positively associated with fluency, flexibly, and originality and negatively with openness. We also explored differences using discriminant analysis. It was found that students who attended art high schools have a lower level of originality and a high level of flexibility and openness compared to students attending regular high schools. Our findings may indicate that these factors can help to understand the differences between art and non‐art high school students.
Nutritional and functional attributes of mungbean (Vigna radiata [L] Wilczek) flour as affected by sprouting time
Authors: Elobuike Chinelo S. , Idowu Michael A. , Adeola Abiodun A. , Bakare Henry A.
Published: May 2021

Sprouting of grains improves their nutritional value and functionality, but information on the appropriate sprouting time required to obtain an optimum quality of mungbean flour is limited. This study evaluated the attributes of mungbean flour as influenced by sprouting time. Mungbean seeds were cleaned, sorted, surface‐sterilised, rinsed and sprouted (28°C and 26% R.H) for 24 to 120 hr. Proximate, amino acids (AA), vitamins, mineral, anti‐nutritional (phytate, tannin, oxalate, trypsin inhibitor, raffinose and stachyose) composition, functional properties (viscosity, bulk density and swelling index), microbial quality (total plate and mould counts) and energy of the flours obtained from the sprouted seeds were analysed. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and the means separated by Duncan's Multiple Range Test. Significant (P < 0.05) differences were observed in the energy contents, chemical and functional properties of mungbean flour. There was no fungal growth in the samples until after 72 hr. Leucine, followed by lysine, was the dominant essential AA while methionine was the least. In conclusion, increase in sprouting period improved the nutrient composition but reduced the anti‐nutrients of mungbean flour. Samples sprouted for 24 hr had the highest total essential and conditionally essential AA.
Reliability of high‐resolution CT scan in diagnosis of ossicular tympanosclerosis
Authors: Larem Aisha , Abu Rajab Altamimi Zaid , Aljariri Adham A. , Haidar Hassan , Elsotouhy Ahmed , Alsaadi Ali , Alqahtani Abdulsalam
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the reliability of high‐resolution CT scans (HRCT scans) in the diagnosis of tympanosclerosis and to determine its benefit to predict the post‐surgical hearing outcome based on comparing radiological and surgical findings.

Methods

A retrospective study at a tertiary institute included 940 ears that underwent tyampanoplasty for chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) between January 2013 and March 2017. Preoperative temporal bone HRCT scans were analyzed to check for the prediction of tympanosclerosis and ossicular fixation. Intraoperatively, ossicular chain integrity was checked. Preoperative and postoperative audiometric evaluations using air‐bone gap (ABG) were compared. A postoperative pure‐tone ABG of 20 dB or less was considered as a successful hearing result. Results are compared with historical control groups, the study has been reviewed and approved by the IRB at the medical research center in Hamad Medical Corporation; however, it is a retrospective study so no informed consent was obtained from the patients.

Results

The study included 940 ears that underwent tympanoplasties due to CSOM, where 238 out of 940 (25.3%) of ears showed tympanosclerosis during tympanoplasty, intraoperatively, tympanosclerosis was localized to the eardrum in 174 of the 238 involved ears (73.1%), A 64 out of 238 (26.9%) of the ears with tympanosclerosis showed ossicular fixation, divided as 45 ears with Incudo‐malleal fixation, 14 ears with stapes fixation, and 5 ears with triple ossicular fixation. HRCT scan of the temporal bone was suggestive of ossicular chain fixation in 79 cases distributed as 55 incudo‐malleal fixations, 19 stapes fixation, and 5 complete ossicular fixations, with a sensitivity of 96.8%, and specificity of 98%. The audiological results were analyzed, with a patient follow‐up after 6 months.

Conclusions

Our study showed that CT scans when combined with the clinical findings can be an informative guide to otolaryngologists for preoperative evaluation and counseling of tympanosclerosis surgeries.
Recent Advances in Lipid Derived Bio‐Based Materials for Food Packaging Applications
Authors: Zubair Muhammad , Pradhan Rehan Ali , Arshad Muhammad , Ullah Aman
Published: May 2021

The utilization of lipids is presently in the spotlight of food industry as they are one of novel renewable and sustainable raw materials. Lipids derived materials are considered as a promising alternate to petro‐based polymers as they are sustainable, biorenewable, biodegradable, and environmentally benign. These unique attributes draw the attention of scientific community for the use of lipids in food packaging applications with a potential to compete with fossil fuel derived polymers. This paper reviews recent advances in the use of lipids and their effect on the barrier, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and mechanical properties of films, coating and nanocomposites for food packaging applications. Modification of lipids and its chemical interactions with other biopolymers during processing for the synthesis of different materials are also discussed. Global patents and research trend in use of lipids for the preparation of biocomposites are also described. The role of lipids in the circular economy is highlighted and life cycle assessment of lipids derived products is outlined with examples. The review is concluded with synoptic view of existing and forthcoming potential use of lipids in various food packaging applications.
Temperature Modulation and Feed Supplementation Significantly Improve Population Growth of Laboratory-Reared Dero digitata (Annelida: Naididae)
Authors: Tiwari Ambika , Woodyard Ethan T. , Rosser T. Graham , Griffin Matt J. , Mischke Charles C.
Published: May 2021

Dero digitata is the definitive oligochaete host of Henneguya ictaluri (Cnidaria: Myxobolidae), the causative agent of proliferative gill disease in U.S. farm-raised Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus and hybrid catfish (Channel Catfish × Blue Catfish I. furcatus). Several studies were performed to identify optimal conditions for culturing D. digitata in the laboratory for experimental life cycle studies. The first experiments investigated the effects of temperature on D. digitata population growth. Five different growth studies were conducted, each consisting of three different temperature treatments ranging from 7°C to 32°C. Cultures were held under different temperature regimes, and D. digitata numbers were determined after 2 weeks. Dero digitata populations reared at 21–32°C had significantly higher population growth than those maintained at lower temperatures. Additional experiments investigated the effects of supplemental diets on laboratory-reared D. digitata populations. Treatments consisted of autoclaved water that was collected from production ponds with substantial algal growth or a reservoir pond with a negligible algal bloom and maintained at ideal temperatures determined from the temperature trials (~26°C). Cultures were supplemented with three different commercially available feeds designed for bottom-feeding ornamental fish. Significantly larger numbers and greater reproductive rates, taken as an indirect measure of population fitness, were observed in D. digitata cultured in autoclaved pond water supplemented with algal wafers containing 29.0% minimum (min.) crude protein, 7.0% min. crude fat, 6.0% maximum (max.) crude fiber, 9.0% max. moisture, and 0.8% min. phosphorus. A final experiment showed that weekly water exchanges resulted in greater population growth of D. digitata relative to culture in nonexchanged water. This work optimizes the laboratory propagation of D. digitata and will facilitate life cycle studies and controlled experiments establishing developmental timelines and host–parasite interactions of H. ictaluri, similar to other myxozoan parasites.
Proposed Standard Weight Equation and Standard Length Categories for Lake Chubsucker
Authors: Bonvechio Timothy F. , Bonvechio Kimberly I.
Published: May 2021

Standard weight equations have been proposed for a variety of fishes, including many nongame species. Here, we developed standard weight (Ws) equations for Lake Chubsucker Erimyzon succetta using the traditional regression-line-percentile technique and the newer empirical-percentile method. Length and weight data for 19,727 Lake Chubsuckers from 8 to 42 cm TL and 129 populations were used in the final analysis. These fish were collected from 1977 to 2020 by various agency and university personnel from most known populations across the species’ range in North America. This species is considered vulnerable, imperiled, or extirpated in several Midwestern and northern states, but it appears to be secure in the Southeast. The resulting Ws equations were log10W = −5.0962 + 3.1125 × log10L and log10W = –5.9735 + 3.8828 × log10L −0.1701 × (log10L)2 for the RLP and quadratic empirical-percentile method techniques, respectively, where W is weight (g) and L is total length (TL, mm). The regression-line-percentile equation␣exhibited a greater length-related bias especially at the ends of the length spectrum, so we recommend the quadratic empirical-percentile equation␣for this species. We also developed standard length categories for assessing fish population size structure. We propose minimum lengths for five standard length categories of 11, 18, 24, 28, and 35 cm TL for stock, quality, preferred, memorable, and trophy sizes, respectively. Development of a Ws equation␣and standard length categories will aid biologists in assessing condition and size structure of wild Lake Chubsucker populations and those being propagated for supplemental stocking into trophy bass ponds for native forage or in areas with depressed native populations. Additionally, by evaluating this nongame species that occupies the same environments as higher profile game fish species, a more holistic approach of evaluating the overall health of systems can be examined.
Sustainable approach to produce 3D‐printed continuous carbon fiber composites: “A comparison of virgin and recycled PETG”
Authors: Bex Guy J. P. , Ingenhut Bastiaan L. J. , ten Cate Tessa , Sezen Meltem , Ozkoc Guralp
Published: May 2021

The use of recycled polymers in 3D printing technologies has recently become a promising research topic because of the global concerns on plastic waste pollution and an increase in awareness of sustainability and circularity. In order to unlock the potentials of 3D printing beyond prototyping purposes, continuous fiber‐embedded fused filament fabrication (FFF) as a process for composite production has gained importance. This study focuses on the potential use of recycled, glycol‐modified poly(ethylene terephthalate) (rPETG) as a matrix material in continuous fiber additive manufacturing of composites. First, the characteristics of rPETG were compared with those of non‐recycled PETG in terms of molecular weight as well as rheological, thermal, and mechanical properties. Then, rPETG and PETG composites containing 25% continuous carbon filament (CCF) fibers (CCFs) were printed using a co‐extrusion‐type FFF printer. Their tensile and flexural properties were characterized. It was found that the tensile properties of rPETG‐based composites were lower than those of PET‐based composites, but their flexural properties were nearly the same. The thermodynamic work of adhesion approach was applied to understand the interfacial interactions between the matrix and CFF. It was found that the thermodynamic adhesion between rPETG/CFF was higher than that of PETG/CFF. Additionally, SEM‐SE images obtained from the fracture surfaces of the samples supported the findings by showing that the adhesion between rPETG and CF was superior to that between PETG and CF. Thus, this study demonstrated that recycled PETG can be used as a possible matrix material for 3D‐printed CCF composites, thus highlighting the ability of recycled plastics to be converted into circular products with high added value.