bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evans syndrome caused by a deleterious mutation affecting the adaptor protein SASH3
Authors: Novak Wolfgang , Berner Jakob , Svaton Michael , Jimenez‐Heredia Raul , Segarra‐Roca Anna , Frohne Alexandra , Guiliani Sarah , Rouhani David , Eder Sebastian K. , Rottal Arno , Trapin Doris , Scheuchenstuhl Anja , Pickl Winfried F. , Simonitsch‐Klupp Ingrid , Kager Leo , Boztug Kaan
Published: August 2023

Increasing evidence suggests multilineage cytopenias (also known as Evans syndrome) may be caused by inborn errors of immunity (IEI) with immune dysregulation. We studied a patient with autoimmune haemolytic anaemia and immune thrombocytopenia and identified a germline mutation in SASH3 (c.862C>T;p.Arg288Ter), indicating a recently identified IEI. Immunohistochemistry performed after clinically indicated splenectomy revealed severe hypoplasia/absence of germinal centres. The autoimmune phenotype was associated with an increased CD21lowT‐bet+CD11c+ subset along with decreased regulatory T cells, impaired T‐cell proliferation and T‐cell exhaustion. The younger brother carries the same SASH3 mutation and shares immunophenotypic features but is currently clinical asymptomatic, indicating heterogeneity of SASH3 deficiency.
Clinical significance of antinuclear antibodies in primary immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Moulis Guillaume , Aladjidi Nathalie , Godeau Bertrand
Published: August 2023

There are discrepancies across guidelines about whether the dosage of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) is of use at the diagnosis of primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). This review describes the current knowledge about ANA prevalence in patients with primary ITP, and their potential usefulness as biomarkers for ITP evolution, response to treatments and increased risk of subsequent development of systemic lupus and thrombosis.
Angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma: Novel recurrent mutations and prognostic biomarkers by cell‐free DNA profiling
Authors: Zhang Chunlan , Mou Biqin , Xu Juan , Wang Jie , Liu Qinyu , Yang Yunfan , Tang Wenjiao , Zhong Xushu , Xu Caigang
Published: August 2023

Molecular and clinical stratification of patients with angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma (AITL) is unsatisfactory, which hinders the development of personalized therapies. This study aimed to identify molecular biomarkers for AITL based on peripheral cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) that could be used to predict prognosis and guide treatment non‐invasively. A customized panel containing 46 genes was used to study pretreatment cfDNA and paired tumour tissues in 64 Chinese AITL patients from three clinical centres, and gene mutations in cfDNA and tumour tissue were assessed for concordance (34 paired samples). Then, the association of gene mutations and prognosis was analysed, and a functional enrichment analysis was performed. The sequencing results showed good consistency between cfDNA samples and paired tissue samples. KDM5A, STAT1, FANCM, ERBB4, PIK3R5 and NSD1 were identified as novel recurrent mutations. Mutations in FANCM or combinations of RHOA, KDM5A and FAT1 were associated with poor prognosis. Additionally, functional analysis revealed that RHOAG17 might serve as a predictive biomarker of PD‐1 blockade respondence. Our findings confirmed the role of cfDNA as a liquid biopsy in AITL, and revealed novel molecular determinants that can stratify patients and guide treatment options.
Untangling the evolution of soldier beetles (Coleoptera: Cantharidae) and the evaluation of the morphological phylogenetic signal in a soft‐bodied elateroid lineage
Authors: Motyka Michal , Kusy Dominik , Biffi Gabriel , Geiser Michael , Kazantsev Sergey V. , Bilkova Renata , Jahodarova Eva , Vogler Alfried P. , Bocak Ladislav
Published: August 2023

This study addresses the long‐standing uncertainty about the internal classification of soldier beetles (Elateroidea: Cantharidae). Four datasets were compiled and analysed: 66 genes for 14 terminals, 15 mtDNA genes for 79 terminals, one mtDNA and two rRNA genes for 217 terminals, and barcodes for 576 terminals. Based on congruent topologies, Chauliognathinae is proposed as a sister to the remaining Cantharidae, followed by the redefined Malthininae (including Tytthonyxini), the paraphyletic “dysmorphocerine” lineages (Dysmorphocerinaesensu strictoand Heteromastiginae subfam. nov.), and Silinae + Cantharinae as a terminal clade. The present phylogeny supersedes earlier morphology and short‐fragment molecular hypotheses that have not converged on a consensus. Few morphological characters corroborate the DNA‐based relationships (see the adults and larval keys). However, morphology‐based hypotheses have relied on a few informative characters, and no evidence strongly rejects the preferred molecular topology. The interpretation of morphological characters and uncertain polarity resulting from the high phenotypic disparity of Elateroidea are discussed in detail. The dated phylogeny hypothesizes the earliest split within the Cantharidae in the Berriasian stage (Early Cretaceous, ~141 Myr) and the diversification of most extant subfamilies and tribes already in the Late Cretaceous. The most diverse subfamily, Cantharinae, represents a delayed radiation that started during the Eocene climatic optimum, 55.5 Myr. The late origin of Cantharinae questions the classification of Cretaceous Cantharidae as members of Cantharinae. Instead, the results suggest their deeper rooting after separating from dysmorphocerine lineages and before the node between Cantharinae and Silinae.
Improving the science and practice of using artificial roosts for bats
Authors: Crawford Reed D. , O'Keefe Joy M.
Published: August 2023

Worldwide, artificial bat roosts (e.g., bat boxes, bark mimics, bat condos) are routinely deployed for conservation, mitigation, and community engagement. However, scant attention has been paid to developing best practices for the use of artificial roosts as conservation tools. Although bats readily occupy artificial roosts, occupancy and abundance data are misleading indicators of habitat quality. Lacking information on bat behavior, health, and fitness in artificial roosts, their conservation efficacy cannot be adequately validated. We considered the proximal and ultimate factors, such as evolutionarily reliable cues, that may prompt bats to preferentially use and show fidelity to suboptimal artificial roosts even when high‐quality alternatives are available. Possible negative health and fitness consequences for artificial roost inhabitants include exposure to unstable and extreme microclimates in poorly designed roosts, and vulnerability to larger numbers of ectoparasites in longer lasting artificial roosts that house larger bat colonies than in natural roosts. Bats using artificial roosts may have lower survival rates if predators have easy access to roosts placed in conspicuous locations. Bats may be lured into occupying low‐quality habitats if attractive artificial roosts are deployed on polluted urban and agricultural landscapes. To advance the science behind artificial bat roosts, we present testable research hypotheses and suggestions to improve the quality of artificial roosts for bats and decrease risks to occupants. Because continued loss of natural roosts may increase reliance on alternatives, such as artificial roosts, it is imperative that this conservation practice be improved.
High grade urothelial carcinoma in kidney transplant patients with a history of BK viremia – Just a coincidence?
Authors: Cannon Emma , Ntala Chara , Joss Nicola , Rahilly Maeve , Metcalfe Wendy , O'Donnell Marie , Phelan Paul J
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Kidney transplant recipients (KTR) have a three‐to‐four‐fold increased risk of developing urothelial carcinoma (UC) compared to the general population. BK polyoma virus (BKV) infection is known to affect approximately 15% of KTR. In vitro models support a potential pathogenic role for BKV in the development of UC. We describe a series of UC in kidney transplant recipients.

Methods

Electronic patient records were searched to identify KTR with UC who had undergone kidney only or simultaneous kidney and pancreas transplantation in a single UK center between 2009 and 2015. Where available, stored pathological samples were retrieved, re‐examined and stained for SV40 as a marker of BKV using standard staining protocols for kidney biopsy samples.

Results

Fourteen KTR had developed UC post‐transplant. Of these, 10 KTR had a history of BKV infection post‐transplant. Six of these 10 KTR developed a rare micropapillary tumor subtype of UC which is typically only found in <1% of UC cases. All six micropapillary tumor samples stained positive for SV40, including samples from metastases. Three tumor samples were available from the four KTR with no history of BKV infection and were not micropapillary subtype and were negative for SV40. Three micropapillary tumors from immunocompetent patients were examined as controls and were negative for SV40.

Conclusions

These findings would support a pathogenic role for BK virus in the development of rare micropapillary subtype urothelial tumors in the kidney transplant population.
Transcriptional repressor GATA binding 1 (TRPS1) immunoexpression in normal skin tissues and various cutaneous tumors
Authors: Taniguchi Kohei , Goto Keisuke , Yabushita Hiroki , Yamasaki Rie , Ichimura Koichi
Published: August 2023

Background

Transcriptional repressor GATA binding 1 (TRPS1) is a transcription factor recently shown to play a role in the development of breast and liver cancer. Here, we evaluate TRPS1 immunoexpression in normal skin tissues and various cutaneous tumors.

Methods

TRPS1 immunohistochemistry was performed in 109 cases of primary cutaneous tumors and 19 cases of metastatic carcinomas. TRPS1 expression was also evaluated in the normal skin tissues.

Results

The normal epidermis was TRPS1−. In contrast, the eccrine apparatus, epithelial compartment of the hair follicles, hair papilla, sebaceous glands, and anogenital mammary‐like glands were TRPS1+. In primary cutaneous tumors, TRPS1 positivity varied in poroma (2/3), nodular hidradenoma (4/5), spiradenoma (4/4), cutaneous mixed tumor (5/5), trichilemmal cyst (7/8), proliferating trichilemmal tumor (1/3), pilomatricoma (9/9), sebaceoma (2/5), extramammary Paget disease (13/13), sebaceous carcinoma (2/2), actinic keratosis (3/10), Bowen disease (7/12), and squamous cell carcinoma (1/5) cases. All cases of seborrheic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma were TRPS1−. All metastatic breast carcinoma cases (8/8) were highly positive for TRPS1, while all but one of the other metastatic tumor cases were TRPS1−.

Conclusions

TRPS1 immunoexpression was observed in several skin appendages and cutaneous tumors.
Prognostic value of baseline metabolic tumor volume (MTV) for forecasting chemotherapy outcome in early‐stage unfavorable Hodgkin lymphoma: Data from the phase III HD17 trial
Authors: van Heek Lutz , Weindler Jasmin , Gorniak Claudia , Kaul Helen , Müller Horst , Mettler Jasmin , Baues Christian , Fuchs Michael , Borchmann Peter , Ferdinandus Justin , Dietlein Markus , Voltin Conrad‐Amadeus , Kobe Carsten , Roth Katrin S.
Published: August 2023

Objectives

The prognostic relevance of metabolic tumor volume (MTV) having recently been demonstrated in patients with early‐stage favorable and advanced‐stage Hodgkin lymphoma. The current study aimed to assess the potential prognostic value of 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) in early‐stage unfavorable Hodgkin lymphoma patients treated within the German Hodgkin Study Group HD17 trial.

Methods

18F‐FDG PET/CT images were available for MTV analysis in 154 cases. We used three different threshold methods (SUV2.5, SUV4.0, and SUV41%) to calculate MTV. Receiver‐operating‐characteristic analysis was performed to describe the value of these parameters in predicting an adequate therapy response. Therapy response was evaluated as PET negativity after 2 cycles of eBEACOPP followed by 2 cycles of ABVD.

Results

All three threshold methods analyzed for MTV showed a positive correlation with the PET response after chemotherapy. Areas under the curve (AUC) were 0.70 (95% CI 0.53–0.87) and 0.65 (0.50–0.80) using the fixed thresholds of SUV4.0 and SUV2.5, respectively, for MTV‐ calculation. The calculation of MTV using a relative threshold of SUV41% showed an AUC of 0.63 (0.47–0.79).

Conclusions

MTV does have predictive value after chemotherapy in early‐stage unfavorable Hodgkin lymphoma, particularly when the fixed threshold of SUV4.0 is used for MTV calculation.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01356680.
Prospective follow‐up study of youth and adults with onset of functional tic‐like behaviours during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Nilles Christelle , Szejko Natalia , Martino Davide , Pringsheim Tamara
Published: August 2023

Background and purpose

Very little is known about the long‐term prognosis of patients with functional tic‐like behaviours (FTLBs). We sought to characterize the trajectory of symptom severity over a 12‐month period.

Methods

Patients with FTLBs were included in our prospective longitudinal child and adult clinical tic disorder registries at the University of Calgary. Patients were prospectively evaluated 6 and 12 months after their first clinical visit. Tic inventories and severity were measured with the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS).

Results

Eighty‐three youths and adults with FTLBs were evaluated prospectively until April 2023. Mean YGTSS total tic severity scores were high at baseline, with a mean score of 29.8 points (95% confidence interval [CI] = 27.6–32.1). Fifty‐eight participants were reevaluated at 6 months, and 32 participants were reevaluated at 12 months. The YGTSS total tic severity score decreased significantly from the first clinical visit to 6 months (raw mean difference = 8.9 points, 95% CI = 5.1–12.7, p < 0.0001), and from 6 to 12 months (raw mean difference = 6.4 points, 95% CI = 0.8–12.0, p = 0.01). Multivariable linear regression demonstrated that tic severity at initial presentation and the presence of other functional neurological symptoms were associated with higher YGTSS total tic scores at 6 months, whereas younger age at baseline, receiving cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety and/or depression, and prescription of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors were associated with lower YGTSS total tic scores at 6 months.

Conclusions

We observed a meaningful improvement in tic severity scores in youth and adults with FTLBs over a period of 6–12 months.
Genetic influences on epilepsy outcomes: A whole‐exome sequencing and health care records data linkage study
Authors: Fonferko‐Shadrach Beata , Lacey Arron S. , Strafford Huw , Jones Carys , Baker Mark , Powell Robert , Akbari Ashley , Lyons Ronan A. , Ford David , Thompson Simon , Jones Kerina H. , Chung Seo‐Kyung , Pickrell William O. , Rees Mark I.
Published: August 2023

Objective

This study was undertaken to develop a novel pathway linking genetic data with routinely collected data for people with epilepsy, and to analyze the influence of rare, deleterious genetic variants on epilepsy outcomes.

Methods

We linked whole‐exome sequencing (WES) data with routinely collected primary and secondary care data and natural language processing (NLP)‐derived seizure frequency information for people with epilepsy within the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage Databank. The study participants were adults who had consented to participate in the Swansea Neurology Biobank, Wales, between 2016 and 2018. DNA sequencing was carried out as part of the Epi25 collaboration. For each individual, we calculated the total number and cumulative burden of rare and predicted deleterious genetic variants and the total of rare and deleterious variants in epilepsy and drug metabolism genes. We compared these measures with the following outcomes: (1) no unscheduled hospital admissions versus unscheduled admissions for epilepsy, (2) antiseizure medication (ASM) monotherapy versus polytherapy, and (3) at least 1 year of seizure freedom versus <1 year of seizure freedom.

Results

We linked genetic data for 107 individuals with epilepsy (52% female) to electronic health records. Twenty‐six percent had unscheduled hospital admissions, and 70% were prescribed ASM polytherapy. Seizure frequency information was linked for 100 individuals, and 10 were seizure‐free. There was no significant difference between the outcome groups in terms of the exome‐wide and gene‐based burden of rare and deleterious genetic variants.

Significance

We successfully uploaded, annotated, and linked genetic sequence data and NLP‐derived seizure frequency data to anonymized health care records in this proof‐of‐concept study. We did not detect a genetic influence on real‐world epilepsy outcomes, but our study was limited by a small sample size. Future studies will require larger (WES) data to establish genetic variant contribution to epilepsy outcomes.
Risk analysis of China's financial market collapse based on cloud computing and machine learning algorithms
Authors: Ning Fuxian , Jin Jiahui , Zhang Lingling , Wang Da
Published: August 2023

In recent years, with the rapid advancement of hardware and software algorithms, information technology has penetrated every aspect of our lives, creating waves of digital transformation in enterprises represented by four underlying technologies, namely: ‘artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing, and blockchain’. As a result, digital technology has emerged as the primary force behind industrial transformation and upgrading, as well as high‐quality development. Using the data of Shanghai and Shenzhen A‐share listed companies from 2007 to 2020, this paper empirically examines the impact of the digital transformation of listed companies on their stock price crash risk and its mechanism using a two‐way fixed effect model with time and individual effects. It can be seen from the research results that, overall, enterprise digital transformation can significantly reduce the risk of a stock price crash. Further analysis reveals that this risk‐inhibiting effect is more apparent for private enterprises and small and medium‐sized enterprises. In terms of impact mechanism, digital transformation can reduce the risk of a stock price crash by improving the quality of enterprise information internally, while the more analysts pay attention to an issue, the more obvious the role of digital transformation in reducing the risk of a stock price crash for enterprises externally. However, it is worth noting that if the stock price of an enterprise crashes, blindly implementing digital transformation may increase the crash risk. The paper illustrates the practical importance of digital technology from the perspective of enterprises in stabilizing the crash risk of stock prices and improving the performance of the capital market. Meanwhile, it contributes to theoretical research on the impact of digital transformation on microeconomic entities and provides practical knowledge and evidence for enterprises to accelerate digital transformation.
Effectiveness of deep learning in early‐stage oral cancer detections and classification using histogram of oriented gradients
Authors: Dutta Chiranjit , Sandhya Prasad , Vidhya Kandasamy , Rajalakshmi Ramanathan , Ramya Devasahayam , Madhubabu Kotakonda
Published: August 2023

Early detection of oral cancer (OC) improves survival prospects. Artificial intelligence (AI) is gaining popularity in diagnostic medicine. Oral cancer is a primary global health concern, accounting for 177,384 deaths in 2018; most cases occur in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Automated disease identification in the oral cavity may be facilitated by the ability to identify both possibly and definite malignant lesions. This study aimed to examine the evidence currently available on the effectiveness of AI in diagnosing OC. They highlighted the ability of AI to analyse and identify the early stages of OC. Furthermore, radial basis function networks (RBFN) were employed to develop automated systems to generate intricate patterns for this challenging operation. The stochastic gradient descent algorithm (SGDA) selected the model parameters that best matched the predicted and observed results. It can be used. The initial data was collected for this study to evaluate. Two deep learning‐based computer vision algorithms have been developed to recognize and categorize oral lesions, which is necessary for the early detection of oral cancer. Several examples of HoG include the Canny edge detector, SIFT (scale invariant and feature transform), and SIFT (scale invariant and feature transform). In computer vision and image processing, it is used to find objects. We investigated the potential uses of deep learning‐based computer vision techniques in oral cancer and the viability of an automated system for OC recognition based on photographic images. That made calculations to determine the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and receiver operating characteristic curve areas across all validation datasets, including internal, external, and clinical validation (AUC). The RBFN‐SDC model outperformed all others. For 1000 data points, the accuracy of the RBFN‐SDC model is 99.99%, while the accuracy of the R‐CNN, CNN, DCNN, and SVM models is 91.54%, 90.14%, 93.89%, and 94.87%, respectively.
Understanding the effect of nano‐zirconia on the compressive fatigue performance of cementitious composites
Authors: Li Linwei , Wang Xinyue , Qiu Liangsheng , Aslani Farhad , Han Baoguo
Published: August 2023

The fatigue performance of cementitious composites that affects the service life of structures is particularly sensitive to the initial defects in cementitious matrix and interfacial transition zone. Nano‐ZrO2 (NZ), characterized by high strength and toughness as well as good dispersibility, can improve the compactness of cementitious composites. This paper investigated the modifying effect and mechanisms of NZ on the compressive fatigue performance of cementitious composites, including fatigue life, strength, and deformation behaviors. The experimental results show that adding NZ extends the fatigue life of cementitious composites by an order of magnitude and increases the fatigue failure strain by 11.9%. The microstructural analysis verifies that NZ can deflect the fatigue micro‐cracks, fill the micro‐pores and reduce the growth space of CH crystal size. The modified microstructures potentially lead to fatigue of cementitious composites starting from generating more nano‐cracks in both cementitious matrix and interfacial transition zone, thereby improving the fatigue performance of the composites.
Creating a new pathway for change in the military using gender as process
Authors: Williams Jessica , Yates Sophie , Connor James
Published: August 2023

Militaries have consistently struggled to integrate women into the profession of arms despite concerted, decades‐long attempts at reform. We argue that this patchy progress is due in part to a conceptualization of gender as “category”, which has limited power to explain gendered inequalities. We propose that gender as process approaches must also be used to understand the current state of gender relations within militaries. A gender as process approach recognizes the dynamic, enduring, and complex set of gendered practices and systems that affect everyday interactions and social relations. Using this frame, militaries can develop an understanding of how these processes operate—particularly, as a form of resistance to gender equality in these “extremely gendered organizations”—and can develop improved strategies for change. We use the Australian Defence Force as our case study to illustrate how gender as category approaches dominate reform attempts and how the gender as process approach offers new insights on how to promote gender equality in the military.
Anticholinergic medications associated with falls and frailty in people with HIV
Authors: Doctor Jessica , Winston Alan , Vera Jaime H. , Post Frank A. , Boffito Marta , Mallon Patrick W. G. , Anderson Jane , Prechtl Christina , Williams Ian , Johnson Margaret , Bagkeris Emmanouil , Sachikonye Memory , Sabin Caroline A. ,   for the POPPY Study
Published: August 2023

Background

Anticholinergic medications (ACMs) are associated with poorer age‐related outcomes, including falls and frailty. We investigate associations between ACM use and recurrent falls and frailty among older (aged ≥50 years) people with HIV in the POPPY study.

Methods

Anticholinergic potential of co‐medications at study entry was coded using the anticholinergic burden score, anticholinergic risk score, and Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network score; drugs scoring ≥1 on any scale were defined as ACM. Associations with recurrent falls (two or more falls in the previous 28 days) and frailty (modified Fried's) were assessed using logistic regression adjusting for (1) possible demographic/lifestyle confounders and (2) clinical factors and depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire‐9).

Results

ACM use was reported by 193 (28%) of 699 participants, with 64 (9%) receiving two or more ACM; commonly prescribed ACMs were codeine (12%), citalopram (12%), loperamide (9%), and amitriptyline (7%). Falls were reported in 63/673 (9%), and 126/609 (21%) met the frailty criteria. Both recurrent falls and frailty were more common in ACM users than in non‐users (recurrent falls: 17% in users vs. 6% in non‐users, p < 0.001; frailty: 32% vs. 17%, respectively, p < 0.001). Use of two or more ACMs was associated with increased odds of falls after adjustment for demographic/lifestyle factors (odds ratio [OR] 4.53; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.06–9.98) and for clinical factors (OR 3.58; 95% CI 1.37–9.38). Similar albeit weaker associations were seen with frailty (OR 2.26; 95% CI 1.09–4.70 and OR 2.12; 95% CI 0.89–5.0, respectively).

Conclusions

ACM are commonly prescribed for people living with HIV, and evidence exists for an association with recurrent falls and frailty. Clinicians should be alert to this and reduce ACM exposure where possible.
Experimental study on the effect of ceramic properties on failure behavior of composite armor
Authors: Wang Xiaodong , Han Zhiyun , Yu Yilei , Jiang Zhaoxiu , Gao Guangfa
Published: August 2023

Several commonly used ceramics in ballistic protection were compared in terms of ballistic resistance and failure behavior, including alumina (Al2O3), silicon carbide (SiC), boron carbide (B4C), and silicon nitride (Si3N4). Hybrid ceramic ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene composite armors were impacted by 12.7 mm armor‐piercing incendiary projectiles, with a velocity of around 490 m/s. Moreover, there was a layer of aramid fabric composite covering on the impacted side of the ceramic plate. These composite armors were paneled with four different types of ceramics as faceplates and had the same sizes. The ballistic test results show that B4C ceramic provides the worst protection performance, and SiC provides the best protection performance. The angles of ceramic cones formed by different ceramic plates under the same impact load are different, SiC is the widest and Al2O3 is the narrowest. Numerical simulation shows that several ceramic composite targets have the same resistance to the projectile at the pit stage. The fragment mass was quantified by using the screening method, and the results show that the Schumann distribution is more consistent with the experimental results.
Effects of graphene pull‐out on the interfacial mechanical properties of alumina/graphene nanocomposite ceramic tool materials: Molecular dynamics analysis and material preparation
Authors: Lu Peishuai , Chen Hui , Zhang Jingjie , Xiao Guangchun , Yi Mingdong , Chen Zhaoqiang , Xu Chonghai
Published: August 2023

The interfacial mechanical properties of the alumina/graphene (Al2O3/GR) nanocomposite ceramic tool materials were studied by molecular dynamic simulations. The effects of pull‐out velocity of graphene, system temperature, vacancy defect, and wrinkled graphene on the interfacial mechanical properties were investigated. Results show that a large interfacial shear stress (382 MPa) exists between the Al2O3/GR interface. The maximum pull‐out force and interfacial shear stress increase with increasing graphene pull‐out velocity. The increase of temperature reduces the maximum pull‐out force and interfacial shear stress. Moreover, the load transfer capacity is reduced and the creep of the matrix occurs. These factors reduce the fracture toughness of the Al2O3/GR nanocomposites. A moderate amount of vacancy defects in graphene increases the interfacial pull‐out force and shear stress of Al2O3/GR nanocomposite ceramic tool. Compared with Al2O3/GR nanocomposite ceramic tools, the interfacial interaction energy and shear stress of pleated graphene and Al2O3 were increased by 13.87% and 41.08% respectively, with better toughening and reinforcement. The results are of significance in further understanding of the interfacial mechanical properties at the nanoscale and then beneficial to improve the mechanical properties and engineering performance of Al2O3/GR composite ceramic materials.
Facile preparation of In2O3–In2S3 core–shell composites for the enhanced photoelectric activity
Authors: Sun Zhao‐Wei , Shih Li‐An , Tseng Wenjea J.
Published: August 2023

This study examines In2S3 concentration to the photo‐induced current density of particulate In2O3–In2S3 composite heterostructures under visible light irradiation. A self‐templated approach involving hydrothermal sulfidation of In2O3 nanofibers with thioacetamide (TAA) in water produces the In2O3–In2S3 core–shell structure at a moderate temperature. The In2S3 fraction is readily tunable by adjusting the TAA concentration. Incorporating In2S3 (45–82 wt.%) leads to a decreased bandgap from 3.1 to ca. 2.3 eV, enabling the harvest of partial visible‐light energy to create charged carriers efficiently. The photocurrent is particularly pronounced when the In2O3–In2S3 composites consist of 45 wt.% In2S3, to which the photocurrent intensity is more significant than 0.1 mA⋅cm−2 at 0.8 V in 0.1 M Na2SO4 solution compared to less than 0.01 mA⋅cm−2 for the rest of the In2O3–In2S3 counterparts. This is attributable to the enhanced electron–hole separation at the semiconducting heterojunction and the more efficient use of the light spectrum due to the narrowing bandgap.
Victim of Its Own Success (?) – The European Union's Anti‐corruption Policy Advice in Ukraine Between Grand Visions and (Geo)political Realities
Authors: Richter Michael Martin
Published: August 2023

The European Union's (EU) external governance enjoys significant attention in the literature. Yet its outcomes are usually assessed with reference to strategic documents or scholars' self‐designed criteria. This article contributes to the ongoing debate with a discourse analysis focusing on the perceptions of anti‐corruption reform outcomes in Ukraine by actors on different levels in the EU. Simultaneously, structural factors are incorporated into the analysis. It demonstrates that although constant progress is officially proclaimed by the EU, even technical advisers disagree on how success in this crucial domain is understood and how to measure it. High‐level representatives face a balancing act between conditionality demands, sovereignty limitations and geopolitical considerations. This explains the official signalling by the EU and the development of its rule‐of‐law reform conditionality. The outcome is a potential state of moral hazard and raise the question whether EU external governance has not become a victim of its ‘own success’.
Racial discrimination and romantic relationship dynamics among Black Americans: A systematic review
Authors: Rice TeKisha M. , Jenkins August I. C. , Smith Shardé McNeil , Alexander Chelsea , McGregor Casey M.
Published: August 2023

Despite increasing research, the links between racial discrimination and Black Americans' romantic relationship dynamics remain unclear. Guided by models of mundane extreme environmental stress (Peters & Massey, 1983), sociocultural family stress (McNeil Smith & Landor, 2018), and Black marital outcomes (Bryant et al., 2010), we conducted a systematic review of the literature examining racial discrimination and relationship dynamics among Black Americans in same‐race and interracial romantic relationships. Synthesizing findings from 32 published empirical articles, we find support for manifestations of each component of MEES in Black intimate life. We uncover evidence that racial discrimination is associated with compromised relationship functioning for Black Americans. Several psychosocial resources were also identified as either buffering these associations or posing drawbacks/limitations for Black Americans. We discuss notable gaps in the literature and directions for future research including intersectional investigations, broader examination of the MEES context, and de‐centering whiteness among studies of interracial relationship dynamics.
The effect of heat‐killed Lactobacillus brevis SBL88 on improving selective hepatic insulin resistance in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease mice without altering the gut microbiota
Authors: Hayashi Hidemi , Sawada Koji , Tanaka Hiroki , Muro Kazuki , Hasebe Takumu , Nakajima Shunsuke , Okumura Toshikatsu , Fujiya Mikihiro
Published: August 2023

Background and Aim

There have been several reports that some probiotics improve non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); however, many studies have involved cocktail therapies. We evaluated whether heat‐killed Lactobacillus brevis SBL88 (L. brevis SBL88) monotherapy improves the clinical features of NAFLD.

Methods

The NAFLD model was induced in mice fed a high‐fat diet (HFD) (HFD mice) or HFD + 1% heat‐killed L. brevis SBL88 (SBL mice) for 16 weeks. Histopathological liver findings were analyzed. To evaluate the gut microbiota, a modified terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the feces was performed. RNA sequencing in the liver was performed with Ion Proton™. To investigate the direct effects of heat‐killed L. brevis SBL88, an in vitro study was performed.

Results

Histopathological findings revealed that fat droplets in the liver were significantly reduced in SBL mice; however, terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism did not show alterations in the gut microbiota between HFD mice and SBL mice. RNA sequencing and pathway analysis revealed that the regulation of lipid and insulin metabolism was affected. The mRNA expression of insulin receptor substrate 2 (IRS‐2) was significantly higher in SBL mice, whereas the expression of IRS‐1 was not significantly different. Phospho‐IRS‐2 expression was also significantly increased in SBL mice. In addition, an in vitro study revealed significant alterations in IRS‐2 and forkhead box protein O1 expression levels.

Conclusion

SBL mice exhibited partially improved selective hepatic insulin resistance. Our data suggest that heat‐killed L. brevis SBL88 could attenuate the clinical features of NAFLD that are not mediated by alterations in the gut microbiota.
Effect of white pepper addition on the sensory perception of sodium‐reduced soup with an emphasis on saltiness perception
Authors: Moss Rachael , LeBlanc Jeanne , Ritchie Christopher , Gorman Mackenzie , Ettinger Laurel , McSweeney Matthew B.
Published: August 2023

Chemical irritants, like piperine in pepper, have been identified to have cross‐modal interactions, including increasing the perception of saltiness. Processed foods have used cross‐modal interactions (e.g., odor and taste) to improve acceptability of salt‐reduced foods. Cross‐modal interactions between piperine and taste could be applied to increase consumer perception of saltiness in low‐sodium food products. As such the objective of this study was to determine how the addition of white pepper to low‐sodium soup affects its' sensory perception. First, the aroma detection threshold (n = 60) of white pepper was determined. Then white pepper (at detection threshold) was added to a low‐sodium soup and evaluated using hedonic scales, general labeled magnitude scale for saltiness, check‐all‐that‐apply (CATA), and temporal check‐all‐that‐apply (TCATA; n = 76). The results indicated that the saltiness intensity increased with the addition of white pepper based on the results of the general labeled magnitude scale; however, this result was not confirmed using CATA or TCATA. Rather peppery, bitterness, sourness, and strong aftertaste attributes dominated the participants' perception of the soup. The addition of white pepper also decreased the participants' overall liking of the soup as well as their liking of the flavor and texture. Future research should continue to investigate the cross‐modal interactions of white pepper.

Practical Application

The food industry is acting in response to consumer concerns by reducing the salt content in their foods. Despite being a positive initiative for human health, a reduction in the salt content of foods can yield a reduction in sensory appeal and flavor intensity. This study investigated the use of white pepper to increase the saltiness perception of low‐sodium soup. The results indicated that white pepper added bitterness and strong aftertaste to the soup while simultaneously suppressing other flavors. This study also found that white pepper decreased the acceptability of the soup and indicated that white pepper may not be an ingredient that can mitigate the reduction in salt in food products.
Time‐intensity data analysis in terms of R‐index measures transformed from menopause rating scale data collected in a longitudinal menopause tablet perceptual efficacy study
Authors: Kuesten Carla , Bi Jian , Zanetti Holiday Durham , Dang Jennifer
Published: August 2023

A 12‐week longitudinal study with 247 US menopausal women was undertaken to investigate the perceptual efficacy of a tablet formulated with an extract of Siberian rhubarb to provide relief from menopausal symptoms. The 5‐point menopause rating scale (MRS) (0 = none; 1 = mild; 2 = moderate; 3 = severe; 4 = extremely severe) was used to measure symptom intensity. The MRS scale, an ordinal categorical scale, was transformed into an R‐index, a ratio scale, using the frequencies of the MRS categories. Symptom relief was compared to an initial week baseline measure; defined as R‐index = 0.5. An index, A.RDEX, which is based on area under the R‐index curve (AUC) in the range of 0–84 days was used to measure percentage efficacy of symptom relief. Results show that symptom relief occurs through the first 17 days in terms of R‐index = 0.64 for the total score and improves with continued use, reaching an A.RDEX = 0.42 by 84 days, suggesting about 42% relief considering all 11 MRS attributes.

Practical Applications

MRS ratings data can be transformed into an R‐index using MRS category frequencies at an initial week and a subsequent week. Functional data analysis for R‐index values provides an advanced statistical model for analysis of perceptual differences throughout longitudinal studies that can examine MRS attribute effects over time. R codes are developed and provided in the paper to transform MRS data into R‐index measures and to conduct functional data analysis for R‐index measures obtained from different time points (weeks or days).
Male and Female Laboratory Rats Equally Acquire Running‐Based Flavor‐Aversion Learning1
Authors: Nakajima Sadahiko , Li Mengwei
Published: August 2023

Laboratory rats can be conditioned to shy away from a flavored substance consumed immediately before running in activity wheels, suggesting flavor‐aversion learning. We examined whether the factor of sex impacted running‐based flavor‐aversion learning. A differential conditioning procedure was employed in Experiment 1: The measure of learning was the degree of differentiation in the intake of a target flavor solution paired with running and an unpaired non‐target flavor solution. Flavor‐aversion learning was observed as a gradual decrease in the intake of the target solution, which was absent in that of the non‐target solution. Although females ran more than twice as fast as males, the degree of differential conditioning was similar for males and females. This was the case not only for absolute intake but also for intake per body weight and change from the initial intake (percentage decrease). The null effect of sex was replicated in Experiment 2, which employed a simple conditioning procedure. These results suggest that rats’ running‐based flavor‐aversion learning is a robust phenomenon, despite the subjects being male or female.
Hidden functional complexity in the flora of an early land ecosystem
Authors: D'Ario Marco , Lane Brendan , Fioratti Junod Marco , Leslie Andrew , Mosca Gabriella , Smith Richard S.
Published: August 2023

The first land ecosystems were composed of organisms considered simple in nature, yet the morphological diversity of their flora was extraordinary. The biological significance of this diversity remains a mystery largely due to the absence of feasible study approaches.

To study the functional biology of Early Devonian flora, we have reconstructed extinct plants from fossilised remains in silico. We explored the morphological diversity of sporangia in relation to their mechanical properties using finite element method. Our approach highlights the impact of sporangia morphology on spore dispersal and adaptation.

We discovered previously unidentified innovations among early land plants, discussing how different species might have opted for different spore dispersal strategies. We present examples of convergent evolution for turgor pressure resistance, achieved by homogenisation of stress in spherical sporangia and by torquing force in Tortilicaulis‐like specimens. In addition, we show a potential mechanism for stress‐assisted sporangium rupture. Our study reveals the deceptive complexity of this seemingly simple group of organisms.

We leveraged the quantitative nature of our approach and constructed a fitness landscape to understand the different ecological niches present in the Early Devonian Welsh Borderland flora. By connecting morphology to functional biology, these findings facilitate a deeper understanding of the diversity of early land plants and their place within their ecosystem.
Estimating the health burden of foodborne gastroenteritis caused by non‐typhoidal Salmonella enterica and Vibrio parahaemolyticus in Zhejiang province, China
Authors: Chen Jiang , Alifu Xialidan , Qi Xiaojuan , Zhang Ronghua , Chen Lili , Wang Jikai , Yu Yunxian
Published: August 2023

As acute gastrointestinal (AGI) disease patients only sometimes seek medical care or submit stool samples for testing, and laboratories cannot detect or identify the pathogen, most cases of foodborne gastroenteritis still need to be identified through public health monitoring. We conducted a population survey and sentinel hospital surveillance to determine the burden of foodborne gastroenteritis caused by non‐typhoidal Salmonella enterica (NTS) and Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection, from July 2018 to June 2019 in Zhejiang province, China, and a model for calculating disease burden established. Using the burden of illness pyramid model, we estimated that there were 140.3 cases of NTS infection and 136.2 cases of V. parahaemolyticus infection. We estimated annual incidence per 100,000 population in Zhejiang province as 236 (95% confidence interval [CI] 208–267) and 206 (95% CI 155–232) cases for foodborne NTS and V. parahaemolyticus gastroenteritis, respectively. The results show that AGI caused by these two pathogens constitutes a substantial burden in the Zhejiang population. The health burden of AGI estimations caused by NTS and V. parahaemolyticus in this study can serve as a strategic framework to direct policy and intervention.
Welfare conditionality and policy contingencies of school‐allowance retractions in Sweden
Authors: Sandberg Johan , Fredholm Axel
Published: August 2023

The article analyses policy contingencies and welfare conditionality of school allowances in Swedish upper‐secondary education. In contrast to most countries' use of positive incentives toward school attendance through added cash‐benefits for targeted students, Sweden employs sanctions on a universal study allowance that in essence constitutes an age‐extension of the universal child benefit. We analyse register data from 2012 to 2018 and find significant discrepancies in required school‐reporting when controlling for school populations and key official school‐parameters. These results indicate that negative conditioning through sanctions constitutes an often‐forfeited measure against the rather complex interplay of factors driving truancy, while enforcement of conditionality seems largely contingent upon schools' different reporting strategies and processes. We identify a set of veto points whereby school officials may opt not to enforce conditionality, and further problematize additional findings that the overwhelming majority of students with retracted allowances fail to return to school and complete their educational cycles on time. Our findings contribute to ongoing research on welfare conditionality, hitherto largely dominated by studies on labour market activation policies and social services.
Combining ground penetrating radar methodologies enables large‐scale mapping of soil horizon thickness and bulk density in boreal forests
Authors: Gates Zachary W. , Galagedara Lakshman W. , Ziegler Susan E.
Published: August 2023

Forest soil properties must be observed with the appropriate resolution by depth and landscape area to understand biogeomorphological controls on soil carbon (C). These observations, particularly in boreal forests, have been limited because of the poor resolution and unavailability of physical soil sampling results, especially for soil bulk density measurements. Ground penetrating radar (GPR) has been demonstrated to non‐destructively and continuously estimate forest soil properties required in Cstock estimates, such as soil horizon thickness and soil bulk density, across small spatial scales and shallow depths. Yet, successful small‐scale forest GPR approaches represent a potential opportunity to obtain soil property estimates at relevant resolution and depth across forest landscapes, enabling improvement to much needed soil mapping and stock estimates. This review discusses the existing soil property studies that utilize ground penetrating radar (GPR) and explores how the adaptation of GPR methodology can contribute to investigating soils in forest landscapes. We have identified common GPR surveying practices, data processing steps and interpretation methods employed in multiple studies. These approaches have proven effective in obtaining higher‐resolution estimates of important soil properties, such as bulk density and horizon thickness, within small‐scale forest plots. By applying relevant findings in this review to our own boreal forest investigation across an 80 m hillslope transect, we provide recommendations on how to tailor GPR methodology for landscape‐scale estimates of soil horizon thickness and bulk density to examine forest soil property distribution. These findings should enable the future collection of soil datasets informing the distribution of soil C stocks and their relationship to landscape features, and thus their controls and responses to climate and environmental change.