bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A missense mutation in the proprotein convertase gene furinb causes hepatic cystogenesis during liver development in zebrafish
Authors: Ellis Jillian L. , Evason Kimberley J. , Zhang Changwen , Fourman Makenzie N. , Liu Jiandong , Ninov Nikolay , Delous Marion , Vanhollebeke Benoit , Fiddes Ian , Otis Jessica P. , Houvras Yariv , Farber Steven A. , Xu Xiaolei , Lin Xueying , Stainier Didier Y. R. , Yin Chunyue
Published: August 2022

Hepatic cysts are fluid‐filled lesions in the liver that are estimated to occur in 5% of the population. They may cause hepatomegaly and abdominal pain. Progression to secondary fibrosis, cirrhosis, or cholangiocarcinoma can lead to morbidity and mortality. Previous studies of patients and rodent models have associated hepatic cyst formation with increased proliferation and fluid secretion in cholangiocytes, which are partially due to impaired primary cilia. Congenital hepatic cysts are thought to originate from faulty bile duct development, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. In a forward genetic screen, we identified a zebrafish mutant that developed hepatic cysts during larval stages. The cyst formation was not due to changes in biliary cell proliferation, bile secretion, or impairment of primary cilia. Instead, time‐lapse live imaging data showed that the mutant biliary cells failed to form interconnecting bile ducts because of defects in motility and protrusive activity. Accordingly, immunostaining revealed a disorganized actin and microtubule cytoskeleton in the mutant biliary cells. By whole‐genome sequencing, we determined that the cystic phenotype in the mutant was caused by a missense mutation in the furinb gene, which encodes a proprotein convertase. The mutation altered Furinb localization and caused endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. The cystic phenotype could be suppressed by treatment with the ER stress inhibitor 4‐phenylbutyric acid and exacerbated by treatment with the ER stress inducer tunicamycin. The mutant liver also exhibited increased mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling. Treatment with mTOR inhibitors halted cyst formation at least partially through reducing ER stress. Conclusion: Our study has established a vertebrate model for studying hepatic cystogenesis and illustrated the contribution of ER stress in the disease pathogenesis.
The retrosplenial cortex of Carollia perspicillata, Seba's short‐tailed fruit bat
Authors: Morello Timothy , Kollmar Richard , Stewart Mark , Orman Rena
Published: August 2022

Retrosplenial cortex (RSC) is a brain region involved in critical cognitive functions including memory, planning, and spatial navigation and is commonly affected in neurodegenerative diseases. Subregions of RSC are typically described as Brodmann areas 29 and 30, which are defined by cytoarchitectural features. Using immunofluorescence, we studied the distributions of neurons immunoreactive for NeuN, latexin, and calcium binding proteins (calbindin, calretinin, and parvalbumin) in RSC of Carollia perspicillata, Seba's short‐tailed fruit bat. We observed that latexin was specifically present in areas 29a and 29b but not 29c and 30. We further identified distribution patterns of calcium binding proteins that group areas 29a and 29b separately from areas 29c and 30. We conclude first that latexin is a useful marker to classify subregions of RSC and second that these subregions contain distinct patterns of neuronal immunoreactivity for calcium binding proteins. Given the long lifespan of Carollia, bat RSC may be a useful model in studying age‐related neurodegeneration.
Squeeze and multi‐context attention for polyp segmentation
Authors: Bhattacharya Debayan , Eggert Dennis , Betz Christian , Schlaefer Alexander
Published: August 2022

Artificial Intelligence‐based Computer Aided Diagnostics (AI‐CADx) have been proposed to help physicians in reducing misdetection of polyps in colonoscopy examination. The heterogeneity of a polyp's appearance makes detection challenging for physicians and AI‐CADx. Towards building better AI‐CADx, we propose an attention module called Squeeze and Multi‐Context Attention (SMCA) that re‐calibrates a feature map by providing channel and spatial attention by taking into consideration highly activated features and context of the features at multiple receptive fields simultaneously. We test the effectiveness of SMCA by incorporating it into the encoder of five popular segmentation models. We use five public datasets and construct intra‐dataset and inter‐dataset test sets to evaluate the generalizing capability of models with SMCA. Our intra‐dataset evaluation shows that U‐Net with SMCA and without SMCA has a precision of 0.86 ± 0.01 and 0.76 ± 0.02 respectively on CVC‐ClinicDB. Our inter‐dataset evaluation reveals that U‐Net with SMCA and without SMCA has a precision of 0.62 ± 0.01 and 0.55 ± 0.09 respectively when trained on Kvasir‐SEG and tested on CVC‐ColonDB. Similar results are observed using other segmentation models and other public datasets. In conclusion, we demonstrate that incorporating SMCA into the segmentation models leads to an increase in generalizing capability of the segmentation models.
Bayesian estimation of multivariate panel probits with higher‐order network interdependence and an application to firms' global market participation in Guangdong
Authors: Baltagi Badi H. , Egger Peter H. , Kesina Michaela
Published: August 2022

This paper proposes a Bayesian estimation framework for panel data sets with binary dependent variables where a large number of cross‐sectional units are observed over a short period of time and cross‐sectional units are interdependent in more than a single network domain. The latter provides for a substantial degree of flexibility towards modeling the decay function in network neighborliness (e.g., by disentangling the importance of rings of neighbors) or towards allowing for several channels of interdependence whose relative importance is unknown ex ante. Besides the flexible parameterization of cross‐sectional dependence, the approach allows for simultaneity of the equations. These features should make the approach interesting for applications in a host of contexts involving structural and reduced‐form models of multivariate choice problems at micro‐, meso‐, and macro‐economic levels. The paper outlines the estimation approach, illustrates its suitability by simulation examples, and provides an application to study exporting and foreign ownership among potentially interdependent firms in the specialized and transport machinery sector in the province of Guangdong.
In vitro cytocompatibility and antibacterial studies on biodegradable Zn alloys supplemented by a critical assessment of direct contact cytotoxicity assay
Authors: Wątroba Maria , Bednarczyk Wiktor , Szewczyk Piotr K. , Kawałko Jakub , Mech Krzysztof , Grünewald Alina , Unalan Irem , Taccardi Nicola , Boelter Gabriela , Banzhaf Manuel , Hain Caroline , Bała Piotr , Boccaccini Aldo R.
Published: August 2022

In vitro cytotoxicity assessment is indispensable in developing new biodegradable implant materials. Zn, which demonstrates an ideal corrosion rate between Mg‐ and Fe‐based alloys, has been reported to have excellent in vivo biocompatibility. Therefore, modifications aimed at improving Zn's mechanical properties should not degrade its biological response. As sufficient strength, ductility and corrosion behavior required of load‐bearing implants has been obtained in plastically deformed Zn‐3Ag‐0.5Mg, the effect of simultaneous Ag and Mg additions on in vitro cytocompatibility and antibacterial properties was studied, in relation to Zn and Zn‐3Ag. Direct cell culture on samples and indirect extract‐based tests showed almost no significant differences between the tested Zn‐based materials. The diluted extracts of Zn, Zn‐3Ag, and Zn‐3Ag‐0.5Mg showed no cytotoxicity toward MG‐63 cells at a concentration of ≤12.5%. The cytotoxic effect was observed only at high Zn2+ ion concentrations and when in direct contact with metallic samples. The highest LD50 (lethal dose killing 50% of cells) of 13.4 mg/L of Zn2+ ions were determined for the Zn‐3Ag‐0.5Mg. Similar antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was observed for Zn and Zn alloys, so the effect is attributed mainly to the released Zn2+ ions exhibiting bactericidal properties. Most importantly, our experiments indicated the limitations of water‐soluble tetrazolium salt‐based cytotoxicity assays for direct tests on Zn‐based materials. The discrepancies between the WST‐8 assay and SEM observations are attributed to the interference of Zn2+ ions with tetrazolium salt, therefore favoring its transformation into formazan, giving false cell viability quantitative results.
Determination of gastric atrophy with artificial intelligence compared to the assessments of the modified Kyoto and OLGA classifications
Authors: Kodaka Yasuhiro , Futagami Seiji , Watanabe Yoshiyuki , Shichijo Satoki , Uedo Noriya , Aono Hiroyuki , Kirita Kumiko , Kato Yusuke , Ueki Nobue , Agawa Shuhei , Yamawaki Hiroshi , Iwakiri Katsuhiko , Tada Tomohiro
Published: August 2022

Background and Aim

Gastric atrophy is a precancerous lesion. We aimed to clarify whether gastric atrophy determined by artificial intelligence (AI) correlates with the diagnosis made by expert endoscopists using several endoscopic classifications, the Operative Link on Gastritis Assessment (OLGA) classification based on histological findings, and genotypes associated with gastric atrophy and cancer.

Methods

Two hundred seventy Helicobacter pylori‐positive outpatients were enrolled. All patients' endoscopy data were retrospectively evaluated based on the Kimura‐Takemoto, modified Kyoto, and OLGA classifications. The AI‐trained neural network generated a continuous number between 0 and 1 for gastric atrophy. Nucleotide variance of some candidate genes was confirmed or selectively assessed for a variety of genotypes, including the COX‐21195, IL‐1β 511, and mPGES‐1 genotypes.

Results

There were significant correlations between determinations of gastric atrophy by AI and by expert endoscopists using not only the Kimura‐Takemoto classification (P < 0.001), but also the modified Kyoto classification (P = 0.046 and P < 0.001 for the two criteria). Moreover, there was a significant correlation with the OLGA classification (P = 0.009). Nucleotide variance of the COX‐2, IL‐1β, and mPGES‐1genes was not significantly associated with gastric atrophy determined by AI. The area under the curve values of the combinations of AI and the modified Kyoto classification (0.746) and AI and the OLGA classification (0.675) were higher than in AI alone (0.665).

Conclusion

Combinations of AI and the modified Kyoto classification or of AI and the OLGA classification could be useful tools for evaluating gastric atrophy in patients with H. pylori infection as the risk of gastric cancer.
Enhancing Creativity With Combined Transcranial Direct Current and Random Noise Stimulation of the Left Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex and Inferior Frontal Gyrus
Authors: Peña Javier , Muthalib Makii , Sampedro Agurne , Cardoso‐Botelho Mafalda , Zabala Oihana , Ibarretxe‐Bilbao Naroa , García‐Guerrero Acebo , Zubiaurre‐Elorza Leire , Ojeda Natalia
Published: August 2022

Creativity is a fundamental human accomplishment from scientific advances to composing music. The left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) are important metacontrol hubs in flexibility and persistence brain states, respectively. Those hubs are related to divergent thinking, insight problem‐solving, and convergent thinking. In this double‐blind, between‐subjects study, 81 healthy participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups (n = 27) that received a combined transcranial direct current stimulation–transcranial random noise stimulation (tDCS‐tRNS) protocol with the anode over the left DLPFC and cathode over the left IFG (+DLPFC−IFG), the opposite montage (−DLPFC+IFG), and a sham group (+DLPFC−IFG). Both active tDCS‐tRNS groups received 20 min of 1 mA tDCS with 1 mA (100–500 Hz) tRNS. Creativity was assessed before (baseline) and during stimulation with the Unusual Uses, Picture Completion (PC), Remote Association test (RAT), Matchstick Arithmetic (MA), and Nine‐dot (ND) problems. Only the +DLPFC−IFG group had significantly higher scores compared with sham in the RAT (p = .009), PC fluency (p = .018), PC originality (p = .007), ND (p = .007), and MA (p = .032). Overall, −DLPFC+IFG had greater scores in all creativity tests compared with sham. Implications from the metacontrol theory are discussed.
Compensation Rates for Pediatric Otolaryngology Procedures Under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule in 2021
Authors: Miller Ashley L. , Rathi Vinay K. , Rutter Michael J.
Published: August 2022

Introduction

The Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) is the basis for physician reimbursement by public and private payers. The PFS values physician services according to the estimated time and intensity required to perform them; intensity reflects the summation of technical skill, cognitive load, and risk‐related stress. The fee schedule uses relative value units (RVUs) as a metric that permits comparison across procedures. Recent debate has focused on whether the methods by which the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) estimate procedural intensity are valid. We therefore sought to investigate current CMS estimates of intensity (RVUs/min) for surgical procedures performed by pediatric otolaryngologists.

Methods

We performed a retrospective, cross‐sectional analysis of fiscal year 2021 PFS valuations for pediatric otolaryngology key indicator procedures specified by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. We additionally examined general otolaryngology procedures, including adenotonsillectomy and tympanostomy tube insertion. We utilized the 2021 Medicare PFS conversion factor of $34.89/RVU to convert intensity (wRVUs/min) to a compensation rate ($/min). Primary outcomes were: (1) total compensation rate and (2) intraservice (i.e., incision‐to‐closure) compensation rate for each studied procedure.

Results

Our study sample included 167 unique procedures. The mean (standard deviation) total compensation rate for all included procedures was $1.35/min ($0.29/min) and the mean intraservice rate was $1.71/min ($0.89/min). Intraservice compensation rates ranged from $‐1.50/min (drainage of throat abscess) to $4.75/min (pediatric tracheostomy).

Discussion

Total and intraservice compensation rates under the Medicare PFS vary widely for surgical procedures performed by pediatric otolaryngologists. Further investigation is necessary to examine the validity of assumptions underlying these procedural intensity valuations.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 133:1739–1744, 2023
E‐retailer's dynamic inventory and pricing policy with price‐protection services
Authors: Zhao Ling , Zou Anquan , Zhou Pin
Published: August 2022

This paper investigates a coordinated inventory and pricing problem with the e‐retailer's price‐protection service over multiple periods. By solving a stochastic dynamic programming in the two‐dimensional state space, the optimal policy is fully characterized. Specifically, the inventory policy is a previous price‐dependent base‐stock policy. The pricing policy: as the previous price increases, the optimal current price stays unchanged first, then increases, and finally decreases. Numerical results indicate that with the impact of the price‐protection service increasing, the base‐stock level and current price rise under some conditions. Moreover, the price‐protection service benefits the e‐retailer when its impact is large enough.
Evaluation of neuroprotective agents acting via the BDNF–TrkB pathway using AI‐enabled predictions of ligand–receptor interactions
Authors: Zhu Jing , Zou Jun , Li Fei , Gao Yuanxu , Wang Lijun , Sun Yi , Zhu Jie , Zhang Xiaomeng , Xue Kanmin , Li Gen , Cheng Nga M. , Guo Juan , Zhang Xiulan , Zhang Kang
Published: August 2022

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness globally and is associated with retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death. Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a potent neurotrophin that promotes neuronal survival via its receptor, tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) encoded by NTRK2. Our current understanding of the mechanism of action and therapeutic potential of the BDNF pathway is limited by the lack of knowledge of its interaction with TrkB at atomic resolution. We developed an artificial intelligence (AI) model to predict the three‐dimensional protein structures of BDNF and TrkB, as well as their interaction. The AI model was further applied to compare small‐molecule drugs that mimic BDNF–TrkB interaction, leading to the identification of 7,8‐dihydroxyflavone (DHF) as an agonist of TrkB. We verified the neuroprotective effects of DHF in an in vivo acute glaucoma model in which RGC apoptosis caused by acute elevation of intraocular pressure was prevented by the intraocular application of DHF and to a lesser extent by BDNF. Our results provide AI‐enabled prediction of ligand–receptor interactions between BDNF and TrkB at the atomic level and demonstrate the great potential for AI‐enabled drug discovery.
A non‐conforming finite element formulation for modeling compressible viscous fluid and flexible solid interaction
Authors: Hassanpour Guilvaiee Hamideh , Toth Florian , Kaltenbacher Manfred
Published: August 2022

In modeling fluid–solid interaction (FSI), considering the impact of fluid compressibility is necessary to describe sound propagation. Furthermore, in micro‐scale, fluid viscosity is important. We present a finite element formulation for modeling a flexible solid coupled to a compressible viscous fluid. We use the linearized Navier–Stokes equations for a Newtonian fluid and describe the linear elastic solid using the linearized balance of momentum. For coupling between fluid and solid, we develop a non‐conforming finite element formulation, and propose an estimation for the necessary penalty factor by applying a scaling approach. The formulation is validated based on several test cases for various material combinations and shows good agreement with analytical solutions. Further, Nitsche‐based and symmetrization‐free formulations are compared, and spatial convergence is studied. Finally, we present an application example of a miniature Helmholtz resonator, which depicts a notable impact of the solid interaction on the viscous flow. In sum, our study indicates the potential for widespread use of the presented numerical approach in modeling FSI in miniature systems.
Biochemical and genetic characterization of Botrytis cinerea laboratory mutants resistant to propamidine
Authors: Zhang Xuhuan , Huang Ke , Zhang Mengwei , Jiang Lin , Wang Yong , Feng Juntao , Ma Zhiqing
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND

Botrytis cinerea, the causal agent of gray mold, is one of the top 10 fungal pathogens in the world. Propamidine, an aromatic diamidine compound, exhibited both protective and therapeutic effects against B. cinerea. However, the resistance risk and mechanism of B. cinerea to propamidine are unclear.

RESULTS

Twelve high and stable resistant mutants were obtained from B. cinerea B05.10 by fungicide induction. Compared with the parental strain, the biological fitness of the mutants, including growth rate, spore germination, pathogenicity, and oxalic acid decreased significantly. There was no cross‐resistance among propamidine and other commonly used fungicides, while the efficacy of propamidine against the resistance mutants declined. In addition, the cell membrane permeability, substance metabolism, and defense enzyme activities of the resistant mutants were significantly increased compared with the wild strain. Whole‐genome sequencing of all resistant mutants found that there were 32 SNPs and nine InDels. Importantly, nine common single‐point mutant genes in the exon region were found in all 12 resistant mutants, and these genes were related to multiple pathways in vivo, indicating that many factors contributed to the formation of propamidine resistance.

CONCLUSION

These data suggested the resistance risk of B. cinerea to propamidine was low to moderate and the mechanism of propamidine was different from that of the existing fungicides. These results will increase understanding of the resistance mechanism of propamidine and provide a critical basis for the rational design of pesticide molecules based on targets. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effect of V–III Ratio‐Based Growth Mode on the Surface Morphology, Strain Relaxation, and Dislocation Density of AlN Films Grown by Metal‐Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Zhang Li , Li Junshuai , Deng Xuguang , Xu Kun , Zhou Xin , Zhang Xuan , Ma Yongjian , Yang Feng , Fan Yaming , Zhang Baoshun
Published: August 2022

Herein, regulation of the growth mode through manipulating the V–III ratio during metal‐organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) growth of AlN films on c‐plane sapphire substrates and optimization of the crystalline quality and surface morphology of AlN films are demonstrated. Based on detailed analyses of the evolution process of surface morphology, dislocation annihilation, and stress state of the AlN film during MOCVD growth, it is found that 2D rather than 3D growth mode introduces tensile stress as well as promotes edge‐type threading dislocation (ETD) propagation and crack generation, while 3D growth mode produces rough surface. These results would help to further understand the AlN growth mechanism and provide important guidance on the preparation of AlN‐related epitaxial structure.
Corporate venture capital and interfirm rivalry: A competitive dynamics perspective
Authors: Chen Tianxu , Chen Jianhong , Miller Danny , Le Breton‐Miller Isabelle , Chen Ming‐Jer
Published: August 2022

Research Summary

This study views corporate venture capital (CVC) investment as a form of inter‐firm rivalry. Adopting a competitive dynamics perspective, we argue that when a focal corporate investor invests in an entrepreneurial venture, that investment sends important competitive signals to its rivals, thereby increasing their likelihood of initiating a matching response. We theorize how three factors characterizing such investment—the amount of funding, industry relatedness between the corporate investor and the entrepreneurial venture, and the reputation of the corporate investor—can influence rivals' awareness of competitive threat, their motivation to respond, and therefore their likelihood of launching a matching counterattack. Our results demonstrate substantial support for our theoretical model.

Managerial Summary

This study views CVC investment as a form of competitive interaction, arguing that when a corporate investor participates in an investment round, it sends a competitive signal to its rival, motivating the latter to respond by also investing in CVC. Because of this counteraction, the competitive advantages of firms' CVC strategies may be temporary as rivals catch up and nullify the benefits of a CVC initiative. Thus, when planning strategy, CVC managers need to take potential rival counteractions into account and carefully assess the competitive implications of their CVC strategy, perhaps by avoiding harmful counteractions through initiatives more subtle in execution and orientation, and thus “under the radar” of rivals.
Intermetallic Copper‐Based Electride Catalyst with High Activity for C–H Oxidation and Cycloaddition of CO2 into Epoxides
Authors: Kadam Ravishankar G. , Ye Tian‐Nan , Zaoralová Dagmar , Medveď Miroslav , Sharma Priti , Lu Yangfan , Zoppellaro Giorgio , Tomanec Ondřej , Otyepka Michal , Zbořil Radek , Hosono Hideo , Gawande Manoj B.
Published: August 2022

Inorganic electrides have been proved to be efficient hosts for incorporating transition metals, which can effectively act as active sites giving an outstanding catalytic performance. Here, it is demonstrated that a reusable and recyclable (for more than 7 times) copper‐based intermetallic electride catalyst (LaCu0.67Si1.33), in which the Cu sites activated by anionic electrons with low‐work function are uniformly dispersed in the lattice framework, shows vast potential for the selective C–H oxidation of industrially important hydrocarbons and cycloaddition of CO2 with epoxide. This leads to the production of value‐added cyclic carbonates under mild reaction conditions. Importantly, the LaCu0.67Si1.33 catalyst enables much higher turnover frequencies for the C–H oxidation (up to 25 276 h–1) and cycloaddition of CO2 into epoxide (up to 800 000 h–1), thus exceeding most nonnoble as well as noble metal catalysts. Density functional theory investigations have revealed that the LaCu0.67Si1.33 catalyst is involved in the conversion of N‐hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI) into the phthalimido‐N‐oxyl (PINO), which then triggers selective abstraction of an H atom from ethylbenzene for the generation of a radical susceptible to further oxygenation in the presence of O2.
Hybrid Enzymatic/Photocatalytic Degradation of Antibiotics via Morphologically Programmable Light‐Driven ZnO Microrobots
Authors: Oral Cagatay M. , Ussia Martina , Pumera Martin
Published: August 2022

Antibiotics are antimicrobial substances that can be used for preventive and therapeutic purposes in humans and animals. Their overdose usage has led to uncontrolled release to the environment, contributing significantly to the development of antimicrobial resistance phenomena. Here, enzyme‐immobilized self‐propelled zinc oxide (ZnO) microrobots are proposed to effectively target and degrade the released antibiotics in water bodies. Specifically, the morphology of the microrobots is tailored via the incorporation of Au during the synthetic process to lead the light‐controlled motion into having on/off switching abilities. The microrobots are further modified with laccase enzyme by physical adsorption, and the immobilization process is confirmed by enzymatic activity measurements. Oxytetracycline (OTC) is used as a model of veterinary antibiotics to investigate the enzyme‐immobilized microrobots for their removal capacities. The results demonstrate that the presence of laccase on the microrobot surfaces can enhance the removal of antibiotics via oxidation. This concept for immobilizing enzymes on self‐propelled light‐driven microrobots leads to the effective removal of the released antibiotics from water bodies with an environmentally friendly strategy.
Water‐Lubricated Aluminum Vanadate for Enhanced Rechargeable Magnesium Ion Storage
Authors: Tang Han , Chao Feiyang , Chen Huibiao , Jia Runmin , Luo Hongyu , Xiong Fangyu , Yao Xuhui , Zhang Wenwei , Zuo Chunli , Wang Juan , Luo Ping , An Qinyou
Published: August 2022

Magnesium ion batteries (MIBs) have attracted much attention due to their low cost and high safety properties. However, the intense charge repulsion effect and sluggish diffusion dynamics of Mg2+ ions result in unsatisfactory electrochemical performance of conventional cathode materials in MIBs. This work reports water‐lubricated aluminum vanadate (HAlVO) as high‐performance cathode material for Mg2+ ions storage and investigates the capacity fade mechanism of water‐free aluminum vanadate (AlVO). The charge density difference based on density functional theory calculation is performed to analyze the charge transfer process of water‐lubricated/free aluminum vanadates (HAlVO/AlVO). The different charge transfer phenomena of two materials and the charge shielding effect of water molecule in HAlVO are revealed. Moreover, the single‐phase structural evolution process and the Mg2+ ions storage mechanism of HAlVO are further investigated deeply by different in situ and ex situ characterization methods. This work proves that HAlVO is a potential candidate cathode material to satisfy the high‐performance reversible Mg2+ ions storage, and the water‐lubricated method is an effective strategy to improve the electrochemical performance of vanadium oxides cathode.
Stretchable, self‐healable, and breathable biomimetic iontronics with superior humidity‐sensing performance for wireless respiration monitoring
Authors: Ding Qiongling , Wang Hao , Zhou Zijing , Wu Zixuan , Tao Kai , Gui Xuchun , Liu Chuan , Shi Wenxiong , Wu Jin
Published: August 2022

Stretchable, self‐healing, and breathable skin‐biomimetic‐sensing iontronics play an important role in human physiological signal monitoring and human–computer interaction. However, previous studies have focused on the mimicking of skin tactile sensing (pressure, strain, and temperature), and the development of more functionalities is necessary. To this end, a superior humidity‐sensitive ionic skin is developed based on a self‐healing, stretchable, breathable, and biocompatible polyvinyl alcohol–cellulose nanofibers organohydrogel film, showing a pronounced thickness‐dependent humidity‐sensing performance. The as‐prepared 62.47‐μm‐thick organohydrogel film exhibits a high response (25,000%) to 98% RH, excellent repeatability, and long‐term stability (120 days). Moreover, this ionic skin has excellent resistance to large mechanical deformation and damage, and the worn‐out material can still retain its humidity‐sensing capabilities after self‐repair. Humidity‐sensing mechanism studies show that the induced response is mainly related to the increase of proton mobility and interfacial charge transport efficiency after water adsorption. The superior humidity responsiveness is attributed to the reduced thickness and the increased specific surface area of the organohydrogel film, allowing real‐time recording of physiological signals. Notably, by combining with a self‐designed printed circuit board, a continuous and wireless respiration monitoring system is developed, presenting its great potential in wearable and biomedical electronics.
Structural and environmental performance of recycled steel fiber reinforced concrete segment under the thrust force of the tunnel boring machine jacks
Authors: Sharghi Mohammad , Afshin Hassan , Chakeri Hamid , Dias Daniel , Török Ákos
Published: August 2022

The present study evaluates the structural and environmental performance of recycled fibers as a low‐cost and eco‐friendly reinforcement of segmental tunnel lining. In this research, the defect effects in the support area are investigated using three types of scaled panel samples. In addition to the fiber‐only reinforced concrete, the performance of a new hybrid design is evaluated. The axial displacements, crack widths, crack lengths, and crack depths were monitored by displacement gauges and image processing. The experimental and numerical results show that the presence of defects, in addition to increasing at least five times the opening of the spalling crack, induces the appearance of new secondary cracks. Based on the results, it was observed that recycled fibers have a good ability to reduce the opening and growth of cracks. The hybrid reinforced design showed a significant performance compared to conventional reinforced segments, even in the most critical support conditions. According to several environmental parameters, the highest environmental compatibility in continuous support conditions is related to the fiber‐only reinforced concrete design; however, with presence of defects in the support area, the new hybrid reinforced design has shown the highest environmental compatibility in most environmental parameters. It was finally concluded that the fiber‐only reinforced concrete with recycled steel fibers and the new proposed hybrid reinforced concrete designs had high efficiencies in all cases in terms of structural, environmental, and economical performances. In addition to significantly reducing the crack openings in the hybrid reinforced design, the used rebars were reduced by about 40%.
Urban soil quality of Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India
Authors: Rajak Madhavi , Patel Khageshwar Singh , Jaiswal Nitin Kumar , Patel Raj Kishore , Bontempi Elza , Yubero Eduardo , Matini Laurent , Yurdakul Sema , Martín‐Ramos Pablo
Published: August 2022

Soil quality in urban areas in India is degraded due to multiple anthropogenic activities. The objectives of this work are to determine the concentration variations, toxicity, and sources of carbons, metals, and ions in the surface soil of Raipur, the industrialized capital city of Chhattisgarh state, India. High concentrations of Al, K, Ca, Ti, Fe, and elemental carbon (EC) were registered. Relatively lower concentrations of V, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Ba, Pb, organic carbon (OC), and carbonate carbon (CC), as well as ions (viz. F–, Cl–, NO3–, SO42–, Na+, K+, Mg2+, and Ca2+), were also recorded. EC was found to be one of the major pollutants, although enrichment factors pointed to high contamination with SO42–, K+, Mg2+, Cr, Mn, and Pb; and extreme contamination with NO3– and Ca2+. The spatial and temporal variations, enrichment factors, toxicity, and sources of the chemical species detected in the soil are discussed.
Einleitung
Authors: Röper Johann W. A.
Published: August 2022

Die hubschraubergestützte Luftrettung ist ein Bestandteil der deutschen Notfallversorgung, der sich hohen und oftmals wechselnden gesellschaftlichen Anforderungen gegenübersieht. Diese werden von verschiedensten Anspruchsgruppen gestellt, welche bei der Gestaltung der Notfallversorgung Partikularinteressen verfolgen. Sofern im Gestaltungsprozess von Luftrettungssystemen bestehende Zielkonflikte nicht aufgelöst werden können, droht das Spannungsfeld, welches aus den Partikularinteressen entsteht, zu latent ineffizienten Ressourcenallokationen zu führen.
Ergebnisse
Authors: Röper Johann W. A.
Published: August 2022

Die Ergebnisdarstellung gliedert sich entsprechend der vorgestellten Methodik, es werden Gesamt- und Durchschnittskosten sowie die Resultate der Break-Even-Analyse vorgestellt. Als strukturierendes Element werden die drei Szenarien und ihre Variationen genutzt. Für das Ausgangsszenario 1.I. werden jeweils die Ergebnisse der Sensitivitätsanalyse vorgestellt.
Functional diversity of apolipoprotein E: from subcellular localization to mitochondrial function
Authors: Rueter Johanna , Rimbach Gerald , Huebbe Patricia
Published: August 2022

Human apolipoprotein E (APOE), originally known for its role in lipid metabolism, is polymorphic with three major allele forms, namely, APOEε2, APOEε3, and APOEε4, leading to three different human APOE isoforms. The ε4 allele is a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD); therefore, the vast majority of APOE research focuses on its role in AD pathology. However, there is increasing evidence for other functions of APOE through the involvement in other biological processes such as transcriptional regulation, mitochondrial metabolism, immune response, and responsiveness to dietary factors. Therefore, the aim of this review is to provide an overview of the potential novel functions of APOE and their characterization. The detection of APOE in various cell organelles points to previously unrecognized roles in mitochondria and others, although it is actually considered a secretory protein. Furthermore, numerous interactions of APOE with other proteins have been detected, providing indications for new metabolic pathways involving APOE. The present review summarizes the current evidence on APOE beyond its original role in lipid metabolism, to change the perspective and encourage novel approaches to future research on APOE and its isoform-dependent role in the cellular metabolism.
Three-dimensional mandibular characteristics in skeletal malocclusion
Authors: Olbrisch Carolin , Santander Petra , Moser Norman , Klenke Daniela , Meyer-Marcotty Philipp , Quast Anja
Published: August 2022

Purpose

We aimed to comprehensively analyse a possible correlation between skeletal malocclusions, gender and mandibular characteristics in all three dimensions in adults and to identify mandibular characteristics that are typical for extreme skeletal patterns.

Methods

A 3D model of the skull was calculated in 111 adult patients (mean age = 27.0 ± 10.2 years; 49 women, 62 men) from available computed tomography or cone beam computed tomography scans of their heads. Based on the 3D models, the skeletal patterns were examined in (a) the transversal dimension regarding asymmetry according to menton deviation, (b) the sagittal dimension according to the Wits appraisal and (c) the vertical dimension according to the maxillomandibular plane angle. The mandibular characteristics assessed were linear (ramus height and width, body length), angular (ramus, gonial and body angle) and volumetric (ramus/mandibular volume, body/mandibular volume) parameters.

Results

No correlation between transversal skeletal asymmetry and mandibular characteristics were found, while sagittal (F(16, 174) = 3.32, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.23) and vertical (F(16, 174) = 3.18, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.23) skeletal patterns were shown to have a significant effect on the mandible. Gender correlated with mandibular characteristics independently from the skeletal pattern. Discriminant analysis revealed that class II and III patients differed in ramus and body angle with class II patients showing higher angles (ramus angle: class II = 89.8 ± 3.9° vs. class III = 84.4 ± 4.8°; body angle: class II = 87.7 ± 4.8° vs. class III = 82.1 ± 5.2°). Hypo- and hyperdivergent patients were discriminated by gonial angle, body angle and body/mandibular volume with hyperdivergent patients having a greater gonial and body angle and body/mandibular volume (gonial angle: hypodivergent = 114 ± 9.3° vs. hyperdivergent = 126.4 ± 8.6°; body angle: hypodivergent = 82.9 ± 4.4° vs. hyperdivergent = 87.7 ± 6.5°; body/mandibular volume: hypodivergent = 72.4 ± 2.7% vs. hyperdivergent = 76.2 ± 2.6%).

Conclusion

When analysing 3D data for treatment planning of adult patients, the orthodontist should pay attention to angular and volumetric characteristics of the mandible to identify extreme skeletal sagittal or vertical malocclusions.
Stability of pencils of plane sextics and Halphen pencils of index two
Authors: Zanardini Aline
Published: August 2022

We study the problem of classifying pencils of plane sextics up to projective equivalence via geometric invariant theory (GIT). In particular, we provide a complete description of the GIT stability of certain pencils of plane sextics called Halphen pencils of index two-classical geometric objects which were first introduced by G. Halphen in 1882. Inspired by the work of Miranda on pencils of plane cubics, we obtain explicit stability criteria in terms of the types of singular fibers appearing in their associated rational elliptic surfaces.
Adopting Clean Technologies to Climate Change Adaptation Strategies in Africa: a Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Daka Ephraim
Published: August 2022

The phenomenon of deforestation is occurring globally, in different types of forests, and for various reasons. In Africa, an estimated 90 per cent of the entire continent’s population uses wood as a source energy for heating and cooking. However, the unsustainable harvesting of trees for heating energy not only contribute to forest and environmental degradation, but it is also a significant contributor to ill health, air pollution and climate change. Reducing the resulting adverse of ecological and health consequences will have to involve a mix of adopting renewable fuels and natural resource sustainable strategies. To date, implementing this mix has shown significant challenges, especially in developing countries. We performed this systematic literature review (SLR) to help us better understand how research is approaching this mix in Africa. We screened 792 articles resulting in a final selection of 34 studies concerned with environmental sciences. The review drew on qualitative, quantitative, and regional studies and applying a standardized method for screening, data extraction and synthesis. The findings reveal that current research focuses dominantly in four key areas: (1) renewable technology transfer, (2) climate change-adaptability, (3) climate policy, and (4) technology adoption. However, we identified a literature gap on the thin literature concerned with the impact of clean technologies to improving the environment and people’s wellbeing. We propose planning a tool that would facilitate this process and suggest further research to incorporate monitoring its effectiveness.
Resilience to chronic mild stress-induced anhedonia preserves the ability of the ventral hippocampus to respond to an acute challenge
Authors: Brivio Paola , Gallo Maria Teresa , Gruca Piotr , Lason Magdalena , Litwa Ewa , Fumagalli Fabio , Papp Mariusz , Calabrese Francesca
Published: August 2022

Stress is a major precipitating factor for psychiatric disorders and its effects may depend on its duration and intensity. Of note, there are differences in individual susceptibility to stress, with some subjects displaying vulnerability and others showing resistance. Furthermore, the ability to react to stressful-life events can alter the response to a subsequent new stressor. Hence, we investigated whether the vulnerability and resilience to the chronic mild stress (CMS) paradigm, in terms of the hedonic phenotype, are paralleled by a different response when facing a novel acute challenge. Specifically, rats submitted to CMS were stratified based on their sucrose intake into vulnerable (anhedonic rats showing reduce intake of sucrose) and resilient (rats not showing the anhedonic-like behavior) subgroups and then further exposed to an acute restraint stress (ARS). Then, neuronal activation was investigated by measuring the gene expression of early immediate (IEG) genes such as Arc and Cfos and early response (ERG) genes, such as Gadd45β, Sgk1, Dusp1, and Nr4a1, in brain regions that play a crucial role in the stress response. We found that resilient rats preserve the ability to increase ERG expression following the ARS selectively in the ventral hippocampus. Conversely, such ability is lost in vulnerable rats. Interestingly, the recovery from the anhedonic phenotype observed in vulnerable rats after 3 weeks of rest from the CMS procedure also parallels the restoration of the ability to adequately respond to the challenge. In conclusion, these findings support the role of the ventral subregion of the hippocampus in the management of both chronic and acute stress response and point to this brain subregion as a critical target for a potential therapeutic strategy aimed at promoting stress resilience.
Neurogranin-like immunoreactivity in the zebrafish brain during development
Authors: Alba-González Anabel , Yáñez Julián , Anadón Ramón , Folgueira Mónica
Published: August 2022

Neurogranin (Nrgn) is a neural protein that is enriched in the cerebral cortex and is involved in synaptic plasticity via its interaction with calmodulin. Recently we reported its expression in the brain of the adult zebrafish (Alba-González et al. J Comp Neurol 530:1569–1587, 2022). In this study we analyze the development of Nrgn-like immunoreactivity (Nrgn-like-ir) in the brain and sensory structures of zebrafish embryos and larvae, using whole mounts and sections. First Nrgn-like positive neurons appeared by 2 day post-fertilization (dpf) in restricted areas of the brain, mostly in the pallium, epiphysis and hindbrain. Nrgn-like populations increased noticeably by 3 dpf, reaching an adult-like pattern in 6 dpf. Most Nrgn-like positive neurons were observed in the olfactory organ, retina (most ganglion cells, some amacrine and bipolar cells), pallium, lateral hypothalamus, thalamus, optic tectum, torus semicircularis, octavolateralis area, and viscerosensory column. Immunoreactivity was also observed in axonal tracts originating in Nrgn-like neuronal populations, namely, the projection of Nrgn-like immunopositive primary olfactory fibers to olfactory glomeruli, that of Nrgn-like positive pallial cells to the hypothalamus, the Nrgn-like-ir optic nerve to the pretectum and optic tectum, the Nrgn-like immunolabeled lateral hypothalamus to the contralateral region via the horizontal commissure, the octavolateralis area to the midbrain via the lateral lemniscus, and the viscerosensory column to the dorsal isthmus via the secondary gustatory tract. The late expression of Nrgn in zebrafish neurons is probably related to functional maturation of higher brain centers, as reported in the mammalian telencephalon. The analysis of Nrgn expression in the zebrafish brain suggests that it may be a useful marker for specific neuronal circuitries.
Efficacy and safety of EGFR‑TKIs plus Shenqi Fuzheng injection for non-small cell lung cancer patients with EGFR-sensitive mutations
Authors: Wang Jia-li , Chen Chuan-sheng , Jia Zhi-rong , Miao Li-yun , Xie Jun , Pan Zhen-zhen , Duan Ya-lei , Liu Shuo , Hou Meng-jun , Ding Xuan-sheng
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the impact on efficacy and safety between epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) alone and in combination with Shenqi Fuzheng injection (SFI) in patients with advanced NSCLC harboring epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activating mutations.

Methods

Retrospectively, information of 88 patients receiving EGFR-TKIs as first-line targeted treatment or in combination with SFI in the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical College and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Anhui University of Science and Technology was collected. The primary endpoint was to assess progression-free survival (PFS) and safety of EGFR-TKIs alone or in combination with SFI.

Results

Between January 2016 and December 2019, a total of 88 patients were enrolled in this research, including 50 cases in the EGFR-TKIs single agent therapy group and 38 cases in the SFI combined with EGFR-TKIs targeted-therapy group. The median PFS (mPFS) of monotherapy group was 10.50 months (95%CI 9.81–11.19), and 14.30 months (95%CI 10.22–18.38) in the combination therapy group. Compared to the single EGFR-TKIs administration, combinational regimen with SFI exhibited a lower incidence of rash and diarrhea in patients and was even better tolerated.

Conclusions

SFI combined with the first-generation EGFR-TKIs are more efficient, can prominently prolong the PFS and attenuate the adverse reactions in patients with advanced NSCLC with EGFR-sensitive mutations.
Cryptosporidium infection in young dogs from Germany
Authors: Murnik Lea-Christina , Daugschies Arwid , Delling Cora
Published: August 2022

Cryptosporidium is an enteric protozoan parasite which is able to cause severe gastrointestinal disease and is distributed all over the world. Since information about the prevalence of cryptosporidiosis in German dogs is rare, the aim of this study was to examine the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. in dogs and the potential zoonotic risk emanating from these infected animals. In total, 349 fecal samples of 171 dogs were collected during the dogs’ first year of life. The samples were examined for Cryptosporidium spp. using PCR, targeting the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (SSU rRNA). Further analysis of Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium canis positive samples was accomplished using the 60 kDa glycoproteine gene (GP60). Overall, 10.0% (35/349) of the specimens were tested positive for Cryptosporidium. Cryptosporidium canis was found in 94.3% (33/35) of these samples and the zoonotic type C. pavum in 5.7% (2/35). Both C. parvum infections were subtyped as IIaA15G2R1. Sixteen of the C. canis positive samples were successfully amplified at the GP60 gene locus. These isolates were identified to belong to the subtype families XXd, XXe, or XXb; however, 2 samples could not be assigned to any of the described subtype families. Considering the close contact between pets and their owners, dogs may act as a potential source of infection for human cryptosporidiosis. The results of this study, in context with other studies from different countries, provide important further insights into the distribution of Cryptosporidium species in dogs and their zoonotic potential.