bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One‐Handed Helical Tubular Ladder Polymers for Chromatographic Enantioseparation**
Authors: Zheng Wei , Oki Kosuke , Saha Ranajit , Hijikata Yuh , Yashima Eiji , Ikai Tomoyuki
Published: January 2023

Defect‐free one‐handed contracted helical tubular ladder polymers with a π‐electron‐rich cylindrical helical cavity were synthesized by alkyne benzannulations of the random‐coil precursor polymers containing 6,6′‐linked‐1,1′‐spirobiindane‐7,7′‐diol‐based chiral monomer units. The resulting tightly‐twisted helical tubular ladder polymers showed remarkably high enantioseparation abilities toward a variety of chiral hydrophobic aromatics with point, axial, and planar chiralities. The random‐coil precursor polymer and analogous rigid‐rod extended helical ribbon‐like ladder polymer with no internal helical cavity exhibited no resolution abilities. The molecular dynamics simulations suggested that the π‐electron‐rich cylindrical helical cavity formed in the tightly‐twisted tubular helical ladder structures is of key importance for producing the highly‐enantioseparation ability, by which chiral aromatics can be enantioselectively encapsulated by specific π‐π and/or hydrophobic interactions.
Time delay margin for islanded microgrid with parameter uncertainty using fractional order proportional‐integral‐derivative controller
Authors: Hamidi Beheshti Mohammad Taghi , Khosravi Shabnam
Published: January 2023

In this article, an islanded microgrid (MG) consisting of the diesel generator (DEG), the photovoltaic panel (PV), the wind turbine generator (WTG), the battery energy storage system (BESS), and the control unit is considered. In the islanded MGs, the control signals are exchanged on the open communication network, which results in the time delays in the input and the output of the islanded MG central controller (MGCC). The time delay has a destructive effect on the islanded MG stability. Thus, finding the maximum allowable time delay bound (MADB) is a significant issue. Since it is shown that the fractional order systems have larger stability region and more robustness rather than the corresponding integer order systems, in this research, we propose the fractional order proportional‐integral‐derivative (FOPID) controller as the MGCC to achieve a larger MADB value. As another innovation, in this article, a method is presented in which the MADB of the islanded MG system is determined considering the parametric uncertainties related to the damping coefficient (D) and the inertia constant (H). It is shown that the percentage improvement in the MADB of the uncertain MG system with the designed FOPID controller over the integer order proportional‐integral‐derivative (IOPID) controller is 9.64%. The accuracy of the proposed method is verified by simulation results in Matlab.
Gravitational waves or x‐ray counterpart? No need to choose
Authors: Mignon‐Risse Raphaël , Varniere Peggy , Casse Fabien
Published: January 2023

Binary black holes emit gravitational waves (GWs) as they inspiral toward coalescence. Searches for electromagnetic counterparts to these GWs rely on looking for common sources producing both signals. In this article, we take a different approach: we investigate the impact of radiation zone effects, including retardation effects and gravitational wave propagation onto the circumbinary disk around stellar‐mass, spinning black holes, using general relativistic hydrodynamical simulations. Then we used a general relativistic ray‐tracing code to extract its x‐ray spectrum and lightcurve. This allowed us to show that radiation zone effects leave an imprint onto the disk, leading to quasi‐periodic patterns in the x‐ray lightcurve. The amplitude of the modulation is weak () but increases with time and is strongly dependent on the inclination angle.
Neutron star versus neutral star: On the 90th anniversary of Landau's publication in astrophysics
Authors: Xu Renxin
Published: January 2023

In the late age of developing quantum mechanics, Lev Landau made great efforts to understand the nature of matter, even stellar matter, by applying the quantum theory. Ninety years ago, he published his idea of “neutron” star, which burst upon him during his visit over Europe in the previous year. The key point that motivated Landau to write the paper is to make a state with lower energy for “gigantic nucleus”, avoiding extremely high kinematic energy of electron due to the new Fermi–Dirac statistics at that time. Landau had no alternative but to neutralize by “combining a proton and an electron” before the discovery of neutron. However, our understanding of the nature has fundamentally improved today, and another way (strangeonization) could also embody neutralization and thus a low‐energy state that Landau had in mind, which could further make unprecedented opportunities in this multi‐messenger era of astronomy. Strangeon matter in “old” physics may impact dramatically today's physics, from compact stars initiated by Landau, to cosmic rays and dark matter. In this essay, we are making briefly the origin and development of neutron star concept to reform radically, to remember Landau's substantial contribution to astrophysics and to recall those peculiar memories.
Synthesis, Electrochemistry, and Thermal Stability of High‐Energy Ball‐Milled Silicon‐based Alloy Anodes in Lithium‐Ion Batteries**
Authors: Zhang Xingyu , Wang Luqi , Zheng Tianye , Lam Kwok‐ho
Published: January 2023

The fast capacity degradation of silicon‐based anodes significantly limits the application in lithium‐ion battery (LIB) industries. Recently, Si−CuO composites have been reported as promising anodes in terms of being cost‐effective and technically feasible, but improved cycle stability is still desired. This work introduces a proper amount of NiO into the Si−CuO composites via a facile high‐energy ball‐milling method. The study reveals that compared to the binary Si‐CuO composites, Si−CuO−NiO samples have less pronounced volume change during the cycles due to the formation of rich‐Si NiSi2. More specifically, Si87.5(CuO)3.4(NiO)9.1 shows the highest 100‐cycle capacity retention of ∼86.9 % at 0.2 C with an average coulombic efficiency of ∼99.4 %. Moreover, the thermal stability investigation demonstrates that the temperature of 600 °C is suitable to coat a carbon layer on Si87.5(CuO)3.4(NiO)9.1, where the microstructure and the uniform element distribution produced in the milling process as well as the suppression to the cr‐Li3.75Si formation can be maintained to the maximum extent, thus with further enhanced electrochemical performance.
Do fine needle aspirate cytomorphological features correlate with positron emission tomography findings of metastatic non‐small cell lung carcinoma in lymph nodes?
Authors: Keyhanian Kianoosh , Sekhon Harmanjatinder S.
Published: January 2023

Background

Our objective was to correlate cytomorphological features of metastatic non‐small cell lung carcinoma (mNSCLC) with maximal standardized uptake value (mSUV) of positron emission tomography (PET) in Lymph nodes (LNs).

Methods

Positive cytology slides of 114 LNs were reviewed from 100 patients with mNSCLC who had undergone PET study. Student's t‐test was used for statistical comparisons.

Results

Mean patients' age: 68.5, 54% male. LNs locations were: mediastinum: 99, lung hilum: 13, peribronchial: 1, axilla: 1. Final diagnoses were: Adenocarcinoma: 86, squamous cell carcinoma: 28 LNs. Within the adenocarcinoma subgroup, histological patterns correlate with mSUV. Acinar and papillary patterns were associated with significantly lower mSUVs (mean ± standard error (SE): 7.9 ± 0.9 and 9.2 ± 0.8, respectively) than solid pattern (13.0 ± 1.2; p values: 0.001 and 0.009, respectively). Similar difference exists between patterns associated with low‐ and high‐grade adenocarcinoma (Mean ± SE: 9.2 ± 0.8 and 12.0 ± 1.0, respectively. p value: 0.02). Interestingly, micropapillary pattern was associated with the lowest mSUV amongst all patterns (Mean ± SE: 5.4 ± 1.1). Other features that correlated with higher mSUV were necrosis, moderate/severe nuclear atypia, lower lymphoid tissue yield, and contralateral LN involvement.

Conclusions

In LNs with mNSCLC, certain cytomorphological features are associated with higher mSUV. Micropapillary, a pattern considered as high‐grade, is associated with lower SUV values; hence, a lower SUV threshold may raise concern for metastasis. Although high SUV is associated with LN metastasis, lower SUV levels in certain adenocarcinomas suggest correlation with clinical and morphological characteristics could be valuable in tailoring therapeutic management.
Radiation‐induced myofibroblastoma within the nasal sinus requiring maxillectomy and ethmoidectomy: A case report and literature review
Authors: Meyer David B. , Larkins Michael C. , Klose Charles , Maher Mohammed , Zeches Breann A. , Brodish Brian N. , Ju Andrew W. , Prenshaw Karyn
Published: January 2023

We report a case of radiation‐induced myofibroblastoma of the right nasal cavity in a patient with a remote history of radiotherapy for pediatric retinoblastoma. The patient required maxillectomy and ethmoidectomy. To our knowledge, a rare number of cases have been reported in this location.
A rare case of pancytopenia causing‐ Sheehan's syndrome: Case report and literature review
Authors: Gao Xiao‐Han , Wang Yuan , Wang Rui‐Cang , ‐Yuan Jun , Yang Jie , Zhang Xiao‐Xia , Li Jie
Published: January 2023

We describe the case of a 58‐year‐old woman who was presented with pancytopenia and hypofibrinogenemia. Treatment with iron supplementation was not satisfactory. Physical findings and a history of a massive postpartum hemorrhage suggested Sheehan's syndrome(SS). After thyroxine and glucocorticoid replacement therapy, the blood cell count improved. SS is a rare etiology of hemocytopenia, of which hematologists need to be aware. We conclude that hormonal therapy can produce full hematological recovery.
Surgical endodontic treatment of maxillary incisors: Case report
Authors: Almansour Moazzy I.
Published: January 2023

This study aims to highlight the possibility of an effective endodontic surgical surgery when nonsurgical treatment of the right maxillary anterior teeth has failed. One year after the apicoectomy, the periapical lesion has completely healed, new bone has formed, and the patient is symptom‐free.
Congenital chikungunya in a neonate with early‐onset sepsis and petechiae: An unusual case report
Authors: Bin Sakviseth , Phou Kimyi , Im Sethikar
Published: January 2023

Chikungunya, a mosquito‐borne disease, is posing threat to neonatal population in Cambodia because of its challenging diagnosis and insufficient attention compared with Dengue. In what follows, we present a case of serologically‐confirmed congenital chikungunya in a newborn presenting early‐onset sepsis, and the mother was underdiagnosed with intrapartum flu‐like infection.
Spontaneous intracranial hypotension complicated by unilateral subdural hematoma, coma, and the rare Kernohan's notch phenomenon
Authors: Ozyigit Ahmet
Published: January 2023

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is a highly underdiagnosed condition with a wide range of manifestations. Although SIH has traditionally been viewed as having a benign disease course, recent evidence suggests otherwise. In this case report, we present a 71‐year‐old woman who was previously treated with a tapered dose of corticosteroids for an episode of SIH with behavioral manifestations. In this current report, we present her second episode which was complicated by a unilateral sub‐acute subdural hematoma leading to loss of consciousness and coma. While the patient regained full consciousness and recovered considerably, she still suffers from ipsilateral hemiparesis as a result of Kernohan's notch phenomenon 2 years post‐hospitalization. To the author's knowledge, this is the first case to involve persistent motor deficit after the resolution of SIH. We believe that surgical hematoma evacuation prior to addressing the cerebrospinal fluid leak may have contributed to aggregated downward displacement of the brain precipitating Kernohan's notch phenomenon.
General Concepts and Recent Advances in the Electrochemical Transformation of Chloro‐ and Hydrosilanes
Authors: Beck Alexander D. , Haufe Stefan , Waldvogel Siegfried R.
Published: January 2023

Organosilanes play an important role in organic synthesis as well as in a variety of further areas, ranging from life science to transportation. Especially, the electrochemical access has become increasingly important in the past years and developed into an essential topic due to new conceptual approaches and mediated reaction control. With the commercial availability of high‐quality electrochemical equipment, the technical requirements for electro‐conversion are at hand to a wide audience. This results in the need for a concise survey of electrochemical silane transformation, appropriate for novices as well as experts alike. This review provides an overview of the most relevant work in this field, identifies common obstacles in working with chlorosilanes and hydrosilanes and bridges the gap between known techniques and novel methods with respect to their electrochemical conversion. The historical development is outlined with reference to the various cathodic as well as anodic conversions and should encourage to expand the research field of electrochemical silane transformation.
Bacterial epiglottitis superimposed on oropharyngeal cancer: A case report
Authors: Larkins Michael C. , Meyer David B. , Lowery Kenneth , Speicher Rachel L. , Brodish Brian N. , Ju Andrew W.
Published: January 2023

Background

Patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy are placed in an immunocompromised state worth consideration in the event of potential airway compromise, especially when superimposed on an airway‐obstructing tumor. We report a case of bacterial epiglottitis in a patient with active oropharyngeal cancer (OPC), who presented in such a way that an infectious etiology was not initially considered in the patient's care. To our knowledge, such a circumstance has not been reported in the literature.

Case

Here, we report a case of a 68‐year‐old male with advanced‐stage OPC who developed respiratory distress and underwent emergent tracheostomy. The patient was diagnosed postoperatively with Haemophilus influenza and Pseudomonas aerugeniosa. Following antibiotic treatment, the patient recovered to the point in which he could then undergo concomitant chemoradiation. The patient later had a recurrence of P. aerugeniosa during their radiotherapy that was also treated with antibiotics. The patient experienced continued symptoms related to their OPC and underwent pharyngectomy. Despite the initial success of this procedure, the patient experienced tumor recurrence and succumbed to his disease.

Conclusion

This case underscores the importance of considering multiple etiologies concerning airway compromise, as the consequence of delayed cancer treatment may be loss of local cancer control.
Role of barley stem reserves in the maintenance of grain yield under terminal drought
Authors: Tafresh Razieh Sarabadani , Shobbar Zahra‐Sadat , Shahbazi Maryam , Bihamta Mohammadreza , Karami Amin , Moradi Mohammad , Nikkhah Hamidreza
Published: January 2023

Under terminal drought conditions, due to the limitation of current photosynthesis, the impact of cereal stem carbohydrates reserves and their contribution to the grain yield preservation could be enhanced. The role of stem fructan remobilization on yield of barley was examined under drought conditions in the present study. The fructan accumulation and remobilization rate of the penultimate internode were studied in Morocco 9–75 and Yousef, as drought susceptible and tolerant barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivars, respectively. Drought stress increased the fructan accumulation and remobilization in Yousef, supporting it from severe yield loss compared to Morocco cultivar. Under drought stress conditions, during grain filling of Yousef cultivar, the strong correlations were observed between the relative expression of the key genes involved in the fructan metabolism, that is 1‐SST and 6‐SFT (fructan biosynthesis genes) with the fructan content, as well as between the expression of 1‐FEH (fructan exohydrolase) and SUT1 (sucrose transporter) with fructan remobilization. Yousef cultivar contained considerable water‐soluble carbohydrate content of stem internodes, and a rise in osmolytes such as fructan may lead to the efficient osmotic adjustment, which in turn resulted in the maintenance of the water content and stomatal conductance. Based on the results, enhanced fructan accumulation and its induced remobilization under drought conditions can play an important role in yield stability of Yousef under stress. The barley genotypes with high potential for fructan production and remobilization under terminal drought stress could provide the appropriate materials for drought tolerance breeding and screening for these traits.
Two for the price of one: eDNA metabarcoding reveals temporal and spatial variability of mussel and fish co‐distributions in Michigan riverine systems
Authors: Dokai William K. , Barry Patrick D. , Zanatta Dave T. , Gruenthal Kristen M. , McPhee Megan V. , McIntyre Peter B. , Larson Wesley A.
Published: January 2023

Freshwater mussels (family Unionidae) are among the world's most endangered taxa, with almost 75% of North American taxa classified as a species of concern, threatened, or endangered. Despite the critical importance of comprehensive distributional data for the conservation of unionids and fishes, these data are often lacking because of the labor and resources associated with traditional survey methods. During their larval stage, unionid mussels use various fish species as obligate hosts, making native fish species vital to unionid persistence and an understanding of host distribution similarly important. Here, we utilized an eDNA metabarcoding approach to evaluate patterns of co‐distribution of unionid mussels and fishes along ~362 km of the densely sampled Grand River network as well as the outlets of 19 tributaries along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, USA. We detected a total of 21 mussel and 40 fish taxa, with distinctive composition of both mussel and fish assemblages across tributaries and differences in fish taxa between sampling periods. Notably, we detected more mussel taxa within the Grand River watershed than at the outlets of all 20 rivers combined. Within the Grand River network, two fish taxa (Pylodictus olivaris and Cyprinella) were found more frequently in areas of high mussel diversity, and three fish taxa more frequently in areas of low mussel diversity (Umbra, Leuciscidae, and Etheostoma). There was little difference between eDNA detections of mussels from samples collected in June versus August, but we detected significantly more fish taxa in August compared to June. Taken together, our findings demonstrate the value of eDNA metabarcoding for evaluating co‐distribution of ecologically connected taxa. The use of eDNA as a tool for determining distributions of mussels and their obligate hosts may facilitate conservation efforts for these imperiled taxa.
The use of MitraClip for nonobstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with mixed severe mitral valve regurgitation
Authors: Zeng Jie , Shu Qinglan , Lu Cong , Wang Yi
Published: January 2023

Reports on the treatment of nonobstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and severe mitral valve regurgitation (MR) with transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair (TEER) are rare. Herein, we present the case of a 68‐year‐old Chinese man with nonobstructive HCM admitted to our hospital with dyspnoea [New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional Class IV]. Transthoracic echocardiography indicated severe MR in addition to asymmetric hypertrophy of the left ventricle. Despite administering maximal medical therapy for heart failure, the symptoms were not alleviated; because of the high risk of open surgery, TEER was performed for MR. After 4 months of follow‐up, the patient showed a significant improvement in symptoms. Herein, we also discuss and review the pathophysiology and treatment strategies for HCM patients with heart failure.
Face validity of the ICD‐10 criteria of substance abuse and dependence for patients prescribed cannabis‐based medicines for chronic pain—A survey of pain medicine physicians in Canada, Germany and Israel
Authors: Lauff Sören , Petzke Frank , Brill Silviu , Schouten Leonie , Fitzcharles Mary‐Ann , Pereira John X. , Häuser Winfried
Published: January 2023

Background and Objective

A major concern with cannabis‐based medicines (CbM) and medical cannabis (MC) is the risk of abuse and dependence. The face validity of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD‐10) criteria for cannabis dependence in patients prescribed CbM for chronic pain has not been assessed.

Databases and Data Treatment

Physicians from Canada, Germany and Israel were recruited via the mailing lists of national pain societies. To be eligible, physicians had to have prescribed CbM for chronic pain treatment in the past 12 months. Participants were asked to rate the appropriateness of items adapted from the substance use module of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview Version 3.0 to assess dependence in the context of chronic pain treatment with CbM and the appropriateness of two additional items. In case of disagreement, participants were asked to give reasons. Furthermore, they were asked to suggest potential additional criteria.

Results

On average 69.0% of 178 participating physicians indicated agreement with the appropriateness of the ICD‐10 criteria, while 20.6% indicated disagreement. The highest disagreement rate was observed for the item on repeated use despite legal problems (35.4% disagreement or strong disagreement). Reasons for disagreement were summarized into six content categories using qualitative methods of analysis. Additional criteria suggested by participants were summarized into 10 content categories.

Conclusions

A collaboration of psychiatrists and pain physicians is required to define criteria and develop instruments to capture abuse and dependence of CbM in chronic pain patients.

Significance

Sixty‐nine per cent of 178 pain medicine physicians in Canada, Germany and Israel who participated in a survey on the appropriateness of the ICD‐10 criteria for cannabis abuse and dependence for patients prescribed cannabis‐derived products for chronic pain assessed the criteria as appropriate, whereas 20.6% deemed the criteria as not appropriate.
Nuances in modeling and impedance‐inspired control of shake tables for tracking ground‐motion trajectories
Authors: Parsi Sai Sharath , Sivaselvan M. V. , Whittaker Andrew S.
Published: January 2023

Servo‐hydraulic shake tables are widely used for simulating earthquake shaking in a laboratory environment. Control procedures for shake‐table testing and the associated mathematical models are well documented. An evaluation of such models revealed nuances regarding actuator control, which led to the development of the simple, easy to implement, robust shake‐table controller described in this paper. This controller design recognizes that (i) differential pressure feedback in actuator control is highly beneficial in reducing the consequences of hydraulic‐related nonlinearities and other modeling uncertainties, (ii) the bandwidth over which differential pressure feedback is useful is limited by the sampling frequency of the chosen digital controller, (iii) a linear model predicts shake‐table response with high fidelity across a broad frequency range for a carefully chosen differential pressure gain and a sufficiently large controller sampling frequency, and (iv) shake‐table transfer functions derived from such a linear model are highly effective in designing a feedforward controller. Further, and perhaps most importantly, the controller utilizes real‐time feedback of the reaction force from the test article to account for table‐test article interaction. The three clear advantages of the proposed shake‐table controller are (i) the test‐article dynamics are decoupled from the control design, (ii) the need for offline/online iterative tuning, which is often ground motion‐ and test article‐specific, is minimized, and (iii) control procedures for shake tables can be standardized, all of which are validated in this paper through a series of experiments performed on a uniaxial hydraulic shake table.
Joint analysis of multiple phenotypes for extremely unbalanced case‐control association studies
Authors: Xie Hongjing , Cao Xuewei , Zhang Shuanglin , Sha Qiuying
Published: January 2023

In genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) for thousands of phenotypes in biobanks, most binary phenotypes have substantially fewer cases than controls. Many widely used approaches for joint analysis of multiple phenotypes produce inflated type I error rates for such extremely unbalanced case‐control phenotypes. In this research, we develop a method to jointly analyze multiple unbalanced case‐control phenotypes to circumvent this issue. We first group multiple phenotypes into different clusters based on a hierarchical clustering method, then we merge phenotypes in each cluster into a single phenotype. In each cluster, we use the saddlepoint approximation to estimate the p value of an association test between the merged phenotype and a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) which eliminates the issue of inflated type I error rate of the test for extremely unbalanced case‐control phenotypes. Finally, we use the Cauchy combination method to obtain an integrated p value for all clusters to test the association between multiple phenotypes and a SNP. We use extensive simulation studies to evaluate the performance of the proposed approach. The results show that the proposed approach can control type I error rate very well and is more powerful than other available methods. We also apply the proposed approach to phenotypes in category IX (diseases of the circulatory system) in the UK Biobank. We find that the proposed approach can identify more significant SNPs than the other viable methods we compared with.
Landscape spatial configuration influences phosphorus but not nitrate concentrations in agricultural headwater catchments
Authors: Dupas Rémi , Casquin Antoine , Durand Patrick , Viaud Valérie
Published: January 2023

Landscape organized (or structured) heterogeneity influences hydrological and biogeochemical patterns across space and time. We developed landscape indices that describe the spatial configuration of nutrient sources and sinks as a function of their hydrological distance to the stream (lateral dimension) or to the outlet (longitudinal dimension) and their intersection with flow‐accumulation areas. Using monthly nitrate, total phosphorus (TP), soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) and daily discharge (Q) data from 221 rural catchments (1–300 km2) from 2010–2020, we observed higher variability in flow‐weighted mean concentrations in smaller catchments than in larger ones. The variability in landscape configurations also decreased with increasing catchment size. A landscape configuration index, calculated as mean arable land use weighted by spatial data on hydrological distance and flow accumulation, improved prediction of TP and SRP, but not nitrate, compared to the unweighted mean arable land use. We conclude that landscape configuration influences phosphorus transfer more than nitrate transfer, and that flow‐accumulation zones and riparian areas are critical source areas for TP and SRP, respectively. By contrast, landscape spatial configuration in the lateral (upslope–downslope) and longitudinal (upstream–downstream) dimensions did not have an identifiable influence on nutrients temporal dynamics. The indices developed in this study can help design landscapes that minimize diffuse phosphorus losses to streams and show that landscape management is not a first order control for nitrate losses.
Modelling rainfall‐induced phosphorus loss with eroded clay and surface runoff
Authors: Chen Minghong , Li Yun , Wang Chaozi , Walter M. Todd , Huang Lei
Published: January 2023

Phosphorus (P) loss via runoff will reduce soil fertility and cause water eutrophication. Although P is lost as both particulate phosphorus (PP) and soluble phosphorus (SP), the existing P transport models for landscapes rarely consider PP and its exchange with surface runoff. We developed an integrated P transport model which coupled both SP and PP transport mechanisms based on the Rose–Gao model and assessed it via laboratory experiments. We also introduced a temporal varying P partition coefficient Kd into the model to reveal the impacts of rapid changes in the water environment on P adsorption and desorption. Experiments using kaolinite mixed soil and montmorillonite mixed soil were conducted under artificial rainfall events. The results show that the P transport model simulates the concentrations of eroded sediment, SP, and PP in surface runoff, with good agreement with the measured values (all R2 > 0.88). Kaolinite mixed soil had larger sediment and SP concentrations in the runoff than montmorillonite mixed soil. In addition, compared with the no Kd model (Gao model) and the constant Kd model, our model provided simulation results that most closely matched the experimental data. Considering the influence of eroded sediment and the P dynamic partitioning between sediment and water to the surface, the P transport model can provide an effective tool for P dynamics with water and sediment in surface runoff.
Toxicology and digestibility of Chlamydomonas debaryana green algal biomass
Authors: Murbach Timothy S. , Glávits Róbert , Jayasena Shyamali , Moghadam Maragheh Niloofar , Endres John R. , Hirka Gábor , Goodman Richard E. , Vértesi Adél , Béres Erzsébet , Pasics Szakonyiné Ilona
Published: January 2023

There is an economic interest, both for food security and for the non‐meat‐eating population, in the development of novel, sustainable sources of high‐quality protein. The green algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii has already been developed for this purpose, and the closely related species, Chlamydomonas debaryana, is a complementary source that also presents some additional advantages, such as reduced production cost. To determine whether C. debaryana may have a similar safety profile to that of C. reinhardtii, a wild type strain was obtained, designated TS04 after confirmation of its identity, and subjected to a battery of preclinical studies. Genetic toxicity was evaluated using a bacterial reverse mutation test, an in vitro mammalian chromosomal aberration test, and an in vivo mammalian micronucleus test in a mouse model. No genotoxic potential (e.g., mutagenicity and clastogenicity) was observed in these tests under the employed conditions up to maximum recommended concentrations or doses. To assess general toxicity, a 90‐day repeated‐dose oral toxicity study was conducted in rats. No mortality or adverse effects were observed, and no target organs were identified up to the maximum feasible dose, due to solubility, of 4,000 mg/kg bw/day. The no‐observed‐adverse‐effect level was determined as the highest dose tested. A digestibility study in simulated gastric fluid was conducted and determined that TS04 has low allergenic potential, exhibiting rapid digestion of proteins. Due to the negative results of our evaluation, it is reasonable to proceed with further development and additional investigations to contribute towards a safety assessment of the proposed use in food for human consumption.
Rethinking worrying about the stock market, but instead, anxious about employment
Authors: Li Mingda , Rapp William V. , Chen Yi
Published: January 2023

Using Engleberg's and Parsons's (2016) study (E&P) relating stock prices and hospital admissions for NJ, mental disease admits appear affected. One deviation decrease in returns of NJ/NYC‐based companies increases average daily mental disorder admits by month by 1.7% above the expected level. However, the study raises issues concerning E&P's state‐based stock price verses hospital admit conclusions by examining NJ counties’ unemployment rates compared to stock market effects on hospital admissions. Stock market effects are weak in rural and low‐income counties unless near NYC. Further, employment is a stronger explanation than stock prices and even their combination for all counties. A one percent decrease in monthly employment rate increases admits above the expected level by 3.6% across all counties. Stock prices thus seem an employment or economic proxy for NJ, rather than an independent variable.
Hyperfunction variant rs708035 of interleukin 1 receptor‐associated kinases 2 gene involved in the predisposition of leprosy infection
Authors: Saleem Saima , Zia Mutaher , Siddiqui Farhatulain , Ghouri Maham , Kulsoom Ume , Kawal Sidra , Fatima Sehrish , Zehra Sitwat
Published: January 2023

Background

Mycobacterium leprae (slow‐growing bacteria) is the etiological agent for leprosy infection, which is a chronic granulomatous disease. Symptoms initiate with the loss of sensation in the affected areas, which can lead to severe injuries, cuts and burns. IRAK2 (interleukin‐1 receptor‐associated kinases 2) is reported to function in the regulation of the NFκB pathway. The frequency of the IRAK2 polymorphism (rs708035) was unknown in the Pakistani population. Therefore, the study was designed to identify the role of the rs708035 SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) in susceptibility to leprosy.

Methodology

The case–control study was designed, and participants were selected by Ridley–Jopling Classification. Blood samples from healthy individuals and patients were collected after ethical approval. Genomic DNA was extracted for the amplification of selected polymorphisms by tetra‐primer amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction. The desired products were observed via agarose gel (2.5%) electrophoresis followed by data analysis using bioinformatics tools (SNP Stats and SHEsis) and statistical tests (odds ratio, OR, and chi square).

Results

The study revealed that the mutant genotype (TT) was found to be frequent among cases (22.80%) in comparison with the controls (1.66%). The SNP rs708035 was significantly associated with the progression of leprosy (χ2 = 17.62, p < 0.0001). The targeted SNP significantly increases the risk of leprosy 2.3 times (OR = 2.3119, 95% CI 1.2729–4.1989, p < 0.01). The genetic model also confirms the significant association of the A/T genotype with leprosy in the over‐dominant model (OR = 2.83, 95% CI 1.16–6.89, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The study revealed a significant association of the targeted SNP with leprosy and provided baseline data regarding the association of rs708035. The current research could be utilized for the preparation of biomarkers by considering a larger sample size.

Highlights

The patients suffering from leprosy faced various comorbidities, including hypertension and diabetes.

The study reports for the first time a significant association of interleukin 1 receptor associated kinases 2 (IRAK2) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs708035 among the Pakistani population (Karachi).

The current study provides baseline data to develop diagnostic biomarkers for early detection of leprosy.
ATP7A‐related copper transport disorders: A systematic review and definition of the clinical subtypes
Authors: De Feyter S. , Beyens A. , Callewaert B.
Published: January 2023

In patients with ATP7A‐related disorders, counseling is challenging due to clinical overlap between the entities, the absence of predictive biomarkers and a clear genotype‐phenotype correlation. We performed a systematic literature review by querying the MEDLINE and Embase databases identifying 143 relevant papers. We recorded data on the phenotype and genotype in 162 individuals with a molecularly confirmed ATP7A‐related disorder in order to identify differentiating clinical criteria, evaluate genotype‐phenotype correlations and propose management guidelines.

Early seizures are specific for classical Menkes disease (CMD), that is characterized by early‐onset neurodegenerative disease with high mortality rates. Ataxia is an independent indicator for atypical Menkes disease, that shows better survival rates than CMD. Bony exostoses, radial head dislocations, herniations and dental abnormalities are specific for occipital horn syndrome (OHS) that may further present with developmental delay and connective tissue manifestations. Intracranial tortuosity and bladder diverticula, both with high risk of complications, are common among all subtypes. Low ceruloplasmin is a more sensitive and discriminating biomarker for ATP7A‐related disorders than serum copper. Truncating mutations are frequently associated with CMD, in contrast with splice site and intronic mutations which are more prevalent in OHS.
Phenotypic characterization of phage vB_vcM_Kuja
Authors: Maina Alice N. , Mwaura Francis B. , Wagacha John M. , Jumba Miriam , Aziz Ramy K. , Nour El‑Din Hanzada T.
Published: January 2023

Bacteriophage therapy targeting the increasingly resistant Vibrio cholerae is highly needed. Hence, studying the phenotypic behavior of potential phages under different conditions is a prerequisite to delivering the phage in an active infective form. The objective of this study was to characterize phage VP4 (vB_vcM_Kuja), an environmental vibriophage isolated from River Kuja in Migori County, Kenya in 2015. The phenotypic characteristics of the phage were determined using a one‐step growth curve, restriction digestion profile, pH, and temperature stability tests. The results revealed that the phage is stable through a wide range of temperatures (20−50°C) and maintains its plaque‐forming ability at pH ranging from 6 to 12. The one‐step growth curve showed a latent period falling between 40 and 60 min, while burst size ranged from 23 to 30 plaque‐forming units/10 µl at the same host strain. The restriction digestion pattern using EcoRI, SalI, HindIII, and XhoI enzymes showed that HindIII could cut the phage genome. The phage DNA could not be restricted by the other three enzymes. The findings of this study can be used in future studies to determine phage−host interactions.
Isolation and identification of dipeptidyl peptidase‐IV inhibitory peptides from Sacha inchi meal
Authors: Zhang Aiyuan , Wang Kai , Liu Xiaofei , Zhang Xuewu
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

Sacha inchi meal (SIM) is a by‐product of oil processing. Our previous studies showed that SIM hydrolysates exhibited dipeptidyl peptidase‐IV (DPP‐IV) inhibition activity. The objective of the present work was to identify and characterize the bioactive peptides from protein hydrolysates of SIM; enzyme kinetics and peptide–enzyme interaction were also investigated.

RESULTS

From SIM hydrolysates, ten peptides responsible for the activity were identified: GPSRGF (GF‐6), FPILSPDPA (FA‐9), APYRRGGKI (AI‐9), WPYH (WH‐4), DPATWLALPT (DT‐10), NPEDEFRQQ (NQ‐9), APESKPVGV (AV‐9), LEWRDR (LR‐6), APVYWVQ (AQ‐7) and LLMWPY (LY‐6). The IC50 values of five peptides (GF‐6, WH‐4, AQ‐7, AV‐9 and LY‐6) with better inhibitory activity on DPP‐IV were within the range of 23.43–128.40 μmol L−1. AQ‐7 had the best activity, with an IC50 value of 23.43 μmol L−1. Enzyme kinetics indicated the presence of various inhibition types (mixed, non‐competitive and competitive). Isothermal titration microcalorimetry showed that the main forces of the binding sites between peptide (GF‐6 or AQ‐7) and DPP‐IV were hydrogen bond, hydrophobic interaction and van der Waals force. The key residues involved in peptide–enzyme interaction were determined by molecular docking. Furthermore, at a concentration of 800 μmol L−1, GF‐6 was found to significantly increase the glucose consumption in insulin‐resistant HepG2 cells (P < 0.05) compared with the model group.

CONCLUSION

Sacha inchi meal‐derived peptides displayed potent DPP‐IV inhibition activity and could be used in the health food industry and as lead compounds for diabetes therapy. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
The efficacy of translocation as a tool to augment populations of Gambel's quail
Authors: Acevedo Cherie J. , Koprowski John L. , Cavalcant Callie , Harding Larisa , Heffelfinger James R.
Published: January 2023

Translocation is a management strategy that can be used to augment and reestablish populations or increase a species' range by establishing new populations. Gambel's quail (Callipepla gambelii) are the only native upland game birds in many desert areas of the American Southwest. Drought may be a driver in Gambel's quail population declines; however, quail in urban environments may remain abundant because these areas may contain more reliable sources of food, water, and cover. We hypothesized that translocation of urban quail following a wet winter, when resources are plentiful in their native habitat, might allow us to increase the rate at which extant populations are able to recover following drought by capitalizing on the high reproductive capacity of quail. To assess translocation as a management tool for augmentation of populations of Gambel's quail, we translocated 370 quail from 2019 to 2021 to augment 2 sites in the Altar Valley in Arizona, USA: King's Anvil Ranch (KA) and Santa Margarita Ranch (SM). We radiotracked 155 female quail on 2 study areas (KA: n = 77, SM: n = 78) to estimate 200‐day post‐release survival. Release site had the most impact on demographic rates. Quail in KA had higher survival (63.4–70.9%) than quail in SM (19.3–33.1%); however, quail in SM had higher nesting effort and success (nest effort = 63%, nest success = 50%) than quail in KA (nest effort = 33%, nest success: 0%) in the first year. Although this study showed that urban quail can survive and reproduce following translocation, neither site showed both high survival and high reproductive success. Furthermore, although spring call counts indicated augmentation may have had some short‐term benefits due to increased reproductive activity, we are not able to conclude that it increased quail abundance. Given the low annual adult survival rates of Gambel's quail, high spring‐summer survival alone will not be enough to boost wild populations in a measurable way the following year. Therefore, the ability of translocation to augment extant populations may be limited by low and variable reproductive success.
On costless‐renegotiation proofing in binary agency models
Authors: Lukas Christian
Published: January 2023

This paper analyzes the occurrence of renegotiation costs in dynamic, binary agency models with a risk‐averse agent. I investigate technological interdependence arising from complementary tasks or substitutable tasks across periods. In addition, I analyze stochastic interdependence between periods. The analysis leads to two results. First, the timeliness of performance measures leads to zero costs from renegotiation. Surprisingly, timeliness may arise even in the case of stochastic interdependence. Second, neither technological nor stochastic interdependence is sufficient for renegotiation losses. The former finding is in line with results obtained in the LEN model, but the latter contrasts. In the binary agency model, renegotiation does not harm efficiency as long as raising incentives in the second period is ineffective for inducing higher effort in the first period.
A high‐order predictor–corrector method for initial value problems with fractional derivative involving Mittag–Leffler kernel
Authors: Aljhani Sami , Noorani Mohd Salmi Md , Douaifia Redouane , Abdelmalek Salem
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we propose a numerical scheme of the predictor–corrector type for solving nonlinear fractional initial value problems; the chosen fractional derivative is called the Atangana–Baleanu derivative defined in Caputo sense (ABC). This proposed method is based on Lagrangian quadratic polynomials to approximate the nonlinearity implied in the Volterra integral, which is obtained by reducing the given fractional differential equation via the properties of the ABC‐fractional derivative. Through this technique, we get corrector formula with high accuracy, which is implicit, as well as predictor formula, which is explicit and has the same precision order as the corrective formula. On the other hand, the so‐called memory term is computed only once for both prediction and correction phases, which indicates the low cost of the proposed method. Also, the error bound of the proposed numerical scheme is offered. Furthermore, numerical experiments are presented in order to assess the accuracy of the new method on two differential equations. Moreover, a case study is considered where the proposed predictor–corrector scheme is used to obtain approximate solutions of a coupled nonautonomous ABC‐fractional differential system.
A study on k‐generalized ψ‐Hilfer fractional differential equations with periodic integral conditions
Authors: Salim Abdelkrim , Bouriah Soufyane , Benchohra Mouffak , Lazreg Jamal Eddine , Karapinar Erdal
Published: January 2023

This paper deals with some existence and uniqueness results for a class of problems systems for nonlinear
‐generalized
‐Hilfer fractional differential equations with periodic conditions. The arguments are based on Mawhin's coincidence degree theory. Furthermore, an illustration is presented to demonstrate the plausibility of our results.
Integrability properties and invariant solutions of some biological models
Authors: Amiri Babaei Navid , Gün Polat Gülden , Özer Teoman
Published: January 2023

In this research, we deal with the biological population‐related models called two‐dimensional Easter Island, Verhulst, and Lotka–Volterra and four‐dimensional MSEIR (M: Population, S: Suspected, E: Under Supervision, I: Infectious, R: Recovered) and SIRD (S: Suspected, I: Infectious, R: Recovered, D: Death) models by applying the artificial Hamiltonian method constructed for dynamical systems involving ordinary differential equations (ODEs) known as a partial Hamiltonian or nonstandard Hamiltonian system in the literature. This novel approach enables the investigation of the exact closed‐form solutions to dynamical systems of first‐order and second‐order ODEs that can be written as a nonstandard Hamiltonian system by utilizing common methods feasible to the nonstandard Hamiltonian systems. The first integrals and associated invariant solutions of the aforementioned biological and population models for some cases under the constraint of system parameters via the artificial Hamiltonian method for not only two‐dimensional but also four‐dimensional nonlinear dynamical systems are considered. Additionally, graphs of all population fractions for the SIRD model that show how they change over time for the subcase are presented and discussed.
Tunable dual‐spectral plasmon‐induced transparency in terahertz Dirac semimetal metamaterials
Authors: Wang Qiang‐guo , Gao Bo , Wu Ge , Tian Xiao‐Jian , Liu Lie
Published: January 2023

We have numerically studied a tunable dual‐spectral plasmon‐induced transparency metamaterial structure based on Dirac semimetal films in the terahertz region. The structure was composed of three length‐variant parallel coplanar strips. The dual‐spectral plasmon‐induced transparency is mainly induced by the bright‐bright modes coupling between neighboring Dirac semimetal strips. By adjusting the Fermi energies of Dirac semimetal strips, the individual and synchronous modulation of the dual‐transparency window in resonance frequency, bandwidth and strength can be obtained, respectively. Simultaneous change of the Fermi energies of all the strips can achieve an overall frequency shift of the dual‐transparency window, with the frequency modulation depth of 21.7% and 20.0%, respectively. The maximum group delays of 5.26 and 3.57 ps for each window were calculated in our proposed structure. The simulation results demonstrated the potential of the proposed structure to expand the applications for slow‐light systems, filters, and switchers in the terahertz region.