bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of reactive diluent concentration on rheological and curing behavior of zirconia ceramic slurry for DLP printing
Authors: Liu Yansong , Liu Yongsheng , She Wentan , Cao Yejie , Zeng Qingfeng , Dong Ning
Published: July 2023

A series of photosensitive zirconia ceramic slurry with adjustable viscosity and cured depth have been presented for the construction of high‐quality zirconia ceramic fabricated by digital light processing 3D printing. The rheological and curing behavior of the slurry can be flexibly optimized by tuning the reactive diluent concentration and category, since the change of dominant position of diluent on viscosity and the different curing mode. Monofunctional reactive diluent (HEA, hydroxyethyl acrylate) exhibits an enhanced dilution effect compared with that of bifunctional reactive diluent (HDDA, 1,6‐hexamethylene diacrylate) due to the lower molecular mass of monofunctional diluent. As a result, the viscosity reaches lower than 2000 mPa·s when the concentration of both HEA and HDDA exceeds 50 wt.%. At the same time, the non‐Newtonian properties of the slurry are also changed, which facilitates the printing process. However, excessive addition of diluent may generate more defects in ceramic green body. Consequently, the cured depth of zirconia slurry can reach 55 and 50 µm, respectively, at the curing time of 3 s while introducing the HEA or HDDA with the concentration below 70 wt.%, and the modified feedstock is promising for high‐quality and low‐defect zirconia ceramic components printing for biomedical applications.
Human leukocyte antigen‐G in gynaecological tumours
Authors: Guo Xinmeng , Zhang Jinning , Shang Jin , Cheng Yanfei , Tian Shuang , Yao Yuanqing
Published: July 2023

Gynaecological tumours that threaten the health of women, especially when advanced and recurrent, have remained mostly intractable to existing treatments. Therefore, new therapeutic targets are urgently needed. Human leukocyte antigen‐G (HLA‐G) is a nonclassical major histocompatibility complex class I molecule typically expressed in foetuses for protection against destruction by the maternal immune system. HLA‐G is also expressed under pathological conditions, such as in solid tumours, and may participate in tumour development and serve as a novel immune checkpoint in cancer. Furthermore, it is expressed in most gynaecological tumours. Therefore, inhibiting HLA‐G and its receptors to block the immune escape pathway could represent a new strategy in cancer immunotherapy. To the best of our knowledge, this review is the first to summarize recent research findings on HLA‐G in gynaecological oncology. We highlight the fact that HLA‐G is expressed in gynaecological tumour tissues, wherein it inactivates immune effectors involved in tumour progression. Further studies on HLA‐G in gynaecological oncology are needed to incorporate HLA‐G into the design and evaluation of immunotherapy for malignant gynaecological diseases.
Optimal service decisions and channel coordination analysis with after‐sales service and quality consideration
Authors: Wang Qingwei , Zheng Meimei , Pan Ershun
Published: July 2023

Recently, an increasing number of firms sell product bundles with after‐sale services. It is challenging for firms to select the best product bundle of the product and services since the product and the services are intercorrelated. In this paper, we study a product service system where a manufacturer provides products to a retailer, who sells them bundled with additional after‐sales services to customers under a service‐level commitment. The market demand is uncertain and depends on the service‐level commitment and product quality. We derive the optimal product (production quantity and product quality) and service (service‐level commitment and service capacity) decisions for this supply system under demand uncertainty. Additionally, this paper designs a coordination mechanism with the service‐level commitment and cost sharing. The coordination mechanism can achieve a Pareto improvement (i.e., both manufacturer and retailer can be better off) and render a higher service‐level commitment and product quality, resulting in a win‒win situation for both the firms and customers. The analytical results demonstrate that service‐level commitment and product quality are substitutes for the firm's profit. Namely, the impact of the commitment of the service level on the firm's profitability increases as product quality decreases. Conversely, service capacity and product quality are complements to the firm's profit. Namely, the better the product quality is, the higher the marginal effect of larger service capacity on profitability.
Free occupying mechanism of simulated tetravalent waste ions in Gd2Zr2O7 and performance evaluation of the waste forms
Authors: Zuo Shibing , He Yang , You Yi , Shu Xiaoyan , Wen Mingfen , Lu Yuexiang , Duan Tao , Chen Jing , Luo Fen , Dong Faqin , Lu Xirui
Published: July 2023

To extend the practicability of ceramics in immobilizing nuclear waste with fluctuant composition, structural design should be abandoned. The simulated tetravalent actinide waste An4+ (Ce4+) was directly doped into prepared Gd2Zr2O7, and the waste forms were synthesized by high‐temperature solid‐state reaction. It has been shown that the maximum loading of CeO2 in Gd2Zr2O7 lies between 20 and 30 wt.%, and Ce elements are uniformly distributed in the matrix. Existing in Ce3+ and Ce4+, cerium ions automatically occupied both the Gd and Zr sites in Gd2Zr2O7 according to valence equilibrium. This occupation causes the change of r(A3+)/r(B4+) and eventually leads to the structure transition from pyrochlore to fluorite. In addition, the normalized leaching rate of the sample with 60 wt.% of dopant was about 2.5 × 10−7 g m−2 d−1 on the 35th day. In this study, a free occupation of simulated waste ions in ceramics was proposed.
Failure criterion for brittle materials with U‐notches: Unification of characteristic length‐based and grain size‐based criteria
Authors: Wang Anzhe , Wang Shuai , Liu Jicheng , Gao Pan , Du Bin , Zhang Dongyang
Published: July 2023

Here, the limitations of characteristic length‐based (Lchb) and grain size‐based (Gb) criteria with two or three parameters were pointed out employing the apparent toughness tests of 12 different ceramics at a large span range of U‐notch root radius (ρ) values. After comprehensively considering the potential influencing factors of stress intensity factor (Kc), ρ divided by critical notch tip radius (ρc) was proposed as the independent variable, and the data of 21 materials (covering ceramics, plastics, resins, rocks, and metals) was summarized and discussed to establish a simple and more applicable Kc prediction model. Results indicated that Kc/KIc was a power function of ρ/ρc with a power exponent n of 0.5 for ideal materials and less than 0.5 for actual materials. It was also found that ρc can be calculated simply by KIc2/(πσ02), where σ0 represented the inherent strength. This semiempirical criterion succeeded in unifying the Lchb and Gb criteria without introducing more parameters to increase the prediction accuracy of the Kc at the U‐notch root for brittle materials like ceramics.
Effect of Ti‐metal addition on hot‐isostatically pressed (HIPed) Synroc‐C
Authors: Farzana Rifat , Dayal Pranesh , Peristyy Anton , Sutton Phillip , Aly Zaynab , Aughterson Robert D. , Nguyen Thanh Ha , Yeoh Michelle , Koshy Pramod , Gregg Daniel J.
Published: July 2023

Synroc, a candidate nuclear wasteform and Synroc technology, a waste treatment solution utilizing hot‐isostatic pressing (HIPing) have significant potential for the immobilisation of challenging nuclear wastes from both current and innovative reactors and fuel cycles. Hot isostatic press (HIP) consolidation is undertaken within sealed metal HIP canisters, where metal buffers (e.g., Ti, Fe and Ni) can be incorporated to control the redox environment within the canister. This study, for the first time, reports the effect of varying Ti‐metal addition (0, 2, 4, and 8 wt.%) on phase formation, microstructural characteristics, and wasteform performance for HIP consolidated Synroc‐C containing 20 wt.% simulated PUREX type (PW‐4b) high level waste. Quantitative X‐ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) and transmission electron microscopy‐EDS analyses were undertaken for analytical investigations. The chemical durability of the samples was assessed using ASTM C1220‐21 standard test. Hot‐isostatically pressed (HIPed) samples with 0 and 8 wt.% Ti added for redox control produced unfavourable phase formation. However, the HIPed samples with Ti additions of 2 and 4 wt.% as a redox buffer showed the desired phase formation of Synroc‐C without any significant change to the partitioning of waste elements among the phases along with compatible durability results, when compared to previous literature for hot uniaxial pressing (HUPed) or sintered materials.
Using smart phone technology to improve daily living skills for individuals with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Stierle Jordan , Ryan Joseph B. , Katsiyannis Antonis , Mims Pamela , Carlson Alex , Allen Abigail
Published: July 2023

Background

Individuals with intellectual disabilities need continued supports in completing daily living tasks to increase the likelihood of achieving independence. Fortunately, research has shown that assistive technology, and particularly video prompting helps support independent living for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Aims

This study investigated the efficacy of a highly customizable task analysis smartphone application in assisting three young adults with intellectual disabilities learn how to cook three different multistep recipes.

Materials & Methods

Three young adults with intellectual disabilities enrolled in a four‐year postsecondary education program (PSE) participated in a multiple probe design across participants to examine the effect of a Task Analysis app on the participants' completion of three cooking tasks.

Results

In this present study, the use of video prompting to teach a daily living skill resulted in large and meaningful effect size gains of 99%–100% for all three participants, as measured by Tau‐U.

Discussion

Video prompting is an effective instructional strategy which allows the user to self‐prompt and manage their ability to successfully complete daily living skills. In this current study, video prompting made a substantial difference in the safety of participants.

Conclusion

The use of video prompting can decrease the reliance on others (e.g., teachers and caregivers), improve self‐confidence of the user, and improve the user's level of autonomy.
Multiparasitism and repeated parasitism by the great spotted cuckoo Clamator glandarius on its main host, the magpie Pica pica: effects on reproductive success, nest desertion and nest predation
Authors: Soler Manuel , Pérez‐Contreras Tomás , Ruiz‐Raya Francisco
Published: July 2023

Brood parasites are expected to lay only one egg per parasitized nest, as the existence of several parasitic nestlings in a brood increases competition and can lead the starvation of some of them. However, multiparasitism (laying of two or more eggs by one or more parasitic females in a single host nest) is surprisingly frequent. Here, we study multiparasitism by different females or by the same female (repeated parasitism) in the great spotted cuckoo Clamator glandarius, a non‐evictor brood parasite that mainly parasitizes the magpie Pica pica, and whose chicks may be raised together with host nestlings in the same nest. We used a total of 262 magpie nests found during four breeding seasons. Multiparasitism and repeated parasitism are very frequent because this brood parasite is less virulent than other cuckoo species and magpie hosts can successfully raise more than one parasitic nestling per nest. The total number of cuckoo chicks fledged was higher in multiparasitized nests than in single‐ or double‐parasitized magpie nests. Magpie breeding success (i.e. the proportion of eggs that produce young that leave the nest) did not differ between single‐, double‐, and multiparasitized magpie nests. These results suggest that multiparasitism is an adaptation in the great spotted cuckoo. The intensity of parasitism (number of cuckoo eggs per nest), after controlling for the potential effect of year, did not affect nest desertion or nest predation rate, neither during the incubation nor the nestling periods. This implies that nest concealment does not affect the susceptibility of one nest being parasitized and predated, as nest predation rate was similar regardless of the intensity of parasitism. Predation rate during the nestling phase did not vary according to intensity of parasitism, which does not support either the ‘mutualism' hypothesis or the ‘predation cost of begging' hypothesis.
LINC01705 derived from adipocyte exosomes regulates hepatocyte lipid accumulation via an miR‐552‐3p/LXR axis
Authors: Lin Anhua , He Wenjing
Published: July 2023

Aims/Introduction

High glucose increases the accumulation of lipid droplets in hepatocytes, which eventually results in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with diabetes. However, the specific mechanism or communication between adipocyte and hepatocyte lipid metabolism is still ambiguous.

Materials and Methods

In this study, exosomes released from human adipocytes were isolated and identified by their morphology, size, and marker proteins by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), and western blotting (WB). Gene expression was detected by qRT‐PCR and WB. Lipid accumulation was determined by oil red O staining and analyses of total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) content.

Results

Our results showed that co‐culture of HepG2 cells with adipocytes under high glucose conditions stimulated lipid deposition and LINC01705 expression in the HepG2 cells. Exosomes extracted from adipocytes cultured under high glucose conditions had higher levels of LINC01705 than exosomes extracted from adipocytes cultured under normal glucose conditions. Moreover, LINC01705 expression was also elevated in exosomes extracted from diabetes patients when compared with exosomes isolated from normal volunteers, and exosomes from patients who had diabetes complicated with fatty liver (DCFL) had the highest levels of LINC01705 expression. Treatment of HepG2 cells with exosomes extracted from high glucose‐stimulated adipocytes promoted lipid deposition and LINC01705 expression in HepG2 cells. Further experiments showed that overexpression of LINC01705 promoted HepG2 lipid metabolism, while inhibition of LINC01705 had the opposite effect. Mechanistically, LINC01705 competitively bound to miR‐552‐3p, and treatment with miR‐552‐3p inhibitor reversed the effects induced by LINC01705 knockdown. Moreover, miR‐552‐3p was found to regulate the transcription activity of LXRα and thereby modulate lipid metabolism‐related gene expression.

Conclusions

When taken together, our findings showed that high glucose increased the LINC01705 levels in adipocyte exosomes, and thereby improved HepG2 lipid accumulation via an miR‐552‐3p/LXR axis.
Flower visits of cockroaches (Insecta: Blattodea) in the Iberian Peninsula: Are they neglected pollinators?
Authors: Pérez‐Gómez Álvaro , León‐Osper Melissa , Pareja Daniel , Robla Jairo
Published: July 2023

Although several insect orders have been deeply studied in plant–animal interactions (e.g. pollination) cockroaches have traditionally been ignored in taxonomic and ecological studies. However, they could be playing a role in the reproduction of several plants. To date, 8 plant species use cockroaches as a pollination agent. In our study, we have reviewed 2865 records from citizen science platforms and our own data from the Iberian Peninsula to find flower visits made by cockroaches. We have detected 51 interaction records involving at least 8 different cockroach species and 35 plant species. Furthermore, nearly half of the detected cockroaches carried pollen on various parts of their bodies. These insects were found to mainly visit white, yellow and pink flowers from Apiaceae, Asteraceae and Cistaceae plant families (among others) mainly in late spring and early summer. However, for the confirmation of effective pollination, new studies must be carried out. Additionally, although the existence of pollination syndrome is far from being understood, we provide new insights that could help shed some light on this unknown relationship. Here we provide the first approximation of cockroach floral perception and we have detected that white flowers show the best fit and higher conspicousness to cockroach colour vision, as suggested for other neglected pollinator insects.
Preface: Special issue “Brain Proteostasis in Health and Disease”
Authors: Lourenco Mychael V.
Published: July 2023

This preface introduces the Journal of Neurochemistry Special Issue on Brain Proteostasis. Adequate control of protein homeostasis, or proteostasis, has been at the center stage of brain physiology, and its deregulation may contribute to brain diseases, including several neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative conditions. Therefore, delineating the processes underlying protein synthesis, folding, stability, function, and degradation in brain cells is key to promoting brain function and identifying effective therapeutic options for neurological disorders. This special issue comprises four review articles and four original articles covering the roles of protein homeostasis in several mechanisms that are of relevance to sleep, depression, stroke, dementia, and COVID‐19. Thus, these articles highlight different aspects of proteostasis regulation in the brain and present important evidence on this growing and exciting field.

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Cognitive evaluation and rehabilitation in high‐ and low‐income countries
Authors: Mazzucchi Anna
Published: July 2023

Starting from her own personal experience, in the First Part of the article, the author reconstructs how the specialized sectors of cognitive evaluation and rehabilitation evolved in Western countries (Europe, the United States, Canada, and Australia, in particular) during the second half of the last century and the first decades of this century. In the Second Part, she describes her personal experience in setting up a rehabilitation centre dedicated to traumatic brain‐injured subjects and her commitment to international cooperation (Bolivia, Rwanda, Myanmar, Tanzania) in the field of cognitive evaluation and rehabilitation in favour of people with congenital and acquired cerebral pathology, especially in the paediatric age, since there is an almost total lack of diagnostic, but above all, rehabilitative procedures for cognitive functions in low‐middle income countries. In the Third Part of the article, the author carries out an extensive review of the international literature on the differences in access to cognitive diagnostic evaluation and cognitive rehabilitation in middle‐ and low‐income countries – but not only – underlining the urgent need to launch a major international collaborative effort to reduce and eliminate these discrepancies.
Anatomy of the pontine arteries and perforators of the basilar artery in humans
Authors: Kwiatkowska Magdalena , Rzepliński Radosław , Ciszek Bogdan
Published: July 2023

Cerebral blood flow constitutes a critical area of interest for neurologists, neurosurgeons, and interventional radiologists as a social burden related to ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and vascular dementia is expected to intensify. There is a great need to develop new and effective therapies, therefore deepening understanding of cerebrovascular anatomy, physiology, and pathology is crucial. The main aim of the study was to develop a comprehensive classification of the pontine arteries considering their typology, relations to the cranial nerves, branching schemes, and superficial pontine blood supply areas. We prepared 100 anatomical specimens of the human brainstem with the basilar artery, the pontine arteries, and the terminal perforating arteries. With the use of microsurgical microscope, we analyzed morphometry of the basilar artery, origins, courses, and branching patterns of the pontine arteries as well as distribution of the terminal perforators in relation to pontine superficial vascular areas and the cranial nerves. Additionally, we studied presence of pontine branches of the superior cerebellar artery (SCA) and anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA). Repetitive branching patterns, origins, and courses led us to distinguish five types of the pontine arteries: type 1—the paramedian branches, type 2—the short circumflex branches, type 3—composition of the paramedian and the short circumflex branches, type 4—long circumflex branches, and type 5—median branches penetrating the pons along the basilar sulcus. Types 1, 2, and 4 were described in the literature previously, but the classification did not include the median branches (the most prevalent branches) and frequently occurring combinations of the types 1 and 2. There were seven pontine arteries on both sides on average that presented the following general pattern: the first pontine artery below the SCA is a type 4 vessel called the posterolateral pontine artery and it is followed by a type 2 vessel—the superolateral pontine artery; the next three arteries represent the types 1, 2, and 3 and supply most of the ventral pontine surface; the sixth artery—the anterolateral pontine artery—is a short circumflex branch and the seventh artery, originating below the AICA, represents long circumflex arteries. Occlusion of each of the abovementioned vessels relates to a specific pontine vascular syndrome. As explained by the phylogenesis and ontogenesis of the central nervous system, the pontine arteries are subject to variability. The SCA and the AICA took part in the pontine blood supply in 2.5% and 12.5% of cases, respectively, therefore neurovascular interventions involving the SCA, or the AICA may lead to pontine ischemia. Contact of the pontine arteries with the cranial nerves depends on the vessel type and origin location.
Liposome‐assisted penetration and antiaging effects of collagen in a 3D skin model
Authors: Lee Mi So , Bui Hoai‐Thuong Duc , Kim Su Ji , Lee Jun Bae , Yoo Hyuk Sang
Published: July 2023

Background

Collagen is a major component of the extracellular matrix that supports the epidermal layers of the skin; thus, many strategies have been made to enhance the topical delivery of collagen for antiaging purposes. In addition, our previous study indicated that liposome can help the penetration of active ingredients into the skin.

Aims

To produce stable collagen‐encapsulated liposomes to improve the topical delivery of collagen.

Methods

Collagen‐encapsulated liposomes were fabricated using high‐pressure homogenization method. The colloidal stability and adhesion ability were confirmed using dynamic light scattering, and spectrofluorophotometer, respectively. Keratinocyte differentiations of 3D skin before and after treatment with collagen‐encapsulated liposomes were confirmed by real‐time PCR.

Results

In comparison with native collagen, collagen‐encapsulated liposomes enhanced collagen retention in artificial membranes by twofold, even after repeated washings with water. In addition, real‐time PCR results indicated that 3D skin treated with collagen‐encapsulated liposomes exhibited higher levels of collagen, keratin, and involucrin, even after ethanol treatment.

Conclusion

Liposomes could serve as efficient delivery vehicles for collagen, thereby enhancing its antiaging effects.
Early introduction of complementary foods/drinks and milk feeding type in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
Authors: Marks Kristin J. , Boundy Ellen O. , Nakayama Jasmine Y. , Li Ruowei , Hamner Heather C.
Published: July 2023

Infants younger than 4 months are not ready for complementary foods/drinks (any solid or liquid other than breast milk or infant formula). Almost half of US infants participate in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), which provides nutrition education and support to low‐income families. We describe the prevalence of early introduction (<4 months) of complementary foods/drinks and examine the association of milk feeding type (fully breastfed, partially breastfed or fully formula fed) with early introduction of complementary foods/drinks. We used data from 3310 families in the longitudinal WIC Infant and Toddler Feeding Practices Study‐2. We described the prevalence of early introduction of complementary foods/drinks and modeled the association of milk feeding type at Month 1 with early introduction of complementary foods/drinks using multi‐variable logistic regression. Thirty‐eight percent of infants were introduced early to complementary foods/drinks (<4 months). In adjusted models, infants who were fully formula fed or partially breastfed at Month 1 were 75% and 57%, respectively, more likely to be introduced early to complementary foods/drinks compared with fully breastfed infants. Almost two in five infants were given complementary foods/drinks early. Formula feeding at Month 1 was associated with higher odds of early introduction of complementary foods/drinks. There are opportunities to support families participating in WIC to prevent early introduction of complementary foods/drinks and promote child health.
Genetic and cultural evidence suggests a refugium for killer whales off Japan during the Last Glacial Maximum
Authors: Filatova Olga A. , Fedutin Ivan D. , Borisova Ekaterina A. , Meschersky Ilya G. , Hoyt Erich
Published: July 2023

During glacial periods, highly mobile species were able to shift their ranges to warmer regions that remained ice‐free—so‐called “glacial refugia.” Glacial refugia often preserved higher levels of genetic diversity than areas that were colonized after the retreat of glaciers. In this study, we examined genetic and vocal variation in R‐type (“resident”) killer whales,Orcinus orca, from Nemuro Strait in the western North Pacific to test the hypothesis that environmentally stable marine regions may have preserved refugial populations of the killer whale that retained historical genetic and cultural diversity. We found three distinct mtDNA control region haplotypes and stereotyped calls that differed significantly from the repertoire of a population further north off Kamchatka and the adjacent western North Pacific. Therefore, both genetic and cultural evidence suggest that at least some killer whales from Nemuro Strait represent a separate maternal lineage. The control region haplotype diversity for Nemuro Strait is comparable to that for the rest of the North Pacific. The data presented here are consistent with the existence of the southwestern glacial refugium for killer whales in the waters off northern Japan during the Last Glacial Maximum.
Epstein–Barr virus‐positive monoclonal lymphoplasmacytic proliferation associated with neurosyphilis in an immunocompetent patient: A case report
Authors: Hibiya Takashi , Nagahama Kiyotaka , Matsumoto Yoshie , Saito Kuniaki , Sasaki Nobuyoshi , Kobayashi Keiichi , Otsu Akiyasu , Shimasaki Teppei , Takeuchi Kengo , Shiokawa Yoshiaki , Nagane Motoo , Shibahara Junji
Published: July 2023

Syphilis is an infectious disease caused by the spirochete bacterium Treponema pallidum. Neurosyphilis results from the infection of the nervous system with Treponema pallidum, which can occur at any stage of syphilis. Neurosyphilis is often overlooked because of its rarity. Early‐stage neurosyphilis with brain mass formation is rare. We present a case of early‐stage neurosyphilis with prominent Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐positive monoclonal lymphoplasmacytic proliferation in an immunocompetent patient. A 36‐year‐old man presented with a chief complaint of a progressively worsening headache, a newly developed skin rash, and a fever. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a mass lesion, which measured 18 mm in diameter, in the left frontal lobe of the cerebrum. The patient underwent an emergency operation to remove the abscess. A pathological investigation revealed complex findings. There was an abscess in the cerebrum. Lymphoplasmacytic meningitis was also noted. In addition, a vaguely nodular lesion, which was composed of plasmacytoid and lymphoid cells, was observed around the abscess. Immunohistochemically, an anti‐Treponema pallidum antibody revealed numerous Treponemas around the abscess. In situ hybridization revealed that the plasmacytoid and lymphoid cells were Epstein–Barr encoding region (EBER)‐positive; κ‐positive cells were significantly more prevalent than λ‐positive cells, suggesting light‐chain restriction. Postoperatively, parenteral antibiotics were administered for four weeks. The patient has been free of recurrence for two years since the surgery. No association between neurosyphilis and EBV‐positive lymphoplasmacytic proliferation has ever been reported. Mass formation in early‐stage neurosyphilis is an exceptionally rare event. The present case indicates that in syphilis patients, lymphoproliferative disorders that lead to mass formation may be caused by concomitant EBV reactivation. Furthermore, when treating patients with mass lesions of the central nervous system, it is important to check their medical history and perform laboratory screening for infectious diseases to avoid overlooking syphilis infections.
An extracellular β‐N‐acetylhexosaminidase of Medicago truncatula hydrolyzes chitooligosaccharides and is involved in arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis but not required for nodulation
Authors: Wang Yi‐Han , Liu Wei , Cheng Jing , Li Ru‐Jie , Wen Jiangqi , Mysore Kirankumar S. , Xie Zhi‐Ping , Reinhardt Didier , Staehelin Christian
Published: July 2023

Establishment of symbiosis between plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi depends on fungal chitooligosaccharides (COs) and lipo‐chitooligosaccharides (LCOs). The latter are also produced by nitrogen‐fixing rhizobia to induce nodules on leguminous roots. However, host enzymes regulating structure and levels of these signals remain largely unknown.

Here, we analyzed the expression of a β‐N‐acetylhexosaminidase gene of Medicago truncatula (MtHEXO2) and biochemically characterized the enzyme. Mutant analysis was performed to study the role of MtHEXO2 during symbiosis.

We found that expression of MtHEXO2 is associated with AM symbiosis and nodulation. MtHEXO2 expression in the rhizodermis was upregulated in response to applied chitotetraose, chitoheptaose, and LCOs. M. truncatula mutants deficient in symbiotic signaling did not show induction of MtHEXO2. Subcellular localization analysis indicated that MtHEXO2 is an extracellular protein. Biochemical analysis showed that recombinant MtHEXO2 does not cleave LCOs but can degrade COs into N‐acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc). Hexo2 mutants exhibited reduced colonization by AM fungi; however, nodulation was not affected in hexo2 mutants.

In conclusion, we identified an enzyme, which inactivates COs and promotes the AM symbiosis. We hypothesize that GlcNAc produced by MtHEXO2 may function as a secondary symbiotic signal.
Effects of exercise timing on metabolic health
Authors: Martínez‐Montoro José Ignacio , Benítez‐Porres Javier , Tinahones Francisco J. , Ortega‐Gómez Almudena , Murri Mora
Published: July 2023

The increasing prevalence of metabolic syndrome is associated with major health and socioeconomic consequences. Currently, physical exercise, together with dietary interventions, is the mainstay of the treatment of obesity and related metabolic complications. Although exercise training includes different modalities, with variable intensity, duration, volume, or frequency, which may have a distinct impact on several characteristics related to metabolic syndrome, the potential effects of exercise timing on metabolic health are yet to be fully elucidated. Remarkably, promising results with regard to this topic have been reported in the last few years. Similar to other time‐based interventions, including nutritional therapy or drug administration, time‐of‐day‐based exercise may become a useful approach for the management of metabolic disorders. In this article, we review the role of exercise timing in metabolic health and discuss the potential mechanisms that could drive the metabolic‐related benefits of physical exercise performed in a time‐dependent manner.
Combined transcriptome and proteome analyses between the cytoplasmic male sterile line and its maintainer line in Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum)
Authors: Jia Junxiang , Yang Guodong , Li Na , Jiang Xintao , Cui Lianwei
Published: July 2023

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is dispensable for research of heterosis and investigation of nuclear–cytoplasmic interaction in Welsh onion. The molecular mechanism of the cytoplasmic male sterile line and its maintainer line was investigated by combined transcriptome and proteome analyses in Welsh onion. The 410,585 full‐length non‐chimeric (FLNC, full‐length readsnon‐Chimeric) sequences were obtained, and AS events and lncRNAs were identified by full‐length transcriptome. Towards a comprehensive understanding and identification of related genes for male sterility, the transcriptome and proteome sequencing were utilized to explore the differences between the cytoplasmic male sterile line and its maintainer line. The 287 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 49 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified, and we furthermore explored the function of genes and proteins. The heat map preliminarily demonstrated the expression change of the key genes and proteins in two cultivars. CMS‐related genes were screened form differentially expressed genes, and verified by quantitative real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). Our research found the CMS regulatory genes, proteins and related pathways. The transcriptome and proteome datasets contribute to accelerate the development of CMS gene clones and functional genomics research on Welsh onions.
Optimal liver transplant procedure in progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 1 treated with biliary diversion or intestinal transplantation: Lessons learned from three cases treated with different approaches
Authors: Uchida Hajime , Sakamoto Seisuke , Komine Ryuji , Kodama Tasuku , Nakao Toshimasa , Yanagi Yusuke , Shimizu Seiichi , Abbas Syed Hasnain , Fukuda Akinari , Kasahara Mureo
Published: July 2023

Background

Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 1 (PFIC1) is an autosomal recessive cholestatic liver disorder caused by ATP8B1 gene mutations. Although liver transplantation (LT) is indicated for progressive liver disease, postoperative complications, including severe diarrhea and graft steatohepatitis leading to graft loss, have been reported.

Cases

The first patient had jaundice, pruritus, diarrhea, and growth retardation (weight z‐score: −2.5; height z‐score: −3.7). She underwent LT with total internal biliary diversion (TIBD) to the colon at 2 years of age. Graft biopsy at the 7‐year follow‐up examination revealed microvesicular steatosis (60%). Her diarrhea improved, and her growth failure was recovering (weight z‐score: −1.0; height z‐score: −1.7).

The second patient underwent sequential intestine–liver transplantation at 8 years of age due to end‐stage liver disease (ESLD) and short bowel syndrome caused by massive bowel resection for internal hernia after partial external biliary diversion (PEBD) at 21 months of age. She developed severe pancreatitis induced by steroid–bolus therapy for rejection after transplantation. She died 1.7 years after intestinal transplantation due to an uncontrollable pancreatic abscess and acute respiratory distress syndrome. The third patient underwent PEBD at 15 months of age and received LT with TEBD at 15 years of age due to ESLD with hepatic encephalopathy. Throughout the perioperative period, she showed no abdominal symptoms, including diarrhea and pancreatitis. Graft biopsy at the 2‐year follow‐up examination revealed macrovesicular steatosis (60%) with inflammation.

Conclusions

The patients showed different outcomes. Effective therapeutic options to mitigate post‐LT complications in patients with PFIC1 must be considered individually.
Inventory and financial strategies of capital‐constrained firms under limited joint liability financing
Authors: Cao Bin , Chen Xin , Edwin Cheng T. C. , Zhong Yuanguang , Zhou Yong‐Wu
Published: July 2023

This paper studies the operations and financial decisions of two capital‐constrained firms via a limited joint liability (LJL) financing scheme offered by a bank with a menu of loan terms including interest rate and leverage ratio/credit line. To explicitly assess the value of LJL financing, we assume that the firms either use LJL financing scheme or traditional individual financing scheme to finance their operations. Under LJL financing scheme, we construct a non‐cooperative game model in which the two firms separately determine their own inventory decision to serve random demand, according to the prior joint liability agreement between the two firms and the bank. We prove that the non‐cooperative game between the two firms under the LJL financing scheme is a supermodular, and thus establish the existence of equilibrium inventory decisions of the firms. We then characterize the optimal loan terms of the profit‐seeking bank under the proposed two financing schemes. Our results show that the joint‐liability mechanism of the LJL financing scheme always induces the firms to overinvest in their ordering decisions (relative to the case of the individual financing scheme), which reveals that the endogenous financial terms of the LJL financing scheme have a positive effect on the firms' operational decisions. Importantly, we provide conditions under which the loan terms of the proposed two financing schemes can be properly set by the bank to make the LJL financing scheme more beneficial to the bank and the two firms, and the bank offering this financing scheme can obtain two additional benefits—that is, a higher probability of recouping all the loans and a lower profit risk (i.e., the standard derivation of the bank's random total profit), compared to individual financing scheme. The research findings provide managerial insights for a profit‐seeking bank on how to offer financial loans to capital‐constrained firms and for those capital‐constrained firms on how to cooperate with one another.
Thematic evolution, emerging trends for sharing economy business model research, and future research directions in the post‐COVID‐19 era
Authors: Duan Carson
Published: July 2023

This study explored the scientometrics and current dynamics of the area of sharing economy business models (SEBMs). Using bibliometric analysis, it examined a collection of 561 studies from the Web of Science and Scopus databases to detect the thematic evolution, strategy map, and emerging trends in SEBM literature as well as to forecast research directions. The results showed that SEBMs is a relatively new multidisciplinary research area that grew rapidly between 2014 and 2019; since then, the publication growth has flattened. Research on SEBMs currently focuses on sustainability, sustainable development, tourism, new technology application, and business management, with less attention given to social effects and public acceptance, determinants of success, and regional entrepreneurial ecosystem. The thematic analysis revealed that sustainability‐oriented themes are at the center. Six emerging trends were detected: (1) industry‐oriented research such as transportation, tourism, accommodation, energy, and others, (2) sustainability‐oriented studies, including social, environmental, and economic perspectives, (3) sustainable organizational development concerning social acceptance, trust, legitimacy, and satisfaction, (4) new technology‐oriented and innovation‐focused studies such as blockchain, big data, social media, and e‐platforms, (5) country‐ and region‐oriented studies, particularly for emerging countries, (6) effects of entrepreneurial ecosystem factors on SEBM development. Based on the current thematic map and evolution, this paper suggests several critical research directions. The paper provides (1) providing a one‐stop literature overview on SEBM area for two time slices: fast‐growing‐initiation phase (before COVID‐19) and transitional phase (during COVID‐19), (2) identifying research focuses, emerging trends, and gaps, (3) developing novel research avenues for investigation, and (4) aligning expected contributions to the area. By providing new knowledge, the research theoretically contributes to many disciplines given that SEBM studies were found to be multidisciplinary. It also has numerous implications for policymakers and practitioners.
Does the competitiveness of election moderate the impact of descriptive social norms on voter turnout? A survey experiment in Japan
Authors: Yamada Kyohei
Published: July 2023

Intro

This article examines whether descriptive norms affect voters’ intention to vote in national elections in Japan and whether the impact of descriptive norms is moderated by the anticipated level of electoral competition. Social psychological research suggests that one's chance of voting is higher if they learn that many others are voting. On the other hand, knowing many others vote could make one think that their vote is not needed for influencing the election outcome, leading them to abstain.

Method

To test these competing expectations, I conducted a survey experiment in Japan in June 2022, presenting a hypothetical condition of the Lower House election and asking the respondents’ intention to vote in the hypothetical contest. I used a 2 × 2 design that varied (1) anticipated voter turnout (high turnout, low turnout) and (2) anticipated level of competition (high competition, low competition).

Results

I find that the descriptive norm of high voter turnout is positively associated with the chance of voting only when the expected level of competition is high.

Conclusion

These are not consistent with the prior research demonstrating the strong influence of descriptive norms and the ones finding that the descriptive norm of nonparticipation leads to greater willingness to participate by generating the sense of threat.
A novel virtual course to teach medical students high‐value decision‐making
Authors: Niranjan‐Azadi Ashwini , Moulder Glenn , Gusic Maryellen E. , Hoke George , Pahwa Amit , Parsons Andrew S.
Published: July 2023

Background

Although a clinician's ability to employ high‐value decision‐making is influenced by training, many undergraduate medical education programmes lack a formal curriculum in high‐value, cost‐conscious care. We present a curriculum developed through a cross‐institutional collaboration that was used to teach students at two institutions about this topic and can serve as a framework for other institutions to develop similar curricula.

Approach

The faculty from the University of Virginia and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine created a 2‐week‐long online course to teach medical students the fundamentals of high‐value care. The course consisted of learning modules, clinical cases, textbook studies, journal clubs and a competitive ‘Shark Tank’ final project where students proposed a realistic intervention to promote high‐value clinical care.

Evaluation

Over two‐thirds of students rated the course's quality as excellent or very good. Most found the online modules (92%), assigned textbook readings (89%) and ‘Shark Tank’ competition (83%) useful. To evaluate the student's ability to apply the concepts learned during the course in clinical contexts, we developed a scoring rubric based on the New World Kirkpatrick Model to evaluate students' proposals. Groups chosen as finalists (as determined by faculty judges) were more likely to be fourth‐year students (56%), achieved higher overall scores (p = 0.03), better incorporated cost impact at several levels (patient, hospital and national) (p = 0.001) and discussed both positive and negative impacts on patient safety (p = 0.04).

Implications

This course provides a framework for medical schools to use in their teaching of high‐value care. Cross‐institutional collaboration and online content overcame local barriers such as contextual factors and lack of faculty expertise, allowed for greater flexibility, and enabled focused curricular time to be spent on a capstone project competition. Prior clinical experience amongst medical students may be an enabling factor in promoting application of learning related to high‐value care.
The exact factorizations of almost simple groups
Authors: Li Cai Heng , Wang Lei , Xia Binzhou
Published: July 2023

This paper presents a classification of exact factorizations of almost simple groups, which has been a long‐standing open problem initiated around 1980 by the work of Wiegold–Williamson, and significantly progressed by Liebeck, Praeger, and Saxl in 2010. The classification is then used to solve problems in bicrossproduct Hopf algebras and permutation groups.
Role of proprioceptors in chronic musculoskeletal pain
Authors: Lee Cheng‐Han , Chen Chih‐Cheng
Published: July 2023

Proprioceptors are non‐nociceptive low‐threshold mechanoreceptors. However, recent studies have shown that proprioceptors are acid‐sensitive and express a variety of proton‐sensing ion channels and receptors. Accordingly, although proprioceptors are commonly known as mechanosensing neurons that monitor muscle contraction status and body position, they may have a role in the development of pain associated with tissue acidosis. In clinical practice, proprioception training is beneficial for pain relief. Here we summarize the current evidence to sketch a different role of proprioceptors in ‘non‐nociceptive pain’ with a focus on their acid‐sensing properties.
Implementation of Solar Salt Properties Into ARIANT and Simulation of Pressurized Loss of Forced Circulation in a High Temperature Gas-Cooled Small Modular Reactor
Authors: Wu Jason H. , Beuthe Thomas G. , Vasić Aleksandar
Published: July 2023

Small modular reactors (SMRs) are actively being considered for use in Canada. Some proposed SMRs can make use of solar salt as an intermediate coolant for a heat storage system. The development of thermalhydraulic simulation tools is one of the key capabilities needed to examine the performance of SMRs and license this class of reactors. This article summarizes the implementation of molten solar salt fluid properties into the algorithm for analysis of network thermalhydraulics (ARIANT) and uses this code to simulate a high temperature gas-cooled SMR with helium and solar salt as its primary and secondary coolants during a pressurized loss of forced circulation (PLOFC) event. This work demonstrates the ability of ARIANT to simulate transient events in a two-loop reactor system consisting of helium and solar salt as coolants and helps to establish ARIANT as a tool for SMR analysis.
Short-Circuit Fault Detection and Quantitative Analysis Based on Mean-Difference Model With Variational Modal Decomposition
Authors: Chang Chun , Wang Zile , Zhang Zhen , Jiang Jiuchun , He Xing , Tian Aina , Jiang Yan
Published: July 2023

Short-circuit failure is one of the triggers for thermal runaway of lithium-ion batteries, which can lead to serious safety issues. This paper attempts to estimate the short-circuit resistance of the cell using the mean difference model and relies on the estimated results to make a quantitative analysis of short-circuit fault. To achieve this goal, a combination of forgetting factor recursive least squares and extended Kalman filter is used to estimate the average open-circuit voltage within the battery pack. Subsequently, since both the open-circuit voltage (OCV) and intrinsic mode function (IMF0) components reflect the low-frequency characteristics of the battery voltage, we propose a new method based on the variational modal decomposition to extract the differential open-circuit voltage of the battery and finally make an estimate of the short-circuit resistance after obtaining OCV of the battery using the idea of the mean difference model (MDM). In addition, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified under different degrees of short-circuit faults by connecting different resistors to the series battery pack.