bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discovery of novel potent, cell-permeable inhibitors of P. falciparum cGMP-dependent protein kinase
Authors: Yadav Bheemanaboina Rammohan R. , Gonzalez Mariana Lozano , Mahmood Shams Ul , Eck Tyler , Kreiss Tamara , de Souza Mariana Laureano , Aylor Samantha O. , Roth Alison , Lee Patricia , Pybus Brandon S. , Bhanot Purnima , Colussi Dennis J. , Childers Wayne E. , Gordon John , Siekierka John J. , Rotella David P.
Published: August 2021

The discovery of new targets for treatment of malaria advanced with the demonstration that orally administered inhibitors of Plasmodium falciparum cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PfPKG) could clear infection in a murine model. This enthusiasm was tempered by unsatisfactory safety and/or pharmacokinetic issues found with these chemotypes. To address the urgent need for new scaffolds, we recently reported the discovery and optimization of novel, potent isoxazole-based PfPKG inhibitors that lacked any obvious safety warnings. This manuscript presents representative in vitro ADME, hERG characterization and cell-based antiparasitic activity of these PfPKG inhibitors. We also report the discovery and structure-activity relationships of a new series with good potency, low hERG activity and cell-based anti-parasitic activity comparable to a literature standard.
A TET1-PSPC1-Neat1 molecular axis modulates PRC2 functions in controlling stem cell bivalency
Authors: Huang Xin , Bashkenova Nazym , Hong Yantao , Guallar Diana , Hu Zhe , Malik Vikas , Li Dan , Shen Xiaohua , Zhou Hongwei , Wang Jianlong
Published: August 2021

TET1 maintains hypomethylation at bivalent promoters through its catalytic activity in embryonic stem cells (ESCs). However, whether and how TET1 exerts catalytic activity-independent functions in regulating bivalent genes is not well understood. Using a proteomics approach, we mapped the TET1 interactome in mouse ESCs and identified PSPC1 as a novel TET1 partner. Genome-wide location analysis reveals that PSPC1 functionally associates with TET1 and Polycomb repressive complex-2 (PRC2) complex. We establish that PSPC1 and TET1 repress, and Neat1, the PSPC1 cognate lncRNA, activates the bivalent gene expression. In ESCs, Neat1 tethers the TET1-PSPC1 pair with PRC2 at bivalent promoters. During the ESC-to-formative epiblast-like stem cell (EpiLC) transition, PSPC1 and TET1 promote PRC2 chromatin occupancy at bivalent gene promoters while restricting Neat1 functions in facilitating PRC2 binding to bivalent gene transcripts. Our study uncovers a novel TET1-PSPC1-Neat1 molecular axis that modulates PRC2 binding affinity to chromatin and bivalent gene transcripts in controlling stem cell bivalency.

In Brief

TET1 is a transcriptional repressor for bivalent genes in pluripotent stem cells, but its mechanistic action on stem cell bivalency is unclear. Huang et al. use proteomics and genetic approaches to reveal that catalytic activity-independent functions of TET1, coordinated with the paraspeckle components PSPC1 and its cognate lncRNA Neat1, dynamically regulates stem cell bivalency by modulating PRC2 binding affinity to chromatin and bivalent gene transcripts in pluripotent state transition.

Highlights

The TET1 interactome identifies PSPC1 as a novel partner in ESCs

TET1 and PSPC1 repress bivalent genes by promoting PRC2 chromatin occupancy

Neat1 facilitates bivalent gene activation by promoting PRC2 binding to their mRNAs

Neat1 bridges the TET1-PSPC1 and PRC2 complexes in regulating bivalent gene transcription
Beehives possess their own distinct microbiomes
Authors: Santorelli Lorenzo , Wilkinson Toby , Abdulmalik Ronke , Rai Yuma , Creevey Christopher J. , Huws Sharon , Gutierrez-Merino Jorge
Published: August 2021

Honey bees use plant material to manufacture their own food. These insect pollinators visit flowers repeatedly to collect nectar and pollen, which are shared with other hive bees to produce honey and beebread. While producing these products, beehives accumulate a tremendous amount of microbes, including bacteria that derive from plants and different parts of the honey bees’ body. In this study, we conducted 16S rDNA metataxonomic analysis on honey and beebread samples that were collected from 15 beehives in the southeast of England in order to quantify the bacteria associated with beehives. The results highlighted that honeybee products carry a significant variety of bacterial groups that comprise bee commensals, environmental bacteria and pathogens of plants and animals. Remarkably, this bacterial diversity differs amongst the beehives, suggesting a defined fingerprint that is affected, not only by the nectar and pollen gathered from local plants, but also from other environmental sources. In summary, our results show that every hive possesses their own distinct microbiome, and that honeybee products are valuable indicators of the bacteria present in the beehives and their surrounding environment.
Prediction of standard cell types and functional markers from flow cytometry gating definitions using machine learning
Authors: Rodriguez-Esteban Raul , Duarte José , Teixeira Priscila C. , Richard Fabien , Koltsova Svetlana , Venus So W.
Published: August 2021

Background

A key step in clinical flow cytometry data analysis is gating, which involves the identification of cell populations. The process of gating produces a set of reportable results, which are typically described by gating definitions. The non-standardized, non-interpreted nature of gating definitions represents a hurdle for data interpretation and data sharing across and within organizations. Interpreting and standardizing gating definitions for subsequent analysis of gating results requires a curation effort from experts. Machine learning approaches have the potential to help in this process by predicting expert annotations associated with gating definitions.

Methods

We created a gold-standard dataset by manually annotating thousands of gating definitions with cell type and functional marker annotations. We used this dataset to train and test a machine learning pipeline able to predict standard cell types and functional marker genes associated with gating definitions.

Results

The machine learning pipeline predicted annotations with high accuracy for both cell types and functional marker genes. Accuracy was lower for gating definitions from assays belonging to laboratories from which limited or no prior data was available in the training. Manual error review ensured that resulting predicted annotations could be reused subsequently as additional gold-standard training data.

Conclusions

Machine learning methods are able to consistently predict annotations associated with gating definitions from flow cytometry assays. However, a hybrid automatic and manual annotation workflow would be recommended to achieve optimal results.
Structural basis for targeting the human T-cell leukemia virus Tax oncoprotein and syntenin-1 interaction using a small molecule
Authors: Maseko Sibusiso B. , Van Molle Inge , Blibek Karim , Gorgulla Christoph , Olivet Julien , Blavier Jeremy , Vandermeulen Charlotte , Skupiewski Stéphanie , Saha Deeya , Ntombela Thandokuhle , Lim Julianne , Lembo Frederique , Beauvois Aurelie , Hamaidia Malik , Borg Jean-Paul , Zimmermann Pascale , Delvigne Frank , Willems Luc , Van Weyenbergh Johan , Kim Dae-Kyum , Dequiedt Franck , Arthanari Haribabu , Salehi-Ashtiani Kourosh , Ballet Steven , Volkov Alexander N. , Twizere Jean-Claude
Published: August 2021

Human T-cell leukemia virus type-1 (HTLV-1) is the causative agent of adult T-cell leukemia (ATL). Although ATL is a well-characterized T-cell neoplasm, linked to intermittent expression of the viral Tax-1 protein, there is currently no strategy to target Tax-1 functions using small molecules. Here, we report a comprehensive interaction map between Tax-1 and human PDZ domain-containing proteins (hPDZome). We show that Tax-1 interacts with more than one-third of hPDZome components, including proteins involved in cell cycle, cell-cell junctions, cytoskeleton organization, and membrane complex assembly. Using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, we have determined the structural basis of the interaction between the C-terminal PDZ binding motif (PBM) of Tax-1, and the PDZ domains of syntenin-1, an evolutionary conserved hub that controls exosome trafficking. Finally, we have used confocal imaging, molecular modelling, NMR and mammalian cell-based assays to demonstrate that the Tax-1/syntenin-1 interaction is amenable to small-molecule inhibition. Altogether, our study highlights the biological significance of Tax-PDZ interactome and its interplay with exosome formation. It shows a direct link between extracellular vesicles and HTLV-1 transmission, providing a novel framework for the design of targeted therapies for HTLV-1-induced diseases.
Application of a methodological approach to compare ontologies
Authors: Cardinale Yudith , Cornejo-Lupa Maria Alejandra , Pinto-De la Gala Alexander , Ticona-Herrera Regina
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to the OQuaRE quality model to the developed methodology.

Design/methodology/approach

Ontologies are formal, well-defined and flexible representations of knowledge related to a specific domain. They provide the base to develop efficient and interoperable solutions. Hence, a proliferation of ontologies in many domains is unleashed. Then, it is necessary to define how to compare such ontologies to decide which one is the most suitable for the specific needs of users/developers. As the emerging development of ontologies, several studies have proposed criteria to evaluate them.

Findings

In a previous study, the authors propose a methodological process to qualitatively and quantitatively compare ontologies at Lexical, Structural and Domain Knowledge levels, considering correctness and quality perspectives. As the evaluation methods of the proposal are based on a golden-standard, it can be customized to compare ontologies in any domain.

Practical implications

To show the suitability of the proposal, the authors apply the methodological approach to conduct comparative studies of ontologies in two different domains, one in the robotic area, in particular for the simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) problem; and the other one, in the cultural heritage domain. With these cases of study, the authors demonstrate that with this methodological comparative process, we are able to identify the strengths and weaknesses of ontologies, as well as the gaps still needed to fill in the target domains.

Originality/value

Using these metrics and the quality model from OQuaRE, the authors are incorporating a standard of software engineering at the quality validation into the Semantic Web.
MIMO-Orthogonal space time block code system joint with BCH-TC in Rayleigh fading channel for performance of transmit antenna selection
Authors: Deotale Nitin Tejram
Published: August 2021

Purpose

To enhance the performance transmit antenna selection (TAS) of spatial modulation (SM), systems technique needs to be essential. This TAS is an effective technique for reducing the multiple input multiple output (MIMO) systems computational difficulty, and bit error rate (BER) can increase remarkably by various TAS algorithms. But these selection methods cannot provide code gain, so it is essential to join the TAS with external code to obtain cy -ode gain advantages in BER.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, Bose–Chaudhuri–Hocquenghem (BCH)-Turbo code TC is combined with the orthogonal space time block code system.

Findings

In some existing work, the improved BER has been perceived by joining forward error correction code and space time block code (STBC) for MIMO systems provided greater code gain. The proposed work can provide increasing code gain and the effective advantages of the TAS-OSTBC system.

Originality/value

To perform the system analysis, Rayleigh channel is used. In the case with multiple TAS-OSTBC systems, better performance can provide by this new joint of the BCH-Turbo compared to the conventional Turbo code for the Rayleigh fading.
Do academic spin-offs outperform young innovative companies? A comparison of survival rates and growth
Authors: Francois Valérie , Belarouci Matthieu
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This article investigates the distinctive characteristics and the performance of academic spin-offs within young innovative companies (YICs) supported by public regional agencies. Considering that academic spin-offs are characterized by high intensity in innovation and technology transfer, we raise the issue of their performance relative to other YICs.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors focus on YICs which receive support from public or semi-public institutions at the early stage of their development as a reward for their innovative business ideas. The study is performed in two steps. First, the authors estimate the growth of the academic spin-offs within a set of YICs supported for fewer than 5 years. This estimation is based on data gathered in 2014. Second, the authors investigate the survival of these supported YICs with the Cox proportional hazards model, 5 years later, at the end of 2019.

Findings

Results reveal that academic spin-offs are more able to capture resources in the early stages: These firms have more patents, more external funding and higher increases in the number of employees. The authors also demonstrate that academic spin-offs have the highest survival rates.

Research limitations/implications

The drawback of the studies on ASOs is the limited sample. The main issue is related to survival analysis. Limitation of the sample sizes precludes from in-depth survival analyses, which may highlight fundamental differences in the development patterns of the firm.

Practical implications

The study’s results provide evidence on how the identity of academic spin-offs based on technology transfer act as a positive signal to obtain legitimacy. It is of particular interest for entrepreneurs who can rely on trust provided by their parent institution to engage in negotiations with different stakeholders. Moreover, results give insights to policymakers on the usefulness to invest on academic spin-offs because of its outperforming results.

Originality/value

The results provide important insights for designing, conducting and monitoring policies that favor innovation. Moreover, it demonstrates to universities, research institutions and entrepreneurs engaged in technology transfer the economic and social usefulness of their approach.
Examining the factors influencing adoption of over the top (OTT) services among Indian consumers
Authors: Bhattacharyya Som Sekhar , Goswami Shaileshwar , Mehta Raunak , Nayak Bishwajit
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and predict the key factors that influenced the usage intention of over the top (OTT) services by consumers. This was done by applying the modified unified theory of acceptance and use of technology 2 (UTAUT2) model.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey questionnaire assessed the proposed motivational factors for the adoption of OTT services. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling were conducted on collected data (n = 598) to demonstrate the reliability and validity of the measurement and structural model.

Findings

The model consisted of nine factors, namely, value expectancy (VE), ease of effort (EE), social influence (SI), favourable infrastructure conditions (FIC), hedonistic motivation for usage (HMU), favourable economic position (FEP), content quality (CQ), habitual behaviour (HB) and security conditions (SC). SC, VE, SI, HB and EE were the antecedent variables. FEP, CQ and FIC were the mediating variables and HMU was the dependant variable. SI and CQ of OTT services were positively associated with HMU of OTT services, FEP had no significant effects on HMU. The results also supported the explanatory strength and predictability of UTAUT2 as a model. It further extended UTAUT2 boundaries and paved the way for an extended UTAUT2 model to be developed.

Originality/value

The promising role of OTT services in the entertainment and media industry had gained consumer attention, however, limited empirical investigations had been conducted on explicating how user attitude and usage intention were shaped regarding the use of OTT services in the Indian context. This study served as one of the first attempts to empirically examine the adoption process, with implications for the HMU regarding OTT services. This was one of the first studies to extend the UTAUT2 theoretical model.
Increased 28‐day mortality due to fluid overload prior to continuous renal replacement in sepsis associated acute kidney injury
Authors: Fang Junjun , Wang Minjia , Gong Shijin , Cui Nannan , Xu Liang
Published: August 2021

Patients with sepsis are prone to fluid overload (FO) due to fluid resuscitation, irrespective of stage of acute kidney injury (AKI). The aim of our study was to analyze the association between FO at continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) initiation and 28‐day mortality in patients with sepsis associated AKI (S‐AKI). In this retrospective study, data for patient characteristics were collected and 28‐day mortality were studied. We also analyze association of variables, including FO degrees with 28‐day mortality. Earlier commencement of CRRT showed better outcome. Non‐survivors had higher FO than survivor (9.17% vs. 5.20%; p = 0.016). Survival in patients with FO > 10% over 28 days was significantly worse compared to those with FO ≤ 10% (p = 0.006). Multivariate analysis showed, FO > 10% (95%CI [1.721, 17.195], p = 0.004) was significantly associated with increased 28‐day mortality. In S‐AKI requiring CRRT, FO > 10% at CRRT initiation was independently associated with 28‐day mortality.
Elastic priors to dynamically borrow information from historical data in clinical trials
Authors: Jiang Liyun , Nie Lei , Yuan Ying
Published: August 2021

Use of historical data and real‐world evidence holds great potential to improve the efficiency of clinical trials. One major challenge is to effectively borrow information from historical data while maintaining a reasonable type I error and minimal bias. We propose the elastic prior approach to address this challenge. Unlike existing approaches, this approach proactively controls the behavior of information borrowing and type I errors by incorporating a well‐known concept of clinically significant difference through an elastic function, defined as a monotonic function of a congruence measure between historical data and trial data. The elastic function is constructed to satisfy a set of prespecified criteria such that the resulting prior will strongly borrow information when historical and trial data are congruent, but refrain from information borrowing when historical and trial data are incongruent. The elastic prior approach has a desirable property of being information borrowing consistent, that is, asymptotically controls type I error at the nominal value, no matter that historical data are congruent or not to the trial data. Our simulation study that evaluates the finite sample characteristic confirms that, compared to existing methods, the elastic prior has better type I error control and yields competitive or higher power. The proposed approach is applicable to binary, continuous, and survival endpoints.
Understanding patterns of food insecurity and family well‐being amid the COVID‐19 pandemic using daily surveys
Authors: Steimle Samantha , Gassman‐Pines Anna , Johnson Anna D. , Hines Caitlin T. , Ryan Rebecca M.
Published: August 2021

This paper investigates economic and psychological hardship during the COVID‐19 pandemic among a diverse sample (61% Latinx; 16% White; 9% Black; 14% mixed/other race) of socioeconomically disadvantaged parents (90% mothers; mean age = 35 years) and their elementary school‐aged children (ages 4–11; 49% female) in rural Pennsylvania (N = 272). Families participating in a local food assistance program reported on food insecurity (FI) and parent and child mood and behavior daily from January to May 2020. Longitudinal models revealed that FI, negative parent and child mood, and child misbehavior significantly increased when schools closed; only FI and parent depression later decreased. FI decreased most among those who received the local food assistance program; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program receipt uniquely predicted decreases in child FI.
Short‐ and long‐term effects of body weight loss following calorie restriction and gastric bypass on CYP3A‐activity – a non‐randomized three‐armed controlled trial
Authors: Kvitne Kine Eide , Robertsen Ida , Skovlund Eva , Christensen Hege , Krogstad Veronica , Wegler Christine , Angeles Philip Carlo , Wollmann Birgit Malene , Hole Kristine , Johnson Line Kristin , Sandbu Rune , Artursson Per , Karlsson Cecilia , Andersson Shalini , Andersson Tommy B. , Hjelmesæth Jøran , Jansson‐Löfmark Rasmus , Åsberg Anders
Published: August 2021

It remains uncertain whether pharmacokinetic changes following Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) can be attributed to surgery‐induced gastrointestinal alterations per se and/or the subsequent weight loss. The aim was to compare short‐ and long‐term effects of RYGB and calorie restriction on CYP3A‐activity, and cross‐sectionally compare CYP3A‐activity with normal weight to overweight controls using midazolam as probe drug. This three‐armed controlled trial included patients with severe obesity preparing for RYGB (n = 41) or diet‐induced (n = 41) weight‐loss, and controls (n = 18). Both weight‐loss groups underwent a 3‐week low‐energy‐diet (<1200 kcal/day) followed by a 6‐week very‐low‐energy‐diet or RYGB (both <800 kcal/day). Patients were followed for 2 years, with four pharmacokinetic investigations using semisimultaneous oral and intravenous dosing to determine changes in midazolam absolute bioavailability and clearance, within and between groups. The RYGB and diet groups showed similar weight‐loss at week 9 (13 ± 2.4% vs. 11 ± 3.6%), but differed substantially after 2 years (−30 ± 7.0% vs. −3.1 ± 6.3%). At baseline, mean absolute bioavailability and clearance of midazolam were similar in the RYGB and diet groups, but higher compared with controls. On average, absolute bioavailability was unaltered at week 9, but decreased by 40 ± 7.5% in the RYGB group and 32 ± 6.1% in the diet group at year 2 compared with baseline, with no between‐group difference. No difference in clearance was observed over time, nor between groups. In conclusion, neither RYGB per se nor weight loss impacted absolute bioavailability or clearance of midazolam short term. Long term, absolute bioavailability was similarly decreased in both groups despite different weight loss, suggesting that the recovered CYP3A‐activity is not only dependent on weight‐loss through RYGB.
Clinical dilemma of endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration for resectable pancreatic body and tail cancer
Authors: Kitano Masayuki , Minaga Kosuke , Hatamaru Keiichi , Ashida Reiko
Published: August 2021

Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) is a first‐line procedure for definitive tissue diagnosis of pancreatic cancer because of its high accuracy and low complication rate. The overall sensitivity of EUS‐FNA for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is approximately 90%; however, its diagnostic ability for small lesions (<10 mm) remains limited. Although EUS‐FNA is a relatively safe procedure, with an overall morbidity of ≤2%, it should be noted that needle tract seeding (NTS) can occur after EUS‐FNA, which may affect the patient prognosis negatively. In patients with resected pancreatic tumors, preoperative EUS‐FNA is not associated with an increased risk of postoperative recurrence. However, NTS after EUS‐FNA for resectable pancreatic body and tail cancer has been highlighted recently, particularly by Japanese endoscopists. Thus, the use of preoperative EUS‐FNA for the diagnosis of resectable pancreatic body and tail cancer has become a clinical dilemma that challenges gastroenterologists and must be carefully considered on a case‐by‐case basis by weighing the benefits and risks. This review summarizes the pros and cons of performing EUS‐FNA in patients with resectable pancreatic body and tail cancer and provides valuable insight for gastroenterologists treating pancreatic cancer.
Effect of non‐dipper pattern on echocardiographic myocardial work parameters in normotensive individuals
Authors: Efe Süleyman Cagan , Cicek Mahmut Buğrahan , Karagöz Ali , Doğan Cem , Bayram Zübeyde , Guvendi Busra , Akbal Ozgur Yasar , Tokgoz Hacer Ceren , Uysal Samet , Karabağ Turgut , Kaymaz Cihangir , Ozdemir Nihal
Published: August 2021

Background

It is known that non‐dipper pattern (NDP) is associated with adverse outcomes in hypertensive patients. However, there is insufficient data on the outcome of NDP in normotensive individuals. Using myocardial work (MW) analysis, as a new echocardiographic examination method, this study aimed to determine the early myocardial effects of NDP in normotensive individuals.

Methods

This study included 70 normotensive individuals who were followed by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). The subjects were divided into two groups according to dipper pattern (DP) and NDP. Conventional, strain, and MW findings were compared between the groups by making echocardiographic evaluations.

Results

The demographic characteristics, laboratory parameters, and measurements of cardiac chambers, and left ventricular (LV) walls were similar between the groups. There was no statistical difference between the groups in terms of LV 3‐2‐4 chambers strains and global longitudinal strain (GLS) values. LVMW parameters, global work index (GWI), and global constrictive work (GCW) were not statistically different between groups (2012 ± 127, 2069 ± 137, p = 0.16; 2327 ± 173, 2418 ± 296, p = 0.18, respectively). However, global waste work (GWW) and global work efficiency (GWE) parameters were different between the groups (144 ± 63.9, 104 ± 24.8, p < 0.001; 93.2 ± 3.17, 95.4 ± 1.28, p < 0.001, respectively). In regression analysis, GWW was independently associated with NDP. GWW model showed better results with higher likelihood chi‐square and R2 values than GLS model in discriminating the predictable capability for NDP status.

Conclusion

The results of MW analysis in this study showed that GWW values were higher and the GWE values were lower in normotensive individuals with NDP.
On the use of different diametral compression cracked disc shape specimens for introducing mode III deformation
Authors: Mohammad Aliha Mohammad Reza , Ghesmati Kucheki Hadi , Asadi Mohammad Mahdi
Published: August 2021

Due to the difficulties of applying torsional loads to introduce mode III effects, there are few studies for investigating mixed mode I/III fracture in brittle materials. In this paper using three novel single or double edge‐cracked diametral compression disc shape specimens, complete ranges of mixed mode I/III are introduced. Fracture factors of the compressed disc specimens with different pre‐notch shapes are determined numerically for a wide range of notch depth and notch inclination angles. The ability of specimens was studied using mixed mode I/III fracture experiments on gypsum. Different fracture envelopes were obtained for the gypsum demonstrating the influence of disc geometry and notch type on mixed mode I/III behavior. For all samples, mode III fracture toughness (KIIIc) was approximately 1.2 to 1.8 times the corresponding value ofKIc. Depending on the crack front type, ligament shape and mode mixity, different fracture surfaces were observed. While the mode I fracture surface was smooth and flat in all samples, for mixed mode I/III and mode III, rotation and partially segmentation saw tooth shape wrinkles were observed.
Evaluating steam oxidation kinetics of environmental barrier coatings
Authors: Kane Kenneth , Garcia Eugenio , Stack Pádraigín , Lance Michael , Parker Cory , Sampath Sanjay , Pint Bruce A.
Published: August 2021

Environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) are a commercially proven means of protecting SiC‐based materials in gas turbine environments. However, there are little specific data in the literature on the impact of coatings like Yb2Si2O7 on preventing accelerated SiO2 growth in the presence of H2O. Quantification of reduced rates are necessary for evaluating and comparing EBC effectiveness and incorporation of silica growth rates into future EBC lifetime models. In this study, baseline kinetics of silica formation on bare Si and chemically vapor deposited (CVD) SiC in the 1250–1425℃ range were obtained via 100 h isothermal exposures in dry air and steam environments utilizing a SiC reaction tube to mitigate specimen volatility. An Arrhenius plot of the resulting rates was constructed, representing baseline minimum and maximum rates for Si and SiC oxidation at ambient pressure. Various EBC systems on CVD SiC substrates including air plasma sprayed (APS) EBCs with and without a Si bond coating and with surface roughening to enhance Yb2Si2O7 adhesion were subjected to 1‐h furnace cycle testing in air with 90vol%H2O at 1250–1350℃ for up to 500 cycles. After exposure, silica formation rates were measured and compared to the baseline rates to assess EBC effectiveness, where EBC effectiveness is gauged as the propensity to reduce underlying rates of silica formation. With a Si bond coating, a ~180 µm Yb2Si2O7 (YbDS) top coating reduced rates over the entire 1250°‐1350℃ range. Without a Si bond coating, ~60 µm (YbDS) coatings deposited directly onto CVD SiC exhibited poor adhesion, and had to be deposited onto substrates with enhanced roughness at 1350℃. While exhibiting good adhesion at 1350℃, overall the single layer YbDS coating exhibited a decreasing effectiveness from 1250° to 1350℃.
Advertising in an oligopoly with differentiated goods under general demand and cost functions: A differential game approach
Authors: Hattori Masahiko , Tanaka Yasuhito
Published: August 2021

We present an analysis of advertising activities in a dynamic oligopoly with differentiated goods using a differential game approach under general demand and cost functions. The main conclusion is that the memoryless closed‐loop solution and the feedback solution are equivalent when there is no spillover effect of advertising activities. We also show that the comparison of the open‐loop solution and the memoryless closed‐loop solution depends on whether the firms’ outputs are strategic substitutes or strategic complements.
Geographical parthenogenesis in the brown alga Scytosiphon lomentaria (Scytosiphonaceae): Sexuals in warm waters and parthenogens in cold waters
Authors: Hoshino Masakazu , Hiruta Shimpei F. , Croce Maria Emilia , Kamiya Mitsunobu , Jomori Takahiro , Wakimoto Toshiyuki , Kogame Kazuhiro
Published: August 2021

Geographical parthenogenesis, a phenomenon where parthenogens and their close sexual relatives inhabit distinct geographical areas, has been considered an interesting topic in evolutionary biology. Reports of geographical parthenogenesis from land and freshwater are numerous, but this occurrence has been rarely reported from the sea. Brown algae are mostly marine and are thought to include numerous obligate parthenogens; still, little is known about the distribution, origin and evolution of parthenogens in this group. Here we report a novel pattern of geographical parthenogenesis in the isogamous brown alga Scytosiphon lomentaria. Sex ratio investigation demonstrated that, in Japan, sexual populations grew in the coast along warm ocean currents, whereas female‐dominant parthenogenetic populations grew mainly in the coast along a cold ocean current. In the two localities where sexual and parthenogenetic populations were parapatric, parthenogens grew in more wave‐exposed areas than sexuals. Population genetic and phylogenetic analyses, including those based on genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphism data, indicated that parthenogens have initially evolved at least twice and subsequent hybridizations between the parthenogens and sexuals have generated multiple new parthenogenetic lineages. The origin of the initial parthenogens is not clear, except that it would not be interspecies hybridization. Interestingly, we found that the production of sex pheromones, which attract male gametes, has been independently lost in the initial two parthenogenetic lineages. This parallel loss of the sexual trait may represent the direct origin of parthenogens, or the regressive evolution of a useless trait under asexuality.
Elucidation of factors contributing to onset of Cercospora leaf blight during later reproductive development of soybean
Authors: Zivanovic Marija , Ward Brian , Price Paul P. , Chen Zhi‐Yuan
Published: August 2021

In Louisiana, Cercospora leaf blight (CLB) of soybean is primarily caused by Cercospora cf. flagellaris, which can be detected in asymptomatic leaves as early as V3 (third trifoliate) growth stage, while symptoms appear around R5 (beginning seed). The fungus produces cercosporin, an important virulence factor, the in vitro production of which is significantly reduced in the absence of simple sugars. Our objective was to investigate the role of foliar simple sugars and endophytic bacteria in CLB symptom onset. C. cf. flagellaris was cultured in filter‐sterilized, untreated extracts made from asymptomatic R2 and R5 leaves; in extracts treated with chloroform to isolate hydrophilic molecules, including simple sugars; or with antibiotics to assess the role of endophytic bacteria. Endophytic bacteria were also isolated from leaves and leaf extracts and their interaction with C. cf. flagellaris was investigated. The fungus produced more cercosporin in total R5 and simple sugar‐amended R2 leaf extracts, than in R2 leaf extracts. Furthermore, it produced more cercosporin in chloroform‐treated R5 leaf extracts, which contained significantly higher levels of simple sugars, especially fructose, than the R2. To our knowledge, this is the first reported connection between foliar sugar content and cercosporin production. Additionally, morphologically diverse bacteria were isolated from different stages of soybean development. Also, bacterial endophytes in R5 leaf extracts and Paenibacillus polymyxa, isolated from R2 leaves, significantly reduced the growth of C. cf. flagellaris. These findings implicated soybean leaf fructose in CLB development and highlighted the potential of using foliar bacterial endophytes for CLB management.
Stripping and VP Ellipsis in Reduced Temporal Adverbs
Authors: Overfelt Jason
Published: August 2021

The first goal of this article is to argue that phrasal temporal adverbial constructions likeAl left before Patare derived via ellipsis from an underlying clausal source. The second goal is to demonstrate and account for the restricted distribution and interpretation of these reduced phrasal temporal adverbial constructions relative to their clausal counterparts and to temporal adverbial constructions targeted by VP ellipsis. The proposed analysis provides evidence for an operator–variable parallelism condition on ellipsis and supports models for an identity condition on ellipsis that allow the identification of an antecedent within the phrase‐structure representation of the utterance.
Scaled down, martian model habitat rises again in desert
Authors: Price Michael
Published: August 2021

Leaders have big dreams for greenhouse at Biosphere 2
Observation of a superradiant quantum phase transition in an intracavity degenerate Fermi gas
Authors: Zhang Xiaotian , Chen Yu , Wu Zemao , Wang Juan , Fan Jijie , Deng Shujin , Wu Haibin
Published: August 2021

Fermionic superradiance

Placing an atomic gas inside an optical cavity can have profound effects, for example, inducing long-range atomic interactions through the coupling with the cavity’s photons. Such experiments have been done with bosonic atoms but realizing them with fermions has proven trickier. Zhang
et al
. placed an ultracold gas of fermionic lithium-6 atoms in a cavity pumped by a laser beam orthogonal to the cavity axis. For sufficiently strong pumping, the researchers detected a checkerboard pattern in the atoms’ momentum space corresponding to a superradiant phase transition in the cavity. The Pauli exclusion principle, which applies to fermions but not bosons, slowed down the atomic dynamics. —JS
A positive relationship between functional redundancy and temperature in Cenozoic marine ecosystems
Authors: Womack T. M. , Crampton J. S. , Hannah M. J. , Collins K. S.
Published: August 2021

More species in warm waters

Past patterns of diversity can be used as a baseline for understanding how current, human-induced changes are affecting biodiversity. Womack
et al
. looked at mollusk fossils from 40 million years ago in New Zealand to determine how ocean temperatures influence species richness and functional redundancy, a measure of how many species fill similar ecological roles. Both richness and redundancy increased in periods with warmer water, meaning that there were more species and that those species often filled similar ecological roles. Such ecological redundancy can increase ecosystem resilience, and understanding its relationship with temperature can help us see where human activities are driving change. —SNV
Insolation triggered abrupt weakening of Atlantic circulation at the end of interglacials
Authors: Yin Q. Z. , Wu Z. P. , Berger A. , Goosse H. , Hodell D.
Published: August 2021

Cooling threshold

The end of each interglacial period over the past 800,000 years was characterized by large, abrupt cooling episodes that were distinct from the gradual decrease in insolation that was occurring. Why did these sudden coolings occur? Yin
et al
. used a suite of climate models to show that an insolation threshold exists, beneath which the slow decrease of energy from the sun leads to rapid climate cooling. This effect results from weakening of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation involving sea ice feedbacks in the Nordic and Labrador Seas. —HJS
Imprinting the quantum statistics of photons on free electrons
Authors: Dahan Raphael , Gorlach Alexey , Haeusler Urs , Karnieli Aviv , Eyal Ori , Yousefi Peyman , Segev Mordechai , Arie Ady , Eisenstein Gadi , Hommelhoff Peter , Kaminer Ido
Published: August 2021

Electrons see the quantum nature of light

We know that light is both a wave and a particle, and this duality arises from the classical and quantum nature of electromagnetic excitations. Dahan
et al
. observed that all experiments to date in which light interacts with free electrons have been described with light considered as a wave (see the Perspective by Carbone). The authors present experimental evidence revealing the quantum nature of the interaction between photons and free electrons. They combine an ultrafast transmission electron microscope with a silicon-photonic nanostructure that confines and strengthens the interaction between the light and the electrons. The “quantum” statistics of the photons are imprints onto the propagating electrons and are seen directly in their energy spectrum. —ISO
Sustained response to imatinib in patient with extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma and novelKITmutation
Authors: Jennings Brooke , Rieth John , Snyders Travis , Milhem Mohammed
Published: August 2021

A 55-year-old woman presented with a 3-month history of right groin swelling, discomfort and impaired mobility. On examination, a palpable mass was noted both to the right of midline in the lower abdomen and in the right groin. MRI of the pelvis showed two masses involving the anterior abdominal wall and right groin, as well as lymph node involvement. CT imaging revealed multiple bilateral pulmonary metastases. Pathology demonstrated a myxohayline stroma morphology. Tumour was also notable forNR4A3gene region rearrangement and mutation inKITexon 11 at position c.1669 T>G. Based on these findings, she was diagnosed with extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC). The patient has been on imatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor with activity against KIT, for 3 years with stable disease. Metastatic EMC is generally treated with surgical resection and perioperative radiation therapy with adjuvant chemotherapy and is associated with poor prognosis.
Unicornuate uterus with a functional non-communicating horn in adolescent
Authors: A Jalil Rawan Abdulrahim , Alsada Abeer Isa
Published: August 2021

Common causes of pelvic pain are primary dysmenorrhoea, Müllerian duct anomalies, outflow obstruction, leiomyoma, endometriosis and adenomyosis. Unicornuate uterus with a rudimentary horn is a rare congenital malformation of the female genital tract, asymptomatic because of lack of functional endometrium. This study presents a rare case of a non-communicating functional rudimentary horn. A 16-year-old unmarried Yemeni female adolescent with a history of irregular painful menstrual period visited Obstetrics and Gynaecology outpatient clinic. Pelvic ultrasound was conducted showing an asymmetrical uterine configuration with the non-communicating rudimentary horn on the right side. Laparoscopic excision of the horn was planned for the patient. Non-communicating rudimentary horn with functional endometrium should be considered as a differential diagnosis in the female adolescent with obstructive uterine symptoms. Early diagnosis is crucial. Using the laparoscopic approach, an expert surgeon prefers definitive management to excise the rudimentary horn.
Atypical vaginal location of endometriosis following repeated urogynaecological surgery
Authors: Christensen Anna Elisabet , Kjer Jens Jorgen , Hartwell Dorthe , Perlman Signe
Published: August 2021

We outline a case of vaginal endometriosis in scar tissue located in the distal part of the anterior vaginal wall close to the urethra following repeated urogynaecological surgery. Our case presents a 45-year-old woman diagnosed with pelvic endometriosis in her youth. She underwent several vaginal surgeries due to pelvic organ prolapse, symptoms of stress incontinence and decreased urinary flow. One year after her most recent vaginal surgery, she developed a tender lump in the lower part of the anterior vaginal wall. A urethral diverticulum was suspected, but a diagnostic puncture and biopsy unexpectedly showed histologically verified endometriosis. As the cyst recurred, surgical excision of all visible endometriosis tissue was performed. After 3 years of follow-up, the patient remained without recurrence. This case illustrates the risk of atypical implantation of endometriosis related to repeated urogynaecological surgery and that treatment requires surgery with thorough removal of all visible tissues.
First branchial cleft anomaly extending to parapharyngeal space
Authors: Devaraja K , Godkhindi Vishwapriya Mahadev , Bhandarkar Ajay M
Published: August 2021

First branchial cleft anomalies are quite rare, and the majority of them are found in and around the ear canal, mostly superficial to the facial nerve. Very rarely, the anomalous tract of the first branchial cleft can go deeper to the facial nerve, necessitating a meticulous and extensive surgery. A 21-year-old student presented with slowly increasing cystic swelling in the infra-auricular region. Findings of the magnetic resonance imaging were consistent with the first branchial cleft cyst, which also exhibited a deeper extent of the lesion into the parapharyngeal space. The entire tract was excised along with the superficial parotidectomy by an open approach. In addition to illustrating the presentation and management of this peculiar case, the present report also reviews the latest literature around their management.
Methodological considerations for linking household and healthcare provider data for estimating effective coverage: a systematic review
Authors: Carter Emily D , Leslie Hannah H , Marchant Tanya , Amouzou Agbessi , Munos Melinda K
Published: August 2021

Objective

To assess existing knowledge related to methodological considerations for linking population-based surveys and health facility data to generate effective coverage estimates. Effective coverage estimates the proportion of individuals in need of an intervention who receive it with sufficient quality to achieve health benefit.

Design

Systematic review of available literature.

Data sources

Medline, Carolina Population Health Center and Demographic and Health Survey publications and handsearch of related or referenced works of all articles included in full text review. The search included publications from 1 January 2000 to 29 March 2021.

Eligibility criteria

Publications explicitly evaluating (1) the suitability of data, (2) the implications of the design of existing data sources and (3) the impact of choice of method for combining datasets to obtain linked coverage estimates.

Results

Of 3805 papers reviewed, 70 publications addressed relevant issues. Limited data suggest household surveys can be used to identify sources of care, but their validity in estimating intervention need was variable. Methods for collecting provider data and constructing quality indices were diverse and presented limitations. There was little empirical data supporting an association between structural, process and outcome quality. Few studies addressed the influence of the design of common data sources on linking analyses, including imprecise household geographical information system data, provider sampling design and estimate stability. The most consistent evidence suggested under certain conditions, combining data based on geographical proximity or administrative catchment (ecological linking) produced similar estimates to linking based on the specific provider utilised (exact match linking).

Conclusions

Linking household and healthcare provider data can leverage existing data sources to generate more informative estimates of intervention coverage and care. However, existing evidence on methods for linking data for effective coverage estimation are variable and numerous methodological questions remain. There is need for additional research to develop evidence-based, standardised best practices for these analyses.
Novel 3D printable powered air purifying respirator for emergency use during PPE shortage of the COVID-19 pandemic: a study protocol and device safety analysis
Authors: Nagel Jorge , Gilbert Catherine , Duchesne Juan
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To design a low-cost 3D printable powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) that meets National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) standard for flow rate and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard for particle filtration for loose-fitting PAPRs and that can be made with a 3D printer and widely available materials.

Design

Detailed description of components, assembly instructions and testing of a novel PAPR design in an academic laboratory following respective protocols. The assembled PAPR must meet NIOSH standards of flow rate, 170 L/min; OSHA fit factor for particle filtration, ≥250 and maintain positive pressure during regular and deep breathing.

Main outcome measures

The PAPR design was run through a series of tests: air flow (L/min), particle filtration (quantitative and qualitative) and positive pressure measured inside the helmet (mm Hg).

Results

Flow rate was 443.32 L/min (NIOSH standard: minimum 170 L/min) and overall fit factor for particle filtration was 1362 (OSHA pass level: ≥500), n=1. The device passed qualitative particle filtration, n=2, and measured peak pressure of 6mm Hg (>0 mm Hg indicates positive pressure) in the helmet, n=1.

Conclusions

The Hygieia PAPR is a low-cost, easily accessible, just-in-time 3D printable PAPR design that meets minimum NIOSH and OSHA standards for flow-rate and particle filtration for loose-fitting PAPR devices to be made and used when industry-made designs are unavailable.