bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
No evidence that relatedness or familiarity modulates male harm in Drosophila melanogaster flies from a wild population
Authors: Marquez‐Rosado Ana , Garcia‐Co Clara , Londoño‐Nieto Claudia , Carazo Pau
Published: April 2022

Sexual selection frequently promotes the evolution of aggressive behaviors that help males compete against their rivals, but which may harm females and hamper their fitness. Kin selection theory predicts that optimal male–male competition levels can be reduced when competitors are more genetically related to each other than to the population average, contributing to resolve this sexual conflict. Work in Drosophila melanogaster has spearheaded empirical tests of this idea, but studies so far have been conducted in laboratory‐adapted populations in homogeneous rearing environments that may hamper kin recognition, and used highly skewed sex ratios that may fail to reflect average natural conditions. Here, we performed a fully factorial design with the aim of exploring how rearing environment (i.e., familiarity) and relatedness affect male–male aggression, male harassment, and overall male harm levels in flies from a wild population of Drosophila melanogaster, under more natural conditions. Namely, we (a) manipulated relatedness and familiarity so that larvae reared apart were raised in different environments, as is common in the wild, and (b) studied the effects of relatedness and familiarity under average levels of male–male competition in the field. We show that, contrary to previous findings, groups of unrelated‐unfamiliar males were as likely to fight with each other and harass females than related‐familiar males and that overall levels of male harm to females were similar across treatments. Our results suggest that the role of kin selection in modulating sexual conflict is yet unclear in Drosophila melanogaster, and call for further studies that focus on natural populations and realistic socio‐sexual and ecological environments.
Clustering community science data to infer songbird migratory connectivity in the Western Hemisphere
Authors: Vincent Jaimie G. , Schuster Richard , Wilson Scott , Fink Daniel , Bennett Joseph R.
Published: April 2022

Migratory connectivity describes the spatial linkage among migrating individuals through time. Accounting for it is necessary for full annual cycle conservation planning, to avoid uneven protection leading to overall population declines. However, conventional methods used to study migratory connectivity usually demand substantial fiscal and human resources. We present a methodology that infers patterns of migratory connectivity for songbirds using relative abundance models created from eBird, a global community science program. We compare our inferences with previously described patterns of migratory connectivity for two species assumed to exhibit broadscale parallel migration strategies: wood thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) and Wilson's warbler (Cardellina pusilla). Initial findings suggest that our method has the potential to be a rapid and inexpensive way to infer broad patterns of connectivity for species that do not engage in leapfrog migration nor deviate much from parallel migration. Our flexible framework can be used to guide sampling designs for studies of migratory connectivity and to generate hypotheses for species in need of urgent conservation planning for which migratory connectivity has not yet been established.
Experimental evaluation of CV‐Voronoi based adaptive sampling for Kriging meta‐modeling of multiple responses through real‐time hybrid simulation
Authors: Yu Guangquan , Chen Cheng , Hou Hetao , Chen Menghui , Zhang Rui
Published: April 2022

Real‐time hybrid simulation (RTHS) integrates numerical modeling of analytical substructures with physical testing of experimental sub‐structures thus enabling system global responses to be efficiently evaluated through component testing in size‐limited laboratories. Traditional practice of RTHS focuses on responses evaluation of structures without considering their uncertainties. A cross‐validation (CV)‐Voronoi based adaptive sampling strategy is explored in this study for global meta‐modeling of multiple response quantities of interests through RTHS for engineering systems with uncertainties. Based on the Kriging meta‐model from initial samples, the CV‐Voronoi based adaptive sampling sequentially identifies the sample points for RTHS tests in laboratory and observed responses of interests are used to update the Kriging meta‐model. Multiple response distributions under structural uncertainties are thus acquired through limited number of experiments. RTHS tests of a two‐degree‐of‐freedom system with self‐centering viscous dampers (SC‐VDs) are conducted in this study to experimentally evaluate the effectiveness of the CV‐Voronoi based adaptive sampling for multiple response estimation. The accuracy of multi‐response meta‐models are further evaluated through comparison with validation tests. A stopping criterion is finally proposed for more efficient implementation of the adaptive sampling strategy. It is demonstrated that the CV‐Voronoi based adaptive sampling strategy provides a viable technique to enable accurate global meta‐modeling and estimation for multiple responses with limited number of RTHS tests in laboratory.
IHAR—A fog‐driven interpretable human activity recognition system
Authors: G Jeyashree , S Padmavathi
Published: April 2022

Human activity recognition (HAR) is an active research area that is currently being applied to various healthcare applications such as fall detection, assisted living, etc. These applications make use of the Internet of Things which is widespread across today's world. One of the major challenges in these applications is the need for quick intelligent decisions. The deployment of hierarchical edge‐fog‐cloud computing architecture is the potential solution to address the latency issue. In this article, we proposed an interpretable human activity recognition (IHAR) framework that supports HAR, leveraging the advantages of the fog layer. The proposed framework used a deep learning (DL) model at the cloud infrastructure to classify the activities of humans. The trained DL model is made to run on local fog nodes. However, the DL model being black‐box does not provide any explanations for the output to make them acceptable by the users and physicians. Hence, this article also incorporated an explainable artificial intelligence model at the fog layer, to gain insights into the classified output of the DL model. The effective model‐level insights emphasized the need for explainable HAR. The article also included an analysis of the results of the existing explainable AI models such as LIME and SHAP to understand which model leads to better performance in the domain of HAR. Results show that the SHAP model has a 33% higher success rate in generating explanations when compared to the LIME model.
The microbial communities in Zaopeis, free amino acids in raw liquor, and their correlations for Wuliangye‐flavor raw liquor production
Authors: Jiang Bin , Wu Li , Wang Qi , Yang Liran , Zheng Jia , Zhou Shulai , He Cuirong , Jiao Wenwen , Xu Bin , Liu Kunyi
Published: April 2022

Wuliangye‐flavor liquor (WLFL), a specific Chinese traditional liquor, one of the major type of global distilled spirits, offers a unique flavor system acquired across thousands of years of development. Free amino acids (FAAs), as major health factors, are considered to be primarily derive from the hydrolysis of protein from the Zaopeis (ZPs) by microbial populations during fermentation. Here, we investigated the changes of microbial communities in ZPs and FAAs in raw liquor (RL) directly related ZPs from different ages of WLFL fermentation pits by phospholipid fatty acid fingerprint (PLFA) and high performance liquid chromatography method. Results indicated that the total PLFAs of 20‐ and 50‐year ZPs were significantly higher (p < .05) than 1‐ and 5‐year ZPs. Gram‐positive bacteria (G+), anaerobic bacteria, and fungi were dominant in the ZPs. Furthermore, the total of FAAs content was highly increased (p < .05) in RLs of aged fermentation pit (20‐ and 50‐year, 24.86–30.23 mg/g, 28.73–37.15 mg/g) compared with young (1‐ and 5‐year, 20.97–26.46 mg/g, 17.83–28.70 mg/g), while, the different ages of RLs could be distinguished according to 9 biomarkers of FAAs (Variable importance in projection, VIP >1; p < .05), including tyrosine, aspartic acid, leucine, glutamic acid, citrulline, alanine, proline, glycine, and valine. Particularly, the biomarkers of FAAs were positively correlated with gram‐negative bacteria (G−) and fungi, but negatively correlated with G+. This is the first report to uncover the microbial communities in zaopeis, free amino acids in RL, and their correlations for Wuliangye‐flavor raw liquor production.
Dufour and Soret influence on MHD boundary layer flow of a Maxwell fluid over a stretching sheet with nanoparticles
Authors: Venkatesh Nuka , Kumar Mella Anil , Srinivasa Raju Rallabandi
Published: April 2022

An analysis has been carried out to examine the heat and mass transfer properties of a two‐dimensional incompressible electrically conducting Maxwell fluid over a stretching sheet in the existence of Soret, Dufour, and nanoparticles. In many practical scenarios, such as the polymer extrusion process, the problem presented here is crucial. The flow is examined in terms of the impacts of magnetohydrodynamics and elasticity. Brownian motion and thermophoresis are incorporated into the transport equations. Using adequate similarity variables, the governing partial differential equations and related boundary conditions are non‐dimensionalized. The fourth–fifth‐order Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg procedure is utilized to solve the consequent transformed ordinary differential equations. The effects of various embedded thermo‐physical parameters on the fluid velocity, temperature, concentration, Nusselt number, and Sherwood number have been determined and discussed quantitatively. A comparison of a special case of our results with the one previously reported in the literature shows a very good agreement. An increase in the values of Du and Sr leads to an increase in the temperature and concentration distribution. Nusselt number estimates decrease as Nb estimations increase. Furthermore, this study leads to the study of different flows of electrically conducting fluid over a stretching sheet problem that includes the two‐dimensional nonlinear boundary equations.
Adolescents' expectancy–value profiles in school context: The impact of self‐directed learning intervals
Authors: Schweder Sabine , Raufelder Diana
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Using the situated expectancy–value theory, it becomes possible to explain motivational functioning across alternating learning conditions not only at a particular moment but also over time. The situated expectancy–value theory provides evidence for the critical role of context. The present research examines how adolescents' success expectancies, task values, and effort develop when the conditions of the academic environment change. It also evaluates whether adolescents adopt more adaptive expectancy–value profiles in response to the need‐based nature of self‐directed learning as an extension of regular instruction. Within the self‐directed learning approach under investigation, adolescents take responsibility for their own learning processes.

Methods

The present research offers insights into the expectancy–value profiles of 754 German adolescents (Mage = 13.56; SD = 1.2; 49.4% female). A four‐wave study was used to examine perceptions of self‐efficacy, intrinsic value, utility value, and effort. Latent profile analyses and latent transition analyses were employed.

Results

Notably, the results provide evidence that expanding instruction via self‐directed learning intervals that occur for 1 week per semester contributes to more favorable expectancy–value profiles within a student's favorite subject. A mixed profile (highly confident, hardly interested) disappeared. Instead, success expectations aligned more closely with adolescents' task values and effort. All profiles settled at a higher level.

Conclusions

The findings indicate that instruction that is expanded via self‐directed learning intervals has positive consequences for motivational profiles over time. An initial self‐directed learning episode led to a shift to more interested profile groups. The continuation of a positive trend even after a self‐directed learning interval indicates that adolescents are able to continually adapt their learning to their needs during teacher‐directed instruction. This study provides clues about how to design curricula in a way that counteracts the downward trend in students' motivation to learn.
Role of cobalt precursors in the synthesis of Co3O4 hierarchical nanostructures toward the development of cobalt‐based functional electrocatalysts for bifunctional water splitting in alkaline and acidic media
Authors: Tahira Aneela , Ibupoto Zafar Hussain , Montecchi Monica , Pasquali Luca , Tonezzer Matteo , Nafady Ayman , Khalil Huda F. , Mazzaro Raffaello , Morandi Vittorio , Vagin Mikhail , Vomiero Alberto
Published: April 2022

The precursors have significant influence on the catalytic activity of nonprecious electrocatalysts for effective water splitting. Herein, we report active electrocatalysts based on cobalt oxide (Co3O4) hierarchical nanostructures derived from four different precursors of cobalt (acetate, nitrate, chloride, and sulfate salts) using the low‐temperature aqueous chemical growth method. It has been found that the effect of precursor on the morphology of nanostructured material depends on the synthetic method. The Co3O4 nanostructures exhibited cubic phase derived from these four precursors. The Co3O4 nanostructures obtained from chloride precursor have demonstrated improved oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) compared to other precursors due relatively higher content of Co3O4 nanostructures at the surface of material. An overpotential of 400 mV versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) at 10 mA cm−2 was observed for HER. The Co3O4 nanostructures derived from the chloride precursor have shown favorable reaction kinetics via 34 mV dec−1 value of the Tafel slope for HER reaction. The Co3O4 nanostructures derived from chloride precursor have also shown an excellent HER durability for 15 hr in alkaline media. Furthermore, the OER functional characterization was carried out onto Co3O4 nanostructures derived from chloride precursor exhibited 220 mV overpotential at 10 mA cm−2 and Tafel slope of 56 mV dec−1. Importantly, the reason behind the favorable catalytic activity of Co3O4 nanostructures derived from chloride precursor was linked to one order of magnitude smaller charge transfer resistance and higher amount of Co3O4 content at the surface of nanostructures than the Co3O4 nanostructures derived from other precursors. The performance of Co3O4 nanostructures derived from chloride precursor via the wet chemical method suggests that cobalt chloride precursor could be of great interest for the development of efficient, stable, nonprecious, and environmentally friendly electrocatalysts for the chemical energy conversion and storage devices.
Construction of a prognostic risk assessment model for lung adenocarcinoma based on Integrin β family‐related genes
Authors: Wu Yuanlin , Fu Linhai , Wang Bin , Li Zhupeng , Wei Desheng , Wang Haiyong , Zhang Chu , Ma Zhifeng , Zhu Ting , Yu Guangmao
Published: April 2022

Background

Integrin β (ITGB) superfamily plays an essential role in the intercellular connection and signal transmission. It was exhibited that overexpressing of ITGB family members promotes the malignant progression of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), but the relationship between ITGB superfamily and the LUAD prognosis remains unclear.

Methods

In this study, the samples were assigned to different subgroups utilizing non‐negative matrix factorization clustering according to the expression of ITGB family members in LUAD. Kaplan–Meier (K‐M) survival analysis revealed the significant differences in the prognosis between different ITGB subgroups. Subsequently, we screened differentially expressed genes among different subgroups and conducted univariate Cox analysis, random forest feature selection, and multivariate Cox analysis. 9‐feature genes (FAM83A, AKAP12, PKP2, CYP17A1, GJB3, TMPRSS11F, KRT81, MARCH4, and STC1) in the ITGB superfamily were selected to establish a prognostic assessment model for LAUD.

Results

In accordance with the median risk score, LUAD samples were divided into high‐ and low‐risk groups. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of LUAD patients’ survival was predicted via K‐M survival curve and principal component analysis dimensionality reduction. This model was found to have a favorable performance in LUAD prognostic assessment. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses of differentially expressed genes between groups and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) of intergroup samples confirmed that the high‐ and low‐risk groups had evident differences mainly in the function of extracellular matrix (ECM) interaction. Risk score and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses of clinical factors showed that the prognostic model could be applied as an independent prognostic factor for LUAD. Then, we draw the nomogram of 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year survival of LUAD patients predicted with the risk score and clinical factors. Calibration curve and clinical decision curve proved the favorable predictive ability of nomogram.

Conclusion

We constructed a LUAD prognostic risk model based on the ITGB superfamily, which can provide guidance for clinicians on their prognostic judgment.
Model‐Based Analysis of the Influence of Alcohol Use and Age on Pharmacokinetics‐Pharmacodynamics of Oral Oxycodone in Middle‐Age and Older Community‐Dwelling Adults
Authors: Lalovic Bojan B. , Shireman Laura , Shen Danny D. , Cherrier Monique M.
Published: April 2022

Little is known about how opioid responses vary by age and in the presence of alcohol consumption. This model‐based pharmacokinetic (PK)‐pharmacodynamic (PD) analysis quantified the impact of age and alcohol use on pupillometry and cold pressor test (CPT) PD based on data from an open‐label study of a single, immediate‐release 10‐mg oral oxycodone in middle‐age and older adults (aged 35‐85) without severe functional limitations. PK and pupillometry assessments were obtained on 11 occasions over 8 hours. Cold pressor test was administered at 1.5, 5, and 8 hours after oxycodone dosing. The study population consisted of 62 older adults (aged ≥60) and 66 middle‐aged adults (aged 35‐59), with 82% meeting the unhealthy drinking criteria. Oral oxycodone PK were well described using a 1‐compartment model with a sequential 0 to first‐order absorption process. Inhibitory maximum effect and linear direct effect PD models described the respective pupillometry and cold pressor test data using simultaneous PK‐PD analysis in MONOLIX. Recent alcohol use measures were selected a priori as covariates. This analysis demonstrated an influence of age on clearance and body weight on the distribution volume of oxycodone; alcohol consumption was not noted to alter oxycodone PK. Oxycodone pupillometry PD were influenced by the level of subject‐reported alcohol consumption (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test for Consumption), alcohol use biomarker–blood phosphatidylethanol, previous cannabis use, and age. Over the opioid exposure range of the study, none of the covariables including alcohol and age were noted to affect cold pressor test pharmacodynamics. Additional clinical studies are needed to further investigate the clinical consequences of opioid‐alcohol‐age interaction.
One‐step synthesis of ZnS/ZnO using HMDA as precursor and active part for high photocatalytic hydrogen production
Authors: García‐Mendoza Cinthia , Sánchez Rivera Williams Eduardo , Alvárez‐Lemus Mayra A , Jácome‐Acatitla Gabriela , Frías Márquez Dora María , López‐González Rosendo
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

The use of organic molecules to improve the performance of semiconductors (such as using ZnS in hydrogen production) has been widely studied. This work studies the formation of a photocatalyst formed by ZnS/ZnO anchored to an organic molecule (hexamethylenediamine) under different amounts of the organic material and its performance in hydrogen production is evaluated.

RESULTS

The materials were synthesized by the precipitation method, forming ZnS/ZnO composite, 3HMDA and 9HMDA materials showed flower‐like structure. The 6HMDA material showed a nanotube like structure and high surface area . Likewise, the anchoring of the organic material forming stacked lamellae is confirmed. Regarding hydrogen production, the most active material was 6HMDA, which showed an excellent performance, producing 3281 μmoles after 5 h of reaction with a production rate of 12 916 μmoles h−1 g‑1; 6HMDA increased the effectiveness with respect to ZnS by a factor of 4.3, while the 9HMDA material increased it 1.5 times.

CONCLUSION

The organic material and the ZnS/ZnO work together to improve the photocatalytic activity and stability of the material, increasing hydrogen production under UV light. These results show that it is possible to obtain an efficient material with excellent photocatalytic performance by a relatively simple synthesis method. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Long‐term outcome of cases of fetal pleural effusion: A study at a single perinatal center in Japan
Authors: Takita Hiroko , Matsuoka Ryu , Goto Minako , Tokunaka Mayumi , Arakaki Tatsuya , Nakamura Masamitsu , Sekizawa Akihiko
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To analyze the long‐term prognosis of primary and secondary fetal pleural effusion (FPE).

Methods

We investigated all cases of FPE in a single University hospital (2005–2020). Cases were classified as primary (cases with only pleural effusion) and secondary (cases with other abnormalities such as chromosomal abnormalities or fetal cardiac failure). We retrospectively reviewed the medical records from the time of diagnosis, to assess medical procedures performed, chromosomal test results, and clinical outcomes.

Results

Among 18 027 deliveries, 17 FPEs were identified (primary FPE: 8, secondary FPE: 9). Most primary FPEs were diagnosed in the second trimester of pregnancy, while all secondary FPEs were diagnosed in the third trimester. Secondary FPE was often associated with chromosomal abnormalities, including trisomy 21. The prognosis of pleural effusion caused by trisomy 21 was relatively good, except for cases with TAM. Cases of secondary FPE without trisomy 21 were of cardiac origin, and the neonatal prognosis was poor. The short‐term prognosis was better in the primary FPE group, but long‐term follow‐up identified conditions such as acute encephalitis with refractory, repetitive partial seizures, developmental delay and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Conclusion

Fetal pleural effusion without the presence of chromosomal abnormalities or morphologies has a good short‐term prognosis, but the long‐term prognosis is poor. Thus, long‐term follow‐up is necessary for all cases of fetal pleural effusion.
Prenatal ultrasonic features of a mediastinal teratoma: A case report and literature review
Authors: Xu Ling , Ma Qiuping , Tian Xiangying , Huang Wenyu , Zhong Wei , Shang Ning
Published: April 2022

Fetal mediastinal teratomas represent only 10% of congenital teratomas in children and 2.6% of all mediastinal masses in children. Teratomas have multifactorial etiology, such as chromosomal abnormalities. Fetal mediastinal teratomas are rare. Mediastinal teratomas can cause hydrops fetalis, fetal demise, and neonatal respiratory distress; therefore, accurate perinatal management and interventions are very important. We describe a case of fetal mediastinal teratoma wherein the cystic fluid in the fetal tumor was aspirated and confirmed by surgical pathology after birth at the authors' center. The teratoma in this case was characterized by a large single cystic mass with clear borders in the anterosuperior mediastinum, which grew rapidly and was closely related to the thymus. The infant was healthy at birth, and the tumor was surgically removed the age of 1 year. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was in good health 6 years postoperatively. This case and literature review suggests that ultrasound examination can accurately diagnose fetal mediastinal teratomas, which is beneficial to provide an accurate basis for fetal prenatal intervention and treatment. Additionally, an important ultrasound feature of a fetal unicystic mediastinal teratoma is a saddle‐shaped mass with clear boundaries, which provided an accurate reference for the diagnosis of a fetal cystic mediastinal teratoma by prenatal ultrasonography.
How reliable are Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 models in representing the Asian summer monsoon anticyclone?
Authors: Singh Bhupendra Bahadur , Kumar Kondapalli Niranjan , Seelanki Vivek , Karumuri Rama Krishna , Attada Raju , Kunchala Ravi Kumar
Published: April 2022

We assess the Asian summer monsoon anticyclone (ASMA) in Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) models for the historical period (1850–2014). The ASMA is a quasi‐stationary warm anticyclone during the boreal summer monsoon season, centred around Tibet. It is a prominent circulation feature that affects trace species transport, stratosphere–troposphere exchange, along with strong feedbacks to weather and climate. The study is a novel attempt to quantify the performance of models participating in the CMIP6 consortium and understand long‐term variability and teleconnections of the ASMA. We note that CMIP6 models capture the mean ASMA features reasonably well, albeit with some differences around the edges. For most of the models, interannual variations are not in phase with the reanalysis and show sharper increasing trend in the ASMA strength. There is about a twofold increase in the trends during the recent period (1980–2014) as compared to the 1950–2014 period. A multimodel mean (MME) chosen based upon the statistical metrics (mean, standard deviation, mean absolute error and root‐mean‐square error), target diagram, and density distributions is further used to examine the prominent modes of variability. Our results suggest that the signals of significant periodicity, particularly the 2–4 years signal, and the SST correlations in MME are inconsistent with observations. In CMIP6 models, we note stronger upper level divergence over the western and eastern Pacific but convergence over the Indian ocean, South Asia and the central Pacific. The streamfunction and rotational winds also show strong highs north of 20°N. Overall, it is seen that basic features such as spatial extent and evolution of ASMA are reasonably captured, but the strength and interannual variations are dissonant across the CMIP6 models. These findings are useful for studies focusing on regional meteorology, transportation of atmospheric tracers and climate change projections over the region involving the ASMA.
Utilization of marine gypsum as an alternative to mineral gypsum in the reclamation of degraded sodic soil and as a means of enhancing crop productivity
Authors: Jha Sunil Kumar , Mishra Vinay Kumar , Damodaran Thukkaram , Singh Yash Pal , Sharma Parbodh Chander
Published: April 2022

For sustainable management of degraded sodic soils, mineral gypsum (GYP) has been widely used, but supplies are limited, industrialization, and urbanization have thwarted its use in agriculture. Therefore, there is a need to develop alternative ameliorants to GYP. We conducted a field experiment on degraded sodic soil (pH‐10.2) using marine gypsum (MG), a waste/by‐product of the edible salt (NaCl) manufacturing process. Based on gypsum requirement (GR) of soil, efficacies of GYP and MG, at equivalent doses, were compared for reclamation of sodic soil using treatments: control, 50 GR GYP, 50 GR MG, 25 GR GYP, 25 GR MG, and 25 GR GYP + 25 GR MG. The results showed a significant decrease in soil pH following appliation of 50 GR MG compared with other treatments. The reduction in exchangeable sodium percentage was found and to be highest (50.78%) in 50 GR MG among all treatments but statistically identical to 50 GR GYP. The net dispersive charge we noted was a minimum of 4.04 cmol kg−1 for 50 GR MG but was on par with 50GR GYP and 25GR GYP + 25GR MG. The presence of MgCl2, NaCl, and KCl as impurities in marine gypsum assisted its dissolution by increasing the ionic strength of solution and facilitated Ca2+ release for exchange reactions. We found the average yield of rice and wheat to be statistically similar for applications of 50 GR MG, 50 GR GYP, and 25 GR GYP + 25 GR MG. Thus, our study suggests that MG could effectively be used as an alternative ameliorant for the reclamation of degraded sodic soil without compromising crop yields, under scarce availability of GYP.
Relationships between soil and microbial biomass properties and annual flux of nutrients in Central Himalaya forests, India
Authors: Manral Vijyeta , Bargali Kiran , Bargali Surendra Singh , Jhariya Manoj Kumar , Padalia Kirtika
Published: April 2022

The interrelationship among soil attributes and microbial biomass carbon (MBC), nitrogen (MBN), and phosphorus (MBP) of Indian Central Himalaya forest soils were analyzed. The forest ecosystem studied composed of chir pine (CPF), banj oak (BOF), and mixed oak‐pine forest (MOPF). This study reported 429–739 mg kg−1 MBC, 67–121 mg kg−1 MBN, and 18–63 mg kg−1 MBP. The contribution of MBC, MBN, and MBP appears to be 1.47–4.11 (X = 2.66%), 2.65–11.17 (5.93%), and 5.61–19.0 (X = 10.47%) of the soil organic carbon, total nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), respectively. Significant variations were observed in terms of C:N, C:P, and N:P ratios among various sites which ranged between 5.95 and 8.08, 11.73 and 26.42, and 1.92 and 3.72, respectively. The linear association between MBP with MBC and MBN was observed. Further, a positive correlation was recorded between MBC, MBN, and MBP with various soil characteristics. The annual flux of N and P estimated by microbial biomass using the turnover rates of 0.67 was approximately 100–181 kg N and 27–94 kg P ha−1 yr−l, respectively, which was twice the level for mixed oak‐pine forest (MOPF) than CPF soils. Our study reports a significant decrease in soil microbial biomass C, N, and P with change in forest type from BOF to CPF. So, MOPF can be an alternative for sustainable management of degraded forest ecosystems in the Central Himalaya belt.
Potential of Graft Polymers Bearing Inner Molten Block and Outer Glassy Block at the Graft Chains for Thermoplastic Elastomers with Enhanced Properties
Authors: Miyashita Takumi , Hayashi Mikihiro
Published: April 2022

The authors here demonstrate some significant benefits of using graft polymers with inner molten block and outer glassy block at the graft chains (Graft‐Block polymer) for thermoplastic elastomers. The synthesis of the target Graft‐Block polymer is made by combining two types of living radical polymerization, reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization and atom transfer radical polymerization. Temperature ramp rheology, tensile tests, and load‐unload cycle tests indicate that the Graft‐Block polymer‐based elastomers have significantly improved thermal stability and mechanical properties when compares to the Triblock copolymer‐based analog. The enhanced properties are discussed in terms of the effective network strands that connected the different glassy hard domains and the presence of abundant junction points in the molten strand matrix. Overall, this research presents clear experimental evidence of such graft polymers' high potential for application as thermoplastic elastomers.
Income share agreements offer upskilling opportunities for adult learners
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: April 2022

SAN DIEGO — “There are always going to be resources for unemployed people. But where are the resources for those people who make minimum wage, or just above minimum wage? In San Diego, that's not going to take you far,” Alastair Penny, Senior Manager at the San Diego Workforce Partnership, said. One such resource to help educate more of your community might be to invest in, or partner with, an organization that offers an income share agreement for college education.
Upregulated YAP promotes oncogenic CTNNB1 expression contributing to molecular pathology of hepatoblastoma
Authors: Lu Songxian , Jiang Min , Chen Qi , Luo Xufeng , Cao Zhenjie , Huang Hua , Zheng Mingjun , Du Junpeng
Published: April 2022

Background

Hepatoblastoma (HB) is one of the most common cancers in children. Recent studies have shown that the occurrence of nuclear accumulation of β‐catenin reaches 90%–100% because of the anomalous activation of the Wnt pathway in HB patients. Furthermore, emerging studies have shown that concomitant activated forms of YAP and β‐catenin trigger the formation and progression of HB. YAP might play a vital role in β‐catenin‐mediated HB development. However, the molecular mechanisms by which YAP/TEAD4 transcription factor regulates CTNNB1 underlying HB pathogenesis are still unclear.

Procedure

YAP and CTNNB1 expression and correlation were analyzed by a combination of network enrichment analysis and gene set enrichment analysis of the public microarray datasets (GSE131329 and GSE81928). The protein levels of YAP and β‐catenin were further validated by Western blotting in paired patients’ samples. The direct interplay between YAP/TEAD4 and the promoter region of CTNNB1 was proven by the combination of dual‐luciferase report assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay.

Results

YAP‐conserved signature and WNT signaling pathway were significantly enriched in HB patients, with upregulated expression of YAP and β‐catenin compared to non‐HB patients. Further functional assays demonstrated that YAP/TEAD4 transcription factor complex could bind to the CTNNB1 promoter region directly to promote β‐catenin expression and cell proliferation. Targeting the YAP/TEAD4 complex with a specific small‐molecule compound markedly suppressed HepaG2 cell proliferation.

Conclusions

As the upstream transcription factor of CTNNB1, YAP/TEAD4 is a promising target for the treatment of HB patients with high levels of YAP and β‐catenin.
Sonographic evaluation of umbilical cord thickness in monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies
Authors: Nunes Clarissa Moraes , Biancolin Sckarlet Ernandes , Miyadahira Mariana Yumi , Peres Stela Verzinhasse , de Carvalho Mario Henrique Burlacchini , Francisco Rossana Pulcineli Vieira , Brizot Maria de Lourdes
Published: April 2022

Objective

To develop a nomogram of the thickness of the umbilical cord (UC) and its components in monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies.

Methods

This prospective longitudinal study involved 47 MCDA twin pregnancies (94 fetuses) between 18 and 33 weeks of gestation. Ultrasound assessments of UC cross‐sections and measurements of the umbilical cord area (UCA), the umbilical vein area (UVA), the umbilical artery area (UAA), and the Wharton jelly area (WJA) were made. The UC measurements were correlated with gestational ages. Reference values for the gestational ages of MCDA pregnancies were determined and compared with those of dichorionic twins and singletons. The cases which developed selective intrauterine growth restriction were contrasted with normal cases.

Results

A positive correlation was found between all UC components and gestational age and fetal weight. The UCA of MCDA fetuses was significantly larger than that of DC fetuses (p < 0.001) at the expense of a larger WJA (p < 0.001) and similar to that of singleton pregnancies. The MCDA fetuses with an estimated fetal weight below the 10th percentile had a smaller UCA than fetuses with a normal estimated weight (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The MCDA twins exhibited a thicker UC than that of dichorionic twins.
Registration of ‘S16‐5540GT’ soybean cultivar with high yield, resistance to multiple diseases, elevated protein content, and wide adaptation
Authors: Chen Pengyin , Ali Md Liakat , Shannon J. Grover , Canella Vieira Caio , Lee Dongho , Crisel Melissa , Smothers Scotty , Clubb Michael , Selves Stewart , Scaboo Andrew , Usovsky Mariola , Nguyen Henry T. , Mitchum Melissa G. , Li Zenglu , Bond Jason P. , Meinhardt Clinton G. , Li Shuxian , Mengistu Alemu , Robbins Robert T. , Mozzoni Leandro A. , Zhang Bo , Smith James R. , Buckley J. Blair
Published: April 2022

‘S16‐5540GT’ (Reg. no. CV‐551, PI 699633) is a mid‐IV maturity group, semi‐determinate, glyphosate‐tolerant, high‐yielding soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cultivar developed and released in 2020 by the University of Missouri–Fisher Delta Research Center Soybean Breeding Program. High global demand for soybean oil and animal feed and U.S. southern growers’ preference for early‐maturing cultivars with high yield potential and glyphosate tolerance led to the development and release of S16‐5540GT soybean. S16‐5540GT was tested in 88 environments in Missouri and other southern states from 2017 to 2020 for yield and other agronomic traits. On average, S16‐5540GT yielded 4,244 kg ha–1, which was higher than the all‐tests mean of 3,885 kg ha–1. S16‐5540GT seed averages 411 (41.1%) and 220 (22%) g kg–1 of protein and oil, respectively, on a dry seed weight basis. S16‐5540GT exhibits relative maturity of 4.6 and has white flowers, tawny pubescence, and tan pod walls. Seed is yellow with intermediate luster and black hila, with a 100 seed weight of 15.0 g. S16‐5540GT plants average 76 cm in height and are resistant to lodging. S16‐5540GT is resistant to cyst nematode races 2 (HG type 1.2.5.7), 3 (HG type 5.7), and 5 (HG type 2.5.7); peanut and southern root knot nematode; reniform nematode; frogeye leaf spot; Phomopsis seed decay; and charcoal rot and is moderately resistant to Cercospora leaf blight and stem canker. S16‐5540GT is also a chloride excluder. It is an excellent choice for farmers who are interested in glyphosate tolerance for weed control and saving seed for planting.
Circuit topology predicts pathogenicity of missense mutations
Authors: Woodard Jaie , Iqbal Sumaiya , Mashaghi Alireza
Published: April 2022

The contact topology of a protein determines important aspects of the folding process. The topological measure of contact order has been shown to be predictive of the rate of folding. Circuit topology is emerging as another fundamental descriptor of biomolecular structure, with predicted effects on the folding rate. We analyze the residue‐based circuit topological environments of 21 K mutations labeled as pathogenic or benign. Multiple statistical lines of reasoning support the conclusion that the number of contacts in two specific circuit topological arrangements, namely inverse parallel and cross relations, with contacts involving the mutated residue have discriminatory value in determining the pathogenicity of human variants. We investigate how results vary with residue type and according to whether the gene is essential. We further explore the relationship to a number of structural features and find that circuit topology provides nonredundant information on protein structures and pathogenicity of mutations. Results may have implications for the polymer physics of protein folding and suggest that “local” topological information, including residue‐based circuit topology and residue contact order, could be useful in improving state‐of‐the‐art machine learning algorithms for pathogenicity prediction.
Accelerated evolution of Vkorc1 in desert rodent species reveals genetic preadaptation to anticoagulant rodenticides
Authors: Chen Yan , Wang Dawei , Li Ning , Wang Deng , Liu Xiao‐Hui , Song Ying
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

Some rodent species living in arid areas show elevated physiological tolerance to anti‐vitamin K rodenticides (AVKs), which seems to be due to some unknown selective pressures that rodents may experience in desert habitats. Genes involved in the ϒ‐carboxylation of blood coagulation, including vitamin K epoxide reductase complex, subunit 1 (Vkorc1), ϒ‐glutamyl‐carboxylase (Ggcx) and NAD(P)H quinone one dehydrogenase (Nqo1) are associated with anticoagulant resistance, or some levels of elevated tolerance, in rodents. To detect whether the DNA sequences of the three genes are also under natural selection in the desert rodent species, we analyzed the Vkorc1, Ggcx and Nqo1 genes of the desert rodents and compared them with other rodent species.

RESULTS

We found an accelerated evolutionary rate in Vkorc1 of desert rodents, especially in Mus spretus, Nannospalax galili and Psammomys obesus. By contrast, signals of positive selection were absent for Ggcx and Nqo1 in all species. Mapping the amino acid variations on the VKORC1 protein three‐dimensional model suggested most interspecific amino acid variations occur on the outer surface of the VKORC1 pocket, whereas most intraspecific amino acid changes and known AVK resistance mutations occurred on the inner surface and endoplasmic reticulum luminal loop regions. Some desert‐species‐specific amino acid variations were found on the positions where known resistance mutations occurred, indicating these variations might be related to the elevated physical tolerance to AVKs in desert rodents.

CONCLUSION

The evolution of Vkorc1 has been accelerated in some desert rodent species, indicating genetic preadaptation to anticoagulant rodenticides. Positive selection and relaxed selection have been detected in Psammomys obesus and Nannospalax galili, indicating the two rodent species might also show tolerance to AVKs, which needs further verification. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Epitope mapping of neutralising anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 monoclonal antibodies: Implications for immunotherapy and vaccine design
Authors: Ghotloo Somayeh , Maghsood Faezeh , Golsaz‐Shirazi Forough , Amiri Mohammad Mehdi , Moog Christiane , Shokri Fazel
Published: April 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is the causative agent of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. This disease has currently affected more than 346 million people and resulted in more than 5.5 million deaths in many countries. Neutralising monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus could serve as prophylactic/therapeutic agents in COVID‐19 infection by providing passive protection against the virus in individuals. Until now, no Food and Drug Administration/European Medicines Agency‐approved neutralising MAb against SARS‐CoV‐2 virus exists in the market, though a number of MAbs have been authorised for emergency use. Therefore, there is an urgent need for development of efficient anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 neutralising MAbs for use in the clinic. Moreover, neutralising anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 MAbs could be used as beneficial tools for designing epitope‐based vaccines against the virus. Given that the target epitope of a MAb is a crucial feature influencing its neutralising potency, target epitopes of neutralising anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 MAbs already reported in the literature and reactivity of these MAbs with SARS‐CoV‐2 variants are reviewed herein.
Preliminary results on estimation of signal fading on telecommunication satellite telemetry signals with hybrid numerical weather prediction and artificial neural network approach under presence of aerosol effect
Authors: Gozutok Arif Armagan , Yilmaz Umit Cezmi , Demirel Selman
Published: April 2022

In this research, an implementation of artificial deep neural networks (ANN) over outputs of 24‐h multi‐domain high‐resolution nested real case Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model runs was carried out over two high‐resolution simulation domains, which are tested and compared for rainfall generation in order to assess the signal fading event observed on geostationary telecommunication spacecraft in orbit for a real multiscale storm case. Our methodology of ANN, which is driven by WRF model output parameters, focuses on prediction of the rain attenuation signal impairment which is observed on the communication satellite telemetry (TM) downlink signal levels under significant aerosol presence due to dust storm which occurred on 12 September 2020. This modelling approach is then compared to rain attenuation observed on TM signal and correlated with communication satellite ground station TM signal measurements. Preliminary results from conducted error analysis (RMSE) on multiple input single output feed‐forward neural network (MISO FFNN) prediction model outputs tested with several neural algorithms indicate good correlation with the TM downlink signal attenuation observations taken from the ground station TM baseband demodulator.
Heterogeneous Catalysis for Oxidation of Alcohol via 1‐Methyl‐2‐azaadamanane N‐oxyl Immobilized on Magnetic Polystyrene Nanosphere
Authors: Guo Xiaqun , Li Meichao , Wang Jianli , Li Chunmei , Hu Xinquan , Jin Liqun , Sun Nan , Hu Baoxiang , Shen Zhenlu
Published: April 2022

Heterogeneous selective oxidation of alcohol to carbonyl compounds with stable organic nitroxyl radicals is highly attractive yet grand challenging. Described herein is a highly promising heterogeneous strategy for this reaction in which a catalytic amount of 1‐methyl‐2‐azaadamanane N‐oxyl immobilized on magnetic polystyrene nanosphere (1‐Me‐AZADO/MPNs) was used and a series of carbonyl compounds were obtained from various alcohols in 73–99 % isolated yields and high selectivity (>99 %) under Anelli conditions, thus offering a greener and more convenient methods in the synthesis of carbonyl compounds. The attractive features of convenient magnetic separation (within seconds), good recyclability (up to 20 runs) and fast reaction rates (5–20 min) were very efficient to improve the utility of azaadamantane‐type‐nitroxyl radicals in the oxygenation.
Engineering Periodic Dinuclear Lanthanide‐Directed Networks Featuring Tunable Energy Level Alignment and Magnetic Anisotropy by Metal Exchange
Authors: Moreno Daniel , Parreiras Sofia O. , Urgel José I. , Muñiz‐Cano Beatriz , Martín‐Fuentes Cristina , Lauwaet Koen , Valvidares Manuel , Valbuena Miguel A. , Gallego José M. , Martínez José I. , Gargiani Pierluigi , Camarero Julio , Miranda Rodolfo , Écija David
Published: April 2022

The design of lanthanide multinuclear networks is an emerging field of research due to the potential of such materials for nanomagnetism, spintronics, and quantum information. Therefore, controlling their electronic and magnetic properties is of paramount importance to tailor the envisioned functionalities. In this work, a multidisciplinary study is presented combining scanning tunneling microscopy, scanning tunneling spectroscopy, X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, X‐ray linear dichroism, X‐ray magnetic circular dichroism, density functional theory, and multiplet calculations, about the supramolecular assembly, electronic and magnetic properties of periodic dinuclear 2D networks based on lanthanide‐pyridyl interactions on Au(111). Er‐ and Dy‐directed assemblies feature identical structural architectures stabilized by metal–organic coordination. Notably, despite exhibiting the same +3 oxidation state, there is a shift of the energy level alignment of the unoccupied molecular orbitals between Er‐ and Dy‐directed networks. In addition, there is a reorientation of the easy axis of magnetization and an increment of the magnetic anisotropy when the metallic center is changed from Er to Dy. Thus, the results show that it is feasible to tune the energy level alignment and magnetic anisotropy of a lanthanide‐based metal‐organic architecture by metal exchange, while preserving the network design.