bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maize yields from manure and mineral fertilizers in the 100‐year‐old Knorr–Holden Plot
Authors: Maharjan Bijesh , Das Saurav , Nielsen Rex , Hergert Gary W.
Published: May 2021

It takes years, if not decades, before measurable changes in crop productivity and soil properties due to management practices can be detected. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of long‐term cattle manure and inorganic fertilizer applications on irrigated continuous maize grain yield, yield stability and reliability, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and soil properties. The experiment was conducted at the Knorr–Holden Plot in Scottsbluff, NE, from 1912–2012. Maize received no fertilizer in the first 30 yr of the experiment, and yields declined as nutrient supply from the native prairie was used. In 1942–1952, there were two cattle manure rates (0 and 27 kg ha–1 yr–1), and yield significantly increased in the manure treatment. In 1953, second replication and six inorganic N treatments were added effectively, making the study a randomized complete block with manure as the main and inorganic N as subplot factor with two replications. Linear regression of yield against years in manured plots had similar slopes across N rates. There was a gradual increase in slope with increasing N rates in non‐manured plots. Yield response to inorganic N rates in the non‐manured plot had a significantly greater slope but lower intercepts than the manured plot. Manure provided greater yield stability and reliability and significantly increased soil organic matter, nitrate‐N, and P accumulation in soil. Optimized manure and inorganic fertilizer N management are necessary to provide a stable and reliable yield and help establish an economically and environmentally sustainable maize production system.
A family with partially penetrant multicentric carpotarsal osteolysis due to gonadal mosaicism: First reported case
Authors: Närhi Anu , Fernandes Andrea , Toiviainen‐Salo Sanna , Harris Jessica , McInerney‐Leo Aideen , Lazarus Syndia , Avela Kristiina , Duncan Emma L.
Published: May 2021

Multicentric carpotarsal osteolysis (MCTO) is an autosomal dominant condition characterized by carpal–tarsal abnormalities; over half of affected individuals also develop renal disease. MCTO is caused by mutations of MAFB; however, there is no clear phenotype–genotype correlation. We describe the first reported family of variable MCTO phenotype due to mosaicism: the proband had classical skeletal features and renal involvement due to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), and the father had profound renal impairment due to FSGS, necessitating kidney transplantation. Mosaicism was first suspected in this family due to unequal allele ratios in the sequencing chromatograph of the initial blood sample of proband's father and confirmed by sequencing DNA extracted from the father's hair, collected from different bodily parts. This case highlights the need for a high index of clinical suspicion to detect low‐level parental mosaicism, as well as a potential role for MAFB mutation screening in individuals with isolated FSGS.
The Current Status of MOF and COF Applications
Authors: Freund Ralph , Zaremba Orysia , Arnauts Giel , Ameloot Rob , Skorupskii Grigorii , Dincă Mircea , Bavykina Anastasiya , Gascon Jorge , Ejsmont Aleksander , Goscianska Joanna , Kalmutzki Markus , Lächelt Ulrich , Ploetz Evelyn , Diercks Christian S. , Wuttke Stefan
Published: May 2021

The amalgamation of different disciplines is at the heart of reticular chemistry and has broadened the boundaries of chemistry by opening up an infinite space of chemical composition, structure, and material properties. Reticular design has enabled the precise prediction of crystalline framework structures, tunability of chemical composition, incorporation of various functionalities onto the framework backbone, and as a consequence, fine‐tuning of metal–organic framework (MOF) and covalent organic framework (COF) properties beyond that of any other material class. Leveraging the unique properties of reticular materials has resulted in significant advances from both a fundamental and an applied perspective. Here, we wish to review the milestones in MOF and COF research and give a critical view on progress in their real‐world applications. Finally, we briefly discuss the major challenges in the field that need to be addressed to pave the way for industrial applications.
Polyacrylonitrile based carbon fibers: Spinning technology dependent precursor fiber structure and its successive transformation
Authors: Li Jiaojiao , Yu Yuxiu , Li Haojie , Liu Yaodong
Published: May 2021

In this study, the effects of different spinning methods including traditional wet and dry‐jet wet spinning, and newly developed dry‐jet gel spinning, on the structures and performances of polyacrylonitrile fibers, as well as the structural evolution during stabilization and carbonization, are compared in detail. The structural differences along radial direction, surface roughness, and chain orientation of carbon fibers are inherited from their precursor fibers, and these factors are determined by spinning technologies and processing conditions. Among all spinning methods, dry‐jet gel spinning could prepare fibers with the best chain orientation, the highest tensile properties, and the lowest surface roughness, which would be favorable for achieving higher mechanical performance. Additionally, for the resultant carbon fibers, the surface modification of dry‐jet gel spun carbon fibers is easier than dry‐jet wet spun carbon fibers, and comparable to wet spun carbon fibers. Overall, dry‐jet gel spinning is promising to make carbon fibers with both excellent tensile properties and good interfacial adhesion with epoxy matrix.
Design, synthesis, and molecular docking studies of thiazolidinediones as PPAR‐γ agonists and thymidylate synthase inhibitors
Authors: Nazreen Syed
Published: May 2021

New thiazolidine‐2,4‐dione hybrids were designed and synthesized as potential peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)‐γ agonists and thymidylate synthase inhibitors. All the synthesized compounds follow Lipinski's and Veber's rules and possess the desired pharmacokinetics properties. The PPAR‐γ transactivation results displayed that compounds 12 (78.9%) and 11 (73.4%) were the most active compounds and they increased PPAR‐γ gene expression by 2.2‐ and 2.4‐fold, respectively. Compounds 12, 11, and 8 showed promising cytotoxicity, with IC50 values ranging from 1.4 to 4.5 μM against MCF‐7 cells and from 1.8 to 8.4 μM against HCT‐116 cells. Compounds 11 and 12 also inhibited thymidylate synthase with IC50 values of 5.1 and 3.2 μM, respectively, confirming their mode of action as thymidylate synthase inhibitors. Finally, molecular docking studies supported the in vitro biological activity results.
Mass spectrometry for quality control of bispecific antibodies after SDS‐PAGE in‐gel digestion
Authors: Hörner Sebastian , Ghosh Michael , Kauer Joseph , Spät Philipp , Rammensee Hans‐Georg , Jung Gundram , Pflügler Martin
Published: May 2021

Recombinant bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) are increasingly included in regimens for cancer therapy. Strict good manufacturing practice (GMP) compliant quality control measures are required to ensure quality and safety of these innovative biologicals. Gel electrophoresis (sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis [SDS‐PAGE]) and size exclusion chromatography (SEC) are the cornerstones of quality control methods. BsAbs are often prone to aggregation or incomplete synthesis due to their artificial nature. In addition, host cell proteins and host cell DNA as well as impurities from the purification process itself constitute potential contaminants. Such impurities may then appear as additional, unexpected bands or peaks on SDS‐PAGE gels and SEC, respectively. Here we describe a standardized protocol for rapid analysis of recombinant antibodies by mass spectrometry (MS) after tryptic digestion of bands excised from SDS‐PAGE gels. We have used this protocol to characterize unexpected “contaminating bands” that were observed during the clinical development of a novel bsAb with PSMAxCD3 specificity, either during the production of the protein itself or during the development of a surrogate molecule for evaluation in syngeneic mouse models. MS analysis allowed us to precisely determine the origin of these bands, which resulted from artifacts or from incomplete protein synthesis. The combined utilization of SDS‐PAGE und MS can therefore substantially support GMP‐compliant production of recombinant proteins.
Catecholase Activities of Copper(II) Complexes With N4 Ligands
Authors: Sarkar Shuranjan , Kim Minyoung , Lee Hong‐In
Published: May 2021

Two new N4 ligands, 1,2‐bis(2‐((pyridine‐2‐yl)methyleneamino) phenyl)ethane (L1) and tris((2‐benzylideneamino) ethyl)amine (L2), derived from 2,2′‐ethylenedianiline and tren, respectively, were developed and their copper(II) complexes [Cu(L1)(ClO4)](ClO4)CH3OH∙H2O and [Cu(L2) (CH3COO)](ClO4) were synthesized. Crystal structures of the complexes were determined to show that both the complexes have distorted square pyramidal coordinations with very similar geometrical parameters. Catecholase activities of the complexes were investigated for the oxidation of 3,5‐di‐tert‐butylcatechol (3,5‐H2dtbc) to 3,5‐di‐tert‐butyl‐o‐quinone (3,5‐dtbq) in the presence of O2. Kinetic behaviors and spectroscopic measurements on the catalytic reactions were supportive to the proposal in which the mechanical pathway of the catecholase activities by the complexes were initiated by the anaerobic oxidation of 3,5‐H2dtbc to 3,5‐dtbq, followed by the catalytic cycles with Cu(I) active forms.
Legally compliant diversity initiatives can eliminate bias in hiring
Authors: Dalessandro Dina
Published: May 2021

As institutions continue to evaluate and grow their diversity, equity, and inclusion plans, it is imperative to consider how both overt and unconscious bias may  affect the hiring and recruitment process of staff and faculty members.
Relevance of treatment‐free remission recommendations in chronic phase chronic leukemia patients treated with frontline tyrosine kinase inhibitors
Authors: Etienne Gabriel , Faberes Carole , Bauduer Fréderic , Adiko Didier , Lifermann François , Dagada Corinne , Lenoir Caroline , Schmitt Anna , Klein Emilie , Fort Marie‐Pierre , Bijou Fontanet , Turcq Beatrice , Robbesyn Fanny , Durrieu Françoise , Versmée Laura , Madene Samia , Moldovan Marius , Katsahian Sandrine , Charles‐Nelson Anais , Lascaux Axelle , Mahon François‐Xavier , Dulucq Stéphanie
Published: May 2021

Background

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) can be safely discontinued in chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CP‐CML) patients who had achieved a sustained deep molecular response. Based on the results of discontinuation trials, recommendations regarding patient selection for a treatment‐free remission (TFR) attempt had been proposed. The aims of this study were to evaluate the rate of patients eligible for TKI discontinuation and molecular recurrence‐free survival (MRFS) after stop according to recommendations.

Methods

Over a 10‐year period, newly diagnosed CP‐CML patients and treated with first‐line TKI in the nine French participating centers were included. Eligibility to treatment discontinuation and MRFS were analyzed and compared according to selection criteria defined by recommendations and first‐line treatments.

Results

From January 2006 to December 2015, 398 patients were considered. Among them, 73% and 27% of patients received imatinib or either second or third generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors as frontline treatment, respectively. Considering the selection criteria defined by recommendations, up to 55% of the patients were selected as optimal candidates for treatment discontinuation. Overall 95/398 (24%) discontinued treatment. MRFS was 51.8% [95% CI 41.41–62.19] at 2 years and 43.8% [31.45–56.15] at 5 years. Patients receiving frontline second‐generation TKI and fulfilling the eligibility criteria suggested by recommendations had the lowest probability of molecular relapse after TKI stop when compare to others.

Conclusion

One third of CP‐CML patients treated with TKI frontline fulfilled the selection criteria suggested by European LeukemiaNet TFR recommendations. Meeting selection criteria and second‐generation TKI frontline were associated with the highest MRFS.
Histopathological image and gene expression pattern analysis for predicting molecular features and prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Chen Linyan , Zeng Hao , Zhang Mingxuan , Luo Yuling , Ma Xuelei
Published: May 2021

Background

Histopathological image features offer a quantitative measurement of cellular morphology, and probably help for better diagnosis and prognosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Methods

We first used histopathological image features and machine‐learning algorithms to predict molecular features of 212 HNSCC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Next, we divided TCGA‐HNSCC cohort into training set (n = 149) and test set (n = 63), and obtained tissue microarrays as an external validation set (n = 126). We identified the gene expression profile correlated to image features by bioinformatics analysis.

Results

Histopathological image features combined with random forest may predict five somatic mutations, transcriptional subtypes, and methylation subtypes, with area under curve (AUC) ranging from 0.828 to 0.968. The prediction model based on image features could predict overall survival, with 5‐year AUC of 0.831, 0.782, and 0.751 in training, test, and validation sets. We next established an integrative prognostic model of image features and gene expressions, which obtained better performance in training set (5‐year AUC = 0.860) and test set (5‐year AUC = 0.826). According to histopathological transcriptomics risk score (HTRS) generated by the model, high‐risk and low‐risk patients had different survival in training set (HR = 4.09,p < 0.001) and test set (HR=3.08,p = 0.019). Multivariate analysis suggested that HTRS was an independent predictor in training set (HR = 5.17,p < 0.001). The nomogram combining HTRS and clinical factors had higher net benefit than conventional clinical evaluation.

Conclusions

Histopathological image features provided a promising approach to predict mutations, molecular subtypes, and prognosis of HNSCC. The integration of image features and gene expression data had potential for improving prognosis prediction in HNSCC.
A CeCoOx Core/Nb2O5@TiO2 Double‐Shell Nanocage Catalyst Demonstrates High Activity and Water Resistance for Catalytic Combustion of o‐Dichlorobenzene
Authors: Ling Weitong , Zhao Haijun , Wu Shilin , Tang Zhicheng , Zha Fei
Published: May 2021

A series of catalysts with different core‐shell structures has been successfully prepared by a hydrothermal method. They consisted of CeCoOx@TiO2 (single shell), CeCoOx@Nb2O5 (single shell) and CeCoOx@Nb2O5@TiO2 (double shell) core‐shell nanocages and CeCoOx nanocages, in which CeCoOx was the core and TiO2 and Nb2O5 were shells. The influence of the core‐shell structure on the catalytic performance of o‐dichlorobenzene was investigated by activity, water‐resistance, and thermal stability tests as well as catalyst characterization. The temperatures corresponding to 90 % conversion of o‐dichlorobenzene (T90) of CeCoOx, CeCoOx@TiO2, CeCoOx@Nb2O5, and CeCoOx@Nb2O5@TiO2 catalysts were 415, 383, 362 and 367 °C, respectively. CeCoOx@Nb2O5 exhibited excellent catalytic activity, mainly owing to the special core‐shell structure, large specific surface area, abundant activity of Co3+, Ce3+, Nb5+, strong reducibility, and more active oxygen vacancies. It can be seen that the Nb2O5 coating can greatly improve the catalytic activity of the catalyst. In addition, due to the protective effect of the TiO2 shell on CeCoOx, CeCoOx@Nb2O5@TiO2 catalysts exhibited outstanding thermal and hydrothermal stability for 20 hours. The T90 of CeCoOx@Nb2O5@TiO2 was slightly lower than that of CeCoOx@Nb2O5, but it had higher stability and hydrothermal stability. Furthermore, possible reaction pathways involving the Mars‐van‐Krevelen (MvK) and Langmuir‐Hinshelwood (L−H) models were deduced based on studies of the temperature‐programmed desorption of O2 (O2‐TPD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and in situ diffuse reflectance FTIR spectroscopy (DRIFTS) characterization.
Performance of geopolymer as adsorbent on desulphurization of heavy gas oil
Authors: Saha Biswajit , Vedachalam Sundaramurthy , Dalai Ajay K.
Published: May 2021

Geopolymer is a porous aluminosilicate material and chemically similar to zeolites. As a low‐cost construction material, its suitability for adsorptive desulphurization (ADS) was studied using a petroleum feedstock. Geopolymer was produced by alkali activation of metakaolin and characterized by BET, NH3–TPD, SEM, FTIR, XRD, and XPS. The XRD and SEM studies evidenced the amorphous nature of geopolymer and the existence of macro‐ and mesopores. The XPS and NH3–TPD studies revealed the presence of surface Na and Al, and strong acid sites, respectively, in the prepared geopolymer. These sites interact with sulphur compounds of heavy gas oil through π‐π and acid–base interactions. The geopolymer showed a high sulphur adsorption capacity of 38.4 mg/g. The effects of adsorption parameters such as operating temperature, amount of adsorbent, and time for absorption on the adsorption capacity were examined using the Box–Behnken design statistical model. All three operating parameters significantly influenced the sulphur adsorption capacity of geopolymer. The adsorption of sulphur compounds on the geopolymer followed pseudo‐first‐order kinetics and did not affect its structural stability. Finally, the thermodynamic study revealed that adsorption of sulphur compounds on the geopolymer was spontaneous and exothermic.
Meroterpenoids with Potent Immunosuppressive Activity from Fungus Bipolaris zeicola
Authors: Liu Mengting , Zhang Xueke , Shen Ling , Lin Shuang , Ye Ying , Qi Changxing , Wang Jianping , Hu Zhengxi , Zhang Yonghui
Published: May 2021

Main observation and conclusion

Six new meroterpenoids, bipolarinoids A—F (1—6), and two known congeners (7—8) were isolated from a soil‐derived fungus Bipolaris zeicola. Their structures were elucidated based on extensive spectroscopic techniques (including HRESIMS and 1D and 2D NMR data), and the absolute configurations of 1—4 were further confirmed via single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis and comparison of experimental electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data. Structurally, compound 1 represents the first case of cochlioquinone derivatives featuring a formaldehyde group at C‐11, and compound 3 features a rare amino group at C‐11. In the immunosuppressive activity assay, compounds 5—8 showed potent inhibitory activity against concanavalin A (ConA)‐induced T lymphocyte proliferation with IC50 values of 78.3, 81.1, 48.3, and 48.0 nmol/L, respectively, which provided promising leads for designing and developing new immunosuppressive agents to treat auto‐immunological diseases.
Peach allergen Pru p 1 content is generally low in fruit but with large variation in different varieties
Authors: Jin Jing , Gan Kexin , Zhao Lan , Jia Huijuan , Zhu Yifan , Li Xiongwei , Yang Zhaowei , Ye Zhengwen , Cao Ke , Wang Zhiqiang , Yu Mingliang , Zhang Yuyan , Ma Zhisheng , Liu Hangkong , Arús Pere , Akkerdaas Jaap H. , Gao Zhongshan , van Ree Ronald
Published: May 2021

Background

Pru p 1 is a major allergen in peach and nectarine, and the different content in varieties may affect the degree of allergic reactions. This study aimed to quantify Pru p 1 levels in representative peach varieties and select hypoallergenic Pru p 1 varieties.

Methods

To obtain monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies, mice and rabbits, respectively, were immunized with recombinant Pru p 1.01 and Pru p 1.02. The Pru p 1 levels in fruits from 83 representative peach varieties was quantified by sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (sELISA). nPru p 1 was obtained through specific monoclonal antibody affinity purification and confirmed by Western blot and mass spectrometry. The variable Pru p 1 content of selected varieties was evaluated by Western blot and the expression level of encoding Pru p 1 genes by quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results

A sELISA method with monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies was built for quantifying Pru p 1 levels in peach. Pru p 1 was mainly concentrated in the peel (0.20–73.44 μg/g, fresh weight), being very low in the pulp (0.05–9.62 μg/g) and not detected in wild peach. For the 78 peach and nectarine varieties, Pru p 1 content varied widely from 0.12 to 6.45 μg/g in whole fruit. We verified that natural Pru p 1 is composed of 1.01 and 1.02 isoallergens, and the Pru p 1 expression level and Pru p 1 band intensity in the immunoblots were in agreement with protein quantity determined by ELISA for some tested varieties. In some cases, the reduced levels of Pru p 1 did not coincide with low Pru p 3 in the same variety in whole fruit, while some ancient wild peach and nectarines contained low levels of both allergens, and late‐ripening yellow flesh varieties were usually highly allergenic.

Conclusion

Pru p 1 content is generally low in peach compared to Pru p 3. Several hypoallergenic Pru p 1 and Pru p 3 varieties, “Zi Xue Tao,” “Wu Yue Xian,” and “May Fire,” were identified, which could be useful in trials for peach allergy patients.
Chromaticity tunable realizable solution process single layer white organic light‐emitting diode
Authors: Piravadili Mucur Selin
Published: May 2021

The achievement of white color emission required simultaneous emission of optimized composition of blue, green, and red colors or at least two supplementary colors with similar distribution of emission intensities covering the entire visible spectrum ranging from 400 to 700 nm in solution‐processable white organic light‐emitting diodes (W‐OLEDs). In view of this information, different concentrations of polyvinylcarbazole (PVK), red polymer Nile Red, and blue polymers such as poly(9,9‐dioctylfluorenyl‐2,7‐diyl) (PF) and spirobifluorene derivative SPB‐02T were utilized to obtain white light emission in single‐layer W‐OLEDs. Coupled emissions of these materials with blue luminescence from PF and SPB‐02T and reddish emission from Nile Red presented white color due to energy transfer between the two polymers. Efficient solution‐processed W‐OLED devices were fabricated using a single layer light‐emitting film with optimized concentration of ternary blends. W‐OLED device performances were analyzed for their charge transport behavior depending on concentration of ternary blend. When it has been looked from the viewpoint of the closest to white color coordinates (0.33, 0.33), the W‐OLED device named mpn4 with PVK:SPB‐02T:Nile Red was the closest (0.33, 0.27). In consideration of energy transaction, voltage dependency in electroluminescence spectra proved that the existence of energy transfer in the mpn4‐based W‐OLEDs.
Tapered Coaxial Arrays for Photon‐ and Plasmon‐Enhanced Light Harvesting in Perovskite Solar Cells: A Theoretical Investigation Using the Finite Element Method
Authors: Chen Ming , Xue Tailin , Tian Qingwen , Xu Zhuo , Liu Shengzhong Frank
Published: May 2021

Although there have been reports of separate studies of photon‐enhanced and plasmon‐enhanced light harvesting to improve perovskite solar cell (PSC) efficiency, there are none that have achieved simultaneous enhancement in both photonic and plasmonic effects in PSCs. In this work, we designed a layer of tapered coaxial humps (TCHs) to harvest both in PSCs. The light absorption behavior of the textured perovskite layer in PSCs was systematically investigated through the finite element method (FEM). The calculation results show that the TCH‐textured perovskite layer absorbs 67.6 % of visible light under AM 1.5G solar irradiation, a 21.8 % increase relative to the planar reference cell without TCHs. Using this design, a perovskite thickness of only 106 nm is needed to realize the full light absorption that normally requires 300‐nm‐thick perovskite without TCHs. To reveal the mechanism of light absorption enhancement, the specific field distributions were studied. We demonstrated that different photonic modes and plasmonic modes collectively result in remarkable light absorption enhancement in the 500–800 nm wavelength range. The textured PSCs reported herein provide an effective method to decrease Pb‐based perovskite consumption and realize angle‐insensitive and ultrathin PSCs.
Cfdp1 controls the cell cycle and neural differentiation in the zebrafish cerebellum and retina
Authors: Itoh Tsubasa , Inoue Shinsuke , Sun Xiaoding , Kusuda Ryo , Hibi Masahiko , Shimizu Takashi
Published: May 2021

Background

Although the cell cycle and cell differentiation should be coordinately regulated to generate a variety of neurons in the brain, the molecules that are involved in this coordination still remain largely unknown. In this study, we analyzed the roles of a nuclear protein Cfdp1, which is thought to be involved in chromatin remodeling, in zebrafish neurogenesis.

Results

Zebrafish cfdp1 mutants maintained the progenitors of granule cells (GCs) in the cerebellum, but showed defects in their differentiation to GCs. cfdp1 mutants showed an increase in phospho‐histone 3 (pH 3)‐positive cells and apoptotic cells, as well as a delayed cell cycle transition from the G2 to the M phase in the cerebellum. The inhibition of tp53 prevented apoptosis but not GC differentiation in the cfdp1 mutant cerebellum. A similar increase in apoptotic cells and pH 3‐positive cells, and defective cell differentiation, were observed in the cfdp1 mutant retina. Although mitotic spindles formed, mitosis was blocked before anaphase in both the cerebellum and retina of cfdp1 mutant larvae. Furthermore, expression of the G2/mitotic‐specific cyclin B1 gene increased in the cfdp1 mutant cerebellum.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that Cfdp1 regulates the cell cycle of neural progenitors, thereby promoting neural differentiation in the brain.
Gut microbiota are associated with sex and age of host: Evidence from semi‐provisioned rhesus macaques in southwest Guangxi, China
Authors: Li Yuhui , Chen Ting , Li Youbang , Tang Yin , Huang Zhonghao
Published: May 2021

Host characteristics, such as sex and age, are closely associated with the structure and function of gut microbiota; however, less is known about the effects of age and sex on the gut microbiota of nonhuman primates, and therefore, our knowledge of interindividual variability in host gut microbiota is limited. In this study, 153 fecal samples from rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) were analyzed using high‐throughput 16S rRNA sequencing in order to explore associations between age and sex of the host and their gut microbiota. The results indicated that female macaques had higher alpha diversity and a more unique gut microbiota than did males. The proportion of Proteobacteria, Tenericutes, Cyanobacteria, unclassified bacteria, and Verrucomicrobia was higher in females than that in males. We also found that adults of both sexes had a higher alpha diversity, a higher proportion of norank Ruminococcaceae, Oscillospira, norank Lachnospiraceae, norank Clostridiales, and Succinivibrio, and a lower proportion of Enterococcus than immatures. Functional analyses revealed that the richness of metabolic pathways was higher in females than males and in adults compared with immatures. These results could be attributed to differences in the nutritional requirements and hormone levels of macaques of different sex and age classes. We conclude that variation in the gut microbiota of different sex and age classes of rhesus macaques may be linked to age‐ and sex‐specific differences in nutrient requirements and hormone levels. These results highlight the importance of host age and sex on the structure and function of the gut microbiota and the need to consider physiological traits when conducting studies on the gut microbiota.
Phylogeographical analysis shows the need to protect the wild yaks' last refuge in Nepal
Authors: Kusi Naresh , Manandhar Prajwol , Senn Helen , Joshi Jyoti , Ghazali Muhammad , Hengaju Krishna Dev , Suwal Sanej Prasad , Lama Tshiring Lhamu , Poudyal Laxman Prasad , Thapa Madhuri , Werhahn Geraldine
Published: May 2021

The wild yak Bos mutus was believed to be regionally extinct in Nepal for decades until our team documented two individuals from Upper Humla, north‐western Nepal, in 2014. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) seeks further evidence for the conclusive confirmation of that sighting. We conducted line transects and opportunistic sign surveys in the potential wild yak habitats of Humla, Dolpa, and Mustang districts between 2015 and 2017 and collected genetic samples (present and historic) of wild and domestic yaks Bos grunniens. We also sighted another wild yak in Upper Humla in 2015. Phylogenetic and haplotype network analyses based on mitochondrial D‐loop sequences (~450 bp) revealed that wild yaks in Humla share the haplotype with wild yaks from the north‐western region of the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau in China. While hybridization with domestic yaks is a major long‐term threat, illegal hunting for meat and trophy put the very small populations of wild yaks in Nepal at risk. Our study indicates that the unprotected habitat of Upper Humla is the last refuge for wild yaks in Nepal. We recommend wild yak conservation efforts in the country to focus on Upper Humla by (i) assigning a formal status of protected area to the region, (ii) raising awareness in the local communities for wild yak conservation, and (iii) providing support for adaptation of herding practice and pastureland use to ensure the viability of the population.
Current patterns of beta‐blocker prescription in cardiac amyloidosis: an Italian nationwide survey
Authors: Tini Giacomo , Cappelli Francesco , Biagini Elena , Musumeci Beatrice , Merlo Marco , Crotti Lia , Cameli Matteo , Di Bella Gianluca , Cipriani Alberto , Marzo Francesca , Guerra Federico , Forleo Cinzia , Gagliardi Christian , Zampieri Mattia , Carigi Samuela , Vianello Pier Filippo , Mandoli Giulia Elena , Ciliberti Giuseppe , Lichelli Luca , Mariani Davide , Porcari Aldostefano , Russo Domitilla , Licordari Roberto , Ponziani Alberto , Porto Italo , Perfetto Federico , Autore Camillo , Rapezzi Claudio , Sinagra Giafranco , Canepa Marco
Published: May 2021

Aims

The use of beta‐blocker therapy in cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is debated. We aimed at describing patterns of beta‐blocker prescription through a nationwide survey.

Methods and results

From 11 referral centres, we retrospectively collected data of CA patients with a first evaluation after 2016 (n = 642). Clinical characteristics at first and last evaluation were collected, with a focus on medical therapy. For patients in whom beta‐blocker therapy was started, stopped, or continued between first and last evaluation, the main reason for beta‐blocker management was requested. Median age of study population was 77 years; 81% were men. Arterial hypertension was found in 58% of patients, atrial fibrillation (AF) in 57%, and coronary artery disease in 16%. Left ventricular ejection fraction was preserved in 62% of cases, and 74% of patients had advanced diastolic dysfunction. Out of the 250 CA patients on beta‐blockers at last evaluation, 215 (33%) were already taking this therapy at first evaluation, while 35 (5%) were started it, in both cases primarily because of high‐rate AF. One‐hundred‐nineteen patients (19%) who were on beta‐blocker at first evaluation had this therapy withdrawn, mainly because of intolerance in the presence of heart failure with advanced diastolic dysfunction. The remaining 273 patients (43%) had never received beta‐blocker therapy. Beta‐blockers usage was similar between CA aetiologies. Patients taking vs. not taking beta‐blockers differed only for a greater prevalence of arterial hypertension, coronary artery disease, AF, and non‐restrictive filling pattern (P < 0.01 for all) in the former group.

Conclusions

Beta‐blockers prescription is not infrequent in CA. Such therapy may be tolerated in the presence of co‐morbidities for which beta‐blockers are routinely used and in the absence of advanced diastolic dysfunction.
DEIT: Dempster Shafer Theory‐based edge‐centric Internet of Things‐specific trust model
Authors: Bhargava Arpita , Verma Shekhar
Published: May 2021

The potential benefits of edge‐centric Internet of Things (IoT) come with increased security threats and because the edge devices may be compromised into sending or forwarding wrong information. To negate the effect of wrong information on inference, such messages need to be identified. Identification and dropping of messages in the network as early as possible would minimize the communication overhead. Trust values of nodes help in the early identification of such messages. In this work, the Dempster Shafer Theory (DST)‐based edge‐centric IoT‐specific Trust Model (DEIT) is designed to compute trust to include the specific characteristics of IoT. Edge servers use DEIT to compute trust value of edge devices in the network. In DEIT, DST combines the available trust messages. DIET also uses the degradation variable, credibility variable, punishment variable, re‐compensating variable, and pardoning variable to compute final trust value. The computed trust value assists the edges in taking correct decisions. Simulation results demonstrate that it can immediately capture two major types of misbehavior, namely, information drop and modification under both sparse and dense traffic conditions. Through scenarios in the results section, the depiction of various possible misbehaviors has been discussed. Scenario 1 and 2 discuss a situation where a malicious edge device misbehaves in two ways, namely, dropping and modification of information, respectively. In scenario 3 and 4, situations are discussed when the trust opinion of the trusted and distrusted devices are neutralized with time using the degradation factor to illustrate and compare changes in trust values in two different situation.
Late Devonian benthic ostracods from South China and their response to the Frasnian–Famennian event
Authors: Song Junjun , Crasquin Sylvie , Fan Ruoying , Guo Wen , Wang Yujue , Huang Jiayuan , Qie Wenkun
Published: May 2021

Late Devonian ostracods are described for the first time from the Frasnian–Famennian (F–F) transition of the Zengpiyan section, Guangxi, South China. Forty‐five ostracod species belonging to 25 genera are identified and figured and one is new:Jenningsina guilinensissp. nov. The Frasnian–Famennian boundary (F–FB) in the Zengpiyan section is coincident with the lithological boundary between the Guilin Formation and the Dongcun Formation, and could be marked by the disappearance ofRectobairdia proximischimensis(Lethiers & Casiers, 1998) andJenningsina guilinensissp. nov. The ostracods belong to the Eifelian Mega‐Assemblage, which implies a shallow‐water palaeoenvironment. The ostracod fauna and sedimentary features of the Guilin and Dongcun formations at the Zengpiyan section suggest a transition from subtidal to low‐energy tidal flat on the Guilin Platform during the Frasnian‐Famennian event. The extinction rate of benthic ostracod species is about 61% during the F–F event in the Zengpiyan section. Two stages of faunal changes have been recognized in the event and the second stage is more severe than the first one.
The characteristics of Carboniferous volcanic lithofacies and volcanic reservoirs of Ke‐Bai Fault Belt, northwestern Junggar Basin
Authors: Yang Zhi , Zhu Aiguo , Chen Yanhui , Yan Yonghe , Yu Jingfeng , He Naixiang , Zhou Diao , Zhang Xiaowen , Li Bin
Published: May 2021

The Ke‐Bai Fault Belt in northwestern Junggar Basin has gained robust insights and wide attention on large‐scale hydrocarbon discoveries in the Carboniferous volcanic rocks. The integrated analysis of wireline logs, image logs, core photographs, thin sections, and scanning electron microscope allows the description and interpretation of volcanic facies and volcanic reservoirs, as well as their responses to controlling factors. The results indicate that three types of lithology are identified based on cores, including volcanic rocks, followed by sedimentary rocks and metamorphic rocks. In addition, explosive facies, effusive facies, volcanic sedimentary facies, and sub‐volcanic facies are delineated according to spatial distribution, occurrence condition, and appearance characteristics of volcanic products. Furthermore, the characteristics of reservoir space (including pores and fractures) are analysed and described. Finally, the controls on the characteristics of volcanic reservoirs are revealed, including volcanic lithofacies, tectonic movements, and diagenesis.
Music‐based interventions for people living with dementia, targeting behavioral and psychological symptoms: A scoping review
Authors: Sousa Lídia , Neves Maria J. , Moura Bárbara , Schneider Justine , Fernandes Lia
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Dementia care is a major public health issue worldwide. The management of behavioral and psychological symptoms (BPSD) is one of the hardest challenges in this context. Non‐pharmacological strategies, like music‐based interventions (Mbi), seem promising options, being considered low‐risk, widely available and inclusive. This scoping review aimed at mapping all Mbi used in dementia care, targeting BPSD, and debriefing its components, structure and rationale. Music therapy and other therapeutic music activities were included.

Methods

The Arksey and O'Malley framework, Cochrane recommendations and PRISMA checklist were followed. Embase, PubMed, PsycINFO, ASSIA and Humanities Index were searched from first records until the 31st of March 2020. Snowballing process and screening of relevant journals were also undertaken. A panel of experts critically guided the evidence synthesis.

Results

Overall, 103 studies (34 RCT; 12 NRT; 40 Before/After studies and 17 Case Studies) met inclusion criteria. Basic elements of the Mbi, the rationale supporting its development and hypothesis tested were mostly underreported, thus hampering cross‐study comparisons and generalizations. Despite this, available evidence indicates that: it is feasible to deliver Mbi to PwD at very different stages and in different settings ‐ from community to the acute setting ‐ even for non‐music therapists; positive or neutral effects in BPSD are often reported but not without exception; individualization seems a critical factor mediating Mbi effects.

Conclusions

Detailed intervention and research reporting are essential to interpretation, replication and translation into practice. Ten years after the publication of specific reporting guidelines, this goal is not yet fully achieved in music in dementia care.
Large‐scale reconfiguration of connectivity patterns among attentional networks during context‐dependent adjustment of cognitive control
Authors: Li Yilu , Wang Yanqing , Yu Fangwen , Chen Antao
Published: May 2021

The ability to adjust our behavior flexibly depending on situational demands and changes in the environment is an important characteristic of cognitive control. Previous studies have proved that this type of adaptive control plays a crucial role in selective attention, but have barely explored whether and how attentional networks support adaptive control. In the present study, a Stroop task with a different proportion of incongruent trials was used to investigate the brain activity and connectivity of six typical attentional control networks (i.e., the fronto‐parietal network (FPN), cingulo‐opercular network (CON), default mode network (DMN), dorsal attention network (DAN), and ventral attention network/salience network (VAN/SN)) in the environment with changing control demand. The behavioral analysis indicated a decreased Stroop interference (incongruent vs. congruent trial response time [RT]) with the increase in the proportion of incongruent trials within a block, indicating that cognitive control was improved there. The fMRI data revealed that the attenuate Stroop interference was accompanied by the activation of frontal and parietal regions, such as bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex. Crucially, the improved cognitive control induced by the increased proportion of incongruent trials was associated with the enhanced functional connectivity within the five networks, and a greater connection between CON with the DAN/SN, and between DMN with the CON/DAN/SN. Meanwhile, however, the functional coupling between the FPN and VAN was decreased. These results suggest that flexible regulations of cognitive control are implemented by the large‐scale reconfiguration of connectivity patterns among the attentional networks.
Are drug prices subject to creative destruction? Evidence from the US, 1997–2017
Authors: Lichtenberg Frank R.
Published: May 2021

There are several types of pharmaceutical competition. In addition to competition among producers of the same chemical substance (“within‐substance competition”), there may be competition among producers of different chemical substances in the same chemical subgroup (“between‐substance competition”). There have been numerous econometric studies of the effect of within‐substance competition on drug prices, but empirical evidence about the effect of between‐substance competition is far more limited. The primary objective of this study is to assess the impact of the entry of new drugs in a drug's therapeutic class on branded drug prices, generic drug prices, and the generic market share, using publicly‐available US data for the period 1997–2017. Two methods are used to estimate the effects of between‐substance and within‐substance competition on those variables. The first method is standard 2‐way fixed effects estimation based on aggregate data. The second method, based on micro data, is estimation using the DID_MULTIPLEGT procedure developed by de Chaisemartin et al. (2021), which does not rely on, and allows us to test for, “parallel trends.” Between‐substance competition does not appear to have any effect on brand‐name drug prices, although our inability to fully account for rebates may bias the estimates towards zero. (There is also little evidence for an effect of within‐substance competition on brand‐name drug prices.) However, between‐substance competition has a significant negative effect on generic drug prices. We estimate that the 1985–2005 increase in the number of substances ever registered in a drug's ATC4 chemical subgroup reduced the 2017 price of generic drugs by 42%. (The ratio of the generic‐price reduction attributable to rising between‐substance competition to the generic‐price reduction attributable to rising within‐substance competition also happens to be 42%.) A striking finding is that the entry of imitators has no effect on the prices of brand‐name drugs, but the entry of innovators has a significant negative effect on the prices of generic drugs in the same ATC4 chemical subgroup. In addition, between‐substance competition has a significant positive effect on the generic market share: the 1985–2005 increase in the number of substances ever registered in a drug's ATC4 chemical subgroup increased the 2017 generic market share by 15.0 percentage points. Due to its effects on generic drug prices and the generic market share, the 1985–2005 increase in between‐substance competition reduced the average 2017 price of drugs that were already sold in 1997 by 35%. We estimate that 36% of 2017 expenditure on drugs that were first registered during 1986–2005 was offset by reduced 2017 expenditure on drugs that were sold in both 1997 and 2017.
A preference analysis of reinforcer variation and choice
Authors: Hanratty Laura A. , Hanley Gregory P.
Published: May 2021

Reinforcement procedures are the cornerstone of behavioral interventions. Previous research has focused on manipulating parameters of reinforcement including quality, magnitude, and rate. In this study, we sought to better understand ways to implement reinforcer choice and variation, and to assess preference for these parameters. Across 10 participants with and without disabilities, we assessed preference for varied reinforcement conditions, as well as choice of reinforcers in a concurrent‐chains arrangement. Most participants preferred varied reinforcement conditions and subsequently, choice of reinforcers, over a previously preferred varied reinforcement condition. Implications for reinforcement arrangement in teaching situations are discussed.
Intrinsic osteoinductivity of PCL‐DA/PLLA semi‐IPN shape memory polymer scaffolds
Authors: Arabiyat Ahmad S. , Pfau Michaela R. , Grunlan Melissa A. , Hahn Mariah S.
Published: May 2021

Engineering osteoinductive, self‐fitting scaffolds offers a potential treatment modality to repair irregularly shaped craniomaxillofacial bone defects. Recently, we innovated on osteoinductive poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐diacrylate (PCL‐DA) shape memory polymers (SMPs) to incorporate poly‐L‐lactic acid (PLLA) into the PCL‐DA network, forming a semi‐interpenetrating network (semi‐IPN). Scaffolds formed from these PCL‐DA/PLLA semi‐IPNs display stiffnesses within the range of trabecular bone and accelerated degradation relative to scaffolds formed from slowly degrading PCL‐DA SMPs. Herein, we demonstrate for the first time that PCL‐DA/PLLA semi‐IPN SMP scaffolds show increased intrinsic osteoinductivity relative to PCL‐DA. We also confirm that application of a bioinspired polydopamine (PD) coating further improves the osteoinductive capacity of these PCL‐DA/PLLA semi‐IPN SMPs. In the absence of osteogenic supplements, protein level assessment of human mesenchymal stem cells (h‐MSCs) cultured in PCL‐DA/PLLA scaffolds revealed an increase in expression of osteogenic markers osterix, bone morphogenetic protein‐4 (BMP‐4), and collagen 1 alpha 1 (COL1A1), relative to PCL‐DA scaffolds and osteogenic medium controls. Likewise, the expression of runt‐related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and BMP‐4 was elevated in the presence of PD‐coating. In contrast, the chondrogenic and adipogenic responses associated with the scaffolds matched or were reduced relative to osteogenic medium controls, indicating that the scaffolds display intrinsic osteoinductivity.