bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiomic Features of the Edema Region May Contribute to Grading Meningiomas With Peritumoral Edema
Authors: Guo Zhige , Tian Zhongyu , Shi Feina , Xu Penglei , Zhang Jianmin , Ling Chenhan , Zeng Qiang
Published: October 2022

Background

Meningiomas are frequently accompanied by peritumoral edema (PTE). The potential value of radiomic features of edema region in meningioma grading has not been investigated.

Purpose

To investigate whether radiomic features of edema region contribute to grading meningiomas with PTE.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

A total of 444 patients including 196 grade II and 248 WHO grade I meningiomas: 356 patients for training, 88 for validation.

Field Strength/Sequence

A 1.5‐T/3.0‐T, noncontrast T1‐weighted (T1WI), T2‐weighted (T2WI), contrast‐enhanced T1‐weighted (T1CE) spin echo sequences.

Assessment

A total of 851 radiomic features were extracted from each sequence on each region (tumor and edema region). These features were integrated by region respectively. Three subsets of clinical–radiomic features were constructed by joining clinical information (sex, age, tumor volume, and edema volume) and radiomic features of three regions: tumor, edema, and combined subsets. For each subset, features were filtered by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and Random Forest algorithm. Top 20 features of each subset were finally selected.

Statistical Tests

Stochastic Gradient Boosting, Random Forest, and Bagged AdaBoost predictive models were built based on each subset. Discriminative abilities of models were quantified using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) and the area under the curve (AUC). A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Random Forest model based on combined subset (AUC [95% CI] = 0.880 [0.807–0.953]) had the best discriminative ability in grading meningiomas among the final models. The best model of edema subset and tumor subset were Random Forest model (AUC [95% CI] = 0.864 [0.791–0.938]) and Stochastic Gradient Boosting model (AUC [95% CI] = 0.844 [0.760–0.928]), respectively.

Data Conclusion

Radiomic features of edema region may contribute to grading meningiomas with PTE. The Random Forest model based on combined subset surpasses the best model based on tumor or edema subset regarding grading meningiomas with PTE.

Evidence Level

4

Technical Efficacy

Stage 3
Monkeypox treatment: Current evidence and future perspectives
Authors: Khani Elnaz , Afsharirad Bentelhoda , Entezari‐Maleki Taher
Published: October 2022

As of September 11, 2022, 57 669 reports of monkeypox infection raised global concern. Previous vaccinia virus vaccination can protect from monkeypox. However, after smallpox eradication, immunization against that was stopped. Indeed, therapeutic options following the disease onset are of great value. This study aimed to review the available evidence on virology and treatment approaches for monkeypox and provide guidance for patient care and future studies. Since no randomized clinical trials were ever performed, we reviewed monkeypox animal model studies and clinical trials on the safety and pharmacokinetics of available medications. Brincidofovir and tecovirimat were the most studied medications that got approval for smallpox treatment according to the Animal Rule. Due to the conserved virology among Orthopoxviruses, available medications might also be effective against monkeypox. However, tecovirimat has the strongest evidence to be effective and safe for monkeypox treatment, and if there is a choice between the two drugs, tecovirimat has shown more promise so far. The risk of resistance should be considered in patients who failed to respond to tecovirimat. Hence, the target‐based design of novel antivirals will enhance the availability and spectrum of effective anti‐Orthopoxvirus agents.
Sequence analysis of Epstein‐Barr virus RPMS1 gene in malignant hematopathy of Northern China
Authors: Zhao Meng‐He , Liu Wen , Li Ping , Liu Lei , Zhang Xing , Luo Bing
Published: October 2022

The RPMS1 gene is the only member of the BamHI‐A rightward transcripts (BARTs) family for which a full‐length complementary DNA has been identified, and RPMS1 transcript has been confirmed in many Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐positive malignancies. However, the effects of sequence variations of RPMS1 in hematological malignancies and their biological significance are unclear. To explore the association between RPMS1 gene variations and hematological malignancy, the RPMS1 gene of 391 EBV‐positive samples from patients with EBV‐positive leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes and lymphoma in northern China were sequenced. On the basis of phylogenetic tree and mutation characteristics of RPMS1, all the sequences were divided into five major types: RPMS1‐A, RPMS1‐B, RPMS1‐C, RPMS1‐E, and RPMS1‐F. RPMS1‐A type, similar to the prototype B95‐8, was identified in 71.87% (281/391) of samples and was the major type in all subpopulations. The frequency of RPMS1‐F type was significantly higher in all malignant hematopathy groups than in healthy donors. The Hodgkin lymphoma group contained more RPMS1‐F than other malignant hematopathy groups, and acute myeloid leukemia contained more RPMS1‐C type than other malignant hematopathy groups. Therefore, RPMS1‐A is the main type of RPMS1 gene in northern China, and RPMS1‐F may be associated with hematologic malignancies.
Development and validation of a potential biomarker to improve the assessment of liver fibrosis progression in patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Chen Ji , Yu Suhui , Lang Zhichao , Jin Yan , Zhou Guangyao , Tao Qiqi , Wang Xiaodong , Zheng Jianjian
Published: October 2022

We aimed to develop and validate a novel combined score to improve the assessment of liver fibrosis progression in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). In this study, a total of 331 CHB patients from three cohorts who underwent liver biopsy were enrolled, and the Scheuer system was used for liver fibrosis classification. The combined score was derived by principal component analysis of key differentially expressed genes. For significant liver fibrosis (≥S2), the areas under the receiver operating characteristics curves (AUROCs) of the combined score were 0.838, 0.842, and 0.881 in the three cohorts, respectively. And for advanced liver fibrosis (≥S3), the AUROCs were 0.794, 0.801, and 0.901, respectively. Compared with the results of AUROCs for aspartate aminotransferase≥to≥platelet ratio (APRI) and fibrosis index based on four factors (FIB‐4) in the validation cohorts, better clinical diagnostic value for assessing the progression of liver fibrosis was found in the combined score. Additionally, univariate ordered logistic regression analysis indicated that the combined score could serve as a more superior and stable risk factor than APRI and FIB‐4 in the assessment of liver fibrosis. For CHB patients with normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT), our results further emphasized the diagnostic value of the combined score for significant fibrosis (≥S2) and advanced fibrosis (≥S3). Moreover, it was found that patients with the high combined score, who were associated with the advanced fibrosis stage, had higher levels of drug sensitivity and immune checkpoint expression. In conclusion, the novel combined score could serve as a potential biomarker and contribute to improving the assessment of fibrosis stage in CHB patients.
Arithmetic in the signing brain: Differences and similarities in arithmetic processing between deaf signers and hearing non‐signers
Authors: Andin Josefine , Elwér Åsa , Mäki‐Torkko Elina
Published: October 2022

Deaf signers and hearing non‐signers have previously been shown to recruit partially different brain regions during simple arithmetic. In light of the triple code model, the differences were interpreted as relating to stronger recruitment of the verbal system of numerical processing, that is, left angular and inferior frontal gyrus, in hearing non‐signers, and of the quantity system of numerical processing, that is, right horizontal intraparietal sulcus, for deaf signers. The main aim of the present study was to better understand similarities and differences in the neural correlates supporting arithmetic in deaf compared to hearing individuals. Twenty‐nine adult deaf signers and 29 hearing non‐signers were enrolled in an functional magnetic resonance imaging study of simple and difficult subtraction and multiplication. Brain imaging data were analyzed using whole‐brain analysis, region of interest analysis, and functional connectivity analysis. Although the groups were matched on age, gender, and nonverbal intelligence, the deaf group performed generally poorer than the hearing group in arithmetic. Nevertheless, we found generally similar networks to be involved for both groups, the only exception being the involvement of the left inferior frontal gyrus. This region was activated significantly stronger for the hearing compared to the deaf group but showed stronger functional connectivity with the left superior temporal gyrus in the deaf, compared to the hearing, group. These results lend no support to increased recruitment of the quantity system in deaf signers. Perhaps the reason for performance differences is to be found in other brain regions not included in the original triple code model.
Pharmaceutical prospects of biosurfactants produced from fungal species
Authors: Handa Shristi , Aggarwal Yadu , Puri Sanjeev , Chatterjee Mary
Published: October 2022

The development of novel types of biogenic surface‐active compounds is of greater interest for combating many diseases and infections. In this respect research and development of biosurfactant has gained immense importance. Substantially, biosurfactant is defined as a class of active amphiphilic chemical compounds that comprise hydrophobic and hydrophilic moieties on their surfaces. It is generally known that many kinds of microorganisms can be used to produce these surfactants or surface‐active compounds. Hosting interesting features such as biodegradability, emulsifying/de‐emulsifying capacity, low toxicity, and antimicrobial activities; these amphiphilic compounds in recent years have flourished as an ideal replacement for the chemically synthesized surfactant, and also have various commercial attractions. Both bacteria and fungi are the producers of these amphiphilic molecules; however, the pathogenicity of certain bacterial strains has caused a shift in interest toward fungi. Therefore, various fungi species have been reported for the production of biosurfactants amongst which Candida species have been the most studied strains. Biosurfactants uphold desired properties like antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiadhesion, and anticancer activity which proves them an ideal candidate for the application in various fields like pharmaceutical, gene therapy, medical insertion safety, immunotherapy to fight against many chronic diseases, and so forth. Hence, this review article discusses the pharmaceutical prospects of biosurfactants produced from different fungal species, providing new directions toward the discovery and development of molecules with novel structures and diverse functions for advanced application in the medical field.
The strategic role of middle managers in the formulation and implementation of digital transformation projects
Authors: Christodoulou Ioannis P. , Wasim Jahangir , Reinhardt Robert J. , Ivanov Kirill
Published: October 2022

Middle managers play a crucial role in implementing digital strategy. They directly influence the success or failure of an organization's digital transformation. They are the enablers of digital strategy implementation and company transformation and sometimes can cast a sabotaging shadow side when not involved and engaged in the process. However, there are ways to engage them and divert their sabotaging behavior.
Mammal use of riparian corridors in semi‐arid Sonora, Mexico
Authors: Ragan Kinley , Schipper Jan , Bateman Heather L. , Hall Sharon J.
Published: October 2022

Wildlife populations in semi‐arid regions are increasingly challenged by human activities and dependent on the connectivity of riparian corridors for access to surface water. The Madrean Archipelago is a biodiversity hotspot along the arid United States–Mexico borderlands that support both Neotropical and Nearctic wildlife. Infrastructure development (e.g., the border wall and the expansion of Mexican Federal Highway 2) in this region inhibits wildlife movement along the transnational mountain archipelago by disconnecting habitat. To explore the relationship between habitat variables and mammal use of riparian corridors in northern Sonora, Mexico, we collected data from 19 motion‐sensitive cameras between October 2018 and April 2019 and used single‐season occupancy models and Royle‐Nichols abundance estimation models to analyze our data. We recorded 21 species of mammals, including the first sighting of jaguar (Panthera onca) in this region in 25 years. River characteristics (distance from river, riparian corridor width, water availability), remoteness (distance from highway, productivity, elevation), and topographic variety (vertical elevation difference) influenced patterns of occupancy probability and estimated abundance of mammals >1 kg, but the strength and direction of these relationships varied by species. Additionally, intermittently wet desert washes were comparable in species richness to the perennial system. These results highlight the importance of examining physical and biological aspects of habitat. This is especially true when identifying corridors where mitigation structures should be placed to improve wildlife connectivity in biodiversity hotspots like the Madrean Archipelago and semi‐arid ecosystems worldwide.
Therapeutic Misestimation in Patients with Degenerative Ataxia: Lessons from a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Maas Roderick P.P.W.M. , van de Warrenburg Bart P.C.
Published: October 2022

Background

The absence of effective treatments may render patients with degenerative cerebellar ataxias susceptible to a placebo response, which could affect the outcome of clinical trials.

Objective

To retrospectively examine expectations of benefit in participants of an ataxia trial and identify determinants of possible therapeutic misestimation.

Methods

Individuals with spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 who participated in a randomized, double‐blind, sham‐controlled trial received a custom‐designed questionnaire about short‐term and long‐term treatment expectations, allocation preferences, and interpretation of treatment arm assignment based on the presence or absence of clinical improvement. To evaluate whether expectations were specifically related to the application of cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) or more generally reflect an overly positive attitude of patients with ataxia toward trial participation and results, the last questions involved a hypothetical scenario in which an oral drug was tested against placebo with an aim identical to that of our tDCS study.

Results

All 20 trial participants completed the questionnaire. If allocated to the active treatment arm, 75% of patients expected short‐term health benefits and 55% thought they would still have less severe ataxia at 1‐year follow‐up compared with baseline. After 2 weeks, an average reduction in ataxia severity of 31.5% (standard deviation, 22.2%) was anticipated. Conversely, 65% associated a lack of improvement with probable or definite allocation to the placebo group. High expectations of benefit were neither related to the type of intervention nor to clinical or demographic characteristics.

Conclusion

Therapeutic misestimation is common in patients with degenerative ataxia and requires special attention in future trials. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Nabais Sa‐de Vries syndrome in a Chinese infant associated with a novel SPOP mutation: A clinical study and genetic report
Authors: Hu Wenjing , Fang Hongjun , Peng Yu , Li Li , Liu Shulei , Liao Hongmei , Tang Jingwen , Yi Jurong , Liu Qingqing , Xu Li , Wu Liwen
Published: October 2022

Background

Nabais Sa‐de Vries syndrome (NSDVS) is a newly identified neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD), characterized by mutations in the SPOP gene, which encodes the speckle‐type BTB/POZ protein. It is divided into two disease subtypes, according to patient facial features, which could be related to altered SPOP protein function. Few studies have documented this syndrome and little is known about its pathophysiology. Herein, we present an unexplained infant case of NDD, possibly the first Asian NSDVS case report.

Methods

A 7‐month‐old boy presented with an enlarged head circumference, widened eye distance, and a protruding nose. Trio‐whole exome sequencing of the patient's family was performed, and a variant was identified by bioinformatics analysis and further verified by Sanger sequencing. This variant was then identified by molecular dynamics analysis. Finally, a plasmid was constructed in vitro to transfect the human 293 T cells. qPCR and western blotting (WB) experiments were subsequently performed. These analyses verified the variant's transcription and protein expression.

Results

Trio‐whole exome sequencing was used to identify the SPOP mutation c.67 T > C (p.Cys23Arg). Crystal structure simulations suggest that this single‐residue substitution alters hydrogen bonding with nearby residues. Analysis via qPCR and WB experiments indicated decreased mutant mRNA and protein expression levels.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that genetic testing should be performed as soon as possible for children with NDD showing low phenotypic specificity. Prompt testing will provide more accurate diagnoses, which in turn offers evidence to assist in the formulation of rehabilitation training plans, and genetic counseling for patients' families.
Quantum‐based Modeling of Protein‐ligand Interaction: The Complex of RutA with Uracil and Molecular Oxygen
Authors: Polyakov Igor V. , Nemukhin Alexander V. , Domratcheva Tatiana M. , Kulakova Anna M. , Grigorenko Bella L.
Published: October 2022

Modern quantum‐based methods are employed to model interaction of the flavin‐dependent enzyme RutA with the uracil and oxygen molecules. This complex presents the structure of reactants for the chain of chemical reactions of monooxygenation in the enzyme active site, which is important in drug metabolism. In this case, application of quantum‐based approaches is an essential issue, unlike conventional modeling of protein‐ligand interaction with force fields using molecular mechanics and classical molecular dynamics methods. We focus on two difficult problems to characterize the structure of reactants in the RutA‐FMN‐O2‐uracil complex, where FMN stands for the flavin mononucleotide species. First, location of a small O2 molecule in the triplet spin state in the protein cavities is required. Second, positions of both ligands, O2 and uracil, must be specified in the active site with a comparable accuracy. We show that the methods of molecular dynamics with the interaction potentials of quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics theory (QM/MM MD) allow us to characterize this complex and, in addition, to surmise possible reaction mechanism of uracil oxygenation by RutA.
Exploiting a higher‐order scheme for matrix square root and its inverse simultaneously
Authors: Zaka Ullah Malik , Alaslani Sultan Muaysh
Published: October 2022

In this work, an investigation on an iterative scheme to calculate the matrix square root and its inversion simultaneously is performed and further discussed via the concept of matrix sign function. Convergence properties are discussed under some conditions on the choice of the initial matrix as well as the input matrix
. It is then attempted to propose an iterative method possessing higher convergence order, which is also stable. Extension of the proposed scheme to the
th root of a matrix is also given. Ultimately, several tests including an application of the proposed iterative method to solve matrix differential equations are brought forward.
Multi‐modal MRI reveals changes in placental function following preterm premature rupture of membranes
Authors: Hutter Jana , Slator Paddy J. , Avena Zampieri Carla , Hall Megan , Rutherford Mary , Story Lisa
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Preterm premature rupture of membranes complicates up to 40% of premature deliveries. Fetal infection may occur in the absence of maternal symptoms, delaying diagnosis and increasing morbidity and mortality. A noninvasive antenatal assessment of early signs of placental inflammation is therefore urgently required.

Methods

Sixteen women with preterm premature rupture of membranes < 34 weeks gestation and 60 women with uncomplicated pregnancies were prospectively recruited. A modified diffusion‐weighted spin‐echo single shot EPI sequence with a diffusion preparation acquiring 264 unique parameter combinations in < 9 min was obtained on a clinical 3 Tesla MRI scanner. The data was fitted to a 2‐compartment ‐intravoxel incoherent motion model comprising fast and slowly circulating fluid pools to obtain quantitative information on perfusion, density, and tissue composition. Z values were calculated, and correlation with time from between the rupture of membranes and the scan, gestational age at delivery, and time between scan and delivery assessed.

Results

Placental was significantly reduced in preterm premature rupture of membranes, and the 2‐compartmental model demonstrated that this decline is mainly linked to the perfusion component observed in the placental parenchyma. Multi‐modal MRI measurement of placental function is linked to gestational age at delivery and time from membrane rupture.

Conclusion

More complex models and data acquisition can potentially improve fitting of the underlying etiology of preterm birth compared with individual single‐contrast models and contribute to additional insights in the future. This will need validation in larger cohorts. A multi‐modal MRI acquisition between rupture of the membranes and delivery can be used to measure placental function and is linked to gestational age at delivery.
A numerical investigation on undrained expansion of a cylindrical cavity under biaxial in situ stresses using anisotropic S‐CLAY1 model
Authors: Wang Hui , Li Lin , Li Jingpei
Published: October 2022

Cavity expansion under biaxial in situ stresses is commonly encountered in geotechnical engineering, which, however, has not been well‐investigated at present. This paper numerically investigates the undrained expansion responses of a cylindrical cavity in S‐CLAY1 soil under biaxial in situ stresses. The advanced anisotropic S‐CLAY1 model is integrated by the semi‐implicit scheme and implemented as a user‐defined subroutine (UMAT) in the finite element model (FEM) to represent the elastoplastic behavior of the soil around the cavity during expansion. To validate and calibrate the FEM, a benchmark solution for cavity expansion under uniform in situ stress is specifically developed and compared with the FEM. Parametric studies are performed based on the FEM to numerically investigate the salient expansion responses under biaxial in situ stresses. The results reveal that the expansion responses, including the expansion pressures, the excess pore water pressures at the cavity wall, the distributions of the stress components around the cavity, are not only remarkably different with those under uniform in situ stress, but also different with the findings from the approximate analytical solutions. What is particularly surprising is that the positions of the maximum and minimum expansion pressures reverse with expansion of the cavity. The outcomes of present study reveal the significant mechanisms of undrained expansion of a cylindrical cavity under biaxial in situ stresses.
Physical properties of food or bile redirection do not contribute to the intestinal adaptations after Roux‐en‐Y Gastric Bypass in rats
Authors: Pannu Prabh R. , Chukwudi Chijioke , Wang Jianxun , Yang Po‐Jen , Esfahani Farid Nasr , Saeidi Nima
Published: October 2022

Objective

Metabolic and morphological adaptations of the intestine have been suggested to play a role in the various therapeutic benefits of Roux‐en‐Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) surgery. However, the precise underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, the effects of physical properties of ingested food and redirection of biliopancreatic secretions on intestinal remodeling were investigated in RYGB operated rats.

Methods

RYGB employing two different Roux Limb (RL) lengths was performed on high fat diet induced obese rats. Post‐operatively, rats were fed either Solid or isocaloric Liquid diets. Metabolic and morphological remodeling of intestine was compared across both diet forms (Solid and Liquid diets) and surgical models (Short RL and Long RL).

Results

RYGB surgery in rats induced weight loss and improved glucose tolerance which was independent of physical properties of ingested food and biliopancreatic secretions. Intestinal glucose utilization after RYGB was not determined by either food form or biliopancreatic secretions. The GLUT‐1 expression in RL was not influenced by physical properties of food. Furthermore, both physical properties of food and biliopancreatic secretions showed no effects on intestinal morphological adaptations after RYGB.

Conclusion

Results of this study demonstrate that physical properties of food and bile redirection are not major determinants of intestinal remodeling after RYGB in rats.
Fully biobased composite and fiber‐metal laminates reinforced with Cynodon spp. fibers
Authors: Germano Braga Guilherme , Assunção Rosa Fábio , César dos Santos Júlio , del Pino Gilberto Garcia , Panzera Tulio Hallak , Scarpa Fabrizio
Published: October 2022

Biobased products promote efficient industrial use of natural resources, directly contributing to circular economy principles and sustainable development. This work investigates biocomposites made from Hay Tifton 85 grass fibers (i.e., Cynodon spp.) combined with castor oil polyurethane or epoxy matrices and their evaluation as core materials for novel fiber metal laminates (FMLs). A full factorial design is used to identify the effects of polymer type and fiber length on the tensile, flexural, compression and impact properties of composites. A cold pressing technique is used to manufacture random‐fiber composites and FMLs made of aluminum skins. The castor oil matrix shows promise for dynamic applications, while the epoxy matrix provides better performance under static loads. Composites achieved improved mechanical properties attributed to their lower porosity. The mechanical properties of FMLs under tensile flexural and impact (Charpy and drop tower) are also considerably higher than those of fiber‐reinforced polymers. Fully biobased laminates offer potential advantages compared to epoxy polymer composites. Their use as cores in FMLs can be extended to applications related to the automotive, civil construction and aeronautical sectors, fostering sustainable industrial designs.
A proposal for a new concept in psychiatric phenomenology: The “Yume‐Utsutsu” (dreamy or half‐asleep) phenomenon in patients with dementia with Lewy bodies
Authors: Ukai Katsuyuki
Published: October 2022

Background

Patients with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) present with a variety of physical and mental symptoms, including visual hallucinations, delusions, depression, rapid eye sleep movement behavior disorder, and olfactory dysfunction. This study describes another interesting psychiatric symptom, which seems to be characteristic of DLB, in many patients who visited the author's psychogeriatrics department for neurocognitive disorders or psychogeriatric diseases.

Methods

The clinical courses of seven representative cases of DLB, each of which included episodes of this interesting psychiatric symptom, are described to clarify the commonalities they shared.

Results

After examining the characteristic symptoms of these cases, a novel term was proposed for a new concept in psychiatric phenomenology, the “Yume‐Utsutsu” (dreamy or half‐asleep) phenomenon. “Yume‐Utsutsu” is a Japanese word that means a mental state in which dreams are indistinguishable from reality. This phenomenon is different from visual hallucinations, fluctuating cognition, rapid eye sleep movement behavior disorder, delirium, and epilepsy‐related automatism.

Conclusions

The “Yume‐Utsutsu” (dreamy or half‐asleep) phenomenon proposed as a novel psychiatric concept in this article is useful for diagnosing and clarifying the psychopathology of DLB.
Bilayer biocomposites of PVOH/WPI/nano‐silica treated with corona discharge
Authors: Lara Bruna Rage Baldone , de Andrade Paulo Sérgio , de Oliveira Ana Carolina Salgado , Junior Mario Guimarães , Matos Lays Camila , Tonoli Gustavo Henrique Denzin , Dias Marali Vilela
Published: October 2022

In order to evaluate the influence of a different assembly of biocomposites of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), whey protein isolates (WPI), and nano‐silica (NS), a bilayer film treated with corona discharge was produced through a two‐step lamination. The first layer of PVOH/NS, treated with up to 90 s of discharge, and the second layer of WPI/NS, the bilayer films had their morphology, tensile strength, and water barrier investigated and compared to a single layer PVOH/WPI/NS film. Corona discharge increased the wettability of the first layer, improving the ability to interact with the second layer, thus increasing the adherence between these layers. Films treated with higher times of discharge showed a homogeneous transition between phases, suggesting compatibility, and adherence between layers. At 90 s of corona discharge treatment, bilayer films showed a tensile strength 72% higher than the bilayer film not treated and also 23% more resistant and 7.4 times more ductile than the single‐layer film. The lamination process and corona treatment increase the affinity of water with film constituents, thus leading to a higher permeability. The use of corona discharge associated with the lamination of PVOH/WPI/NS biocomposites provides a bilayer film and produces a more resistant, flexible, and ductile biocomposite film for packaging.
Regulatory focus and creativity: Adaptive‐innovative cognitive style as a mediator and school climate as a moderator
Authors: Wang Ling , Yang Dan , Cui Yue , Zheng Jie , Wang Jin , Yang Yixue , Luo Zheng
Published: October 2022

This study examined the relationship between regulatory focus and creativity in combination with adaptive‐innovative cognitive style and school climate. A total of 687 middle school and high school students (Mage = 13.98 years; 52.8% males) completed a creative task and questionnaires concerning regulatory focus, adaptive‐innovative cognitive style, school climate, and creativity. Structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed that promotion focus positively predicted creativity through innovative style and negatively predicted creativity through adaptive style, and prevention focus negatively predicted creativity through adaptive style. SEM also showed that school climate strengthened the positive association between promotion focus and innovative style and inhibited the positive association between prevention focus and adaptive style. Furthermore, conditional process analysis suggested that school climate moderated the mediating effect of adaptive‐innovative cognitive style in the relationship between regulatory focus and creativity, that is, the negative prediction of promotion focus for creativity through adaptive style occurred only when school climate was at a low level. Adaptive‐innovative cognitive style mediated the association between regulatory focus and creativity. School climate moderated not only the association between regulatory focus and adaptive‐innovative cognitive style but also the mediating effect of adaptive‐innovative cognitive style in the association between regulatory focus and creativity.
Registration of ‘Sims’ little bluestem
Authors: Springer Tim L. , Carr Brandon
Published: October 2022

‘Sims’ (Reg. no. CV‐17, PI 700041) little bluestem [Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash] was selected for greater 7‐d laboratory seed germination and superior field emergence. Two cycles of recurrent selection were used to develop Sims from little bluestem germplasm UC‐2 (PI 676265). Cycle 1 consisted of germinating 3,500 open‐pollinated pure seed (spikelets) of germplasm UC‐2 (designated UC‐2 C0) in water of –0.8 MPa potential for 7 d. All seed that germinated in 7 d were selected to create population UC‐2 C1. Cycle 2 selection was identical to Cycle 1 selection except that population UC‐2 C1 was used to create population UC‐2 C2 = Sims. The 7‐d seed germination of Sims in deionized water averaged 68% compared with 39, 53, and 71 for ‘Cimarron’, ‘Aldous’, and ‘Ahring’, respectively. Sixty days after field planting, plant population density of Sims averaged 8.9 plants m−2 compared with 7.1, 8.4, and 9.4 plants m−2 for Aldous, Cimarron, and Ahring, respectively. Thus, recurrent selection for increased seed germination in a negative water potential resulted in a little bluestem population capable of rapid seed germination and field emergence. Sims little bluestem is useful for livestock grazing, wildlife habitat, soil and water conservation, renewable energy, and horticultural landscapes in the U.S. southern Great Plains. Sims was released cooperatively by the USDA‐ARS and USDA‐NRCS.
Beyond national boundaries in the study of digital public engagement: Interparliamentary institutions and cooperation in the Austrian and Portuguese national parliaments
Authors: Serra‐Silva Sofia
Published: October 2022

This study assesses the role of interparliamentary institutions (IPIs) and networks in the diffusion of new ideas and solutions of (digital) public engagement in national parliaments by using elite semistructured interviews from two case studies, Austria and Portugal. Evidence collected shows that both parliaments are strongly relying on IPIs to develop and implement digital public engagement activities to stay informed, eliminate the possibility of failure, reduce the administrative costs and uncertainty of IT planning and new experiences, and comply with standards of what is perceived to be a legitimate parliament. By showing that IPIs are vehicles of (digital) public engagement diffusion—parliaments learn from and emulate other parliaments perceived as successful through these institutions—this study has significant implications for our understanding of public engagement as well as of interparliamentary cooperation.
Reactive Characteristics of Novel Core‐Shell Al−CuO Microspheres Prepared by Alcohol‐Thermal Treatment of Cu(OH)2
Authors: Cui Rui , Zhang Xiandie , Mao Huiqing , Zhang Chun , Ji Jie , Zhou Xiang
Published: October 2022

In this study, core‐shell structured Al@CuO energetic microspheres are prepared through the alcohol‐thermal method. CuO is grown in situ around superfine Al powder, and Cu(OH)2 powder is used directly as the precursor for CuO growth. The effects of reaction temperature and reaction time on the chemical transformation as well as coating quality are investigated by using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction. More importantly, the transformation of Cu(OH)2 into CuO during alcohol‐thermal process is tentatively discussed. And the growth mechanisms of CuO are speculated, which mainly consist of the continuous dissolution of Cu(OH)2, the transformation of dissolved Cu(OH)2 to CuO which happens at a lower temperature than that of dry Cu(OH)2 powder, and the heterogeneous nucleation and growth of CuO. The prepared Al@CuO energetic microspheres are compared with physically mixed Al/CuO counterparts by using thermal analysis, electric ignition and constant‐volume combustion tests. Benefiting from the improved interfacial contact quality, Al@CuO energetic microspheres show overall enhanced reaction characteristics in terms of reaction onset temperature, heat release, apparent activation energy, ignition delay, burning time and pressurization rate.
Genomic characterization of metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer patients undergoing PSMA radioligand therapy: A single‐center experience
Authors: Satapathy Swayamjeet , Das Chandan K. , Aggarwal Piyush , Sood Ashwani , Parihar Ashwin S. , Singh Shrawan K. , Mittal Bhagwant R.
Published: October 2022

Background

Genomic defects in DNA‐damage repair (DDR) mechanisms have been proposed to affect the radiosensitivity of prostate cancers. In this study, we intended to evaluate the prevalence of genetic alterations in a cohort of metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients undergoing radioligand therapy (RLT) with prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA)‐inhibitors as well as the impact of such mutations on treatment outcomes.

Methods

Data of consecutive mCRPC patients from 2017 to 2021 who were treated with PSMA‐RLT and underwent next‐generation sequencing (NGS) were collected and analyzed for response and survival outcomes.

Results

In 95 patients of mCRPC treated with PSMA‐RLT, 15 patients (median age: 66 years, range: 50–73 years; [177Lu]Lu‐PSMA‐617,n = 12; [225Ac]Ac‐PSMA‐617,n = 3) underwent NGS. The median progression‐free survival (PFS) of this cohort was 3 months (95% confidence interval: 1.6–4.4 months). On NGS, 21 genetic alterations were reported in 10/15 (67%) patients, of which 13 were DDR‐associated alterations involving the genes:ATM(n = 3),BRCA2(n = 3),TP53(n = 2),PTEN(n = 2),FANCD2(n = 1),FANCM(n = 1), andNBN(n = 1). Overall, 5/15 (33%) patients harbored six pathogenic variants (BRCA2,n = 2;ATM,n = 1;TP53,n = 1;PTEN,n = 2). No significant difference was noted for the biochemical response, radiological response, PFS, and overall survival between the patients with and without genetic alterations.

Conclusions

Patients of mCRPC undergoing PSMA‐RLT were frequently seen to harbor DDR‐associated aberrations, albeit with no significant impact on treatment outcomes. Large prospective trials comparing PSMA‐RLT‐related outcomes in DDR‐deficient and ‐proficient patients are required to bring out the differences, if any, in a more observable manner.
Metabolomic fingerprint of cabbage resistance to Mamestra brassicae L. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Rodriguez Victor M , Velasco Pablo , Abilleira Rosaura , Cartea Elena
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND

Plants defend themselves from insect feeding by activating specific metabolic pathways. We performed a metabolomic analysis to compare the metabolome reorganization that occurs in the leaves of two genotypes of cabbage (one partially resistant and one susceptible) when attacked by Mamestra brassicae caterpillars.

RESULTS

The comparison of the metabolomic reorganization of both genotypes allowed us to identify 43 metabolites that are specifically associated with the insect feeding response in the resistant genotype. Of these, 19% are lipids or lipid‐related compounds, most of which are modified fatty acids. These include glycosylated, glycerol‐binding and oxidized fatty acids, the majority being associated with the oxylipin pathway. Some of the identified lipids are unlikely to be produced by plants and may be the result of biochemical reactions in the caterpillar oral secretions. A further 16% are phenylpropanoids. Interestingly, some phenylpropanoids were not present in the susceptible genotype, making them possible candidates for specific resistance‐related compounds.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that glucosinolates do not have a clear role in the resistance to M. brassicae feeding on cabbage. Using an untargeted metabolomics approach, we associated the regulation of metabolic pathways related to lipid signalling and phenylpropanoid compounds with the resistance to this pest. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Licorice strips enhance predator‐mediated biological control in China's cotton crop
Authors: Xue Zhengxuan , Peng Tianxiang , Liu Bing , Liu Yangtian , Zhang Zhijian , Wyckhuys Kris A.G. , Wang Peiling , Lu Yanhui
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND

Habitat management such as field‐ or farm‐level diversification can conserve arthropod natural enemies, enhance biological pest control and lower (or suspend) insecticide use in agricultural crops. These approaches however have been underexploited to manage the aphid Aphis gossypii in cotton cropping systems of Xinjiang, China. In this study, we investigated whether the presence of licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) at the field edge benefits generalist predator abundance and aphid biological control in local cotton crops.

RESULTS

Field trials during 2020 and 2021 showed that licorice strips enhanced the in‐field abundance of generalist predators (primarily ladybeetles) 2.2–4.3 fold during early season, i.e. initial growth before A. gossypii peak infestation pressure. During peak outbreak conditions in July, treatment fields with licorice strips experienced a respective 17.5–61.2% lowered aphid density and 12.3–14.6‐fold higher predator‐to‐aphid abundance ratio (PAR) than control fields. In late season (aphid decline phase) of either year, cotton fields with licorice strips also attained a respective 4.7–9.9 fold higher PAR. Exclusion cage assays quantitatively assessed predator‐mediated A. gossypii biological control and the relative contribution of licorice strips. The biocontrol services index (BSI) was 2.8 times (2020) and 1.4 times (2021) higher at 5 m distances from the licorice strip as compared to control fields.

CONCLUSION

Licorice strips in the immediate vicinity of cotton fields benefit generalist arthropod predators and improve aphid biological control throughout the cotton cropping season. These findings help to integrate habitat management within integrated pest management (IPM) frameworks in the biggest cotton production region of China. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Intergenerational transfers and home ownership outcomes: Transmission channels and geographic differences
Authors: Ong ViforJ Rachel , Clark William A. V. , Phelps Christopher
Published: October 2022

Previous research has shown that the home ownership status of parents matters for the likelihood of a child becoming an owner, and other research has studied how financial intergenerational transfers affect the transition to ownership. We extend these existing studies by estimating the effect of financial transfers on the probability of becoming an owner as well as the role of in‐kind transfers. We also analyse how the impacts of different intergenerational transmission channels vary across neighbourhoods of advantage and disadvantage and discuss the implications for inequality in access to ownership. Drawing on a large panel data set from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia Survey, we offer three new findings. First, we show that financial transfers made concurrently with home purchases play a more important role than lagged transfers and that in‐kind transfers are also an important part of the process of gaining ownership. Second, we note that in‐kind transfers are more effective for raising home ownership prospects in areas with high socioeconomic status, while financial transfers appear to be more effective in middle‐class neighbourhoods. Third, children from disadvantaged backgrounds are least likely to be assisted into home ownership by intergenerational transfers.
Structural Optimization of the Novel 3D Graded Axisymmetric Chiral Auxetic Structure
Authors: Novak Nejc , Nowak Michał , Vesenjak Matej , Ren Zoran
Published: October 2022

A recently introduced novel 3D auxetic axisymmetric chiral structure (ACS) with a periodic structure exhibits nonuniform stress distribution, with stresses concentrated primarily on the inner part of the structure. The structural optimization of one unit cell of the validated computational model is conducted to determine the optimal geometrical configuration of the unit cell, considering the target strain energy density as the optimization objective function. The results of the unit cell optimization are then used to build the parametric computational model of the whole ACS structure, where the areas of the significantly different strut thicknesses are defined as a separate section to control the thickness of the struts discretely. The parametric computational model is then optimized. This results in a new, spatially graded ACS with a stiffer structure, providing 4.25 times higher energy absorption capability than regular ACS, with one of the highest specific energy absorption (SEA) values in the strut‐based metamaterial class and thus ideal for future crash absorption applications.
Pinhole‐Free Ultrathin Silicon Oxide Layer by Ozone‐Dissolved Deionized Water
Authors: Kumar Vibhor , Gao Munan , Zin Ngwe
Published: October 2022

The pinhole‐free silicon oxide (SiOx) layer grown using dissolved ozone in deionized water (DI‐O3) is demonstrated. An ultrathin SiOxlayer of thickness 1.53 nm ± 1.5% is grown on silicon wafer using 7 ppm DI‐O3. A four‐step methodology, including 25 wt% aq. tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) solution at 80 °C, is employed to magnify the pinhole signatures in the underlying silicon and visualized with dark‐field optical microscopy (DFOM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The DFOM images show spots on the surface of wafer that originate from airborne particles, contamination, etc. SEM images reveal the absence of etch pits in silicon even after etching of SiOx/silicon in TMAH for 300 s. The minority carrier lifetime and interface states density in AlOx‐capped SiOx/Si structure are ≥2 ms at carrier density of 1 × 1015 cm−3and less than 2 × 1011 cm−2 eV−1, respectively.
Direct Determination of the Internal Quantum Efficiency of Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Pristovsek Markus
Published: October 2022

The maximum internal quantum efficiency (IQE) of light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) can be obtained using the so‐called ABC model. Since the ABC model is based on the experimentally not directly accessible carrier density, the light over current data is usually fitted as a function of the light output to yield the maximum IQE. This article shows a method to directly obtain the IQE from experimental data without fitting, which also reflects changes of the A, B, or C parameters over the current range.
Cross‐Encoded Quantum Key Distribution Exploiting Time‐Bin and Polarization States with Qubit‐Based Synchronization
Authors: Scalcon Davide , Agnesi Costantino , Avesani Marco , Calderaro Luca , Foletto Giulio , Stanco Andrea , Vallone Giuseppe , Villoresi Paolo
Published: October 2022

Robust implementation of quantum key distribution requires precise state generation and measurements, as well as the choice of an optimal encoding to minimize channel disturbance. Time‐bin encoding represent a good candidate for fiber links as birefingence does not perturb this kind of states whereas stable and low‐error encoders and decoders are available for polarization encoding. Here a cross‐encoded scheme where high accuracy quantum states are prepared through a self‐compensating, calibration‐free polarization modulator and transmitted using a polarization‐to‐time‐bin converter is presented. The receiver performs time‐of‐arrival measurements in the key‐generation basis and converts qubits back to polarization encoding for measurements in the control basis. Temporal synchronization between the transmitter and receiver is performed with a qubit‐based method that does not require additional hardware to share a clock reference. The system is tested in a 12‐h run and demonstrates good and stable performance in terms of key and quantum bit error rates. The flexibility of this approach represents an important step toward the development of hybrid networks with both fiber‐optic and free‐space links.