bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abundant, distinct, and seasonally dynamic bee community in the canopy‐aerosphere interface above a temperate forest
Authors: Cunningham‐Minnick Michael J. , Milam Joan , Kane Brian , Roberts H. Patrick , King David I.
Published: February 2023

Our understanding of how bees (Apoidea) use temperate forests is largely limited to sampling the understory and forest floor. Studies over the last decade have demonstrated that bee communities are vertically stratified within forests, yet the ecology of bee assemblages immediately above the canopy, the canopy‐aerosphere interface, remains unexplored. We sampled and compared bee communities above the canopy of a temperate forest to the understory (1 m), midstory (10 m), and canopy (20 m) on the campus of the University of Massachusetts, in Amherst, Massachusetts, United States from April to August, 2021. Overall, we found that assemblages above the canopy had more bees than in the understory, were distinct in composition from all other strata, and included the greatest proportion of unique species. Bee abundance and species richness were highest in the understory throughout the spring (April and May) and decreased as the season progressed, while bee abundance and species richness at higher strata increased into the summer months. We also found that bees with preferences to nest in moist and rotting wood were largely restricted to canopy and midstory strata. We conclude that bee assemblages occupying the space above the forest canopy are abundant and diverse, and their unique composition suggests that this canopy‐aerosphere interface plays an additional role in the bee community of temperate forests. Alternatively, our findings question how forest bee communities should be defined while highlighting the need for research on fundamental processes governing species stratification in and above the canopy.
Community plant height modulated by aridity promotes spatial vegetation patterns in Alxa plateau in Northwest China
Authors: Cheng Tian‐liang , Pan Yan‐xia , Wang Xin‐ping , Li Yan
Published: February 2023

Spatial vegetation patterns are associated with ecosystem stability and multifunctionality in drylands. Changes in patch size distributions (PSDs) are generally driven by both environmental and biological factors. However, the relationships between these factors in driving PSDs are not fully understood. We investigated 80 vegetation plots along an aridity gradient in the Alxa plateau, Northwest China. The sizes of vegetation patches were obtained from aerial images, and the heights of patch‐forming species were measured in the field. Soil samples were collected on the bare ground between patches for determination of physiochemical properties. Point pattern analysis was used to infer plant–plant interactions. A model selection procedure was employed to select the best predictors for the shape of PSDs and biological factors (vegetation total cover, community plant height, and plant–plant interactions). We then used structural equation modeling to evaluate the direct and indirect effects of environmental and biological factors on the shape of PSDs. In our study area, two types of PSDs coexisted, namely those that best fit to power law distributions and those that best fit to lognormal distributions. Aridity was the main environmental factor, while community mean height and competition between plants were the main biological factors for the shape of PSDs. As aridity and community mean height increased, power law‐like PSDs were exhibited, whereas competition led to deviations of PSDs from power laws. Aridity affected the shape of PSDs indirectly through changes in community mean height. Community mean height was correlated with competition, thereby indirectly affecting the shape of PSDs. Our results suggest the use of community functional traits as a link between the environment and plant–plant interactions, which may improve the understanding of the underlying mechanisms of PSD dynamics.
Polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1 exacerbates cardiac fibrosis by regulating fatty acid‐binding protein 5
Authors: Chen Zhen , He Chaoyong , Gao Zhen , Li Yu , He Qian , Wang Yiyan , Cai Chao
Published: February 2023

Aims

The activation of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) leads to overproduction of collagens and subsequently cardiac fibrosis. However, the regulatory mechanism of CF function in the process of cardiac fibrosis remains unclear. This work investigated the function of polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1 (PTBP1)/nuclear receptor NR4A1 (Nur77)/fatty acid‐binding protein 5 (FABP5) axis in myocardial fibrosis.

Methods and results

Cardiac fibrosis was induced in mice suffered left anterior descending ligation. In parallel, neonatal mouse CFs were isolated and stimulated with transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1). Cardiac fibrosis was evaluated by Masson's trichrome staining. Expression of PTBP1, Nur77, FABP5, collagen I, and collagen III was measured by quantitative real‐time PCR and western blotting. Proliferation of CFs was assessed by 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine assay. Molecular interaction was validated by RNA‐binding protein immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and dual luciferase reporter assay. PTBP1 was up‐regulated (P < 0.05), whereas Nur77 (P < 0.05) and FABP5 (P < 0.05) were down‐regulated in the fibrotic hearts of mice and TGF‐β1‐exposed CFs. PTBP1 overexpression facilitated proliferation (P < 0.05) and collagen I (P < 0.05) and collagen III (P < 0.05) expression of CFs after stimulation with TGF‐β1. PTBP1 reduced Nur77 stability (P < 0.05) to inhibit Nur77 expression (P < 0.05) in CFs. Nur77 bound to FABP5 promoter to promote the transcription (P < 0.05) and expression (P < 0.05) of FABP5. Silencing of Nur77 or FABP5 abolished the inhibitory effect of PTBP1 knockdown on proliferation (P < 0.05) and collagen I (P < 0.05) and collagen III (P < 0.05) expression of CFs in vitro. PTBP1 depletion ameliorated cardiac fibrosis (P < 0.05), α‐smooth muscle actin (P < 0.05), and collagen I (P < 0.05) expression in myocardial infarction mice through regulating Nur77/FABP5 pathway (P < 0.05) in vivo.

Conclusions

PTBP1 contributed to cardiac fibrosis via promoting CF proliferation and collagen deposition through Nur77 mRNA decay and subsequent transcription inhibition of FABP5. Our findings suggest that PTBP1/Nur77/FABP5 axis may be potential targets for cardiac fibrosis therapy.
Acidity‐mediated induction of FoxP3+ regulatory T cells
Authors: Rao Disha , Stunnenberg Johanna A. , Lacroix Ruben , Dimitriadis Petros , Kaplon Joanna , Verburg Fabienne , van van Royen Paula T. , Hoefsmit Esmée P. , Renner Kathrin , Blank Christian U. , Peeper Daniel S.
Published: February 2023

Glucose limitation and increased lactic acid levels are consequences of the elevated glycolytic activity of tumor cells, and constitute a metabolic barrier for the function of tumor infiltrating effector immune cells. The immune‐suppressive functions of regulatory T cells (Tregs) are unobstructed in lactic‐acid rich environments. However, the impact of lactic acid on the induction of Tregs remains unknown. We observed increased TGFβ‐mediated induction of Forkhead box P3+ (FoxP3+) cells in the presence of extracellular lactic acid, in a glycolysis‐independent, acidity‐dependent manner. These CD4+ FoxP3+ cells expressed Treg‐associated markers, including increased expression of CD39, and were capable of exerting suppressive functions. Corroborating these results in vivo, we observed that neutralizing the tumor pH by systemic administration of sodium bicarbonate (NaBi) decreased Treg abundance. We conclude that acidity augments Treg induction and propose that therapeutic targeting of acidity in the tumor microenvironment (TME) might reduce Treg‐mediated immune suppression within tumors.
Selective Radical Transformations with Aryldiazonium Salts
Authors: de Souza Edson Leonardo Scarpa , Oliveira Caio C.
Published: February 2023

This review provides an overview of the use of aryldiazonium salts as the source of aryl radicals and their application in the development of selective transformations over the last 13 years. Examples were organized under thermal and photocatalytic transformations. This review provides an accessible follow‐up in this field for both radical and catalytic chemists working in industry as well as academia.
“The understanding and attitude toward epilepsy in the Souss‐Massa region of Morocco”
Authors: Tani Amina , Adali Nawal
Published: February 2023

Objective

Sociocultural beliefs about epilepsy impede medical treatment and social acceptance of people with epilepsy. These barriers can lead to disability and contribute to the stigmatization of people with epilepsy.

Assessing knowledge, myths, and attitude about epilepsy and associated factors among adults in Souss‐Massa, Morocco.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study in which data were collected from a sample of 385 individuals in the Souss‐Massa region of Southern Morocco. Data were collected through face‐to‐face interviews using a structured questionnaire. The analysis of the collected questionnaires was processed using IBM SPSS Statistics 26.

Results

385 responses were included in the analysis. The results reveal a lack of knowledge, an unfavorable attitude, and the persistence of myths and misunderstandings about epilepsy. The findings of this study suggest that good knowledge was significantly associated with sociodemographic factors: the age range of more than 54 years and health professional status. In addition, the favorable attitude toward epilepsy correlates with the sociodemographic factors: male gender and urban residential area.

Significance

The main finding of this study indicates insufficient knowledge, the persistence of myth, and an unfavorable attitude about epilepsy. Therefore, the application of public awareness programs about epilepsy in urban and rural areas is necessary.
Germline variation in RASAL2 may predict survival in patients with RAS‐activated colorectal cancer
Authors: Wills Christopher , Watts Katie , Maughan Timothy S. , Fisher David , Al‐Tassan Nada A. , Houlston Richard S. , Escott‐Price Valentina , Cheadle Jeremy P.
Published: February 2023

Background

Therapeutic agents that specifically target patients with RAS mutant colorectal cancer (CRC) are needed. We sought potential drug targets by relating genome‐wide association study and survival data in patients with advanced CRC profiled for mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway mutations.

Methods

In total, 694 patients from the clinical trials COIN and COIN‐B had MAPK‐activated CRCs (assigned as KRAS, NRAS, or BRAF mutant). Genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), gene, and gene‐set analyses were performed to identify determinants of survival. For rs12028023 in RAS protein activator‐like 2 (RASAL2), we studied its effect by MAPK pathway activation status (by comparing to 760 patients without MAPK‐activated CRCs), MAPK gene mutation status, surface area of the primary tumor (as a marker of proliferation), and expression on RASAL2.

Results

In MAGMA genome‐wide analyses, RASAL2 was the most significant gene associated with survival (p = 2.0 × 10−5). Patients carrying the minor (A) allele in the lead SNP, rs12028023 in intron 1 of RASAL2, had a median increase in survival of 167 days as compared with patients carrying the major allele. rs12028023 was predictive for survival by MAPK‐activation status (pZ‐test = 2.1 × 10−3). Furthermore, rs12028023 improved survival in patients with RAS mutant (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.62, 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 0.5–0.8, p = 3.4 × 10−5) but not BRAF mutant (p = 0.87) CRCs. The rs12028023 A‐allele was associated with reduced surface area of the primary tumor (Beta = −0.037, standard error [SE] = 0.017, p = 3.2 × 10−2) and reduced RASAL2 expression in cultured fibroblasts (p = 1.6 × 10−11).

Conclusion

Our data demonstrate a prognostic role for RASAL2 in patients with MAPK‐activated CRCs, with potential as a therapeutic target.
The application of the guideline for the geotechnical design of underground structures with TBM excavation in Austria
Authors: Poisel Alexander , Meier Alexander , Bach Dietmar
Published: February 2023

In 2013, the Austrian Society for Geomechanics published the Guideline for the Geotechnical Design of Underground Structures with TBM Excavation. The Guideline contains general procedures for the geotechnical design and construction. In the design phase, the first steps are evaluating different ground conditions by classifying different ground types, different ground behaviours, their categorization into ground behaviour types, and the determination of construction measures derived from the ground behaviour. On this basis the expected system behaviour in each system sector of the tunnel boring machine (TBM) is predicted and described in detail to enable comparison in the construction phase. In the construction phase, geotechnical relevant ground parameters as well as observations regarding the actual system behaviour are recorded and compared with the assumptions of the design. The geotechnical design is updated continuously based on the encountered ground conditions and geotechnical observations. The improved quality of the geotechnical model allows an optimization of the construction while meeting all safety and environmental requirements. In the first part of the article, the general procedures of the guideline are described and parameters to describe the system behaviour in each system sector adequately are listed. In the second part of the article, the implementation of the guideline during design and construction at the Semmering Basetunnel in Austria is described.
3D‐nonlinear finite element analysis of staged shield‐driven tunnel excavation with a focus on response of segmental tunnel lining
Authors: Allahverdi Navid , Bakhshi Mehdi , Partovi Maziar , Nasri Verya
Published: February 2023

The complex and dynamic nature of shield‐driven tunnel excavation, staged construction, segmental lining installation process, and tail‐void grouting necessitate using detailed numerical modeling for predicting ground behavior and response of segmental lining. In this article, results of three‐dimensional advanced finite element modeling are presented for one of the major ongoing construction projects in the North America. Different segment joint models, i.e., rigid joints, perfect hinge joints, Janssen joints, and rigid joints with reduced lining thickness, are used in the analysis. Critical responses such as ground deformation, settlement trough, crown deformation, and the internal forces in the linings considering different segment joint modeling are discussed.
Towards unlocking the chain of sustainable development in the BRICS economies: Analysing the role of economic complexity and financial risk
Authors: Adebayo Tomiwa Sunday
Published: February 2023

In response to the mounting risks posed by climate change, innovation and mitigation of pollution have emerged as key drivers of sustainable growth and the environment. This research aims to explore the effect of economic complexity and financial risk on the load capacity factor. The research employed a series of second‐generation techniques such as a method of moment quantile regression and Dumitrescu Hurlin panel causality covering the period between 1990 and 2018. The findings provided convincing evidence of cointegration. The long‐run analysis showed that renewable energy use, economic complexity and financial risk contribute to ecological quality. However, non‐renewable energy and economic progress threaten ecological quality by lessening the load capacity factor. The research revealed causality from financial risk, economic growth, disintegrated energy and economic complexity to load capacity factor. Lastly, a policy framework is proposed based on the study findings to accomplish the sustainable development goals (SDGs) 7, 13 and 17.
Boosting Efficiency for the Synthesis of Dimethyl Oxalate over Pd/MgAl2O4: Effect of Different Preparation Methods for MgAl2O4 Supports
Authors: Liu Peng , Zhang Xin , Huang Yuan‐Yuan , Liu Geng‐Wei , Li Chen‐Jie , Yan Pin‐Mei , Qin Ye‐Yan , Guo Rong , Wu Si‐Qi , Zeng Yun‐Yun , Pan Peng‐Bin , Yao Yuan‐Gen
Published: February 2023

High active Pd‐based catalyst with low loading capacity for CO oxidative coupling with methyl nitrite (MN) to dimethyl oxalate (DMO) has aroused great interest in the large‐scale production of DMO for the next hydrogenation to bring forth ethylene glycol (EG). Here, spinel composite oxide support, namely MgAl2O4, had been prepared through three different methods: solid combustion method (MAO‐SC), hydrothermal method (MAO‐HT) and co‐precipitation method (MAO‐CP), and further Pd nanoparticles were anchored to the surface of MgAl2O4 through a simple wetness impregnation method. In the CO direct esterification to DMO reaction, the Pd/MAO‐SC catalyst, which used MgAl2O4 support prepared by solid combustion method, exhibited the highest intrinsic activity with Turnover frequency (TOF) value of 2.39 s−1 and DMO weight space‐time yield (956.8 g⋅kgcat−1⋅h−1) with 44.1 % CO conversion and 97.8 % DMO selectivity, and showed negligible attenuation of activity during the process of continuous reaction for 100 h. The characterization results confirmed that abundant oxygen defect sites occurred in MAO‐SC synthesized by combustion method not only can help to anchor the Pd nanoparticles with appropriate size and dispersion, but also can promote the interfacial electron transfer from MgAl2O4 support to Pd nanoparticles, thus significantly enhancing the metal‐support interaction (MSI) and providing more CO bridge‐adsorption sites that is favorable for the CO oxidative coupling with MN to DMO reaction.
Photoacoustic (532 and 1064 nm) and ultrasonic coscanning microscopy for in vivo imaging on small animals: A productized strategy
Authors: Zhang Wuyu , Luo Xingzhi , Yang Fei , Tong Zhuangzhuang , Liang Jiaxi , Yuan Bo , Yang Sihua , Wang Zhiyang
Published: February 2023

Photoacoustic microscopy provides a new dimension of observation in microscopic life science. However, due to the high complexity of building a photoacoustic microscopy system, for many life science practitioners, it usually takes several years to build a stable photoacoustic microscopy system. For the above situation, in this article, a productized strategy of photoacoustic (532 and 1064 nm) and ultrasonic coscanning microscopy for in vivo imaging on small animals is presented. A 532 nm laser is applied to image blood vessels and pigments in label‐free manner, whereas 1064 nm laser is applied to image pigments and some novel probes developed for NIR‐II windows. Ultrasound is applied to assist photoacoustic imaging to accurately locate its imaging site in tissues. All 3D results are obtained with one single scan. The strategy presented here will help life science practitioners to build a stable photoacoustic microscopy platform.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress promotes sepsis‐induced muscle atrophy via activation of STAT3 and Smad3
Authors: Zheng Yingfang , Dai Hongkai , Chen Renyu , Zhong Yanxia , Zhou Chenchen , Wang Yurou , Zhan Chengye , Luo Jinlong
Published: February 2023

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is involved in skeletal muscle atrophy in various conditions, but the role of ER stress in sepsis‐induced muscle atrophy is not well understood. In this study, we conducted experiments in wild‐type (WT) mice and C/EBP homologous protein knockout (CHOP KO) mice to explore the role and mechanism of ER stress in sepsis‐induced muscle atrophy. Cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) was used to establish a mouse model of sepsis. In WT mice, the body weight, muscle mass, and cross‐sectional area of muscle fibers in CLP group both decreased significantly compared with sham group, which revealed that sepsis‐induced dramatic muscle atrophy. Additionally, sepsis activated the ubiquitin‐proteasome system (UPS), accompanied by the activation of ER stress. In vitro, inhibition of ER stress suppressed the activity of E3 ubiquitin ligases and alleviated the myotube atrophy. In vivo, CHOP KO also reduced the expression of E3 ubiquitin ligases and UPS‐mediated protein degradation, and significantly attenuated sepsis‐induced muscle atrophy. Deletion of CHOP also decreased the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and Smad3, and inhibition of STAT3 and Smad3 partly reduced proteolysis caused by ER stress in vitro. These findings confirm that ER stress activates UPS‐mediated proteolysis and promotes sepsis‐induced muscle atrophy, which is partly achieved by activating STAT3 and Smad3.
Ten‐year longitudinal changes in muscle power, force, and velocity in young, middle‐aged, and older adults
Authors: Alcazar Julian , Rodriguez‐Lopez Carlos , Delecluse Christophe , Thomis Martine , Van Roie Evelien
Published: February 2023

Background

Maximum muscle power (Pmax) is a biomarker of physical performance in all ages. No longitudinal studies have assessed the effects of aging on Pmax obtained from the torque‐velocity (T‐V) relationship, which should be considered the ‘gold standard’. This study evaluated the longitudinal changes in the T‐V relationship and Pmax of the knee‐extensor muscles in young, middle‐aged, and older adults after 10 years of follow‐up.

Methods

Four hundred eighty‐nine subjects (311 men and 178 women; aged 19–68 years) were tested at baseline and after a 10‐year follow‐up. Anthropometric data, daily protein intake, physical activity level (PAL), and knee‐extension muscle function (isometric, isokinetic, and isotonic) were evaluated. A novel hybrid equation combining a linear and a hyperbolic (Hill‐type) region was used to obtain the T‐V relationship and Pmax of the participants, who were grouped by sex and age (young: 20–40 years; middle‐aged: 40–60 years; and old: ≥60 years). Linear mixed‐effect models were used to assess effects of time, sex, and age on T‐V parameters, Pmax, and body mass index (BMI). Additional analyses were performed to adjust for changes in daily protein intake and PAL.

Results

Pmax decreased in young men (−0.6% per year; P < 0.001), middle‐aged men and women (−1.1% to −1.4% per year; P < 0.001), and older men and women (−2.2% to −2.4% per year; P ≤ 0.053). These changes were mainly related to decrements in torque at Pmax at early age and to decrements in both torque and velocity at Pmax at older age. BMI increased among young and middle‐aged adults (0.2% to 0.5% per year; P < 0.001), which led to greater declines in relative Pmax in those groups. S/T0, that is, the linear slope of the T‐V relationship relative to maximal torque, exhibited a significant decline over time (−0.10%T0·rad·s−1 per year; P < 0.001), which was significant among middle‐aged men and old men and women (all P < 0.05). Annual changes in PAL index were significantly associated to annual changes in Pmax (P = 0.017), so the overall decline in Pmax was slightly attenuated in the adjusted model (−5.26 vs. −5.05 W per year; both P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Pmax decreased in young, middle‐aged, and older adults after a 10‐year follow‐up. The early declines in Pmax seemed to coincide with declines in force, whereas the progressive decline at later age was associated with declines in both force and velocity. A progressively blunted ability to produce force, especially at moderate to high movement velocities, should be considered a specific hallmark of aging.
Catalyst‐free access to substituted pyrano[4,3‐b]pyrrol‐4(1H)‐one derivatives through domino reaction in water
Authors: Li Chunmei , Wu Wenliang , Yin Kai , Zhang Furen , Shen Zhenlu
Published: February 2023

Thus far, domino‐based reactions have received a great deal of attention as a step‐and atom‐economic route toward the synthesis of a plethora of heterocyclic molecules. In this work, we disclose a catalyst‐free domino procedure for rapid synthesis of 3‐substituted 6‐methyl‐1,2‐diarylpyrano[4,3‐b]pyrrol‐4(1H)‐one compound in water at 80°C, accompanied by multiple C‐H/C‐O bond cleavage and C‐C and C‐N bond formation. This approach is characterized by its mild reaction conditions, convenient separation, high tolerance of functional groups, and easily available starting materials, thereby offering a green and efficacious strategy for the design and synthesis of pyrano[4,3‐b]pyrrol‐4(1H)‐one derivatives by domino reaction.
Impact of a hospital policy to redistribute admission flow across clinical services for capacity relief during COVID‐19 surges
Authors: Safavi Kyan C. , Copenhaver Martin S. , Moore Amber , Bravard Marjory A. , Britton O'Neil , Dunn Peter
Published: February 2023

Background

Increased hospital admissions due to COVID‐19 place a disproportionate strain on inpatient general medicine service (GMS) capacity compared to other services.

Objective

To study the impact on capacity and safety of a hospital‐wide policy to redistribute admissions from GMS to non‐GMS based on admitting diagnosis during surge periods.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Retrospective case‐controlled study at a large teaching hospital. The intervention included adult patients admitted to general care wards during two surge periods (January–February 2021 and 2022) whose admission diagnosis was impacted by the policy. The control cohort included admissions during a matched number of days preceding the intervention.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Capacity measures included average daily admissions and hospital census occupied on GMS. Safety measures included length of stay (LOS) and adverse outcomes (death, rapid response, floor‐to‐intensive care unit transfer, and 30‐day readmission).

Results

In the control cohort, there were 365 encounters with 299 (81.9%) GMS admissions and 66 (18.1%) non‐GMS versus the intervention with 384 encounters, including 94 (24.5%) GMS admissions and 290 (75.5%) non‐GMS (p < .001). The average GMS census decreased from 17.9 and 21.5 during control periods to 5.5 and 8.5 during intervention periods. An interrupted time series analysis confirmed a decrease in GMS daily admissions (p < .001) and average daily hospital census (p = .014; p < .001). There were no significant differences in LOS (5.9 vs. 5.9 days, p = .059) or adverse outcomes (53, 14.5% vs. 63, 16.4%; p = .482).

Conclusion

Admission redistribution based on diagnosis is a safe lever to reduce capacity strain on GMS during COVID‐19 surges.
Effect of Patient and Family Centered I‐PASS on adverse event rates in hospitalized children with complex chronic conditions
Authors: Kuzma Nicholas , Khan Alisa , Rickey Lisa , Hall Matt , Ramotar Matthew , Spector Nancy D. , Landrigan Christopher P. , Srivastava Rajendu , Berry Jay G.
Published: February 2023

Background

Children with complex chronic conditions (CCCs) are at risk for adverse events (AEs) during hospitalizations.

Objective

We compared the effect of Patient and Family Centered (PFC)I‐PASS on AE rates in children with and without CCCs.

Designs, Settings, and Participants

Patients were drawn from the PFCI‐PASS study, which included 3106 hospitalized children from seven North American pediatric hospitals between December 2014 and January 2017.

Main Outcome and Measures

An effect modification analysis did not show difference in the intervention on children with and without CCCs (RRR 0.81, 95% CI [0.59‐1.10]; p = .2).

Results

In multivariable analysis, the adjusted incidence rate ratiofor AEs in children with CCCs was 0.5 (95% CI = 0.3‐0.9, p = .01) with PFC I‐PASS exposure; there was no statistically significant change in AEs for children without CCCs [IRR 0.6 (95% CI = 0.3‐1.2; p = .1)].
Supplier bottleneck and information dissemination
Authors: Li Meng , Li Yue , Zhang Yang
Published: February 2023

This paper investigates the capacity decisions of complementary suppliers who produce different components of a final product. The suppliers solicit private forecast information from a buyer who has more precise information regarding the market as compared to the suppliers. In this context, the lowest capacity built among suppliers—termed as effective capacity—represents the bottleneck of a supply chain, which in turn determines the throughput of the entire channel. The standard analysis based on full rationality posits that the capacity decisions of suppliers are based on their prior belief of demand, with no consideration of the buyer's information dissemination or the number of peer suppliers. We test the predictions experimentally, and our laboratory observations reject the prediction of rational model. Then, we develop a behavioral model based on suppliers' heterogeneity in the processing of demand information provided by the buyer. Our behavioral model indicates that suppliers lower their capacity levels when the number of suppliers increases, thereby exacerbating the supplier bottleneck. While the buyer may exaggerate the market demand to ensure abundant supply, interestingly, the inflation can benefit suppliers by increasing their capacity levels. In this manner, the inflation of the buyer can serve to mitigate the supplier bottleneck, thereby resulting in a win–win outcome for both the suppliers and the buyer.
Oil body extraction from high‐fat and high‐protein soybeans by laccase cross‐linked beet pectin: physicochemical and oxidation properties
Authors: Zhao Xu , Wang Kaili , Dou Nianxu , Zhao Huanyu , Hou Dongdong , Wei Xuan , Jiang Zhanmei , Hou Juncai
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

Soybean oil bodies (SOB) are droplets of natural emulsified oil. Soybean oil emulsifies well but it is easily oxidized during storage. Beet pectin is a complex anionic polysaccharide, which can be adsorbed on the surface of liposomes to improve their resistance to flocculation. Laccase can covalently cross‐link ferulic acid in beet pectin, and its structure is irreversible, which can improve the stability of polysaccharides.

RESULTS

At pH 2.5, laccase cross‐linked beet pectin high‐oil soybean oil body (HOSOB) and high‐protein soybean oil body (HPSOB) emulsions showed obvious aggregation and severe stratification, and the oxidation of the emulsions was also high. The flocculation of emulsions decreased with an increase in the pH. The effect of pH on the flocculation of emulsion was confirmed by confocal laser electron microscopy. The ζ potential, emulsification, and rheological shear force increased with increasing pH whereas the particle size and surface hydrophobicity decreased with increasing pH.

CONCLUSION

This experiment indicates that the physicochemical stability of the two composite emulsions was strongly affected under acidic conditions but stable under neutral and weakly alkaline conditions. Under the same acid‐base conditions, the degree of oxidation of HPSOB composite emulsion changes substantially. The results of this study can provide a basis for the design of very stable emulsions to meet the demand for natural products. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Selection of oat (Avena sativa L.) drought‐tolerant genotypes based on multiple yield‐associated traits
Authors: Wen Guoqi , Ma Bao‐Luo , Shi Yichao , Liu Kui , Chen Wen
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

Most plant breeding and agricultural practices are based on selecting genotypes for yield. However, this is inadequate to screen crop varieties for specific attributes, such as drought tolerance. In this study, we quantified the response of oat (Avena sativa L.) plant physiological and morphological traits to drought stress and selected some key traits to establish a genotype by yield*trait (GYT)‐based method for ranking 30 oat genotypes. The effectiveness of this method was also evaluated under drought conditions.

RESULTS

Water‐deficit treatment significantly reduced leaf chlorophyll, root morphological traits, groat yield and associated components, such as mean grain weight. We observed that the genotypes ‘JUSTICE’ and ‘BOLINA’ had the smallest and largest yield loss, respectively, after exposure to drought stress, but showed opposite trends in the biomass allocation of roots and grains. This indicated that drought tolerance was highly dependent on the distribution of photoassimilates. Our results also illustrated that the GYT method is a trade‐off approach and more effective in selecting oat ideotypes under drought conditions than the yield‐related index method because it combines yield, yield stability, and related agronomic traits in the calculation process.

CONCLUSION

Drought‐tolerant genotypes had more biomass allocated to roots and grains with higher chlorophyll content and better root structure, e.g. longer root lengths than drought‐sensitive lines. By integrating yield and yield‐related traits, the GYT approach is more practical than traditional single‐trait selection methods when assessing drought tolerance. © 2023 His Majesty the King in Right of Canada. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. Reproduced with the permission of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri‐Food Canada.
Removing invasive giant reed reshapes desert riparian butterfly and bird communities
Authors: Coffey Julie E. , Pomara Lars Y. , Mackey Heather L. , Wood Eric M.
Published: February 2023

Giant reed (Arundo donax) is a prevalent invasive plant in desert riparian ecosystems that threatens wildlife habitat. From 2008 to 2018, under a United States–Mexico partnership, prescribed burns and herbicide applications were used to remove giant reed and promote native revegetation along the Rio Grande—Río Bravo floodplain in west Texas, USA, and Mexico. Our goal was to explore the effects of the removal efforts on butterfly and bird communities and their habitat along the United States portion of the Rio Grande—Río Bravo floodplain in Big Bend National Park, Texas. During spring and summer, 2016–2017, we surveyed butterflies, birds, and their habitat using ground‐collected and remotely sensed data. Using a variety of generalized linear and N‐mixture modeling routines and multivariate analyses, we found that the initial giant reed removal efforts removed key components of riparian habitat leading to reduced butterfly and bird communities. Within several years following management, giant reed levels remained low, while riparian habitat conditions and butterfly and bird communities largely rebounded, including many disturbance‐sensitive butterfly species and riparian‐associated bird species. Butterflies were most consistently associated with forb and grass cover, and birds with a remotely sensed index of greenness (the normalized difference vegetation index), several vegetation cover types, and habitat heterogeneity, habitat elements that were most common in locations that had the longest time to recover following management actions. Our results suggest that prescribed burns and herbicide applications, when used following protocols to minimize risk to wildlife, can limit the spread of giant reed in desert riparian systems and introduce habitat conditions that support diverse and abundant butterfly and bird communities.
Embolization in Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Diaz Ashley , Wang Esther , Bujnowski Daniel , Arimoto Ryuji , Armstrong Mikhayla , Cyberski Thomas , Nordgren Rachel , Seal Stella M. , Kass‐Hout Tareq , Roxbury Christopher
Published: February 2023

Objective

To compare outcomes of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) resection between embolized and non‐embolized cohorts, and between transarterial embolization (TAE) and direct puncture embolization (DPE).

Data Sources

Per PRISMA guidelines, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were searched for publications prior to or in 2021.

Materials and Methods

Original English manuscripts investigating the resection of JNA with and without preoperative embolization were included. Embolization type, recurrence rate, complication rates, blood loss, and transfusions were extracted. Risk of bias was assessed by the Risk of Bias in Non‐randomized Studies—of Interventions method.

Results

There were 61 studies with 917 patients included. Preoperative embolization was performed in 79.3% of patients. Of those embolized, 75.8% (N = 551) underwent TAE and 15.8% (N = 115) underwent DPE. JNA recurrence in embolized patients was lower than in non‐embolized patients (9.3% vs. 14.4%; odds ratio [OR]: 0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.35, 1.06). DPE resulted in lower rates of disease recurrence (0% vs. 9.5%; OR: 0.066, 95% CI: 0.016, 0.272) and complications (1.8% vs. 21.9%; OR: 0.07, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.3) than TAE. A random effects Bayesian model was performed to analyze the difference in mean blood loss in 6 studies that included both embolized and non‐embolized patients. This analysis showed a mean reduction in blood loss of 798 mL in the embolized group.

Conclusions

We found embolization decreases blood loss in JNA resection. DPE led to improved recurrence and complication rates when compared to TAE, but future prospective studies are needed to further evaluate which embolization technique can optimize outcomes in JNA.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 133:1529–1539, 2023
The étale open topology over the fraction field of a Henselian local domain
Authors: Johnson Will , Walsberg Erik , Ye Jinhe
Published: February 2023

Suppose that R is a local domain with fraction field K. If R is Henselian, then the R‐adic topology over K refines the étale open topology. If R is regular, then the étale open topology over K refines the R‐adic topology. In particular, the étale open topology over agrees with the ‐adic topology for any field L and .
HIF‐1α mediates CXCR4 transcription to activate the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and augment the viability and migration of activated B cell‐like diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma cells
Authors: Jin Zhen , Xiang Rufang , Dai Jianmin , Wang Yefei , Xu Zizhen
Published: February 2023

Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common lymphoid malignancy with a high relapse rate. We previously found that C‐X‐C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) was highly expressed in DLBCL and associated with poor prognosis. This study focused on the effect of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) on CXCR4 expression and the DLBCL progression. Two activated B cell‐like DLBCL cell lines Ly‐3 and SUDHL2 were transfected with overexpression and knockdown plasmids or HIF‐1α. The viability and migration of DLBCL cells were significantly increased under hypoxic conditions, or upon HIF‐1α overexpression under normoxic conditions, but the HIF‐1α downregulation led to inverse trends. However, the promoting effects of HIF‐1α overexpression on DLBCL cells were suppressed by Plerixafor (a CXCR4 inhibitor). The luciferase and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed that HIF‐1α bound to the functional site HRE1 on CXCR4 promoter to activate its transcription. HIF‐1α‐mediated CXCR4 activation further led to increased phosphorylation of AKT/mTOR under hypoxic conditions. Taken together, this work reports that HIF‐1α promotes viability and migration of activated B cell‐like cells under hypoxia, which might involve the transcription of CXCR4 and the activation of the AKT/mTOR pathway. The finding may provide novel lights in the management of DCBCL.
The combined effect of metformin and mirabegron on diet‐induced obesity
Authors: Zhao Xin‐Yuan , Liu Ying , Zhang Xuan , Zhao Ben‐Chi , Burley George , Yang Zhi‐Can , Luo Yi , Li An‐Qi , Zhang Ruo‐Xin , Liu Zhi‐Ying , Shi Yan‐Chuan , Wang Qiao‐Ping
Published: February 2023

Anti‐obesity medications act by suppressing energy intake (EI), promoting energy expenditure (EE), or both. Metformin (Met) and mirabegron (Mir) cause weight loss by targeting EI and EE, respectively. However, anti‐obesity effects during concurrent use of both have yet to be explored. In this study, we investigated the anti‐obesity effects, metabolic benefits, and underlying mechanisms of Met/Mir combination therapy in two clinically relevant contexts: the prevention model and the treatment model. In the prevention model, Met/Mir caused further 12% and 14% reductions in body weight (BW) gain induced by a high‐fat diet compared to Met or Mir alone, respectively. In the treatment model, Met/Mir additively promoted 17% BW loss in diet‐induced obese mice, which was 13% and 6% greater than Met and Mir alone, respectively. Additionally, Met/Mir improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. These benefits of Met/Mir were associated with increased EE, activated brown adipose tissue thermogenesis, and white adipose tissue browning. Significantly, Met/Mir did not cause cardiovascular dysfunction in either model. Together, the combination of Met and Mir could be a promising approach for the prevention and treatment of obesity by targeting both EI and EE simultaneously.
Whole‐exome sequencing: Clinical characterization of pediatric and adult Italian patients affected by different forms of hereditary cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Lenarduzzi Stefania , Spedicati Beatrice , Alessandrini Beatrice , Tesolin Paola , Paldino Alessia , Gigli Marta , Sinagra Gianfranco , Gasparini Paolo , Ferro Matteo Dal , Girotto Giorgia
Published: February 2023

Background

Hereditary cardiovascular diseases comprise several different entities. In this study, we focused on cardiomyopathies (i.e., hypertrophic, dilated, arrhythmogenic, and left ventricular non‐compaction), channelopathies (i.e., Brugada syndrome and long QT syndrome), and aortopathies and pulmonary arterial hypertension (i.e., thoracic/abdominal aortic aneurysm and pulmonary arterial hypertension), and genetically characterized 200 Italian patients affected by these diseases.

Methods

We employed whole‐exome sequencing (WES), focused on four in silico gene panels, and the MLPA method for hypertrophic and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy cases.

Results

Cardiomyopathies affected 87.5% of analyzed patients, channelopathies 7%, and aortopathies and pulmonary arterial hypertension 5.5%. The molecular diagnosis was confirmed for 21.5% of cases with a higher detection rate in familial forms (34%) than sporadic ones (14%). We highlighted the importance of family segregation to better understand the pathogenic role of the identified variants and their involvement in the clinical phenotype. Negative results could be ascribed to the high genetic and clinical heterogeneity of hereditary cardiovascular diseases; clinical follow‐up and revaluation of WES data will be essential.

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of a multi‐step approach (WES and MLPA) to characterize hereditary cardiovascular diseases, provides crucial information for clinical management and recurrence risk estimation, and lays the foundation for future personalized therapies.
Continuum limit of the lattice Lohe group model and emergent dynamics
Authors: Cho Hangjun , Ha Seung‐Yeal , Kang Myeongju
Published: February 2023

We study the emergent dynamics and global well‐posedness of the matrix‐valued integro‐differential equation which can be derived from the continuum limit of the lattice Lohe group model. The lattice Lohe group model corresponds to the generalized high‐dimensional Kuramoto model. The solution to the lattice Lohe group model can be cast as a simple function‐valued solution to the continuum Lohe group model. We first construct a local classical solution to the continuum Lohe group model, and then we find an invariant set and derive a global well‐posedness in some sufficient frameworks formulated in terms of initial data, system functions, and system parameters. We also show that phase‐locked states can emerge from the admissible class of initial data in a large coupling regime. Moreover, we show that sequence of simple functions obtained from the solutions of the lattice Lohe group model converges to a local classical solution to the continuum Lohe group model in supremum norm.
Differential symptom weighting in estimating empirical thresholds for underlying PTSD severity: Toward a “platinum” standard for diagnosis?
Authors: Morgan‐López Antonio A. , Saavedra Lissette M. , Hien Denise A. , Norman Sonya B. , Fitzpatrick Skye S. , Ye Ai , Killeen Therese K. , Ruglass Lesia M. , Blakey Shannon M. , Back Sudie E.
Published: February 2023

Objective

Symptom counts as the basis for Post‐Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) diagnoses in the DSM presume each symptom is equally reflective of underlying disorder severity. However, the “equal weight” assumption fails to fit PTSD symptom data when tested. The present study developed an enhanced PTSD diagnosis based on (a) a conventional PTSD diagnosis from a clinical interview and (b) an empirical classification of full PTSD that reflected the relative clinical weights of each symptom.

Method

Baseline structured interview data from Project Harmony (N = 2658) was used. An enhanced diagnosis for full PTSD was estimated using an empirical threshold from moderated nonlinear factor analysis (MNLFA) latent PTSD scale scores, in combination with a full conventional PTSD diagnosis based on interview data.

Results

One in 4 patients in the sample had a PTSD diagnosis that was inconsistent with their empirical PTSD grouping, such that the enhanced diagnostic standard reduced the diagnostic discrepancy rate by 20%. Veterans, and in particular female Veterans, were at greatest odds for discrepancy between their underlying PTSD severity and DSM diagnosis.

Conclusion

Psychometric methodologies that differentially weight symptoms can complement DSM criteria and may serve as a platform for symptom prioritization for diagnoses in future editions of DSM.
Testing of a GPR equipment to assess the integrity condition of a subway tunnel located under groundwater level
Authors: Lombardi Federico , Lualdi Maurizio
Published: February 2023

Determining the condition of underground concrete tunnels is fundamental for ensuring continuity and safety of operations, as well as for deploying efficient maintenance plans. The increased traffic volumes in early infrastructures, which are characterized by outdated construction techniques and potential approximated realization, as well as rising groundwater levels due to variations in urban industrialization patterns, are among the main causes of current concerns regarding their performance. Such uncertainties and constraints push towards the use of non‐destructive techniques, rather than direct methods, to gather the required knowledge on the actual status of structures. This study presents the results of a ground penetrating radar (GPR) investigation carried out in a subway tunnel segment to characterize the thickness of its underlying concrete elements, namely the tunnel invert and the concrete filling, deemed necessary after relevant flooding events prompted the evaluation of its overall integrity condition. A preliminary step was performed to define the optimal frequency and polarimetric antenna configuration, given the resolution and penetration requirements and considering the high electromagnetic interference characterizing the site. The selected configuration was then assembled in a dedicated survey platform, and an entire 650 m long segment surveyed, producing a high resolution delineation of the concrete elements thickness. The accuracy of the estimation has been validated through nine core samples, demonstrating the reliability and consistency of the conceptualized GPR platform.
Creating the theatrical learning environment in the educational setting
Authors: Chang Bo
Published: February 2023

Theater uses drama and conflict to stimulate audience's emotions taking advantage of the fact that emotions can trigger people to achieve a desired learning result. Creating a theatrical learning environment enables learners to actively participate in knowledge creation in an entertaining environment. In this paper, I will use a conference session as a case to discuss how to create an interactive theatrical environment to promote active learning and participation among learners and the audience. Finally, I will reflect on the challenges of creating such a theatric learning environment and provide recommendations for practice.