bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of Dilation of Recalcitrant Pancreatic Strictures Using a Wire-Guided Cystotome
Authors: Sundaram Sridhar , Choksi Dhaval , Kale Aditya , Giri Suprabhat , Patra Biswaranjan , Bhatia Shobna , Shukla Akash
Published: March 2021

Background/Aims: Pancreatic strictures in chronic pancreatitis are treated using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with plastic stent placement. The management of recalcitrant strictures remains a challenge, with the use of a Soehendra stent retriever or a needle knife described in case reports. Here, we discuss our experience with dilation of dominant pancreatic strictures with a 6-Fr cystotome.Methods: A retrospective review of an endoscopy database was performed to search for patients with pancreatic strictures recalcitrant to conventional methods of dilation in which a cystotome was used. Technical success was defined as the successful dilation of the stricture with plastic stent placement. Functional success was defined as substantial pain relief or resolution of pancreatic fistulae.Results: Ten patients (mean age, 30.8 years) underwent dilation of a dominant pancreatic stricture secondary to chronic pancreatitis, with a 6-Fr cystotome. Seven patients presented with pain. Three patients had pancreatic fistulae (two had pancreatic ascites and one had a pancreaticopleural fistula). The median stricture length was 10 mm (range, 5–25 mm). The head of the pancreas was the most common location of the stricture (60%). Technical and functional success was achieved in all patients. One patient had self-limiting bleeding, whereas another patient developed mild post-ERCP pancreatitis.Conclusions: The use of a 6-Fr cystotome (diathermy catheter) can be an alternative method for dilation of recalcitrant pancreatic strictures after the failure of conventional modalities.
Structuring Boardspace to Facilitate Repeated Reasoning
Authors: DeLeeuw William , Otten Samuel , Dundar Ruveyda Karaman
Published: March 2021

The planful use of boardspace can help move the structure and regularity to the visual realm and make it more readily perceivable by students.
Cutaneous mucormycosis of the lower extremity leading amputation in two diabetic patients
Authors: Coerdt Kathleen M. , Zolper Elizabeth G. , Starr Amy G. , Fan Kenneth L. , Attinger Christopher E. , Evans Karen K.
Published: March 2021

Mucormycosis is an invasive, rapidly progressive, life-threatening fungal infection, with a propensity for diabetic, immunosuppressed, and trauma patients. The classic rhinocerebral variation is most common in diabetic patients. While the cutaneous form is usually caused by direct inoculation in immunocompetent patients. Cutaneous mucormycosis manifests in soft tissue and risks involvement of underlying structures. Tibial osteomyelitis can also occur secondary to cutaneous mucormycosis but is rare. Limb salvage is typically successful after lower extremity cutaneous mucormycosis even when the bone is involved. Herein, we report two cases of lower extremity cutaneous mucormycosis in diabetic patients that presented as acute worsening of chronic pretibial ulcers. Despite aggressive antifungal therapy and surgical debridement, both ultimately required amputation. Such aggressive presentation has not been reported in the absence of major penetrating trauma, recent surgery, or burns.
Extensive calcific myonecrosis of the lower leg treated with free tissue transfer
Authors: Kim Tae Gon , Sakong Yong , Kim Il Kug
Published: March 2021

Calcific myonecrosis is a rare condition in which hypoperfusion due to compartment syndrome causes soft tissue and muscle to become calcified. As calcific myonecrosis gradually deteriorates, secretions steadily accumulate inside the affected area, forming a cavity that is vulnerable to infection. Most such cases progress to chronic wounds that are unlikely to heal spontaneously. After removing the calcified tissue, the wound can be treated by primary closure, flap coverage, or a skin graft. In this case, a 72-year-old man had extensive calcific myonecrosis on his left lower leg, and experienced swelling and increasing tenderness. After removing the muscle calcification, we combined two anterolateral thigh free flaps, which were harvested from the patient’s right and left thigh, respectively, to reconstruct the wound with a dead-space filler and skin-defect cover at the same time. The patient recovered without revision surgery or major complications.
Cardiovascular disease risk factors induce mesenchymal features and senescence in mouse cardiac endothelial cells
Authors: Hemanthakumar Karthik Amudhala , Fang Shentong , Anisimov Andrey , Mäyränpää Mikko I , Mervaala Eero , Kivelä Riikka
Published: March 2021

Aging, obesity, hypertension, and physical inactivity are major risk factors for endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease (CVD). We applied fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), RNA sequencing, and bioinformatic methods to investigate the common effects of CVD risk factors in mouse cardiac endothelial cells (ECs). Aging, obesity, and pressure overload all upregulated pathways related to TGF-β signaling and mesenchymal gene expression, inflammation, vascular permeability, oxidative stress, collagen synthesis, and cellular senescence, whereas exercise training attenuated most of the same pathways. We identified collagen chaperone Serpinh1 (also called as Hsp47) to be significantly increased by aging and obesity and repressed by exercise training. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that increased SERPINH1 in human ECs induced mesenchymal properties, while its silencing inhibited collagen deposition. Our data demonstrate that CVD risk factors significantly remodel the transcriptomic landscape of cardiac ECs inducing inflammatory, senescence, and mesenchymal features. SERPINH1 was identified as a potential therapeutic target in ECs.
Disease-related mutations in PI3Kγ disrupt regulatory C-terminal dynamics and reveal a path to selective inhibitors
Authors: Rathinaswamy Manoj K , Gaieb Zied , Fleming Kaelin D , Borsari Chiara , Harris Noah J , Moeller Brandon E , Wymann Matthias P , Amaro Rommie E , Burke John E
Published: March 2021

Class I Phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) are master regulators of cellular functions, with the class IB PI3K catalytic subunit (p110γ) playing key roles in immune signalling. p110γ is a key factor in inflammatory diseases and has been identified as a therapeutic target for cancers due to its immunomodulatory role. Using a combined biochemical/biophysical approach, we have revealed insight into regulation of kinase activity, specifically defining how immunodeficiency and oncogenic mutations of R1021 in the C-terminus can inactivate or activate enzyme activity. Screening of inhibitors using HDX-MS revealed that activation loop-binding inhibitors induce allosteric conformational changes that mimic those in the R1021C mutant. Structural analysis of advanced PI3K inhibitors in clinical development revealed novel binding pockets that can be exploited for further therapeutic development. Overall, this work provides unique insights into regulatory mechanisms that control PI3Kγ kinase activity and shows a framework for the design of PI3K isoform and mutant selective inhibitors.
Dyskursywny obraz policji w czasie epidemii koronawirusa
Authors: Hinc Bartosz
Published: March 2021

Niniejszy artykuł przedstawia analizę zdań użytych przez komendanta głównego policji generała Jarosława Szymczyka w trakcie wywiadu, za pomocą których stworzył dyskursywny obraz policji w czasie epidemii koronawirusa. Celem artykułu było przedstawienie odpowiedzi na następujące pytania: jaki typ zdań jest dominujący w wywiadzie, w jaki sposób poszczególne typy zdań budują dyskursywny obraz policji oraz czy wytworzony obraz jest pozytywny, czy negatywny. Tak postawione pytania badawcze wymagały zaprojektowania badania, które oparto na analizie typów zdań budujących ideacyjną metafunkcję języka opisaną w teorii gramatyki funkcjonalnej Hallidaya. Zastosowanie tej metody pozwoliło na stwierdzenie, że zdania materialne, które stanowią większość zdań, przedstawiają dynamizm oraz profesjonalizm policji, która mimo epidemii wykonuje swoje zadania w niezakłócony sposób. Zdania relacyjne demonstrują przygotowanie policjantów do walki, a także partnerskie relacje panujące w policji. Zdania werbalne przedstawiały funkcjonariuszy jako opiekuńczych i zainteresowanych losem poszkodowanych. Zdania mentalne oraz behawioralne zostały użyte do pokazania, że policja działa w sposób racjonalny. Natomiast zdania egzystencjalne posłużyły do przedstawienia wydarzeń, w których policjanci brali udział. Biorąc wyniki analizy pod uwagę, stwierdzono, że wytworzony przez gen. Szymczyka obraz policji jest pozytywny.
Eponyms in Dance Terminology as an Object of Translation
Authors: Mężyk Judyta
Published: March 2021

This paper raises both the issue of eponyms emerging in dance terminology and problems concerning their translation. In Section 1, a short introduction to the topic is presented. Section 2 covers theoretical background crucial to understand the topic, defining the notion of an eponym vital to the paper, as well as the term of sociolect in terms of dance community. Moving on to the methodology of this research, Section 3 contains the corpus of 56 Polish eponyms in dance terminology, gathered mostly from books such as Kopaliński’s “Słownik eponimów, czyli wyrazów odimiennych” (1996), his “Słownik wyrazów obcych i zwrotów obcojęzycznych” (2003), Chodkowski’s “Encyklopedia muzyki” (1995), Dąbrowska’s “W kręgu polskich tańców ludowych” (1979) and during various lectures conducted by numerous dance teachers, along with English translations of the units. Then, a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the corpus is discussed. Finally, in Section 4, conclusion of the research is presented to show the complexity of the issue of eponyms and problems that may occur in their translation.
“Horns Up!” The Horned Hand as the Emblematic Gesture of the Metal Subculture
Authors: Nowakowski Adam
Published: March 2021

The horned hand is a gesture completed by extending the forefinger and little finger, while holding the middle two fingers down with the thumb. In years past it has been a subject of many discussions, held by researchers working in various fields of science. However, to the best of my knowledge, the role it plays in nonverbal communication between members of the metal subculture still remains a rather uncharted area. This article is an attempt to shed some light on this topic. It presents a definition of an emblematic gesture, based on the works of David Efron, Paul Ekman, William Friesen and Lluís Payrató. It also gives an account of the semiotic diversity of the horned hand (depending on a culture, the gesture can communicate very different messages, ranging from insults and threats to protection from evil). It was established, based on numerous discussions with the so-called metalheads, that they are able to convey five different meanings using the gesture: 1) indicate affiliation with heavy metal music and/or subculture, 2) display identity and/or community, 3) greet each other, 4) bid each other farewell, 5) display appreciation/respect. Research survey showed that more than 70% of respondents, who consider themselves knowledgeable about the metal subculture, were able to derive a message matching exactly or almost exactly the message intended by the encoder, which allows to declare the emblematic status of the horned hand. However, subjects not familiar with the subculture were much less successful with this task. This shows that gesture’s emblematic status is restricted to members of the metalhead community.
Comparative transcriptome and flavonoids components analysis reveal the structural genes responsible for the yellow seed coat color of Brassica rapa L.
Authors: Ren Yanjing , Zhang Ning , Li Ru , Ma Xiaomin , Zhang Lugang
Published: March 2021

Background

Seed coat color is an important horticultural trait in Brassica crops, which is divided into two categories: brown/black and yellow. Seeds with yellow seed coat color have higher oil quality, higher protein content and lower fiber content. Yellow seed coat color is therefore considered a desirable trait in hybrid breeding of Brassica rapa, Brassica juncea and Brassica napus.

Methods

Comprehensive analysis of the abundance transcripts for seed coat color at three development stages by RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) and corresponding flavonoids compounds by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) were carried out in B. rapa.

Results

We identified 41,286 unigenes with 4,989 differentially expressed genes between brown seeds (B147) and yellow seeds (B80) at the same development stage. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis identified 19 unigenes associated with the phenylpropanoid, flavonoid, flavone and flavonol biosynthetic pathways as involved in seed coat color formation. Interestingly, expression levels of early biosynthetic genes (BrCHS, BrCHI, BrF3H, BrF3’H and BrFLS) in the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway were down-regulated while late biosynthetic genes (BrDFR, BrLDOX and BrBAN) were hardly or not expressed in seeds of B80. At the same time, BrTT8 and BrMYB5 were down-regulated in B80. Results of LC-MS also showed that epicatechin was not detected in seeds of B80. We validated the accuracy of our RNA-seq data by RT-qPCR of nine critical genes. Epicatechin was not detected in seeds of B80 by LC-MS/MS.

Conclusions

The expression levels of flavonoid biosynthetic pathway genes and the relative content of flavonoid biosynthetic pathway metabolites clearly explained yellow seed color formation in B. rapa. This study provides a foundation for further research on the molecular mechanism of seed coat color formation.
Barriers to Taking Medications for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Qualitative Study of Racial Minority Patients, Lupus Providers, and Clinic Staff
Authors: Sun Kai , Corneli Amy L. , Dombeck Carrie , Swezey Teresa , Rogers Jennifer L. , Criscione‐Schreiber Lisa G. , Sadun Rebecca E. , Eudy Amanda M. , Doss Jayanth , Bosworth Hayden B. , Clowse Megan E. B.
Published: March 2021

Objective

Underrepresented racial and ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Racial and ethnic minorities also have more severe SLE manifestations that require use of immunosuppressive medications, and often have lower rates of medication adherence. We aimed to explore barriers of adherence to SLE immunosuppressive medications among minority SLE patients.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative descriptive study using in‐depth interviews with a purposive sample of racial minority SLE patients taking oral immunosuppressants (methotrexate, azathioprine, or mycophenolate), and lupus clinic providers and staff. Interviews were audiorecorded, transcribed, and analyzed using applied thematic analysis. We grouped themes using the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, Behavior conceptual model.

Results

We interviewed 12 SLE patients (4 adherent, 8 nonadherent) and 12 providers and staff. We identified capability barriers to include external factors related to acquiring medications, specifically cost‐, pharmacy‐, and clinic‐related issues; opportunity barriers to include external barriers to taking medications, specifically logistic‐ and medication‐related issues; and motivation factors to include intrinsic barriers, encompassing patients' knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, and physical and mental health. The most frequently described barriers were cost, side effects, busyness/forgetting, and lack of understanding, although barriers differed by patient and adherence level, with logistic and intrinsic barriers described predominantly by nonadherent patients and side effects described predominantly by adherent patients.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that interventions may be most impactful if they are designed to facilitate logistics of taking medications and increase patients' motivation while allowing for personalization to address the individual differences in adherence barriers.
“Simple” Aggregation‐Induced Emission Luminogens for Nondoped Solution‐Processed Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes with Emission Close to Pure Red in the Standard Red, Green, and Blue Gamut
Authors: Zhang Tianfu , Zhou Zhicong , Zheng Zheng , Zhang Jianyu , Yu Ying , Lam Jacky W. Y. , Halpert Jonathan E. , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: March 2021

Development of simple and efficient red emissive luminogens is desirable yet challenging for optoelectronic devices due to the limited molecular design and the difficulties of synthesis. Red emitting molecules possess large π‐conjugated systems, which permit quenching in the solid state due to π–π stacking and are detrimental to the performance of devices. Furthermore, traditional red emitters usually exhibit emission far from pure red in the standard red, green, and blue (sRGB) gamut. Herein, two red luminogens, DCMa and DCIs, with aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) characteristics based on simple donor–acceptor (D–A) structures are explored. They show high fluorescence quantum yields (QYs) of 13.2% and 7.8% in the film state. Efficient nondoped solution‐processed organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) with a configuration of indium tin oxide (ITO)/poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS)/poly[(9,9‐dioctylfluorenyl‐2,7‐diyl)‐co‐(4,40‐(N‐(4‐sec‐butylphenyl)diphenylamine)] (TFB)/DCMa or DCIs/(1,3,5‐tris(2‐N‐phenylbenzimidazolyl)benzene) (TPBi)/LiF/Al are fabricated, which emit red electroluminescence at 652 and 711 nm, respectively. Furthermore, they exhibit International Commission on Illumination (CIE) coordinates of (0.63, 0.36) and (0.64, 0.35), respectively, which are close to the value of the primary red color (0.63, 0.34) according to the digital television standard. These results of small molecules DCMa and DCIs suggest future methods for designing new red emitters for nondoped solution‐processed OLEDs.
Rural‐urban differences in diagnostic incidence and prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias
Authors: Rahman Momotazur , White Elizabeth M. , Mills Caroline , Thomas Kali S. , Jutkowitz Eric
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Understanding rural‐urban variation in the diagnostic incidence and prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) will inform policies to improve timely diagnosis and access to supportive services for older adults in rural communities.

Methods

Using 2008 to 2015 national claims data for fee‐for‐service Medicare beneficiaries (roughly 170 million person‐years), we computed unadjusted and adjusted diagnostic incidence and prevalence estimates for ADRD in metropolitan, micropolitan, and rural counties, and examined differences in survival rates.

Results

Risk‐adjusted ADRD diagnostic incidence was higher in rural versus metropolitan counties despite lower prevalence. Among beneficiaries diagnosed with ADRD in 2008, metropolitan county residents experienced longer survival compared to residents in rural and micropolitan counties.

Discussion

These data suggest that older adults in rural communities may be underdiagnosed with ADRD, and/or diagnosed at later stages of dementia. Further work is needed to develop strategies to reduce this disparity.
Porous Colloidal Hydrogels Formed by Coordination‐Driven Self‐Assembly of Charged Metal‐Organic Polyhedra
Authors: Wang Zaoming , Craig Gavin A. , Legrand Alexandre , Haase Frederik , Minami Saori , Urayama Kenji , Furukawa Shuhei
Published: March 2021

Introduction of porosity into supramolecular gels endows soft materials with functionalities for molecular encapsulation, release, separation and conversion. Metal‐organic polyhedra (MOPs), discrete coordination cages containing an internal cavity, have recently been employed as building blocks to construct polymeric gel networks with potential porosity. However, most of the materials can only be synthesized in organic solvents, and the examples of porous, MOP‐based hydrogels are scarce. Here, we demonstrate the fabrication of porous hydrogels based on [Rh2(OH‐bdc)2]12, a rhodium‐based MOP containing hydroxyl groups on its periphery (OH‐bdc=5‐hydroxy‐1,3‐benzenedicarboxylate). By simply deprotonating [Rh2(OH‐bdc)2]12 with the base NaOH, the supramolecular polymerization between MOPs and organic linkers can be induced in the aqueous solution, leading to the kinetically controllable formation of hydrogels with hierarchical colloidal networks. When heating the deprotonated MOP, Nax[Rh24(O‐bdc)x(OH‐bdc)24‐x], to induce gelation, the MOP was found to partially decompose, affecting the mechanical property of the resulting gels. By applying a post‐synthetic deprotonation strategy, we show that the deprotonation degree of the MOP can be altered after the gel formation without serious decomposition of the MOPs. Gas sorption measurements confirmed the permanent porosity of the corresponding aerogels obtained from these MOP‐based hydrogels, showing potentials for applications in gas sorption and catalysis.
Supplement therapy with apelin for improving the TSH level and lipid disorders in PTU‐induced hypothyroid rats
Authors: Badavi Mohammad , Grootveld Martin , Jafari Fereshteh , Dianat Mahin , Faraji Shahrivar Farzaneh
Published: March 2021

Hyperlipidemia is a common metabolic disorder in the general population, which may arise in hypothyroidism. Apelin is an endogenous ligand that acts as an adiponectin, and is involved in energy storage and metabolism. This study evaluated the effects of apelin administration per se or in combination with T4 on the serum level of thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH), body weight, and lipid profile, along with the serum level of apelin, and its mRNA expression in heart, in 6‐propyl‐2‐thiouracil (PTU)‐induced hypothyroid rats. Male Wistar rats were assigned to five different groups: control, H (hypothyroid), H+A, H+T, and H+A+T. All groups except the control one received PTU (0.05%) in the drinking water for 6 weeks. In addition to PTU, the H+A, H+T, and H+A+T groups received apelin (200 μg/kg/day, i.p.), l‐thyroxin (T4) (20 μg/kg/day, via gavage tube), and apelin+T4 during the last 14 days of the trial, respectively. A combined application of T4 and apelin in the H+A+T group effectively diminished mean TSH level, low‐density‐lipoprotein cholesterol/high‐density‐lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, and atherogenic index in these animals when compared with these values for the H group. Coadministration of apelin with T4 may offer valuable therapeutic benefits, specifically lowering blood plasma TSH, lipid disorder, and atherosclerosis biomarkers in PTU‐induced hypothyroid rats.
Recent Progress in Core@Shell Sulfide Electrode Materials for Advanced Supercapacitor Devices
Authors: Gonçalves Josué M. , da Silva Matheus I. , Hasheminejad Meisam , Toma Henrique E. , Araki Koiti , Martins Paulo R. , Angnes Lucio
Published: March 2021

Highly conductive and surface area complex hierarchical 3D core@shell nanostructures made of multi‐metallic multi‐valence sulfides are being specially designed as electrode materials of high performance and high power supercapacitors. In fact, bimetallic and trimetallic sulfides have outstanding redox properties as compared with the corresponding single‐phase sulfide based materials, and much higher electrical conductivity than the analogue oxide materials, being excellent materials for the design of core@shell structures with exceptional charge capacity, power, and energy performance. For this purpose, the core material should exhibit high charge diffusion rates and large specific capacitance, while the shell should improve the surface area by promoting a greater accessibility to the electroactive sites thus maximizing the charge capacity and conductivity. In this context, a rational design of nanostructured materials encompassing advanced 2D materials (such as graphene, MXene, black phosphorus, transition metal hydroxides, etc.), as well as carbon materials such as CNTs and carbon cloth, seems to be a very promising strategy to realize flexible enough electrode materials for the development of wearable devices, self‐charged energy storage devices and microsupercapacitors. In all cases, multi‐metallic sulfide‐based core@shell materials play a key role as electroactive materials for realization of high performance, portable and flexible energy storage devices paving the way to a more advanced and sustainable society.
Characteristics of T‐cell responses in COVID‐19 patients with prolonged SARS‐CoV‐2 positivity – a cohort study
Authors: Yang Jingyi , Zhong Maohua , Hong Ke , Yang Qingyu , Zhang Ejuan , Zhou Dihan , Xia Jianbo , Chen Yao‐Qing , Sun Mingbo , Zhao Bali , Xiang Jie , Liu Ying , Han Yang , Xu Mengxin , Zhou Xi , Huang Chaolin , Shang You , Yan Huimin
Published: March 2021

Objective

SARS‐CoV‐2 has caused a worldwide pandemic of COVID‐19. The existence of prolonged SARS‐CoV‐2 positivity (PP) has further increased the burden on the health system. Since T cells are vital for viral control, we aimed to evaluate the characteristics of T‐cell responses associated with PP.

Methods

We established a PP cohort and two age‐ and sex‐matched control cohorts: a regular clinical recovery (CR) cohort and a healthy donor (HD) cohort. The mean time for RNA negativity conversion in the PP cohort was markedly longer than that in the CR cohort (66.2 vs 25.3 days), while the time from illness onset to sampling was not significantly different. T‐cell responses in the PP cohort were assayed, analysed and compared with those in the CR and HD cohorts by flow cytometry and ELISpot analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Results

Compared with the CR cohort, the proliferation, activation and functional potential of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells in the PP cohort were not significantly different. However, the frequencies and counts of Teff and Tem in CD8+ but not in CD4+ T cells of the PP cohort were prominently lower. Moreover, a weaker SARS‐CoV‐2 N protein‐specific IFN‐γ+ T‐cell response and a higher frequency of Tregs were detected in the PP cohort.

Conclusion

Suppressed CD8+ T‐cell differentiation is associated with PP and may be an indicator for the prediction of prolonged SARS‐CoV‐2 positivity in COVID‐19 patients. The association between suppressed CD8+ T‐cell differentiation and elevated Tregs warrants studies in the future.
Tail autotomy works as a pre‐capture defense by deflecting attacks
Authors: Naidenov Laura A. , Allen William L.
Published: March 2021

Caudal autotomy is a dramatic antipredator adaptation where prey shed their tail in order to escape capture by a predator. The mechanism underlying the effectiveness of caudal autotomy as a pre‐capture defense has not been thoroughly investigated. We tested two nonexclusive hypotheses, that caudal autotomy works by providing the predator with a “consolation prize” that makes it break off the hunt to consume the shed tail, and the deflection hypothesis, where the autotomy event directs predator attacks to the autotomized tail enabling prey escape. Our experiment utilized domestic dogs Canis familiaris as model predator engaged to chase a snake‐like stimulus with a detachable tail. The tail was manipulated to vary in length (long versus short) and conspicuousness (green versus blue), with the prediction that dog attacks on the tail should increase with length under the consolation‐prize hypothesis and conspicuous color under the deflection hypothesis. The tail was attacked on 35% of trials, supporting the potential for pre‐capture autotomy to offer antipredator benefits. Dogs were attracted to the tail when it was conspicuously colored, but not when it was longer. This supports the idea that deflection of predator attacks through visual effects is the prime antipredator mechanism underlying the effectiveness of caudal autotomy as opposed to provision of a consolation prize meal.
Selection of relays based on the classification of mobility‐type and localized network metrics in the Internet of Vehicles
Authors: Fabian Philippe , Rachedi Abderrezak , Guéguen Cédric
Published: March 2021

The ever increasing amount of connected mobile devices and users in the Internet of vehicles and the fact bicycles, electric scooters and users' smartphones are also connected poses a real challenge in terms of ensuring quality of service. The constantly changing topology due to the high‐mobility of devices and users greatly impacts its stability and the connectivity of devices. Furthermore, to ensure safety of people in the case of autonomous vehicles it is of paramount importance to ensure excellent reliability. This is why we have developed a solution that is based on machine learning to classify devices according to their mobility profile and that uses a scoring system to select the best candidates to act as mobile relays amongst devices with a suitable mobility profile. The scoring system allows to find critical locations in terms of user density. This solution does not require a dedicated infrastructure such as road side units. Simulations results will show the proposed solution increases the packet delivery ratio by up to 6%, reduces the energy consumption by up to 30% and increases the efficiency of bandwidth usage without sacrificing the end delay of users and devices compared with the state‐of‐the‐art.
A re‐evaluation of scaling and root planing
Authors: Cobb Charles M. , Sottosanti John S.
Published: March 2021

Background

Extensive reviews on the role of scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of periodontitis have been previously published. This commentary will address the importance of subgingival calculus in the progression and treatment of periodontitis and addresses factors that make the execution of a “definitive” SRP a critical part of therapy.

Methods

A search for articles, using keywords relevant to the subject , (e.g., periodontitis, dental scaling, root planing, dental calculus, biofilm, inflammation) was conducted using PubMed, Ovid Medline, Cochrane Reviews and the ADA Center for Evidence Based Dentistry data bases. Additionally, references cited in relevant articles were also considered.

Results

Surfaces of subgingival calculus are covered with a biofilm of metabolically active bacteria. Periodontal inflammation is clearly related to the presence of calculus and biofilm. The primary goal of SRP is removal of subgingival calculus and biofilm deposits to create a biologically compatible root surface and reduce the inflammatory burden. Current evidence suggests that inflammation associated with periodontal infections affects both the immediate oral environment and the patient's systemic health.

Conclusion

SRP is still critical to the treatment of periodontitis. SRP involving deep probing depths (≥ 5 mm) and root surfaces with anatomical and surface irregularities, regardless of the type of instrumentation, requires time, exceptional skill and perseverance, and patient compliance with periodontal maintenance. Sites with persistent nonresponding probing depths and signs of inflammation following a definitive SRP, should be considered for surgical intervention.
3D Conformal Surface Engineering of Continuous Fibers with Porous Microstructures for 1D Advanced Functional Materials
Authors: Gong Jianliang , Xu Bingang
Published: March 2021

One‐dimensional (1D) continuous advanced functional materials and devices with inherent flexibility for complex deformations facilitate a broad range of applications in wearable technology. This communication presents a new electrostatic self‐assembly strategy for controllable assembly of nanomaterials to fabricate 1D continuous materials with customizable functions based on a kind of continuous fiber fully surface‐engineered with 3D conformal porous microstructures (F@3CPMs) by a unique self‐assembly approach of breath figure using water microdroplet arrays. Through gently rubbing the modified fibers with suitable triboelectric materials, either positively or negatively charged F@3CPMs can be rationally prepared with adjustable triboelectric charge intensity. Besides showing superiority in incorporating desired components, such kind of F@3CPMs are demonstrated to have general applicability and enhanced performance in controllable self‐assembly of polymeric, metal, and carbon nanomaterials for customizable functionalizations. Moreover, taking advantages of continuous fibers that can deform largely, functional F@3CPMs are further applied for development of 1D flexible motion sensing devices by twisting directly, which can be either used as 1D freestanding devices for straightforward integration with conventional fabrics or woven as a fabric structure integrity for a kind of self‐powered interactive textiles without additional battery as power resources to detect and monitor the body motions of human beings.
Dibenzo[a,e]Cyclooctatetraene‐Functionalized Polymers as Potential Battery Electrode Materials
Authors: Desmaizieres Gauthier , Speer Martin E. , Thiede Inna , Gaiser Philipp , Perner Verena , Kolek Martin , Bieker Peter , Winter Martin , Esser Birgit
Published: March 2021

Organic redox polymers are attractive electrode materials for more sustainable rechargeable batteries. To obtain full‐organic cells with high operating voltages, redox polymers with low potentials (<2 V versus Li|Li+) are required for the negative electrode. Dibenzo[a,e]cyclooctatetraene (DBCOT) is a promising redox‐active group in this respect, since it can be reversibly reduced in a two‐electron process at potentials below 1 V versus Li|Li+. Upon reduction, its conformation changes from tub‐shaped to planar, rendering DBCOT‐based polymers also of interest to molecular actuators. Here, the syntheses of three aliphatic DBCOT‐polymers and their electrochemical properties are presented. For this, a viable three‐step synthetic route to 2‐bromo‐functionalized DBCOT as polymer precursor is developed. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements in solution and of thin films of the DBCOT‐polymers demonstrate their potential as battery electrode materials. Half‐cell measurements in batteries show pseudo capacitive behavior with Faradaic contributions, which demonstrate that electrode composition and fabrication will play an important role in the future to release the full redox activity of the DBCOT polymers.
Composition‐dependent multivalency of peptide–peptide interactions revealed by tryptophan‐scanning mutagenesis
Authors: Yu Lanlan , Zheng Yongfang , Fang Xiaocui , Zou Yimin , Wang Chenxuan , Yang Yanlian , Wang Chen
Published: March 2021

We have examined in this contribution the composition dependence of binding characteristics in peptide–peptide interactions between an oligopeptide octa‐glycine and a series of tryptophan‐containing octapeptides. The binding energy associated with tryptophan–glycine interactions manifests pronounced stepwise binding characteristics as the number of tryptophan increases from 0 to 8 in the octapeptides consisting only of glycine and can be attributed to mono‐, di‐, and tri‐valent peptide–peptide interactions. At the same time, only weak fluctuations in binding energy were observed as the number of tryptophan increases from 2 to 7. Such distinctive nonlinearity of composition‐dependent tryptophan–glycine binding energy characteristics due to continuously varying tryptophan compositions in the octapeptides could be considered as a reflection of combinatorial contributions due to the hydrogen bonds originated from the indole moieties of tryptophan with the main chains of octapeptide of glycine containing N–H and C=O moieties and the van der Waals interactions (including π–π and π–CH interactions) between peptides.
High Density Bioprocessing of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells by Metabolic Control and in Silico Modeling
Authors: Manstein Felix , Ullmann Kevin , Kropp Christina , Halloin Caroline , Triebert Wiebke , Franke Annika , Farr Clara-Milena , Sahabian Anais , Haase Alexandra , Breitkreuz Yannik , Peitz Michael , Brüstle Oliver , Kalies Stefan , Martin Ulrich , Olmer Ruth , Zweigerdt Robert
Published: March 2021

To harness the full potential of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) we combined instrumented stirred tank bioreactor (STBR) technology with the power of in silico process modeling to overcome substantial, hPSC-specific hurdles toward their mass production. Perfused suspension culture (3D) of matrix-free hPSC aggregates in STBRs was applied to identify and control process-limiting parameters including pH, dissolved oxygen, glucose and lactate levels, and the obviation of osmolality peaks provoked by high density culture. Media supplements promoted single cell-based process inoculation and hydrodynamic aggregate size control. Wet lab-derived process characteristics enabled predictive in silico modeling as a new rational for hPSC cultivation. Consequently, hPSC line-independent maintenance of exponential cell proliferation was achieved. The strategy yielded 70-fold cell expansion in 7 days achieving an unmatched density of 35 × 106 cells/mL equivalent to 5.25 billion hPSC in 150 mL scale while pluripotency, differentiation potential, and karyotype stability was maintained. In parallel, media requirements were reduced by 75% demonstrating the outstanding increase in efficiency. Minimal input to our in silico model accurately predicts all main process parameters; combined with calculation-controlled hPSC aggregation kinetics, linear process upscaling is also enabled and demonstrated for up to 500 mL scale in an independent bioreactor system. Thus, by merging applied stem cell research with recent knowhow from industrial cell fermentation, a new level of hPSC bioprocessing is revealed fueling their automated production for industrial and therapeutic applications.
DFT‐PCM Study on Solvolytic Behaviour of N‐alkyl‐X‐pyridinium Ions
Authors: Matić Mirela , Denegri Bernard
Published: March 2021

Using the M06‐2X method and IEFPCM for ethanol, geometries of various N‐benzhydryl‐X‐pyridinium ions and corresponding heterolytic transition structures have been optimized to calculate free energies of activation (▵G≠model) for the model heterolysis of the ions at 25 °C. Very good correlations between ▵G≠model values and corresponding measured ▵G≠ values have made it possible to estimate reliable reactivities of N‐(4,4′‐dimethoxybenzhydryl)‐X‐pyridinium ions in protic solvents as well as nucleofugality parameters (Nfcalc) for 18 X‐substituted pyridines. Computational results further reveal that geometric progression along the heterolytic reaction coordinate is synchronized with ionic charge transfer. A Leffler‐Hammond coefficient of 0.65 (×100 %) corresponds to both the amount of the ionic charge transferred from the X‐pyridine moiety to the alkyl electrofuge (65–67 %) and the extent of geometric progression (64 %) on proceeding from the ionic substrate to TS in the thermoneutral heterolysis. Consequently, exergonic heterolyses of very reactive N‐alkyl‐X‐pyridinium ions proceed through the geometrically late transition states.
One‐Pot Selective Synthesis of Renewable p‐Xylene by Completely Biomass‐Based Ethanol and Dimethylfuran with Functionalized Mesoporous MCM‐41
Authors: Zhao Rongrong , Zhang Lige , Xu Lulu , Zhang Weiping
Published: March 2021

One‐pot direct synthesis of renewable p‐xylene (PX) via Diels‐Alder cycloaddition of completely bio‐based ethanol and 2,5‐dimethylfuran (DMF) was studied comparatively over dealuminated HBeta zeolite and functionalized mesoporous MCM‐41. The sulfonic group‐functionalized MCM‐41 had better catalytic performances. Under the optimized conditions, an ethanol conversion of ∼100 %, 2,5‐DMF conversion of 79 % and PX selectivity of 80 % were obtained over NH3‐Silylated‐MCM‐41‐10 %SO3H catalyst with 0.8 wt % N content, which is much better than HBeta zeolite catalyst. X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), 29Si cross‐polarization magic‐angle spinning (CP/MAS) NMR and infared (IR) characterizations showed that sulfonic and silylated groups have been successfully grafted onto MCM‐41. Quantitative 1H MAS NMR with d5‐pyridine adsorption unambiguously demonstrated that silylated MCM‐41‐SO3H with NH3 pre‐treatment has much higher amount and stronger strength of Brönsted acid than zeolite catalyst. This is the vital factor to catalyze the dehydration of ethanol to ethylene and speed up the Diels‐Alder cycloaddition reaction, ultimately increase PX selectivity and reduce much less soft‐coke deposit on MCM‐41‐SO3H (∼4 wt %) than on HBeta zeolite (∼12 wt %). This work demonstrates a simple and economical strategy to further improve the potential for the production of sustainable chemicals from complete biomass.
A common soil temperature threshold for the upper limit of alpine grasslands in European mountains
Authors: Bürli Sarah , Theurillat Jean-Paul , Winkler Manuela , Lamprecht Andrea , Pauli Harald , Rixen Christian , Steinbauer Klaus , Wipf Sonja , Abdaladze Otar , Andrews Christopher , Barančok Peter , Benito-Alonso José Luis , Fernández Calzado Maria Rosa , Carranza Maria Laura , Dick Jan , Erschbamer Brigitta , Ghosn Dany , Gigauri Khatuna , Kazakis George , Mallaun Martin , Michelsen Ottar , Moiseev Dmitry , Moiseev Pavel , Molau Ulf , Molero Mesa Joaquín , Morra di Cella Umberto , Nadeem Imran , Nagy Laszlo , Nicklas Lena , Palaj Andrej , Pedersen Bård , Petey Martina , Puşcaş Mihai , Rossi Graziano , Stanisci Angela , Tomaselli Marcello , Unterluggauer Peter , Ursu Tudor-Mihai , Villar Luis , Vittoz Pascal
Published: March 2021

While climatic research about treeline has a long history, the climatic conditions corresponding to the upper limit of closed alpine grasslands remain poorly understood. Here, we propose a climatic definition for this limit, the ‘grassline’, in analogy to the treeline, which is based on the growing season length and the soil temperature. Eighty-seven mountain summits across ten European mountain ranges, covering three biomes (boreal, temperate, Mediterranean), were inventoried as part of the GLORIA project. Vascular plant cover was estimated visually in 326 plots of 1 × 1 m. Soil temperatures were measured in situ for 2–7 years, from which the length of the growing season and mean temperature were derived. The climatic conditions corresponding to 40% plant cover were defined as the thresholds for alpine grassland. Closed vegetation was present in locations with a mean growing season soil temperature warmer than 4.9 °C, or a minimal growing season length of 85 days, with the growing season defined as encompassing days with daily mean ≥ 1 °C. Hence, the upper limit of closed grasslands was associated with a mean soil temperature close to that previously observed at the treeline, and in accordance with physiological thresholds to growth in vascular plants. In contrast to trees, whose canopy temperature is coupled with air temperature, small-stature alpine plants benefit from the soil warmed by solar radiation and consequently, they can grow at higher elevations. Since substrate stability is necessary for grasslands to occur at their climatic limit, the grassline rarely appears as a distinct linear feature.
Productivity-adjusted life years lost due to type 2 diabetes in Germany in 2020 and 2040
Authors: Tönnies Thaddäus , Hoyer Annika , Brinks Ralph
Published: March 2021

Aims/hypothesis

Type 2 diabetes can lead to reduced productivity during working age. We aimed to estimate productive life years lost associated with type 2 diabetes on the individual and population level in Germany in 2020 and 2040, while accounting for future trends in mortality.

Methods

Based on a mathematical projection model, we estimated age- and sex-specific productivity losses associated with type 2 diabetes during working age (20–69 years) in Germany in 2020 and 2040. Productivity losses in terms of excess mortality (years of life lost, YLL) and reductions in labour force participation, presenteeism and absenteeism (years of productivity lost, YPL) were summed to calculate productivity-adjusted life years (PALY) lost. Input data for the projection were based on meta-analyses, representative population-based studies and population projections to account for future trends in mortality.

Results

Compared with a person without type 2 diabetes, mean PALY lost per person with type 2 diabetes in 2020 was 2.6 years (95% CI 2.3, 3.0). Of these 2.6 years, 0.4 (95% CI 0.3, 0.4) years were lost due to YLL and 2.3 (95% CI 1.9, 2.6) years were lost due to YPL. Age- and sex-specific results show that younger age groups and women are expected to lose more productive life years than older age groups and men. Population-wide estimates suggest that 4.60 (95% CI 4.58, 4.63) million people with prevalent type 2 diabetes in 2020 are expected to lose 12.06 (95% CI 10.42, 13.76) million PALY (1.62 million years due to YLL and 10.44 million years due to YPL). In 2040, individual-level PALY lost are projected to slightly decrease due to reductions in YLL. In contrast, population-wide PALY lost are projected to increase to 15.39 (95% CI 13.19, 17.64) million due to an increase in the number of people with type 2 diabetes to 5.45 (95% CI 5.41, 5.50) million.

Conclusions/interpretation

On the population level, a substantial increase in productivity burden associated with type 2 diabetes was projected for Germany between 2020 and 2040. Efforts to reduce the incidence rate of type 2 diabetes and diabetes-related complications may attenuate this increase.

Graphical abstract
Was wissen wir über schulische Lehr-Lern-Prozesse im Distanzunterricht während der Corona-Pandemie? – Evidenz aus Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz
Authors: Helm Christoph , Huber Stephan , Loisinger Tina
Published: March 2021

Der Review gibt einen systematischen Überblick über den quantitativen Forschungsstand zur Schulsituation und zum Lehren und Lernen während der Corona-Pandemie. Der Review umfasst 97 Online-Befragungen, die in der Zeit vom 24. März 2020 bis 11. November 2020 durchgeführt wurden und 255.955 Fälle (Schüler*innen, Eltern, Lehrkräfte, Schulleitungen u. a.) erfassten. Die Analyse und Synthese der Befunde erfolgt entlang zweier Modelle, dem Phasenmodell des Forschungsprozesses und einem integrativen Modell zur Distance Education. Der Review macht deutlich, dass zentrale Aspekte des Lehrens und Lernens während den coronabedingten Schulschließungen im Frühjahr 2020, wie bspw. Merkmale des Fernunterrichts (z. B. Qualitätsdimensionen), Schülermerkmale (z. B. Selbständigkeit) und Merkmale der häuslichen Ressourcen für das Lernen (z. B. die elterliche Unterstützung), bereits Gegenstand vieler Befragungen waren. Die Schulsituation während der Corona-Pandemie stellt daher kein unerforschtes Phänomen mehr dar. Vielmehr fordert das wissenschaftliche Ethos von Forscher*innen dieses Feldes, den aktuellen Forschungsstand in ihren Arbeiten zu berücksichtigen. Der vorgelegte Review soll diese Aufgabe erleichtern, indem nicht nur die existierenden Befragungen gelistet, sondern deren zentrale Erkenntnisse synthetisiert werden. Darüber hinaus liefert der Review eine relevante Informationsbasis für Entscheidungen und für das Handeln in den jeweiligen Verantwortungsbereichen der Politik, Verwaltung und Schulpraxis. Gleichzeitig warnt der Review vor einer unreflektierten Übernahme der Befunde, indem die wissenschaftliche Qualität der Befragungen kritisch diskutiert wird.