bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Landscape and site factors drive invasive Phragmites management and native plant recovery across Chesapeake Bay wetlands
Authors: Rohal Christine B. , Hazelton Eric L. G. , McFarland Eliza K. , Downard Rebekah , McCormick Melissa K. , Whigham Dennis F. , Kettenring Karin M.
Published: January 2023

Successful invasive plant management—where invaders are sufficiently reduced and diverse native plant communities recover—remains an elusive goal for land managers. The site‐ and landscape‐scale drivers of variable management outcomes and vegetation recovery are poorly understood due to a lack of rigorous experiments that characterize longer term vegetation trends across contexts. We present the results of a five‐year experiment across eight subestuaries of Chesapeake Bay, representing a gradient of watersheds with differing dominant land‐use types and anthropogenic impacts, to evaluate invasive and native plant response to herbicide management. The focal invader, Phragmites australis (common reed), is one of the most aggressive and pervasive invasive plants in North American wetlands. We found that with multiyear herbicide treatments, it was possible to greatly reduce Phragmites across an array of subestuaries while increasing the cover and quality of native plant communities. Yet, by the end of the study, plant community composition in all Phragmites‐managed sites remained distinct from, even if composition was shifting toward, reference sites. There was also large inter‐site variation in the vegetation responses related to site environmental conditions and subestuary vegetation conditions. We uncovered specific aspects of the surrounding landscape that were linked to improved vegetation recovery—the species richness and conservation value of nearby wetlands. Results from this five‐year experiment conducted at multiple sites in Chesapeake Bay inform what is possible for management, particularly in more degraded landscapes and sites where setting realistic expectations and pragmatic goals will be essential. Assessing environmental and vegetation conditions of the site and surrounding landscape prior to commencing invasive species management is critical to predict the time and effort required to achieve restoration goals.
Sensitivity of bipartite network analyses to incomplete sampling and taxonomic uncertainty
Authors: Llopis‐Belenguer Cristina , Balbuena Juan Antonio , Blasco‐Costa Isabel , Karvonen Anssi , Sarabeev Volodimir , Jokela Jukka
Published: January 2023

Bipartite network analysis is a powerful tool to study the processes structuring interactions in ecological communities. In applying the method, it is assumed that the sampled interactions provide an accurate representation of the actual community. However, acquiring a representative sample may be difficult as not all species are equally abundant or easily identifiable. Two potential sampling issues can compromise the conclusions of bipartite network analyses: failure to capture the full range of interactions (sampling completeness) and use of a taxonomic level higher than species to evaluate the network (taxonomic resolution). We asked how commonly used descriptors of bipartite antagonistic communities (modularity, nestedness, connectance, and specialization [H2′]) are affected by reduced host sampling completeness, parasite taxonomic resolution, and their crossed effect, as they are likely to co‐occur. We used a quantitative niche model to generate weighted bipartite networks that resembled natural host–parasite communities. The descriptors were more sensitive to uncertainty in parasite taxonomic resolution than to host sampling completeness. When only 10% of parasite taxonomic resolution was retained, modularity and specialization decreased by ~76% and ~12%, respectively, and nestedness and connectance increased by ~114% and ~345% respectively. The loss of taxonomic resolution led to a wide range of possible communities, which made it difficult to predict its effects on a given network. With regards to host sampling completeness, standardized nestedness, connectance, and specialization were robust, whereas modularity was sensitive (~30% decrease). The combination of both sampling issues had an additive effect on modularity. In communities with low effort for both sampling issues (50%–10% of sampling completeness and taxonomic resolution), estimators of modularity, and nestedness could not be distinguished from those of random assemblages. Thus, the categorical description of communities with low sampling effort (e.g., if a community is modular or not) should be done with caution. We recommend evaluating both sampling completeness and taxonomic certainty when conducting bipartite network analyses. Care should also be exercised when using nonrobust descriptors (the four descriptors for parasite taxonomic resolution; modularity for host sampling completeness) when sampling issues are likely to affect a dataset.
Determination of thickness parameters of detonation shell and safety performance analysis
Authors: Dihua OuYang , ChunWei Qin , Xiaowen Qin , Xueying Hao , Shizhou Ma , Jiaxing Song
Published: January 2023

On the premise of security, it is necessary to ensure good operational performance and technical indicators for nonlethal weapons such as flash detonation bombs. To make the weight of a flash detonation grenade more convenient for hand throwing and material costs save, the outer dimensions of the grenade body are fixed, and the optimal parameters of outer shell thickness of the vertigo grenade are explored. Based on the maximum deformation energy theorem, the strength of the shell with the obtained maximum thickness of 8 mm is checked, and then the optimal shell thickness under the ideal air explosion condition is obtained by reducing the thickness; Then check the thread strength to obtain the inner casing fracture, shock wave, and sound pressure level. The fragmentation performance test, detonation test, and sound pressure level test were carried out for the projectiles involving the shell thickness of 4 and 5 mm, and the simulation results were verified from three aspects of sound intensity, shell strength, and fragments. The results show that the maximum equivalent stress is 232.6 MPa and the maximum deformation is 1.07 × 10−4 mm when the outer shell thickness of the vertigo grenade is 5 mm, which is less than the material failure strength standard and no plastic deformation could occur. The structural connection strength of the missile body meets the standard. Most of the fragments are trapped in the cavity. The average sound pressure level at 1.5 m can reach 159.7 dB. The relative error between the sound pressure level at 3 m and the live ammunition test results is 4.8%, which meets the expected operational technical indicators and has good safety performance. The results of the numerical simulation can provide a reference for the design optimization and performance evaluation of similar vertigo grenades.
Development and Validation of Predictive Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationship Models for Estrogenic Activities of Hydroxylated Polychlorinated Biphenyls
Authors: Akinola Lukman K. , Uzairu Adamu , Shallangwa Gideon A. , Abechi Stephen E.
Published: January 2023

Disruption of the endocrine system by hydroxylated polychlorinated biphenyls (OH-PCBs) is hypothesized, among other potential mechanisms, to be mediated via nuclear receptor binding. Due to the high cost and lengthy time required to produce high-quality experimental data, empirical data to support the nuclear receptor binding hypothesis are in short supply. In the present study, two quantitative structure–activity relationship models were developed for predicting the estrogenic activities of OH-PCBs. Findings revealed that model I (for the estrogen receptor α dataset) contained five two-dimensional (2D) descriptors belonging to the classes autocorrelation, Burden modified eigenvalues, chi path, and atom type electrotopological state, whereas model II (for the estrogen receptor β dataset) contained three 2D and three 3D descriptors belonging to the classes autocorrelation, atom type electrotopological state, and Radial Distribution Function descriptors. The internal and external validation metrics reported for models I and II indicate that both models are robust, reliable, and suitable for predicting the estrogenic activities of untested OH-PCB congeners. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:823–834. © 2023 SETAC
Under mother's eyes: Black gaze, state violence, and resilience in Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Haynes Marta‐Laura
Published: January 2023

In 2009, French street artist JR appeared in the oldest favela in Rio de Janeiro and started taking photographs of women who were collectively mourning the recent slaughter of three teenagers. In a communal effort, these black‐and‐white portraits were reproduced at an enormous scale and pasted onto the favela's facade. Up close, the images were so big that they seemed to have no particular form. But from a distance, the faces assembled, revealing women's eyes gazing steadily at the city beneath the favela. In this article, I explore how the installation can be understood as a commentary on gendered and racial state violence against Black motherhood. I turn to the images as ethnographic subjects to theorize ways Black femininity is constructed, experienced and understood in Rio. The central question I pose in this article is about the power and potential of the motherly gaze to replace the violent male stare—the one that misrepresents and disempowers those most vulnerable to distortion's ill effects. I make the case that the (bri)collage is a call to further examine the relationship of poor Black mothers with the state, how they combat negative public representation ascribed to Black youth, and how they negotiate the safety of their families.
How can we confront climate denial? Critical literacy+, eco‐civic practices, and inquiry
Authors: Damico James , Baildon Mark , Panos Alexandra
Published: January 2023

While scientific consensus about human‐caused climate change has been clear for decades, denial of this scienceanddenial about the need for timely, responsive action continue in the United States and around the world. TheClimate Denial Inquiry Modelcan help educators grapple with the complex components of this denial with critical literacy+ and eco‐civic practices of deliberation, reflexivity, and counter‐narration to help investigate climate denial texts, stories, contexts, and philosophies. This charts a pathway toward ecojustice‐centered stories‐To‐live by.
Negative effect of prolonged cecal intubation time on adenoma detection in female patients
Authors: Hamada Yasuhiko , Tanaka Kyosuke , Horiki Noriyuki , Tsuboi Junya , Yamada Reiko , Nakamura Misaki , Tamaru Satoshi , Yamada Tomomi , Nakagawa Hayato
Published: January 2023

Background and Aim

Withdrawal time of the colonoscope is associated with adenoma detection. However, the association between cecal intubation time and adenoma detection remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the association between cecal intubation time and adenoma detection.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed prospectively collected data from a randomized controlled trial on female patients who underwent colonoscopy in an academic hospital. The primary outcome was the mean number of all adenomas detected per patient. Secondary outcomes included the mean number of advanced, diminutive, small/large, right‐sided colonic, and left‐sided colonic adenomas detected per patient. Furthermore, the detection rates of all categories of adenoma were evaluated.

Results

The analysis included 216 female patients aged ≥20 years. The correlation analysis did not reveal a significant relationship (P = 0.473) between cecal intubation and withdrawal times. The mean number of all adenomas detected per patient declined by approximately 30% (1.05–0.70) from the fastest to the slowest insertion time quartile. Adjusted regression analysis showed a significant decrease in the mean number of all adenomas detected per patient with increased intubation time (relative risk, RR = 0.87; 95% confidence interval, 0.76–0.99, P = 0.045), whereas the mean number of other categories of adenomas detected per patient and the detection rates of all categories of adenoma were not associated with the cecal intubation time.

Conclusions

This study showed a significant association between prolonged cecal intubation time and decreased adenoma detection. The cecal intubation time may be a significant quality indicator for colonoscopy.
Interatrial conduction time is associated with left atrial low voltage area and predicts the recurrence after single atrial fibrillation ablation
Authors: Hirota Kei , Fukui Akira , Yamaguchi Takanori , Takahashi Masaki , Kondo Hidekazu , Akioka Hidefumi , Shinohara Tetsuji , Yufu Kunio , Node Koichi , Takahashi Naohiko
Published: January 2023

Background

Interatrial conduction time (IACT) prolongs in fibrotic left atrium. We tested the hypothesis that IACT is related to left atrial low voltage area (LVA) and predicts the recurrence after single atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation.

Methods

One hundred sixty‐four consecutive AF patients (79 non‐paroxysmal) who underwent initial ablation in our institute were analyzed. IACT and LVA were defined as interval from the onset of P‐wave to the basal left atrial appendage (P‐LAA) activation, and area with bipolar electrogram < 0.5 mV covering over 5% of the total left atrial surface area during sinus rhythm, respectively. Pulmonary vein antrum isolation, non‐PV foci ablation, and atrial tachycardia (AT) ablation were performed without substrate modification.

Results

LVA was frequently identified in patients with prolonged P‐LAA ≥ 84 ms (n  = 28) compared with patients with P‐LAA < 84 ms (n  = 136). Patients with P‐LAA ≥ 84 ms were older (71 ± 10 vs. 65 ± 10 years, p  = .0061), and had more frequent non‐paroxysmal AF (75% vs. 43%, p  = .0018), larger left atrial diameter (43.5 ± 4.5 vs. 39.3 ± 5.7 mm, p  = .0003), and higher E/e’ ratio (14.4 ± 6.5 vs. 10.5 ± 3.7, p  < .0001) compared with P‐LAA < 84 ms patients. After a mean follow‐up period of 665 ± 153 days, Kaplan–Meier curve analysis showed that AF/AT recurrences was more frequently observed in patients with prolonged P‐LAA (Log‐rank p  = .0001). Additionally, univariate analysis revealed that P‐LAA prolongation (OR = 1.055 per 1 ms, 95% CI: 1.028–1.087, p  < .0001) and the existence of LVA (OR = 5.000, 95% CI: 1.653–14.485 p  = .0053) were predictors of AF/AT recurrences after single AF ablation.

Conclusions

Our results suggested that prolonged IACT as measured by P‐LAA was associated with LVA and predicts AT/AF recurrence after single AF ablation.
Computational comparison of medializing tibial tubercle osteotomy and trochleoplasty in patients with trochlear dysplasia
Authors: Fitzpatrick Clare K. , Steensen Robert N. , Alvarez Oliver , Holcomb Amy E. , Rullkoetter Paul J.
Published: January 2023

Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFLR) has emerged as the procedure of choice for recurrent patellar dislocation. This addresses soft tissue injury but does not address underlying anatomic factors, including trochlear dysplasia, that are commonly present and increase risk of dislocation. Quantification of the stability offered by other surgical interventions, namely, medializing tibial tubercle osteotomy (mTTO) and trochleoplasty, with and without MPFLR, may provide insight for surgical choices in patients with trochlear dysplasia. We developed subject‐specific finite element models based on magnetic resonance scans from a cohort of 20 patients with trochlear dysplasia and recurrent patellar dislocation. The objectives of this study were (1) to compare patella stability after mTTO and trochleoplasty procedures; (2) to evaluate whether it is necessary to perform an MPFLR in combination with the mTTO or trocheoplasty procedure; and (3) to quantify the robustness of patellar stability to variability in knee kinematics. Trochleoplasty performed better than mTTO at stabilizing the patella between 5° and 30° flexion. For both mTTO and trochleoplasty procedures, it was beneficial to also perform MPFLR—inclusion of MPFLR halved the magnitude of patellar laxity predicted in the simulations. Simulations that did not include any medial patellofemoral ligament restraint were also more sensitive to variation in tibiofemoral internal–external kinematics.
Serial In‐Office Steroid Injections for Airway Stenosis: Long‐Term Benefit and Cost Analysis
Authors: O'Dell Karla , Huang Valerie , Acevedo Joseph , Reder Lindsay , Johns Michael , Ding Li
Published: January 2023

Objectives

To evaluate the long‐term benefit of serial in‐office steroid injections (SISI) in the treatment of subglottic and proximal tracheal stenosis (SG/PTS). Evaluate cost of SISI compared to endoscopic dilation (ED).

Study Design

Retrospective study and cost analysis.

Methods

All patients with SGS/PTS with at least two consecutive in‐office steroid injections between 2013 and 2021 were evaluated. Patients with less than 2 years of follow‐up data after the initial SISI series were excluded. Demographics, etiology of stenosis, total injections performed, time between steroid series, surgery‐free interval (SFI) and adverse events were collected. For patients with known surgical history before SISI, pre‐SISI SFI was compared. Institutional billing records and the national CMS average reimbursement were evaluated. Total charges for three treatment strategies (ED alone, ED with post‐operative SISI and primary intervention with SISI) were also compared.

Results

Forty‐nine patients were included; 29 (59%) idiopathic, 11 (22%) traumatic and 9 (18%) rheumatologic. Mean (SD) follow‐up time after the first SISI was 3.41 years (1.5), range (2.08–7.25 years). 79% (39/49) did not require additional surgery during the entire follow‐up period. The SFI improved from a mean 13.5 months (SD 12.6; range 2–42 months) pre‐SISI to a mean (SD) of 42 months (SD 20.2; range 10–87 months) (p < 0.0001) after SISI. Annual average charges for ED alone in our cohort was $15,383.28, compared to $7,070.04 for SISI.

Conclusions

SISI are an effective treatment for patients with SG/PTS. In‐office steroid injections could offer cost savings for the patient.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 133:2673–2679, 2023
Relationship of Lesion Location to Postoperative Steroid Use in Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Miyamura K. , Mori E. , Nakashima D. , Miura M. , Chiba S. , Otori N.
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS) is known to recur after surgery. The treatment choice for recurrent ECRS, such as oral steroids or biological agents, must be chosen carefully, and identifying the lesion location may be useful. This study aimed to evaluate the postoperative course of ECRS patients and assess the relationship between endoscopic lesion location and postoperative oral steroid use.

Methods

Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis who underwent bilateral endoscopic sinus surgery from April 2018 to March 2020 were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of oral steroid use after surgery. The primary endpoint was the lesion location on endoscopic findings during surgery: middle turbinate, middle meatus, superior turbinate, superior meatus, nasal septum, and sphenoethmoidal recess. Subjective symptoms, blood tests, and computerized tomography (CT) findings (Lund‐Mackay score) were evaluated as secondary endpoints.

Results

Among 264 patients, 88 were diagnosed histologically with ECRS (mean 48.98 ± 1.40 years, 67 males/21 females). Twenty‐three patients were steroid‐using, 65 were steroid‐free, and six stopped attending their appointments. Patients with sphenoethmoidal recess lesions were significantly more likely to require steroids (p = 0.019). There was a significant association between steroid use and younger age (p = 0.041), olfactory dysfunction (p = 0.021), and all sinuses (Frontal sinus: p < 0.001, Anterior ethmoid sinus: p = 0.002, Posterior ethmoid sinus: p = 0.011, Maxillary sinus: p = 0.018, Sphenoid sinus: p = 0.034, Total score: p < 0.001).

Conclusion

A sphenoethmoidal recess lesion was a risk factor for requiring postoperative steroids. Young age, olfactory dysfunction, and preoperative severe CT findings were also significant risk factors.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 133:2511–2516, 2023
Intercropping and nitrogen enhance eucalyptus productivity through the positive interaction between soil fertility factors and bacterial communities along with the maintenance of soil enzyme activities
Authors: Lan Yahui , Wang Shengqiang , Zhang Han , He Yaqin , Jiang Chenyang , Ye Shaoming
Published: January 2023

The nitrogen (N) demand of eucalyptus plantations is considered to be effectively supplemented by the addition of N‐fixing plants. However, the effects of intercropping combined with N fertilization on the enzyme activity, soil fertility, and bacterial relationships, such as bacterial‐mediated nutrient cycling, remain elusive. A pot experiment was performed to assess the effect of intercropping and fertilization on eucalyptus productivity, soil fertility, enzyme activity, and bacterial characteristics, in addition to any probable linkages between these factors and how the interactions promote eco‐friendly production in eucalyptus plantations. Intercropping eucalyptus combined with suitable N fertilization (3 g plant−1) resulted in a higher Chao1 and Shannon diversity of bacterial communities; increased soil fertility, pH, enzyme activity, and eucalyptus productivity; as well as generated a stronger positive interaction between dominant bacterial taxa and soil environmental variables. According to the network and structural equation model (SEM) analysis, the interaction between dominant bacterial taxa and soil environmental variables was clearly linked to N application, and deficient or excess N fertilizer may exert a detrimental effect on eucalyptus productivity. This suggests that reasonable N application in intercropping is a potentially sustainable solution for maintaining eucalyptus productivity and soil quality under N‐limited conditions.
Linear‐Polarization‐Preserving Metasurfaces Based on Identically Spin‐Locked Geometric Phase
Authors: Fu Xinmin , Yang Jie , Wang Jiafu , Ding Chang , Han Yajuan , Jia Yuxiang , Liu Tonghao , Zhu Ruichao , Li Yongfeng , Qu Shaobo
Published: January 2023

Metasurfaces have provided unprecedented degrees of freedom in controlling electromagnetic waves. By introducing geometric phase into metasurface, remarkable progresses have been made in manipulation circular polarized(CP) waves. However, for linearly polarized (LP) waves, polarization purity has to be sacrificed for wideband phase responses. Thus, it is desirable that wideband metasurfaces be explored for LP waves without polarization conversion. Herein, they propose a strategy of achieving wideband linear‐polarization‐preserving (LPP) metasurfaces based on identically‐spin‐locked (ISL) geometric phases. Different from the rotation‐induced oppositely‐spin‐locked (OSL) geometric phase (φL = −φR), the ISL geometric phase is the same for left‐ and right‐handed circularly polarization (LCP&RCP) states (φL = φR). Since LP waves can be decomposed into LCP and RCP waves, the same phase can also be imparted to LP waves, without changing the polarization. Therefore, wideband LPP metasurfaces can be designed. As the proof‐of‐concept, the quadru‐arc structure (QAS) is proposed to construct the LPP metasurfaces. Two prototypes, one for vortex beam generation and the other for deflection‐absorption integration, are implemented. Both the simulated and measured results verify the LPP in wideband. This work opens a wideband gate towards wideband manipulation on LP waves and can be readily extended to higher frequency bands such as terahertz, infrared and optical regimes.
Optimization of process variables in drilling of carbon fiber reinforced plastics using various multi criteria decision making approaches
Authors: Barik T. , Pal K.
Published: January 2023

Carbon fiber‐reinforced polymers are one of the lightweight materials used in structural design due to their exceptional mechanical performances. The drilling operation is indispensable as it facilitates the assembling of various manufactured components. However, drilling of fibrous laminates is deemed difficult in comparison to the traditional metals because of the anisotropic and non‐homogeneous nature. The present work addresses the parametric effect on the drilled hole delamination and further reduces it with an optimal combination of parameters for multi‐objectives using different multi‐criterion decision‐making techniques. Initially, the response surface‐based regression model of delamination as a function of three static inputs has been developed, further revised with induced thrust as well as mean torque for the improvisation of the prediction capability. Finally, for the overall improvement, a decision‐making model has been used that includes grey relation analysis, technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution, and VIšekriterijumsko Kompromisno Rangiranje method. The delamination was found to be minimum at a low drill point angle (100°), high spindle rotation (2150 min−1 ), and low feed rate (0.025 mm/rev) due to reduced thrust force. The mean absolute prediction error was significantly improved considering root mean square torque rather than axial thrust with process variables.
Characterization of a germline variant MSH6 c.4001G > C in a Lynch syndrome family
Authors: Yang Ciyu , Misyura Maksym , Kane Sarah , Rai Vikas , Latham Alicia , Zhang Liying
Published: January 2023

Background

Germline variants in the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2) cause Lynch syndrome, an autosomal dominant hereditary cancer susceptibility syndrome. The risk for endometrial cancer is significantly higher in women with MSH6 pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants compared with that for MLH1 or MSH2 variants.

Methods

The proband was tested via a clinical testing, Memorial Sloan Kettering‐Integrated Mutation Profiling of Actionable Cancer Targets (MSK‐IMPACT). RT‐PCR was performed using patient's blood DNA and cDNA was analyzed by DNA sequencing and a cloning approach.

Results

We report a 56‐year‐old female with endometrial cancer who carries a germline variant, MSH6 c.4001G > C, located at the last nucleotide of exon 9. While the pathogenicity of this variant was previously unknown, functional studies demonstrated that this variant completely abolished normal splicing and caused exon 9 skipping, which is expected to lead to a prematurely truncated or abnormal protein.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that this variant likely contributes to cancer predisposition through disruption of normal splicing, and is classified as likely pathogenic.
3q29 microduplication syndrome: New evidence for the refinement of the critical region
Authors: Bauleo Alessia , Pace Vincenza , Montesanto Alberto , De Stefano Laura , Brando Rossella , Puntorieri Domenica , Cento Luca , Genuardi Maurizio , Falcone Elena
Published: January 2023

Background

The 3q29 microduplication syndrome is a rare genomic disorder characterized by an extremely variable neurodevelopmental phenotype usually involving a genomic region ranging from 1.6 to 1.76 Mb. A small microduplication of 448.8 Kb containing only two genes was recently described in a patient with a 3q29 microduplication that was proposed as the minimal critical region of overlap of this syndrome.

Methods

Molecular karyotyping (array‐CGH) was performed on DNA extracted from peripheral blood samples using Agilent‐California USA Human Genome CGH Microarray 4 × 180 K. The proband and his younger brother were further tested with a next generation sequencing (NGS) panel including genes implicated in autism spectrum disorder and in neurodevelopmental disorders. Quantitative real‐time PCR was applied to verify the abnormal array‐CGH findings.

Results

Here, we report on a family with two males with neurodevelopmental disorders and an unaffected sibling with a small 3q29 microduplication (432.8 Kb) inherited from an unaffected mother that involves only two genes: DGL1 and BDH1. The proband had an additional intragenic duplication inherited from the unaffected father. Further testing was negative for Fragile X syndrome and for genes implicated in autism spectrum disorder and in neurodevelopmental disorders.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, one of the family members here analyzed is the second reported case of a patient carrying a small 3q29 microduplication including only DGL1 and BDH1 genes and without any additional genetic aberration. The recognition of the clinical spectrum in patients with the critical region of overlap associated with the 3q29 duplication syndrome should prove valuable for predicting outcomes and providing more informed genetic counseling to patients with duplications in this region.
Audit‐based correction mechanism for malicious statistics information of data plane
Authors: Liang Dong , Liu Qinrang , Song Ke , Yan Binghao , Hu Tao
Published: January 2023

In software‐defined networking (SDN), the controller relies on the information collected from the data plane for route planning, load balancing, and other functions. Statistics information is the most important kind of information among them, so the correctness of statistics information is the key to the proper operation of the network. Most of the current research on data plane focuses on policy consistency, rule redundancy, forwarding anomalies, and so on, and little attention is paid to whether the statistics information uploaded by the switches to the controller is correct. However, incorrect statistics information inevitably leads the controller to make wrong decisions. Therefore, this paper proposes an audit‐based malicious information correction mechanism to address the problem of wrong statistics information uploaded by the switches. This mechanism audits the statistics information and locates malicious switches before uploading the statistics information to the controller. It identifies and corrects the statistics information errors by combining flow path and statistics information. We have performed simulations on Nsfnet, Abilene, and Fat‐Tree, and the results show that our method can correct about 70% of the statistical information errors with less computational cost. To the best of our knowledge, this paper is the first malicious statistics information correction scheme for wildcard rules.
High relative accuracy with some special matrices related to Γ and β functions
Authors: Delgado Jorge , Peña Juan Manuel
Published: January 2023

For some families of totally positive matrices using and functions, we provide their bidiagonal factorization. Moreover, when these functions are defined over integers, we prove that the bidiagonal factorization can be computed with high relative accuracy and so we can compute with high relative accuracy their eigenvalues, singular values, inverses and the solutions of some associated linear systems. We provide numerical examples illustrating this high relative accuracy.
Microbial Changes Associated With Oral Cavity Cancer Progression
Authors: Yan Kenneth , Auger Samuel , Diaz Ashley , Naman Julia , Vemulapalli Ramya , Hasina Rifat , Izumchenko Evgeny , Shogan Benjamin , Agrawal Nishant
Published: January 2023

Objective

To examine the oral microbiome in the context of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma.

Study Design

Basic science research.

Setting

Academic medical center.

Methods

Oral swabs were collected from patients presenting to the operating room for management of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma and from age‐ and sex‐matched control patients receiving surgery for unrelated benign conditions. 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequencing was performed on genetic material obtained from swabs. A bacterial rRNA gene library was created and sequence reads were sorted into taxonomic units.

Results

Thirty‐one control patients (17 males) and 35 cancer patients (21 males) were enrolled. Ages ranged from 23 to 89 (median 63) for control patients and 35 to 86 (median 66) for cancer patients. Sixty‐one percent of control patients and 63% of cancer patients were smokers. 16S analyses demonstrated a significant decrease in Streptococcus genera in oral cancer patients (34.11% vs 21.74% of the population, p = .04). Increases in Fusobacterium, Peptostreptococcus, Parvimonas, and Neisseria were also found. The abundance of these bacteria correlated with tumor T‐stage.

Conclusion

16S rRNA sequencing demonstrated changes in bacterial populations in oral cavity cancer and its progression compared to noncancer controls. We found increases in bacteria genera that correspond with tumor stage—Fusobacteria, Peptostreptococcus, Parvimonas, Neisseria, and Treponema. These data suggest that oral cancer creates an environment to facilitate foreign bacterial growth, rather than implicating a specific bacterial species in carcinogenesis. These bacteria can be employed as a potential marker for tumor progression or interrogated to better characterize the tumor microenvironment.
Drivers and consequences of archetypical shifting cultivation transitions
Authors: Martin Dominic A. , Llopis Jorge C. , Raveloaritiana Estelle , Coomes Oliver T. , Andriamihaja O. Ravaka , Bruun Thilde Bech , Heinimann Andreas , Mertz Ole , Rakotonarivo O. Sarobidy , Zaehringer Julie G.
Published: January 2023

Shifting cultivation remains an important land system in many tropical landscapes, but transitions away from shifting cultivation are increasingly common. So far, our knowledge on the social–economic and environmental drivers and consequences of such shifting cultivation transitions is incomplete, focusing on certain transitions, drivers, consequences or regions.

Here, we use an archetype approach, validated through systematically identified literature, to describe eight archetypes encompassing the transitions from shifting cultivation to (1) perennial plantation crops, (2) permanent agroforestry, (3) regrown secondary forest, (4) permanent non‐perennial crops, (5) pasture, (6) wood plantation, (7) non‐cultivated non‐forested land and (8) restored secondary forest (ordered in decreasing prevalence).

We then discuss social–economic and environmental factors favouring and disfavouring each archetype. This reveals that higher expected land rents, resulting from increased market access, crop price surges, secure land tenure and state interventions, are the main drivers of archetypical transitions to perennial plantation crops, permanent agroforestry, permanent non‐perennial crops and wood plantation. The prioritisation of other activities, both on‐ and off‐farm, favours transitions to regrown secondary forest and non‐cultivated non‐forested land, depending on plot‐level environmental conditions. Active forest restoration is typically implemented through state or NGO interventions.

Turning to the consequences of archetypical transitions for biodiversity, the environment and livelihoods, we find that positive environmental outcomes prevail for transitions to permanent agroforestry, regrown secondary forest and restored secondary forest. Negative environmental outcomes dominate for four typically economically profitable transitions to perennial plantation crops, permanent non‐perennial crops, pasture and wood plantation. Non‐income‐related social–economic outcomes are heterogeneous within all archetypes and highly context‐dependent.

Our archetype analysis shows that shifting cultivation transitions are diverse in themselves, in their drivers and their consequences. This calls for a critical and contextualised appraisal of the continuation of shifting cultivation, as well as the transition away from it, when designing land system policies that work for people and nature.

Read the freePlain Language Summaryfor this article on the Journal blog.
Identification of micrognathia by prenatal ultrasound may improve timely diagnosis and management of infants with Robin sequence
Authors: Smith Emily C. , Craigo Sabrina D. , Scott Andrew R.
Published: January 2023

Objective

Robin sequence (RS) is a craniofacial anomaly characterized by small jaw (micrognathia) with associated tongue base airway obstruction. With advances in fetal imaging, micrognathia may be detected prenatally. This study aims to determine if prenatal recognition of micrognathia offers any advantage over being unaware of the condition until after delivery and to assess if prenatal consultation for micrognathia adds benefits beyond merely noting the presence of the condition.

Method

Retrospective chart review examining cases from 01/01/2010 to 12/31/2020 at an urban tertiary medical center.

Results

Forty seven infants with RS were included. 40.4% (n = 19) had micrognathia/retrognathia noted on prenatal ultrasound. 47.4% (n = 9) of those 19 pregnancies saw a maternal fetal medicine (MFM) program with craniofacial consultation. Compared to 28 infants not diagnosed with micrognathia until after birth, the 19 infants identified prenatally required fewer transfers from birth hospital (p = 0.02). Additionally, those referred to MFM with craniofacial consultation had shorter lengths of stay when airway intervention was required (p = 0.05).

Conclusion

Prenatal recognition of micrognathia may lead to early detection and management of RS. When RS is suspected, prenatal consultation with MFM and craniofacial team may further optimize care of the infant following delivery.
Diagnostic yield and psychological outcomes among women pursuing trio‐exome sequencing: Do women with recurrent anomalous fetal phenotypes experience more negative psychological outcomes?
Authors: Talati Asha N. , Gilmore Kelly L. , Hardisty Emily E. , Lyerly Anne D. , Rini Christine , Vora Neeta L.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

To describe psychological outcomes among people with recurrent anomalous pregnancies pursuing trio‐exome sequencing (exome sequencing (ES)) compared to those with one affected.

Methods

We analyzed data from a prospective ES cohort, enrolling patients with major fetal anomaly and normal microarray. Participants completed validated scales before and after ES. We (1) compared responses of those with multiple anomalous pregnancies to those with one affected and (2) conducted linear regression to examine associations between multiple affected pregnancies and post‐ES constructs.

Results

Of 166 trios, 61 (37%) received results from ES. Forty (24%) had more than one affected pregnancy and 45% of those received a result explaining the fetal phenotype. All participants had clinically significant presequencing generalized psychological distress. For the 93 who completed the post‐ES surveys, those with multiple affected pregnancies had higher psychological adaptation scores but worse test related distress scores (9.3 (6.2) versus 7.1(5.6), p = 0.12) and (14.3 (1.5) versus 15.4 (1.4), p = 0.01). In linear regression models, there were no significant differences in post‐ES constructs after adjusting for clinically relevant covariates.

Conclusions

All individuals experienced significant generalized psychological distress in the pre‐ES period, extending our knowledge of how pregnancy history contributes to parental sequencing outcomes.
In situ polymerization of ethylene with functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes using a zirconocene aluminohydride system in solution
Authors: Miranda Cristal Cabrera , Camacho Odilia Pérez , Colunga Guillermo Martínez , Zamora Maricela García , Hernández María Teresa Rodríguez , Padilla Víctor Comparán , Collins Scott
Published: January 2023

This study reports nanocomposite synthesis based on high‐density polyethylene with carbon nanotubes through in situ polymerization by coordination, and the use of an aluminohydride zirconocene/MAO system as a catalyst. Nanocomposites of linear polyethylene exhibit higher molar masses than pure high‐density polyethylene synthesized under similar conditions; where multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) acted as nucleating agents, shifting the crystallization temperature to higher values than neat high‐density polyethylene. Well‐dispersed MWCNTs in the HDPE matrices of the obtained nanocomposites are observed by SEM, where most of the nanocomposites showed an improvement in their thermal stability and electric conductivity, besides it is possible to obtain nanocomposites containing up to 41 wt% of nanofiller in the polymeric matrix. The aluminohydride complex n‐BuCp2ZrH3AlH2, activated with MAO at Al/Zr ratios of 2000, produced homogeneous HDPE/MWCNT composites under in situ polymerization conditions, at 70°C and 2.9 bar of ethylene pressure, with minimal residual alumina in the HDPE matrix.
A simplified and masking‐free doping process for interdigitated back contact solar cells using an atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition borosilicate glass / phosphosilicate glass layer stack for laser doping followed by a high temperature step
Authors: Heilig Matthias , Wurmbrand Daniel , Hahn Giso , Terheiden Barbara
Published: January 2023

In this paper a simplified approach for the generation of laterally p‐ and n‐doped structures applicable for cost‐effective production of interdigitated back contact (IBC) solar cells is presented. We use a stack of doping glasses deposited by atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (APCVD), consisting of borosilicate glass (BSG) and phosphosilicate glass (PSG) on Czochralski‐grown (Cz) silicon substrates. A laser process creates the p‐doped regions by local liquid phase diffusion of boron from the BSG layer into the underlying molten Cz‐Si substrate. Simultaneously, the BSG‐PSG stack is removed by laser ablation. In a subsequent high‐temperature step, phosphorus diffuses from the remaining PSG‐BSG layer into the crystalline silicon substrate under inert gas atmosphere, creating complementary to laser doped areas n+‐doped regions. By the use of APCVD, phosphorus and boron contents of the doping glasses can be adjusted freely to vary the resulting p‐ and n‐doped profiles. A higher boron content in the BSG layer enhances the diffusion of phosphorus through the BSG, especially at lower diffusion temperatures. The resulting doping profiles are characterized using electrochemical capacitance‐voltage measurements and the resulting sheet resistances using the four‐point probe method. The amount of minority dopant contamination in n‐ and p‐doped regions is investigated by secondary ion mass spectrometry. Furthermore, transfer length method (TLM)‐measurements indicate contactability of the generated doped regions.
Investigation of the role of personality traits and emotion regulation on personality functioning in patients with depression/anxiety disorder
Authors: Katar Kübra Sezer , Örsel Sibel , Gündoğmuş Ayse Gökçen
Published: January 2023

The relationship between the dimensional assessment of personality and difficulties in emotion regulation has yet to be made clear. The present study aimed to investigate the role of personality traits and emotion regulation on personality functioning. Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, Personality Inventory for DSM‐5 (PID‐5) and Level of Personality Functioning Scale (LPFS) were rated for 220 patients with depression and/or anxiety disorder diagnosis and 100 healthy controls. Stepwise regression analyses (SRA) were used to find potential predictors of personality functioning, and generalized linear analyses (GLA) were used to find mediators between the traits and personality functioning. SRA results in the clinical group showed that higher depression, antagonism, difficulties in impulse control and difficulties in awareness predicted higher levels of dysfunction in personality. According to GLA results in the clinical group, the impulse subscale of DERS partially mediated the relationship between antagonism and level of impairment in personality functioning. Our results indicate that certain emotion regulation styles and personality traits play an important role in predicting personality functioning in the clinical sample of depression and anxiety patients. Future studies should focus on specific emotion dysregulation strategies and broaden the dimensional personality literature in different samples.
Resolving the enthalpy of protein stabilization by macromolecular crowding
Authors: Stewart Claire J. , Olgenblum Gil I. , Propst Ashlee , Harries Daniel , Pielak Gary J.
Published: January 2023

Proteins in the cellular milieu reside in environments crowded by macromolecules and other solutes. Although crowding can significantly impact the protein folded state stability, most experiments are conducted in dilute buffered solutions. To resolve the effect of crowding on protein stability, we use19F nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to follow the reversible, two‐state unfolding thermodynamics of the N‐terminal Src homology 3 domain of theDrosophilasignal transduction protein drk in the presence of polyethylene glycols (PEGs) of various molecular weights and concentrations. Contrary to most current theories of crowding that emphasize steric protein–crowder interactions as the main driving force for entropically favored stabilization, our experiments show that PEG stabilization is accompanied by significant heat release, and entropy disfavors folding. Using our newly developed model, we find that stabilization by ethylene glycol and small PEGs is driven by favorable binding to the folded state. In contrast, for larger PEGs, chemical or soft PEG–protein interactions do not play a significant role. Instead, folding is favored by excluded volume PEG–protein interactions and an exothermic nonideal mixing contribution from release of confined PEG and water upon folding. Our results indicate that crowding acts through molecular interactions subtler than previously assumed and that interactions between solution components with both the folded and unfolded states must be carefully considered.
Epitope‐directed anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 scFv engineered against the key spike protein region could block membrane fusion
Authors: Jaiswal Deepika , Kumar Ujjwal , Gaur Vineet , Salunke Dinakar M.
Published: January 2023

The newly emerged SARS‐CoV‐2 causing coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) resulted in >500 million infections. A great deal about the molecular processes of virus infection in the host is getting uncovered. Two sequential proteolytic cleavages of viral spike protein by host proteases are prerequisites for the entry of the virus into the host cell. The first cleavage occurs at S1/S2 site by the furin protease, and the second cleavage at a fusion activation site, the S2′ site, by the TMPRSS2 protease. S2′ cleavage site is present in the S2 domain of spike protein followed by a fusion peptide. Given the S2′ site to be conserved among all the SARS‐CoV‐2 variants, we chose an S2′ epitope encompassing the S2′ cleavage site and generated single‐chain antibodies (scFvs) through an exhaustive phage display library screening. Crystal structure of a scFv in complex with S2′ epitope was determined. Incidentally, S2′ epitope in the scFv bound structure adopts an alpha‐helical conformation equivalent to the conformation of the epitope in the spike protein. Furthermore, these scFvs can bind to the spike protein expressed either in vitro or on the mammalian cell surface. We illustrate a molecular model based on structural and biochemical insights into the antibody‐S2′ epitope interaction emphasizing scFvs mediated blocking of virus entry into the host cell by restricting the access of TMPRSS2 protease and consequently inhibiting the S2′ cleavage competitively.