bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nano‐CT imaging of larvae in the ant Pheidole hyatti reveals coordinated growth of a rudimentary organ necessary for soldier development
Authors: Koch Sophie , Tahara Rui , Vasquez‐Correa Angelly , Abouheif Ehab 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe growth of imaginal discs in holometabolous insects is coordinated with larval growth to ensure the symmetrical and proportional development of the adult appendages. In ants, the differential growth of these discs generates distinct castes‐the winged male and queen castes and the wingless worker caste. In the hyperdiverse ant genus Pheidole, the worker caste is composed of two morphologically distinct subcastes: small‐headed minor workers and larger, big‐headed, soldiers. Although these worker subcastes are completely wingless, soldier larvae develop rudimentary forewing discs that function in generating the disproportionate head‐to‐body scaling and size of soldiers. It remains unclear, however, how rudimentary forewing discs in soldier larvae are coordinated with other imaginal discs. Here we show, using quantitative nano‐CT imaging and three‐dimensional analyses, that the increase in the volume of the soldier rudimentary forewing discs is coordinated with larval size as well as with the increase in the volume of the leg and eye‐antennal (head) discs. However, relative to larval size, we found that when the rudimentary forewing discs appear during the last larval instar, they are relatively smaller but increase in volume faster than that of the head (eye‐antennal) and leg discs. These findings show that the rudimentary wing disc in soldier larvae has evolved novel patterns of inter‐organ coordination as compared with other insects to generate the big‐headed soldier caste in Pheidole. More generally, our study raises the possibility that novel patterns of inter‐organ coordination are a general feature of rudimentary organs that acquire novel regulatory functions during development and evolution.
Cytogenetic aberrations in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia—A population‐based study
Authors: Bergfelt Lennmyr Emma , Engvall Marie , Barbany Gisela , Fogelstrand Linda , Rhodin Hanna , Hallböök Helene 
Published: September 2021

AbstractCytogenetic aberrations are recognized as important prognostic factors in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), but studies seldom include elderly patients. From the population‐based Swedish ALL Registry, we identified 728 patients aged 18–95 years, who were diagnosed with ALL 1997–2015 and had cytogenetic information. Registry data were complemented with original cytogenetic reports.BCR‐ABL1 was the most recurrent aberration, with a frequency of 26%, with additional cytogenetic alterations in 64%. KTM2A rearrangement was the second most frequent aberration found in 7%. Low hypodiploidy‐near triploidy and complex karyotype had negative impact, while t(1;19);TCF3‐PBX1 showed positive impact on overall survival. However, after correction for age only complex karyotype remained significant.
Safety and feasibility of trans‐venous cardiac device extraction using conscious sedation alone—Implications for the post‐COVID‐19 era
Authors: Lachlan Thomas , He Hejie , Aggour Hesham , Sahota Preet , Harvey Samuel , Patel Kiran , Foster Will , Yusuf Shamil , Panikker Sandeep , Dhanjal Tarv , Dandekar Uday , Barker Thomas , Parmar Jitendra , Kuehl Michael , Osman Faizel 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundTransvenous lead extraction (TLE) for implantable cardiac‐devices is traditionally performed under general anesthesia (GA). This can lead to greater risk of exposure to COVID‐19, longer recovery‐times and increased procedural‐costs. We report the feasibility/safety of TLE using conscious‐sedation alone with immediate GA/cardiac‐surgery back‐up if needed.MethodsRetrospective case‐series of consecutive TLEs performed using conscious‐sedation alone between March 2016 and December 2019. All were performed in the electrophysiology‐laboratory using intravenous Fentanyl, Midazolam/Diazepam with a stepwise approach using locking‐stylets/cutting‐sheaths, including mechanical‐sheaths. Baseline patient‐characteristics, procedural‐details and TLE outcomes (including procedure‐related complications/death) were recorded.ResultsA total of 130 leads were targeted in 54 patients, mean age ± SD 74.6 ± 11.8years, 47(87%) males; dual‐chamber pacemakers (n = 26; 48%), cardiac resynchronization therapy‐defibrillators (n = 17; 31%) and defibrillators (n = 8; 15%) were commonest extracted devices. Mean ± SD/median (range) lead‐dwell times were 11.0 ± 8.8/8.3 (0.3‐37) years, respectively. Extraction indications included systemic infection (n = 23; 43%) and lead/pulse‐generator erosion (n = 27; 50%); mean 2.1 ± 2.0 leads were removed per procedure/mean procedure‐time was 100 ± 54 min. Local anesthetic (LA) was used for all (mean‐dose: 33 ± 8 ml 1% lidocaine), IV drug‐doses used (mean ± SD) were: midazolam: 3.95 ± 2.44 mg, diazepam: 4.69 ± 0.89 mg and fentanyl: 57 ± 40 µg. Complete lead‐extraction was achieved in 110 (85%) leads, partial lead‐extraction (<4 cm‐fragment remaining) in 5 (4%) leads. Sedation‐related hypotension requiring IV fluids occurred in 2 (managed without adverse‐consequences) and hypoxia requiring additional airway‐management in none. No procedural deaths occurred, one patient required emergency cardiac surgery for localized ventricular perforation, nine had minor complications (transient hypotension/bradycardia/pericardial effusion not requiring intervention).ConclusionTLE undertaken using LA/conscious‐sedation was safe/feasible in our series and associated with good clinical outcome/low procedural complications. Reduced risk of aerosolization of COVID‐19 and quicker patient recovery/reduced anesthetic risk are potential benefits that warrant further study.
Interspecific root interactions increase maize yields in intercropping with different companion crops
Authors: Schwerdtner Ulrike , Spohn Marie 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundIntercropping is assumed to increase food production while reducing fertilizer needs and environmental impacts of crop production.AimsWe aimed to (1) investigate the effects of intercropping on yields and nutrient uptake of maize, and (2) determine the relative contributions of above‐ and belowground interspecific interactions (RCabove/below) to these effects.MethodsWe conducted a 2‐year, small‐scale field experiment with maize grown either in monocropping or intercropped with faba bean, soy, blue lupin, or white mustard as companion crop. We included a treatment in which interspecific root interactions were restricted due to barriers in the soil. Maize and companion crops were analyzed for yields, and maize additionally for nutrient uptake. Maize partial land equivalent ratios (pLER), partial nitrogen and phosphorus equivalent ratios (pNER, pPER), and RCabove/below were calculated.ResultsIntercropping resulted in a similar productivity of maize as in monocropping on an area basis. Maize pLER, pNER, and pPER were larger than 1.0 in several species combinations, indicating a positive effect of intercropping on maize yields and N and P uptake. Interspecific root interactions accounted for 62–85% of the maize yield increase in legume/maize intercropping, but for only 22% in mustard/maize intercropping.ConclusionOur results indicate that intercropping is beneficial for crop production since it increases maize yields and N and P uptake of maize plants, and it also provides yields of a companion crop. A substantial part of these positive effects can be attributed to interspecific root interactions.
Deep‐UV resonance Raman spectroscopy of hydrated and dehydrated model α‐helical transmembrane peptides in liposomes
Authors: Wei Xing , Jiji Renee D. , Zare Anahita , Lada Bryan , Li Xiyang , Greenlief C. Michael 
Published: September 2021

AbstractWater hydrogen bonding (H‐bonding) to α‐helical transmembrane (TM) peptides is fundamental to better understand the behavior and function of α‐helical peptides, disease pathways, and the development of new drugs. Deep‐UV resonance Raman (dUVRR) spectroscopy is a non‐destructive technique amenable to both lipophilic and aqueous environments, which is an excellent and convenient approach for studying water H‐bonding (or water accessibility) to α‐helical TM peptides in a membrane mimicking environment. The dUVRR results indicate that water molecules can access the lipid membrane and form H‐bonds with carbonyl groups along α‐helical backbones. Raman bands at ~1,629 and ~1,672 cm−1 can be used to monitor the hydration and dehydration conditions along TM α‐helices. Two bands at ~1,300 and ~1,340 cm−1 are also potential characteristic features of the dehydration and hydration along the α‐helices in a membrane environment.
Spontaneous Raman scattering in mixtures of light and heavy water
Authors: Gorelik Vladimir S. , Avakyants Lev P. , Skrabatun Alexander V. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe registration of spectra (in the range 10–4000 cm−1) of spontaneous Raman scattering in protium and deuterium water, as well as in its mixtures, is reported. The mixtures were prepared with different volume ratios of light and heavy water (from 5:1 to 1:9). As a result of taking into account the Bose factor in the low‐wavenumber region, bands corresponding to the cluster translational modes of water were found. A change in the Raman shift of cluster modes depending on the isotopic composition of a mixture of liquids was recorded. In the wavenumber range 1000–1700 cm−1, the manifestation of deformation modes of H2O, D2O, and HOD molecules was found in the Raman spectra. Stretching vibrations of mixtures of light and heavy water correspond to the wavenumber range of 2000–4000 cm−1. The obtained dependences of the scattered radiation intensity were used to construct difference spectra, which made it possible to determine the content of D2O molecules in light water. The presented experimental results are of interest for diagnosing the presence of deuterium water in the biosphere and for analyzing nonlinear optical processes in water.
Effect of surfactant concentration on the hydrophobicity of polydisperse alkyl ethoxylates
Authors: Acosta Edgar , Natali Sanja 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe effect of ethylene oxide number (EON) polydispersity on the phase behavior of alkyl ethoxylates has been well documented in the surfactant literature. These previous studies show that polydisperse alkyl ethoxylates appear more hydrophilic as the surfactant concentration decreases or as the oil‐to‐water ratio increases. This becomes a troubling issue considering that most surfactant formulations undergo dilution during use, and they experience a wide range of water‐to‐oil volume ratios. Within the hydrophilic–lipophilic difference framework, the surfactant hydrophobicity is assessed via the sigma (σ) term (also known as the characteristic curvature or Cc). In this work, the effect of surfactant concentration on the apparent value of sigma (σapp) is evaluated as a function of surfactant concentration. The experimental observations are then explained using a bifunctional model for alkyl ethoxylates that consider the dual nature of polar oils (free alcohol and low EON ethoxymers) as surfactants and as oil components. A segregation‐based model and a partition‐based model are implemented to account for the distribution of the ethoxymers in the surfactant pseudophase and the oil phase. Combining these distribution models with the bifunctional model and a group contribution model for sigma, one can predict the σ term versus surfactant concentration for a given water/oil ratio, starting from the EON distribution of the surfactant. The practical applications of the model are discussed.
Short rotation willow on the Prairie Potholes' degraded marginal riparian lands: A potential land‐use practice to manage soil salinity
Authors: Shahariar Shayeb , Soolanayakanahally Raju , Bedard‐Haughn Angela 
Published: September 2021

AbstractLand‐use practice shift in the wetland riparian zone can influence groundwater table (GWT) fluctuations and salts dynamics, potentially leading to soil salinization. The risk of soil salinization linked with high water tables could be better managed by using high growing capacity and deep‐rooted phreatophytic vegetation via the 'biodrainage' approach. We evaluated the impacts of short rotation willow (SRW; Salix dasyclados Wimm.) plantation on soil and groundwater salinity linked to shallow GWT fluctuations and compared with adjacent annual crop (AC) and pasture (PA) in a field experiment. Groundwater salinity (ECgw) along with depth to GWT and soil salinity (ECsoil at 0–60 cm depth) were measured along transects within each land‐use practice in two Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) wetland sites (A and B). The variations in ECgw were significant (p < 0.05) across land‐uses; however, inconsistent in both sites. The positive correlation with ECgw, ECsoil, and total dissolved salts (TDS) indicated higher salinity and salt accumulation with increased depth to GWT in both sites. The ECsoil varied significantly (p < 0.05) among land‐use practices; however, land‐use patterns were not consistent in both sites. Throughout the experimentation, site B consistently exhibited higher ECsoil (two‐fold) than site A. We observed a decreasing inclination in ECsoil with increasing SRW biomass at both depths (i.e., 0–30 and 30–60 cm) and vice versa. This study refines our knowledge of SRW plantation‐linked potential hydrological alteration and its implication on salinity, which provides a critical context for degraded marginal riparian wetland soil management in the PPR.
Fabrication and characterization of glutathione‐responsive nanoparticles from the disulfide bond‐bridged block copolymer
Authors: Shi Yongli , Yang Mingbo , Pan Xiaofei , Yu Shasha , Wang Xiao 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to fabricate novel nanoparticles (NPs) from a single disulfide bond‐bridged block copolymer poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate)‐S‐S‐polycaprolactone (PHEMA‐S‐S‐PCL). The novel biomaterial was synthesized by ring‐opening polymerization and reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. The cargo‐free NPs were fabricated with the solvent evaporation method, and studies on NPs' characterizations were carried out. The hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra confirmed the synthesis of PHEMA‐S‐S‐PCL copolymer. Thermo‐gravimetric analysis curves indicated that the obtained PHEMA‐S‐S‐PCL copolymer had good thermostability. Transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scatter results suggested that the cargo‐free NPs were in round shapes with an average diameter of 103.6 ± 0.12 nm. The low critical micelle concentration of cargo‐free NPs (7.9 × 10−4 mg/ml) indicated that these NPs would keep their spherical shapes after being attenuated by abundant liquid (e.g., blood or body fluid). Furthermore, these NPs showed high stability at the presence of bovine serum albumin. Therefore, it could be speculated that these NPs would not be absorbed by proteins in blood, and they could be used as a candidate carrier for drug delivery.
How I approach disease‐modifying therapy in children with sickle cell disease in an era of novel therapies
Authors: Karkoska Kristine , McGann Patrick T. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractFinally,after decades of stagnation, the therapeutic landscape for sickle cell disease (SCD) is changing with an increasing number of novel therapeutics. Hydroxyurea remains the primary disease‐modifying therapy and, when started early in life with maintenance of an optimal dose, can reduce many SCD‐related complications. To complement hydroxyurea, there are a growing number of pharmacologic options with additional efforts focused on the development and optimization of curative therapies. Here, we review current treatment options and provide recommendations as to how to approach the treatment of children and adolescents within this evolving therapeutic landscape to allow for full and healthy lives.
Impact of graphene oxide nanoparticles and carbon black on the gamma radiation sensitization of acrylonitrile–butadiene rubber seal materials
Authors: Eyssa Hanan. M. , Elnaggar Mona Y. , Zaky Magdy M. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractSeals prepared from acrylonitrile–butadiene rubber (NBR) are primarily used in nuclear services. Nevertheless, at relatively high ionizing radiation doses, NBR seal materials may undergo radiation‐induced degradation processes, leading to adverse effects on the sealing ability life. Herein, to strengthen the functional characteristics of NBR seals against radiation, graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles were prepared and characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and ultraviolet/visible spectroscopies. Various NBR/GO composites fabricated with different ratios of GO nanoparticles and in the presence or absence of carbon black (CB) were investigated via cross‐linking density, scanning electron microscopy, XRD, FTIR, and mechanical and thermal stability analyses. The synergistic effect of the simultaneous presence of GO and CB on the NBR seal sensitization to gamma radiation up to a dose of 1 MGy was studied. The physicomechanical properties were enhanced by adding GO nanosheets up to 3 phr and by incorporating 35 phr of a CB with GO until 5 phr. Further, the application of γ‐irradiation resulted in an overall enhancement in the mechanical, physical, and thermal stability of the prepared composites up to 0.5 and 1 MGy with GO nanosheets in the absence or presence of CB particles, respectively. The mechanical measurements indicated significant increments by loading with GO nanosheets in the absence and presence of CB as well as by irradiation. The tensile strength elevated up to about 121%, 336%, and 366% by adding 3 phr GO, 3 GO:35 CB phr, and 5 GO:35 CB phr, respectively.
Outcomes of early repeat sweat testing in infants with cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator‐related metabolic syndrome/CF screen‐positive, inconclusive diagnosis
Authors: Terlizzi Vito , Claut Laura , Colombo Carla , Tosco Antonella , Castaldo Alice , Fabrizzi Benedetta , Lucarelli Marco , Cimino Giuseppe , Carducci Carla , Dolce Daniela , Biffi Arianna , Bonomi Paolo , Timpano Silviana , Padoan Rita 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundReaching early and definitive diagnosis in infants with cystic fibrosis (CF) transmembrane conductance regulator‐related metabolic syndrome (CRMS)/CF screen‐positive, inconclusive diagnosis (CFSPID) is a priority of all CF newborn screening programs. Currently, sweat testing (ST) is the gold standard for CF diagnosis or exclusion. We assessed outcomes in a cohort of Italian CRMS/CFSPID infants who underwent repeat ST in the 1st year of life.MethodsThis multicentre, prospective study analysed clinical data and outcomes in CRMS/CFSPID infants born between September 1, 2018, and December 31, 2019, and followed until June 30, 2020. All subjects underwent CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene sequencing and the search for CFTR macrodeletions/macroduplications, and repeat ST in the 1st year of life.ResultsFifty subjects (median age at end of follow‐up, 16 months [range, 7–21 months]) were enrolled. Forty‐one (82%) had the first sweat chloride (SC) in the intermediate range. During follow up, 150 STs were performed (range, 1–7/infant). After a median follow‐up of 8.5 months (range, 1–16.2 months), 11 (22%) subjects were definitively diagnosed as follows: CF (n = 2 [4%]) at 2 and 5 months, respectively; healthy carrier (n = 8 [16%]), at a median age of 4 months (range, 2–8 months); and healthy (n = 1 [2%]) at 2 months of age. Inconclusive diagnosis remained in 39 (78%) infants.ConclusionsEarly repeat ST in the 1st year of life can shorten the time to definitive diagnosis in screening positive subjects with initial SC levels in the intermediate range.
Metal Oxides/Carbon Black (MOs/CB) Composites and Their Effect on the Thermal Decomposition of Ammonium Perchlorate
Authors: Ukhin Konstantin O. , Kondrashova Natalia B. , Valtsifer Victor A. , Oshchepkova Tamara E. , Savastyanova Maria A. , Strelnikov Vladimir N. , Mokrushin Ivan G. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThis paper deals with metal oxides/carbon black (MOs/CB) composites and their influence on the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate. It is shown that the developed synthesis method can be used to form the nanosized metal oxide coating on the surface of the carbon carrier. The SEM and DLS data demonstrate that the particle size for the MOs/CB catalysts ranges from 200 to 500 nm. The XRD analysis has revealed that the bivalent copper and nickel oxides are formed on the surface of the carbon support. The DSC study on the effect of MOs/CB on the thermolysis of ammonium perchlorate shows that the MOs/CB catalysts contribute to a lowering in the peak temperatures of the low and high temperature AP decomposition stages. It has also been found that bioxide MOs / CB catalysts are more efficient in this case than monoxide catalysts. The evaluation of mass spectrometry results for the decomposition products of AP formed in the presence of carbon‐based mono‐ and bioxide catalysts makes it possible to conclude that the carbon base of metal oxide catalysts causes the low‐temperature AP decomposition to proceed deep in the composite. MOs/CB catalysts, in turn, ensure a more complete decomposition of ammonium perchlorate followed by the formation of a greater number of oxidized and reduced forms of low molecular weight composites. It has been established that, for bioxide MOs/CB catalysts, the amount of chlorine formed exceeds the corresponding value for pure AP by more than ∼4 times.
A modeling framework to quantify the effects of compaction on soil water retention and infiltration
Authors: Ngo‐Cong Duc , Antille Diogenes L. , Th. van Genuchten Martinus , Nguyen Hung Q. , Tekeste Mehari Z. , Baillie Craig P. , Godwin Richard J. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe water retention curve (WRC) of arable soils from the southeastern United States at different levels of compaction (no compaction, and 10 and 20% increases in soil bulk density) was estimated using the van Genuchten–Mualem (VG) model. The VG water retention parameters of the noncompacted soils were obtained first by fitting measured soil hydraulic data. To construct the WRC of the compacted soils, gravimetric values of the permanent wilting point (θgw, 1,500 kPa) and the residual (θgr) water content were assumed to remain unchanged with compaction. The VG parameter α and exponent η after compaction were estimated using two approaches. In Approach 1, α and η were estimated from saturation, the permanent wilting point, and the residual water content. In Approach 2, the value of η was assumed to remain unchanged with compaction, which allowed α to be estimated immediately from the VG equation. Approach 2 was found to give slightly better agreement with measured data than Approach 1. The effect of compaction on the saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) was predicted using semitheoretical approaches and the VG‐WRC function. HYDRUS‐1D was further used to simulate vertical infiltration into a single‐layered soil profile to determine the impact of compaction on the infiltration characteristics of the soils used in our analyses. Results showed that a 10–20% increase in soil bulk density, due to compaction, reduced cumulative infiltration (Ic) at time T = Tfinal (steady‐state) by 55–82%, and the available water storage capacity by 3–49%, depending upon soil type.