bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Formal models for the study of the relationship between fluctuating asymmetry and fitness in humans
Authors: Farrera Arodi 
Published: July 2022

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate three of the main verbal models that have been proposed to explain the relationship between fluctuating asymmetry and fitness in humans: the “good genes,” the “good development,” and the “growth” hypotheses.Materials and MethodsA formal model was generated for each verbal model following three steps. First, based on the literature, a theoretical causal model and the theoretical object of inquiry were outlined. Second, an empirical causal model and the targets of inference were defined using observational data of facial asymmetries and life‐history traits related to fitness. Third, generalized linear models and causal inference were used as the estimation strategy.ResultsThe results suggest that the theoretical and empirical assumptions of the “good genes” hypothesis should be reformulated. The results were compatible with most of the empirical assumptions of “the good development” hypothesis but suggest that further discussion of its theoretical assumptions is needed. The results were less informative about the “growth” hypothesis, both theoretically and empirically. There was a positive association between facial fluctuating asymmetry and the number of offspring that was not compatible with any of the empirical causal models evaluated.ConclusionsAlthough the three hypotheses focus on different aspects of the link between asymmetry and fitness, their overlap opens the possibility of a unified theory on the subject. The results of this study make explicit which assumptions need to be updated and discussed, facilitating the advancement of this area of research. Overall, this study elucidates the potential benefit of using formal models for theory revision and development.
The evolutionary history of infectious disease in the ancient Americas and the pathogenic consequences of European contact
Authors: Joseph Sophie K. , Lindo John 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe increasing availability of next generation sequencing techniques in recent decades has led to new discoveries, and sometimes the redefinition of conventional hypotheses, regarding many complex human‐pathogen evolutionary relationships. These new discoveries are particularly poignant in studies of the Americas, where research into Indigenous ancestry and migration has historically been ignored. As a result, conventional hypotheses regarding the origin of global pathogens like tuberculosis, syphilis, and malaria in the Americas and their spread within the continents have been mischaracterized. Fortunately, recent studies using molecular techniques have now superseded these missteps, which were often based in anecdotal accounts from colonial missionary reports rather than rigorous scientific study. It is now clear that there was not a unidirectional pipeline of pathogen introduction that began with European contact; instead, a rich and varied microbiological landscape already existed in the Americas. This synthesis of research regarding the origin and spread of pathogens in the Americas examines the scope of this changing perception within the fields of paleogenomics and paleomicrobiology.
Complex‐Amplitude Metasurface Design Assisted by Deep Learning
Authors: Yang Yang , Zhang Xiaohu , Liu Kaifeng , Zhang Haimo , Shi Lintong , Song Shichao , Tang Dongliang , Guo Yongcai 
Published: July 2022

AbstractMetasurfaces can enable powerful manipulations for electromagnetic waves, thus many exotic functionalities have been realized. However, constrained by the complexity of metasurface‐modulated complex amplitudes (amplitude and phase), the design of complex‐amplitude metasurfaces sets a high threshold for researchers because of the requirement of plenty of specialized knowledge. In this paper, a deep learning scheme that uses a forward surrogate network to assist complex‐amplitude metasurface design is proposed. The model is simple to construct and easy to converge in training. Accordingly, two complex‐amplitude multiplexing devices, which can simultaneously display a nanoprinting image at the device surface and one/two holographic images in the far field, are designed with the proposed network using the cross‐shaped meta‐atom. The results show that the demonstrated scheme can be used to design the complex‐amplitude metasurface devices easily and effectively once training of the network is completed, and the single‐layer smooth structure holds the advantage for the fabrication. The proposed method here is promising to realize designs of more complex‐amplitude meta‐devices, multi‐polarization, and multi‐wavelength multiplexing meta‐devices.
Thiol‐Disulfide Exchange as a Route for Endosomal Escape of Polymeric Nanoparticles
Authors: Kanjilal Pintu , Dutta Kingshuk , Thayumanavan S 
Published: July 2022

AbstractEndosomal entrapment has remained the major bottleneck for cytosolic delivery of nanoparticle‐based delivery systems. Uncovering fundamentally new pathways for endosomal escape is therefore highly sought. Herein, we report that disulfide bonds can enhance endosomal escape through contacts with cellular exofacial thiols, in addition to facilitating cellular uptake. Our results are supported through comparative analysis of polymeric nanogels with variable accessibility to disulfide bonds by placing these functionalities at the core or the shell of the nanogels. The findings here inform future chemical design of delivery vehicles.
Phase Separation of Heterogeneous Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein A1 upon Specific RNA‐Binding Observed by Magnetic Resonance**
Authors: Ritsch Irina , Lehmann Elisabeth , Emmanouilidis Leonidas , Yulikov Maxim , Allain Frédéric , Jeschke Gunnar 
Published: July 2022

AbstractInteraction of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNP A1) with specific single‐stranded RNA and its relation to liquid‐liquid phase separation (LLPS) were studied in vitro by magnetic resonance based on site‐directed spin labelling. An ensemble model of dispersed hnRNP A1 in the absence of RNA was derived from distance distributions between spin labelled sites and small angle X‐ray scattering. This model revealed a compact state of the low‐complexity domain and its interaction with the RNA recognition motifs. Paramagnetic relaxation enhancement NMR spectroscopy confirmed this interaction. Addition of RNA to dispersed hnRNP A1 induced liquid‐droplet formation. Such LLPS depended on RNA concentration and sequence, with continuous wave EPR spectroscopy showing an influence of RNA point mutations on local protein dynamics. We propose that an interplay of sequence‐specific RNA binding and LLPS contributes to regulation of specific RNA segregation during stress response.
Insights into the depolymerization of polyethylene terephthalate in methanol
Authors: Ma Meiyuan , Wang Shuai , Liu Yue , Yu Hailong , Yu Shitao , Ji Congcong , Li Haiyan , Nie Genkuo , Liu Shiwei 
Published: July 2022

AbstractWith concern to sustainable development, it is necessary to establish a recycling process of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Methanolysis of PET is promising for chemical recovery of PET and the products are mainly dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) and ethylene glycol (EG), but the conditions of state‐of‐art depolymerization are severe. Here, we synthesized ionic liquid [HO3S‐(CH2)3‐NEt3]Cl‐[ZnCl2]0.67with Brönsted–Lewis di‐acid and used it to efficiently catalyze the methanolysis of PET (mmethanol:mPETabout 4) at milder temperature of 195°C with yield of DMT about 78.4%. Reaction kinetics was studied and the result indicated the depolymerization of PET was a first‐order kinetic reaction with the apparent activation energy of DMT formation about 17.63 kJ mol−1. Random sampling experiment was also conducted and the results showd that DMT was the product of deep depolymerization of PET and two methanol molecules were needed to form DMT and EG in the depolymerization process. This study provides an efficient method to the recycling use of PET and wais significant to waste recovery and green environment.
Highly‐durable hydrophobic and adhesive coatings fabricated from graphene‐grafted methacrylate copolymers
Authors: Shi Chengyu , Zhang Yulei , Lu Xinyuan , He Zaozhen , Pan Aizhao , Chang Gang , He Ling 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe demand for highly‐durable protective coatings for use in extreme environments is continually growing, however, poor durability and adhesion restricted their practical applications. Herein, we prepared a novel solution‐processable graphene‐based copolymer for fabricating highly‐durable protective coatings. The random‐structured copolymer GO‐g‐(PMMA‐co‐PMPS) was prepared by graphene‐based initiator (GO‐g‐Cl) initiating methyl methacrylate (MMA) and 3‐methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPS) via surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI‐ATRP). The copolymers rendered the coatings with high transmittance (~95%), high hydrophobicity (water contact angles = 113.8 ± 2.13°), and strong adhesion (1.26–1.38 MPa). Tetrahydrofuran (THF)‐casted coating surface presented a higher Si content and greater surface roughness than that cast from dimethyl carbonate (DMC), yielding more hydrophobic coating than those cast from DMC. The coatings could be coated on different substrates (glass, aluminum, and sandstone); and besides, the structures and performance of the coatings remained unchanged, even exposing to acid/alkali, salt, and ultraviolet light irradiation. These high‐performance properties make the GO‐based copolymers ideal candidates for fabricating high‐durability protective coatings.
A new sliding mode controller for wind turbine pitch angle control
Authors: Esmaeili Jajarm Ali , Dideban Abbas , Ozgoli Sadjaad 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThis paper focuses on variable‐speed wind turbines where control is aimed at stabilizing the output power. A hybrid control algorithm is proposed which includes a new arrangement of two controllers along with an observer. Estimation of power coefficient via sliding mode observer reduces the amount of errors caused by changing the power coefficient parameter in different turbines. Moreover, the use of this special arrangement of sliding mode controller, proportional‐integral (PI) controller and sliding mode observer, removes one of the controller parameter denoting wind speed from the designed algorithm, which in turn eliminates disturbances related to wind speed changes. In order to show the efficiency of the proposed control method, the performances of the controllers are evaluated by simulation in MATLAB software.
Are local students disadvantaged? Understanding institutional, local and national sense of belonging in higher education
Authors: Ahn Mi Young , Davis Howard H. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractResearch on inequality in higher education (HE) is often dominated by class‐based assumptions about traditional and non‐traditional students. This binary distinction emphasising students’ socio‐economic status tends to oversimply the complexity of educational inequality, neglecting crucial factors which affect the perception of social position. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the understanding of inequalities in HE with new data on the meaning of locality, using evidence from comparative studies of institutions. Locality is interpreted as an inclusive concept capturing place identity as well as local attachments based on language, culture and the natural environment. The qualitative and quantitative data were collected from 192 participants in three distinctly different HE institutions, which were deliberately selected according to their socio‐economic, cultural, and institutional status. This mixed methods research confirms the importance of different types of belonging at institutional, local and national levels, and their different effects on student groups. The study captures to what extent geographical mobility is associated with social class, by examining students’ sense of belonging and their interpretation of locality in universities across Wales. It challenges the notion of disadvantaged background, and poses a critical question about cultural and geographical familiarity. This study therefore enriches the current debates about the impact of social inequality alongside social class on students’ belonging, success and retention in HE.
The reliability and validity test of subjective cognitive decline questionnaire 21 with population in a Chinese community
Authors: Hao Lixiao , Jia Jianguo , Xing Yue , Han Ying 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBackgroundSubjective cognitive decline‐questionnaire 9 (SCD‐Q9) was developed to detect SCD complaints at risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, our previous findings indicated that its coverage might be insufficient. To test this hypothesis, we recently translated SCD‐Q21.ObjectiveTo examine the reliability and validity of this translated SCD‐Q21 and to explore its effectiveness for discriminating MCI from controls.MethodsItem analysis was performed to understand its item discrimination and homogeneity. The Cronbach's α and Spearman‐Brown's split‐half coefficients were calculated to test its reliability. The Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) value, Bartlett's sphericity test, and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) were used to examine its construct validity. The content validity was evaluated using five‐grade Likert scale. Finally, the SCD‐Q21 scores in MCI and controls were compared.ResultsThe difference of each item between the extreme groups was significant. The Cronbach's α coefficient was .913 and Spearman‐Brown's split‐half coefficient was .894. When performing holding one‐out approach, the Cronbach's α coefficient ranged from .906 to .914. The KMO value was .929 and the difference of Bartlett's Sphericity test was significant. All experts scored 5 points when assessing its content. Finally, a significant difference of score was found between MCI and NC groups.ConclusionsThe reliability and validity of the SCD‐Q21 are good, which may pave a way for its application in a wider Chinese‐speaking population.
ITGB1 as a prognostic biomarker correlated with immune suppression in gastric cancer
Authors: Gu Wenchao , Sun Hui , Zhang Meng , Mo Shaocong , Tan Cong , Ni Shujuan , Yang Zongcheng , Wang Yulin , Sheng Weiqi , Wang Lei 
Published: July 2022

AbstractIntroductionGastric cancer is one of the common malignant tumors with a high incidence and mortality in China. Prognostic biomarkers and potential predictors of the treatment efficacy of gastric cancer urgently need to be identified. Integrin‐β (ITGB) is a superfamily of integrins and is involved in cell adhesion, tissue repair, immune response, and tumor metastasis.MethodsWe analyzed ITGB1 expression in our hospital samples of the gastric cancer cohort. And the public data of The Cancer Genome Atlas stomach adenocarcinoma (TCGA‐STAD), The Asian Cancer Research Group (ACRG)/GSE62254, and GSE15459 data sets were analyzed by using the bioinformatic methods. The relationships between ITGB1 expression and clinicopathological features, patient prognosis, activation of the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway, and tumor immunosuppressive factors were also explored.ResultsThe positive rate of ITGB1 expression in the Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center gastric cancer tumor tissues was 61.4% (258/420) and correlated with deep invasion (p = 0.017), an advanced clinical stage (p = 0.011), and a poor prognosis (p < 0.05). The TCGA‐STAD/ACRG/GSE15459 cohorts also showed similar results. ITGB1 is one of the upstream molecules of the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway and is correlated with tumor immune suppression. In gastric cancer, we found a correlation between ITGB1 expression and Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway activity. In the TCGA‐STAD/ACRG/GSE15459 cohorts, ITGB1 expression was positively associated with immunosuppressive factors and negatively associated with immunoactive factors. Patients with low ITGB1 expression exhibited a significantly high immunotherapy response ratio according to an analysis of tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE), which may indicate that ITGB1 is a potential predictor of immunotherapy efficacy.ConclusionsITGB1 affects the prognosis in gastric cancer patients and plays a core role in immune suppression in gastric cancer.
Application of biologics for ridge preservation/reconstruction after implant removal
Authors: Monje Alberto , Suárez‐López del Amo Fernando 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this review was aimed at providing the rationale supported with a series of cases to apply biologics to enhance orchestrating the healing process at implant removal sites.SummaryImplant removal is commonly applied on a daily basis, in particular, in cases that exhibit esthetic failures linked to inadequate implant position or in cases of advanced peri‐implantitis. Implant removal sites differ substantially from tooth extraction sockets. Implants are ankylosed within the alveolar bone, which therefore have neither mechanoreception nor the elasticity provided by periodontal ligament fibers. As a result, the bone‐to‐implant contact must be disrupted by means of using a reverse‐torque device to minimize trauma. It is possible that the surrounding bone provides limited vascularity, which may interfere with the healing and bone forming process within the socket. Therefore, the use of biologics may enhance this healing and accelerate bone formation in sites where implants are removed due to hopeless functional or esthetic prognoses.ConclusionThe use of biologics, in particular autologous blood‐derived products, may enhance and boost the healing process to potentiate bone availability at a later stage during implant placement.
Phenolic Content and in Vitro Antioxidant, Anti‐Inflammatory and antimicrobial Evaluation of Algerian Ruta graveolens L.
Authors: Mokhtar Meriem , Youcefi Fatma , Keddari Soumia , Saimi Yahia , Otsmane Elhaou Siham , Cacciola Francesco 
Published: July 2022

AbstractPlants constitute a valuable source of natural antioxidants such as polyphenols and are responsible for exhibiting many biologically significant functions. Ruta species including Ruta chalepensis L. and Ruta graveolens L. are widespread species in Algeria and are used as medicinal plants to treat various diseases; however, so far, most of the conducted studies focused on analyzing alkaloids and essential oils mostly on R. chalepensis. The aim of the present research is to investigate the phenolic profile of the aerial parts of Ruta graveolens L. from Algeria and assess its in vitro antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. The total polyphenols and flavonoids were assessed using colorimetric methods, and the individual polyphenols were identified and quantified using HPLC‐DAD‐ESI‐MS. The antioxidant activity was evaluated with DPPH and β‐carotene tests, and the anti‐inflammatory activity with inhibition of bovine serum albumin denaturation and HRBC membrane stabilization methods. The results showed that Ruta graveolens extract is rich in phenolic compounds with a total phenol and flavonoid contents of 41.63±0.394 mg GAE/gE and 13.97±0.33 mg EQ/gE, respectively. Nine phenolic compounds were determined, including three phenolic acids and six flavonoids. Rutin was the major phenolic compound in Ruta graveolens (464.95 μg/g), followed by syringic acid (179.74 μg/g), and naringenin (109.78 μg/g). R. graveolens phenolic extract also showed good antioxidant activity with values of 0.77 mM TE/g DW and 0.37 mM β‐CE/g DW with DPPH and β‐carotene tests, respectively. For the anti‐inflammatory activity, the highest tested concentration (200 μg/mL) gave 50.61 % of inhibition of the denaturation of albumin and 44.12 % of membrane stabilization. With regards to antimicrobial results, Staphylococcus aureus was the most sensitive bacteria with an inhibition zone of 14.37 mm and MIC value of 0.625 mg/mL, followed by Listeria monocytogenes (11.75 mm and MIC=1.25 mg/mL), and Escherichia coli (10.25 mm and MIC=1.25 mg/mL).
Nickel and Palladium Catalyzed C−H Trifluoromethylation using Trifluoromethyliodide: Investigations into New Reactivity
Authors: Solomon Nicholas S. D. , Bhadbhade Mohan , Tian Ruoming , Keaveney Sinead T. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractDue to the prevalence of the trifluoromethyl group (CF3) in high‐value organic compounds, there is a constant demand for more selective, efficient and economical trifluoromethylation strategies. In this report we present detailed experimental and computational investigations into the use of cheap and atom‐economical CF3I in transition metal catalyzed trifluoromethylation. The mechanistic insight gained allowed novel C−H trifluoromethylation processes to be developed, using both palladium and nickel catalysis. The reported methodology is remarkably selective for C−H trifluoromethylation, with substituents such as amino, nitro, bromo and aldehydes tolerated. Our experimental and computational studies suggest that radical species are not involved, and that the key C−H activation step is facilitated by an unusual difluorocarbene intermediate. Importantly, arylCF3 formation occurs through unique arylCF2‐F based reductive elimination, likely from Pd(II)/Ni(II) but potentially through oxidatively‐induced reductive elimination from Pd(IV)/Ni(IV). This is the first example of nickel‐mediated trifluoromethylation where reductive elimination from nickel can occur in a catalytic manner.
Structural Variety of Niobium(V) Polyoxo Clusters Obtained from the Reaction with Aromatic Monocarboxylic Acids: Isolation of {Nb2O}, {Nb4O4} and {Nb8O12} Cores
Authors: Andriotou Despoina , Duval Sylvain , Volkringer Christophe , Trivelli Xavier , Shepard William E. , Loiseau Thierry 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe reactivity of aryl monocarboxylic acids (benzoic, 1‐ or 2‐naphtoic, 4’‐methylbiphenyl‐4‐carboxylic, and anthracene‐9‐carboxylic acids) as complexing agents for the ethoxide niobium(V) (Nb(OEt)5 precursor has been investigated. A total of eight coordination complexes were isolated with distinct niobium(V) nuclearities as well as carboxylate complexation states. The use of benzoic acid gives a tetranuclear core Nb4(μ2‐O)4(L)4(OEt)8] (L=benzoate (1)) with four Nb−(μ2‐O)−Nb linkages in a square plane configuration. A similar tetramer, 7, was obtained with 2‐naphtoic acid by using a 55 % humid atmosphere synthetic route. Two types of dinuclear brick were identified with one central Nb−(μ2‐O)−Nb linkage; they differ in their complexation state, with one bridging carboxylate ([Nb2(μ2‐O)(μ2‐OEt)(L)(OEt)6], with L=1‐naphtoate (3) or anthracene‐9‐carboxylate (5)) or two bridging carboxylate groups ([Nb2(μ2‐O)(L)2(OEt)6], with L=4’‐methylbiphenyl‐4‐carboxylic (4) or anthracene‐9‐carboxylate (6)). An octanuclear moiety [Nb8(μ2‐O)12(L)8(η1‐L)4−x(OEt)4+x] (with L=2‐naphtoate, x=0 or 2; 8) was obtained by using a solvothermal route in acetonitrile; it has a cubic configuration with niobium centers at each node, linked by 12 μ2‐O groups. The formation of the niobium oxo clusters was characterized by infrared and liquid 1H NMR spectroscopy in order to analyze the esterification reaction, which induces the release of water molecules that further react through oxolation with niobium atoms, in different {Nb2O}, {Nb4O4} and {Nb8O12} nuclearities.