bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the effects of compound paralogousEPHBreceptor mutations on mouse facial development
Authors: Mincer Sarah T. , Niethamer Terren K. , Teng Teng , Bush Jeffrey O. , Percival Christopher J.
Published: January 2022

Background: Variation in facial shape may arise from the combinatorial or overlapping actions of paralogous genes. Given its many members, and overlapping expression and functions, the EPH receptor family is a compelling candidate source of craniofacial morphological variation. We performed a detailed morphometric analysis of an allelic series of E14.5Ephb1‐3receptor mutants to determine the effect of each paralogous receptor gene on craniofacial morphology.

Results: We found thatEphb1,Ephb2, andEphb3genotypes significantly influenced facial shape, butEphb1effects were weaker thanEphb2andEphb3effects.Ephb2−/−andEphb3−/−mutations affected similar aspects of facial morphology, butEphb3−/−mutants had additional facial shape effects. Craniofacial differences across the allelic series were largely consistent with predicted additive genetic effects. However, we identified a potentially important nonadditive effect whereEphb1mutants displayed different morphologies depending on the combination of otherEphbparalogs present, whereEphb1+/−,Ephb1−/−, andEphb1−/−;Ephb3−/−mutants exhibited a consistent deviation from their predicted facial shapes.

Conclusions: This study provides a detailed assessment of the effects ofEphbreceptor gene paralogs on E14.5 mouse facial morphology and demonstrates how the loss of specific receptors contributes to facial dysmorphology.
Eating disorders in the U.S. Medicare population
Authors: Presskreischer Rachel , Steinglass Joanna E. , Anderson Kelly E.
Published: January 2022

Objective

The social and economic burden of eating disorders is significant and often financially devastating. Medicare is the largest public insurer in the United States and provides coverage for older adults and some disabled individuals. This study explores prevalence, sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and health care spending for Medicare enrollees with eating disorders.

Method

A cross‐sectional study was conducted with the nationally representative 20% sample of 2016 Medicare inpatient, outpatient, carrier, and home health fee‐for‐service claims and Medicare Advantage encounter records. Sociodemographic characteristics and comorbid somatic conditions were compared between individuals with versus without an eating disorder diagnosis. Mean spending was compared overall and separately for inpatient, outpatient, home health, and pharmacy claims.

Results

The sample included 11,962,287 Medicare enrollees of whom 0.15% had an eating disorder diagnosis. Compared to those without a 2016 eating disorder diagnosis, a greater proportion of individuals with an eating disorder were female (73.8% vs. 54.3%), under age 65 (41.6% vs. 15.5%), and dually eligible for Medicaid due to disability or low‐income qualification (48.0% vs. 19.6%). Individuals with eating disorders had higher rates of comorbid conditions, with the greatest differences in cardiac arrythmias (35.3% vs. 19.9%), arthritis (40.1% vs. 26.6%), and thyroid conditions (32.2% vs. 19.4%). Spending was higher for enrollees with eating disorders compared to those without overall ($29,456 vs. $7,418) and across settings.

Discussion

The findings establish that eating disorders occur in the Medicare population, and that enrollees with these illnesses have risk factors associated with significant healthcare spending and adverse health outcomes.
Guidelines for standardizing T‐cell cytometry assays to link biomarkers, mechanisms, and disease outcomes in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Yang Jennie H. M. , Ward‐Hartstonge Kirsten A. , Perry Daniel J. , Blanchfield J. Lori , Posgai Amanda L. , Wiedeman Alice E. , Diggins Kirsten , Rahman Adeeb , Tree Timothy I. M. , Brusko Todd M. , Levings Megan K. , James Eddie A. , Kent Sally C. , Speake Cate , Homann Dirk , Long S. Alice ,   The Immunology of Diabetes Society T‐Cell Cytometry Group
Published: January 2022

Cytometric immunophenotyping is a powerful tool to discover and implement T‐cell biomarkers of type 1 diabetes (T1D) progression and response to clinical therapy. Although many discovery‐based T‐cell biomarkers have been described, to date, no such markers have been widely adopted in standard practice. The heterogeneous nature of T1D and lack of standardized assays and experimental design across studies is a major barrier to the broader adoption of T‐cell immunophenotyping assays. There is an unmet need to harmonize the design of immunophenotyping assays, including those that measure antigen‐agnostic cell populations, such that data collected from different clinical trial sites and T1D cohorts are comparable, yet account for cohort‐specific features and different drug mechanisms of action. In these Guidelines, we aim to provide expert advice on how to unify aspects of study design and practice. We provide recommendations for defining cohorts, method implementation, as well as tools for data analysis and reporting by highlighting and building on selected successes. Harmonization of cytometry‐based T‐cell assays will allow researchers to better integrate findings across trials, ultimately enabling the identification and validation of biomarkers of disease progression and treatment response in T1D.
Theoretical Study on Si−Cl Bond Activation in Pd‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling of Chlorosilanes with Organoaluminum
Authors: Naganawa Yuki , Nakajima Yumiko , Sakaki Shigeyoshi , Kameo Hajime
Published: January 2022

The catalytic cross‐coupling of chlorosilanes has recently emerged as an efficient method for the synthesis of organic silicon compounds. Direct Si−Cl bond activation by transition metals is a key elementary reaction in these methods. This theoretical study aimed to elucidate the mechanism of activation of the strong Si−Cl bond in Pd‐catalyzed coupling reaction to gain insights for rational catalyst design. Our results suggest two plausible pathways for the bond activation: (i) trans‐oxidative addition and (ii) SN2‐type oxidative addition assisted by a Lewis acid. With an increase in Cl substituents of chlorosilanes, trans‐oxidative addition highly feasible due to their higher Lewis acidities, in which the facile formation of the Pd→Si interaction enables the smooth activation of the Si−Cl bond. The general mechanism of direct Si−Cl bond activation presented here may prove useful for the rational design of catalysis in the future.
Conversion of a CO–CO2 co‐feed with a porous tubular copper catalyst at low potential
Authors: Sustronk Anne Clara , Benes Nieck Edwin , Mul Guido
Published: January 2022

In the electrochemical reduction of CO2, copper electrodes are well known to be active and selective for a variety of products, depending on process conditions. However, the effect of feed composition on performance has not been extensively investigated, especially with respect to the conversion of CO2 to CO. We now show for copper electrodes in a porous tubular configuration (Hollow Fibre Electrodes, HFEs) at a relatively low working potential (−1.1 V vs Ag/AgCl), that an increasing concentration of CO in the feed results in a decreasing CO2 conversion rate to CO. Contrary, it is observed that the concomitant hydrogen production rate does not depend on the concentration of CO in the feed. These observations are in good agreement with thermodynamic predictions applying the equation for the Gibbs energy of reaction. On the basis of this conclusion, we anticipate that mass transfer limitations are minimized by the tubular morphology and flow‐through mode of operation. Most importantly, this study shows the necessity of a low CO concentration in the feed, to obtain a high CO2 conversion rate.
An aqueous zinc‐ion battery working at −50°C enabled by low‐concentration perchlorate‐based chaotropic salt electrolyte
Authors: Yang Guoshen , Huang Jialei , Wan Xuhao , Liu Binbin , Zhu Yachao , Wang Jiawei , Fontaine Olivier , Luo Shiqiang , Hiralal Pritesh , Guo Yuzheng , Zhou Hang
Published: January 2022

Rechargeable aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) have been considered as a promising candidate for the large‐scale energy storage device owing to their low cost and high safety. However, the practical application of aqueous ZIBs at low temperature environment is hindered by the freezing aqueous electrolytes, which leads to a sharp drop in ionic conductivity, and thereby a rapid deterioration of battery performance. Herein, a chaotropic salt electrolyte based on low concentration aqueous Zn(ClO4)2 with superior ionic conductivity under low temperature (4.23 mS/cm at −50°C) is reported. The anti‐freezing methodology introduced here is completely different from conventional freeze‐resistant design of using “water‐in‐salt” electrolyte, cosolvents, or anti‐freezing agent additives strategy. Experimental analysis and molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the as‐prepared Zn(ClO4)2 electrolyte possesses faster ionic migration compared with other commonly used Zn‐based salts (i.e., Zn(CF3SO3)2 and ZnSO4) electrolyte. It is found that Zn(ClO4)2 electrolyte can suppress the ice crystal construction by forming more hydrogen bonds between solute ClO4− and solvent H2O molecules, thus leading to a superior anti‐freezing property. The fabricated ZIBs using this aqueous electrolyte exhibits a dramatically enhanced specific capacity, remarkable rate capability, and great cycling stability over a wide temperature range, from −50 to 25°C. The aqueous ZIBs also exhibit an outstanding energy density of 238.4 Wh/kg without compromising the power density (7.9 kW/kg) under −20°C. Moreover, the assembled aqueous ZIBs can also cycle stably over 1000 cycles at an ultra‐low −50°C. The high‐safety and cost‐effective chaotropic salt electrolyte presented here is a promising strategy for low temperature energy storage application.

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Adjacent channel interference suppression based on spectral extrapolation to enhance electromagnetic compatibility of co‐site radio devices
Authors: Huo Xiaolei , Guo Wenbo , Liu Ying , Zhao Hongzhi , Tang Youxi
Published: January 2022

Interference suppression is an effective technique to enhance the electromagnetic compatibility of co‐site radio devices. In adjacent channel interference (ACI) suppression, a wideband analog‐to‐digital converter (ADC) is always required to sample the nonlinear characteristics of the interference signal to reconstruct the ACI, resulting in a significant increase in the cost of the receiver. To solve the problem, this article adopts spectral extrapolation in the ACI suppression. First, narrowband bandpass filter and ADC are employed to sample the in‐band component of the interference signal. Second the original wideband signal is recovered from the filtered signal by an inverse filter. Finally, the recovered signal is used for ACI reconstruction and cancellation. Simulation and experimental results show that when the adjacent channel leakage ratio is 45 dBc, the proposed method can achieve ACI suppression performance equivalent to that of the wideband ADC method. However, the required ADC sampling rate is only 1/3 of that of the wideband ADC.
A new record of bloodstain lichen (Haematomma) from Southern Western Ghats to the Indian biota
Authors: Rajaprabu Nagaraj , Ponmurugan Ponnusamy
Published: January 2022

Recent explorations in Megamalai Tiger reserve and Wildlife sanctuary in Tamil Nadu has resulted in the documentation of new bloodstain lichen, Haematomma collatum Haematommone with UV negative taxonomic species. It has been collected for the first time and hence it forms a new record for India. A detailed description of Haematommaceae, Taxonomical keys and Photographs are provided for rapid identification.
Exploring different possibilities for second‐order well‐balanced Lagrange‐projection numerical schemes applied to shallow water Exner equations
Authors: Chalons Christophe , Del Grosso Alessia
Published: January 2022

This work is devoted to the numerical approximation of the shallow water Exner system. We investigate three different numerical strategies to discretize the Exner equation which expresses the evolution in time of the bed sediment. The numerical schemes are all based on the Lagrange‐projection formalism which consists in splitting the mathematical model into the acoustic and transport system. In particular, the Exner equation is taken into account either in the acoustic and transport steps, or only at the acoustic or transport level. The methods and their second‐order extensions are designed in such a way to satisfy the well‐balanced property, namely the “lake at rest” and the “constant bed slope” steady states. Numerical evidences are given to validate the numerical schemes.
Petrogenesis and tectonic implications of Maoniushan monzogranites in the western margin of the Yangtze Block, Southwest China: Constraints from geochemistry, zircon U–Pb geochronology, and Hf–Nd–Sr isotopes
Authors: Liu Hang , Li Wen‐Chang , Liu Hong , Yan Guo‐Qiang
Published: January 2022

The Neoproterozoic granites along the western margin of the Yangtze Block are crucial for understanding the evolution of the Rodinia supercontinent and crust–mantle interaction. Based on a regional geological survey, this study analyses the zircon U–Pb geochronology, Lu–Hf isotope, whole‐rock Sr–Nd isotopes, and geochemistry of the Maoniushan granites along the western margin of the Yangtze Block and discusses the Neoproterozoic tectonic evolution history of the Mianning–Maoniushan belt. The results show that the Maoniushan granites belong to calc‐alkaline weak peraluminous monzogranite. The granites are enriched in large‐ion lithophile elements (i.e., Rb, Sr, Cs, and Ba) but relatively depleted in high‐field‐ strength elements (i.e., Nb, Ta, U, and Th). The zircon saturation temperature (TZr) ranges from 628 to 766°C, and the weighted average 206Pb/238U ages of zircon range from 771 ± 30 to 759 ± 26 Ma. The εHf(t) values range from −2.0 to +7.2, with TDM2 model ages ranging from 1,797 to 1,208 Ma. The whole‐rock Sr–Nd isotopic data show (87Sr/86Sr)i ratios of 0.7039–0.7093, and the εNd(t) values range from +1.25 to +1.76 with TDM2 model ages ranging from 1,303 to 1,344 Ma. These findings indicate the presence of deep Mesoproterozoic crustal materials in the source area. The Maoniushan monzogranites belong to I‐type granite, which is formed by the partial melting of the basic rocks and pelites in the ancient lower crust due to the metasomatism of fluids from the subducted oceanic crust. The Maoniushan monzogranites may be formed in the process of transformation from regional thickening to thinning under the oceanic crust subduction setting.
The geochemical and pedogenic signatures of Shantisagara lake sediments, southern India: Implications for weathering, terrigenous influx, and provenance during the Holocene
Authors: Sandeep Kizhur , Shankar Rajasekhariah , Warrier Anish Kumar , Aravind Geetha Hariendranath
Published: January 2022

This study aims to determine variations in the terrigenous influx, the intensity of chemical weathering, pedogenic activity, and provenance of Shantisagara lake sediments in southern India for the past 11,000 years reconstructed using geochemical and magnetic susceptibility data. The results showed that K/Al, Fe/Al, Ti/Al, and Zn/Al ratios exhibited significant down‐core variations, whereas P/Al, Pb/Al, Na/Al, Cu/Al, and Ba/Al display steady values. The sediments have resulted from moderate to intense degree of chemical weathering and show high compositional maturity. The discrimination function diagrams, Al2O3/TiO2 and K2O/Na2O values, point towards a change from an intermediate source during the Early‐ and Mid‐Holocene to a felsic one during the Late Holocene. The similar LREE‐enriched chondrite‐normalized REE patterns indicate no significant change. The Early Holocene phase was characterized by a moderate influx of fine detrital fraction with a peak around 10,500 cal. Years B.P. The pedogenesis was strong in the catchment area during this period, with oxic conditions prevailing in the lake. The catchment area experienced moderate to high rainfall during this period. A fluctuating trend of terrigenous influx and chemical weathering is documented during ~8,000–4,000 cal. Years B.P. period in response to variable rainfall. Decreasing rainfall trends are observed during 4,000–2,000 cal. Years B.P., with a slight increase from 2,000 cal. Years B.P. to the Present. Anoxic conditions were present in the lake during the Middle‐ and Late Holocene with low pedogenic activity in the catchment.
Is it worth it? Carers' views and expectations of residential respite for people living with dementia during and beyond the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Samsi Kritika , Cole Laura , Orellana Katharine , Manthorpe Jill
Published: January 2022

Objectives

The Covid‐19 pandemic has taken a heavy toll on many people living with dementia and carers. Caring for a person living with dementia at home with limited avenues for support and a break challenged many carers. Care homes in England closed to visitors, with very few offering opportunities for a short‐stay. We investigated impact of Covid‐19 on views and expectations of carers of people living with dementia about residential respite.

Methods/Design

Qualitative interviews with 35 carers were conducted March–December 2020: 30 women and 5 men, with ages ranging 30–83 years. Interviews explored experiences, views of residential respite, and expectations post‐Covid. Data were thematically analysed and salient concepts were drawn out and discussed within the research team and study advisers.

Results

Three themes were identified in transcripts, relating to impact of Covid‐19 on views and expectations of respite: (1) Carers described regularly negotiating risks and stresses of Covid, weighing up how to prevent infection and changing family arrangements to facilitate caring; (2) Carers were balancing different needs, prioritising needs of their relatives while bearing the impact of cumulative caregiving responsibilities. (3) Uncertainty about future residential respite continued, in terms of availability, ongoing restrictions and trustworthy information sources.

Conclusions

Residential respite is a positive, acceptable option for some carers to get a break from caring. Covid‐19 may have heighted some of caregiving stressors and there may be an increased need for a break. Views of care homes developed during the pandemic suggest that individual confidence to use respite may need to be rebuilt.
Review of Multiculturalism and Diversity in Applied Behavior Analysis, edited by Conners and Capell
Authors: Jimenez‐Gomez Corina , Beaulieu Lauren
Published: January 2022

Multiculturalism and Diversity in Applied Behavior Analysis: Bridging Theory and Application edited by Brian Conners and Shawn Capell is notable for being the first edited book in the field of behavior analysis focusing on the importance of cultural variables in the implementation of our science. Importantly, the contributors to this book come from a range of different cultural backgrounds, providing diverse perspectives when discussing cultural responsiveness. The topics included in this book range from a discussion of cultural variables, to issues relevant to clients from diverse cultural backgrounds, and proposed standards for practice. In addition to introducing the topic of diversity to behavior analysts, the book includes useful instructional tools such as activities, case studies, and a test bank.
Non‐Additive Effects of Combined NOX1/4 Inhibition and Calcimimetic Treatment on a Rat Model of Chronic Kidney Disease‐Mineral and Bone Disorder (CKD‐MBD)
Authors: Damrath John G , Chen Neal X , Metzger Corinne E , Srinivasan Shruthi , O'Neill Kalisha , Biruete Annabel , Avin Keith G , Wallace Joseph M , Allen Matthew R , Moe Sharon M
Published: January 2022

Chronic kidney disease‐mineral and bone disorder (CKD‐MBD) increases cardiovascular calcification and skeletal fragility in part by increasing systemic oxidative stress and disrupting mineral homeostasis through secondary hyperparathyroidism. We hypothesized that treatments to reduce reactive oxygen species formation and reduce parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels would have additive beneficial effects to prevent cardiovascular calcification and deleterious bone architecture and mechanics before end‐stage kidney disease. To test this hypothesis, we treated a naturally progressive model of CKD‐MBD, the Cy/+ rat, beginning early in CKD with the NADPH oxidase (NOX1/4) inhibitor GKT‐137831 (GKT), the preclinical analogue of the calcimimetic etelcalcetide, KP‐2326 (KP), and their combination. The results demonstrated that CKD animals had elevated blood urea nitrogen, PTH, fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), and phosphorus. Treatment with KP reduced PTH levels compared with CKD animals, whereas GKT treatment increased C‐terminal FGF23 levels without altering intact FGF23. GKT treatment alone reduced aortic calcification and NOX4 expression but did not alter the oxidative stress marker 8‐OHdG in the serum or aorta. KP treatment reduced aortic 8‐OHdG and inhibited the ability for GKT to reduce aortic calcification. Treatments did not alter heart calcification or left ventricular mass. In the skeleton, CKD animals had reduced trabecular bone volume fraction and trabecular number with increased trabecular spacing that were not improved with either treatment. The cortical bone was not altered by CKD or by treatments at this early stage of CKD. These results suggest that GKT reduces aortic calcification while KP reduces aortic oxidative stress and reduces PTH, but the combination was not additive. © 2022 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
CircRNA casein kinase 1 gamma 1 (circ‐CSNK1G1) plays carcinogenic effects in thyroid cancer by acting as miR‐149‐5p sponge and relieving the suppression of miR‐149‐5p on mitogen‐activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1)
Authors: Chen Huan , Li Qin , Yi Rong , Li Baiyun , Xiong Dongling , Peng Hui
Published: January 2022

Background

The initiation and development of thyroid cancer may be associated with the deregulation of circular RNAs (circRNAs). The purpose of this work was to explore the role of circRNA casein kinase 1 gamma 1 (circ‐CSNK1G1) in thyroid cancer.

Methods

The expression of circ‐CSNK1G1, miR‐149‐5p, and mitogen‐activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1) was concluded using quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR), and the expression of MAPK1 protein was detected by Western blot assay. Cell viability was monitored by CCK‐8 assay. Cell proliferation was determined by colony formation assay and EdU assay. Cell apoptosis and cycle were checked by flow cytometry assay. Cell invasion was determined by transwell assay. The predicted binding relationship between miR‐149‐5p and circ‐CSNK1G1 or MAPK1 was verified by dual‐luciferase reporter assay. The role of circ‐CSNK1G1 in vivo was determined by establishing animal models.

Results

The present work discovered the upregulation of circ‐CSNK1G1 in tumor tissues of thyroid cancer. In function, circ‐CSNK1G1 knockdown inhibited proliferation, survival, and invasion in cancer cells, and tumor growth in mouse models. MiR‐149‐5p was a target of circ‐CSNK1G1, and the anti‐tumor effects of circ‐CSNK1G1 knockdown were abolished by miR‐149‐5p downregulation. In addition, miR‐149‐5p directly targeted MAPK1, and miR‐149‐5p restoration‐inhibited cell proliferation and invasion were recovered by MAPK1 overexpression.

Conclusion

Circ‐CSNK1G1 acted as miR‐149‐5p to relieve the inhibition of miR‐149‐5p on MAPK1, thus promoting the malignant development of thyroid cancer.
A funds of knowledge approach to developing engineering students' design problem framing skills
Authors: Svihla Vanessa , Chen Yan , Kang Sung “Pil”
Published: January 2022

Background

Engineering programs have increasingly incorporated design challenges into courses. These design challenges vary in the degree to which they present complex, ill‐structured, and relevant problems, and therefore may vary in the degree to which they support students to learn to frame design problems.

Purpose/Hypothesis

We characterized how first‐year engineering students with little formal design training approach problem framing. We developed design challenges informed by funds of knowledge. We compared the development of problem framing skills in first‐year students who completed these challenges to students who completed more traditional challenges and to students in capstone design.

Design/Method

Students completed a pre/post performance‐based assessment of problem framing skills. We analyzed student responses in terms of design requirements, design practices, and design styles. We used descriptive statistics and correlations to characterize how students initially approached problem framing and repeated‐measures ANOVA to compare groups of students.

Results

First‐year students approached framing a design problem in one of four primary ways. Compared to students in the original course, they showed growth in attending to an underlying need, considering contexts of use, and depicting design function. Compared to capstone students, they also showed growth in considering stakeholder roles and planning the next steps.

Conclusions

Funds of knowledge can provide a means to evaluate possible design challenges as authentic yet accessible for first‐year students, in turn, providing opportunities to support the development of the design problem framing ability.
Complement activation during cardiopulmonary bypass and association with clinical outcomes
Authors: Kefalogianni Rengina , Kamani Farah , Gaspar Mihaela , Aw TC , Donovan Jackie , Laffan Mike , Pickering Matthew C. , Arachchillage Deepa J.
Published: January 2022

In this prospective, single‐centre observational study of 30 patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), the effect of unfractionated heparin (UFH), CPB surgery and protamine sulphate on complement and on post‐operative blood loss were assessed. Although C3 and C4 levels decreased significantly immediately following the administration of UFH, C3a, C5a, Bb fragment and SC5b‐9 remained unchanged. During CPB, C3 and C4 continued to fall whilst both alternative and classical pathways activation markers, Bb, C3a, C5a and SC5b‐9 increased significantly. Protamine sulphate had no effect on classical pathway components or activation markers but decreased alternative pathway activation marker Bb. Over the 12–24 h post‐surgery, both classical and alternative pathway activation markers returned to baseline, whilst C3 and C4 levels increased significantly but not to baseline values. Total drain volume 24 h after the surgery showed a moderate inverse correlation with post‐protamine C3 (r = −0.46, p = 0.01) and C4 (r = −0.57, p = 0.0009) levels, whilst a moderate positive correlation was observed with post‐protamine C3a (r = 0.46, p = 0.009), C5a (r = 0.37, p = 0.04) and SC5b‐9 (r = 0.56, p = 0.001) levels but not with Bb fragment (r = 0.25, p = 0.17). Thus, inhibition of complement activation may be a therapeutic intervention to reduce post‐operative blood in patients undergoing CPB.
Omicron variant of SARS‐CoV‐2: Genomics, transmissibility, and responses to current COVID‐19 vaccines
Authors: Araf Yusha , Akter Fariya , Tang Yan‐dong , Fatemi Rabeya , Parvez Md. Sorwer Alam , Zheng Chunfu , Hossain Md. Golzar
Published: January 2022

Currently, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has spread worldwide as an Omicron variant. This variant is a heavily mutated virus and designated as a variant of concern by the World Health Organization (WHO). WHO cautioned that the Omicron variant of SARS‐CoV‐2 held a very high risk of infection, reigniting anxieties about the economy's recovery from the 2‐year pandemic. The extensively mutated Omicron variant is likely to spread internationally, posing a high risk of infection surges with serious repercussions in some areas. According to preliminary data, the Omicron variant of SARS‐CoV‐2 has a higher risk of reinfection. On the other hand, whether the current COVID‐19 vaccines could effectively resist the new strain is still under investigation. However, there is very limited information on the current situation of the Omicron variant, such as genomics, transmissibility, efficacy of vaccines, treatment, and management. This review focused on the genomics, transmission, and effectiveness of vaccines against the Omicron variant, which will be helpful for further investigation of a new variant of SARS‐CoV‐2.
An intense precipitation event causes a temperate forested drainage network to shift from N2O source to sink
Authors: Aho Kelly S. , Fair Jennifer H. , Hosen Jake D. , Kyzivat Ethan D. , Logozzo Laura A. , Weber Lisa C. , Yoon Byungman , Zarnetske Jay P. , Raymond Peter A.
Published: January 2022

Nitrous oxide (N2O) evasion from streams and rivers is a significant, yet highly uncertain, flux in nitrogen cycle models. Most global estimates of lotic N2O emission assume that evasion rates are proportional to inorganic nitrogen inputs to a stream or river. However, many field studies do not detect relationships between lotic N2O evasion and dissolved nitrogen concentration, highlighting the need for better understanding of process‐based controls on this flux. This study reports 4‐yr time series of pN2O and N2O evasion from eight nested streams and rivers and detects an abrupt change in N2O dynamics associated with an intense rainstorm. This rainstorm, and the associated hydrologic flood event, pushed forested reaches across the watershed from consistent N2O sources to prolonged N2O sinks. We attribute this shift to disturbance of incomplete denitrification in the stream network and surrounding watershed, although alternate hypotheses are also discussed. There was continued availability of nitrate () for in‐stream processing, eliminating the possibility that ‐availability limited N2O production, and post‐storm N2O‐to‐nitrate ratios were lower than pre‐storm ratios suggesting that the large storm affected in‐situ nitrogen processing rates. The sustained period of post‐storm N2O undersaturation resulted in net negative evasion for five of the eight study sites in 2018, which mitigated emissions over the 4‐yr study. This nonlinear response in N2O dynamics illustrates the potential importance of storm events to control lotic N2O production and emissions.
Stress Response and Deformation of Block Copolymer Lamellae on Stretching in Normal Direction: Effects of Lateral Size of Lamellae
Authors: Yagi Seiichiro , Oguro Masaaki , Tokita Masatoshi
Published: January 2022

Herein, it is determined that the stress response of stacked microlamellae to tensile deformation along the normal direction depends on the lateral size of the lamellae. Lamellae with different lengths are formed by B5‐29‐EMA‐φ block copolymers (BCPs) comprising poly(ethyl methacrylate) (PEMA) segments attached to a liquid crystal (LC) BB‐5(3‐Me) polyester having Mn = 29 kDa at both ends at PEMA volume fractions of φ%. The LC and PEMA blocks are segregated to form microlamellae; however, the lamellar length depends on the value of φ; B5‐29‐EMA‐22 forms long‐range lamellae, and B5‐29‐EMA‐44 comprises LC block lamellae separated by PEMA blocks. The stress response is similar between these copolymers in the elastic region but differs in the succeeding stage; B5‐29‐EMA‐22 films show a stress plateau, and B5‐29‐EMA‐44 films continuously increase the stress, displaying the strain hardening. Small‐angle X‐ray scattering measured simultaneously with the stress–elongation curves discloses that these different stress responses accompany individual lamellar deformations. B5‐29‐EMA‐22 undulates and folds the lamellae, whereas B5‐29‐EMA‐44 maintains parallel lamellar stacking, remarkably increasing the PEMA block lamellar thickness. These preferentially thickened lamellae are occupied by extended PEMA chains, which causes stress at the expense of the chain entropy, resulting in strain hardening.
Studies on the Doping Mechanism of Conjugated Thienothiophene Polymer/MWCNT Hybrids for Thermoelectric Application
Authors: Ignatious Vijitha , Raveendran Neethi , Poovattil Sruthy , Jacob Navin , Chakkooth Vijayakumar , Deb Biswapriya
Published: January 2022

Conducting polymer‐based thermoelectric (TE) materials have great promise for fabricating lightweight modules that can directly convert waste heat into electricity. Doping is essential for these materials to tune the electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient, enhancing their overall TE response. However, the doping mechanism on polymer‐based hybrid systems needs further clarification for materials design and selection. Herein, two different TE hybrids are fabricated using different side‐chain groups containing benzodithiophene‐thienothiophene (BDT‐TTE) based conjugated polymers and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). The TE properties of the hybrids before and after p‐doping are presented. Post‐doping, a simultaneous increase in electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient is observed for the composites of alkylthiophene side‐chain containing polymer, leading to ≈24× enhancements in the power factor (PF). The composite with alkoxy side‐chain polymer showed a nominal increase in electrical conductivity after doping, and the Seebeck coefficient remained unaffected. Tracking of electronic structure and density of valence state (DOVS) revealed the presence of charge‐transfer‐complexes (CTC) with different coordination sites, along with repositioned Fermi level and valance band maximum (VBM) that contribute to the observed differences in the TE response. This work presents a general understanding of the doping mechanism and the underlying physics to design high‐performance organic‐based TE composites.
Evaluation of the indication of BRCA1/2 genetic tests in Iranian women and acceptance rate of risk‐reducing surgeries in BRCA mutation carriers
Authors: Vasigh Mahtab , Eslami Bita , Elahi Ahmad , Kaviani Ahmad , Shirkoohi Reza , Majidzadeh Keivan , Nazarian Newsha , Omranipour Ramesh
Published: January 2022

Background

A higher risk for breast and ovarian cancer has been reported in BRCA carriers and prophylactic surgeries are proposed to reduce this risk. This retrospective cohort study has evaluated the indication of BRCA1/2 genetic tests in Iranian women and the rate of women's acceptance of prophylactic surgeries recommended by the surgeon.

Methods

Medical records of 147 high‐risk women according to NCCN clinical practice guidelines who referred for BRCA mutations testing were assessed. Individual information, indications for BRCA1/2 genetic testing and their results, physician recommendations, and type of accepted surgery were registered. To evaluate the current status of women an active visit follow‐up every six months was conducted.

Results

The mean age of women was 43.40 ± 10.94 and the median follow‐up time was 1.92 years. Genetic test results showed 49(33.3%) women were positive for either BRCA1/2 mutations. Although the occurrence of breast cancer younger than 40 was the most common indication for genetic tests (26.5%), positive breast cancer history in first‐degree relatives and two relatives younger than 50 was the most common indications with positive results. The rate of acceptance of prophylactic mastectomy and bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy was (14.3% and 34.7%) in BRCA mutation carriers.

Conclusion

If the onset of breast cancer at a young age (less than 40) will be the only indication for a BRCA analysis, the rate of a positive result (12.8%) is very low. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the age limit for genetic testing in our country. Prophylactic mastectomy acceptance is very low in BRCA1/2 carriers in our centers.
Differentiation between immune checkpoint inhibitor‐related and radiation pneumonitis in lung cancer by CT radiomics and machine learning
Authors: Cheng Jun , Pan Yi , Huang Wei , Huang Kun , Cui Yanhai , Hong Wenhui , Wang Lingling , Ni Dong , Tan Peixin
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Consolidation immunotherapy after completion of chemoradiotherapy has become the standard of care for unresectable locally advanced non‐small cell lung cancer and can induce potentially severe and life‐threatening adverse events, including both immune checkpoint inhibitor‐related pneumonitis (CIP) and radiation pneumonitis (RP), which are very challenging for radiologists to diagnose. Differentiating between CIP and RP has significant implications for clinical management such as the treatments for pneumonitis and the decision to continue or restart immunotherapy. The purpose of this study is to differentiate between CIP and RP by a CT radiomics approach.

Methods

We retrospectively collected the CT images and clinical information of patients with pneumonitis who received immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) only (n = 28), radiotherapy (RT) only (n = 31), and ICI+RT (n = 14). Three kinds of radiomic features (intensity histogram, gray‐level co‐occurrence matrix [GLCM] based, and bag‐of‐words [BoW] features) were extracted from CT images, which characterize tissue texture at different scales. Classification models, including logistic regression, random forest, and linear SVM, were first developed and tested in patients who received ICI or RT only with 10‐fold cross‐validation and further tested in patients who received ICI+RT using clinicians’ diagnosis as a reference.

Results

Using 10‐fold cross‐validation, the classification models built on the intensity histogram features, GLCM‐based features, and BoW features achieved an area under curve (AUC) of 0.765, 0.848, and 0.937, respectively. The best model was then applied to the patients receiving combination treatment, achieving an AUC of 0.896.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the promising potential of radiomic analysis of CT images for differentiating between CIP and RP in lung cancer, which could be a useful tool to attribute the cause of pneumonitis in patients who receive both ICI and RT.
Update on use of enteral and parenteral nutrition in hospitalized patients with a diagnosis of malnutrition in the United States
Authors: Guenter Peggi , Blackmer Allison , Malone Ainsley , Mirtallo Jay M. , Phillips Wendy , Tyler Renay , Barrocas Albert , Resnick Helaine E. , Anthony Pat , Abdelhadi Ruba
Published: January 2022

Background

Malnutrition continues to be associated with outcomes in hospitalized patients.

Methods

An updated review of national data in patients with a coded diagnosis of malnutrition (CDM) and the use of nutrition support (enteral nutrition [EN] and parenteral nutrition [PN]) was conducted using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project and Medicare Claims data.

Results

Results demonstrated a growing trend in CDM accompanied by continued low utilization of PN and EN.

Conclusion

Underutilization of nutrition support may be due to product shortages, reluctance of clinicians to use these therapies, undercoding of nutrition support, strict adherence to published guidelines, and other factors.
A phantom study regarding the formation mechanism of mucosal epithelial echo on intraoral ultrasonography
Authors: Kobayashi Taichi , Hayashi Takafumi , Takamura Masaki , Soga Marie , Nikkuni Yutaka , Katsura Kouji
Published: January 2022

Objectives

This study is aimed to perform imaging of phantoms to simulate intraoral ultrasound and to investigate the formation mechanism of mucosal epithelial echo.

Methods

In this study, we used phantoms, simulated mucosal layer (SML) with thickness of 0.5, 1.0, 3.0 mm and no SML, and an intraoperative small linear probe as ultrasound transducer. Acoustic coupling polymer gel and agar gel were used as the coupling material, and polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), polyethylene (PE) and polymethylpentene (PMP) plastic wrap were used. The thicknesses of a surface echo and mucosal epithelial echo were measured on B‐mode images.

Results

A surface echo approximately 0.5 mm thick and a hyperechoic line structure approximately 1.0 mm deep in the 3.0‐mm SML, which were presumed to be artifacts, were visualized with all combinations of acoustic coupling material and plastic wrap except with acoustic coupling agar gel and PMP wrap. When using acoustic coupling polymer gel, a hypoechoic line approximately 0.2 mm thick was observed, even when no SML was present. Thickness of the SML appeared to be lesser on ultrasound images than its actual depth, and the most accurate measurement of thickness was obtained using acoustic coupling agar gel together with PMP wrap.

Conclusion

When using acoustic coupling polymer gel, artifacts may have prevented accurate visualization over an area that is approximately 0.6–0.7 mm thick. This shows that when intraoral ultrasound is performed by this method, it may not be possible to accurately visualize the mucosal epithelium.
Metastasis of pulmonary adenocarcinoma to the oral cavity: A case report and literatures review of the last 30 years
Authors: Kawaharada Masami , Maruyama Satoshi , Abé Tatsuya , Hayashi Takafumi , Kobayashi Tadaharu , Tanuma Jun‐ichi
Published: January 2022

Background

Metastases of pulmonary adenocarcinomas (pADCs) into the oral cavity are rare and sometimes misdiagnosed because of clinical findings that are similar to benign or inflammatory lesions.

Case presentation

A 79‐year‐old man had a soft elastic mass in the oral cavity. Cytological and histological examinations revealed a metastasis of a pADC that was vimentin‐positive.

Conclusion

Oral cytology may be valuable for the detection of metastatic lesions in the oral cavity. Palliative surgery for maintaining the oral function may be beneficial to improve quality of life, and it did not affect survival time in Kaplan–Meier analysis from the literature review.
International mobility activities predict research output: A longitudinal study
Authors: Song Yanan , Gan Yiqun
Published: January 2022

A 4‐year data set of 274 scientists and technical staff in a Chinese university's physics department was constructed to study the impact of going on international visits (visit) and inviting international scholars (invite) on researchers' academic output. Results showed visit frequency significantly predicted output quantity and quality whereas invites significantly predicted output quantity, but not its quality. Visit/invite frequencies significantly predicted long‐term output through short‐term output, giving direct proof to their enduring promotion effect on innovation. Visits predicted far‐future output through near‐future visits whereas invites did not lead to more invites in promoting output. Age moderated the relationship between visits/invites and output. This study provided new evidence on the behavioral and psychological process of international mobility and its impact on research output.
Mechanistic modeling of a human IgG4 monoclonal antibody (tralokinumab) Fab‐arm exchange with endogenous IgG4 in healthy volunteers
Authors: Wang Bing , Goodman Jo , Roskos Lorin K.
Published: January 2022

Therapeutic IgG4 antibodies engage in Fab‐arm exchange with endogenous human immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) to form monovalent hybrid molecules. A mechanistic population model was developed to quantitatively characterize the dynamic Fab‐arm exchange of tralokinumab, a human IgG4 monoclonal antibody currently being developed for the treatment of atopic dermatitis, with endogenous IgG4 in healthy volunteers. The estimated pharmacokinetic parameters for IgG4 were similar to those of immunoglobulin G1 or immunoglobulin G2 in humans. However, the mechanistically modeled clearance of half molecules is 21‐fold higher, likely due to the loss of avidity for the neonatal Fc receptor. Half molecules of tralokinumab randomly associate with those of endogenous IgG4 to form monovalent hybrid molecules, which became the dominant form of tralokinumab within 1 day postdose in healthy volunteers. As the potency of monovalent tralokinumab is comparable with that of bivalent tralokinumab, the IgG4 Fab‐arm exchange with endogenous IgG4 is not expected to affect the potency of neutralization of interleukin‐13 in vivo.
Improving risk prediction for pulmonary embolism in COVID‐19 patients using echocardiography
Authors: Satoskar Monika A. , Metkus Thomas , Soleimanifard Alborz , Shade Julie K. , Trayanova Natalia A. , Michos Erin D. , Mukherjee Monica , Schiminger Madeline , Post Wendy S. , Hays Allison G.
Published: January 2022

SARS‐CoV‐2 infection is associated with increased risk for pulmonary embolism (PE), a fatal complication that can cause right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. Serum D‐dimer levels are a sensitive test to suggest PE, however lacks specificity in COVID‐19 patients. The goal of this study was to identify a model that better predicts PE diagnosis in hospitalized COVID‐19 patients using clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic imaging predictors. We performed a cross‐sectional study of 302 adult patients admitted to the Johns Hopkins Hospital (March 2020–February 2021) for COVID‐19 infection who underwent transthoracic echocardiography and D‐dimer testing; 204 patients had CT angiography. Clinical, laboratory and imaging predictors including, but not limited to, D‐dimer and RV dysfunction were used to build prediction models for PE using logistic regression. Model discrimination was assessed using area under the receiver operator curve (AUC) and calibration using Hosmer‐Lemeshow χ2 statistic. Internal validation was performed. The prevalence of PE was 7.6%. The model with positive D‐dimer above 5 mg/L, RV dysfunction on echocardiography, and troponin had an AUC of 0.77, and cross‐validated AUC of 0.74. D‐dimer (>5 mg/L) had a positive association with PE (adj odds ratio = 4.40; 95% confidence interval: [1.80, 10.78]). We identified a model including clinical, imaging and laboratory variables that predicted PE in hospitalized COVID‐19 patients. Positive D‐dimer >5, RV dysfunction on echocardiography, and troponin were important predictors for calculating likelihood of PE diagnosis. This approach may be useful to aid in clinical decision‐making related to diagnostic imaging and treatment. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate impact on patient outcomes.
The economic impact of school closures during the 2015 flood in Richland County, South Carolina
Authors: Gall Melanie , Sheldon Tamara L. , Collins Larianne
Published: January 2022

Research on the societal costs of disaster‐related US school closures has focused, and due to COVID‐19 will likely continue to focus, on pandemics, with very limited research on closures from natural hazards. This is surprising given that school closures occur frequently to protect children, teachers, and staff pre‐event as well as post‐disaster to convert facilities into emergency shelters, etc. This study investigates the secondary effects from post‐flooding, temporary school closures after the catastrophic 2015 flash flood in Richland County, South Carolina. Lost productivity from school closures was quantified using the Human Capital Method. Out of the 208 completed surveys, 75% of households had children that missed school. Post‐stratifying survey results on race produced an average of $437 in lost productivity due to school closures and an overall $2175 in lost productivity due to flood‐related impacts in general. Expressed in FEMA benefit‐cost analysis terms, our study shows that schools have a standard value of $215 per household and per day for the unweighted sample ($180 for the race‐weighted sample). Furthermore, households' disutility for a late start is almost as great as their disutility for a school closure. These exploratory findings suggest that unplanned school closures should be minimized, and community characteristics carefully considered to avoid unintended socioeconomic consequences.