bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of child psychological attributes using strength and difficulties questionnaire for prediction of child behavior at first dental visit: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Anwar Sandra Moussa , Mahmoud Sara Ahmed , Aly Mariam Mohsen
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Predicting child behavior before the first dental visit is considered an effective approach that enables the dentist to guide child behavior during the dental treatment.

Aim

The present study aimed to detect psychological attributes of children seeking dental treatment for the first time using the strength and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ), evaluate actual child behavior during the dental treatment using Frankl Behavior Rating Scale, and test the association between these attributes and child behavior.

Material and method

The study was conducted on 128 children aged between 4 and 7 years attending the outpatient Pediatric Dentistry clinic for the first time. Parents were asked to answer the SDQ, then a simple restorative treatment under local anesthesia was performed for children to evaluate their behavior using Frankl Behavior Rating Scale.

Results

About 19.5% of the study sample were categorized as psychologically abnormal, where emotional and conduct problems were the most prevalent psychological attributes by a percentage of 22.7% and 20% respectively. A strong correlation was detected between the total difficulty score and child behavior.

Conclusions

Psychological problems are common among children aged from 4 to 7 years and they also affect their dental behavior.
Elevated FAM84B promotes cell proliferation via interacting with NPM1 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wang Fang , Cheng Caixia , Wang Xinhui , Chen Fei , Li Hongyi , Zhou Yan , Wang Yanqiang , Hu Xiaoling , Kong Pengzhou , Zhang Ling , Cheng Xiaolong , Cui Yongping
Published: April 2022

Family with sequence similarity 84, member B (FAM84B) is a significant copy number amplification gene in the 8q24.21 locus identified by our previous WGS study in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, its clinical relevance and potential mechanisms have been elusive. Here, we performed the association analyses between FAM84BAmp and clinicopathological features using 507 ESCC samples. The results indicated that, compared with the FAM84Bnon-Amp patients, the FAM84BAmp patients showed a more aggressive and a worse prognosis. A significant correlation was discovered between the expression level of FAM84B and FAM84BAmp in the ESCC cohort. Furthermore, we found that the forced expression change of FAM84B can influence ESCC cell proliferation and cell-cycle status, which is probably mediated by NPM1. A direct interaction between FAM84B and the C-terminal (189–294aa) of NPM1 was identified, which increased the NPM1 nuclear expression. Over-expression of NPM1 could inhibit the CDKN2A protein expression, which might affect the ESCC cell cycle. Our results indicate FAM84B CNA may be a potential diagnostic and therapeutic biomarker in ESCC, meanwhile, reveal a novel mechanism of FAM84B that promotes tumorigenesis via interacting with NPM1 and suppressing CDKN2A.
Targeting NOX4 disrupts the resistance of papillary thyroid carcinoma to chemotherapeutic drugs and lenvatinib
Authors: Tang Ping , Sheng Jianfeng , Peng Xiujuan , Zhang Renfei , Xu Tao , Hu Jun , Kang Yuexi , Wu Baiyi , Dang Hao
Published: April 2022

Advanced differentiated thyroid cancer cells are subjected to extreme nutritional starvation which contributes to develop resistance to treatments; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Cells were subjected to serum deprivation by culture in medium containing 0.5% fetal bovine serum. A CCK8 assay, cell death Detection ELISAPLUS kit, and PI staining were conducted to determine cell viability, cell apoptosis, and cell cycle, respectively. NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) knockdown–stable cell lines were generated by lentivirus-mediated shRNA knockdown in BCPAP cells and TPC-1 cells. Etoposide and doxorubicin, two chemotherapeutic drugs, as well as lenvatinib were utilized to determine the effect of NOX4 on drug resistance. Lenvatinib-resistant BCPAP cells (LRBCs) were established to confirm this effect. The underlining mechanisms of NOX4 under starvation were explored using western blot. Finally, GLX351322, an inhibitor targeting NOX4, was used to inhibit NOX4-derived ROS in vitro and detect its effect on drug resistance of tumor cells in vivo. NOX4 is overexpressed under serum deprivation in BCPAP or TPC-1 cells. NOX4 knockdown impairs cell viability, increases cell apoptosis, extends G1 phase during cell cycle and modulates the level of energy-associated metabolites in starved cells. When the starved cells or LRBCs are treated with chemotherapeutic drugs or Lenvatinib, NOX4 knockdown inhibits cell viability and aggravates cell apoptosis depending on NOX4-derived ROS production. Mechanistically, starvation activates TGFβ1/SMAD3 signal, which mediates NOX4 upregulation. The upregulated NOX4 then triggers ERKs and PI3K/AKT pathway to influence cell apoptosis. GLX351322, a NOX4-derived ROS inhibitor, has an inhibitory effect on cell growth in vitro and the growth of BCPAP-derived even LRBCs-derived xenografts in vivo. These findings highlight NOX4 and NOX4-derived ROS as a potential therapeutic target in resistance to PTC.
Ubiquitin ligase STUB1 destabilizes IFNγ-receptor complex to suppress tumor IFNγ signaling
Authors: Apriamashvili Georgi , Vredevoogd David W. , Krijgsman Oscar , Bleijerveld Onno B. , Ligtenberg Maarten A. , de Bruijn Beaunelle , Boshuizen Julia , Traets Joleen J. H. , D’Empaire Altimari Daniela , van Vliet Alex , Lin Chun-Pu , Visser Nils L. , Londino James D. , Sanchez-Hodge Rebekah , Oswalt Leah E. , Altinok Selin , Schisler Jonathan C. , Altelaar Maarten , Peeper Daniel S.
Published: April 2022

The cytokine IFNγ differentially impacts on tumors upon immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Despite our understanding of downstream signaling events, less is known about regulation of its receptor (IFNγ-R1). With an unbiased genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screen for critical regulators of IFNγ-R1 cell surface abundance, we identify STUB1 as an E3 ubiquitin ligase for IFNγ-R1 in complex with its signal-relaying kinase JAK1. STUB1 mediates ubiquitination-dependent proteasomal degradation of IFNγ-R1/JAK1 complex through IFNγ-R1K285and JAK1K249. Conversely, STUB1 inactivation amplifies IFNγ signaling, sensitizing tumor cells to cytotoxic T cells in vitro. This is corroborated by an anticorrelation betweenSTUB1expression and IFNγ response in ICB-treated patients. Consistent with the context-dependent effects of IFNγ in vivo, anti-PD-1 response is increased in heterogenous tumors comprising both wildtype and STUB1-deficient cells, but not full STUB1 knockout tumors. These results uncover STUB1 as a critical regulator of IFNγ-R1, and highlight the context-dependency of STUB1-regulated IFNγ signaling for ICB outcome.
Emergence and phenotypic characterization of the global SARS-CoV-2 C.1.2 lineage
Authors: Scheepers Cathrine , Everatt Josie , Amoako Daniel G. , Tegally Houriiyah , Wibmer Constantinos Kurt , Mnguni Anele , Ismail Arshad , Mahlangu Boitshoko , Lambson Bronwen E. , Martin Darren P. , Wilkinson Eduan , San James Emmanuel , Giandhari Jennifer , Manamela Nelia , Ntuli Noxolo , Kgagudi Prudence , Cele Sandile , Richardson Simone I. , Pillay Sureshnee , Mohale Thabo , Ramphal Upasana , Naidoo Yeshnee , Khumalo Zamantungwa T. , Kwatra Gaurav , Gray Glenda , Bekker Linda-Gail , Madhi Shabir A. , Baillie Vicky , Van Voorhis Wesley C. , Treurnicht Florette K. , Venter Marietjie , Mlisana Koleka , Wolter Nicole , Sigal Alex , Williamson Carolyn , Hsiao Nei-yuan , Msomi Nokukhanya , Maponga Tongai , Preiser Wolfgang , Makatini Zinhle , Lessells Richard , Moore Penny L. , de Oliveira Tulio , von Gottberg Anne , Bhiman Jinal N.
Published: April 2022

Global genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 has identified variants associated with increased transmissibility, neutralization resistance and disease severity. Here we report the emergence of the PANGO lineage C.1.2, detected at low prevalence in South Africa and eleven other countries. The initial C.1.2 detection is associated with a high substitution rate, and includes changes within the spike protein that have been associated with increased transmissibility or reduced neutralization sensitivity in SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern or variants of interest. Like Beta and Delta, C.1.2 shows significantly reduced neutralization sensitivity to plasma from vaccinees and individuals infected with the ancestral D614G virus. In contrast, convalescent donors infected with either Beta or Delta show high plasma neutralization against C.1.2. These functional data suggest that vaccine efficacy against C.1.2 will be equivalent to Beta and Delta, and that prior infection with either Beta or Delta will likely offer protection against C.1.2.
Inter-species Metabolic Interactions in an In-vitro Minimal Human Gut Microbiome of Core Bacteria
Authors: Shetty Sudarshan A. , Kuipers Ben , Atashgahi Siavash , Aalvink Steven , Smidt Hauke , de Vos Willem M.
Published: April 2022

Knowledge of the functional roles and interspecies interactions are crucial for improving our understanding of the human intestinal microbiome in health and disease. However, the complexity of the human intestinal microbiome and technical challenges in investigating it pose major challenges. In this proof-of-concept study, we rationally designed, assembled and experimentally tested a synthetic Diet-based Minimal Microbiome (Db-MM) consisting of ten core intestinal bacterial species that together are capable of efficiently converting dietary fibres into short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Despite their genomic potential for metabolic competition, all ten bacteria coexisted during growth on a mixture of dietary fibres, including pectin, inulin, xylan, cellobiose and starch. By integrated analyses of metabolite production, community composition and metatranscriptomics-based gene expression data, we identified interspecies metabolic interactions leading to production of key SCFAs such as butyrate and propionate. While public goods, such as sugars liberated from colonic fibres, are harvested by non-degraders, some species thrive by cross-feeding on energetically challenging substrates, including the butyrogenic conversion of acetate and lactate. Using a reductionist approach in an in-vitro system combined with functional measurements, our study provides key insights into the complex interspecies metabolic interactions between core intestinal bacterial species.
Genetic evidence supports the development of SLC26A9 targeting therapies for the treatment of lung disease
Authors: Gong Jiafen , He Gengming , Wang Cheng , Bartlett Claire , Panjwani Naim , Mastromatteo Scott , Lin Fan , Keenan Katherine , Avolio Julie , Halevy Anat , Shaw Michelle , Esmaeili Mohsen , Côté-Maurais Guillaume , Adam Damien , Bégin Stéphanie , Bjornson Candice , Chilvers Mark , Reisman Joe , Price April , Parkins Michael , van Wylick Richard , Berthiaume Yves , Bilodeau Lara , Mateos-Corral Dimas , Hughes Daniel , Smith Mary J. , Morrison Nancy , Brusky Janna , Tullis Elizabeth , Stephenson Anne L. , Quon Bradley S. , Wilcox Pearce , Leung Winnie M. , Solomon Melinda , Sun Lei , Brochiero Emmanuelle , Moraes Theo J. , Gonska Tanja , Ratjen Felix , Rommens Johanna M. , Strug Lisa J.
Published: April 2022

Over 400 variants in the cystic fibrosis (CF) transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) are CF-causing. CFTR modulators target variants to improve lung function, but marked variability in response exists and current therapies do not address all CF-causing variants highlighting unmet needs. Alternative epithelial ion channel/transporters such as SLC26A9 could compensate for CFTR dysfunction, providing therapeutic targets that may benefit all individuals with CF. We investigate the relationship between rs7512462, a marker ofSLC26A9activity, and lung function pre- and post-treatment with CFTR modulators in Canadian and US CF cohorts, in the general population, and in those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Rs7512462 CC genotype is associated with greater lung function in CF individuals with minimal function variants (for which there are currently no approved therapies;p = 0.008); and for gating (p = 0.033) and p.Phe508del/ p.Phe508del (p = 0.006) genotypes upon treatment with CFTR modulators. In parallel, human nasal epithelia with CC and p.Phe508del/p.Phe508del after Ussing chamber analysis of a combination of approved and experimental modulator treatments show greater CFTR function (p = 0.0022). Beyond CF, rs7512462 is associated with peak expiratory flow in a meta-analysis of the UK Biobank and Spirometa Consortium (p = 2.74 × 10−44) and providesp = 0.0891 in an analysis of COPD case-control status in the UK Biobank defined by spirometry. These findings support SLC26A9 as a therapeutic target to improve lung function for all people with CF and in individuals with other obstructive lung diseases.
Magnetic chirality
Authors: Cheong Sang-Wook , Xu Xianghan
Published: April 2022

Chirality with all broken mirror symmetries matters ubiquitously from DNA functionality, vine climbing, to the piezoelectricity of quartz crystals. Magnetic chirality means chirality in spin-ordered states or (atomic-scale or mesoscopic) spin textures. Magnetic chirality does not change with time-reversal operation, and chirality prime ($${\mathcal{C}}^\prime$$

C

′

) means that time-reversal symmetry in addition to all mirror symmetries is broken with free spatial rotations. We will discuss a few examples of magnetic chirality and $${\mathcal{C}}^\prime$$

C

′

, and their emergent physical properties. Some of these exotic properties have been recently observed, and many of them need to be experimentally confirmed.
Orbital selective switching of ferromagnetism in an oxide quasi two-dimensional electron gas
Authors: Di Capua R. , Verma M. , Radovic M. , Strocov V. N. , Piamonteze C. , Guedes E. B. , Plumb N. C. , Chen Yu , D’Antuono M. , De Luca G. M. , Di Gennaro E. , Stornaiuolo D. , Preziosi D. , Jouault B. , Miletto Granozio F. , Sambri A. , Pentcheva R. , Ghiringhelli G. , Salluzzo M.
Published: April 2022

Multi-orbital physics in quasi-two-dimensional electron gases (q2DEGs) triggers intriguing phenomena not observed in bulk materials, such as unconventional superconductivity and magnetism. Here, we investigate the mechanism of orbital selective switching of the spin-polarization in the oxide q2DEG formed at the (001) interface between the LaAlO3, EuTiO3 and SrTiO3 band insulators. By using density functional theory calculations, transport, magnetic and x-ray spectroscopy measurements, we find that the filling of titanium-bands with 3dxz/3dyz orbital character in the EuTiO3 layer and at the interface with SrTiO3 induces an antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic switching of the exchange interaction between Eu-4f7 magnetic moments. The results explain the observation of the carrier density-dependent ferromagnetic correlations and anomalous Hall effect in this q2DEG, and demonstrate how combined theoretical and experimental approaches can lead to a deeper understanding of emerging electronic phases and serve as a guide for the materials design of advanced electronic applications.
Phage anti-CBASS and anti-Pycsar nucleases subvert bacterial immunity
Authors: Hobbs Samuel J. , Wein Tanita , Lu Allen , Morehouse Benjamin R. , Schnabel Julia , Leavitt Azita , Yirmiya Erez , Sorek Rotem , Kranzusch Philip J.
Published: April 2022

The cyclic oligonucleotide-based antiphage signalling system (CBASS) and the pyrimidine cyclase system for antiphage resistance (Pycsar) are antiphage defence systems in diverse bacteria that use cyclic nucleotide signals to induce cell death and prevent viral propagation1,2. Phages use several strategies to defeat host CRISPR and restriction-modification systems3–10, but no mechanisms are known to evade CBASS and Pycsar immunity. Here we show that phages encode anti-CBASS (Acb) and anti-Pycsar (Apyc) proteins that counteract defence by specifically degrading cyclic nucleotide signals that activate host immunity. Using a biochemical screen of 57 phages in Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis, we discover Acb1 from phage T4 and Apyc1 from phage SBSphiJ as founding members of distinct families of immune evasion proteins. Crystal structures of Acb1 in complex with 3′3′-cyclic GMP–AMP define a mechanism of metal-independent hydrolysis 3′ of adenosine bases, enabling broad recognition and degradation of cyclic dinucleotide and trinucleotide CBASS signals. Structures of Apyc1 reveal a metal-dependent cyclic NMP phosphodiesterase that uses relaxed specificity to target Pycsar cyclic pyrimidine mononucleotide signals. We show that Acb1 and Apyc1 block downstream effector activation and protect from CBASS and Pycsar defence in vivo. Active Acb1 and Apyc1 enzymes are conserved in phylogenetically diverse phages, demonstrating that cleavage of host cyclic nucleotide signals is a key strategy of immune evasion in phage biology.
Searching thousands of genomes to classify somatic and novel structural variants using STIX
Authors: Chowdhury Murad , Pedersen Brent S. , Sedlazeck Fritz J. , Quinlan Aaron R. , Layer Ryan M.
Published: April 2022

Structural variants are associated with cancers and developmental disorders, but challenges with estimating population frequency remain a barrier to prioritizing mutations over inherited variants. In particular, variability in variant calling heuristics and filtering limits the use of current structural variant catalogs. We present STIX, a method that, instead of relying on variant calls, indexes and searches the raw alignments from thousands of samples to enable more comprehensive allele frequency estimation.
Critical Assessment of Metagenome Interpretation: the second round of challenges
Authors: Meyer Fernando , Fritz Adrian , Deng Zhi-Luo , Koslicki David , Lesker Till Robin , Gurevich Alexey , Robertson Gary , Alser Mohammed , Antipov Dmitry , Beghini Francesco , Bertrand Denis , Brito Jaqueline J. , Brown C. Titus , Buchmann Jan , Buluç Aydin , Chen Bo , Chikhi Rayan , Clausen Philip T. L. C. , Cristian Alexandru , Dabrowski Piotr Wojciech , Darling Aaron E. , Egan Rob , Eskin Eleazar , Georganas Evangelos , Goltsman Eugene , Gray Melissa A. , Hansen Lars Hestbjerg , Hofmeyr Steven , Huang Pingqin , Irber Luiz , Jia Huijue , Jørgensen Tue Sparholt , Kieser Silas D. , Klemetsen Terje , Kola Axel , Kolmogorov Mikhail , Korobeynikov Anton , Kwan Jason , LaPierre Nathan , Lemaitre Claire , Li Chenhao , Limasset Antoine , Malcher-Miranda Fabio , Mangul Serghei , Marcelino Vanessa R. , Marchet Camille , Marijon Pierre , Meleshko Dmitry , Mende Daniel R. , Milanese Alessio , Nagarajan Niranjan , Nissen Jakob , Nurk Sergey , Oliker Leonid , Paoli Lucas , Peterlongo Pierre , Piro Vitor C. , Porter Jacob S. , Rasmussen Simon , Rees Evan R. , Reinert Knut , Renard Bernhard , Robertsen Espen Mikal , Rosen Gail L. , Ruscheweyh Hans-Joachim , Sarwal Varuni , Segata Nicola , Seiler Enrico , Shi Lizhen , Sun Fengzhu , Sunagawa Shinichi , Sørensen Søren Johannes , Thomas Ashleigh , Tong Chengxuan , Trajkovski Mirko , Tremblay Julien , Uritskiy Gherman , Vicedomini Riccardo , Wang Zhengyang , Wang Ziye , Wang Zhong , Warren Andrew , Willassen Nils Peder , Yelick Katherine , You Ronghui , Zeller Georg , Zhao Zhengqiao , Zhu Shanfeng , Zhu Jie , Garrido-Oter Ruben , Gastmeier Petra , Hacquard Stephane , Häußler Susanne , Khaledi Ariane , Maechler Friederike , Mesny Fantin , Radutoiu Simona , Schulze-Lefert Paul , Smit Nathiana , Strowig Till , Bremges Andreas , Sczyrba Alexander , McHardy Alice Carolyn
Published: April 2022

Evaluating metagenomic software is key for optimizing metagenome interpretation and focus of the Initiative for the Critical Assessment of Metagenome Interpretation (CAMI). The CAMI II challenge engaged the community to assess methods on realistic and complex datasets with long- and short-read sequences, created computationally from around 1,700 new and known genomes, as well as 600 new plasmids and viruses. Here we analyze 5,002 results by 76 program versions. Substantial improvements were seen in assembly, some due to long-read data. Related strains still were challenging for assembly and genome recovery through binning, as was assembly quality for the latter. Profilers markedly matured, with taxon profilers and binners excelling at higher bacterial ranks, but underperforming for viruses and Archaea. Clinical pathogen detection results revealed a need to improve reproducibility. Runtime and memory usage analyses identified efficient programs, including top performers with other metrics. The results identify challenges and guide researchers in selecting methods for analyses.
Validation of a rapid, saliva-based, and ultra-sensitive SARS-CoV-2 screening system for pandemic-scale infection surveillance
Authors: Dewhurst Robert E. , Heinrich Tatjana , Watt Paul , Ostergaard Paul , Marimon Jose M. , Moreira Mariana , Houldsworth Philip E. , Rudrum Jack D. , Wood David , Kõks Sulev
Published: April 2022

Without any realistic prospect of comprehensive global vaccine coverage and lasting immunity, control of pandemics such as COVID-19 will require implementation of large-scale, rapid identification and isolation of infectious individuals to limit further transmission. Here, we describe an automated, high-throughput integrated screening platform, incorporating saliva-based loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technology, that is designed for population-scale sensitive detection of infectious carriers of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Central to this surveillance system is the “Sentinel” testing instrument, which is capable of reporting results within 25 min of saliva sample collection with a throughput of up to 3840 results per hour. It incorporates continuous flow loading of samples at random intervals to cost-effectively adjust for fluctuations in testing demand. Independent validation of our saliva-based RT-LAMP technology on an automated LAMP instrument coined the “Sentinel”, found 98.7% sensitivity, 97.6% specificity, and 98% accuracy against a RT-PCR comparator assay, confirming its suitability for surveillance screening. This Sentinel surveillance system offers a feasible and scalable approach to complement vaccination, to curb the spread of COVID-19 variants, and control future pandemics to save lives.
Facial hair may slow detection of happy facial expressions in the face in the crowd paradigm
Authors: Dixson Barnaby J. W. , Spiers Tamara , Miller Paul A. , Sidari Morgan J. , Nelson Nicole L. , Craig Belinda M.
Published: April 2022

Human visual systems have evolved to extract ecologically relevant information from complex scenery. In some cases, the face in the crowd visual search task demonstrates an anger superiority effect, where anger is allocated preferential attention. Across three studies (N = 419), we tested whether facial hair guides attention in visual search and influences the speed of detecting angry and happy facial expressions in large arrays of faces. In Study 1, participants were faster to search through clean-shaven crowds and detect bearded targets than to search through bearded crowds and detect clean-shaven targets. In Study 2, targets were angry and happy faces presented in neutral backgrounds. Facial hair of the target faces was also manipulated. An anger superiority effect emerged that was augmented by the presence of facial hair, which was due to the slower detection of happiness on bearded faces. In Study 3, targets were happy and angry faces presented in either bearded or clean-shaven backgrounds. Facial hair of the background faces was also systematically manipulated. A significant anger superiority effect was revealed, although this was not moderated by the target’s facial hair. Rather, the anger superiority effect was larger in clean-shaven than bearded face backgrounds. Together, results suggest that facial hair does influence detection of emotional expressions in visual search, however, rather than facilitating an anger superiority effect as a potential threat detection system, facial hair may reduce detection of happy faces within the face in the crowd paradigm.
Effect of productivity and seasonal variation on phytoplankton intermittency in a microscale ecological study using closure approach
Authors: Mondal Arpita , Banerjee Sandip
Published: April 2022

A microscale ecological study using the closure approach to understand the impact of productivity controlled by geographical and seasonal variations on the intermittency of phytoplankton is done in this paper. Using this approach for a nutrient–phytoplankton model with Holling type III functional response, it has been shown how the dynamics of the system can be affected by the environmental fluctuations triggered by the impact of light, temperature, and salinity, which fluctuate with regional and seasonal variations. Reynold’s averaging method in space, which results in expressing the original components in terms of its mean (average value) and perturbation (fluctuation) has been used to determine the impact of growth fluctuation in phytoplankton distribution and in the intermittency of phytoplankton spreading (variance). Parameters are estimated from the nature of productivity and spread of phytoplankton density during field observation done at four different locations of Tokyo Bay. The model validation shows that our results are in good agreement with the field observation and succeeded in explaining the intermittent phytoplankton distribution at different locations of Tokyo Bay, Japan, and its neighboring coastal regions.
Data-driven RRAM device models using Kriging interpolation
Authors: Hossen Imtiaz , Anders Mark A. , Wang Lin , Adam Gina C.
Published: April 2022

A two-tier Kriging interpolation approach is proposed to model jump tables for resistive switches. Originally developed for mining and geostatistics, its locality of the calculation makes this approach particularly powerful for modeling electronic devices with complex behavior landscape and switching noise, like RRAM. In this paper, a first Kriging model is used to model and predict the mean in the signal, followed up by a second Kriging step used to model the standard deviation of the switching noise. We use 36 synthetic datasets covering a broad range of different mean and standard deviation Gaussian distributions to test the validity of our approach. We also show the applicability to experimental data obtained from TiOx devices and compare the predicted vs. the experimental test distributions using Kolmogorov–Smirnov and maximum mean discrepancy tests. Our results show that the proposed Kriging approach can predict both the mean and standard deviation in the switching more accurately than typical binning model. Kriging-based jump tables can be used to realistically model the behavior of RRAM and other non-volatile analog device populations and the impact of the weight dispersion in neural network simulations.
Quantitative investigation on the heterogeneity of deformation fields in sandstone pre-existing cracks during damage evolution
Authors: Cheng Hongming , Yang Xiaobin , Pei Yanyu , Song Yimin
Published: April 2022

The inherently heterogeneous microstructures of rocks lead to heterogeneity of the deformation distribution within the rock volume. In this study, experiments were conducted on red sandstone specimens with four different pre-existing crack inclinations stressed under uniaxial loading to investigate these features. Acoustic emission and digital image correlation techniques were used to confirm the damage process and obtaining deformation fields, respectively. The results showed that the heterogeneity of the deformation fields in the rock specimens amplifies with increasing stress magnitude, i.e., the displacement field heterogeneity shows two dense bands around the pre-existing crack, and the strain field heterogeneity shows localized regions with a numerical difference (quantified by the normalized standard deviation) and spatial concentration (quantified by the spatial correlation coefficient). The variations in the normalized standard deviation and spatial correlation coefficient were closely related to the damage process. The normalized standard deviation presented four evolution stages: relatively constant low value, steady growth, significant growth, and high rate growth. The spatial correlation coefficient changed from increasing at a relatively constant rate to increasing at a gentle rate and finally increasing rapidly. The evolution rate along with the strain showed two sharp fluctuations. The first could be used as precursor information of the damage. Finally, we confirmed the feasibility of the damage variable obtained from the heterogeneous deformation indicators used to calibrate or form damage evolution laws.
Mapping the “catscape” formed by a population of pet cats with outdoor access
Authors: Bischof Richard , Hansen Nina Rosita , Nyheim Øyvind Skarsgard , Kisen Astrid , Prestmoen Lillian , Haugaasen Torbjørn
Published: April 2022

The domestic cat (Felis catus) is among the most popular companion animals and most abundant carnivores globally. It is also a pet with an immense ecological footprint because even non-feral and food-subsidized cats can be prolific predators. Whereas knowledge about the spatial behavior of individual domestic cats is growing, we still know little about how a local population of free-ranging pet cats occupies the landscape. Using a citizen science approach, we GPS-tagged 92 pet cats with outdoor access living in a residential area in southern Norway. The resulting position data allowed us to construct both individual home range kernels and a population-level utilization distribution. Our results reveal a dense predatory blanket that outdoor cats drape over and beyond the urban landscape. It is this population-level intensity surface—the “catscape”—that potential prey have to navigate. There were few gaps in the catscape within our residential study area and therefore few terrestrial refuges from potential cat predation. However, cats spent on average 79% of their outdoor time within 50 m to their owner’s home, which suggests that the primary impact is local and most acute for wildlife in the vicinity to homes with cats. We discuss the catscape as a conceptual and quantitative tool for better understanding and mitigating the environmental impact of domestic cats.
Deep-rooted perennial crops differ in capacity to stabilize C inputs in deep soil layers
Authors: Peixoto Leanne , Olesen Jørgen E. , Elsgaard Lars , Enggrob Kirsten Lønne , Banfield Callum C. , Dippold Michaela A. , Nicolaisen Mette Haubjerg , Bak Frederik , Zang Huadong , Dresbøll Dorte Bodin , Thorup-Kristensen Kristian , Rasmussen Jim
Published: April 2022

Comprehensive climate change mitigation necessitates soil carbon (C) storage in cultivated terrestrial ecosystems. Deep-rooted perennial crops may help to turn agricultural soils into efficient C sinks, especially in deeper soil layers. Here, we compared C allocation and potential stabilization to 150 cm depth from two functionally distinct deep-rooted perennials, i.e., lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) and intermediate wheatgrass (kernza; Thinopyrum intermedium), representing legume and non-legume crops, respectively. Belowground C input and stabilization was decoupled from nitrogen (N) fertilizer rate in kernza (100 and 200 kg mineral N ha−1), with no direct link between increasing mineral N fertilization, rhizodeposited C, and microbial C stabilization. Further, both crops displayed a high ability to bring C to deeper soil layers and remarkably, the N2-fixing lucerne showed greater potential to induce microbial C stabilization than the non-legume kernza. Lucerne stimulated greater microbial biomass and abundance of N cycling genes in rhizosphere soil, likely linked to greater amino acid rhizodeposition, hence underlining the importance of coupled C and N for microbial C stabilization efficiency. Inclusion of legumes in perennial cropping systems is not only key for improved productivity at low fertilizer N inputs, but also appears critical for enhancing soil C stabilization, in particular in N limited deep subsoils.
Time-of-day effects on skill acquisition and consolidation after physical and mental practices
Authors: Truong Charlène , Hilt Pauline M. , Bouguila Fatma , Bove Marco , Lebon Florent , Papaxanthis Charalambos , Ruffino Célia
Published: April 2022

Time-of-day influences both physical and mental performances. Its impact on motor learning is, however, not well established yet. Here, using a finger tapping-task, we investigated the time-of-day effect on skill acquisition (i.e., immediately after a physical or mental practice session) and consolidation (i.e., 24 h later). Two groups (one physical and one mental) were trained in the morning (10 a.m.) and two others (one physical and one mental) in the afternoon (3 p.m.). We found an enhancement of motor skill following both types of practice, whatever the time of the day, with a better acquisition for the physical than the mental group. Interestingly, there was a better consolidation for both groups when the training session was scheduled in the afternoon. Overall, our results indicate that the time-of-day positively influences motor skill consolidation and thus must be considered to optimize training protocols in sport and clinical domains to potentiate motor learning.
p38 MAPK priming boosts VSMC proliferation and arteriogenesis by promoting PGC1α-dependent mitochondrial dynamics
Authors: Sahún-Español Álvaro , Clemente Cristina , Jiménez-Loygorri Juan Ignacio , Sierra-Filardi Elena , Herrera-Melle Leticia , Gómez-Durán Aurora , Sabio Guadalupe , Monsalve María , Boya Patricia , Arroyo Alicia G.
Published: April 2022

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation is essential for arteriogenesis to restore blood flow after artery occlusion, but the mechanisms underlying this response remain unclear. Based on our previous findings showing increased VSMC proliferation in the neonatal aorta of mice lacking the protease MT4-MMP, we aimed at discovering new players in this process. We demonstrate that MT4-MMP absence boosted VSMC proliferation in vitro in response to PDGF-BB in a cell-autonomous manner through enhanced p38 MAPK activity. Increased phospho-p38 in basal MT4-MMP-null VSMCs augmented the rate of mitochondrial degradation by promoting mitochondrial morphological changes through the co-activator PGC1α as demonstrated in PGC1α−/− VSMCs. We tested the in vivo implications of this pathway in a novel conditional mouse line for selective MT4-MMP deletion in VSMCs and in mice pre-treated with the p38 MAPK activator anisomycin. Priming of p38 MAPK activity in vivo by the absence of the protease MT4-MMP or by anisomycin treatment led to enhanced arteriogenesis and improved flow recovery after femoral artery occlusion. These findings may open new therapeutic opportunities for peripheral vascular diseases.
Prenatal opioid-exposed infant extracellular miRNA signature obtained at birth predicts severity of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome
Authors: Mahnke Amanda H. , Roberts Melissa H. , Leeman Lawrence , Ma Xingya , Bakhireva Ludmila N. , Miranda Rajesh C.
Published: April 2022

Prenatal opioid exposure (POE) is commonly associated with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS), which is characterized by a broad variability in symptoms and severity. Currently there are no diagnostic tools to reliably predict which infants will develop severe NOWS, while risk stratification would allow for proactive decisions about appropriate clinical monitoring and interventions. The aim of this prospective cohort study was to assess if extracellular microRNAs (miRNAs) in umbilical cord plasma of infants with POE could predict NOWS severity. Participants (n = 58) consisted of pregnant women receiving medications for opioid use disorder and their infants. NOWS severity was operationalized as the need for pharmacologic treatment and prolonged hospitalization (≥ 14 days). Cord blood miRNAs were assessed using semi-quantitative qRT-PCR arrays. Receiver operating characteristic curves and area under the curve (AUC) were estimated. The expression of three miRNAs (miR-128-3p, miR-30c-5p, miR-421) predicted need for pharmacologic treatment (AUC: 0.85) and prolonged hospitalization (AUC: 0.90). Predictive validity improved after two miRNAs (let-7d-5p, miR-584-5p) were added to the need for pharmacologic treatment model (AUC: 0.94) and another two miRNAs (let-7b-5p, miR-10-5p) to the prolonged hospitalization model (AUC: 0.99). Infant cord blood extracellular miRNAs can proactively identify opioid-exposed neonates at high-risk for developing severe NOWS.
Image quality enhancement in variable-refresh-rate AMOLED displays using a variable initial voltage compensation scheme
Authors: Kim Li Jin , Jung Sujin , Kim Hee Jun , Kim Bong Hwan , Kwon Kyung Joon , Ha Yong Min , Kim Hyun Jae
Published: April 2022

In active matrix organic light emitting diode (AMOLED) displays, when a variable refresh rate is applied and the frame rate changes, the image’s color and luminance quality in AMOLED displays deteriorates. The frequency-dependent cognitive differences were experimentally demonstrated by using 6.76″ AMOLED displays. This phenomenon is dependent on the emission time and the data programming time on the frame rate. This degradation of the image quality during the frequency switch could be prevented by applying a variable initial voltage (VINI) to the OLED anode. For a frequency change between 60 and 120 Hz, the measured just noticeable color difference (JNCD) decreased from 7.50 to less than 1.00 in luminance, and from 2.34 to 0.02 in color. As our approach can prevent image quality distortion by utilizing an existing compensation pixel structure without additional compensation steps, it will be a promising technique for improving the picture quality in AMOLED displays.
Children’s value-based decision making
Authors: Smith Karen E. , Pollak Seth D.
Published: April 2022

To effectively navigate their environments, infants and children learn how to recognize events predict salient outcomes, such as rewards or punishments. Relatively little is known about how children acquire this ability to attach value to the stimuli they encounter. Studies often examine children’s ability to learn about rewards and threats using either classical conditioning or behavioral choice paradigms. Here, we assess both approaches and find that they yield different outcomes in terms of which individuals had efficiently learned the value of information presented to them. The findings offer new insights into understanding how to assess different facets of value learning in children.
Extraction of nettle (Urtica dioica L.) toxins under natural biting conditions
Authors: Ammarellou Ali
Published: April 2022

A group of natural poisons from various animals, plants and microorganic sources can be extracted, produced and processed. Following ten years of field and laboratory research and studies, resulted from the creation of the first live collection of Iranian nettle ecotypes (LCINs) at the University of Zanjan, the feasibility of fresh and live extraction of nettle poison in pristine and untouched conditions was examined. In this study, the ability of tree tissues to absorb, hunt and sink nettle hairs, including styrofoam, nanofabric and sponge of the same length (15 cm) and same diameter (4 cm) having the same size of pores, was studied in four selected nettle ecotypes, including ecotypes of Mashhad, Mazandaran, Gilan and Zanjan provinces, Iran. For all four ecotypes on the three studied surfaces, the mean number of fully stuck and sunken needles, broken and sunken needles on the surface tissue, pores torn by plant needles and pores containing pale green liquid were counted and fully scrutinized. The results showed that sponges can be a suitable texture for hunting nettle hairs for extracting fresh and raw live venom of approximately 5 ml on a sponge source for 5 min. Based on GCMS analysis of total venom extraction resulting profile from the studied protocols had more than 10 compounds including some important sulfur containing such as: 2,2-dimethyl-propyl 2,2-dimethylpropanesulfinyl sulfone and 2-ethylthiolane, S,S-dioxide, etc. In this method, there is no need to remove the plant and stem. Its unique advantage is in continuous poison harvests during the 6-month growing season. Based on published research, this is the first report of live extraction of nettle medicinal poison.
Evoked responses to rhythmic visual stimulation vary across sources of intrinsic alpha activity in humans
Authors: Nuttall R. , Jäger C. , Zimmermann J. , Archila-Melendez M. E. , Preibisch C. , Taylor P. , Sauseng P. , Wohlschläger A. , Sorg C. , Dowsett J.
Published: April 2022

Rhythmic flickering visual stimulation produces steady-state visually evoked potentials (SSVEPs) in electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings. Based on electrode-level analyses, two dichotomous models of the underpinning mechanisms leading to SSVEP generation have been proposed: entrainment or superposition, i.e., phase-alignment or independence of endogenous brain oscillations from flicker-induced oscillations, respectively. Electrode-level analyses, however, represent an averaged view of underlying ‘source-level’ activity, at which variability in SSVEPs may lie, possibly suggesting the co-existence of multiple mechanisms. To probe this idea, we investigated the variability of SSVEPs derived from the sources underpinning scalp EEG responses during presentation of a flickering radial checkerboard. Flicker was presented between 6 and 12 Hz in 1 Hz steps, and at individual alpha frequency (IAF i.e., the dominant frequency of endogenous alpha oscillatory activity). We tested whether sources of endogenous alpha activity could be dissociated according to evoked responses to different flicker frequencies relative to IAF. Occipitoparietal sources were identified by temporal independent component analysis, maximal resting-state alpha power at IAF and source localisation. The pattern of SSVEPs to rhythmic flicker relative to IAF was estimated by correlation coefficients, describing the correlation between the peak-to-peak amplitude of the SSVEP and the absolute distance of the flicker frequency from IAF across flicker conditions. We observed extreme variability in correlation coefficients across sources, ranging from −0.84 to 0.93, with sources showing largely different coefficients co-existing within subjects. This result demonstrates variation in evoked responses to flicker across sources of endogenous alpha oscillatory activity. Data support the idea of multiple SSVEP mechanisms.
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided side-fenestrated needle biopsy sampling is sensitive for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors but inadequate for tumor grading: a prospective study
Authors: Appelstrand Alexander , Bergstedt Fredrik , Elf Anna-Karin , Fagman Henrik , Hedenström Per
Published: April 2022

Accurate pretreatment grading of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs) is important to guide patient management. We aimed to evaluate endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsy sampling (EUS-FNB) for the preoperative diagnosis and grading of PanNETs. In a tertiary-center setting, patients with suspected PanNETs were prospectively subjected to 22-gauge, reverse-bevel EUS-FNB. The EUS-FNB samples (Ki-67EUS) and corresponding surgical specimens (Ki-67SURG) were analyzed with Ki-67 indexing and thereafter tumor grading, (GRADEEUS) and (GRADESURG) respectively. In total 52 PanNET-patients [median age: 66 years; females: 25/52; surgical resection 22/52 (42%)] were included. EUS-FNB was diagnostic in 44/52 (85%). In 42 available FNB-slides, the median neoplastic cell count was 1034 (IQR: 504–3667) with 32/42 (76%), 22/42 (52%), and 14/42 (33%) cases exceeding 500, 1000, and 2000 neoplastic cells respectively. Ki-67SURG was significantly higher compared to Ki-67EUS with a moderate correlation comparing Ki-67EUS and Ki-67SURG (Pearson r = 0.60, r2 = 0.36, p = 0.011). The GRADEEUS had a weak level of agreement (κ = 0.08) compared with GRADESURG. Only 2/12 (17%) G2-tumors were correctly graded in EUS-FNB-samples. EUS-guided fine needle biopsy sampling is sensitive for preoperative diagnosis of PanNET but biopsy quality is relatively poor. Therefore, the approach seems suboptimal for pretreatment grading of PanNET.
Identification of cow-level risk factors and associations of selected blood macro-minerals at parturition with dystocia and stillbirth in Holstein dairy cows
Authors: Bahrami-Yekdangi M. , Ghorbani G. R. , Sadeghi-Sefidmazgi A. , Mahnani A. , Drackley J. K. , Ghaffari M. H.
Published: April 2022

A deeper understanding of the risk factors for dystocia and stillbirth could help farmers make decisions about dairy cow management. The objectives of this study were to investigate cow-level risk factors associated with dystocia and stillbirth in a relatively large sample of dairy cows using multivariable linear regression models. The data consisted of 51,405 calving records of 14,546 Holstein cows from 3 dairy herds in Isfahan Province, Iran, collected between April 2011 and September 2017. To investigate the association between selected blood macro-minerals and the incidence of dystocia and stillbirth, blood samples were collected at the time of parturition from a random subset of these cows, which included 1311 animals. The incidence of dystocia and stillbirths averaged 14.7% and 4.3%, respectively. Results showed that calving year, calving season, dry period length, BCS, parity, calf sex, calf birth weight, twin status, and stillbirth were significantly associated with the incidence of dystocia. According to the Random Forest (RF) classifier, we found that dry period length, calf birth weight, and parity were the most important cow-level risk factors for the incidence of dystocia. Calving year, calving season, parity, twin status, dry period length, calf birth weight, calf sex, and dystocia were significantly associated with the incidence of stillbirths. The most important risk factors identified by the RF classifier for stillbirths were twin status, parity, dry period length, and calf birth weight. Also, interactions between the cow-level risk factors associated with dystocia and stillbirth were identified. The incidence of dystocia was associated with the interactions of twin status × calf birth weight and twin status × stillbirth. According to our analysis, the incidence of stillbirth is caused by interactions among several factors, such as twin status × length of dry period, twin status × calving season, and twin status × parity. The highest incidence of dystocia (21.3%) and stillbirths (5.4%) was observed in hypo-calcemic cows. In conclusion, twin status seems to be a determining factor for the incidence of stillbirths but not for dystocia. Finally, the results of this study may help the dairy industry make management decisions aimed at reducing dystocia and stillbirth rates.