bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface-Mediated Formation of Stable Glasses
Authors: Luo Peng , Fakhraai Zahra
Published: February 2023

Surfaces mediate the formation of stable glasses (SGs) upon physical vapor deposition (PVD) for a wide range of glass formers. The thermodynamic and kinetic stability of SGs and their anisotropic packing structures are controlled through the deposition parameters (deposition temperature and rate) as well as the chemical structure and composition of the glass former. The resulting PVD glass properties can therefore be related to the structure and dynamics of the glass surface, which can have oriented packing, enhanced surface diffusion, and a lower glass transition temperature, and can facilitate an enhanced aging rate of the interfacial region. We review our current understanding of the details of this surface-mediated SG formation process and discuss key gaps in our knowledge of glass surface dynamics and their effect on this process.
Interactive Quantum Chemistry Enabled by Machine Learning, Graphical Processing Units, and Cloud Computing
Authors: Raucci Umberto , Weir Hayley , Sakshuwong Sukolsak , Seritan Stefan , Hicks Colton B. , Vannucci Fabio , Rea Francesco , Martínez Todd J.
Published: February 2023

Modern quantum chemistry algorithms are increasingly able to accurately predict molecular properties that are useful for chemists in research and education. Despite this progress, performing such calculations is currently unattainable to the wider chemistry community, as they often require domain expertise, computer programming skills, and powerful computer hardware. In this review, we outline methods to eliminate these barriers using cutting-edge technologies. We discuss the ingredients needed to create accessible platforms that can compute quantum chemistry properties in real time, including graphical processing units–accelerated quantum chemistry in the cloud, artificial intelligence–driven natural molecule input methods, and extended reality visualization. We end by highlighting a series of exciting applications that assemble these components to create uniquely interactive platforms for computing and visualizing spectra, 3D structures, molecular orbitals, and many other chemical properties.
Adsorption at Nanoconfined Solid–Water Interfaces
Authors: Ilgen Anastasia G. , Leung Kevin , Criscenti Louise J. , Greathouse Jeffery A.
Published: February 2023

Reactions at solid–water interfaces play a foundational role in water treatment systems, catalysis, and chemical separations, and in predicting chemical fate and transport in the environment. Over the last century, experimental measurements and computational models have made tremendous progress in capturing reactions at solid surfaces. The interfacial reactivity of a solid surface, however, can change dramatically and unexpectedly when it is confined to the nanoscale. Nanoconfinement can arise in different geometries such as pores/cages (3D confinement), channels (2D confinement), and slits (1D confinement). Therefore, measurements on unconfined surfaces, and molecular models parameterized based on these measurements, fail to capture chemical behaviors under nanoconfinement. This review evaluates recent experimental and theoretical advances, with a focus on adsorption at solid–water interfaces. We review how nanoconfinement alters the physico-chemical properties of water, and how the structure and dynamics of nanoconfined water dictate energetics, pathways, and products of adsorption in nanopores. Finally, the implications of these findings and future research directions are discussed.
Conceptualizations of Race: Essentialism and Constructivism
Authors: Roth Wendy D. , van Stee Elena G. , Regla-Vargas Alejandra
Published: February 2023

Demonstrating how race is socially constructed has been a core sociological objective, yet many individuals continue to hold essentialist and other concepts of what races are and how to account for group differences. These conceptualizations have crucial consequences for intergroup attitudes, support for social policies, and structures of inequality, all of which are key sociological concerns; yet much of the research in this area has emerged outside of sociology. Our review of this interdisciplinary scholarship describes the range of views people hold, the attitudes and behaviors associated with them, and what factors contribute to these views. We focus primarily on essentialism and constructivism, although we describe the greater variety of beliefs beyond this dichotomy, as well as fluidity in how people use these concepts. We conclude by presenting research on strategies for reducing essentialist belief systems and identifying key areas for future research.
How our understanding of memory replay evolves
Authors: Chen Zhe Sage , Wilson Matthew A.
Published: February 2023

Memory reactivations and replay, widely reported in the hippocampus and cortex across species, have been implicated in memory consolidation, planning, and spatial and skill learning. Technological advances in electrophysiology, calcium imaging, and human neuroimaging techniques have enabled neuroscientists to measure large-scale neural activity with increasing spatiotemporal resolution and have provided opportunities for developing robust analytic methods to identify memory replay. In this article, we first review a large body of historically important and representative memory replay studies from the animal and human literature. We then discuss our current understanding of memory replay functions in learning, planning, and memory consolidation and further discuss the progress in computational modeling that has contributed to these improvements. Next, we review past and present analytic methods for replay analyses and discuss their limitations and challenges. Finally, looking ahead, we discuss some promising analytic methods for detecting nonstereotypical, behaviorally nondecodable structures from large-scale neural recordings. We argue that seamless integration of multisite recordings, real-time replay decoding, and closed-loop manipulation experiments will be essential for delineating the role of memory replay in a wide range of cognitive and motor functions.
Increased paired stimuli enhance corticospinal-motoneuronal plasticity in humans with spinal cord injury
Authors: Grover Francis M. , Chen Bing , Perez Monica A.
Published: February 2023

Paired corticospinal-motoneuronal stimulation (PCMS) has been used to enhance corticospinal excitability and functional outcomes in humans with spinal cord injury (SCI). Here, we demonstrate that 360 paired pulses resulted in larger increases in motor-evoked potential size in a hand muscle and in a better ability to complete the nine-hold-peg-test compared with 180 paired pulses in people with SCI. This proof-of-principle study suggests that increasing the PCMS dose represents a strategy to boost motor output after SCI.
Non-Newtonian Effects of Blood Flow on Hemodynamics in Pulmonary Stenosis: Numerical Simulation
Authors: He Fan , Wang Xinyu , Hua Lu , Guo Tingting
Published: February 2023

This paper aims to explore the construction of an individualized pulmonary artery stenosis model based on computed tomography (CT) images. The stenosis model is simulated using a porous medium, and the numerical simulation is carried out by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method to discuss non-Newtonian effects on hemodynamics. The hemodynamic parameters and quantitative pulmonary pressure ratio (QPPR) of the right pulmonary artery stenosis are obtained. The change curves of hemodynamic parameters show that the effects of non-Newtonian fluid are more significant than those of Newtonian fluid. Under the non-Newtonian condition, pressure and velocity drop more and faster when blood flow enters into the stenosis region. There is a high wall shear stress in the stenosis downstream. The margin of error between the QPPR value of the non-Newtonian fluid simulation and the clinical measurement value is not more than 10%. This work provides the evidence that the simulation of non-Newtonian fluid is closer to the reality when a porous medium model is used in a stenosis model. This contributes to assessing the severity of pulmonary stenosis behavior and is essential to guide disease treatment.
The Relationship between Successful Aging and Health Literacy in Older Adults
Authors: Fırat Kılıç Hülya , Arifoğlu Berna , Kızılkaya Nazmiye
Published: February 2023

Purpose. This study aims to determine the relationship between successful aging and health literacy in older adults. Design and Methods. This cross‐sectional, descriptive, and correlational study was conducted between April and September 2021. The sample of the study comprised 379 voluntary older adults aged 65 and above who visited a health center. A descriptive information form, the adult health literacy scale, and the successful aging scale were used for data collection. Results. The levels of health literacy were low, whereas the perceptions of successful aging were high. Besides, compared to female participants, the levels of health literacy and the perceptions of successful aging were higher in male participants. Age was negatively correlated with the level of health literacy. Furthermore, health literacy levels and successful aging perceptions of married participants were high. Finally, as the education levels increased, so did the health literacy level and successful aging perceptions. Practice Implications. Health policies to promote successful aging and health literacy in adults may be developed. Besides, intervention plans to improve the health literacy levels of different age groups may be prepared. Further studies that use culture‐specific scales may be conducted.
Green Coffee Bean Extract Potentially Ameliorates Liver Injury due to HFD/STZ-Induced Diabetes in Rats
Authors: Abdel-Mohsen Doaa M. , Akabawy Ahmed M. A. , El-Khadragy Manal F. , Abdel Moneim Ahmed E. , Amin Hatem K.
Published: February 2023

The goal of the current study was to examine the therapeutic potential of green coffee bean extract (GCBE) in the treatment of diabetic hepatic damage induced by high-fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ) administration. The novelty of this study lies in constructing a newly stabilized in vivo obese diabetic animal model in rats using HFD/STZ for investigating the dose-dependent effect of two commonly used doses of GCBE in hepatoprotection against oxidative stress-induced hepatic damage by measuring many parameters that have not been carried out previously in other studies. GCBE that was used in this study was a hot water extract of green coffee beans with a concentration of 0.1 g ml−1. Male albino rats were given a single dose of STZ (35 mg kg−1), and HFD to induce diabetes mellitus (DM). For 28 days, two separate doses of GCBE 50 mg kg−1 and 100 mg kg−1 were administered orally to diabetic animals. Leptin, liver enzymes, oxidative stress parameters, inflammatory parameters, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting plasma insulin (FPI), and lipid profile levels were examined. Real-time PCR and ELISA were used to quantitatively detect the mRNAs of the genes involved in the insulin signaling pathway, the genes involved in glucose metabolism, and the amounts of proteins. The levels of FPG, lipid profile, liver enzymes, inflammatory markers, and leptin in the HFD/STZ diabetic group revealed a considerable spike, while they considerably decreased after GCBE treatment in a dose-dependent manner. After GCBE treatment, the diabetic group showed a significant rise in the antioxidant markers glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase, as well as a decrease in malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels. The liver changes caused by HFD/STZ were entirely reversed by GCBE, and most intriguingly, in a dose-dependent manner. We concluded that GCBE can repair the hepatic oxidative damage caused by HFD and STZ by reversing all the previously measured parameters and improving the insulin signaling pathways. GCBE demonstrated strong antifree radical activity and significantly protected cells from oxidative damage caused by HFD/STZ.
Chitosan/Alginate Nanocomposite with Fe Nanoparticles for the Efficient Removal of Hexavalent Chromium Pollutant
Authors: Kandeel Mahmoud , Latha S. , Subramanian Kumaran , Rennita D. , Thirunavukkarasu Rajasekar , Ramesh V. , Srinivasan Guru Prasad , Al-Mubarakc Abdullah I.
Published: February 2023

Biopolymers and nanomaterials are an excellent choice for removing heavy metals and keeping the environment clean. The hexavalent chromium (Cr6+) (or) chromium-6 is usually produced by various industrial processes, which can be a toxic liquid pollutant. In this study, a nanopolymeric compound supplemented with Fe nanoparticle was used in the extraction (removal) process of Cr6+ present in the aqueous solutions. Two biopolymers were blended and connected (using a microemulsion process) to produce nanoparticles (Cht/Alg NPs), and the nanoparticles have an average size of 311.2 nm with a negative charge of 23 and 2 mV. During synthesis, the red cabbage extract was also used to make iron nanoparticles (Fe-NPs), and these Fe-NPs had semispherical species with a diameter of 21.4 nm. The nanopolymeric compound was loaded and equally distributed with chitosan and alginate (Cht/Alg) NPs and synthesized Fe-NPs. The assessment using batch adsorption assays showed that both nanocomposites exhibited more ability than the Cr6+ adsorbents under various conditions (e.g., pH, initial ion concentration, adsorbent volume, and contact time (CT)). At the start, the initial Cr6+ concentration was 75 ppm, and the most effective adsorption condition was found at 5.0 pH, the adsorbent capacity was 4 g/L, and the CT was 210 min. These documented results show that Cr6+ may be completely removed from bulk testing. Therefore, the use of these composite nanopolymers (Cht/Alg NPs) combined with the synthesized Fe-NPs can be extrapolated for use in the aquatic milieu for the removal of Cr6+.
Exploration and Practice of the Relationship between College Students’ Learning Adaptation and Mental Health under the Information-Based Teaching Environment of Potential Profile Analysis
Authors: Zhu Hongmei
Published: February 2023

In order to further investigate and understand the relationship between college students’ learning adaptation process and mental health in the learning process under the information-based teaching environment, this paper makes a questionnaire survey on college students’ learning adaptation and mental health and selects 408 college students as the research object. The results show that the potential profile analysis shows that with the development of network and informatization, the learning adaptability of college students can be divided into four types: troubled group (accounting for 7.598%), marginal adaptive group (accounting for 42.892%), maladaptive group (accounting for 4.167%), and good adaptive group (accounting for 45.343%). The mental health level of the latter two is better, and the mental health level of the first two is worse. Students who do not adapt to learning and students who adapt well show common characteristics. Most of them are only children, and their parents have a high level of education. This kind of family often has good material conditions and loose family atmosphere, which will also form a protective mechanism for students’ mental health, making students have good self-acceptance ability and good mental health level.
Phenotypical Identification and Toxinotyping of Clostridium perfringens Isolates from Healthy and Enteric Disease‐Affected Chickens
Authors: Rana Eaftekhar Ahmed , Nizami Tanvir Ahmad , Islam Md Sayedul , Barua Himel , Islam Md Zohorul
Published: February 2023

Clostridium perfringens is a ubiquitous spore‐forming anaerobic pathogen that is frequently associated with enteric disease in chickens. Moreover, enterotoxin‐producing C. perfringens has high zoonotic potential as well as serious public health concerns due to the emanation of food‐borne intoxication. The present study was designed to isolate, identify, and toxinotype C. perfringens from both healthy and cases of necrotic or ulcerative enteritis chickens. A total of 110 samples were collected from July 2019 to February 2021. Among the samples, 38 (34.5%, 95% CI: 26.39–43.83) were positive for C. perfringens and were obtained from broiler 21 (33.3%, 95% CI: 22.91–45.67), Sonali 9 (34.6%, 95% CI: 19.31–53.88), and layer 8 (38%, 95% CI: 20.68–59.20). C. perfringens was highly prevalent (35.7%, 95% CI: 25.48–47.44) in enteritis chickens compared with healthy ones. In multiplex PCR toxinotyping, 34 (89.4%) isolates were identified as C. perfringens type A by the presence of the alpha toxin gene (cpa). Moreover, in addition to the cpa gene, 3 (14.3%, 95% CI: 4.14–35.48) broiler and 1 (11.1%, 95% CI: 0.01–45.67) Sonali isolates harbored the enterotoxin gene (cpe) and were classified as type F. However, none of the isolates carried genes encoding beta (cpb), epsilon (etx), iota (iap), or beta‐2 (cpb2) toxins. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified the following variables such as; “previously used litter materials” (OR 21.77, 95% CI 2.22–212.66, p ≤ 0.008); intestinal lesions, “presence of ulceration” (OR 30.01, 95% CI 3.02–297.91, p ≤ 0.004); “ballooned with gas” (OR 24.74, 95% CI 4.34–140.86, p ≤ 0.001) and “use of probiotics” (OR 5.24, 95% CI 0.74–36.75, p ≤ 0.095) act as risk factors for C. perfringens colonization in chicken gut. This is the first study of molecular toxinotyping of C. perfringens from healthy and enteric‐diseased chickens in Bangladesh, which might have a potential food‐borne zoonotic impact on human health.
Biochemical Predictors of New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation after Ascending Aorta Replacement Surgery in Acute Type A Aortic Dissection Patients
Authors: Shi Jian , Cheng Yong-Qing , Zhu Xi-Yu , Zhou Ze-Yi , Jiang Yi , Xue Yun-Xing , Cao Hai-Long , Wang Dong-Jin
Published: February 2023

Objective. This study aimed to determine the risk factors of new-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation after ascending aortic replacement in acute type A aortic dissection patients, with emphasis on biochemical parameters. Methods. From Jan 2020 to Dec 2021, a total of 435 acute type A aortic dissection patients who underwent ascending aortic replacement and without a history of atrial fibrillation were retrospectively analyzed in this study. Perioperative data of these patients were obtained from the hospital’s database. The 30-day follow-up was via telephone interviews. The multivariate regression analysis was used to identify risk factors that may be predictive of postoperative atrial fibrillation. Results. 218 (50.1%) patients experienced postoperative atrial fibrillation after ascending aorta replacement surgery. Older age (OR = 1.081 (1.059–1.104),

p
<
0.001

), higher total bile acid (OR = 1.064 (1.024–1.106),

p

 = 0.002), glucose (OR = 1.180 (1.038–1.342),

p

 = 0.012), and serum potassium (OR = 2.313 (1.078–4.960),

p

 = 0.031) were identified by multivariate regression analysis as risk factors of postoperative atrial fibrillation. The multivariate regression analysis prediction model incorporating these four factors had a good prediction effect (AUC = 0.769 (0.723–0.816),

p
<
0.001

). Conclusions. Older age, higher total bile acid, glucose, and serum potassium were risk factors of postoperative atrial fibrillation after ascending aortic replacement surgery in acute type A aortic dissection patients.
The Mediating Effect of Mental Health Literacy on Psychological Resilience and Psychological Distress of Medical College Students
Authors: Zhang Jia-Yuan , Ji Xiang-Zi , Zhou Yu-Qiu
Published: February 2023

Purpose. Psychological resilience plays an important role in relieving the psychological distress. However, little is known about its underlying mechanisms. Mental health literacy, an important way to promote mental health, may mediate the effect of psychological resilience on psychological distress. This study aimed to explore the relationship between mental health literacy, psychological resilience, and psychological distress and explore the mediating effect between psychological resilience and psychological distress. Design and Methods. A cross‐sectional study design was used. A total of 627 medical students were selected from one university. An electronic questionnaire was administered to collect information on the level of mental health literacy, psychological resilience, and psychological distress. Pearson’s correlation analysis was used in analyzing the relationship, and the Bootstrap method was used to test the mediating effects. Findings. Psychological distress significantly negatively correlated with mental health literacy and psychological resilience (P < 0.001). The indirect effect of mental health literacy accounted for 50.43% of the total effect between psychological resilience and psychological distress. Practical Implication. Psychological resilience decreased the level of psychological distress, and this relationship was partially mediated by mental health literacy. These findings showed that efforts aimed at enhancing the mental health literacy may prevent or reduce the prevalence of psychological distress symptoms among college students.
Cobalt Phosphide Nanoparticles Synthesized by Solvothermal Phosphidization of Metal-Organic Frameworks for Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Gao Jinhao , Liu Shuling , Li Zhijian , Xing Yichuang , Cui Xian , Wang Chao
Published: February 2023

Active and stable electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are crucial in the widespread application of water electrolyzers. Cobalt phosphide nanoparticles (Co-P) with different degrees of crystallinity are synthesized via solvothermal phosphidization of Co metal-organic frameworks and P4 using different solvents. The Co-P can be converted to active OER electrocatalysts in 1 M KOH, with the most active reaching 10 mA cm-2 OER current densities at 270 mV overpotential. The OER intermediate adsorption energy is tuned by the electron interactions in the crystalline/amorphous heterostructured Co-P, which show the highest intrinsic OER activity. After the long-term OER in base, surface phosphides are converted to (oxy)hydroxides that are the active species towards OER.
A Streamline Dot Flow Field Design for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell
Authors: Sun Feng , Su Dandan , Yin Yujie
Published: February 2023

Flow field optimization plays a vital role in improving the output performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), especially at high current density. A streamline dot flow field is proposed in this study to enhance the mass transfer of reactant gas and compared it with parallel, rectangular dot, and rhombic dot flow fields. The influence of the tail length of streamline dot block on the performance of fuel cells is further analyzed. The results show that the uniform distributions of pressure and oxygen molar fraction are significantly increased in dot flow fields compared with parallel flow field. In dot flow fields, vortices produced behind the dot blocks could increase the flow resistance and pressure drop. Among six models, the dot flow field with 2 mm tail has the most uniform current density distribution at PEM-CL cross section, and its index of uniformity current density (IUCD) is the smallest with the value of 0.012991. And the parallel flow field model has the largest value of IUCD. Compared with parallel flow field, the current density of streamline dot flow field model with 2 mm tail increased by 4.9%.
An In Vitro Comparison of Clinpro™ XT and Duraphat Varnish for Protecting Teeth from Discoloration during Orthodontic Treatment
Authors: Xu Lin , Zou Yuchun , Lin Hanyu , Yang Xinhan , Xu Linyu
Published: February 2023

Objective. During orthodontic treatment, a higher caries risk has been reported, so fluorides and other remineralizing compounds have been proposed. Currently, fluoride varnish is commonly available in conventional and light-curable forms. This in vitro study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of two different materials, Clinpro™ XT (light-curable forms) and Duraphat (conventional forms) varnish, whose main active principle according to their manufacturers is fluoride in preventing tooth discoloration during orthodontic treatment with appliances attached with metal brackets or resin. Materials and Methods. This study included 120 premolars free of white spot lesions and caries that were randomly divided into the following six groups (n = 20): resin control (RCTR), resin Clinpro (RC), resin Duraphat (RD), bracket control (BCTR), bracket Clinpro (BC), and bracket Duraphat (BD). All the samples were exposed to 180 ml of coffee (4 times × 5 min/day) for 7 or 28 days. When not immersed in coffee, the teeth were stored in artificial saliva, which was replaced every day. The lightness (

L

∗

), red/green axis (

a

∗

), and yellow/blue axis (

b

∗

) values were recorded with a dental spectrophotometer (Easy shade Advance 4.0) on days 0 (baseline), 7, and 28. The color difference (

Δ

E

∗

) on days 7 and 28 was also calculated. Results. The data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni’s test (α = 0.05). Significant differences were observed between the

Δ

E

∗

,

L

∗

,

a

∗

, and

b

∗

values of the Clinpro™ XT and Duraphat groups and those of the control groups after 7 and 28 days regardless of the attachment type (

P

 < 0.001). On day 7, no significant differences were observed between the Clinpro™ XT and Duraphat groups, whereas on day 28, the Duraphat groups with metal and resin attachments exhibited significant differences from the Clinpro™ XT groups (

P

 < 0.001). No significant differences correlated to the attachment type were observed throughout the discoloration procedure. Conclusions. The application of fluoride varnish during orthodontic treatment can significantly reduce tooth discoloration caused by the staining solution. Clinpro™ XT varnish showed a longer period of efficacy in protecting teeth from discoloration than Duraphat. No differences in tooth discoloration were observed between the groups with fixed and clear appliances.
Stochastic Optimization and Sensitivity Analysis of the Combined Negative Stiffness Damped Outrigger and Conventional Damped Outrigger Systems Subjected to Nonstationary Seismic Excitation
Authors: Wang Zhihao , Zhou Yuxiang , Fang Chuangjie , Zhang Jingwen
Published: February 2023

In recent years, various kinds of damped outrigger systems, particularly with the negative stiffness devices, have been shown to effectively suppress excessive vibration induced by earthquake and wind. To gain insight into such systems, this paper proposes a stochastic optimization method to investigate optimal configurations of combined negative stiffness damped outriggers (NSDOs) and conventional damped outriggers (CDOs) subjected to nonstationary stochastic seismic excitation. The simplified analysis model of various combinations of damped outriggers is developed, and the state-space representation of outrigger systems is then formulated. The nonstationary seismic excitation is modeled as a uniformly modulated stationary Gaussian process with a time-modulating function following Clough–Penzien spectrum, and combining equations of motions of outrigger systems and seismic excitation gives rise to the augmented state-space representation of structure-damper-excitation and subsequently the differential Lyapunov equation. The optimal designs of damped outriggers are defined via the solution of the differential Lyapunov equation. The multiobjective optimization with Pareto optimal fronts is adopted to deal with conflicting objectives between harmful interstory drift and floor absolute acceleration. The sensitivity of negative stiffness devices on optimal objectives is also investigated. The optimal designs are further examined under real typical and near-fault earthquake records. The results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed method and provide insight into the systems subjected to nonstationary seismic excitation. While the purely NSDO systems could have better performance with adequate negative stiffness devices, the proposed combined NSDO and CDO systems prove to be more effective with limited negative stiffness devices and thus provide more design flexibilities tailored to different application situations.
Coffee Berry Borer Infestation and Population per Fruit Relationship with Coffee Variety, Shade Level, and Altitude on Specialty Coffee Farms in Peru
Authors: Oliva Manuel , Rubio Karol B. , Chinguel Diomedes , Carranza Joel , Bobadilla Leidy G. , Leiva Santos
Published: February 2023

Although the coffee berry borer (CBB) is the most important coffee pest worldwide, controversies remain regarding basic aspects of its behavior, such as how this is influenced by abiotic factors of the coffee agroecosystem. In this study, we compared the level of infestation and total population per fruit under three different levels of shade (full sun, up to 40%, and >40%), for two varieties of coffee (Caturra and Catimor) and at two different altitudes (1200 to 1700 m above sea level) in Rodríguez de Mendoza, Peru. We found that the infestation percentage increases with the shade levels of the plot. The average percentages of infestation according to shade levels were 10.52% for coffee in full sun, 12.56% with up to 40% shade, and 17.99% for coffee growing in more than 40% shade; however, maximum infestation values of 68.421%, 84.127%, and 95.238% were obtained for coffee plantations in full sun, up to 40% shade, and more than 40% shade, respectively. The Catimor variety was found to be more susceptible to CBB infestation than Caturra. In addition, CBB infestation per fruit was found to decrease with increasing altitude.
Development and Application of a Standardized Testset for an Artificial Intelligence Medical Device Intended for the Computer‐Aided Diagnosis of Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Wang Hao , Meng Xiangfeng , Tang Qiaohong , Hao Ye , Luo Yan , Li Jiage
Published: February 2023

Objective. To explore a centralized approach to build test sets and assess the performance of an artificial intelligence medical device (AIMD) which is intended for computer‐aided diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Method. A framework was proposed to conduct data collection, data curation, and annotation. Deidentified colour fundus photographs were collected from 11 partner hospitals with raw labels. Photographs with sensitive information or authenticity issues were excluded during vetting. A team of annotators was recruited through qualification examinations and trained. The annotation process included three steps: initial annotation, review, and arbitration. The annotated data then composed a standardized test set, which was further imported to algorithms under test (AUT) from different developers. The algorithm outputs were compared with the final annotation results (reference standard). Result. The test set consists of 6327 digital colour fundus photographs. The final labels include 5 stages of DR and non‐DR, as well as other ocular diseases and photographs with unacceptable quality. The Fleiss Kappa was 0.75 among the annotators. The Cohen’s kappa between raw labels and final labels is 0.5. Using this test set, five AUTs were tested and compared quantitatively. The metrics include accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. The AUTs showed inhomogeneous capabilities to classify different types of fundus photographs. Conclusions. This article demonstrated a workflow to build standardized test sets and conduct algorithm testing of the AIMD for computer‐aided diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy. It may provide a reference to develop technical standards that promote product verification and quality control, improving the comparability of products.
Design of Metaverse-Based Physical Fitness Service for the Enhancement of Exercise Capability for Youth
Authors: Lee Jangwon , Yoon Hyoung-Ki , Kim Dongho
Published: February 2023

This study explains the case study to develop a metaverse-based training system for the management of the physical fitness of youth. The study targeted developing a smart mirror-based AR physical fitness system and a bone age-based physical fitness management service to enhance exercise capability in youth. Accordingly, the data on youth’s bone age, physical strength, and physique were collected. Based on the collected data, the stage of the human development in youth was categorized, and the physical fitness management system providing the exercise program customized for the phases of physical development was implemented. Furthermore, a solution was devised so that youth with less physical exercise experience could practice physical fitness training without a coach using the smart mirror-based AR physical fitness system. This system uses an RGB-D camera and a three-dimensional posture estimation algorithm to recognize a user’s movement, determine movement accuracy, and provide feedback for the improved exercise effect. The XR Physical Fitness, using a smart mirror implemented in this article, features two features of metaverse’s augmented reality and lifelogging, enabling the youth to enjoy more immersive and enjoyable exercise experiences.
Infiltrated Nanofiber-Based Nanostructured Electrodes for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Kim Seo Ju , Choi Mingi , Mun Taeeun , Woo Deok Yoon , Lee Wonyoung
Published: February 2023

The feasibility and opportunity of nanostructured and defect-engineered electrodes for exceptional performance and stability of solid oxide fuel cells operating at intermediate temperatures (500–700°C) are reported in this study. The electrode is designed with infiltrated La0.4Sr0.6MnO3-δ (LSM) nanoparticles as oxygen reduction reaction catalysts on an yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) nanofiber scaffold with a controlled sintering temperature of 800–1200°C for optimized nanostructures and defect concentration of the nanofiber scaffold. Nanostructured electrode with the lowest sintering temperature of 800°C exhibits ~8.1 times higher specific surface area and ~1.6 times higher oxygen vacancy concentration than that with a sintering temperature of 1200°C. The cell with a sintering temperature of 800°C demonstrates an outstanding performance of ~2.11 and 1.09 W/cm2 at 700 and 600°C, respectively, with excellent stability for 300 h under the current density of 1.5 A/cm2 at 750°C.
The Effect of UV Irradiation on Rearing Water Quality, Growth, and Survival of European Lobster (Homarus gammarus, L.) Larvae
Authors: Goncalves Renata , Aalto Sanni L. , Lund Ivar
Published: February 2023

The successful establishment of European lobster (Homarus gammarus) land-based production is hampered by the high mortality rate during larval development, which can be partially explained by the proliferation of pathogens in the communal tanks commonly used for larval rearing. Therefore, disinfection water treatment could improve the low survival rates frequently recorded in H. gammarus farming. In this study, we evaluated the effect of UV irradiation on the microbial abundance and physicochemical quality of the culture water, as well as on H. gammarus larvae growth and survival reared on a flow-through system for a period of 15 days. Results showed that UV treatment significantly decreased the microbial abundance and reduced the variation in water parameters but did not improve physicochemical water quality (turbidity, ultraviolet transmission, nitrogenous compounds, biochemical, and chemical oxygen demand). Moreover, contrary to the expectations, UV irradiation did not improve but slowed down larvae growth. We initially hypothesized that UV disinfection would enhance the rearing water quality by inactivating bacteria, including potential pathogens, and hence, benefit larvae growth and survival. Our findings suggest that UV disinfection can stabilize the rearing environment but does not benefit H. gammarus larvae rearing, at least in a flow-through system set-up. This could be due to UV disinfection eliminating not only potential harmful pathogens but also other microbial groups important for the establishment of a healthy gut microbiota supporting lobster larvae growth.
The Effects of the Empathy Levels of Midwifery Students on Their Caring Behaviors
Authors: Erdemoğlu Çiğdem , Boybay Koyuncu Saadet , Şahin Türkan
Published: February 2023

Purpose. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of the empathy levels of midwifery students on their caring behaviors. Design and Methods. This descriptive study was carried out with 225 midwifery students. The data were collected via the Participant Information Form, the Midwifery Empathy Scale‐Revised, and the Caring Behaviors Inventory‐24. Findings. The mean Midwifery Empathy Scale‐Revised score was 63.64 ± 7.47, which showed moderate levels of empathy. The mean Caring Behaviors Inventory‐24 score was 5.13 ± 0.84, and this showed good levels of caring behaviors. In this study, the empathy was determined to explain 17% of the total variance in the caring behaviors (F = 45.371, R2 = 0.170; p = 0.001). Practise Implications. The empathy levels of students affect their caring behaviors positively.
Outcome of Nivolumab-Induced Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada Disease-Like Uveitis in a Patient Managed without Intravenous Methylprednisolone Therapy
Authors: Nagai Ryoji , Yamamoto Akinari , Yoshida Akiko , Mikawa Akiko
Published: February 2023

Background. In recent years, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have been often used for several types of cancers. Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) are autoimmune responses caused by ICI. Among the different types of irAEs, uveitis is common in ophthalmology. Moreover, there are reports on Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada (VKH) disease-like uveitis. In most cases, VKH, as in the usual VKH, is managed with intravenous methylprednisolone therapy. Case Report. A 72-year-old man was diagnosed with gastric cancer, and he was treated with nivolumab, a type of ICI. After eight cycles of nivolumab therapy, he developed fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus and diabetic ketoacidosis. Thus, the treatment was discontinued. Subsequently, the patient was referred to our department due to bilateral blurry vision. He had decreased visual acuity in both eyes, and slit lamp examination revealed the presence of bilateral anterior chamber cells and keratic precipitates. Fundus examination showed bilateral serous retinal detachment (SRD), wavy retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), and choroidal thickening. Cerebrospinal fluid examination revealed prominent pleocytosis. Thus, we initiated eye drop therapy and subtenon injection of triamcinolone acetonide on the right eye only. After 1 month, SRD and wavy RPE disappeared, and the patient’s visual acuity improved. Further, both eyes had similar improvements in visual acuity and abnormal findings. Oral prednisolone was subsequently administered for hearing loss. However, intravenous methylprednisolone was not used, and ophthalmologic findings and visual acuity did not change before and after systemic steroid therapy. One year after disease onset, SRD and wavy RPE did not relapse. Conclusion. Nivolumab-induced VKH disease-like uveitis can have good outcomes even in a patient managed without intravenous methylprednisolone therapy.
Mutated HRAS Activates YAP1–AXL Signaling to Drive Metastasis of Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Jagadeeshan Sankar , Prasad Manu , Badarni Mai , Ben-Lulu Talal , Liju Vijayasteltar Belsamma , Mathukkada Sooraj , Saunders Claire , Shnerb Avital Beeri , Zorea Jonathan , Yegodayev Ksenia M. , Wainer Monica , Vtorov Liza , Allon Irit , Cohen Ofir , Gausdal Gro , Friedmann-Morvinski Dinorah , Cheong Sok Ching , Ho Alan L. , Rosenberg Ari J. , Kessler Linda , Burrows Francis , Kong Dexin , Grandis Jennifer R. , Gutkind J. Silvio , Elkabets Moshe
Published: February 2023

The survival rate for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) diagnosed with cervical lymph node (cLN) or distant metastasis is low. Genomic alterations in the HRAS oncogene are associated with advanced tumor stage and metastasis in HNC. Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms by which mutated HRAS (HRASmut) facilitates HNC metastasis could lead to improved treatment options for patients. Here, we examined metastasis driven by mutant HRAS in vitro and in vivo using HRASmut human HNC cell lines, patient-derived xenografts, and a novel HRASmut syngeneic model. Genetic and pharmacological manipulations indicated that HRASmut was sufficient to drive invasion in vitro and metastasis in vivo. Targeted proteomic analysis showed that HRASmut promoted AXL expression via suppressing the Hippo pathway and stabilizing YAP1 activity. Pharmacological blockade of HRAS signaling with the farnesyltransferase inhibitor tipifarnib activated the Hippo pathway and reduced the nuclear export of YAP1, thus suppressing YAP1-mediated AXL expression and metastasis. AXL was required for HRASmut cells to migrate and invade in vitro and to form regional cLN and lung metastases in vivo. In addition, AXL-depleted HRASmut tumors displayed reduced lymphatic and vascular angiogenesis in the primary tumor. Tipifarnib treatment also regulated AXL expression and attenuated VEGFA and VEGFC expression, thus regulating tumor-induced vascular formation and metastasis. Our results indicate that YAP1 and AXL are crucial factors for HRASmut-induced metastasis and that tipifarnib treatment can limit the metastasis of HNC tumors with HRAS mutations by enhancing YAP1 cytoplasmic sequestration and downregulating AXL expression.

Significance:

Mutant HRAS drives metastasis of head and neck cancer by switching off the Hippo pathway to activate the YAP1–AXL axis and to stimulate lymphovascular angiogenesis.
The Elongin BC Complex Negatively Regulates AXL and Marks a Differentiated Phenotype in Melanoma
Authors: Schieven Sebastiaan M. , Traets Joleen J.H. , Vliet Alex v. , Baalen Martijn v. , Song Ji-Ying , Guimaraes Marcos Da Silva , Kuilman Thomas , Peeper Daniel S.
Published: February 2023

High expression of the receptor tyrosine kinase AXL is implicated in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, cancer progression, and therapy resistance. For example, AXL is abundant in BRAF mutant melanomas progressing on targeted BRAF/MEK inhibition. Therefore, AXL is thought to represent an attractive therapeutic target. This notwithstanding, little is known about the mechanisms governing expression of AXL. Here, we describe a FACS-based whole-genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 screen to uncover regulators of AXL expression. We identified several genes, inactivation of which led to increased AXL expression. Most remarkable was the identification of five components that associate with the Elongin BC heterodimer. Elongin B/C engage in multiple protein–protein interactions, including the transcription factor complex subunit Elongin A, the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor protein, and members of the SOCS-box protein family. The screen identified ELOB, ELOC, SOCS5, UBE2F, and RNF7, each of which we demonstrate to serve as an inhibitor of AXL expression. Although the AXL promoter contains hypoxia response elements and Elongin B/C are found in the VHL complex, Elongin B/C unexpectedly regulate AXL independently of hypoxia. Instead, we demonstrate that the Elongin BC complex interacts with AXL through ELOB, and contributes to proteasomal AXL turnover. RNA-sequencing and IHC analyses of melanoma patient-derived xenografts and clinical samples revealed a negative association between Elongin B/C and dedifferentiation. Together, the Elongin BC complex regulates AXL and marks a differentiated melanoma phenotype.

Implications:

This study identifies the Elongin BC complex as a key regulator of AXL expression and marker of melanoma differentiation.
Dynamics of Age- versus Therapy-Related Clonal Hematopoiesis in Long-term Survivors of Pediatric Cancer
Authors: Hagiwara Kohei , Natarajan Sivaraman , Wang Zhaoming , Zubair Haseeb , Mulder Heather L. , Dong Li , Plyler Emily M. , Thimmaiah Padma , Ma Xiaotu , Ness Kristen K. , Li Zhenghong , Mulrooney Daniel A. , Wilson Carmen L. , Yasui Yutaka , Hudson Melissa M. , Easton John , Robison Leslie L. , Zhang Jinghui
Published: February 2023

We present the first comprehensive investigation of clonal hematopoiesis (CH) in 2,860 long-term survivors of pediatric cancer with a median follow-up time of 23.5 years. Deep sequencing over 39 CH-related genes reveals mutations in 15% of the survivors, significantly higher than the 8.5% in 324 community controls. CH in survivors is associated with exposures to alkylating agents, radiation, and bleomycin. Therapy-related CH shows significant enrichment in STAT3, characterized as a CH gene specific to survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma, and TP53. Single-cell profiling of peripheral blood samples revealed STAT3 mutations predominantly present in T cells and contributed by SBS25, a mutational signature associated with procarbazine exposure. Serial sample tracking reveals that larger clone size is a predictor for future expansion of age-related CH clones, whereas therapy-related CH remains stable decades after treatment. These data depict the distinct dynamics of these CH subtypes and support the need for longitudinal monitoring to determine the potential contribution to late effects.

Significance:

This first comprehensive CH analysis in long-term survivors of pediatric cancer presents the elevated prevalence and therapy exposures/diagnostic spectrum associated with CH. Due to the contrasting dynamics of clonal expansion for age-related versus therapy-related CH, longitudinal monitoring is recommended to ascertain the long-term effects of therapy-induced CH in pediatric cancer survivors.

See related commentary by Collord and Behjati, p. 811.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 799
Alkaloids in Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal Root Extract Contribute to Its Anti-Inflammatory Activity
Authors: Orrù Alessandro , Marchese Giorgio , Ruiu Stefania
Published: February 2023

The anti-inflammatory properties of the medicinal plant Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (WS) are generally related to withanolides; consistently, several strategies are under investigation to increase the concentration of these compounds in WS extracts. However, a potential toxicity of withanolides has been highlighted, thus questioning the safety of such preparations. At variance, the relative contribution of alkaloids is underrated, in spite of preliminary evidence underlining a possible pharmacological relevance. Starting from these considerations, the efficacy/safety profile of WS root extract (WSE) was compared with those of WS extracts which are enriched in alkaloids (WSA) and withanolides (WSW), respectively. MTT assay was used to evaluate cell viability. The anti-inflammatory activities of the different extracts were estimated throughout the assessment of the inhibition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated release of nitric oxide (NO) and the upregulation of iNOS and COX-2 protein in RAW 264.7 cells. Both WSA and WSW were able to reduce LPS-mediated effects in RAW 264.7 cells, suggesting that alkaloids and withanolides may contribute to the anti-inflammatory activity of WSE. A significant higher anti-inflammatory activity and a lower toxicity were observed when WSA was compared to WSW. The present results highlighted that the contribution of alkaloids to WS pharmacological effects should not be neglected. Particularly, these compounds may concur to reach a more advantageous efficacy/safety profile when WS is used for anti-inflammatory purposes.