bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flexible cloglog links for binomial regression models as an alternative for imbalanced medical data
Authors: Alves Jessica S.B. , Bazán Jorge L. , Arellano‐Valle Reinaldo B.
Published: December 2022

The complementary log‐log link was originally introduced in 1922 to R. A. Fisher, long before the logit and probit links. While the last two links are symmetric, the complementary log‐log link is an asymmetrical link without a parameter associated with it. Several asymmetrical links with an extra parameter were proposed in the literature over last few years to deal with imbalanced data in binomial regression (when one of the classes is much smaller than the other); however, these do not necessarily have the cloglog link as a special case, with the exception of the link based on the generalized extreme value distribution. In this paper, we introduce flexible cloglog links for modeling binomial regression models that include an extra parameter associated with the link that explains some unbalancing for binomial outcomes. For all cases, the cloglog is a special case or the reciprocal version loglog link is obtained. A Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo inference approach is developed. Simulations study to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm is conducted and prior sensitivity analysis for the extra parameter shows that a uniform prior is the most convenient for all models. Additionally, two applications in medical data (age at menarche and pulmonary infection) illustrate the advantages of the proposed models.
Synthesis of hollow fibroin using calcium carbonate as a template
Authors: Park Byeongho , Ramesh Siva Kumar , Rhee Seog Woo , Kim Jinkwon
Published: December 2022

Silk fibroin is a unique biomaterial and has gained much attention in biomedical applications. In this study, we have demonstrated the formation of hollow fibroin using the selective etching method. Initially, spherical CaCO3 was synthesized in the presence of polyelectrolyte, poly(4‐styrenesulfonate). CaCO3 particles were treated with aqueous silk fibroin solution, followed by methanol treatment. The sequential deposition of silk fibroin was achieved through a layer‐by‐layer (LbL) strategy to obtain fibroin‐encapsulated CaCO3. Finally, the fibroin‐ encapsulated CaCO3 was treated with an acid solution to form hollow fibroin. The crystalline phase of as‐prepared products was measured using powder X‐ray diffraction, and vibrational modes of products were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The hollow fibroin morphology was examined using electron microscopy. The resultant hollow fibroin has good stability and can be explored in various applications.
Raising the standards of patient‐centered outcomes research in myelodysplastic syndromes: Clinical utility and validation of the subscales of the QUALMS from the MDS‐RIGHT project
Authors: Efficace Fabio , Koinig Karin , Cottone Francesco , Bowen David , Mittelman Moshe , Sommer Kathrin , Langemeijer Saskia , Culligan Dominic , Filanovsky Kalman , Storck Michael , Smith Alexandra , van Marrewijk Corine , Dugas Martin , Stojkov Igor , Siebert Uwe , de Witte Theo , Stauder Reinhard
Published: December 2022

Background

Clinical decision‐making for patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) is challenging, and both disease and treatment effects heavily impact health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) of these patients. Therefore, disease‐specific HRQoL measures can be critical to harness the patient voice in MDS research.

Methods

We report a prospective international validation study of the Quality of Life in Myelodysplasia Scale (QUALMS) with a main focus on providing information on the psychometric characteristics of its three subscales: physical burden (QUALMS‐P), emotional burden (QUALMS‐E), and benefit finding (QUALMS‐BF). The analysis is based on patients enrolled from three European countries and Israel, participating to the MDS‐RIGHT Project. The scale structure and psychometric properties of the QUALMS were assessed.

Results

Overall, 270 patients with a median age of 74 years were analyzed and the majority of them (60.3%) had a low MDS‐Comorbidity Index score. Results of the confirmatory factor analysis supported the underlying scale structure of the QUALMS, which, in addition to a total score, includes three subscales: QUALMS‐P, QUALMS‐E, and the QUALMS‐BF. The QUALMS‐P exhibited the highest Cronbach's alpha coefficients. Discriminant validity analysis indicated good results with the QUALMS‐P and QUALMS‐E distinguishing between patients with different performance status, comorbidity, anemia, and transfusion dependency status. No floor and ceiling effects were observed. Responsiveness to change analysis supported the validity of the measure. Patients with a hemoglobin (Hb) level of <11 g/dL at study entry, who subsequently showed an improvement in their Hb levels, also reported a mean score change of 9 and 8 points (scales ranging between 0 and 100) in the expected direction of the QUALMS‐E and QUALMS‐P, respectively.

Conclusions

Our study provides additional validation data on the QUALMS from the international MDS‐RIGHT Project. The use of this disease‐specific HRQoL measure may contribute to raise quality standards of patient‐centered outcomes research in MDS.
Circular RNA hsa_circ_0004689 (circSWT1) promotes NSCLC progression via the miR‐370‐3p/SNAIL axis by inducing cell epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT)
Authors: Long Xiang , Wang Ding‐Guo , Wu Zhi‐Bo , Liao Zhong‐Min , Xu Jian‐Jun
Published: December 2022

Background

Previous studies have reported the role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in the progression of non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). SWT1‐derived circRNAs were confirmed to affect the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes; however, the biological functions of SWT1‐derived circRNAs in cancers are still unknown. Here, we investigated the potential role of SWT1‐derived circRNAs in NSCLC.

Methods

We used quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) to measure the expression of circSWT1 in NSCLC tissues and paired normal tissues. The potential functions of circSWT1 in tumor progression were assessed by CCK‐8, colony formation, wound healing, and matrigel transwell assays in vitro and by xenograft tumor models in vivo. Next, epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) was evaluated by western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Moreover, circRIP, RNA pulldown assays, luciferase reporter gene assays, and FISH were conducted to illuminate the molecular mechanisms of circSWT1 via the miR‐370‐3p/SNAIL signal pathway. Then, we knocked out SNAIL in A549 and H1299 cells to identify the roles of circSWT1 in the progression and EMT of NSCLC through SNAIL. Finally, circSWT1 functions were confirmed in vivo using xenograft tumor models.

Results

CircSWT1 expression was significantly upregulated in NSCLC tissues, and high expression of circSWT1 predicted poor prognosis in NSCLC via survival analysis. In addition, overexpression of circSWT1 promoted the invasion and migration of NSCLC cells. Subsequently, we found that overexpression of circSWT1 induced EMT and that knockdown of circSWT1 inhibited EMT in NSCLC cells. Mechanistically, circSWT1 relieved the inhibition of downstream SNAIL by sponging miR‐370‐3p. Moreover, we found that these effects could be reversed by knocking out SNAIL. Finally, we verified that circSWT1 promoted NSCLC progression and EMT in xenograft tumor models.

Conclusion

CircSWT1 promoted the invasion, migration, and EMT of NSCLC. CircSWT1 could serve as a potential biomarker and a potential therapeutic target for NSCLC.
Multidisciplinary Advances Address the Challenges in Developing Drugs against Transient Receptor Potential Channels to Treat Metabolic Disorders
Authors: Wang Yibing
Published: December 2022

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are cation channels that regulate key physiological and pathological processes in response to a broad range of stimuli. Moreover, they systemically regulate the release of hormones, metabolic homeostasis, and complications of diabetes, which positions them as promising therapeutic targets to combat metabolic disorders. Nevertheless, there are significant challenges in the design of TRP ligands with high potency and durability. Herein we summarize the four challenges as hydrophobicity, selectivity, mono‐target therapy, and interspecies discrepancy. We present 1134 TRP ligands with diversified modes of TRP‐ligand interaction and provide a detailed discussion of the latest strategies, especially cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo‐EM) and computational methods. We propose solutions to address the challenges with a critical analysis of advances in membrane partitioning, polypharmacology, biased agonism, and biochemical screening of transcriptional modulators. They are fueled by the breakthrough from cryo‐EM, chemoinformatics and bioinformatics. The discussion is aimed to shed new light on designing next‐generation drugs to treat obesity, diabetes and its complications, with optimal hydrophobicity, higher mode selectivity, multi‐targeting and consistent activities between human and rodents.
Robust, Conformal ZnO Coatings on Fabrics via Atmospheric‐Pressure Spatial Atomic Layer Deposition with In‐Situ Thickness Control**
Authors: Gurbandurdyyev Guvanch , Mistry Kissan , Delumeau Louis‐Vincent , Loke Jhi Yong , Teoh Chee Hau , Cheon James , Ye Fan , Tam Kam Chiu , Musselman Kevin P.
Published: December 2022

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a promising material for functionalization of textiles. It can add a range of functionalities, including UV protection, antimicrobial activity, flame retardancy, hydrophobicity and electrical conductivity. Commercialization of ZnO – coated textiles is still limited due to the cost and challenges related to their manufacture. Moreover, making robust coatings on textiles and measuring their thickness is also challenging. In this work, atmospheric‐pressure spatial atomic layer deposition (AP‐SALD) systems are utilized for the first time to coat synthetic spun‐bond polypropylene (PP) and natural cotton fabrics with ZnO. The coatings are found to be conformal and uniform, forming complete shells around the fabric fibers. The growth rate is measured to be ∼0.24 nm/cycle using an in‐situ reflectance setup and Virtual Interface (VI) model, which enable precise control of the coating thickness. The coatings are shown to provide UV‐protection and render cotton fabric hydrophobic. No damage is observed after washing, linear abrasion, adhesion, twisting and bending tests, indicating that the coatings are robust. Aerosol‐penetration tests indicate the coatings do not impact the filtering efficiency of fabrics used in N95 respirators. The results are encouraging for industrialization of the AP‐SALD technique for functional textiles.
Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacologic Characterization of the Dihydrotetrabenazine Isomers of Deutetrabenazine and Valbenazine
Authors: Brar Satjit , Vijan Arjun , Scott Fiona L. , Jimenez Roland , Zhang Hui , Grigoriadis Dimitri E. , Loewen Gordon
Published: December 2022

Valbenazine and deutetrabenazine are vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitors approved for tardive dyskinesia. The clinical activity of valbenazine is primarily attributed to its only dihydrotetrabenazine (HTBZ) metabolite, [+]‐α‐HTBZ. Deutetrabenazine is a deuterated form of tetrabenazine and is metabolized to four deuterated HTBZ metabolites: [+]‐α‐deuHTBZ, [+]‐β‐deuHTBZ, [−]‐α‐deuHTBZ, and [−]‐β‐deuHTBZ. An open‐label, crossover study characterized the pharmacokinetic profiles of the individual deuHBTZ metabolites, which have not been previously reported. VMAT2 inhibition and off‐target interactions of the deuHTBZ metabolites were evaluated using radioligand binding. The only valbenazine HTBZ metabolite, [+]‐α‐HTBZ, was a potent VMAT2 inhibitor, with negligible affinity for off‐target dopamine, serotonin, and adrenergic receptors. Following deutetrabenazine administration, [−]‐α‐deuHTBZ represented 66% of circulating deuHTBZ metabolites and was a relatively weak VMAT2 inhibitor with appreciable affinity for dopamine (D2S, D3) and serotonin (5‐HT1A, 5‐HT2B, 5‐HT7) receptors. [+]‐β‐deuHTBZ was the most abundant deuHTBZ metabolite that potently inhibited VMAT2, but it represented only 29% of total circulating deuHTBZ metabolites. The mean half‐life of [+]‐α‐HTBZ (22.2 hours) was ∼3× longer than that of [+]‐β‐deuHTBZ (7.7 hours). These findings are similar to studies with tetrabenazine, in that deutetrabenazine is metabolized to four deuHTBZ stereoisomers, the most abundant of which has negligible interaction with VMAT2 in vitro and appreciable affinity for several off‐target receptors. In contrast, valbenazine's single HTBZ metabolite is a potent VMAT2 inhibitor in vitro with no discernible off‐target activity. Determination of the effects of intrinsic/extrinsic variables on deutetrabenazine's safety/efficacy profile should incorporate assessment of the effects on all deuHTBZ metabolites.
Predicting consecutive spectrum opportunities with hidden Markov models
Authors: Bezerra Rodrigo F. , Bordim Jacir L.
Published: December 2022

The increasing demands for wireless channels to accommodate the surge of internet of things devices and the associated services exacerbated the need for flexible channel allocation strategies. Opportunistic spectrum sharing is expected to provide a more reasonable use of the limited radio frequencies by allowing the coexistence of licensed users and unlicensed users in the same frequency. This arrangement is called opportunistic channel allocation, where unlicensed users explore the channel when the licensed user is not transmitting. The challenge in opportunistic spectrum allocation is to find transmission opportunities. Statistical and machine learning techniques have been used to forecast spectrum opportunities on time slotted channels based on acquired transmission data from licensed users. However, opportunity forecast is usually limited to one slot ahead of time. This work explores the use of Hidden Markov Model (HMM) training and predicting procedures to forecast a consecutive sequence of idle slots that can be explored for opportunistic transmission. To improve prediction accuracy and speedup the training process, the proposed training procedures reduce the classification alphabet, which is achieved by balancing the number of training sequences to limit the influence of outliers and provide opportunity forecast even when the training process is executed over a limited number of observed sequences. While an aggressive predictor may explore more opportunities as compared to a conservative predictor, the former may incur in higher collision rates while the latter may explore fewer opportunities. Hence, this work proposes a metric to assist in the process of selecting the best predictor's parameters to balance collision and opportunity rates. The proposed HMM predictors are evaluated on both synthetic and real traffic traces. The results on synthetic traffic shows that, for channel load from up to , the proposed predictors identified over of channel opportunities with the collision rates below . On real traffic traces, where the licensed users' transmissions have deterministic inter‐packet delays, the HMM predictors identified over of the channel opportunities with collision rates below .
The impact of clastic syn‐sedimentary compaction on fluvial‐dominated delta morphodynamics
Authors: Valencia Ayunda A. , Storms Joep E. A. , Walstra Dirk‐Jan R. , van der Vegt Helena , Jagers Hendrik R. A.
Published: December 2022

In natural deltaic settings, mixed hydrodynamic forcings and sediment properties are known to influence the preserved delta deposits. One process that has not received much attention yet is syn‐sedimentary compaction of clastic sediment on millennial‐scale delta evolution. To study how compaction interacts with delta morphodynamics and preserved sediment, a modelling approach is proposed. A 1D grain‐size dependent compaction model was implemented into Delft3D‐FLOW, which provides an opportunity to understand the underexplored connection between grain sizes supplied to the deltas and sediment compaction. The compaction model allows deposited sediment to decrease in volume due to the accumulation of newly deposited sediments above or the elapsed time. Differences in morphological trends are presented for scenarios defined by the composition of sediment supply (mud rich and sand rich) and the maximum allowed compaction rate in the model (0–10 mm year−1). The resultant deposits are classified into sub‐environments: delta top, delta front and pro delta. The delta top geometry (e.g. area increase, rugosity and aspect ratio), sediment distribution alongshore and across sub‐environments, and delta top accommodation (e.g. volume reduction and average water depth) are compared. The modelling results show that compaction of the underlying delta front and pro delta deposits increases the average water depth at the delta top, driving morphological variability observed in the mud‐rich and sand‐rich deltas. The morphological changes are more prominent in the mud‐rich deltas, which experience larger compaction‐induced volume reduction for the same scenario. Moreover, higher compaction rates further increase the delta top accommodation, resulting in more deposition and evenly distributed sediment at the delta top. This leads to a less significant area increase and a wider delta top with a smoother coastline. The presented modelling results bridge the knowledge gap on the influence of syn‐sedimentary compaction on long‐term delta morphodynamics and preserved sediment. These findings can be applied to unravel the controlling processes in ancient delta deposits and predict the evolution of modern systems under changing climates.
Dynamic evolution in mechanical characteristics of complex supporting structures during large section tunnel construction
Authors: Jiang Hua , Mu Jianhua , Zhang Jinxun , Jiang Yusheng , Liu Chongyang , Zhang Xiaoyan
Published: December 2022

The shallow tunnelling method (STM) often uses temporary supports to divide large section tunnels into several closed or semiclosed sections so as to share the upper load. The complex support system composed of primary and temporary supports can ensure safety during tunnel construction. Based on the large section tunnel of Beijing Subway Line 12, the mechanical characteristics of support system by the double‐side‐drift method (DSDM) during excavation and demolition were analyzed through numerical simulation and monitoring. The study showed that the middle cave excavation was the most critical stage of the DSDM, during which the load on the supporting structure increased significantly. The temporary vertical support bore most of the new load during middle cave excavation. During the demolition stage, the load was redistributed, which caused arch settlement and section convergence. The removal of the temporary vertical support exerted the greatest impact in this process. The lateral temporary inverted arch changed from axial compression to axial tension after the middle and lower caves were excavated. Based on the mechanical characteristics of the support system, some engineering suggestions were proposed for large section tunnel construction. These research results can provide reference for the design and construction of similar large section tunnels.
Anorexia nervosa and muscle health: A systematic review of our current understanding and future recommendations for study
Authors: Rosa‐Caldwell Megan E. , Eddy Kamryn T. , Rutkove Seward B. , Breithaupt Lauren
Published: December 2022

Objective

Conduct a systematic review on muscle size and strength in individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN).

Method

In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, we searched Pubmed for articles published between 1995 and 2022 using a combination of search terms related to AN and muscle size, strength, or metabolism. After two authors screened articles and extracted data, 30 articles met inclusion criteria. Data were coded, and a risk bias was conducted for each study.

Results

The majority of studies focused on muscle size/lean mass (60%, n = 18) and energy expenditure (33%, n = 9), with few studies (17%, n = 5) investigating muscle function or possible mechanisms underlying muscle size (20%, n = 6). Studies supported that individuals with AN have smaller muscle size and reduced energy expenditure relative to controls. In some studies (33%, n = 10) recovery from AN was not sufficient to restore muscle mass or function. Mechanisms underlying short and long‐term musculoskeletal alterations have not been thoroughly explored.

Discussion

Muscle mass and strength loss may be an unexplored component of physiological deterioration during and after AN. More research is necessary to understand intramuscular alterations during AN and interventions to facilitate muscle mass and functional gain following weight restoration in AN.

Public Significance

Muscle health is important for optimal health and is reduced in individuals with AN. However, we do not understand how muscle is altered at the cellular level throughout the course of AN. Here we review what is currently known regarding muscle health during AN and with weight restoration.
Can diet niche partitioning enhance sexual dimorphism?
Authors: Bauld Joshua T. , Abernethy Katharine A. , Newton Jason , Lehmann David , Jones Isabel L. , Bussière Luc F.
Published: December 2022

Classic evolutionary theory suggests that sexual dimorphism evolves primarily via sexual and fecundity selection. However, theory and evidence are beginning to accumulate suggesting that resource competition can drive the evolution of sexual dimorphism, via ecological character displacement between sexes. A key prediction of this hypothesis is that the extent of ecological divergence between sexes will be associated with the extent of sexual dimorphism. As the stable isotope ratios of animal tissues provide a quantitative measure of various aspects of ecology, we carried out a meta‐analysis examining associations between the extent of isotopic divergence between sexes and the extent of body size dimorphism. Our models demonstrate that large amounts of between‐study variation in isotopic (ecological) divergence between sexes is nonrandom and may be associated with the traits of study subjects. We, therefore, completed meta‐regressions to examine whether the extent of isotopic divergence between sexes is associated with the extent of sexual size dimorphism. We found modest but significantly positive associations across species between size dimorphism and ecological differences between sexes, that increased in strength when the ecological opportunity for dietary divergence between sexes was greatest. Our results, therefore, provide further evidence that ecologically mediated selection, not directly related to reproduction, can contribute to the evolution of sexual dimorphism.
EurJIC: Evolving with the Field of Inorganic Chemistry for 25 Years
Authors: González‐Gallardo Sandra , Vashi Preeti
Published: December 2022

There is much to celebrate in 2023, not least it is EurJIC's 25th Anniversary. Twenty‐five years ago, the Dutch and German chemical societies (KNCV and GDCh) took the initiative to create strong European journals with a global reach. Cooperation with more European national chemical societies soon followed, and the amalgamation of their national journals led to the formation of EurJIC under the ownership of Chemistry Europe. With its strong European roots, EurJIC has since developed into a leading inorganic chemistry journal serving an international community.
Improving attitudes towards minority groups by thinking about the thoughts and meta‐cognitions of their members
Authors: Santos David , Martínez Rocío , Briñol Pablo , Petty Richard E.
Published: December 2022

Research on persuasion has shown that for attitudes to change people need to take into consideration not only the thoughts message recipients generate in response to proposals but also how people think about their own thoughts (metacognition). In the present research, we introduce a new perspective for improving outgroup attitudes focused on the distinction between cognition and metacognition but this time applied to the perceptions of others’ minds. Specifically, we examined to what extent thinking about the mental processes of outgroup members influences attitudes towards those outgroups. We compared the impact of thinking about how others think (perceived primary cognition) with how others think about their own thoughts (perceived secondary cognition or metacognition). In the primary cognition treatment, participants answered questions about the thinking processes of outgroup members. In the secondary cognition treatment, participants answered questions that required them to consider how outgroup members think about their own thoughts (i.e., metacognition). Compared to controls, these treatments were capable of improving attitudes of Spanish citizens towards Syrian refugees, South American immigrants, and Roma people. A third study used a minimal group paradigm in which a fictitious outgroup was described as having primary (vs. secondary) cognition. A final study also tested the implications of assuming that groups have one type of cognition or another. The effects of the two treatments varied depending on the type of outgroup.
Vertical aligned solid‐state electrolyte templated by nanostructured “upright” cellulose film layers for advanced cell performance
Authors: Zhang Hao , An Xingye , Yang Yiluo , Long Yinying , Nie Shuangxi , Liu Liqin , Yang Guihua , Tian Zhongjian , Cao Haibing , Cheng Zhengbai , Liu Hongbin , Ni Yonghao
Published: December 2022

In this work, an “upright” cellulose layered template, which can be precisely controlled by the fiber orientation and thickness of anisotropic cellulose film, was first developed to prepare vertically aligned Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) ceramic membrane with low tortuosity and uniform porosity. The flexible composite solid‐state electrolytes (CSEs) were synthesized by incorporating poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) polymer into LLZO architecture, and exhibited distinguished mechanical strength, elevated ionic conductivity (2.1 × 10−4 S cm−1) and excellent interface compatibility with lithium anodes. The assembled LiFePO4/lithium full cells assembled with as‐obtained CSEs can reach large discharge capacities of 172.3 mAh g−1 with coulombic efficiencies of above 99% and capacity retention of 93.1% even after 200 cycles. These results clearly demonstrate that the sophisticated design of vertical aligned cellulose layered template with fine‐scale size and exquisite architecture is a promising and practical approach in fabricating flexible LLZO@PEO‐LiTFSI CSEs with high‐safety and high‐performance.

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zkChain: A privacy‐preserving model based on zk‐SNARKs and hash chain for efficient transfer of assets
Authors: Huang Jiahui , Huang Teng , Wei Huanchun , Zhang Jiehua , Yan Hongyang , Wong Duncan S. , Hu Haibo
Published: December 2022

As a distributed public ledger technology in a peer‐to‐peer network, blockchain has been widely used in a variety of Internet interaction systems in recent years, such as market supervision, property rights protection, and digital identity. However, in blockchain environment, all historical transaction data are open and transparent, and adversaries may illegally access private transaction data, which makes privacy attacks a core issue that hinders the popularization and application of blockchain. Different privacy‐preserving technologies such as zerocoin and zerocash have been proposed. However, the large amount of proofs and the slow verification speed hinder the effective application of zero‐knowledge proofs (ZKPs) in blockchain. This article proposes a privacy‐preserving model based on zk‐SNARKs and hash chain for efficient transfer of assets, called zkChain. Different from traditional privacy‐preserving schemes, this scheme constructs a smaller proof based on hash chain, and the verification speed of the proof is faster. This scheme constructs ZKP based on the one‐way hash function and zk‐SNARKs. The proof is publicly recorded in the ledger after being verified by miners, and users use the proof to send privacy‐preserving transactions. In the above process, the zkChain scheme can achieve effective privacy protection of account balance and account address. We evaluated the computational and storage costs of the zkChain scheme based on libsnark, and establish a test network to evaluate the processing performance of the zkChain scheme.
Movers and shakers: Microglial dynamics and modulation of neural networks
Authors: Whitelaw Brendan Steven , Stoessel Mark Blohm , Majewska Ania Katarzyna
Published: December 2022

Microglia are multifaceted cells that act as immune sentinels, with important roles in pathological events, but also as integral contributors to the normal development and function of neural circuits. In the last decade, our understanding of the contributions these cells make to synaptic health and dysfunction has expanded at a dizzying pace. Here we review the known mechanisms that govern the dynamics of microglia allowing these motile cells to interact with synapses, and recruit microglia to specific sites on neurons. We then review the molecular signals that may underlie the function of microglia in synaptic remodeling. The emerging picture from the literature suggests that microglia are highly sensitive cells, reacting to neuronal signals with dynamic and specific actions tuned to the need of specific synapses and networks.
Predictive value on advance hodgkin lymphoma treatment outcome of end‐of treatment FDG PET/CT in the HD0607 clinical trial
Authors: Biggi Alberto , Chauvie Stephane , Fallanca Federico , Guerra Luca , Bergesio Fabrizio , Menga Massimo , Bianchi Andrea , Gregianin Michele , Chiaravalloti Agostino , Schillaci Orazio , Pavoni Chiara , Patti Caterina , Picardi Marco , Romano Alessandra , Schiavotto Corrado , Sorasio Roberto , Viviani Simonetta , La Nasa Giorgio , Trentin Livio , Rambaldi Alessandro , Gallamini Andrea
Published: December 2022

The Lugano classification for response assessment in lymphoma recommends the use of the 5‐point‐scale Deauville Score (DS) to assess response evaluation of end‐of‐treatment FDG‐PET/CT (eotPET) in Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL); nevertheless, there is a paucity of data on its accuracy and reproducibility. We focus here on the cohort of advanced stage IIb‐IV HL patients enrolled in the HD0607 clinical trial (NCT identifier 00795613) that having had a negative interim PET performed 6 cycles of ABVD (Doxorubicin, Vinblastine, Vincristine and Dacarbazine) and then performed an eotPET. Negative patients were randomized to radiotherapy and no further treatment while positive patients were treated based on local policies. eotPET was re‐evaluated independently by two readers evaluated and progression free survival was analysed (PFS). eotPET of 254 patients were analysed. The median follow‐up was 43 months. The best receiver operator characteristics cut‐off values to distinguish positive and negative patients was 4. The area‐under‐the‐curve was 0.81 (95%CI, 0.70–0.91). Three‐years PFS was 0.95 (95% CI 0.90–0.97) in eotPET negative and 0.22 (95% CI 0.11–0.43) in eotPET positive. DS demonstrated a good reproducibility of positivity/negativity between the readers consensus and local site evaluation where the agreement occurred on 95.0% of patients. The present study demonstrates that eotPET is an accurate tool to predict treatment outcome in HL and confirms the appropriateness of the Lugano classification for eotPET evaluation.
Clinical and genomic characterization of mutational signatures across human cancers
Authors: Liao Jianlong , Bai Jing , Pan Tao , Zou Haozhe , Gao Yueying , Guo Jing , Xu Qi , Xu Juan , Li Yongsheng , Li Xia
Published: December 2022

Mutational signatures, the generic patterns of mutations, are the footprints of both endogenous and exogenous factors that have influenced cancer development. To date, dozens of mutational signatures have been discerned through computational methods. However, the etiology, mutational properties, clonality, immunology and prognostic value of mutation signatures across cancer types are poorly understood. To address this, we extensively characterized mutational signatures across 8836 cancer samples spanning 42 cancer types. We confirmed and extended clinical and genomic features associated with mutation signatures. Mutation distribution analysis showed that most mutation processes were depleted in exons and APOBEC signatures (SBS2 and SBS13), the Pol‐η related signature (SBS9) and SBS40 tended to contribute clustered mutations. We observed that age‐related signatures (SBS1 and SBS5) and SBS40 tended to induce mutations affecting cancer genes and subclonal drivers posted by specific signatures (eg, mismatch repair deficiency‐related signature SBS44) were unlikely subjected to positive selection. We also revealed early mutation signatures (eg, UV light exposure‐related signature SBS7a) and signatures (eg, reactive oxygen species‐related signature SBS18) predominated in the late stage of tumorigenesis. Comprehensive association analysis of mutation processes with microenvironment revealed that APOBEC‐ and mismatch repair deficiency‐related signatures were positively associated with immune parameters, while age‐related signatures showed negative correlations. In addition, prognostic association analysis showed that many signatures were favorable (eg, SBS9) or adverse factors (eg, SBS18) of patient survival. Our findings enhance appreciation of the role of mutational signatures in tumor evolution and underline their potential in immunotherapy guidance and prognostic prediction.
Quality of health care around the time of childbirth during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Results from the IMAgiNE EURO study in Norway and trends over time
Authors: Nedberg Ingvild Hersoug , Vik Eline Skirnisdottir , Kongslien Sigrun , Mariani Ilaria , Valente Emanuelle Pessa , Covi Benedetta , Lazzerini Marzia ,   the IMAgiNE EURO study group
Published: December 2022

Objective

To describe maternal perception of the quality of maternal and newborn care (QMNC) in facilities in Norway during the first year of COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

Women who gave birth in a Norwegian facility from March 1, 2020, to October 28, 2021, filled out a structured online questionnaire based on 40 WHO standards‐based quality measures. Quantile regression analysis was performed to assess changes in QMNC index over time.

Results

Among 3326 women included, 3085 experienced labor. Of those, 1799 (58.3%) reported that their partner could not be present as much as needed, 918 (29.8%) noted inadequate staff numbers, 183 (43.6%) lacked a consent request for instrumental vaginal birth (IVB), 1067 (34.6%) reported inadequate communication from staff, 78 (18.6%) reported fundal pressure during IVB, 670 (21.7%) reported that they were not treated with dignity, and 249 (8.1%) reported experiencing abuse. The QMNC index increased gradually over time (3.68 points per month, 95% CI, 2.83–4.53 for the median), with the domains of COVID‐19 reorganizational changes and experience of care displaying the greatest increases, while provision of care was stable over time.

Conclusion

Although several measures showed high QMNC in Norway during the first year of the COVID‐19 pandemic, and a gradual improvement over time, several findings suggest that gaps in QMNC exist. These gaps should be addressed and monitored.
Quality of maternal and newborn care around the time of childbirth for migrant versus nonmigrant women during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Results of the IMAgiNE EURO study in 11 countries of the WHO European region
Authors: Costa Raquel , Rodrigues Carina , Dias Heloísa , Covi Benedetta , Mariani Ilaria , Valente Emanuelle Pessa , Zaigham Mehreen , Vik Eline Skirnisdottir , Grylka‐Baeschlin Susanne , Arendt Maryse , Santos Teresa , Wandschneider Lisa , Drglin Zalka , Drandić Daniela , Radetic Jelena , Rozée Virginie , Elden Helen , Mueller Antonia N. , Barata Catarina , Miani Céline , Bohinec Anja , Ruzicic Jovana , de La Rochebrochard Elise , Linden Karolina , Geremia Sara , de Labrusse Claire , Batram‐Zantvoort Stephanie , Ponikvar Barbara Mihevc , Sacks Emma , Lazzerini Marzia ,   the IMAgiNE EURO study group
Published: December 2022

Objective

To describe the perception of quality of maternal and newborn care (QMNC) around the time of childbirth among migrant and nonmigrant women in Europe.

Methods

Women who gave birth at a health facility in 11 countries of the WHO European Region from March 2020 to July 2021 were invited to answer an online questionnaire including demographics and childbirth experience. Data were analyzed and compared for 1781 migrant and 20 653 nonmigrant women.

Results

Migrant women who experienced labor perceived slightly more difficulties in attending routine antenatal visits (41.2% vs 39.4%; P = 0.001), more barriers in accessing facilities (32.9% vs 29.9%; P = 0.001), lack of timely care (14.7% vs 13.0%; P = 0.025), inadequate room comfort and equipment (9.2% vs 8.5%; P = 0.004), inadequate number of women per room (9.4% vs 8.6%; P = 0.039), being prevented from staying with their baby as they wished (7.8% vs 6.9%; P = 0.011), or suffering abuse (14.5% vs 12.7%; P = 0.022) compared with nonmigrant women. For women who had a prelabor cesarean, migrant women were more likely not to receive pain relief after birth (16.8% vs.13.5%; P = 0.039) and less likely to provide informal payment (1.8% vs 4.4%; P = 0.005) compared with nonmigrant women. Overall, the QMNC index was not significantly different for migrant compared with nonmigrant women.

Conclusion

Gaps in overall QMNC were reported by both migrant and nonmigrant women, with improvements to healthcare necessary for all.
The impact of poverty on base of the pyramid operations: Evidence from mobile money in Africa
Authors: Balasubramanian Karthik , Drake David F. , Urrea Gloria
Published: December 2022

Business models designed to serve those at the “base of the pyramid” are an effective means to create employment and improve quality of life. However, the effect that poverty has on the performance of such businesses is not well‐understood. We address this gap through the context of “mobile money,” an electronic currency ecosystem designed as a secure, reliable way for those at the base of the pyramid to store and transfer money. Using data from Kenya and Uganda, and instrumenting for potentially endogenous regressors, we examine the effect poverty has on operational decisions (inventory and price transparency) and market dimensions (network density and demand). Our results suggest that mobile money, as a base of the pyramid business model, is well‐positioned to serve those in poverty up to a point, with demand increasing in poverty when the concentration of poverty is sufficiently low. However, our results indicate that, where poverty is more pervasive, inventory costs increase in poverty while per agent demand and agent network density both decrease. In short, the business case for mobile money degenerates in regions where it, arguably, is needed the most. We conclude with thoughts on how to buttress mobile money's business case in these high poverty settings.
Development and characterization of pectin and chitosan films incorporated with a new cross‐linking agent
Authors: Liu Bing , Ye Hong‐bin , Liang Qiu‐yan , Jiang Liang‐liang , Chen Miao‐miao , Yang Shan‐bin
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND

In this study, a new crosslinking agent (CA) containing whey protein, papin, glycerin, and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), was prepared. The effects of CA content (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40%, v/v) on food packaging properties, crystallinity, microstructure, and antioxidant properties of pectin‐CA and chitosan‐CA composite films were analyzed. The results of this research offer a theoretical basis for engineering improved films for food packing.

RESULTS

Pectin‐CA (30%) and chitosan‐CA (40%) composite films showed the best light transmission, water retention, breathability, plasticity, and antioxidant activity. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that these composite films exhibited a uniform and homogeneous structure without obvious pores. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) indicated that the amino acids and EGCG in CA were bonded to the film substrate (pectin/chitosan) via electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and covalent bonding, which led to an improvement in the film's properties.

CONCLUSION

The CA has broad application prospects in food packaging as a cross‐linking agent and antioxidant. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Derivation of the Transient and Steady Optical States from the Poles of the S‐Matrix
Authors: Ben Soltane Isam , Colom Rémi , Stout Brian , Bonod Nicolas
Published: December 2022

The electromagnetic response of optical systems can be described by scattering operators, S, that link the incoming fields onto the system to the outgoing fields emerging from it. Considerable efforts have been devoted to retrieve the spectral response of the optical systems by expanding the S‐matrix in terms of its singularities. Here a planar optical cavity that allows to derive analytical expressions of poles (in the case of lossless materials) and residues, and reflection/transmission Fresnel coefficients in the harmonic domain is considered. This singularity expansion is used to derive the impulse response function (IRF) of the cavity with respect to the poles of the S‐matrix. The singular expression of the IRF consists of contributions oscillating at the excitation frequency and exponentially decaying contributions that impact signals only during the transient regimes. The convergence of this approach is thoroughly discussed in the case of a dispersive and metallic slab. The convergence is achieved by increasing the number of poles in the singularity expansion. It can also be achieved by considering only the poles within the spectral range of interest plus a fictive resonant term encapsulating the contribution of the singularities outside this spectral range.
RGB‐Color Image Analysis for Determination of Birefringence of Micro‐Films and Columnar Coatings
Authors: Ryu Meguya , Han Molong , Grineviciute Lina , Hu Jingwen , Moein Tania , Honda Reo , Katkus Tomas , Tobin Mark J. , Vongsvivut Jitraporn , Tolenis Tomas , Nishijima Yoshiaki , Ng Soon Hock , Juodkazis Saulius , Morikawa Junko
Published: December 2022

The birefringence analysis of thin m SiO2 films deposited via evaporation at a glancing angle of to the normal on resist pillar arrays on Si and nanopatterned SiO2 substrates is carried out by spectral and color (red–green–blue [RGB]) imaging modes. Retardance and birefringence of the films deposited over flat and structured regions can be distinguished with only ≈1% difference between neighboring regions for the visible spectral range using RGB numerical analysis of images. The Michel‐Lévy color map is used for color rendering of birefringence to make quantitative measurements by numerical RGB color filtering. It is shown that by using at 530 nm waveplate inserted at angle to the cross polarizer‐analyzer setup, the range of changes in chromaticity xy‐coordinates expands approximately twice upon angular rotation of a birefringent sample. This facilitates a better signal‐to‐noise determination of birefringence. The proposed method with ‐plate color shifting can be directly used to determine birefringence from step‐like spectral features in reflection and transmission polariscopy. Direct measurement of birefringence () and retardance of SiO2 chevron film is carried out using Berek compensator as a benchmark.
Directional Lasing in Coupled InP Microring/Nanowire Systems
Authors: Wong Wei Wen , Wang Naiyin , Jagadish Chennupati , Tan Hark Hoe
Published: December 2022

The realization of on‐chip microlasers with out‐of‐plane, controllable emission direction has been one of the core research themes in modern photonics. Traditional approaches for directional light scattering, including plasmonic nanoantennas and passive dielectric metasurfaces, are not suitable for on‐chip integration due to potential metallic contamination and reliance on external light sources. Meanwhile, achieving directional emission in active III–V microcavity lasers remains challenging due to geometrical symmetry and large free‐space coupling losses. Here, a novel approach is presented to realize directional lasing in an all‐dielectric, bottom‐up grown material system by coupling the laser emission from an InP microring cavity into a vertical nanowire at the ring center, which function as the photon source and directional antenna in the system, respectively. Efficient optical coupling is facilitated by enhanced light scattering at specific sidewall facets of the microring cavity, which can be engineered deterministically during epitaxial growth. Through Fourier imaging, out‐of‐plane laser emission with antenna‐like far‐field directivity in the coupled system is demonstrated. Furthermore, the emission directivity and side mode suppression in the coupled system can be improved significantly by tuning the geometric parameters of the system. The way for low power consumption, on‐chip microlasers with tunable emission directionality is paved here.
Coupling immersed boundary and lattice Boltzmann method for modeling multi‐body interactions subjected to pulsatile flow
Authors: Karimnejad Sajjad , Amiri Delouei Amin , He Fuli
Published: December 2022

This paper numerically investigates the effect of pulsating flow on the settling dynamics of rigid circular particles. This is an interdisciplinary subject and spans several areas ranging from mathematical and numerical modeling to fluid mechanics. For this purpose, pulsatile flow characteristics are embedded in the combination of the direct‐forcing immersed boundary method and the split‐forcing lattice Boltzmann method. Inter‐collision forces between the solid boundaries (particles and boundaries) and the added mass force due to acceleration are considered. Adequate verification tests are done to ensure the credibility of the findings. The critical parameters of pulsating flow, such as amplitude and frequency of pulsation, are investigated in detail. The paper especially puts emphasis on the interaction between particles and studies the well‐known drafting, kissing, and tumbling (DKT) phenomena. Two different scenarios are taken into account and also compared with the stationary flow. The first case is when the pulsating flow is in the direction of gravity (co‐flow), while in the latter, there is an opposing flow (counterflow). The sedimentation manners of 12 particles in a vertical channel are also presented. The findings shed light on the importance of pulsating flow and the extension of the proposed computational method for such problems. It is also revealed that pulsation and its variables can alter DKT by either postponing or speeding up the process. Also, in some cases, the cycle of DKT can be maintained incompletely, and particles would just stick together. The results can be useful for various engineering problems like filtration and particle sorting.