bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute stress induces severe neural inflammation and overactivation of glucocorticoid signaling in interleukin-18-deficient mice
Authors: Yamanishi Kyosuke , Doe Nobutaka , Mukai Keiichiro , Hashimoto Takuya , Gamachi Naomi , Hata Masaki , Watanabe Yuko , Yamanishi Chiaki , Yagi Hideshi , Okamura Haruki , Matsunaga Hisato
Published: September 2022

Interleukin-18 (IL18) is an inflammatory cytokine that is related to psychiatric disorders such as depression and cognitive impairment. We previously found that IL18 deficiency may cause hippocampal impairment, resulting in depression-like behavioral changes. However, the potential role of IL18 in stressful conditions remains uncertain. In the present study, we examined the effect of IL18 on neural inflammation and stress tolerance during acute stress. Littermate Il18+/+ and Il18−/− mice were exposed to a single restraint stress for 6 h, and all assessments were performed 18 h after the mice were released from the restraint. In Il18−/− mice exposed to acute stress, the immobility times in both the forced swim test and tail suspension test were decreased, although no difference was observed in Il18+/+ mice. Il1β, Il6, and Tnfα expression levels in the hippocampus of stressed Il18−/− mice were significantly higher than those in the other groups. Moreover, the numbers of astrocytes and microglia, including those in the active form, were also increased compared with those in other groups. Regarding the molecular mechanism, the HSF5 and TTR genes were specifically expressed in stressed Il18−/− mice. As a potential treatment, intracerebral administration of IL18 to Il18−/− mice resulted in partial recovery of changes in behavioral assessments. Our results revealed that IL18-deficient mice were more sensitive and had a longer response to acute stress than that in normal mice. In addition, neural inflammation and augmentation of glucocorticoid signals caused by stress were more intense and remained longer in Il18−/− mice, resulting in behavioral changes. In conclusion, IL18 might be an indispensable factor that modulates the stress response and maintains balance between neural inflammation and glucocorticoid signaling.
PD-L1 enhances migration and invasion of trophoblasts by upregulating ARHGDIB via transcription factor PU.1
Authors: Zhang Ruonan , Jia Linyan , Meng Lulu , Peng Hao , Zhang Donghai , He Qizhi , Duan Tao , Wang Kai
Published: September 2022

As the main constituent cells of the human placenta, trophoblasts proliferate, differentiate, and invade the uterine endometrium via a series of processes, which are regulated exquisitely through intercellular signaling mediated by hormones, cytokines, and growth factors. Programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) is a biomarker of the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors and can regulate maternal-fetal immune tolerance during pregnancy progression. Recently, it was found that PD-L1 may regulate obstetric complications by affecting the function of trophoblasts. Therefore, we examined the expression and localization of PD-L1 in the human placenta and observed the effects of PD-L1 on trophoblasts migration and invasion in both the trophoblasts line HTR-8/SVneo and an extravillous explant culture model. Finally, we explored the molecular mechanisms underlying PD-L1-regulated trophoblasts migration and invasion through RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. Our data showed that PD-L1 was mainly expressed in syncytiotrophoblasts and that its protein levels increased with gestational age. Interestingly, the protein expression of PD-L1 was significantly decreased in placentas from pregnancies with preeclampsia compared with normal placentas. Importantly, the migration and invasion abilities of trophoblasts were significantly changed after knockdown or overexpression of PD-L1 in HTR-8/SVneo cells and an extravillous explant culture model, which was partially mediated through the transcription factor PU.1 (encoded by Spi1)-regulated Rho GDP-dissociation inhibitor beta (ARHGDIB) expression. These results suggested that PD-L1 was highly involved in the regulation of trophoblasts migration and invasion, providing a potential target for the diagnosis and treatment of placenta-derived pregnancy disorders.
Tropical modulation of East Asia air pollution
Authors: Jung Myung-Il , Son Seok-Woo , Kim Hyemi , Chen Deliang
Published: September 2022

Understanding air pollution in East Asia is of great importance given its high population density and serious air pollution problems during winter. Here, we show that the day-to-day variability of East Asia air pollution, during the recent 21-year winters, is remotely influenced by the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO), a dominant mode of subseasonal variability in the tropics. In particular, the concentration of particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter less than 10 micron (PM10) becomes significantly high when the tropical convections are suppressed over the Indian Ocean (MJO phase 5–6), and becomes significantly low when those convections are enhanced (MJO phase 1–2). The station-averaged PM10 difference between these two MJO phases reaches up to 15% of daily PM10 variability, indicating that MJO is partly responsible for wintertime PM10 variability in East Asia. This finding helps to better understanding the wintertime PM10 variability in East Asia and monitoring high PM10 days.
A meta-analysis of acetogenic and methanogenic microbiomes in microbial electrosynthesis
Authors: Mills Simon , Dessì Paolo , Pant Deepak , Farràs Pau , Sloan William T. , Collins Gavin , Ijaz Umer Zeeshan
Published: September 2022

A meta-analysis approach was used, to study the microbiomes of biofilms and planktonic communities underpinning microbial electrosynthesis (MES) cells. High-throughput DNA sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons has been increasingly applied to understand MES systems. In this meta-analysis of 22 studies, we find that acetogenic and methanogenic MES cells share 80% of a cathodic core microbiome, and that different inoculum pre-treatments strongly affect community composition. Oxygen scavengers were more abundant in planktonic communities, and several key organisms were associated with operating parameters and good cell performance. We suggest Desulfovibrio sp. play a role in initiating early biofilm development and shaping microbial communities by catalysing H2 production, to sustain either Acetobacterium sp. or Methanobacterium sp. Microbial community assembly became more stochastic over time, causing diversification of the biofilm (cathodic) community in acetogenic cells and leading to re-establishment of methanogens, despite inoculum pre-treatments. This suggests that repeated interventions may be required to suppress methanogenesis.
Parkinson’s disease-associated, sex-specific changes in DNA methylation at PARK7 (DJ-1), SLC17A6 (VGLUT2), PTPRN2 (IA-2β), and NR4A2 (NURR1) in cortical neurons
Authors: Kochmanski Joseph , Kuhn Nathan C. , Bernstein Alison I.
Published: September 2022

Evidence for epigenetic regulation playing a role in Parkinson’s disease (PD) is growing, particularly for DNA methylation. Approximately 90% of PD cases are due to a complex interaction between age, genes, and environmental factors, and epigenetic marks are thought to mediate the relationship between aging, genetics, the environment, and disease risk. To date, there are a small number of published genome-wide studies of DNA methylation in PD, but none accounted for cell type or sex in their analyses. Given the heterogeneity of bulk brain tissue samples and known sex differences in PD risk, progression, and severity, these are critical variables to account for. In this genome-wide analysis of DNA methylation in an enriched neuronal population from PD postmortem parietal cortex, we report sex-specific PD-associated methylation changes inPARK7(DJ-1),SLC17A6(VGLUT2),PTPRN2(IA-2β),NR4A2(NURR1), and other genes involved in developmental pathways, neurotransmitter packaging and release, and axon and neuron projection guidance.
Network hub centrality and working memory performance in schizophrenia
Authors: Eryilmaz Hamdi , Pax Melissa , O’Neill Alexandra G. , Vangel Mark , Diez Ibai , Holt Daphne J. , Camprodon Joan A. , Sepulcre Jorge , Roffman Joshua L.
Published: September 2022

Cognitive impairment, and working memory deficits in particular, are debilitating, treatment-resistant aspects of schizophrenia. Dysfunction of brain network hubs, putatively related to altered neurodevelopment, is thought to underlie the cognitive symptoms associated with this illness. Here, we used weighted degree, a robust graph theory metric representing the number of weighted connections to a node, to quantify centrality in cortical hubs in 29 patients with schizophrenia and 29 age- and gender-matched healthy controls and identify the critical nodes that underlie working memory performance. In both patients and controls, elevated weighted degree in the default mode network (DMN) was generally associated with poorer performance (accuracy and reaction time). Higher degree in the ventral attention network (VAN) nodes in the right superior temporal cortex was associated with better performance (accuracy) in patients. Degree in several prefrontal and parietal areas was associated with cognitive performance only in patients. In regions that are critical for sustained attention, these correlations were primarily driven by between-network connectivity in patients. Moreover, a cross-validated prediction analysis showed that a linear model using a summary degree score can be used to predict an individual’s working memory accuracy (r = 0.35). Our results suggest that schizophrenia is associated with dysfunctional hubs in the cortical systems supporting internal and external cognition and highlight the importance of topological network analysis in the search of biomarkers for cognitive deficits in schizophrenia.
Public opinion towards global distribution of COVID-19 vaccines - Data from Germany and the United States
Authors: Klumpp Matthias , Monfared Ida G. , Vollmer Sebastian
Published: September 2022

This study gathered evidence from Germany and the United States on public opinion towards fair distribution of COVID-19 vaccines across the world. Analytical Hierarchy Process and discrete choice experiments were used for this purpose. The sample is nationally representative of adults (aged 18 and above) for both countries using quotas on age, gender, education, state, and COVID-19 vaccination rates at the time of the fieldwork (25 May 2021 to 26 June 2021). Overall 1,003 responses in Germany and 1,000 in the United States were collected.
Clinical and molecular characterization of primary hyperoxaluria in Egypt
Authors: Soliman Neveen A. , Elmonem Mohamed A. , Abdelrahman Safaa M. , Nabhan Marwa M. , Fahmy Yosra A. , Cogal Andrea , Harris Peter C. , Milliner Dawn S.
Published: September 2022

Primary hyperoxaluria (PH) is an autosomal recessive disorder of oxalate metabolism caused by pathogenic variants in either of three genes (AGXT, GRHPR or HOGA1). The study aimed at characterizing the clinical phenotypes as well as the genotypic spectrum of PH in Egypt. We screened 25 Egyptian patients suspected of PH for the three responsible genes by Sanger sequencing. We diagnosed 20 patients from 18 unrelated families, in which the natural history, family history, clinical features and genotypes were evaluated. PH patients were 15 males and 5 females ranging in age from 4 months to 31 years (median 8 years). Fifteen families were consanguineous (83%) and familial clustering was reported in six families (33%). Pathogenic variants in all 40 alleles were in AGXT, with none detected in GRHPR or HOGA1. We detected two novel pathogenic variants c.166-1_172dupGATCATGG (p.Asp58Glyfs*65) and c.766delC (p.Gln256fs*16) and seven previously reported variants in our cohort. This is the first study reporting the genotype of a considerable number of PH1 patients from Egypt. Our detected variants in the AGXT gene could form the basis for future genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis in Egypt and surrounding populations.
Actin cable formation and epidermis–dermis positional relationship during complete skin regeneration
Authors: Takaya Kento , Okabe Keisuke , Ishigami Ayaka , Imbe Yuka , Kanazawa Hideko , Sakai Shigeki , Aramaki-Hattori Noriko , Kishi Kazuo
Published: September 2022

Up to a certain developmental stage, a fetus can completely regenerate wounds in the skin. To clarify the mechanism of fetal skin regeneration, identifying when the skin switches from fetal-type wound regeneration to adult-type wound repair is necessary. We hypothesized that this switch occurs at several time points and that complete skin regeneration requires epidermal–dermal interactions and the formation of actin cables. We compared normal skin and wound morphology at each developmental stage. We examined two parameters: epidermal texture and dermal structure. We found that the three-dimensional structure of the skin was completely regenerated in full-thickness skin incisions made before embryonic day (E) 13. However, the skin texture did not regenerate in wounds made after E14. We also found that the dermal structure regenerates up to E16, but wounds created after E17 heal as scars with dermal fibrosis. By controlling the activity of AMP-activated protein kinase and altering actin cable formation, we could regulate scar formation in utero. These findings may contribute to therapies that allow complete skin regeneration without scarring.
A 3D image-based modelling approach for understanding spatiotemporal processes in phosphorus fertiliser dissolution, soil buffering and uptake by plant roots
Authors: Williams K. A. , McKay Fletcher D. M. , Petroselli C. , Ruiz S. A. , Roose T.
Published: September 2022

Phosphorus (P) is a key yield-limiting nutrient for crops, but the main source of P fertiliser is finite. Therefore, efficient fertilisation is crucial. Optimal P application requires understanding of the dynamic processes affecting P availability to plants, including fertiliser dissolution rate and soil buffer power. However, standard soil testing methods sample at fixed time points, preventing a mechanistic understanding of P uptake variability. We used image-based modelling to investigate the effects of fertiliser dissolution rate and soil buffer power on P uptake by wheat roots imaged using X-ray CT. We modelled uptake based on 1-day, 1-week, and 14-week dissolution of a fixed quantity of total P for two common soil buffer powers. We found rapid fertiliser dissolution increased short-term root uptake, but total uptake from 1-week matched 1-day dissolution. We quantified the large effects root system architecture had on P uptake, finding that there were trade-offs between total P uptake and uptake per unit root length, representing a carbon investment/phosphorus uptake balance. These results provide a starting point for predictive modelling of uptake from different P fertilisers in different soils. With the addition of further X-ray CT image datasets and a wider range of conditions, our simulation approach could be developed further for rapid trialling of fertiliser-soil combinations to inform field-scale trials or management.
Quantification of ovarian lesion and fallopian tube vasculature using optical-resolution photoacoustic microscopy
Authors: Leng Xiandong , Kou Sitai , Lin Yixiao , Hagemann Andrea R. , Hagemann Ian S. , Thaker Premal H. , Kuroki Lindsay M. , McCourt Carolyn K. , Mutch David G. , Siegel Cary , Powell Matthew A. , Zhu Quing
Published: September 2022

The heterogeneity in the pathological and clinical manifestations of ovarian cancer is a major hurdle impeding early and accurate diagnosis. A host of imaging modalities, including Doppler ultrasound, MRI, and CT, have been investigated to improve the assessment of ovarian lesions. We hypothesized that pathologic conditions might affect the ovarian vasculature and that these changes might be detectable by optical-resolution photoacoustic microscopy (OR-PAM). In our previous work, we developed a benchtop OR-PAM and demonstrated it on a limited set of ovarian and fallopian tube specimens. In this study, we collected data from over 50 patients, supporting a more robust statistical analysis. We then developed an efficient custom analysis pipeline for characterizing the vascular features of the samples, including the mean vessel diameter, vascular density, global vascular directionality, local vascular definition, and local vascular tortuosity/branchedness. Phantom studies using carbon fibers showed that our algorithm was accurate within an acceptable error range. Between normal ovaries and normal fallopian tubes, we observed significant differences in five of six extracted vascular features. Further, we showed that distinct subsets of vascular features could distinguish normal ovaries from cystic, fibrous, and malignant ovarian lesions. In addition, a statistically significant difference was found in the mean vascular tortuosity/branchedness values of normal and abnormal tubes. The findings support the proposition that OR-PAM can help distinguish the severity of tubal and ovarian pathologies.
A machine learning approach for predicting suicidal ideation in post stroke patients
Authors: Song Seung Il , Hong Hyeon Taek , Lee Changwoo , Lee Seung Bo
Published: September 2022

Currently, the identification of stroke patients with an increased suicide risk is mainly based on self‐report questionnaires, and this method suffers from a lack of objectivity. This study developed and validated a suicide ideation (SI) prediction model using clinical data and identified SI predictors. Significant variables were selected through traditional statistical analysis based on retrospective data of 385 stroke patients; the data were collected from October 2012 to March 2014. The data were then applied to three boosting models (Xgboost, CatBoost, and LGBM) to identify the comparative and best performing models. Demographic variables that showed significant differences between the two groups were age, onset, type, socioeconomic, and education level. Additionally, functional variables also showed a significant difference with regard to ADL and emotion (p < 0.05). The CatBoost model (0.900) showed higher performance than the other two models; and depression, anxiety, self-efficacy, and rehabilitation motivation were found to have high importance. Negative emotions such as depression and anxiety showed a positive relationship with SI and rehabilitation motivation and self-efficacy displayed an inverse relationship with SI. Machine learning-based SI models could augment SI prevention by helping rehabilitation and medical professionals identify high-risk stroke patients in need of SI prevention intervention.
Expression of the immune checkpoint modulator OX40 indicates poor survival in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Marconato Maddalena , Kauer Joseph , Salih Helmut R. , Märklin Melanie , Heitmann Jonas S.
Published: September 2022

Despite therapeutic advances, mortality of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is still high. Currently, the determination of prognosis which guides treatment decisions mainly relies on genetic markers. Besides molecular mechanisms, the ability of malignant cells to evade immune surveillance influences the disease outcome and, among others, the expression of checkpoints modulators contributes to this. In AML, functional expression of the checkpoint molecule OX40 was reported, but the prognostic relevance of OX40 and its ligand OX40L axis has so far not been investigated. Here we described expression and prognostic relevance of the checkpoint modulators OX40 and OX40L, analyzed on primary AML cells obtained from 92 therapy naïve patients. Substantial expression of OX40 and OX40L on AML blasts was detected in 29% and 32% of the investigated subjects, respectively, without correlation between the expression of the receptor and its ligand. Whereas OX40L expression was not associated with different survival, patients with high expression levels of the receptor (OX40high) on AML blasts survived significantly shorter than OX40low patients (p = 0.009, HR 0.46, 95% CI 0.24–0.86), which identifies OX40 as novel prognostic marker and a potential therapeutic target in AML patients.
The correction factor of Monterey No. 0/30 sample with fines content liquefaction resistance between cyclic triaxial and cyclic hollow cylinder tests
Authors: Liu Jungang , Chen Geng
Published: September 2022

Soil liquefaction is one of the most detrimental forms of earthquake-induced ground failure that can result in catastrophic damage to engineering structures. For the seismic safety evaluation of foundations and high-rise structures, it is the most critical way to assess liquefaction resistance. In this paper, an array number of isotropically consolidated undrained cyclic triaxial tests (CTT) and cyclic hollow cylinder tests (CHCT) have been performed to evaluate soil liquefaction resistance. Thirty-seven isotopically consolidated undrained cyclic triaxial tests and thirty-seven cyclic hollow cylinder tests were run on the uniform medium Monterey No. 0/30 sand and it is with four different percentages of fine content. By using cyclic triaxial and cyclic hollow cylinder tests for evaluating liquefaction resistance, it helps us better understand the relationship between two types of tests on uniform clean Monterey No. 0/30 sand and soil sample with five different percentages of fines content. Four different relative densities of 30%, 45%, 50%, and 60%, two confining pressure of 103 kpa and 207 kpa, and five cyclic stress ratios (0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, and 0.4) have been used for a series of cyclic triaxial tests and cyclic hollow cylinder tests. At the same relative densities of 30% and 60%, the correction factor between CTT and CHCT evaluated ranged from 0.46 to 0.63 on the uniform clean Monterey No. 0/30 sand. Statistical analyses were performed to formulate functional relationships for predicting the correction factor of soil liquefaction resistance between CTT and CHCT tests.
Genetic abnormalities in fetal congenital heart disease with aberrant right subclavian artery
Authors: Sun Hairui , Han Lu , Hao Xiaoyan , Chen Zhaoyi , Wang Jingyi , Yi Tong , Zhou Xiaoxue , Gu Xiaoyan , Han Jiancheng , Zhang Ye , Sun Lin , Liu Xiaowei , Zhang Siyao , Guo Yong , Zhang Hongjia , He Yihua
Published: September 2022

Fetal aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) is a relatively common sonographic finding. Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common structural abnormality in patients with ARSA. We aimed to assess the prevalence of genetic abnormalities, particularly sequence variants, in fetuses with CHD and ARSA. By clinical phenotyping and genomic sequencing, we retrospectively reviewed all fetuses with a prenatal diagnosis of CHD combined with ARSA at a single center. As a result, we identified 30 fetuses with ARSA combined with CHD, with conotruncal anomalies being the most common (n = 12, 40%), followed by left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (n = 6, 20%) and atrioventricular septal defects (n = 6, 20%). Overall, 18 (60%) cases had a genetic diagnosis. Copy number variation sequencing analysis identified six (20%) fetuses with aneuploidy and seven (23%) with pathogenic copy-number variants. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) analysis of the remaining 17 cases revealed diagnostic genetic variants in five (29%) cases, indicating that the diagnostic yield of WES for the entire cohort was 17% (5/30). Our findings reveal the high burden of genetic abnormalities in fetal CHD with ARSA. Single-gene disorders contribute substantially to the genetic etiology of fetal CHD with ARSA.
Finite-state parameter space maps for pruning partitions in modularity-based community detection
Authors: Gibson Ryan A. , Mucha Peter J.
Published: September 2022

Partitioning networks into communities of densely connected nodes is an important tool used widely across different applications, with numerous methods and software packages available for community detection. Modularity-based methods require parameters to be selected (or assume defaults) to control the resolution and, in multilayer networks, interlayer coupling. Meanwhile, most useful algorithms are heuristics yielding different near-optimal results upon repeated runs (even at the same parameters). To address these difficulties, we combine recent developments into a simple-to-use framework for pruning a set of partitions to a subset that are self-consistent by an equivalence with the objective function for inference of a degree-corrected planted partition stochastic block model (SBM). Importantly, this combined framework reduces some of the problems associated with the stochasticity that is inherent in the use of heuristics for optimizing modularity. In our examples, the pruning typically highlights only a small number of partitions that are fixed points of the corresponding map on the set of somewhere-optimal partitions in the parameter space. We also derive resolution parameter upper bounds for fitting a constrained SBM of K blocks and demonstrate that these bounds hold in practice, further guiding parameter space regions to consider. With publicly available code (http://github.com/ragibson/ModularityPruning), our pruning procedure provides a new baseline for using modularity-based community detection in practice.
Lesion identification and malignancy prediction from clinical dermatological images
Authors: Xia Meng , Kheterpal Meenal K. , Wong Samantha C. , Park Christine , Ratliff William , Carin Lawrence , Henao Ricardo
Published: September 2022

We consider machine-learning-based lesion identification and malignancy prediction from clinical dermatological images, which can be indistinctly acquired via smartphone or dermoscopy capture. Additionally, we do not assume that images contain single lesions, thus the framework supports both focal or wide-field images. Specifically, we propose a two-stage approach in which we first identify all lesions present in the image regardless of sub-type or likelihood of malignancy, then it estimates their likelihood of malignancy, and through aggregation, it also generates an image-level likelihood of malignancy that can be used for high-level screening processes. Further, we consider augmenting the proposed approach with clinical covariates (from electronic health records) and publicly available data (the ISIC dataset). Comprehensive experiments validated on an independent test dataset demonstrate that (1) the proposed approach outperforms alternative model architectures; (2) the model based on images outperforms a pure clinical model by a large margin, and the combination of images and clinical data does not significantly improves over the image-only model; and (3) the proposed framework offers comparable performance in terms of malignancy classification relative to three board certified dermatologists with different levels of experience.
Negative energy dust acoustic waves evolution in a dense magnetized quantum Thomas–Fermi plasma
Authors: Abd-Elzaher M. , Atteya A.
Published: September 2022

Propagation of nonlinear waves in the magnetized quantum Thomas–Fermi dense plasma is analyzed. The Zakharov–Kuznetsov–Burgers equation is derived by using the theory of reductive perturbation. The exact solution contains both solitary and shock terms. Also, it is shown that rarefactive waves propagate in most cases. Both the associated electric field and the wave energy have been derived. The effects of dust and electrons temperature, dust density, magnetic field magnitude, and direction besides the effect of the kinematic viscosity on the amplitude, width, and energy of the formed waves are discussed. It is shown that the negative energy wave is formed and its value is enhanced due to the increase of the kinematic viscosity and the ambient magnetic field which lead to an increase in the instability. The present results are helpful in controlling the stabilization of confined Thomas–Fermi dense magnetoplasma that are found in white dwarfs and in the high-intensity laser-solid matter interaction experiments.
Understanding the physical mechanism of intrinsic noise inside viscous isotropic solids
Authors: Fa Lin , Wang Yimei , Gong Hong , Liu Dongning , Jiang Jing , Li Lili , Liang Jifeng , Sun Hao , Zhang Yandong , Zhao Meishan
Published: September 2022

We report acoustic impulse-response and system function of particle vibration inside viscous, dense solids and explain the physical mechanism of intrinsic-noise generation. With an external disturbance of a harmonic force acting on particles inside viscous solid media, the system of particle vibration goes through a gradual transition from a static state to a steady harmonic vibrational state. Based on the damped oscillator model, the transition frequency spectrum resembles the intrinsic noise generated by vibrating particles in viscous isotropic solids, which delivers a crucial understanding for applications to invert stratum characteristics around the drilled oil well and its abnormal geological structure.
Limb, joint and pelvic kinematic control in the quail coping with steps upwards and downwards
Authors: Andrada Emanuel , Mothes Oliver , Stark Heiko , Tresch Matthew C. , Denzler Joachim , Fischer Martin S. , Blickhan Reinhard
Published: September 2022

Small cursorial birds display remarkable walking skills and can negotiate complex and unstructured terrains with ease. The neuromechanical control strategies necessary to adapt to these challenging terrains are still not well understood. Here, we analyzed the 2D- and 3D pelvic and leg kinematic strategies employed by the common quail to negotiate visible steps (upwards and downwards) of about 10%, and 50% of their leg length. We used biplanar fluoroscopy to accurately describe joint positions in three dimensions and performed semi-automatic landmark localization using deep learning. Quails negotiated the vertical obstacles without major problems and rapidly regained steady-state locomotion. When coping with step upwards, the quail mostly adapted the trailing limb to permit the leading leg to step on the elevated substrate similarly as it did during level locomotion. When negotiated steps downwards, both legs showed significant adaptations. For those small and moderate step heights that did not induce aerial running, the quail kept the kinematic pattern of the distal joints largely unchanged during uneven locomotion, and most changes occurred in proximal joints. The hip regulated leg length, while the distal joints maintained the spring-damped limb patterns. However, to negotiate the largest visible steps, more dramatic kinematic alterations were observed. There all joints contributed to leg lengthening/shortening in the trailing leg, and both the trailing and leading legs stepped more vertically and less abducted. In addition, locomotion speed was decreased. We hypothesize a shift from a dynamic walking program to more goal-directed motions that might be focused on maximizing safety.
Numerical analysis of the chemically reactive EMHD flow of a nanofluid past a bi-directional Riga plate influenced by velocity slips and convective boundary conditions
Authors: Algehyne Ebrahem A. , Alharbi Amal F. , Saeed Anwar , Dawar Abdullah , Kumam Poom , Galal Ahmed M.
Published: September 2022

This report presents the three-dimensional electromagnetohydrodynamic flow of a zinc-oxide–water nanofluid past a bidirectional Riga plate with velocity slips and thermal and mass convection conditions. The Cattaneo–Christov heat and mas flux model, thermal radiation, chemical reaction and activation energy are considered to analyze the flow problem. The volume fraction of the ZnO nanoparticles is taken 6% in this analysis. An appropriate set of similarity variables is used to transform the partial differential equations into ordinary differential equations. During this process, some parameters are found and influences of these factors on the flow profiles are shown and discussed in detail. A numerical technique called NDSolve is considered for the solution of the nanofluid flow problem. The results showed that higher solid volume fraction and slip parameter have reduced velocities profiles and the increasing solid volume fraction and thermal Biot number have increased the temperature profile. Additionally, the concentration Biot number has increased the concentration profile. The modified Hartmann number has significantly increased the velocity profile. Dual impacts in velocity profiles along primary and secondary direction has been observed due to stretching ratio parameter. A comparison of current results has been carried with a fine agreement amongst current and established results.
WNK1/HSN2 mediates neurite outgrowth and differentiation via a OSR1/GSK3β-LHX8 pathway
Authors: Shimizu Masahiro , Shibuya Hiroshi
Published: September 2022

With no lysine kinase 1 (WNK1) phosphorylates and activates STE20/SPS1-related proline-alanine-rich protein kinase (SPAK) and oxidative stress responsive kinase 1 (OSR1) to regulate ion homeostasis in the kidney. Mutations in WNK1 result in dysregulation of the WNK1-SPAK/OSR1 pathway and cause pseudohypoaldosteronism type II (PHAII), a form of hypertension. WNK1 is also involved in the autosomal recessive neuropathy, hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type II (HSANII). Mutations in a neural-specific splice variant of WNK1 (HSN2) cause HSANII. However, the mechanisms underlying HSN2 regulation in neurons and effects of HSN2 mutants remain unclear. Here, we found that HSN2 regulated neurite outgrowth through OSR1 activation and glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β). Moreover, HSN2-OSR1 and HSN2-GSK3β signalling induced expression of LIM homeobox 8 (Lhx8), which is a key regulator of cholinergic neural function. The HSN2-OSR1/GSK3β-LHX8 pathway is therefore important for neurite outgrowth. Consistently, HSN2 mutants reported in HSANII patients suppressed SPAK and OSR1 activation and LHX8 induction. Interestingly, HSN2 mutants also suppressed neurite outgrowth by preventing interaction of between wild-type HSN2 and GSK3β. These results indicate that HSN2 mutants cause dysregulation of neurite outgrowth via GSK3β in the HSN2 and/or WNK1 pathways.
Development and testing of diagnostic algorithms to identify patients with acromegaly in Southern Italian claims databases
Authors: Crisafulli Salvatore , Fontana Andrea , L’Abbate Luca , Ientile Valentina , Gianfrilli Daniele , Cozzolino Alessia , De Martino Maria Cristina , Ragonese Marta , Sultana Janet , Barone-Adesi Francesco , Trifirò Gianluca
Published: September 2022

Acromegaly is a rare disease characterized by an excessive production of growth-hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1, typically resulting from a GH-secreting pituitary adenoma. This study was aimed at comparing and measuring accuracy of newly and previously developed coding algorithms for the identification of acromegaly using Italian claims databases. This study was conducted between January 2015 and December 2018, using data from the claims databases of Caserta Local Health Unit (LHU) and Sicily Region in Southern Italy. To detect acromegaly cases from the general target population, four algorithms were developed using combinations of diagnostic, surgical procedure and co-payment exemption codes, pharmacy claims and specialist’s visits. Algorithm accuracy was assessed by measuring the Youden Index, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values. The percentage of positive cases for each algorithm ranged from 7.9 (95% CI 6.4–9.8) to 13.8 (95% CI 11.7–16.2) per 100,000 inhabitants in Caserta LHU and from 7.8 (95% CI 7.1–8.6) to 16.4 (95% CI 15.3–17.5) in Sicily Region. Sensitivity of the different algorithms ranged from 71.1% (95% CI 54.1–84.6%) to 84.2% (95% CI 68.8–94.0%), while specificity was always higher than 99.9%. The algorithm based on the presence of claims suggestive of acromegaly in ≥ 2 different databases (i.e., hospital discharge records, copayment exemptions registry, pharmacy claims and specialist visits registry) achieved the highest Youden Index (84.2) and the highest positive predictive value (34.8; 95% CI 28.6–41.6). We tested four algorithms to identify acromegaly cases using claims databases with high sensitivity and Youden Index. Despite identifying rare diseases using real-world data is challenging, this study showed that robust validity testing may yield the identification of accurate coding algorithms.
Longitudinal analyses of serum neurofilament light and associations with obesity indices and bioelectrical impedance parameters
Authors: Hermesdorf Marco , Leppert David , Maceski Aleksandra , Benkert Pascal , Wellmann Jürgen , Wiendl Heinz , Kuhle Jens , Berger Klaus
Published: September 2022

Neurofilament light is a constituent of the neuronal cytoskeleton and released into the blood following neuro-axonal damage. It has previously been reported that NfL measured in blood serum is inversely related to body mass index. However, no reports exist with regard to body composition assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis or other indicators of obesity beyond BMI. We analyzed the relationship between sNfL and body composition according to the three compartment model. Additionally, associations between sNfL, body shape index, waist-to-height ratio, and BMI were examined. The sample consisted of 769 participants assessed during the baseline examination and 693 participants examined in the course of the follow-up of the BiDirect Study. Associations between sNfL, BMI, BSI, and WtHR were separately analyzed using linear mixed models. Body compartments operationalized as fat mass, extracellular cell mass, and body cell mass were derived using BIA and the relationship with sNfL was analyzed with a linear mixed model. Lastly, we also analyzed the association between total body water and sNfL. We found significant inverse associations of sNfL with BMI and WtHR. The analysis of the three compartment model yielded significant inverse associations between sNfL, body cell mass and body fat mass, but not extracellular mass. Furthermore, total body water was also inversely related to sNfL. A potential mechanism could involve body cell mass and body fat mass as highly adaptive body constituents that either directly absorb sNfL, or promote the formation of new vasculature and thereby increase blood volume.
A high-throughput 3D bioprinted cancer cell migration and invasion model with versatile and broad biological applicability
Authors: Jung MoonSun , Skhinas Joanna N. , Du Eric Y. , Tolentino M. A. Kristine , Utama Robert H. , Engel Martin , Volkerling Alexander , Sexton Andrew , O'Mahony Aidan P. , Ribeiro Julio C. C. , Gooding J. Justin , Kavallaris Maria
Published: September 2022

A HTP 3D bioprinted cell migration platform that has broad applications across quantitative cell and cancer biology as well as drug screening.
Correction: Gram-selective antibacterial peptide hydrogels
Authors: Hou Yangqian , Tan Tingyuan , Guo Zhen , Ji Yuwen , Hu Jun , Zhang Yi
Published: September 2022

Correction for ‘Gram-selective antibacterial peptide hydrogels’ by Yangqian Hou et al., Biomater. Sci., 2022, 10, 3831–3844, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2BM00558A.
Solid-state synthesis of a MOF/polymer composite for hydrodeoxygenation of vanillin
Authors: Karve Vikram V. , Neves Vieira Adriana , Stoian Dragos , Trukhina Olga , Queen Wendy L.
Published: September 2022

Here we demonstrate the use of a solid-state method to introduce a furan-thiourea polymer into the pores of a MOF, Cr-BDC.
Effect of the metal–support interaction in platinum anchoring on heteroatom-doped graphene for enhanced oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Tong Xin , Zhan Xinxing , Gao Zijian , Zhang Gaixia , Xie Yadian , Tian Juan , Ranganathan Hariprasad , Li Dongsheng , Claverie Jerome P. , Sun Shuhui
Published: September 2022

The supporting material with an optimal structure not only changes the growth behavior but also tunes the electronic structure of the catalyst.
Experimental measurement of electro-chemo-mechanical properties of a composite silicon electrode in lithium ion batteries
Authors: Li Dawei , Wan Hongfei , Liu Huibing , Wang Yikai , Zhang Junqian
Published: September 2022

An in situ method was present for measuring electro-chemo-mechanical properties during the electrochemical cycling. The evolution of partial molar volume, elastic modulus and stress of Si composite electrodes were explicated.
Charge transfer and electrical double layer of an amphiphilic protic ionic liquid in bulk and when confined in nanochannels
Authors: Vavra Szilvia , Ahlberg Elisabet , Martinelli Anna
Published: September 2022

By EIS and equivalent circuit modelling, we find an enhanced specific capacitance at the ITO interface when the protic ionic liquid [HC8Im][TFSI] is confined in the mesochannels of a thin silica film.
A comparative study on the reactivity of ditantalum deuteride cluster anions Ta2D2− and Ta2D4− toward N2
Authors: Cheng Xin , Li Zi-Yu , Mou Li-Hui , Liu Qing-Yu , He Sheng-Gui
Published: September 2022

The liberation of a single D atom in N2 activation by gas-phase clusters was identified for the first time in the reactions of Ta2D2,4− with N2, and Ta2D4− is much more reactive than Ta2D2−.
Molecular insight into CO2/N2 separation using a 2D-COF supported ionic liquid membrane
Authors: Zhang Kuiyuan , Zhou Lixia , Wang Zichang , Li Haiyang , Yan Youguo , Zhang Jun
Published: September 2022

(1) The COF-SILMs show excellent CO2 selectivity over N2, and gas permeability. (2) It was revealed that the anions act as gatekeepers for the gas transport across membranes.
Synthesis and isolation of dinuclear N,C-chelate organoboron compounds bridged by neutral, anionic, and dianionic 4,4′-bipyridineviareductive coupling of pyridines
Authors: Li Hai-Jun , Feng Rui , Shi Xianghui , Wei Junnian , Xi Zhenfeng
Published: September 2022

The reaction of Bppy(Mes)2(BN1; ppy = 2-phenylpyridine) and BCH2ppy(Mes)2(BN3) with the reducing reagent resulted in the 4,4′bipyridyl liganded neutral, anionic, and dianionic compounds.
Inulin intake and the incidence of cardiometabolic diseases: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Golzarand Mahdieh , Bahadoran Zahra , Mirmiran Parvin , Azizi Fereidoun
Published: September 2022

Inulin is a prebiotic and has beneficial effects on health, such as improving the immune function, lipid profile, and gut microbiota.
Horizontal expansion of biicosahedral M13-based nanoclusters: resolving decades-long questions
Authors: Zhou Chuanjun , Pan Peiyao , Wei Xiao , Lin Zidong , Chen Cheng , Kang Xi , Zhu Manzhou
Published: September 2022

The horizontal expansion of biicosahedral M25has been accomplished, yielding an [Au19Ag12(S-Adm)6(DPPM)6Cl7]2+nanocluster that loads bidentate phosphine and bulky thiol ligands.
ZnS and Ag2Mo2O7 regulate interface engineering by constructing S-scheme heterojunctions to facilitate photocatalytic hydrogen production
Authors: Liu Zhenlu , Xu Jing , Wu Jiandong , Liu Ye , Ma Lijun , Hu Linying
Published: September 2022

The S-scheme heterojunction engineering of ZnS and Ag2Mo2O7 promotes the electron transfer, which is confirmed by DFT and performance characterization.
Plasmon-enhanced electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution based on tannic acid–platinum film functionalized gold nanoparticles
Authors: Xu Congcong , Chen Hanrui , Zhao Wei , Wang Nan , Liu Tingwei , Wu Jiayi , Sun Shengjun , Lin Meng
Published: September 2022

A tannic acid–platinum self-assembled complex modified on gold nanocomposites exhibited plasmon-enhanced electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction performance.
On the evolution of coenzyme biosynthesis
Authors: Kirschning Andreas
Published: September 2022

The evolution of the biosynthesis of coenzymes is proposed by analyzing the individual biosynthetic pathways in terms of their demand for (other) coenzymes.
Highly efficient synthesis of enantioenriched β-hydroxy α-amino acid derivatives via Ir-catalyzed dynamic kinetic asymmetric hydrogenation
Authors: He Bin , Song Jingyuan , Yin Congcong , Chen Gen-Qiang , Zhang Xumu
Published: September 2022

Asymmetric hydrogenation of aryl α-dibenzylamino β-ketoesters proceeded smoothly to provide the corresponding chiral aryl β-hydroxy α-amino derivatives with excellent diastereo- and enantioselectivities (>99/1 dr, up to >99% ee).
Particle size effect on millimeter-wave absorption, rotation, and ellipticity of gallium-substituted epsilon iron oxide
Authors: Shimizu Shoma , Namai Asuka , Ohkoshi Shin-ichi
Published: September 2022

Increasing the particle size improves the millimeter-wave absorption and rotation properties of gallium-substituted epsilon iron oxide.
Correction: Direction reversing active Brownian particle in a harmonic potential
Authors: Santra Ion , Basu Urna , Sabhapandit Sanjib
Published: September 2022

Correction for ‘Direction reversing active Brownian particle in a harmonic potential’ by Ion Santra et al., Soft Matter, 2021, 17, 10108–10119, https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SM01118A.
Fijian medicinal plants and their role in the prevention of Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Mala Pritika , Khan Gausal A. , Gopalan Romila , Gedefaw Desta , Soapi Katy
Published: September 2022

Medicinal plants (MPs) are natural sources of active compounds with potential therapeutic benefits in alleviating various illnesses for decades. Fijian people also are using these MPs for the management/prevention of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and associated complications. However, till date, none of these Fijian MP’s antidiabetic potential have been explored or evaluated. Here, we investigated the antidiabetic potential of Fijian MPs scientifically. Phytochemicals such as polyphenols were detected to inhibit the activity of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, the two key carbohydrate enzymes linked to T2DM. Therefore, in the present study, the total phenolic content (TPC), α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of five Fijian MPs: Vobo (Mussaenda raiateensis, MR), Vula walu (Blechnum orientale, BO), Gasau (Miscanthus floridulus, MF), Molikaro (Citrus limon, CL) and Beki ni sina (Dicranopteris caudate, DC) collected from mainland region of Vitilevu, Fiji Islands, were evaluated in vitro. The hydromethanolic (ME) and dichloromethane (DM) extracts of these selected MPs were investigated. The ME extracts of BO (0.102 ± 0.009 mM CE) and DC (0.098 ± 0.09 mM Catechin Equivalence [CE]) showed a higher TPC compared with the control [vanillic acid (0.052 ± 0.003 mM CE, *P value < 0.05)]. However, the TPC of MF, MR and CL were found in the range of 0.020 ± 0.009 to 0.009 ± 0.01 mM CE. The ME extracts of MF and MR inhibited α-glucosidase significantly in comparison with acarbose as evidenced from the IC50 values (IC50 of MF = 1.58 ± 0.03 ng/µl; IC50 of MR = 1.87 ± 0.43 ng/µl and IC50 of acarbose = 3.34 ± 0.15 ng/µl). Moreover, DM extracts of MR (IC50 = 1.31 ± 0.29 ng/µl) also showed significantly higher α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. In contrary, MR (IC50 = 16.18 ± 0.16 ng/µl) and CL (IC50 = 9.21 ± 0.51 ng/µl) also showed significant α-amylase inhibitory activity in ME and DM extracts, respectively. These, results suggest that Fijian MPs could be a potential source of natural inhibitors of enzymes involved in carbohydrate digestion and thus may possibly be used in managing T2DM.