bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Source‐enhanced prototypical alignment for single image 3D model retrieval
Authors: Song Dan , Wang Teng , Zhang Chumeng , Li Xuanya , Tong Ruofeng
Published: June 2022

Single image 3D model retrieval has attracted a lot of attentions with the convenience of organizing large‐scale unlabeled 3D models. Existing methods transfer the knowledge from well‐annotated 2D images (i.e., source domain) to unlabeled 3D models (i.e., target domain) to improve the discriminability of 3D models and align the feature distributions of 2D images and 3D models. However, during the alignment, the feature learning target of improving the discriminability of 3D models sometimes confuses the boundaries between 2D image categories, where prior methods ignore keeping the discriminability of 2D images. Motivated by this observation, we propose a source‐enhanced prototypical alignment framework to first remain the discriminability of 2D images and then guide the category‐level cross‐domain alignment with better image representations. Specifically, a novel separation and compactness loss is proposed for images to separate the samples from different categories and compact the samples within the same category. Then we perform prototypical alignment to make 2D image features assist in the discriminative feature learning for 3D models. We evaluate the proposed method on the commonly used cross‐domain 3D model retrieval benchmarks, namely MI3DOR and MI3DOR‐2, and the results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Primary renal osteosarcoma: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Namdari Farshad , Nazar Pour Mohammad Javad , Behzadi Arya , Akbari Mona , Moradi Hedieh , Dialameh Hossein
Published: June 2022

Primary renal osteosarcoma is an exceedingly rare tumor with poor prognosis. It tends to spread to distant sites and has a low survival rate. In this report, we present a case of a 43‐year‐old female patient presented with flank pain, gross hematuria, weakness, and weight loss. The patient was diagnosed with primary renal osteogenic sarcoma. This case report aimed to describe the clinical and pathological features, pathogenesis, and treatment modalities of this neoplasm.
Rice tolerance to multiple applications of florpyrauxifen‐benzyl alone and followed by benzobicyclon
Authors: Beesinger James Winston , Norsworthy Jason K. , Butts Thomas , Roberts Trenton
Published: June 2022

Varying levels of sensitivity to florpyrauxifen‐benzyl and benzobicyclon applications among rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars have been observed. The safe use of florpyrauxifen‐benzyl and benzobicyclon in the same herbicide program could provide broad‐spectrum weed control and delay resistance in weed species. Two experiments were conducted in 2019 and 2020 near Stuttgart, AR, to test cultivars’ sensitivity to multiple rates of florpyrauxifen‐benzyl and applications of florpyrauxifen‐benzyl followed by benzobicyclon. The first experiment was designed to determine the sensitivity of the rice cultivars ‘XP753’, ‘CL XL745’, ‘Gemini 214CL’, ‘Titan’, and ‘Diamond’ to applications of florpyrauxifen‐benzyl at 0.03 and 0.06 lb acid equivalent (a.e.) acre–1 and sequential applications of 0.03 lb a.e. acre–1. The second experiment determined the effect of benzobicyclon applied post‐flood on rice injury following an application of florpyrauxifen‐benzyl on the same cultivars used in the previous experiment. A rough rice yield loss of 17% was observed for sequential applications of florpyrauxifen‐benzyl at 0.03 lb a.e. acre–1 to XP753. Single applications of florpyrauxifen‐benzyl at 0.06 lb a.e. acre–1 caused a 45% groundcover reduction in XP753, whereas sequential applications of 0.03 lb a.e. acre–1 reduced groundcover on all hybrid cultivars tested. Applications of benzobicyclon alone never injured rice by more than 8%, and applying benzobicyclon after florpyrauxifen‐benzyl did not increase the observed injury over florpyrauxifen‐benzyl alone. Single applications of florpyrauxifen‐benzyl followed by benzobicyclon can be used in an herbicide program to control weeds without the risk of greater injury than is typically caused by florpyrauxifen‐benzyl alone.
Immediate hypersensitivity reaction to carboxymethylcellulose in lidocaine jelly and dimethicone drops: A case report and mini‐review
Authors: Hotta Eri , Tamagawa‐Mineoka Risa , Onishi Yuri , Sotozono Ayaka , Kusunoki Megumi , Hattori Junko , Ioka Natsue , Mizutani Hiromi , Masuda Koji , Katoh Norito
Published: June 2022

Excipient allergies are rare and difficult to diagnose. Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC, carmellose sodium) is an anionic water‐soluble polymer derived from native cellulose, that is, used as an excipient. Here, we report a case of urticaria caused by the CMC in lidocaine jelly and dimethicone drops, which had used for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. CMC is widely used in pharmaceutical preparations, food additives, and other pharmaceuticals, and its use is increasing. However, there are few reports on immediate hypersensitivity reactions because substances containing CMC. Previous reports and our case suggest that excipients, such as CMC, can be potential hidden allergens.
ESD in chemistry lessons – from the NRW ESD guideline to exemplary lesson integration
Authors: Kiesling Elisabeth , Venzlaff Julian , Bohrmann‐Linde
Published: June 2022

Mit Herausgabe der Leitlinie BNE im Jahr 2019 wurde durch das Bildungsministerium des Landes NRW ein Vorschlag präsentiert, wie auch im Chemieunterricht geeignete Themen aus ökologischer, ökonomischer, sozialer sowie politischer und kultureller Perspektive mehrdimensional betrachtet werden können. In diesem Beitrag sollen Möglichkeiten der konkreten Einbindung von BNE in den Chemieunterricht aufgezeigt werden, indem den einzelnen Inhaltsfeldern des Kernlehrplans Chemie NRW für die Sekundarstufen I und II Themen zugeordnet werden, mit denen sich im Verlauf aller Klassenstufen fast alle SDGs inhaltlich ansprechen lassen. Dazu wurde ein Verlaufsplan entwickelt, der überblicksartig Themenbereiche darstellt, die eine mehrdimensionale Betrachtung ermöglichen können. Des Weiteren wird in diesem Beitrag exemplarisch ein Lernangebot für die Einführungsphase im Modulformat zum Thema „Klimawirksamkeit von Kohlenstoffdioxid und Ansätze zur Emissionsreduktion“ vorgestellt. Dabei werden für den Chemieunterricht didaktisch aufbereitete Materialien präsentiert, um bestimmte Anforderungen an BNE im Sinn der Bildung für nachhaltige Entwicklung: Die globalen Nachhaltigkeitsziele verwirklichen (BNE 2030) zu verwirklichen.
Smart Chemistry Teachers Cologne (SChemTeC) – a project in chemistry teacher education to promote scientific literacy
Authors: Anton Tom Konrad , Reiners Christiane S.
Published: June 2022

Eine zentrale Implikation naturwissenschaftlicher Grundbildung ist die Befähigung von Schüler:innen, auf Grundlage ihres erworbenen naturwissenschaftlichen Wissens an Diskursen und Entscheidungsprozessen um gesellschaftliche Herausforderungen, etwa dem Klimawandel, zu partizipieren. Um entsprechende Kompetenzen vermitteln zu können, bedarf es Chemielehrer:innen, die selbst an den gesellschaftlich relevanten Diskursen partizipieren können, in einem wissenschaftsgerechten Umgang mit Daten‐ und Informationsquellen angeleitet wurden, sowie in der Lage sind, gesellschaftliche Herausforderungen in die unterrichtliche Praxis zu transformieren. Dazu ist ein Bildungsangebot für Chemielehramtsstudierende konzipiert worden, welches Diskurse von Emissionen der Oxide des Kohlenstoffs und Stickstoffs in den Blick nahm. In einem qualitativen Setting wurden die Entwicklungen von Chemielehramtsstudierenden im Laufe des Seminars erforscht.
The brain of the tree pangolin (Manis tricuspis). VIII. The subpallial telencephalon
Authors: Imam Aminu , Bhagwandin Adhil , Ajao Moyosore S. , Manger Paul R.
Published: June 2022

The current study provides a detailed architectural analysis of the subpallial telencephalon of the tree pangolin. In the tree pangolin, the subpallial telencephalon was divided into septal and striatopallidal regions. The septal region contained the septal nuclear complex, diagonal band of Broca, and the bed nuclei of the stria terminalis. The striatopallidal region comprised of the dorsal (caudate, putamen, internal and external globus pallidus) and ventral (nucleus accumbens, olfactory tubercle, ventral pallidum, nucleus basalis, basal part of the substantia innominata, lateral stripe of the striatum, navicular nucleus, and the major island of Calleja) striatopallidal complexes. In the tree pangolin, the organization and numbers of nuclei forming these regions and complexes, their topographical relationships to each other, and the cyto‐, myelo‐, and chemoarchitecture, were found to be very similar to that observed in commonly studied mammals. Minor variations, such as less nuclear parcellation in the bed nuclei of the stria terminalis, may represent species‐specific variations, or may be the result of the limited range of stains used. Given the overall similarity across mammalian species, it appears that the subpallial telencephalon of the mammalian brain is highly conserved in terms of evolutionary changes detectable with the methods used. It is also likely that the functions associated with these nuclei in other mammals can be translated directly to the tree pangolin, albeit with the understanding that the stimuli that produce activity within these regions may be specific to the life history requirements of the tree pangolin.
Assessing patients' attitudes towards telepsychotherapy: The development of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology‐patient version
Authors: Békés Vera , Doorn Katie Aafjes‐van , Bőthe Beáta
Published: June 2022

This study presents the development of a self‐report measure of patients' attitudes towards telepsychotherapy. The measure is based on a well‐researched model of attitudes towards using technology, the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework (Venkatesh et al., 2003). We examined the psychometric properties of the UTAUT adapted for psychotherapy patients (UTAUT‐P) in a sample of 107 psychotherapy patients who received telepsychotherapy via video conferencing during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Exploratory factor analysis resulted in a 14‐item UTAUT‐P version, with four factors—(1) Therapy Quality Expectancy, (2) Convenience, (3) Ease of Use, and (4) Pressure from Others—and was further corroborated by the results of the confirmatory factor analysis. Our results indicated the four‐factor model's adequate fit to the data and demonstrated adequate construct validity and reliability of the UTAUT‐P factors. All factors, except for Ease of Use, were significantly and positively associated with intention to use telepsychotherapy technology in the future. This study complements the research on therapists' attitudes towards telepsychotherapy, based on the therapist version of the UTAUT. The developed 14‐item UTAUT‐P might be a helpful, brief self‐report tool in clinical practice, which might give the patient a voice around the potential use of telepsychotherapy technology in their care. This initial application of the UTAUT‐P patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic offers a building block for future research on patients' attitudes towards telepsychotherapy, outside the context of a forced transition.
Input‐series output‐parallel DC–DC converter based on adaptive coefficient voltage equalization control
Authors: Tang Yu , Zhao Zixiang , Shi Zhe , Guo Yingjun , Sun Hexu
Published: June 2022

With the rapid development of power electronics technology, modular series‐parallel structures have attracted more and more attention due to high reliability and good redundancy. Especially in the occasion of high input voltage and low output voltage, the input‐series output‐parallel (ISOP) DC–DC converter is applied to reduce the stress of the device. Although this modular approach has many advantages, there is a problem of unbalanced voltage and current caused by component parameter errors in each module. Therefore, this paper proposes an inverse droop control equalization method based on coefficient adaptation. This method can not only keep the input voltage sharing (IVS) of the modules among the ISOP system but also solve the problem of the deviation of the traditional inverse droop control output voltage from the reference value, which increases the dynamic response of the system. This article first introduces the principle and control logic of the method and builds a three‐way module ISOP circuit. The experiment verifies the input voltage equalization effect and dynamic performance of the control method on the ISOP system under various working conditions.
Environmental correlates of phenotypic evolution in ecologically diverse Liolaemus lizards
Authors: Edwards Danielle L. , Avila Luciano J. , Martinez Lorena , Sites Jack W. , Morando Mariana
Published: June 2022

Evolutionary correlations between phenotypic and environmental traits characterize adaptive radiations. However, the lizard genus Liolaemus, one of the most ecologically diverse terrestrial vertebrate radiations on earth, has so far shown limited or mixed evidence of adaptive diversification in phenotype. Restricted use of comprehensive environmental data, incomplete taxonomic representation and not considering phylogenetic uncertainty may have led to contradictory evidence. We compiled a 26‐taxon dataset for the Liolaemus gracilis species group, representing much of the ecological diversity represented within Liolaemus and used environmental data to characterize how environments occupied by species' relate to phenotypic evolution. Our analyses, explicitly accounting for phylogenetic uncertainty, suggest diversification in phenotypic traits toward the present, with body shape evolution rapidly evolving in this group. Body shape evolution correlates with the occupation of different structural habitats indicated by vegetation axes suggesting species have adapted for maximal locomotory performance in these habitats. Our results also imply that the effects of phylogenetic uncertainty and model misspecification may be more extensive on univariate, relative to multivariate analyses of evolutionary correlations, which is an important consideration in analyzing data from rapidly radiating adaptive radiations.
First insights into female sperm storage duration in tardigrades
Authors: Vecchi Matteo , Chartrain Justine , Puro Simo , Tynkkynen Riikka , Vuori Tommi , Michalczyk Łukasz , Calhim Sara
Published: June 2022

Female sperm storage is ubiquitous in the animal kingdom and it has been shown to be linked to several evolutionary processes, from postcopulatory sexual selection to dispersal. Here we report, for the first time, long‐term sperm storage in females of the tardigrade Macrobiotus polonicus. Females, isolated after a short contact with a male, were able to use the stored sperm for up to 5 weeks (mean of 2 weeks), which translates to a considerable proportion of female post‐mating longevity under controlled laboratory conditions (60% on average). Our study provides the first insights into the duration of sperm storage, an underexplored feature of the reproductive biology of tardigrades. Additionally, we discuss important considerations for reproductive studies on these non‐model animals.
Heavy metals in moss guide environmental justice investigation: A case study using community science in Seattle, WA, USA
Authors: Jovan Sarah E. , Zuidema Christopher , Derrien Monika M. , Bidwell Amanda L. , Brinkley Weston , Smith Robert J. , Blahna Dale , Barnhill Roseann , Gould Linn , Rodríguez Alberto J. , Amacher Michael C. , Abel Troy D. , López Paulina
Published: June 2022

Heavy metal concentrations often vary at small spatial scales not captured by air monitoring networks, with implications for environmental justice in industrial‐adjacent communities. Pollutants measured in moss tissues are commonly used as a screening tool to guide use of more expensive resources, like air monitors. Such studies, however, rarely address environmental justice issues or involve the residents and other decision makers expected to utilize results. Here, we piloted a community science approach, engaging over 55 people from nine institutions, to map heavy metals using moss in two industrial‐adjacent neighborhoods. This area, long known for disproportionately poor air quality, health outcomes, and racial inequities, has only one monitor for heavy metals. Thus, an initial understanding of spatial patterns is critical for gauging whether, where, and how to invest further resources toward investigating heavy metals. Local youth‐led sampling of the moss Orthotrichum lyellii from trees across a 250 × 250 m sampling grid (n = 79) and generated data comparable to expert‐collected samples (n = 19). We mapped 21 chemical elements measured in moss, including 6 toxic “priority” metals: arsenic, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, lead, and nickel. Compared to other urban O. lyellii studies, local moss had substantially higher priority metals, especially arsenic and chromium, encouraging community members to investigate further. Potential hotspots of priority metals varied somewhat but tended to peak near the central industrial core where many possible emission sources, including legacy contamination and converge. Informed by these findings, community members successfully advocated regulators for a second study phase—a community‐directed air monitoring campaign to evaluate residents' exposure to heavy metals—as is needed to connect moss results back to the partnership's core goal of understanding drivers of health disparities. This follow‐up campaign will measure metals in the PM10 fraction owing to clues in the current study that airborne soil and dust may be locally important carriers of priority metals. Future work will address how our approach combining bioindicators and community science ultimately affects success addressing longstanding environmental justice concerns. For now, we illustrate the potential to co‐create new knowledge, to help catalyze and strategize next steps, in a complex air quality investigation.
Statistical assessment on determining local presence of rare bat species
Authors: Irvine Kathryn M. , Banner Katharine M. , Stratton Christian , Ford William M. , Reichert Brian E.
Published: June 2022

Surveying cryptic, sparsely distributed taxa using autonomous recording units, although cost‐effective, provides imperfect knowledge about species presence. Summertime bat acoustic surveys in North America exemplify the challenges with characterizing sources of uncertainty: observation error, inability to census populations, and natural stochastic variation. Statistical uncertainty, if not considered thoroughly, hampers determining rare species presence accurately and/or estimating rangewide status and trends with suitable precision. Bat acoustic data are processed using an automated workflow in which proprietary or open‐source algorithms assign a species label to each recorded high‐frequency echolocation sequence. A false‐negative occurs, if a species is actually present but not recorded and/or all recordings from the species are of such poor quality that a correct species identity cannot be assigned to any observation. False positives for a focal species are a direct result of the presence and incorrect identification of a recording from another species. We compare four analytical approaches in terms of parameter estimation and their resulting (in)correct decisions regarding species presence or absence using realistic data‐generating scenarios for bat acoustic data within a simulation study. The current standard for deciding species presence or absence uses a multinomial likelihood‐ratio test p value (maximum likelihood estimate [MLE]‐metric) that accounts for known species misidentifications, but not imperfect detection and only returns a binary outcome (evidence of presence or not). We found that the MLE‐metric had estimated median correct decisions less than 60% for presence and greater than 85% for absence. Alternatively, a multispecies count detection model was equivalent to or better than the MLE‐metric for correct claims of rare species presence or absence using the posterior probability a species was present at a site and, importantly, provided unbiased estimates of relative activity and probability of occurrence, creating opportunities for reducing posterior uncertainty through the inclusion of meaningful covariates. Single‐species occupancy models with and without false‐positive detections removed were insufficient for determining local presence because of substantially biased occurrence and detection probabilities. We propose solutions to potential barriers for integrating local, short‐term and rangewide, long‐term acoustic surveys within a cohesive statistical framework that facilitates determining local species presence with uncertainty concurrent with estimating species–environment relationships.
Gold Nanoparticles‐electrochemically Reduced Graphene Oxide/Poly(indole‐5‐carboxylic acid) Nanocomposite for Electrochemical Non‐enzymatic Sensing of Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Aydoğdu Tığ Gözde , Zeybek Bülent
Published: June 2022

Herein, co‐electrodeposition of AuNPs and ERGO onto GCE was conducted to prepare the modified electrode, GCE/AuNPs‐ERGO. The poly(indole‐5‐carboxylic acid) (P(In‐5‐COOH) was then coated onto the GCE/AuNPs‐ERGO with the help of electropolymerization. FT‐IR, FE‐SEM and EDX, and XRD techniques were employed to characterize the prepared nanocomposite. The nanocomposite modified electrode (GCE/AuNPs‐ERGO/P(In‐5‐COOH)) was examined for the electrochemical reduction of H2O2 using chronoamperometry. A high reduction current for H2O2 was observed due to the synergistic effect between AuNPs‐ERGO and P(In‐5‐COOH). The proposed sensor demonstrated a wide linear range of 0.025–750 μmol L−1, with a LOD of 0.008 μmol L−1 at −0.4 V. Furthermore, the developed sensor was applied for the detection of H2O2 in fetal bovine serum and urine samples.
Male infertility and the impact of lifestyle in the Greek population: A case–control study
Authors: Markantoni Maria , Sarafidou Theologia , Chatziparasidou Alexia , Christoforidis Nicolas , Mamuris Zissis
Published: June 2022

Background and Aims

Collection of epidemiological data has become a crucial step in every fertility evaluation, especially regarding idiopathic male infertility. Information on data such as tobacco smoking, alcohol intake, and body mass index can provide crucial information regarding the dynamics between fertility status and everyday practices. We aim to set the base for epidemiological studies on male infertility in the Greek population.

Methods

Four hundred and fourteen Greek volunteers were asked to fill in a questionnaire regarding their characteristics and lifestyle preferences, followed by a seminogram. Depending on their answers, they were divided into groups and data were analyzed for correlation with seminogram parameters using Spearman's rank correlation test.

Results

Our results indicate that a high body mass index (BMI) is negatively correlated with all three seminogram parameters (number, motility, and morphology) and exposure to radiation or chemicals is negatively correlated with sperm motility, with a p < 0.01.

Conclusions

These findings indicate negative correlations of BMI and exposure to radiation/chemicals with semen parameters in the Greek population. Such information can be used to plan a diagnostic approach or even therapeutic interventions.
Assessment of DLPNO‐CCSD(T)‐F12 and its use for the formulation of the low‐cost and reliable L‐W1X composite method
Authors: Chan Bun , Karton Amir
Published: June 2022

In the present study, we have investigated the performance of RIJCOSX DLPNO‐CCSD(T)‐F12 methods for a wide range of systems. Calculations with a high‐accuracy option [“DefGrid3 RIJCOSX DLPNO‐CCSD(T1)‐F12”] extrapolated to the complete‐basis‐set limit using the maug‐cc‐pV[D+d,T+d]Z basis sets provides fairly good agreements with the canonical CCSD(T)/CBS reference for a diverse set of thermochemical and kinetic properties [with mean absolute deviations (MADs) of ~1–2 kJ mol−1 except for atomization energies]. On the other hand, the low‐cost “RIJCOSX DLPNO‐CCSD(T)‐F12D” option leads to substantial deviations for certain properties, notably atomization energies (MADs of up to tens of kJ mol−1). With the high‐accuracy CBS approach, we have formulated the L‐W1X method, which further includes a low‐cost core–valence plus scalar‐relativistic term. It shows generally good accuracy. For improved accuracies in specific cases, we advise replacing maug‐cc‐pV(n+d)Z with jun‐cc‐pV(n+d)Z for the calculation of electron affinities, and using well‐constructed isodesmic‐type reactions to obtain atomization energies. For medium‐sized systems, DefGrid3 RIJCOSX DLPNO‐CCSD(T1)‐F12 calculations are several times faster than the corresponding canonical computation; the use of the local approximations (RIJCOSX and DLPNO) leads to a better scaling than that for the canonical calculation (from ~6–7 down to ~2–4 for our test systems). Thus, the DefGrid3 RIJCOSX DLPNO‐CCSD(T1)‐F12 method, and the L‐W1X protocol that based on it, represent a useful means for obtaining accurate thermochemical quantities for larger systems.
Association between genetic variants of microRNA‐21 and microRNA‐155 and systemic lupus erythematosus: A case‐control study from a Chinese population
Authors: Wang Rong , Wei Anji , Zhang Yingjie , Xu Guidan , Nong Xuejuan , Liu Chunhong , Zeng Yonglong , Huang Huatuo , Pang Xiaoxia , Wei Wujun , Wang Chunfang , Huang Huayi
Published: June 2022

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a common autoimmune disease, and its pathogenesis remains unclear. The alteration of genetic materials is believed to play a role in SLE development. This study evaluated the association between the genetic variants of microRNA‐21 (miR‐21) and microRNA‐155 (miR‐155) and SLE.

Methods

The SNaPshot genotyping method was used to detect the genotypes of selected SNPs in patients and controls. The expression of miR‐21 and miR‐155 was analyzed using reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). The functional annotation and the biological effects of SNPs were assessed by HaploReg V4.1 and Regulome DB V2.0 software. The Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium test was used to gather statistics, and odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were evaluated by logistic regression.

Results

The distribution difference of TA genotype in rs767649 was observed (TA vs. T/T: OR = 0.68, 95%CI, 0.48–0.95, p = 0.026). There was a significant difference in the T/A + A/A (T/A + A/A vs. T/T: OR = 0.68, 95%CI, 0.49–0.94, p = 0.020). A significant difference in T allele distribution was found in the depressed complement of SLE (T vs. A: OR = 0.67, 95%CI, 0.47–0.95, p = 0.026). There were significant differences in genetic variants of rs13137 between the positive and the negative SSB antibodies (Anti‐SSB) (T vs. A: OR = 0.67, 95%CI, 0.47–0.95, p = 0.026; T/A + T/T vs. AA: OR = 2.23, 1.18–4.49, p = 0.013). The expression levels of miR‐21 and miR‐155 were significantly higher in patients than in controls (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

This study provides novel insight that genetic variants of rs767649 and rs13137 are associated with susceptibility to SLE.
Pitt–Hopkins syndrome accompanying hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy in a newborn
Authors: Tas Melda , Kurtulus Mervenur , Gulnerman Elı̇f Keles , Turkyilmaz Canan , Percin Ferda , Ergenekon Ebru , Koc Esin
Published: June 2022

Hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is one of the substantial causes of developmental‐cognitive disability in neonates. In this early period, it is difficult to diagnose accompanying or predisposing genetic diseases in HIE patients. Herein, we present a patient with HIE who was diagnosed with Pitt–Hopkins syndrome in the newborn period.
Analysis of the albumin‐bilirubin score as an indicator of improved liver function among hepatitis C virus patients with sustained viral response after direct‐acting antiviral therapy
Authors: Martínez Herreros Ángela , Sangro Bruno , García Rodriguez Alba , Pérez Grijalba Virginia
Published: June 2022

Background and Aim

To investigate the performance of the albumin‐bilirubin (ALBI) score as an indicator of improved hepatic function using a cohort of hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients with sustained viral response (SVR) after direct‐acting antiviral therapy (DAA).

Methods

HCV patients who achieved SVR after DAAs between 2015 and 2016 were followed for at least 24 months. Changes in ALBI were evaluated in the entire cohort and according to liver function and liver stiffness status at baseline.

Results

Four hundred ninety‐seven patients were enrolled. Exactly 96.92% were in Child–Pugh (CTP) class A, and 42% had grade 2 fibrosis. Median ALBI was −3.02, while 87.7 and 11.3% of patients were in ALBI grades 1 and 2, respectively. ALBI improved significantly over time, particularly in patients who had a worse ALBI at baseline. Exactly 77% of patients initially in ALBI grade 1 and 93.9% of those in ALBI grades 2–3 improved their ALBI score in different amounts. Improved ALBI was observed irrespective of CTP score at baseline. Median ALBI at baseline and after 24 months were −3.03 and −3.27 for CTP 5, 2.02 and −2.88 for CTP 6, and −1.59 and −2.84 for CTP >6. Similarly, a significant improvement in ALBI was observed within each stage of fibrosis at baseline.

Conclusion

ALBI was a good indicator of improved hepatic function in HCV patients with SVR after DAA therapy, able to identify changes even in those patients who started DAA therapy with well‐preserved function and mild fibrosis. This simple, objective, and noninvasive test should be evaluated in other clinical scenarios where liver function is relevant.
Fog type classification using a modified Richardson number for Christchurch, New Zealand
Authors: Lin Dongqi , Katurji Marwan , Revell Laura E. , Khan Basit , Osborne Neal , Soltanzadeh Iman , Kremser Stefanie
Published: June 2022

Situated on a coastal plain between the Southern Alps and Banks Peninsula, Christchurch, New Zealand, experiences around 49 fog days every year. Given its complex topography, accurate fog forecasting is difficult at Christchurch International Airport (CHA). Climatological analysis of local fog events is an important first step to gain insight into the processes involved in the fog lifecycle. In this study, fog events were identified using 12 years of meteorological observations from an automatic weather station situated at CHA. A novel fog type classification method was developed using the modified Richardson number (MRi). The MRi fog type classification method assesses the local dynamic stability of a 1.25 m shallow layer of near‐surface air. Here, the MRi is used as a quantitative index to classify advection fog, advection–radiation fog, and radiation fog. Vertical gradients of air temperature and wind speed were derived for prefog and fog periods, and a number of criteria were applied to the MRi for the fog type classification. The fog type classification results were examined in correspondence with the derived fog intensity, duration, diurnal and seasonal variability of frequency of occurrences, and synoptic and local wind flows. In agreement with other fog studies across the world, fog occurs most frequently during local winter and spring. Radiation fog is the predominant type of fog identified at CHA, and its formation and development usually coincide with the local drainage northwesterlies. This study is the first to use long‐term observational data to investigate the fog climatology and typology at CHA in detail. The fog climatological characteristics presented in this study will serve as the basis of future fog studies in Christchurch. The presented MRi fog type classification method can potentially be used in fog characteristic studies worldwide.
New‐onset and persistent neurological and psychiatric sequelae of COVID‐19 compared to influenza: A retrospective cohort study in a large New York City healthcare network
Authors: Iosifescu Andrei L. , Hoogenboom Wouter S. , Buczek Alexandra J. , Fleysher Roman , Duong Tim Q.
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Neurological and neuropsychiatric manifestations of post‐acute SARS‐CoV‐2 infection (neuro‐PASC) are common among COVID‐19 survivors, but it is unknown how neuro‐PASC differs from influenza‐related neuro‐sequelae. This study investigated the clinical characteristics of COVID‐19 patients with and without new‐onset neuro‐PASC, and of flu patients with similar symptoms.

Methods

We retrospectively screened 18,811 COVID‐19 patients and 5772 flu patients between January 2020 and June 2021 for the presence of new‐onset neuro‐sequelae that persisted at least 2 weeks past the date of COVID‐19 or flu diagnosis.

Results

We observed 388 COVID‐19 patients with neuro‐PASC versus 149 flu patients with neuro‐sequelae. Common neuro‐PASC symptoms were anxiety (30%), depression (27%), dizziness (22%), altered mental status (17%), chronic headaches (17%), and nausea (11%). The average time to neuro‐PASC onset was 138 days, with hospitalized patients reporting earlier onset than non‐hospitalized patients. Neuro‐PASC was associated with female sex and older age (p < 0.05), but not race, ethnicity, most comorbidities, or COVID‐19 disease severity (p > 0.05). Compared to flu patients, COVID‐19 patients were older, exhibited higher incidence of altered mental status, developed symptoms more quickly, and were prescribed psychiatric drugs more often (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

This study provides additional insights into neuro‐PASC risk factors and differentiates between post‐COVID‐19 and post‐flu neuro‐sequelae.
National prescription patterns of antidepressants among patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: An analysis of the Korean National Health Insurance database
Authors: Park C. Hyung Keun , Choi Seok‐Jin , Kim Ye‐Jee , Hong Yoon‐Ho , Sung Jung‐Joon
Published: June 2022

Introduction/Aims

The current status of antidepressant use in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), such as the prevalence and factors associated with it, has not been systematically investigated. We aimed to analyze the prevalence and patterns of antidepressant prescriptions in patients with ALS and depression, and to identify factors associated with antidepressant prescriptions after the diagnosis of ALS.

Methods

The data of patients with ALS and the prescription of antidepressants were retrieved from the Korean National Health Insurance claims data. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with antidepressant prescriptions.

Results

In total, 533 of 2955 patients had depressive disorders, and 426 were prescribed antidepressants. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants were the most frequently prescribed drugs. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were 1.379 for the prescription of antidepressants in females. For various age groups, compared with those aged 80 years and older, adjusted ORs were 1.889 for those in their 70s, 2.319 for those in their 60s, 2.872 for those in their 50s, 2.854 for those in their 40s, and 3.363 for those under 40 years of age. Adjusted ORs were 1.662 for patients with a history of a psychiatric disorder and 1.861 for those with a history of psychiatric pharmacotherapy (all P < .05).

Discussion

Most patients with ALS who had depression received antidepressant prescriptions. In young females with a previous psychiatric disorder or pharmacotherapy, an in‐depth evaluation for a depressive disorder should be performed.
Genome‐wide association studies identify putative pleiotropic locus mediating drought tolerance in sorghum
Authors: Maina Fanna , Harou Abdou , Hamidou Falalou , Morris Geoffrey P.
Published: June 2022

Drought is a key constraint on plant productivity and threat to food security. Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench), a global staple food and forage crop, is among the most drought‐adapted cereal crops, but its adaptation is not yet well understood. This study aims to better understand the genetic basis of preflowering drought in sorghum and identify loci underlying variation in water use and yield components under drought. A panel of 219 diverse sorghum from West Africa was phenotyped for yield components and water use in an outdoor large‐tube lysimeter system under well‐watered (WW) versus a preflowering drought water‐stressed (WS) treatment. The experimental system was validated based on characteristic drought response in international drought tolerant check genotypes and genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) that mapped the major height locus at QHT7.1 and Dw3. GWAS further identified marker trait associations (MTAs) for drought‐related traits (plant height, flowering time, forage biomass, grain weight, water use) that each explained 7–70% of phenotypic variance. Most MTAs for drought‐related traits correspond to loci not previously reported, but some MTA for forage biomass and grain weight under WS co‐localized with staygreen post‐flowering drought tolerance loci (Stg3a and Stg4). A globally common allele at S7_50055849 is associated with several yield components under drought, suggesting that it tags a major pleiotropic variant controlling assimilate partitioning to grain versus vegetative biomass. The GWAS revealed oligogenic variants for drought tolerance in sorghum landraces, which could be used as trait predictive markers for improved drought adaptation.
Integration of Complex Geometry Gun Propellant Form Function Calculation and Geometry Optimization
Authors: Wang Moru , Jin Guorui , Zhou Yongrong , Nan Fengqiang , Lin Xiangyang , He Weidong
Published: June 2022

To take full advantage of the additive manufacturing technology, an integrated and efficient approach of complex geometry gun propellant form function calculation and geometry optimization design based on Grasshopper (GH) software was proposed as a first attempt to obtain the closed‐loop of geometric optimization forward design with performance as the goal and algorithm as the means. The burning surface regression simulation and form function calculation of the entire multi‐perforation gun propellant family, multi‐perforation web thickness uneven gun propellant family, mixed gun propellant charges were demonstrated by using the parametric model of GH software. With the highest combustion progressivity as the optimization objective, the genetic algorithm in GH software was used to geometrically optimize the parametric model of multi‐perforation gun propellant family, and then the entire multi‐perforation with ball gun propellant family was obtained. The closed vessel test result showed that the form function calculated by the GH approach was in better agreement with the test curve than that of the analytic method. The integral form function of the mixed gun propellant charges was calculated firstly and proved by the interior ballistic performance calculation. The combustion progressivity of rosette‐shaped 19‐perf with ball gun propellant was significantly improved compared with that before geometry optimization, with the ball‐tube, ball‐ball, and ball‐ball‐ball structure increasing by about 15.0 %, 17.7 %, and 17.7 %, respectively. The integrated and efficient approach was dynamically visualized in real‐time and required no learning of conventional scripting‐type programming, providing the basis for the design and application of gun propellant with any complex geometry.
Odd one out? Functional tuning of Zymomonas mobilis pyruvate kinase is narrower than its allosteric, human counterpart
Authors: Page Braelyn M. , Martin Tyler A. , Wright Collette L. , Fenton Lauren A. , Villar Maite T. , Tang Qingling , Artigues Antonio , Lamb Audrey , Fenton Aron W. , Swint‐Kruse Liskin
Published: June 2022

Various protein properties are often illuminated using sequence comparisons of protein homologs. For example, in analyses of the pyruvate kinase multiple sequence alignment, the set of positions that changed during speciation (“phylogenetic” positions) were enriched for “rheostat” positions in human liver pyruvate kinase (hLPYK). (Rheostat positions are those which, when substituted with various amino acids, yield a range of functional outcomes). However, the correlation was moderate, which could result from multiple biophysical constraints acting on the same position during evolution and/or various sources of noise. To further examine this correlation, we here tested Zymomonas mobilis PYK (ZmPYK), which has <65% sequence identity to any other PYK sequence. Twenty‐six ZmPYK positions were selected based on their phylogenetic scores, substituted with multiple amino acids, and assessed for changes in Kapp‐PEP. Although we expected to identify multiple, strong rheostat positions, only one moderate rheostat position was detected. Instead, nearly half of the 271 ZmPYK variants were inactive and most others showed near wild‐type function. Indeed, for the active ZmPYK variants, the total range of Kapp,PEP values (”tunability”) was 40‐fold less than that observed for hLPYK variants. The combined functional studies and sequence comparisons suggest that ZmPYK has evolved functional and/or structural attributes that differ from the rest of the family. We hypothesize that including such “orphan” sequences in MSA analyses obscures the correlations used to predict rheostat positions. Finally, results raise the intriguing biophysical question as to how the same protein fold can support rheostat positions in one homolog but not another.
Evaluation of residue variability in a conformation‐specific context and during evolutionary sequence reconstruction narrows drug resistance selection in Abl1 tyrosine kinase
Authors: Otsuka Felipe A. M. , Bjelic Sinisa
Published: June 2022

Diseases with readily available therapies may eventually prevail against the specific treatment by the acquisition of resistance. The constitutively active Abl1 tyrosine kinase known to cause chronic myeloid leukemia is an example, where patients may experience relapse after small inhibitor drug treatment. Mutations in the Abl1 tyrosine kinase domain (Abl1‐KD) are a critical source of resistance and their emergence depends on the conformational states that have been observed experimentally: the inactive state, the active state, and the intermediate inactive state that resembles Src kinase. Understanding how resistant positions and amino acid identities are determined by selection pressure during drug treatment is necessary to improve future drug development or treatment decisions. We carry out in silico site‐saturation mutagenesis over the Abl1‐KD structure in a conformational context to evaluate the in situ and conformational stability energy upon mutation. Out of the 11 studied resistant positions, we determined that 7 of the resistant mutations favored the active conformation of Abl1‐KD with respect to the inactive state. When, instead, the sequence optimization was modeled simultaneously at resistant positions, we recovered five known resistant mutations in the active conformation. These results suggested that the Abl1 resistance mechanism targeted substitutions that favored the active conformation. Further sequence variability, explored by ancestral reconstruction in Abl1‐KD, showed that neutral genetic drift, with respect to amino acid variability, was specifically diminished in the resistant positions. Since resistant mutations are susceptible to chance with a certain probability of fixation, combining methodologies outlined here may narrow and limit the available sequence space for resistance to emerge, resulting in more robust therapeutic treatments over time.
3,4‐Dihydroxyphenylethanol and 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid affect the aggregation process of E46K variant of α‐synuclein at different extent: Insights into the interplay between protein dynamics and catechol effect
Authors: Fongaro Benedetta , Cappelletto Elia , Sosic Alice , Spolaore Barbara , Polverino de Laureto Patrizia
Published: June 2022

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic multifactorial disease, whose etiology is not completely understood. The amyloid aggregation of α‐synuclein (Syn) is considered a major cause in the development of the disease. The presence of genetic mutations can boost the aggregation of the protein and the likelihood to develop PD. These mutations can lead to early onset (A30P, E46K, and A53T) or late‐onset (H50Q) forms of PD. The disease is also linked to an increase in oxidative stress and altered levels of dopamine metabolites. The molecular interaction of these molecules with Syn has been previously studied, while their effect on the pathological mutant structure and function is not completely clarified. By using biochemical and biophysical approaches, here we have studied the interaction of the familial variant E46K with two dopamine‐derived catechols, 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylethanol. We show that the presence of these catechols causes a decrease in the formation of amyloid fibrils in a dose‐dependent manner. Native‐ and Hydrogen/deuterium exchange‐mass spectrometry (HDX‐MS) provide evidence that this effect is strongly conformation dependent. Indeed, these molecules interact differently with the interconverting conformers of Syn and its familial variant E46K in solution, selecting the most prone‐to‐aggregation one, confining it into an off‐pathway oligomer. These findings suggest that catechols could be a molecular scaffold for the design of compounds potentially useful in the treatment of Parkinson's disease and related conditions.
Beyond structure: Deciphering site‐specific dynamics in proteins from double histidine‐based EPR measurements
Authors: Singewald Kevin , Wilkinson James A. , Hasanbasri Zikri , Saxena Sunil
Published: June 2022

Site‐specific dynamics in proteins are at the heart of protein function. While electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) has potential to measure dynamics in large protein complexes, the reliance on flexible nitroxide labels is limitating especially for the accurate measurement of site‐specific β‐sheet dynamics. Here, we employed EPR spectroscopy to measure site‐specific dynamics across the surface of a protein, GB1. Through the use of the double Histidine (dHis) motif, which enables labeling with a Cu(II) – nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) complex, dynamics information was obtained for both α‐helical and β‐sheet sites. Spectral simulations of the resulting CW‐EPR report unique site‐specific fluctuations across the surface of GB1. Additionally, we performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to complement the EPR data. The dynamics observed from MD agree with the EPR results. Furthermore, we observe small changes in gǁ values for different sites, which may be due to small differences in coordination geometry and/or local electrostatics of the site. Taken together, this work expands the utility of Cu(II)NTA‐based EPR measurements to probe information beyond distance constraints.