bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HIV-1 restriction by SERINC5
Authors: Cano-Ortiz Lucía , Luedde Tom , Münk Carsten
Published: March 2022

Serine incorporator 5 (SERINC5 or SER5) is a multipass transmembrane protein with ill-defined cellular activities. SER5 was recently described as a human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) restriction factor capable of inhibiting HIV-1 that does not express its accessory protein Nef (Δ Nef). SER5 incorporated into the viral membrane impairs the entry of HIV-1 by disrupting the fusion between the viral and the plasma membrane after envelope receptor interaction induced the first steps of the fusion process. The mechanisms of how SER5 prevents membrane fusion are not fully understood and viral envelope proteins were identified that escape the SER5-mediated restriction. Primate lentiviruses, such as HIV-1 and simian immunodeficiency viruses (SIVs), use their accessory protein Nef to downregulate SER5 from the plasma membrane by inducing an endocytic pathway. In addition to being directly antiviral, recent data suggest that SER5 is an important adapter protein in innate signaling pathways leading to the induction of inflammatory cytokines. This review discusses the current knowledge about HIV-1 restriction by SER5.
Prioritizing water distribution pipelines rehabilitation using machine learning algorithms
Authors: Elshaboury Nehal , Marzouk Mohamed
Published: March 2022

The majority of water pipelines are subjected to serious deterioration and degradation challenges. This research examines the application of optimized neural network models for estimating the condition of water pipelines in Shaker Al-Bahery, Egypt. The proposed hybrid models are compared against the classical neural network, adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system, and group method of data handling using four evaluation metrics. These metrics are; Fraction of Prediction within a Factor of Two (FACT2), Willmott's index of agreement (WI), Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), and Mean Bias Error (MBE). The results show that the neural network trained using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm (FACT2 = 0.93, WI = 0.96, RMSE = 0.09, and MBE = 0.05) outperforms other machine learning models. Furthermore, three multi-objective swarm intelligence algorithms are applied to determine the near-optimum intervention strategies, namely PSO salp swarm optimization, and grey wolf optimization. The performances of the aforementioned algorithms are evaluated using Generalized Spread (GS), Spread (Δ), and Generational Distance (GD). The results yield that the PSO algorithm (GS = 0.54, Δ = 0.82, and GD = 0.01) exhibits better results when compared to the other algorithms. The obtained near-optimum solutions are ranked using a new additive ratio assessment and grey relational analysis decision-making techniques. Finally, the overall ranking is obtained using a new approach based on the half-quadratic theory. This aggregated ranking obtains a consensus index and a trust level of 0.97.
ISSLS prize in clinical science 2022: accelerated disc degeneration after pubertal growth spurt differentiates adults with low back pain from their asymptomatic peers
Authors: Aavikko Anni , Lohman Martina , Ristolainen Leena , Kautiainen Hannu , Österman Kalevi , Schlenzka Dietrich , Lund Teija
Published: March 2022

Purpose

In this prospective observational cohort study, the development of lumbar intervertebral discs (LIVD) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was investigated from childhood to adulthood with emphasis on the possible association of disc degeneration (DD) to low back pain (LBP).

Methods

In 2021, 89 subjects who were enrolled in 1994 in a longitudinal study with lumbar spine MRI at ages 8, 11 and 18 were invited to participate in a long-term follow-up comprising a clinical examination, selected patient-reported outcome measures and a lumbar spine MRI. We assessed all MRIs (three lowest LIVDs) with the Pfirrmann summary score, and the ratio of signal intensity of nucleus pulposus to signal intensity of cerebrospinal fluid (SINDL). We further analyzed whether disc changes at any age were associated with self-reported LBP at age 34.

Results

Of the 48 subjects in the follow-up, 35 reported LBP at age 34. The Pfirrmann summary score significantly increased with age (p < 0.001). Subjects reporting LBP at age 34 demonstrated statistically significantly higher summary scores at age 18 and 34 compared to asymptomatic subjects (p = 0.004 at age 18, and p = 0.039 at age 34). SINDL significantly decreased with age (p < 0.001 for all levels separately), but no significant differences between subjects with or without LBP at age 34 were noticed.

Conclusion

Subjects with LBP at age 34 had more widespread or severe DD already at age 18 compared to those without LBP.
Influence of perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection on mortality in orthopaedic inpatients with surgically treated traumatic fractures
Authors: Granqvist Mathias , Hedberg Pontus , Nauclér Pontus , Enocson Anders
Published: March 2022

Background

SARS-CoV-2 has had an extensive influence on orthopaedic surgery practice and has been associated with an increased risk of mortality. There is limited evidence of how this pertains to acute orthopaedic surgery with inpatient care.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study on traumatic fracture patients requiring inpatient care between February 25, 2020 and March 25, 2021 was conducted. Patients were grouped by perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection, defined as a positive SARS-CoV-2 test from 7 days before to 7 days after orthopaedic surgery, and compared using linear regression and Cox proportional hazards model for primary outcome 30-day mortality and secondary outcome hospital length of stay.

Results

In total, 5174 adults with a length of stay ≥ 48 h and an orthopaedic procedure due to a registered traumatic fracture were admitted from February 25, 2020 and discharged before March 26, 2021. Among the 5174 patients, 65% (3340/5174) were female, 22% (1146/5174) were 60–74 years and 56% (2897/5174) were 75 years or older. In total, 144 (3%) had a perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection. Perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with an increased 30-day mortality (aOR 4.19 [95% CI 2.67–6.43], p < 0.001). The median (IQR) length of stay after surgery was 13 days (IQR 6–21) for patients with, and 7 days (IQR 2–13) for patients without, perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Conclusions

Perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection increased 30-day mortality risk and hospital length of stay for traumatic fracture patients requiring inpatient surgical care. Pre- and postoperative infection were both associated with similar increases in mortality risk.
5-aminolevulinic acid and sodium fluorescein in IV ventricle ependymoma surgery: preliminary experience comparing the two techniques
Authors: Boschi Andrea , Lastrucci Giancarlo , Pisano Antonio , Becattini Eleonora , Buccoliero Annamaria , Della Puppa Alessandro
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study is to compare the use of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) and sodium fluorescein (SF) in IV ventricular ependymoma (IVEP) surgical resection.

Methods

In this retrospective study, six patients with IVEP were enrolled. Gender ratio 2:1 male to female, with mean age 38.9 years old. A 5-ALA oral dose of 20 mg/kg and a SF intravenous dose of 2 mg/kg were administered. Telo-velar approach, operative microscope, and intraoperative monitoring were used in all the operations. We retrospectively compared the two fluorescence techniques at four steps during the surgical procedure: step 1: exposure of the tumor; step 2: dissection of the lesion from the cerebellum; step 3: assessment of the tumor borders and differentiation from normal tissue at the base of implants; and step 4: evaluation of possible residual tissue in the surgical cavity.

Results

At the first step, the ependymomas resulted well delineated by both fluorescent agents. In this step, 5-ALA was particularly helpful in the case of recurrent ependymoma. At step 2, 5-ALA provided a better identification of the ependymoma boundaries and distinction from cerebellum hemispheres than SF. In steps 3 and 4, SF was really helpful to detect tumor tissue.

Conclusion

According to our experience, fluorescence-guided surgery of IVEP with 5-ALA and SF is useful to maximize surgical resection with less risk of brainstem injury. Both fluorescence techniques are helpful in different steps of IVEP resection. However, further studies are needed to confirm our preliminary data.
A discrete-to-continuum model of protein complexes
Authors: Mariano Paolo Maria , Bacci Marco
Published: March 2022

On the basis of a tensor representation of protein shape, obtained by an affine decomposition of residue velocity, we show how to identify actions at continuum scale for both single proteins and their complexes in terms of power equivalence. The approach constructs and justifies a continuum modeling of protein complexes, which avoids a direct, atomistic-based, simulation of the whole complex, rather it focuses (in a statistical sense) on a single protein and its interactions with the neighbors. In the resulting setting we also prove the existence of equilibrium configurations (native states) under large strains.
Chemical characterisation is rough: the impact of topography and measurement parameters on energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy in biominerals
Authors: Shirley Bryan , Jarochowska Emilia
Published: March 2022

Energy dispersive X-ray microscopy (EDX) is a widely available, inexpensive method of characterizing the in-situ elemental composition of samples in Earth and life sciences. Common protocols and textbooks focussing on material sciences address EDX analysis of metallic samples that can be polished perfectly, whereas geoscientists often investigate specimens with prominent topography and composed of light, difficult to resolve elements. This is further compounded by the scarcity of literature surrounding the methodology of SEM–EDX in the field of palaeontology, leading to common misinterpretations and artefacts during data acquisition. Here, the common errors in elemental composition obtained with EDX arising from surface topography and from parameters subject to user decisions are quantified. As a model, fossil bioapatite (conodonts) and abiotic Durango apatite are used. It is shown that even microscale topography can distort measured composition by up to 34%, whereas topographic features such as tilt with respect to the electron beam lead to differences of up to 85%. Working distance was not the most important parameter affecting the results and led to differences in composition of up to 13%, whereas the choice of standard and its levelling with the sample surface led to inaccuracy reaching 33%. EDX results can be also affected by beam damage and the effects of acceleration voltage on sample acquisition and resolution are quantified. An estimate is provided of the severity of errors associated with samples which cannot satisfy preparation requirements for EDX fully, such as holotypes, and with user decisions. Using a palaeontological example, recommendations are offered for the best parameters and the relative importance of error sources are assessed.
Predicting spatially heterogeneous invasive spread: Pyracantha angustifolia invading a dry Andean valley in northern Argentina
Authors: Plenderleith Fiona A. , Irrazabal Valentina A. , Burslem David F. R. P. , Travis Justin M. J. , Powell Priscila Ana
Published: March 2022

Understanding the drivers of invasive species spread is key to designing optimal management programmes for controlling them. Population models, parameterized from demographic and dispersal data, are useful for simulating invasion when long-term observations are lacking, which is particularly important when invasions are occurring rapidly. We aimed to understand how the spread ofPyracantha angustifolia(an invasive ornamental shrub) is influenced by heterogeneity in local conditions within a dry inter-montane valley in northwestern Argentina that is currently experiencing rapid urban expansion and concomitant reduction in cattle farming. Field surveys demonstrated that individuals growing in shrublands have a higher fecundity than those in grassland and rocky habitats. Furthermore, grazing pressure of cattle and horses substantially reduces fecundity and impacts the relationship between age and fecundity. We incorporated our field-estimated habitat and age-specific fecundities into both analytical integro-difference equation models and individual-based models to predict rates of spread across each habitat type in the presence or absence of grazing pressure. Results indicate that the rate of spread would be substantially higher in shrublands (by up to 33%) and highlight that grazing pressure can, through direct consumption of seeds by livestock, substantially depress the rate of spread (by up to 53%). These results suggest that shrubland areas in the valley are most vulnerable to invasion and that grazing may help to reduce the impact ofPyracantha.This suggests that a synergism between urban expansion and reduction in domestic livestock density contributes to the spread of an invasive species in this environment.
Predicting current and future distribution of Hovenia dulcis Thunb. (Rhamnaceae) worldwide
Authors: Bergamin Rodrigo Scarton , Gama Mafalda , Almerão Maurício , Hofmann Gabriel Selbach , Anastácio Pedro Manuel
Published: March 2022

Biological invasions are increasingly recognized as one of the major threats to biodiversity. The Japanese raisin tree (Hovenia dulcis) is native to East Asia, however, in southeastern South America this species has become one of the most pervasive invaders. Hovenia dulcis has many biological characteristics that favor the process of invasion and few studies have indicated changes in the structure and composition of native plant communities where this species has become invader. Given the invasiveness shown in southeastern South America, our main goal was to identify the potentially suitable habitats for this invasive species at a global scale. In this sense, we modeled the potential distribution of H. dulcis along the terrestrial areas worldwide using an ensemble forecasting approach. Additionally, the percentage of overlapping biodiversity hotspot areas with the currently suitable areas for this species was calculated. Our results revealed that the current potential H. dulcis range is equivalent to 7.88% (12,719,365 km2) of the terrestrial area worldwide. For the future scenarios of climate change, the potential distribution area tends to have a small reduction. However, significant suitable areas were identified for H. dulcis range in the northern limits of the boreal distribution. Currently, around 17% of biodiversity hotspot areas overlap with the suitable areas for H. dulcis occurrence. In summary, given that the prevention is well-recognized as a more effective management action against invasive alien species, it is essential to implement policies to prevent H. dulcis introduction in suitable areas worldwide, as well as local population control, especially in biodiversity hotspots.
The alien invasive forest pathogen Heterobasidion irregulare is replacing the native Heterobasidion annosum
Authors: Garbelotto M. , Lione G. , Martiniuc A. V. , Gonthier P.
Published: March 2022

Invasions by alien pathogens are a major threat to forest conservation. The North American fungal pathogen of conifers Heterobasidion irregulare, inadvertently introduced in Central Italy in the 1940s, has been spreading causing high mortality of Italian stone pine (Pinus pinea). While invading newfound niches, H. irregulare has established itself in the current range of the native congener H. annosum. The aims of this study were to determine whether in time: (I) H. irregulare populations may be increasing in size; (II) H. irregulare may be replacing H. annosum, rather than simply coexisting with it; and, (III) H. annosum may disappear in forests infested by H. irregulare. The presence, abundance and distribution of H. annosum and H. irregulare were assessed through an aerobiological assay replicated ten years apart in a forest in which both species have been coexisting. Replacement index (RI), Markov chains and geometric progressions were used to model the interspecific interaction between the two species and to assess the invasiveness of H. irregulare. Results showed that, in 10 years, the incidence of H. annosum dropped from 39.4 to 6.1%, while that of H. irregulare increased from 57.6 to 81.8%, with the alien pathogen replacing the native species (RI = 84.6%) and spreading at a maximum rate of 139 ha/year. Although our models show that the extinction of H. annosum may be unlikely, the ability of H. irregulare to replace it suggests the alien pathogen may also readily colonize those parts of Europe where H. annosum is more abundant than in Central Italy.
Ureaplasma-Driven Neonatal Neuroinflammation: Novel Insights from an Ovine Model
Authors: Silwedel Christine , Hütten Matthias C. , Speer Christian P. , Härtel Christoph , Haarmann Axel , Henrich Birgit , Tijssen Maud P. M. , Alnakhli Abdullah Ahmed , Spiller Owen B. , Schlegel Nicolas , Seidenspinner Silvia , Kramer Boris W. , Glaser Kirsten
Published: March 2022

Ureaplasma species (spp.) are considered commensals of the adult genitourinary tract, but have been associated with chorioamnionitis, preterm birth, and invasive infections in neonates, including meningitis. Data on mechanisms involved in Ureaplasma-driven neuroinflammation are scarce. The present study addressed brain inflammatory responses in preterm lambs exposed to Ureaplasma parvum (UP) in utero. 7 days after intra-amniotic injection of UP (n = 10) or saline (n = 11), lambs were surgically delivered at gestational day 128–129. Expression of inflammatory markers was assessed in different brain regions using qRT-PCR and in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by multiplex immunoassay. CSF was analyzed for UP presence using ureB-based real-time PCR, and MRI scans documented cerebral white matter area and cortical folding. Cerebral tissue levels of atypical chemokine receptor (ACKR) 3, caspases 1-like, 2, 7, and C–X–C chemokine receptor (CXCR) 4 mRNA, as well as CSF interleukin-8 protein concentrations were significantly increased in UP-exposed lambs. UP presence in CSF was confirmed in one animal. Cortical folding and white matter area did not differ among groups. The present study confirms a role of caspases and the transmembrane receptors ACKR3 and CXCR4 in Ureaplasma-driven neuroinflammation. Enhanced caspase 1-like, 2, and 7 expression may reflect cell death. Increased ACKR3 and CXCR4 expression has been associated with inflammatory central nervous system (CNS) diseases and impaired blood–brain barrier function. According to these data and previous in vitro findings from our group, we speculate that Ureaplasma-induced caspase and receptor responses affect CNS barrier properties and thus facilitate neuroinflammation.
Terahertz Measurements on Subwavelength-Size Samples Down to the Tunneling Limit
Authors: Maluski D. , Cámara Mayorga I. , Hemberger J. , Grüninger M.
Published: March 2022

For terahertz spectroscopy on single crystals, the wavelength $$\lambda$$
λ
often is comparable to the size of the studied samples, emphasizing diffraction effects. Using a continuous-wave terahertz spectrometer in transmission geometry, we address the effect of the sample size on the achievable accuracy of the optical properties, focusing in particular on the phase data. We employ $$\alpha$$
α
-lactose monohydrate as a paradigmatic example and compare data that were measured using apertures with diameters D in the range from 10 to 0.2 mm. For small D, strong diffraction typically invalidates a quantitative analysis of the transmitted amplitude at low frequencies. The phase data, however, can be evaluated to lower frequency and show a more systematic dependence on D. For a quantitative analysis, we employ a waveguide picture for the description of small apertures with a cylindrical bore. For D as small as 0.2 mm, corresponding to 1/D = 50 cm$$^{-1}$$

-
1

, a circular waveguide does not support propagating waves below its cut-off frequency $$1/\lambda _c$$

1
/

λ
c

= $$\omega _c/2\pi c \approx 29$$

ω
c

/
2
π
c
≈
29

cm$$^{-1}$$

-
1

. Experimentally, we confirm this cut-off for cylindrical apertures with a thickness $$d_{\text {ap}}$$

d
ap

= 1 mm. Close to $$\omega _c$$

ω
c

, the measured phase velocity is an order of magnitude larger than c, the speed of light in vacuum. The cut-off is washed out if a sample is mounted on a thin aperture with a conical bore. In this case, the phase data of $$\alpha$$
α
-lactose monohydrate for D = 0.2 mm can quantitatively be described down to about 10 cm$$^{-1}$$

-
1

if the waveguide-like properties of the aperture are taken into account in the analysis.
Elastic 3D–2D Image Registration
Authors: Striewski Paul , Wirth Benedikt
Published: March 2022

We propose a method to nonrigidly align a three-dimensional (3D) volumetric image with a two-dimensional (2D) planar image representing a projection of the deformed volume. The application in mind comes from biological studies in which 2D intravital microscopy videos of living tissue are recorded, after which the tissue is excised and a more detailed 3D volume microscopy is performed. Coregistration of both data sets allows to combine the temporal (but 2D) information with more detailed spatial 3D information. Our approach is variational and uses a hyperelastic deformation regularization, as is appropriate for biological material. As a particular feature, the out-of-plane deformation is estimated based on the out-of-focus blur inside the 2D microscopy image. The approach becomes computationally feasible through the use of a coarse-to-fine optimization strategy and higher-order optimization methods.
Assessment of neonatal respiratory rate variability
Authors: Coleman Jesse , Ginsburg Amy Sarah , Macharia William M. , Ochieng Roseline , Chomba Dorothy , Zhou Guohai , Dunsmuir Dustin , Karlen Walter , Ansermino J. Mark
Published: March 2022

Accurate measurement of respiratory rate (RR) in neonates is challenging due to high neonatal RR variability (RRV). There is growing evidence that RRV measurement could inform and guide neonatal care. We sought to quantify neonatal RRV during a clinical study in which we compared multiparameter continuous physiological monitoring (MCPM) devices. Measurements of capnography-recorded exhaled carbon dioxide across 60-s epochs were collected from neonates admitted to the neonatal unit at Aga Khan University-Nairobi hospital. Breaths were manually counted from capnograms and using an automated signal detection algorithm which also calculated mean and median RR for each epoch. Outcome measures were between- and within-neonate RRV, between- and within-epoch RRV, and 95% limits of agreement, bias, and root-mean-square deviation. Twenty-seven neonates were included, with 130 epochs analysed. Mean manual breath count (MBC) was 48 breaths per minute. Median RRV ranged from 11.5% (interquartile range (IQR) 6.8–18.9%) to 28.1% (IQR 23.5–36.7%). Bias and limits of agreement for MBC vs algorithm-derived breath count, MBC vs algorithm-derived median breath rate, MBC vs algorithm-derived mean breath rate were − 0.5 (− 2.7, 1.66), − 3.16 (− 12.12, 5.8), and − 3.99 (− 11.3, 3.32), respectively. The marked RRV highlights the challenge of performing accurate RR measurements in neonates. More research is required to optimize the use of RRV to improve care. When evaluating MCPM devices, accuracy thresholds should be less stringent in newborns due to increased RRV. Lastly, median RR, which discounts the impact of extreme outliers, may be more reflective of the underlying physiological control of breathing.
Associations Between Social Media Engagement and Vaccine Hesitancy
Authors: Al-Uqdah Lola , Franklin F. Abron , Chiu Chu-Chuan , Boyd Brianna N.
Published: March 2022

There has been a surge in vaccine hesitancy following the Coronavirus pandemic. This study measured the prevalence of and identified factors associated with vaccine hesitancy and social media use. An online survey was administered (n = 1050) between May and July 2021. Chi-square tests were used to examine bivariate associations with vaccine hesitancy (partially vaccinated and unvaccinated participants). Logistic regression was used to identify associations between social media use and vaccine hesitancy. Chi-square tests showed women (69.7% vs 28.2% men, padjusted = .002), African American participants (52.3% vs 17.8% white, padjusted < .001), high school diploma (54.4% vs 38.6% college degree, padjusted < .001), political unaffiliated (15.8% vs 14.5% republican, padjusted < .001), Muslim (10.0% vs 0% Jewish, padjusted < .001), and never married/single (53.9% vs 17.0% married, padjusted < .001) were more likely to be vaccine hesitant. Controlling for all demographic variables (age, race, gender, and education), more frequent use of social media for reading news was associated with lower vaccine hesitancy (OR 0.35, 99% CI 0.20, 0.63, p < 0.001). However, using social media as a source of vaccine information without any other trusted source (health department, doctor, CDC,) was associated with higher odds of being vaccine hesitant (OR 2.00, 99% CI 1.15, 3.46, p = 0.001). People who use social media without referencing trusted sources may be particularly vulnerable to disinformation or vaccine hesitant persons are more likely exposed to non-trusted social media sites as their only information source.
Stability monitoring of selected spike isotopic reference materials for isotope dilution mass spectrometry
Authors: Jakopič Rožle , Venchiarutti Célia , Hennessy Carmel , Kehoe Frances , Aregbe Yetunde
Published: March 2022

The provision of high quality spike isotopic reference materials is one of the objectives of the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission. They play an important part in measurements of nuclear materials for Nuclear Safeguards. Spike isotopic reference materials are prepared and certified according to the international standards. The assigned values for the isotope amount content and isotope ratios need to be verified at regular intervals. This is carried out by stability monitoring measurements. This paper will discuss the results of the stability assessment of some 242Pu and 243Am spike isotopic reference materials.
How Resilient is the War Contract?
Authors: Lang Gerald
Published: March 2022

In War By Agreement, Yitzhak Benbaji and Daniel Statman argue that the morality of war can be governed by a freely accepted agreement over the principles that apply to it. This war contract supersedes the application of the principles of everyday morality to war, thus defying ‘revisionist’ approaches to war, and it upholds a recognizable version of traditional just war theory. This article argues for three claims. First, the contractarian apparatus Benbaji and Statman deploy is actually inconsistent with the deep reasoning they advance on its behalf, since, unsatisfactorily, the contract is supposed to retain normative force even when it is breached by aggressors. Second, the underlying character of their theory makes it something closer to a consequentialist account. Third, this new understanding of their account renders it less distinct from certain articulations of revisionism than they think.
Ockham’s index of citation impact
Authors: Gagolewski Marek , Żogała-Siudem Barbara , Siudem Grzegorz , Cena Anna
Published: March 2022

We demonstrate that by using a triple of simple numerical summaries: an author’s productivity, their overall impact, and a single other bibliometric index that aims to capture the shape of the citation distribution, we can reconstruct other popular metrics of bibliometric impact with a sufficient degree of precision. We thus conclude that the use of many indices may be unnecessary – entities should not be multiplied beyond necessity. Such a study was possible thanks to our new agent-based model (Siudem et al. in Proc Natl Acad Sci 117:13896–13900, 2020, 10.1073/pnas.2001064117), which not only assumes that citations are distributed according to a mixture of the rich-get-richer rule and sheer chance, but also fits real bibliometric data quite well. We investigate which bibliometric indices have good discriminative power, which measures can be easily predicted as functions of other ones, and what implications to the research evaluation practice our findings have.
Expert example standards but not idea unit standards help learners accurately evaluate the quality of self-generated examples
Authors: Froese Linda , Roelle Julian
Published: March 2022

Generating own examples for previously encountered new concepts is a common and highly effective learning activity, at least when the examples are of high quality. Unfortunately, however, students are not able to accurately evaluate the quality of their own examples and instructional support measures such as idea unit standards that have been found to enhance the accuracy of self-evaluations in other learning activities, have turned out to be ineffective in example generation. Hence, at least when learners generate examples in self-regulated learning settings in which they scarcely receive instructor feedback, they cannot take beneficial regulation decisions concerning when to continue and when to stop investing effort in example generation. The present study aimed at investigating the benefits of a relatively parsimonious means to enhance judgment accuracy in example generation tasks, i.e. the provision of expert examples as external standards. For this purpose, in a 2×2 factorial experiment we varied whether N = 131 university students were supported by expert example standards (with vs. without) and idea unit standards (with vs. without) in evaluating the quality of self-generated examples that illustrated new declarative concepts. We found that the provision of expert example standards reduced bias and enhanced absolute judgment accuracy, whereas idea unit standards had no beneficial effects. We conclude that expert example standards are a promising means to enhance judgment accuracy in evaluating the quality of self-generated examples.
Circulating biomarkers in diagnosis and management of cardiac amyloidosis: a review for internist
Authors: Perfetto Federico , Zampieri Mattia , Fumagalli Carlo , Allinovi Marco , Cappelli Francesco
Published: March 2022

Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is due to extracellular myocardial deposition of misfolded proteins resulting in severe cardiac dysfunction and death. The precursors of amyloid fibrils, able of determining a relevant cardiac infiltration, are immunoglobulin-free light chains (AL amyloidosis) and transthyretin (TTR) (both wild and mutated types). The diagnosis of amyloidosis represents a challenge for the clinician given its rarity and its protean clinical presentation, thus an early diagnosis remains a cornerstone for the prognosis of these patients, also in light of the growing available treatments. There is great interest in identifying and applying biomarkers to help diagnose, inform prognosis, guide therapy, and serve as surrogate endpoints in these patients. In AL amyloidosis, biomarkers such as free light chains, natriuretic peptides and troponins are the most extensively studied and validated; they have proved useful in risk stratification, guiding treatment choice and monitoring hematological and organ response. A similar biomarker-based prognostic score is also proposed for ATTR amyloidosis, although studies are small and need to be validated for wild-type and mutant forms.

Graphical abstract
Dress and Labor: An Intersectional Interpretation of Clothing and Adornment Artifacts Recovered from the Levi Jordan Plantation
Authors: Flewellen Ayana Omilade
Published: March 2022

Through an examination of clothing, adornment, and hygiene artifacts recovered from the Quarters area of the Levi Jordan Plantation, this article examines how racial, gendered, and classed operations of power and oppression shaped African American women’s sartorial practices, as an aspect of identity formation, during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries in Texas. Through a Black feminist framework, this article focuses on the ways African American women dressed their bodies for the types of labor they performed to discuss how they negotiated ideologies of race, gender, and class, that shaped hegemonic notions of femininity during the post-emancipation era.
The relationship between computed tomography appearance of pulmonary tuberculosis and blood glucose levels in 763 diabetes mellitus patients with pulmonary tuberculosis: a comparative study
Authors: Ren Yan , Ren Hongmei , Tian Qian , Li Xue , Liu Yuxi
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Glucose tolerance is often impaired in pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) patients. We aimed to explore the relationship between computed tomography (CT) findings of TB and blood glucose levels in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients.

Methods

763 diabetes mellitus patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (DMTB) from March 2015 to March 2018 were selected and their clinical data were retrospectively evaluated. CT appearance of DMTB was reviewed and compared according to blood glucose levels and CT scores. TB scores were calculated according to the combination of typical and atypical CT appearance. The relationship between blood glucose levels and CT scores was analyzed via Pearson correlation coefficient.

Results

TB lesions mainly occurred in the left lung and the lower lobes in the DMTB patients. Nodules and cavities are the main typical complications in these DMTB patients, and especially the number and size of cavities predominantly contribute to CT scan scores. The size of cavities (diameters (cm), median (95% CI of median)) was 0.72 (0.66–0.77), 1.20 (1.09–1.28), and 3.45 (2.92–3.94) from the low-, middle- and high-CT-score groups, respectively. The patients with high CT scores had a higher level of fasting plasma glucose (mean 13.48 mM, 95% CI of median 12.56–14.44 mM) than the patients in the low-CT-score (mean 8.73 mM, 95% CI of median 8.49–9.36 mM) and middle-CT-score groups (mean 10.16 mM, 95% CI of median 9.89–10.49 mM) (P < 0.0001). CT scores have a consistent relationship with the levels of blood glucose (rho = 0.60,P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

CT appearance stands for the severity of tuberculosis and is closely associated with blood glucose levels in diabetic TB patients.
Clostridium, Bacteroides and Prevotella associates with increased fecal metabolites Trans-4-Hydroxy-L-proline and Genistein in active pulmonary tuberculosis patients during anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy with isoniazid-rifampin-pyrazinamide-ethambutol (HRZE)
Authors: Meng Ruijie , Dong Wenya , Gao Jie , Lu Chunrong , Zhang Chenchen , Liao Qinghua , Chen Liang , Wu Huizhong , Hu Jiwen , Wei Wenjing , Jiang Zhenyou
Published: March 2022

Purpose

To investigated the changes of gut microbiome and fecal metabolome during anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy with isoniazid (H)-rifampin (R)-pyrazinamide (Z)-ethambutol (E).

Patients and methods

(1) In this study, we recruited 168 stool specimens from 49 healthy volunteers without M. tuberculosis (Mtb), 30 healthy volunteers with latently infected by Mtb, 41 patients with active tuberculosis (ATB), 28 patients with 2-month HRZE treatment and 20 patients with 2-month HRZE followed by 4-month HR treatment. (2) We used 16S rRNA sequencing and an untargeted Liquid Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer-based metabolomics to investigate the changes of gut microbiome and the alteration of fecal metabolome, respectively, during anti-TB chemotherapy.

Results

Mtb infection can reduce the diversity of intestinal flora of ATB patients and change their taxonomic composition, while the diversity of intestinal flora of ATB patients were restored during anti-TB chemotherapy. Especially, family Veillonellacea and Bateroidaceae and their genera Veillonella and Bacteroides significantly increased in the gut microbiota during anti-TB chemotherapy. Additionally, Mtb infection dynamically regulates fecal metabolism in ATB patients during anti-TB chemotherapy. Interestingly, the altered abundance of fecal metabolites correlated with the altered gut microbiota, especially the change of gut Clostridium, Bacteroides and Prevotella was closely related to the change of fecal metabolites such as Trans-4-Hydroxy-L-proline and Genistein caused by Mtb infection or anti-TB chemotherapy.

Conclusion

Anti-TB chemotherapy with HRZE can disrupt both gut microbiotas and metabolome in ATB patients. Some specific genera and metabolites are depleted or enriched during anti-TB chemotherapy. Therefore, revealing potential relevance between gut microbiota and anti-TB chemotherapy will provide potential biomarkers for evaluating the therapeutic efficacy in ATB patients.
The effect of covert narcissism on workplace incivility: The mediating role of self-esteem and norms for respect
Authors: Moon Chanki , Morais Catarina
Published: March 2022

There has been an abundance of research on narcissism in the workplace. However, most research has focused on the overt (grandiosity) form of narcissism, as well as the effect of narcissism on uncivil behaviors of employees; research focusing directly on the effect of covert (vulnerability) narcissism on the employees’ experience of workplace incivility is lacking. The present research examined whether the personality trait (covert narcissism) of employees affects their experience of incivility considering two potential explanatory variables: self-esteem and perceived norms for respect. A total of 150 participants completed an online questionnaire, which consisted of four well-known measures: the Hypersensitive Narcissism Scale, the Rosenberg Self-esteem scale, the Perceived Norms for Respect, and the Workplace Incivility Scale. The results showed that employees with higher levels of covert narcissism are likely to have greater experiences of workplace incivility through the mediating role of perceived norms for respect. Although the relationship was not explained through the mediating role of self-esteem, it was instead observed that self-esteem and perceived norms for respect jointly affect employees’ experience of incivility at work. These findings broaden our understanding of workplace incivility by simultaneously considering the influences of personality traits, self-esteem, and workplace norms.
Determination of Aminophosphonate Herbicides in Glutamate Loaded Spice Mix by LC-IDMS and Method Extension to Other Food Matrices
Authors: Tölgyesi Ádám , Tóth Edgár , Farkas Tamás , Simon Andrea , Dernovics Mihály , Bálint Mária
Published: March 2022

The accumulation of organophosphorus type herbicides has been observed worldwide in the environment (i.e. soil, water), together with their appearance in foods of plant origin. This paper reports a new liquid chromatography–isotope dilution–tandem mass spectrometric method (LC-IDMS) for the analysis of glufosinate (GLUF), glyphosate (GLY) and its main metabolite, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), in challenging food samples. Sample preparation is based on aqueous extraction with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid solution, followed by solid-phase extraction (SPE) on mixed-mode cation exchange cartridges to remove matrix constituents before derivatization with 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl chloride (FMOC-Cl). Derivatized samples were cleaned up on hydrophilic modified polymeric SPE cartridge. This two-step SPE supported sample preparation approach, and the LC-IDMS separation carried out in negative ionization mode resulted in fit-for-purpose recovery (81–118%) and precision (4–18%) in the validation of glutamate loaded spice mix, mushroom, maize and cherry samples. Amino acid content influencing FMOC derivatization efficiency was estimated with a HILIC-MS/MS setup. Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) was assisted with high-resolution (QTOF) accurate mass data on the FMOC-derivatized GLUF, GLY and AMPA standards. The limit of quantification (LOQ) was 0.005 mg/kg for all the three analytes. The method was successfully applied on quality control samples (oat and arugula) with fit-for-purpose accuracy (99–120%) and on other nineteen real samples, where GLY and AMPA were detected in the range between 0.005 and 0.069 mg/kg.
The Mediating Role of Stigma, Internalized Shame, and Autonomous Motivation in the Relationship Between Depression, Anxiety, and Psychological Help-Seeking Attitudes in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Barta Tamrin , Kiropoulos Litza
Published: March 2022

Background

Depression and anxiety are commonly experienced in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) yet little is known about factors associated with psychological help-seeking attitudes in those with MS.

Method

The current study investigated whether increased stigma related to chronic illness, internalized shame, and autonomous motivation mediated the relationship between depressive and anxiety symptoms and psychological help-seeking attitudes in individuals with MS. Two hundred fifty-four participants with MS completed an online questionnaire assessing depressive and anxiety symptoms, stigma related to chronic illness, internalized shame, autonomous motivation, and psychological help-seeking attitudes.

Results

Stigma related to chronic illness, internalized shame, and autonomous motivation mediated the relationships between increased depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms and psychological help-seeking attitudes. The study also found that higher levels of chronic illness–related stigma and internalized shame were associated with more negative psychological help-seeking attitudes and higher autonomous motivation was associated with more positive psychological help-seeking attitudes. There were no direct effects of depressive or anxiety symptoms on psychological help-seeking attitudes.

Conclusion

The significant mediating roles of stigma-related chronic illness, internalized shame, and autonomous motivation indicate that these factors may be useful to include in future depression and anxiety intervention studies targeting MS populations.
Mining sensor data in a smart environment: a study of control algorithms and microgrid testbed for temporal forecasting and patterns of failure
Authors: Qashou Akram , Yousef Sufian , Sanchez-Velazquez Erika
Published: March 2022

The generation of active power in renewable energy is dependent on several factors. These variables are related to the areas of weather, physical structure, control, and load behavior. Estimating the future value of the active power to be generated is difficult due to their unpredictable character. However, because of the higher precision required of the estimation, this problem becomes more complex if we examine a short-term temporal prediction. This study presents a method for converting stochastic behavior into a stable pattern, which can subsequently be used in a short-term estimator. For this conversion, K-means clustering is employed, followed by Long-Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) algorithms to perform the Short-term estimate. The environment, the operation, and the generated (normal or faulty) signal are all simulated using mathematical models. Weather parameters and load samples have been collected as part of a dataset. Monte-Carlo simulation using MATLAB programming has been realized to conduct an experiment. In addition, the LSTM and the GRU are compared to see how well they perform in this system. The proposed method's end findings outperform the current state-of-the-art.
The mechanism and countermeasures of inclined well wellbore instability in Dibei deep coal seam
Authors: Zhang Guangfu , He Shiming , Tang Ming , Kong Linghao
Published: March 2022

The wellbore instability of the deep coal seam has always been a difficult problem limiting drilling engineering in Dibei area of Tarim basin, China. Therefore, the mechanisms of wellbore instability and anticollapse countermeasures in the Dibei deep coal seam are investigated in this study. Firstly, the microstructure and physical and chemical properties of coal and rock are studied to analyze instability mechanism. In addition, orthogonal cleat model and 3 Dimension Distinct Element Code (3DEC) model were proposed to calculate the collapse pressure of the coal seam. And we propose a method for optimizing well trajectory based on wellbore stability. Finally, by optimizing plugging material, an anti-collapse drilling fluid for coal seams is designed and applied in the field. The results indicate that there are many cleats and no montmorillonites in the clay minerals present in coal rocks, indicating that the deep coal seam in Dibei is mainly mechanically unstable. 3DEC model is more accurate, and the orthogonal cleat model can reflect the collapse pressure distribution more intuitively. The reliability of these two models is demonstrated by the actual drilling fluid density of the DB-X01. Furthermore, this study confirms that the blocking-material system of the wellbore stabilization strategy in a coal seam is 3% sulfonated asphalt, 3% emulsified asphalt, and 3% calcium carbonate based on microstructure characteristics. The results of rolling recovery rate and rheology experiments show that the new anti-collapse drilling fluid has better sealing and inhibiting properties on coal seams. Field testing in DT2 well demonstrated the reliability of the collapse pressure prediction model and anticollapse countermeasures proposed in this study. The findings of this study can help for better understanding of wellbore instability mechanism and countermeasures in coal seam. The study is useful for the safe and efficient development of the coal seams in the Dibei area.
New pathogenic insights from large animal models of neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Yin Peng , Li Shihua , Li Xiao-Jiang , Yang Weili
Published: March 2022

Animal models are essential for investigating the pathogenesis and developing the treatment of human diseases. Identification of genetic mutations responsible for neurodegenerative diseases has enabled the creation of a large number of small animal models that mimic genetic defects found in the affected individuals. Of the current animal models, rodents with genetic modifications are the most commonly used animal models and provided important insights into pathogenesis. However, most of genetically modified rodent models lack overt neurodegeneration, imposing challenges and obstacles in utilizing them to rigorously test the therapeutic effects on neurodegeneration. Recent studies that used CRISPR/Cas9-targeted large animal (pigs and monkeys) have uncovered important pathological events that resemble neurodegeneration in the patient’s brain but could not be produced in small animal models. Here we highlight the unique nature of large animals to model neurodegenerative diseases as well as the limitations and challenges in establishing large animal models of neurodegenerative diseases, with focus on Huntington disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Parkinson diseases. We also discuss how to use the important pathogenic insights from large animal models to make rodent models more capable of recapitulating important pathological features of neurodegenerative diseases.