bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generation of graphene oxide and nano-bioglass based scaffold for bone tissue regeneration
Authors: Kumari Shikha , Singh Divakar , Srivastava Pradeep , Singh Bhisham Narayan , Mishra Abha
Published: September 2022

Graphene oxide (GO) offers a distinct opportunity in the field of biomedical engineering owing to its exceptionally high mechanical strength, excellent electrical conductivity, high optical transparency, and favorable biocompatibility. In this article, nanocomposite biocompatible GO-based scaffolds (chitosan/gelatin/nanobioglass/GO) Ch-G-NBG-GO were successfully fabricated through freeze drying technique (−40 °C) and evaluated for various physico-chemical and biological properties. The prepared Ch-G-NBG-GO composites have been investigated for their structural, physiochemical, and surface morphology via x-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), energy-dispersive x-ray Spectroscopy and, differential scanning colorimetry (DSC) respectively. The morphological analysis showed the porous interconnected network of scaffold formed. Average pore size for the Ch-G-NBG-GO scaffolds were in between 90 and 120 μm, which was very close to the control scaffolds. XRD data revealed the successful incorporation of NBG and GO and distribution across the scaffolds. Porosity of the fabricated scaffolds were in the range between 75.3% and 77.3% which was very close to the control scaffold with 79% porosity. The studies also reveal that after GO incorporation, the weight loss reduced (0.11 ± 0.02–0.095 ± 0.03), scaffolds were firmly stable at room temperature even after a long duration of 28 d. The crystallinity added to the scaffolds due to addition of GO nanoparticles improved the mechanical strength of these scaffolds. The compressive modulus changed from (5.7 to 8.51) MPa after GO addition. Swelling ratio changed drastically especially in case of Ch-NBG-90%GO (4.9 ± 0.04–4 ± 0.01). DSC and TGA data revealed the thermal stability of GO incorporated scaffolds due to the proper interaction between GO/NBG with chitosan-gelatin blend. The scaffold’s potential for bone tissue engineering was evaluated by testing its cytocompatibility for MG-63 cell line. It revealed suitable cell attachment and proliferation of cells compared to the Ch-G-NBG scaffold. MTT assay showed that Ch-G-NBG-GO scaffold below 90% GO concentration possess best biocompatibility. But in case of Ch-G-NBG-90%GO scaffold, the cell proliferation was reduced when compared to control scaffolds. Alkaline phosphatase activity suggested improved osteogenic differentiation of MG-63 cells over GO based scaffolds and this was due to the osteogenic potential of NBG and GO present in the scaffolds. Based on these results, the nano-biocomposite scaffold appears to have the potential for utilization in bone tissue restoration, replacement and regeneration.
Who has the future in mind? Gender, time perspectives, and pro-environmental behaviour
Authors: Hoffmann Christin , Hoppe Julia Amelie , Ziemann Niklas
Published: September 2022

An individual’s relation to time may be an important driver of pro-environmental behaviour. We studied whether young individual’s gender and time-orientation are associated with pro-environmental behaviour. In a controlled laboratory environment with students in Germany, participants earned money by performing a real-effort task and were then offered the opportunity to invest their money into an environmental project that supports climate protection. Afterwards, we controlled for their time-orientation. In this consequential behavioural setting, we find that males who scored higher on future-negative orientation showed significantly more pro-environmental behaviour compared to females who scored higher on future-negative orientation and males who scored lower on future-negative orientation. Interestingly, our results are completely reversed when it comes to past-positive orientation. These findings have practical implications regarding the most appropriate way to address individuals in order to achieve more pro-environmental behaviour.
The deadly effect of day-to-day temperature variation in the United States
Authors: Hovdahl Isabel
Published: September 2022

Recent research has found anthropogenic forcing to also affect day-to-day variability of temperatures. For many people, the climate is not only becoming hotter but also more volatile. Based on the new climate-economy literature, I explore the historical impact of day-to-day temperature variation on mortality in the United States over a 35-year period. I find that an extra

+
1

 

∘

C of daily temperature variability caused an additional 0.206 deaths per 100  000, equal to a 0.28% increase in the average monthly mortality rate. There is, however, evidence of adaptation to daily temperature variability as income and access to air-conditioning have increased and as people have become accustomed to large seasonal variation in temperatures. Given the deadly effect of day-to-day temperature variation, falling average daily temperature variability in the US since 1970 could have resulted in as many as 1400 and 1600 premature deaths avoided every winter and summer, respectively. In comparison, the increase in the number of days with a mean temperature above 35 ∘C could have caused an additional 655 premature deaths every year. These back-of-the-envelope calculations show that current estimates of the social cost of carbon are omitting an important channel for the mortality impact of climate change by not considering this additional effect of temperature volatility.
A modified habitat quality model to incorporate the effects of ecological restoration
Authors: Ma Ruiming , Lü Yihe , Fu Bojie , Lü Da , Wu Xing , Sun Siqi , Zhang Yunlong
Published: September 2022

Ecosystem restoration has the potential to improve the ecological environment, increase ecosystem service delivery capability, and promote biodiversity conservation. Although habitat quality (HQ) is being widely used as a metric for large-scale biodiversity conservation, it is poorly understood and measured in areas with significant vegetation restoration (VR). This study proposes a modified approach based on the InVEST-HQ module by coupling Normalized Difference Vegetation Index to measure the HQ in the Yellow River Basin (YRB) with extensive VR in recent decades. The results show that the VR area with significant increases in both Leaf Area Index and net primary production accounts for 29.7% of the total area of the YRB. The original and modified modules were compared. Based on the InVEST-HQ module, the results show that HQ has a tendency for very small changes in the years 2000, 2010, and 2020, with first a small increase and then a small decrease; however, HQ based on the modified method has a significantly increasing trend, which is consistent with the ecological restoration status of the study area and the trend of key ecosystem parameters. The modified method effectively expresses HQ changes with VR, making it more appropriate for usage in areas where nature conservation and ecosystem restoration are important management actions, allowing for realistic decision-making and data support for regional biodiversity conservation and habitat management.
Computational investigation of the dynamic response of silicon carbide ceramic under impact loading
Authors: Muhammad Riaz , Khan Numan , Hussain Ghulam , Ullah Nasim , Mohammad Al-Sharef , Al Ahmadi Ahmad Aziz
Published: September 2022

It is estimated that by 2027, the global ballistic ceramic composites market would reach a value of US$3.67 billion. Many nations are increasing their military spending in order to better safeguard their military personnel, which has resulted in a tremendous increase in the market. As a result of the growing need for lighter, stronger, and harder ballistics, SiC-based composites are predicted to be the most lucrative of all ceramic materials. The study describes a finite-element model for ceramic carbide based on Johnson and Holmquist’s well-suited constitutive model for ceramics. The dynamic material tests of Strassburger et al [Strassburger, E., H. Senf, and H. Rothenhäusler, 1994 Fracture propagation during impact in three types of ceramics. Le Journal de Physique IV. 4: C8-653-C8-658.] were replicated computationally to develop further insight about the material behavior under impact loading. Materials. were simulated using the elastic properties and Johnson-Holmquist (JH-2) material models, respectively, for metal and ceramic materials. The stress distribution, damage progression, and failure of the material were accurately predicted by the results. The damage pattern, failure type, and method of failure are all examined as a result of altering projectile velocity. Computational data is utilized to verify the model’s accuracy and offer insight into the ceramic’s reaction to high strain.
Adsorption and diffusion properties of calcium ions at the van der Waals interface of NbSe2-graphene 2D heterostructure for multivalent battery applications: density functional theory calculations
Authors: Linganay Jeri Berlyn D , Putungan Darwin B
Published: September 2022

Multivalent-ion batteries such as calcium-ion batteries show promise as a high-density alternative to lithium-ion batteries which currently dominate the portable electronics market. In this work, the adsorption and diffusion properties of calcium ion at the van der Waals (vdW) interface of the 2D heterostructure formed by vertically stacking NbSe2 monolayer and graphene were investigated via density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Results showed that calcium can be effectively adsorbed on the vdW interface of the 2D heterostructure, with the binding energy of most stable site at −2.77 eV, much higher than most metal ions’ binding on pristine graphene. Thus, the NbSe2-graphene 2D heterostructure reinforced the binding of calcium ions at the interface. It is revealed that due to the random stacking nature of NbSe2 and graphene, a multi-path minimum energy pathways were identified at the van de Waals region, with relatively low diffusion barriers of around 0.20–0.50 eV. These indicate the capabilities of the 2D vdW heterostructure for fast multivalent ionic mobility and charge-discharge rate, while maintaining strong binding at the vdW interface. The results reveal NbSe2-graphene 2D vdW heterostructure’s potential as a promising anode material for multivalent battery applications.
Quasi-static magnetic compression of field-reversed configuration plasma: amended scalings and limits from two-dimensional MHD equilibrium
Authors: BALA Abba Alhaji , ZHU Ping , LI Haolong , DING Yonghua , LIU Jiaxing , WAN Sui , HE Ying , LI Da , WANG Nengchao , RAO Bo , WANG Zhijiang
Published: September 2022

In this work, several key scaling laws of the quasi-static magnetic compression of field reversed configuration (FRC) plasma (Spencer et al 1983 Phys. Fluids
26 1564) are amended from a series of two-dimensional FRC MHD equilibriums numerically obtained using the Grad–Shafranov equation solver NIMEQ. Based on the new scaling for the elongation and the magnetic fields at the separatrix and the wall, the empirically stable limits for the compression ratio, the fusion gain, and the neutron yield are evaluated, which may serve as a more accurate estimate for the upper ceiling of performance from the magnetic compression of FRC plasma as a potential fusion energy as well as neutron source devices.
Multi-point discharge model: study on corona discharge of double-ended needle in large space
Authors: LI Dingchen , LI Jiawei , LI Chuan , ZHANG Ming , WANG Pengyu , LIU Zhi , YANG Yong , YU Kexun
Published: September 2022

Corona discharge, as a common means to obtain non-equilibrium plasma, can generally obtain high-concentration plasma by increasing discharge points to meet production needs. However, the existing numerical simulation models used to study multi-point corona discharge are all calculations of small-scale space models, which cannot obtain the distribution characteristics of plasma in large space. Based on our previous research, this paper proposes a hybrid model for studying the distribution of multi-point discharge plasma in large-scale spaces, which divides the computational domain and computes separately with the hydrodynamic model and the ion mobility model. The simulation results are verified by a needle–ball electrode device. Firstly, the electric field distribution and plasma distribution of the needle electrodes with single tip and double tips are compared and discussed. Secondly, the plasma distribution of the needle electrode with the double tip at different voltages is investigated. Both computational and experimental results indicate that the charged particle concentration and current of the needle electrode with double tips are both twice as high as those of the needle electrode with a single tip. This model can extend the computational area of the multi-point corona discharge finite element model to the sub-meter (25 cm) or meter level, which provides an effective means to study the plasma distribution generated by multiple discharge points in large-scale space.
Fluid simulation of the effect of a dielectric window with high temperature on plasma parameters in inductively coupled plasma
Authors: LI Na , HAN Daoman , ZHANG Quanzhi , LIU Xuhui , WANG Yingjie , WANG Younian
Published: September 2022

To maintain the high-density plasma source in inductively coupled plasma (ICP), very high radiofrequency power is often delivered to the antenna, which can heat the dielectric windows near the antenna to high temperature. This high temperature can modulate the plasma characteristics to a large degree. We thus study the effect of dielectric window temperature on plasma parameters in two different ICP structures based on COMSOL software. The distributions of various plasma species are examined at different dielectric window temperatures. The concentration of neutral gas is found to be largely modulated at high dielectric window temperature, which further affects the electron collision probability with neutrals and the electron temperature. However, the electron density profiles are barely affected by the dielectric window temperature, which is mainly concentrated at the center of the reactor due to the fixed power input and pressure.
Enhanced antibacterial activity of cotton via silver nanocapsules deposited by atmospheric pressure plasma jet
Authors: ZHANG Xiaoman , MA Xiaoping , LI Maoyang , JI Peiyu , HUANG Tianyuan , ZHUGE Lanjian , WU Xuemei
Published: September 2022

In this work, the antibacterial activity of cotton containing silver nanocapsules prepared by atmospheric pressure plasma (APP) deposition is investigated. The nanocapsules consist of a shell and a silver nanoparticle (AgNP) core, where the core is used to bring antibacterial activity, and the shell is utilized to suppress the potential toxicity of AgNPs. The surface morphology and the elements of the samples are analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive x-ray and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The SEM results show that the skin of the cotton fibers will fall off gradually after APP treatment over 3 min, and the XPS results show that the Ag content will rise to 1.6% after APP deposition for 10 min. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity tests show that the reduction rates of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus can achieve 100% when the sample is treated for 10 min, which exhibits excellent antibacterial activity. In addition, the UV absorption properties of the cotton will also be correspondingly improved, which brings a broader application prospect for antibacterial cotton.
Poly(ionic liquid) dielectric for high performing P- and N-type single walled carbon nanotube transistors
Authors: Tousignant Mathieu N , Ourabi May , Niskanen Jukka , Mirka Brendan , Bodnaryk William J , Adronov Alex , Lessard Benoît H
Published: September 2022

There is an increasing demand for low-cost and high-performance electronics which has stimulated a need for new high-performance dielectric materials. We have developed a facile synthesis of poly(2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl trimethylammonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)azanide-ran-methyl methacrylate) (P(METATFSI-MMA)), a polymeric ionic liquid that can be used as a high-performance dielectric for semiconducting single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNTs) thin film transistors (TFTs). The P(METATFSI-MMA) polymer was synthesized at both 35 and 62 mol% of 2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl trimethylammonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)azanide and produced p- and n-type devices that functioned under ambient conditions. These TFTs were then used to study the impact of electrochemical doping on the performance of SWCNT TFTs when switching from n-type, where an electrical double layer is formed, to p-type, where the TFSI− anions are free to interact with the SWCNTs. The TFTs operating in p-type had higher current on/off ratios and a larger transconductance than those operating in n-type, which is characteristic of electrochemically doped transistors. Furthermore, we tested the impact of operating frequency on device performance and discovered that decreasing the operating frequency of the TFTs resulted in a decreased hysteresis. The decrease in hysteresis was also observed to be more significant for the 35 mol% polymer.
Boron bridging of rhamnogalacturonan-II inRosaand arabidopsis cell cultures occurs mainly in the endo-membrane system and continues at a reduced rate after secretion
Authors: Begum Rifat Ara , Fry Stephen C
Published: September 2022

Background and aims

Rhamnogalacturonan-II (RG-II) is a domain of primary cell-wall pectin. Pairs of RG-II domains are covalently cross-linked via borate diester bridges, necessary for normal cell growth. Interpreting the precise mechanism and roles of boron bridging is difficult because there are conflicting hypotheses as to whether bridging occurs mainly within the Golgi system, concurrently with secretion or within the cell wall. We therefore explored the kinetics of RG-II bridging.

Methods

Cell-suspension cultures of Rosa and arabidopsis were pulse-radiolabelled with [14C]glucose, then the boron bridging status of newly synthesized [14C]RG-II domains was tracked by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of endo-polygalacturonase digests.

Key results

Optimal culture ages for 14C-labelling were ~5 and ~1 d in Rosa and arabidopsis respectively. De-novo [14C]polysaccharide production occurred for the first ~90 min; thereafter the radiolabelled molecules were tracked as they ‘aged’ in the wall. Monomeric and (boron-bridged) dimeric [14C]RG-II domains appeared simultaneously, both being detectable within 4 min of [14C]glucose feeding, i.e. well before the secretion of newly synthesized [14C]polysaccharides into the apoplast at ~15–20 min. The [14C]dimer : [14C]monomer ratio of RG-II remained approximately constant from 4 to 120 min, indicating that boron bridging was occurring within the Golgi system during polysaccharide biosynthesis. However, [14C]dimers increased slightly over the following 15 h, indicating that limited boron bridging was continuing after secretion.

Conclusions

The results show where in the cell (and thus when in the ‘career’ of an RG-II domain) boron bridging occurs, helping to define the possible biological roles of RG-II dimerization and the probable localization of boron-donating glycoproteins or glycolipids.
CoDNaS-Q: a database of conformational diversity of the native state of proteins with quaternary structure
Authors: Escobedo Nahuel , Tunque Cahui Ronaldo Romario , Caruso Gastón , García Ríos Emilio , Hirsh Layla , Monzon Alexander Miguel , Parisi Gustavo , Palopoli Nicolas
Published: September 2022

A collection of conformers that exist in a dynamical equilibrium defines the native state of a protein. The structural differences between them describe their conformational diversity, a defining characteristic of the protein with an essential role in multiple cellular processes. Since most proteins carry out their functions by assembling into complexes, we have developed CoDNaS-Q, the first online resource to explore conformational diversity in homooligomeric proteins. It features a curated collection of redundant protein structures with known quaternary structure. CoDNaS-Q integrates relevant annotations that allow researchers to identify and explore the extent and possible reasons of conformational diversity in homooligomeric protein complexes.

Availability and implementation

CoDNaS-Q is freely accessible at http://ufq.unq.edu.ar/codnasq/ or https://codnas-q.bioinformatica.org/home. The data can be retrieved from the website. The source code of the database can be downloaded from https://github.com/SfrRonaldo/codnas-q.
Microstructural deficits of the thalamus in major depressive disorder
Authors: Zhang Yuxuan , Zhang Yingli , Ai Hui , Van Dam Nicholas T , Qian Long , Hou Gangqiang , Xu Pengfei
Published: September 2022

Macroscopic structural abnormalities in the thalamus and thalamic circuits have been implicated in the neuropathology of major depressive disorder. However, cytoarchitectonic properties underlying these macroscopic abnormalities remain unknown. Here, we examined systematic deficits of brain architecture in depression, from structural brain network organization to microstructural properties. A multi-modal neuroimaging approach including diffusion, anatomical and quantitative MRI was used to examine structural-related alternations in 56 patients with depression compared with 35 age- and sex-matched controls. The seed-based probabilistic tractography showed multiple alterations of structural connectivity within a set of subcortical areas and their connections to cortical regions in patients with depression. These subcortical regions included the putamen, thalamus and caudate, which are predominantly involved in the limbic-cortical-striatal-pallidal-thalamic network. Structural connectivity was disrupted within and between large-scale networks, including the subcortical network, default-mode network and salience network. Consistently, morphometric measurements, including cortical thickness and voxel-based morphometry, showed widespread volume reductions of these key regions in patients with depression. A conjunction analysis identified common structural alternations of the left orbitofrontal cortex, left putamen, bilateral thalamus and right amygdala across macro-modalities. Importantly, the microstructural properties, longitudinal relaxation time of the left thalamus was increased and inversely correlated with its grey matter volume in patients with depression. Together, this work to date provides the first macro–micro neuroimaging evidence for the structural abnormalities of the thalamus in patients with depression, shedding light on the neuropathological disruptions of the limbic-cortical-striatal-pallidal-thalamic circuit in major depressive disorder. These findings have implications in understanding the abnormal changes of brain structures across the development of depression.
Microwave-Assisted Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Microextraction Combined with HPLC for the Determination of Three Biogenic Amines in Beverages
Authors: Su Mingming , He Yongke , Zhang Ning , Lv Meiheng , Xu Xu
Published: September 2022

Microwave-assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (MADLLME) coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with diode array detector was used for the extraction and determination of three biogenic amines (BAs), including tryptamine, histamine and phenylethylamine in beverages (beer, cherry juice and white spirit). Compared with solid-phase extraction, solid-phase microextraction and liquid-phase microextraction, which is more solvent use with lower extraction efficiency, this MADLLME method obviously shortened analytical time, the rapid heating of aqueous samples with non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation, a lower solvent use and enhanced extraction efficiency. Because of good extraction for three BAs, [3C6PC14][FeCl4] was used as an extraction solvent. We showed a tunable selectivity of magnetic ionic liquids (MILs) toward extracting BAs by changing anion or cation due to the modification of the interaction between the MIL and the BAs. Extraction conditions including the type and volume of extraction solvent, microwave power, microwave-assisted extraction time, sample pH, disperser and interference experiment were investigated. Under the optimal conditions, a good linear relationship was found in the concentration range of 100–2,000 ng mL−1 for three BAs with correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.995–0.999. The limit of detections (S/N = 3) and limit of quantitations (S/N = 10) were in the range of 3.46–4.96 ng mL−1 and 10.44–14.88 ng mL−1, respectively. The recoveries of three targets were in the range of 84.3–108.5%, and the relative standard deviations based on the peak areas for six replicate analyses of beverages spiked with 10, 50 and 100 ng mL−1 of each biogenic amine were lower than 7.9%. This method has also been successfully applied to analyze the real samples at three different spiked concentrations, and excellent results have been obtained.
An Extremes of Phenotype Approach Confirms Significant Genetic Heterogeneity in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Mortlock Sally , Lord Anton , Montgomery Grant , Zakrzewski Martha , Simms Lisa A , Krishnaprasad Krupa , Hanigan Katherine , Doecke James D , Walsh Alissa , Lawrance Ian C , Bampton Peter A , Andrews Jane M , Mahy Gillian , Connor Susan J , Sparrow Miles P , Bell Sally , Florin Timothy H , Begun Jakob , Gearry Richard B , Radford-Smith Graham L
Published: September 2022

Background and Aims

Ulcerative colitis [UC] is a major form of inflammatory bowel disease globally. Phenotypic heterogeneity is defined by several variables including age of onset and disease extent. The genetics of disease severity remains poorly understood. To further investigate this, we performed a genome wide association [GWA] study using an extremes of phenotype strategy.

Methods

We conducted GWA analyses in 311 patients with medically refractory UC [MRUC], 287 with non-medically refractory UC [non-MRUC] and 583 controls. Odds ratios [ORs] were calculated for known risk variants comparing MRUC and non-MRUC, and controls.

Results

MRUC–control analysis had the greatest yield of genome-wide significant single nucleotide polymorphisms [SNPs] [2018], including lead SNP = rs111838972 [OR = 1.82, p = 6.28 × 10−9] near MMEL1 and a locus in the human leukocyte antigen [HLA] region [lead SNP = rs144717024, OR = 12.23, p = 1.7 × 10−19]. ORs for the lead SNPs were significantly higher in MRUC compared to non-MRUC [p < 9.0 × 10−6]. No SNPs reached significance in the non-MRUC–control analysis (top SNP, rs7680780 [OR 2.70, p = 5.56 × 10−8). We replicate findings for rs4151651 in the Complement Factor B [CFB] gene and demonstrate significant changes in CFB gene expression in active UC. Detailed HLA analyses support the strong associations with MHC II genes, particularly HLA-DQA1, HLA-DQB1 and HLA-DRB1 in MRUC.

Conclusions

Our MRUC subgroup replicates multiple known UC risk variants in contrast to non-MRUC and demonstrates significant differences in effect sizes compared to those published. Non-MRUC cases demonstrate lower ORs similar to those published. Additional risk and prognostic loci may be identified by targeted recruitment of individuals with severe disease.
The left upper lobe challenge in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery—use of a composite score to improve the assessment of simulated lobectomy
Authors: Haidari Tamim Ahmad , Bjerrum Flemming , Grimstrup Søren , Christensen Thomas Decker , Vad Henrik , Møller Lars Borgbjerg , Hansen Henrik Jessen , Konge Lars , Petersen René Horsleben
Published: September 2022

Aim

The aim of this study is to develop a reliable composite score based on simulator metrics to assess competency in virtual reality video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy and explore the benefits of combining it with expert rater assessments.

METHODS

Standardized objective assessments (time, bleeding, economy of movement) and subjective expert rater assessments from 2 previous studies were combined. A linear mixed model including experience level, lobe and the number of previous simulated procedures was applied for the repeated measurements. Reliability for each of the 4 assessments was calculated using Cronbach’s alpha. The Nelder–Mead numerical optimization algorithm was used for optimal weighting of scores. A pass–fail standard for the composite score was determined using the contrasting groups’ method.

RESULTS

In total, 123 virtual reality video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomies were included. Across the 4 different assessments, there were significant effects (P < 0.01) of experience, lobe, and simulator experience, but not for simulator attempts on bleeding (P = 0.98). The left upper lobe was significantly more difficult compared to other lobes (P = 0.02). A maximum reliability of 0.92 could be achieved by combining the standardized simulator metrics with standardized expert rater scores. The pass/fail level for the composite score when including 1 expert rater was 0.33.

CONCLUSIONS

Combining simulator metrics with 1 or 2 raters increases reliability and can serve as a more objective method for assessing surgical trainees. The composite score may be used to implement a standardized and feasible simulation-based mastery training program in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy.
Intestinal Microbiome Richness of Coral Reef Damselfishes (Actinopterygii: Pomacentridae)
Authors: Kavazos Christopher R J , Ricci Francesco , Leggat William , Casey Jordan M , Choat J Howard , Ainsworth Tracy D
Published: September 2022

Fish gastro-intestinal system harbors diverse microbiomes that affect the host's digestion, nutrition, and immunity. Despite the great taxonomic diversity of fish, little is understood about fish microbiome and the factors that determine its structure and composition. Damselfish are important coral reef species that play pivotal roles in determining algae and coral population structures of reefs. Broadly, damselfish belong to either of two trophic guilds based on whether they are planktivorous or algae-farming. In this study, we used 16S rRNA gene sequencing to investigate the intestinal microbiome of 5 planktivorous and 5 algae-farming damselfish species (Pomacentridae) from the Great Barrier Reef. We detected Gammaproteobacteria ASVs belonging to the genus Actinobacillus in 80% of sampled individuals across the 2 trophic guilds, thus, bacteria in this genus can be considered possible core members of pomacentrid microbiomes. Algae-farming damselfish had greater bacterial alpha-diversity, a more diverse core microbiome and shared 35 ± 22 ASVs, whereas planktivorous species shared 7 ± 3 ASVs. Our data also highlight differences in microbiomes associated with both trophic guilds. For instance, algae-farming damselfish were enriched in Pasteurellaceae, whilst planktivorous damselfish in Vibrionaceae. Finally, we show shifts in bacterial community composition along the intestines. ASVs associated with the classes Bacteroidia, Clostridia, and Mollicutes bacteria were predominant in the anterior intestinal regions while Gammaproteobacteria abundance was higher in the stomach. Our results suggest that the richness of the intestinal bacterial communities of damselfish reflects host species diet and trophic guild.
Treatment outcomes of nanoliposomal irinotecan as second-line chemotherapy after gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel in metastatic and recurrent pancreatic cancer
Authors: Mie Takafumi , Sasaki Takashi , Okamoto Takeshi , Takeda Tsuyoshi , Mori Chinatsu , Furukawa Takaaki , Kasuga Akiyoshi , Matsuyama Masato , Ozaka Masato , Sasahira Naoki
Published: September 2022

Background

To compare the treatment outcomes of nanoliposomal-irinotecan (nal-IRI) plus fluorouracil and leucovorin (5-FU/LV) and modified FOLFIRINOX (mFFX) as second-line treatment after gemcitabine with nab-paclitaxel (GnP) for metastatic and recurrent pancreatic cancer.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients with metastatic or recurrent pancreatic cancer treated with nal-IRI plus 5-FU/LV or mFFX after first-line GnP treatment between March 2014 and October 2021 in our hospital. Patient characteristics, treatment outcomes and adverse events were extracted for comparison.

Results

Two hundred sixteen patients were included (nal-IRI plus 5-FU/LV/mFFX: 50/166). Patients in the nal-IRI plus 5-FU/LV group were older, had poorer ECOG PS, and a higher rate of peritoneal metastasis than those in the mFFX group. Median overall survival was 9.5 and 9.8 months (P = 0.97), respectively, and the median progression-free survival was 4.5 vs 4.8 months (P = 0.61), respectively. Anorexia, fatigue and peripheral neuropathy were more common in the mFFX group, but there was no difference in grade 3/4 adverse events between the two groups.

Conclusions

There was no significant difference in efficacy between nal-IRI plus 5-FU/LV and mFFX after GnP. Nal-IRI plus 5-FU/LV appears to be a viable alternative to mFFX as second-line treatment after GnP.
Estimation of children’s thyroid equivalent doses in 16 municipalities after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station accident
Authors: Suzuki Gen , Ishikawa Tetsuo , Ohba Takashi , Hasegawa Arifumi , Nagai Haruyasu , Miyatake Hirokazu , Yoshizawa Nobuaki
Published: September 2022

To elucidate the association between radiation dose and thyroid cancer after the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS) accident, it is essential to estimate individual thyroid equivalent doses (TEDs) to children. In a previous study, we reported a methodology for reconstructing TEDs from inhalation. That methodology was based on individual behavioral survey sheets of the Fukushima Health Management Survey (FHMS) combined with a spatiotemporal radionuclides database constructed by an atmospheric transport, diffusion, and deposition model (ATDM)—the Worldwide version of System for Prediction of Environmental Emergency Dose Information (WSPEEDI) in seven municipalities. In the present study, we further refined our methodology and estimated the combined TEDs from inhalation and ingestion among children in 16 municipalities around the nuclear power station utilizing 3256 individual whereabouts questionnaire survey sheets. Distributions of estimated TEDs were similar to estimates based on direct thyroid measurements in 1080 children in Iwaki City, Kawamata Town, Iitate Village, and Minamisoma City. Mean TEDs in 1-year-old children ranged from 1.3 mSv in Date City to 14.9 mSv in Odaka Ward in Minamisoma City, and the 95th percentiles varied from 2.3 mSv in Date City to 28.8 mSv in Namie Town. In the future, this methodology can be useful for the epidemiological studies of thyroid cancer after the FDNPS accident.
Serial intervals and incubation periods of the monkeypox virus clades
Authors: Wang Shuqi , Zhang Fengdi , Yuan Zhilu , Xu Mingda , Wang Zhen , Gao Chao , Guo Renzhong , Du Zhanwei
Published: September 2022

Estimating serial interval (SI) and incubation period (IP) is necessary to interpret transmission trends and optimize contact tracing and isolation measures. We conducted a systematic review to synthesize the evidence for serial interval and incubation period of the monkeypox virus and further estimated the SI and IP of each clade.
A genome-wide association study provides insights into fatty acid synthesis and metabolism in Malus fruits
Authors: Jiang Lijuan , Geng Dali , Zhi Fang , Li Zhongxing , Yang Yusen , Wang Yunlong , Shen Xiaoxia , Liu Xiuyun , Yang Yanqing , Xu Yange , Tang Yanlong , Du Rui , Ma Fengwang , Guan Qingmei , Zhang Jing
Published: September 2022

As a precursor of aromatic compounds, fatty acids play important roles in apple fruit quality; however, the genetic and molecular basis underlying fatty acid synthesis and metabolism is largely unknown. In this study, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of seven fatty acids using genomic data of 149 Malus accessions and identified 232 significant signals (–log10P>5) associated with 99 genes from GWAS of four fatty acids across 2 years. Among these, a significant GWAS signal associated with linoleic acid was identified in the transcriptional regulator SUPERMAN-like (SUP) MD13G1209600 at chromosome 13 of M. × domestica. Transient overexpression of MdSUP increased the contents of linoleic and linolenic acids and of three aromatic components in the fruit. Our study provides genetic and molecular information for improving the flavor and nutritional value of apple.
Epidemiology conduction of paediatric rheumatic diseases based on the registry database of the Pediatric Rheumatology Association of Japan
Authors: Narazaki Hidehiko , Akioka Shinji , Akutsu Yuko , Araki Mariko , Fujieda Mikiya , Fukuhara Daisuke , Hara Ryoki , Hashimoto Kunio , Hattori Seira , Hayashibe Ren , Imagawa Tomoyuki , Inoue Yuzaburo , Ishida Hiroyuki , Ito Shuici , Itoh Yasuhiko , Kawabe Tomohiro , Kitoh Toshiyuki , Kobayashi Ichiro , Matsubayashi Tadashi , Miyamae Takako , Mizuta Mao , Mori Masaaki , Murase Ayako , Nakagishi Yasuo , Nagatani Koji , Nakano Naoko , Nishimura Toyoki , Nozawa Tomo , Okamoto Nami , Okura Yuka , Sawada Hiromi , Sawanobori Emi , Sugita Yuko , Tanabe Yujiro , Tomiita Minako , Yamaguchi Ken-ichi , Yasuoka Ryuhei , Yokoyama Koji
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Although epidemiological surveys of paediatric rheumatic diseases in Japan have been conducted, they were single surveys with no continuity. This is the first report of the Pediatric Rheumatology Association of Japan registry database, which was established to continuously collect data for paediatric rheumatic diseases.

Methods

Pediatric Rheumatology International Collaborate Unit Registry version 2 (PRICUREv2) is a registry database established by the Pediatric Rheumatology Association of Japan. The registry data were analysed for the age of onset, time to diagnosis, sex differences, seasonality, and other factors.

Results

Our data showed the same trend regarding rates of paediatric rheumatic diseases reported in Japan and other countries. The age of onset was lower in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and juvenile dermatomyositis and higher in systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren’s syndrome. The time to diagnosis was relatively short in JIA and systemic lupus erythematosus but longer in juvenile dermatomyositis and Sjögren’s syndrome. Rheumatoid factor-positive polyarticular JIA showed a seasonality cluster with regard to onset.

Conclusion

PRICUREv2 aided the retrieval and evaluation of current epidemiological information on patients with paediatric rheumatic diseases. It is expected that the data collection will be continued and will be useful for expanding research in Japan.
Local assembly of long reads enables phylogenomics of transposable elements in a polyploid cell line
Authors: Han Shunhua , Dias Guilherme B , Basting Preston J , Viswanatha Raghuvir , Perrimon Norbert , Bergman Casey M
Published: September 2022

Animal cell lines often undergo extreme genome restructuring events, including polyploidy and segmental aneuploidy that can impede de novo whole-genome assembly (WGA). In some species like Drosophila, cell lines also exhibit massive proliferation of transposable elements (TEs). To better understand the role of transposition during animal cell culture, we sequenced the genome of the tetraploid Drosophila S2R+ cell line using long-read and linked-read technologies. WGAs for S2R+ were highly fragmented and generated variable estimates of TE content across sequencing and assembly technologies. We therefore developed a novel WGA-independent bioinformatics method called TELR that identifies, locally assembles, and estimates allele frequency of TEs from long-read sequence data (https://github.com/bergmanlab/telr). Application of TELR to a ∼130x PacBio dataset for S2R+ revealed many haplotype-specific TE insertions that arose by transposition after initial cell line establishment and subsequent tetraploidization. Local assemblies from TELR also allowed phylogenetic analysis of paralogous TEs, which revealed that proliferation of TE families in vitro can be driven by single or multiple source lineages. Our work provides a model for the analysis of TEs in complex heterozygous or polyploid genomes that are recalcitrant to WGA and yields new insights into the mechanisms of genome evolution in animal cell culture.
The interplay between maternal–infant anemia and iron deficiency
Authors: Davidson Eliza M , Simpson Julie A , Fowkes Freya J I
Published: September 2022

Iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy is a major public health problem known to cause maternal morbidity and adverse birth outcomes, and it may also have lasting consequences on infant development. However, the impact of the maternal hematological environment on fetal and infant hemoglobin and iron stores in the first year of life remains unclear. This review of the epidemiological evidence found that severe maternal iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy is associated with lower ferritin, and to a lesser degree hemoglobin levels, in infants at birth. Emerging data also suggests that severe anemia in pregnancy increases the risk of iron deficiency and anemia in infants 6–12 months of age, although longitudinal studies are limited. Effective anemia prevention in pregnancy, such as iron supplementation, could reduce the risk of infant anemia and iron deficiency during the first year of life; however, more evidence is needed to determine the functional impact of iron supplementation in pregnancy on infant hematological indices.
Corporate Reorganisation Law and the Shaping Powers of Market Realities and Doctrinal Concepts
Authors: Madaus Stephan
Published: September 2022

In Corporate Reorganization Law and Forces of Change, Sarah Paterson investigates the development of modern corporate reorganisation law in the United States and England and shows how, and why, the use of these laws has changed over time. Paterson argues that any analysis of corporate restructuring law must focus on the participants in the process and the way they mobilise and adapt legal rules in new ways to meet the problem of the day. She concludes that best practice, not doctrinal concepts, should inform any law reform in this area. This review concludes nonetheless with an attempt to identify a doctrinal concept of a modern restructuring law based on the insights of Paterson’s socio-legal analysis.
Extent of fibrosis and lung function decline in patients with systemic sclerosis and interstitial lung disease: data from the SENSCIS trial
Authors: Denton Christopher P , Goh Nicole S , Humphries Stephen M , Maher Toby M , Spiera Robert , Devaraj Anand , Ho Lawrence , Stock Christian , Erhardt Elvira , Alves Margarida , Wells Athol U
Published: September 2022

Objective

To assess associations between the extent of fibrotic interstitial lung disease (ILD) and forced vital capacity (FVC) at baseline and change in FVC over 52 weeks in patients with systemic sclerosis-associated ILD (SSc-ILD) in the SENSCIS trial.

Material and methods

We used generalized additive models, which involve few assumptions and allow for interaction between non-linear effects, to assess associations between the extent of fibrotic ILD on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), and the interplay of extent of fibrotic ILD on HRCT and FVC % predicted, at baseline and FVC decline over 52 weeks.

Results

In the placebo group (n = 288), there was weak evidence of a modest association between a greater extent of fibrotic ILD at baseline and a greater decline in FVC % predicted at week 52 [r: –0.09 (95% CI –0.2, 0.03)]. Higher values of both the extent of fibrotic ILD and FVC % predicted at baseline tended to be associated with greater decline in FVC % predicted at week 52. In the nintedanib group (n = 288), there was no evidence of an association between the extent of fibrotic ILD at baseline and decline in FVC % predicted at week 52 [r: 0.01 (95% CI: -0.11, 0.12)] or between the interplay of extent of fibrotic ILD and FVC % predicted at baseline and decline in FVC % predicted at week 52.

Conclusions

Data from the SENSCIS trial suggest that patients with SSc-ILD are at risk of ILD progression and benefit from nintedanib largely irrespective of their extent of fibrotic ILD at baseline.

Study registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, https://clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02597933.
Climatic Clustering and Longitudinal Analysis with Impacts on Food, Bioenergy, and Pandemics
Authors: Lagergren John , Cashman Mikaela , Vergara Verónica G. Melesse , Eller Paul R. , Gazolla Joao Gabriel Felipe Machado , Chhetri Hari B. , Streich Jared , Climer Sharlee , Thornton Peter , Joubert Wayne , Jacobson Daniel
Published: September 2022

Predicted growth in world population will put unparalleled stress on the need for sustainable energy and global food production, as well as increase the likelihood of future pandemics. In this work, we identify high-resolution environmental zones in the context of a changing climate and predict longitudinal processes relevant to these challenges. We do this using exhaustive vector comparison methods that measure the climatic similarity between all locations on Earth at high geospatial resolution relative to global-scale analyses. The results are captured as networks, in which edges between geolocations are defined if their historical climate similarities exceed a threshold. We apply Markov clustering and our novel correlation of correlations method to the resulting climatic networks, which provides unprecedented agglomerative and longitudinal views of climatic relationships across the globe. The methods performed here resulted in the fastest (9.37 × 1018 operations/s) and one of the largest 168.7 × 1021 operations) scientific computations ever performed, with more than 100 quadrillion edges considered for a single climatic network. Our climatic analysis reveals areas of the world experiencing rapid environmental changes, which can have important implications for global carbon fluxes and zoonotic spillover events. Correlation and network analyses of this kind are widely applicable across computational and predictive biology domains, including systems biology, ecology, carbon cycles, biogeochemistry, and zoonosis research.