bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Nomogram of Combining IVIM‐DWI and MRI Radiomics From the Primary Lesion of Rectal Adenocarcinoma to Assess Nonenlarged Lymph Node Metastasis Preoperatively
Authors: Jia Haodong , Jiang Xueyan , Zhang Kaiyue , Shang Jin , Zhang Yu , Fang Xin , Gao Fei , Li Naiyu , Dong Jiangning
Published: January 2022

Background

Lymph node (LN) staging plays an important role in treatment decision‐making. Current problem is that preoperative detection of LN involvement is always highly challenging for radiologists.

Purpose

To explore the value of the nomogram model combining intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion‐weighted imaging (IVIM‐DWI) and radiomics features from the primary lesion of rectal adenocarcinoma in assessing the non‐enlarged lymph node metastasis (N‐LNM) preoperatively.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

A total of 126 patients (43% female) comprising a training group (n = 87) and a validation group (n = 39) with pathologically confirmed rectal adenocarcinoma.

Field Strength/Sequence

A 3.0 Tesla (T); T2−weighted imaging (T2WI) with fast spin‐echo (FSE) sequence; IVIM‐DWI spin‐echo echo‐planar imaging sequence.

Assessment

Based on pathological analysis of the surgical specimen, patients were classified into negative LN (LN−) and positive LN (LN+) groups. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), diffusion coefficient (D), pseudo diffusion coefficient (D*) and microvascular volume fraction (f) values of primary lesion of rectal adenocarcinoma were measured. Three‐dimensional (3D) radiomics features were measured on T2WI and IVIM‐DWI. A nomogram model including IVIM‐DWI and radiomics features was developed.

Statistical Tests

General_univariate_analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used for radiomics features selection. The performance of the nomogram was assessed by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration, and decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

The LN+ group had a significantly lower D* value ([13.20 ± 13.66 vs. 23.25 ± 18.71] × 10−3 mm2/sec) and a higher f value (0.43 ± 0.12 vs. 0.34 ± 0.10) than the LN− group in the training cohort. The nomogram model combined D*, f, and radiomics features had a better evaluated performance (AUC = 0.864) than any other model in the training cohort.

Date Conclusion

The nomogram model including IVIM‐DWI and MRI radiomics features in the primary lesion of rectal adenocarcinoma was associated with the N‐LNM.

Evidence Level

4

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Cerebral Microbleeds Are Associated With Increased Brain Iron and Cognitive Impairment in Patients With Cerebral Small Vessel Disease: A Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping Study
Authors: Li Jing , Nguyen Thanh D. , Zhang Qihao , Guo Lingfei , Wang Yi
Published: January 2022

Background

Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) have been recognized to play an important role in cognitive impairment of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) patients. However, the mechanism of this effect is still unclear.

Purpose

Comparing the susceptibility values in the selected subcortical gray matter structures of CSVD patients without CMBs (CSVD‐N) and with CMBs (CSVD‐C) as well as healthy controls (HCs).

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Sixty‐nine CSVD patients and 28 HCs were included; 24 CSVD patients (34.78%) had CMBs and 45 CSVD patients (65.22%) had no CMBs.

Field Strength/Sequence

All subjects were imaged on a 3.0 T MR scanner. The protocol consisted of a three‐dimensional (3D) T1‐weighted sequence and a 3D multi‐echo gradient echo (mGRE) sequence. Brain QSM maps were computed from mGRE data using the morphology‐enabled dipole inversion with automatic uniform cerebrospinal fluid zero reference algorithm (MEDI+0).

Assessment

The mean susceptibility value within each region of interest was recorded. All participants underwent the cognitive assessment. Brain iron deposition burden of CMB lesions of every CSVD‐C patient was computed.

Statistical Tests

One‐way analysis of variance test followed by Tukey's honest significance test and Kruskal–Wallis test were used with significance level of 0.05. Stepwise multivariate linear analysis was used to explore the factors influencing cognitive scores.

Results

Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA), trail‐making test (TMT)‐A and TMT‐B scores in the three groups were significantly different (all P < 0.05). Stepwise multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that the factors influenced MoCA scores were having CMBs (P < 0.05), white matter hyperintensities (P < 0.05), lacunes (P < 0.05) in brain, and the brain iron deposition burden of CMB lesions (P < 0.05) and for TMT scores (TMT‐A + TMT‐B), the influencing factors were age (P < 0.05), education years (P < 0.05), and the brain iron deposition burden of CMB lesions (P < 0.05).

Data Conclusion

The higher iron deposition burden of CMB lesions in brain may be an imaging quantitative marker of cognitive decline in patients with CSVD‐C.

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Deciphering excess healthcare burden in head and neck cancer patients with cardiovascular comorbidity
Authors: Attia Abdallah S. , Hussein Mohammad , Youssef Mohanad R. , Omar Mahmoud , Elnahla Ahmed , Farhoud Ashraf , Zora Ghassan , Reisner Adin S. C. , McClure Brian , Cox Katherine S. , Toraih Eman , Randolph Gregory W. , Kandil Emad
Published: January 2022

Background

This study aimed to determine the perioperative surgical outcomes for head and neck cancer patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).

Methods

A cross‐sectional analysis was performed using data from the Nationwide Readmissions Database between 2010 and 2014. Logistic regression analysis by enter and backward stepwise methods were used.

Results

A total of 8346 patients met the inclusion criteria. Patients with concomitant CVD had a higher frequency of complications (57.6%) compared with those without (47.4%) (odds ratio [OR] = 1.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.23–1.48, p < 0.001). Patients with CVD comorbidities were prone to experience in‐patient mortality at both admission (OR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.42–4.05) and readmission (OR = 2.55, 95% CI = 1.10–5.87). CVD patients have prolonged hospital admission (OR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.02–1.27, p = 0.020) and higher cost (OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.15–1.43, p < 0.001). Patients with congestive heart failure were prone to 30 days readmission (OR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.10–2.53, p = 0.019) and 90 days (OR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.14–2.39, p = 0.010).

Conclusion

This is the first study identifying factors predicting higher risk of perioperative complications of surgical management of head and neck cancer. Those with CVD had higher risk of adverse events.
A high‐order weighted essentially nonoscillatory scheme based on exponential polynomials for nonlinear degenerate parabolic equations
Authors: Abedian Rooholah , Dehghan Mehdi
Published: January 2022

In this research the numerical solution of nonlinear degenerate parabolic equations is investigated by a new sixth‐order finite difference weighted essentially nonoscillatory (WENO) based on exponential polynomials. In smooth regions, the new scheme, named as EPWENO6, can achieve the maximal approximation order while in critical points it does not lose its accuracy. In order to better approximation near steep gradients without spurious oscillations, the EPWENO6 scheme is designed by the exponential polynomials that are incorporated into the WENO reconstruction. In design of nonlinear weights that play a very important role in WENO reconstructions, a global smoothness indicator using generalized undivided differences is introduced. To analyze the convergence order of the EPWENO6 method in full detail, the Lagrange‐type exponential functions have been used. By comparing the EPWENO6 scheme and other existing WENO schemes for solving degenerate parabolic equations, it can be seen that the new scheme offers better results while its computational cost is less. To illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme, a number of numerical experiments are considered.
Associations of insomnia symptoms with sociodemographic, clinical, and lifestyle factors in persons with HF: Health and retirement study
Authors: Gharzeddine Rida , McCarthy Margaret M. , Yu Gary , Dickson Victoria V.
Published: January 2022

Insomnia symptoms are very common in persons with heart failure (HF). However, many of the correlates and predictors of insomnia symptoms in this population remain unclear. The purpose of this study is to investigate the associations of sociodemographic, clinical, and lifestyle factors with insomnia symptoms in persons with HF. A theoretical framework was adapted from the neurocognitive model of chronic insomnia to guide the study. Data from the health and retirement study were used for the analysis. Parametric and nonparametric bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to investigate these associations. Age, depressive symptoms, comorbidity, dyspnea, pain, and smoking had significant bivariate associations with all insomnia symptoms. Race, Hispanic ethnicity, marital status, household income, poverty, and physical activity were associated with difficulty initiating sleep (DIS) and early morning awakening (EMA). Female sex, education, and alcohol consumption had a significant bivariate association with DIS. Sleep‐disordered breathing and body mass index were significantly associated with EMA. Multivariate analysis suggested that depressive symptoms, comorbidity, dyspnea, and pain had independent associations with each insomnia symptom. Age explained DIS and difficulty maintaining sleep, and significant interaction effects between age and physical activity on DIS and EMA were revealed. Results suggest that insomnia symptoms are associated with several sociodemographic, clinical, and lifestyle factors. Age below 70 years, depressive symptoms, comorbidity, dyspnea, and pain might be considered as a phenotype to identify persons with HF who are at increased risk for insomnia symptoms.
Serum microRNA panels predict bariatric surgery outcomes
Authors: Yeh Jih‐Kai , Chen Chia‐Chun , Liu Keng‐Hau , Peng Chen‐Ching , Lin Tien‐An , Chang Yu‐Sun , Wen Ming‐Shien , Yeh Ta‐Sen , Wang Chao‐Yung
Published: January 2022

Objective

The weight losses after bariatric surgery are modulated by multiple factors in people with obesity. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to show significant regulatory roles in adipose tissue. However, a serum miRNA signature to serve as a biomarker of sustained weight losses following bariatric surgery has not yet been established.

Methods

MiRNA microarray was used to identify differentially expressed miRNAs in the serum of patients with an effective response after bariatric surgery compared with those without. Excess weight loss > 55% at 6 months after surgery was defined as an effective response.

Results

Three miRNAs were shown to have a significantly differential expression between patients with or without an effective response following bariatric surgery. The miR‐31‐5p was downregulated, whereas miR‐328‐3p and miR‐181a‐5p were upregulated in the patients with effective responses compared with those without effective responses. Panels of the serum ratios of miR‐328‐3p/miR‐31‐5p or miR‐181a‐5p/miR‐31‐5p and individual BMI value exhibited good performance in preoperative prediction of treatment effectiveness. Bioinformatic analysis depicted that predicted targets of these miRNAs were involved in the regulation of the AMP‐activated protein kinase signaling pathway.

Conclusions

A circulating miRNA signature with clinical variables (BMI) can be a clinical biomarker to predict effectiveness following bariatric surgery.
Circulating levels of urocortin neuropeptides are impaired in children with overweight
Authors: Kavalakatt Sina , Khadir Abdelkrim , Madhu Dhanya , Devarajan Sriraman , Warsame Samia , AlKandari Hessa , AlMahdi Maria , Koistinen Heikki A. , Al‐Mulla Fahd , Tuomilehto Jaakko , Abubaker Jehad , Tiss Ali
Published: January 2022

Objective

The corticotropin‐releasing factor neuropeptides (corticotropin‐releasing hormone [CRH] and urocortin [UCN]‐1,2,3) and spexin contribute to the regulation of energy balance and inhibit food intake in mammals. However, the status of these neuropeptides in children with overweight has yet to be elucidated. This study investigated the effect of increased body weight on the circulating levels of these neuropeptides.

Methods

A total of 120 children with a mean age of 12 years were enrolled in the study. Blood samples were collected to assess the circulating levels of neuropeptides and were correlated with various anthropometric, clinical, and metabolic markers.

Results

Plasma levels of UCNs were altered in children with overweight but less so in those with obesity. Furthermore, the expression pattern of UCN1 was opposite to that of UCN2 and UCN3, which suggests a compensatory effect. However, no significant effect of overweight and obesity was observed on CRH and spexin levels. Finally, UCN3 independently associated with circulating zinc‐alpha‐2‐glycoprotein and UCN2 levels, whereas UCN1 was strongly predicted by TNFα levels.

Conclusions

Significant changes in neuropeptide levels were primarily observed in children with overweight and were attenuated with increased obesity. This suggests the presence of a compensatory mechanism for neuropeptides to curb the progression of obesity.
Laser Ignition of Ammonium Perchlorate/Aluminum Composition Confined into PMMA Capsule
Authors: Tsipilev Vladimir , Forat Egor , Medvedev Valerii , Yakovlev Aleksey , Vavilov Vladimir , Shiryaev Vladimir
Published: January 2022

A two‐component composition of ammonium perchlorate and nanosized aluminum powder can be ignited by millisecond Nd laser radiation. However, the mixture exposed to laser radiation pulse through polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) capsule demonstrates less sensitivity when compared to ignition of the uncovered sample. Such behavior is uncommon to gasified energetic materials. It is shown that the sensitivity of uncovered samples does not change if the surrounding atmosphere is changed from air to argon. It was found that the cover of PMMA decreases the sensitivity of the mixture due to heat dissipation from the ignition zone, thereby reducing its reactivity.
Magnetoresistance and Electric Polarization in the LuxMn1–xS Compound
Authors: Aplesnin Sergey S. , Sitnikov Maxim N. , Kharkov Anton M. , Begisheva Olga B. , Zelenov Fyodor V.
Published: January 2022

Using the Hall effect measurements, it is established that the sign of carriers in the LuxMn1–xS solid solutions changes upon temperature and concentration variations. The extrema in the temperature dependence of the electrical resistance and hysteresis of the electric polarization are found. The change in the sign of the exchange coupling between the nearest neighbors under electron doping is established. The magnetoresistance in the paramagnetic region is caused by the change in the induced electric polarization in a magnetic field.
A novel DPP‐4 inhibitor Gramcyclin A attenuates cognitive deficits in APP/PS1/tau triple transgenic mice via enhancing brain GLP‐1‐dependent glucose uptake
Authors: Li Zongyang , Zhang Yuan , Meng Xiangbao , Li Min , Cao Weiwei , Yang Junshan , Xu Xudong , Liu Wenlan , Li Weiping , Cai Qian , Wang Sicen , Ma Guoxu , Liu Zhiheng , Huang Guodong
Published: January 2022

Enhancing glucagon‐like peptide 1 (GLP‐1) signaling with a dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP‐4) inhibitor might exert protective effects on Alzheimer's disease (AD). We found that intragastric administration of Gramcyclin A (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg), a novel DPP‐4 inhibitor, for 3 months significantly reversed cognitive decline in APP/PS1/tau triple transgenic mice in a dose‐dependent manner. Gramcyclin A treatment markedly reduced Aβ plaques as well as the insoluble and soluble forms of Aβ40 and Aβ42 in the hippocampus of APP/PS1/tau mice. Treatment with Gramcyclin A remarkedly decreased the level of microglia and suppressed neuroinflammation in the hippocampus of APP/PS1/tau mice. Moreover, Gramcyclin A treatment could increase brain glucose uptake in APP/PS1/tau mice, as detected by 18‐fluoro‐2‐deoxyglucose (18F‐FDG) micro‐positron emission tomography (micro‐PET) imaging. Furthermore, Gramcyclin A significantly increased expression of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1), GLP‐1R, proliferator‐activated receptor gamma coactivator (PGC)‐1α and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), and inhibited insulin receptor (IRS)‐1 phosphorylation and tau hyperphosphorylation in the hippocampus of APP/PS1/tau mice. Collectively, Gramcyclin A conferred protective effects against AD via enhancing brain GLP‐1‐dependent glucose uptake. The DPP‐4 inhibitor Gramcyclin A might be a potential therapeutic drug for AD.
Protective effect of vanillic acid against diabetes and diabetic nephropathy by attenuating oxidative stress and upregulation of NF‐κB, TNF‐α and COX‐2 proteins in rats
Authors: Singh Brahmjot , Kumar Ajay , Singh Hasandeep , Kaur Sarabjit , Arora Saroj , Singh Balbir
Published: January 2022

Diabetes is the most prevalent disorder in the world characterized by uncontrolled high blood glucose levels and nephropathy is one of the chief complications allied with hyperglycemia. Vanillic acid; the main bioactive compound derived from natural sources such as vegetables, fruits and plants possesses various pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and anti‐proliferative. The current study was designed to investigate the antidiabetic and renoprotective effects of vanillic acid by its various pharmacological activities. Streptozotocin (50 mg/kg)/nicotinamide (110 mg/kg) was used to induce diabetes in rats. Oral administration of vanillic acid once daily for 6 weeks (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) significantly reduced the hyperglycemia, increased liver enzymes and normalized lipid profile that was altered in diabetic rats. Moreover, vanillic acid attenuated the impaired renal function as evidenced by a reduction in serum creatinine, urea, uric acid and urinary microproteinuria levels with a concomitant increase in urinary creatinine clearance in the nephropathic rats. Diabetic rats showed a marked increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and superoxide anion generation (SAG) along with decreased reduced glutathione (GSH) in the renal tissue which was ameliorated in the vanillic acid‐treated rats. Histopathologically, vanillic acid treatment was associated with reduced damage with normalized structural changes in renal tissue. Furthermore, treatment groups showed the suppression of upregulation of nuclear factor (NF)‐κB, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, cyclo‐oxygenase (COX)‐2 and up‐regulation of Nuclear factor‐erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf‐2) in the renal tissue. In conclusion, vanillic acid's ameliorative impact on diabetic nephropathic rats may be attributed to its powerful free radical scavenging property, down‐regulation of NF‐κB, TNF‐α, COX‐2 and up‐regulation of Nrf‐2 proteins in renal tissue.
Output regulation for switched singular systems based on a reduced‐order error feedback controller
Authors: Sun Yuchen , Ma Shuping
Published: January 2022

This paper studies the output regulation problem for switched singular systems based on an error feedback controller, where the system is influenced by a switched external system. Through the state coordinate transformation, the issue is transformed into the asymptotic stability problem of switched singular systems with autonomous subsystems. By introducing slack variables, solvable conditions including regulator equations and matrix inequalities are developed under average dwell time switching. It is worth mentioning that the solutions of the regulator equations are represented under some basic assumptions. Based on that and by utilizing the Finsler's lemma, less‐conservative linear matrix inequality (LMI) conditions for the existence of the reduced‐order controllers are obtained and the controller design methods are proposed. Finally, two examples are provided to test the correctness of the approaches we propose.
Origin of the Additive‐Induced VOC Change in Non‐Fullerene Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Xiaojing , Feng Chuang , Liu Peng , He Zhicai , Cao Yong
Published: January 2022

Additives are often used to adjust the morphology of the active layer to improve the performance of organic solar cells (OSCs). Here, taking typical high‐efficiency non‐fullerene systems as examples, the effect of the additive on the device performance in non‐fullerene OSCs is systematically investigated. Surprisingly, an unpresented VOC change is observed in the opposite direction of the two typical systems (PM6:Y6 and PTB7‐Th: ITIC) appearing after the incorporation of the additive DIO, which can be affected by the morphological differences as indicated by the several morphological studies. The bewildering VOC change caused by the additive in different material systems is supposed to originate from the different energy level variations as verified by the energy level studies. Molecular dynamic (MD) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations are also included to get an insight into the dynamic of the additive‐induced morphological differences that are supposed to contribute to the energy level changes. Combining a series of morphological and energic studies as well as the theoretical calculations, the origin of unforeseeable VOC changes caused by additives in non‐fullerene OSCs is clarified, and provides in‐depth insights into the effects of additives on device performance.
Unraveling the Intercorrelation Between Micro/Mesopores and K Migration Behavior in Hard Carbon
Authors: Yuan Fei , Zhang Di , Li Zhaojin , Sun Huilan , Yu Qiyao , Wang Qiujun , Zhang Jianguo , Wu Yusheng , Xi Kai , Wang Bo
Published: January 2022

Pore‐structure design with increased ion‐diffusion ability is usually regarded as an effective strategy to improve K‐storage performance in hard carbon (HC). However, the relationship between porous structure and K+ migration behavior remains unclear and requires further exploration. Herein, a series of chemically activated hard carbon spheres (denoted as AHCSs) with controllable micro/mesopores structure are successfully synthesized to explore intercorrelation between micro/mesopores and K migration behavior. The experimental results indicate AHCSs have two different K+ storage ways, that is, adsorption behavior at high potential region and intercalation process at low potential region. These behaviors are closely related to the pores structure evolution: the micropores afford extra active sites for efficient K‐ions adsorption, and therefore positive correlation between micropores and adsorption‐contributed capacity is confirmed; the mesopores permit more K‐ions intercalation/deintercalation by offering adequate pathways, and as a result positive correlations between mesopores and intercalation‐contributed capacity as well as initial Coulombic efficiency are revealed. All these together contribute to achieving excellent reversible capacity, and exceptional rate capability with an ultra‐long cycle lifespan in PIBs, and simultaneously exhibit a high energy density as well as considerable cycling stability for potassium‐ion full cells. These results promote a fundamental understanding of K+ migration behaviors in hard carbon.
Self‐Activated Formation of Hierarchical Co3O4 Nanoflakes with High Valence‐State Conversion Capability for Ultrahigh‐Capacity Zn–Co Batteries
Authors: Shang Wenxu , Yu Wentao , Xiao Xu , Ma Yanyi , He Yi , Zhao Zhongxi , Tan Peng
Published: January 2022

Cobalt‐based materials are attracting increasing interest in alkaline Zn batteries due to the high theoretical capacity. However, the practical utilization is restricted by the poor microstructure and insufficient valence‐state conversion. Herein, a self‐activated formation of hierarchical Co3O4 nanoflakes with high valence‐state conversion capability is designed. This electrode not only exhibits the optimized microstructure with large reaction surfaces, but also shows excellent valence‐state conversion capability. Consequently, this battery delivers an ultrahigh capacity of 481.4 mAh g−1 and an energy density of 818.3 Wh kg−1 based on the active material, which shines among reported Co‐based materials. Besides, the capacity can retain 41.9% with even 20× current density increases, and it can operate with a capacity decay of 20% after the 1000th cycle. This strategy greatly enhances the performance and durability of integrated air electrodes, raising the attention of boundary design for other electrochemical energy conversion and storage devices.
Characterization of Hydroxypropyl Tapioca Starch and its Pregelatinized Starch as Tablet Disintegrants
Authors: Charoenthai Nattawut , Sanga‐ngam Theerapong , Kasemwong Kittiwut , Sungthongjeen Srisagul , Puttipipatkhachorn Satit
Published: January 2022

Hydroxypropyl tapioca starches (HPTS) and pregelatinized hydroxypropyl tapioca starches (PG‐HPTS) with different molar substitutions are characterized as tablet disintegrants in comparison with native tapioca starch (NTS). Powder XRD and polarized light microscopy indicates that HPTS is A‐type crystalline starch similar to NTS, whereas PG‐HPTS is amorphous. Compared to HPTS, an increase in swelling capacity with higher degree of hydroxypropyl substitution is observed with PG‐HPTS. All tablets containing NTS, HPTS, and their pregelatinized starches at 5% and 10% show fast disintegration within 8 min. Interestingly, the tablets with disintegration times of less than 30 s are obtained when NTS and HPTS are used. The tablets containing PG‐HPTS with higher degree of hydroxypropyl substitution show longer disintegration time and more retarded drug dissolution when compared to those with non‐pregelatinized starches. This might be attributed to higher water sorption and subsequent swollen gel formation of PG‐HPTS. The effect of hydroxypropylation on tablet disintegration and dissolution is clearly observed with PG‐HPTS. The results revealed that the functionality of PG‐HPTS is dependent on the degree of hydroxypropyl substitution, but less dependence is observed with HPTS. In conclusion, HPTS and PG‐HPTS with different molar substitutions could be used as disintegrants in tablet formulation.
Development of Methods to the Synthesis of β‐Boryl Acyls, Imines and Nitriles
Authors: Das Kanak Kanti , Mahato Somenath , Hazra Subrata , Panda Santanu
Published: January 2022

Organoboron compounds are highly important and versatile synthetic intermediates for the preparation of a wide range of organic molecules. Organoboron compounds have drawn significant attention among organic chemists due to their Lewis acidic property, non‐toxicity, and commercial availability. Over the last several decades, there has been a substantial development of new organoboron compounds, useful in organic synthesis. Among all other organoboron compounds, β‐boryl carbonyl compounds are the important ones. The β‐boryl compounds have appeared as promising intermediates for various synthetic transformations. The 1,4‐conjugate addition of diboron reagents to carbon‐carbon double bond in the presence of different transition‐metal catalysts has been extensively reported by various research groups across the globe. This mini‐review outlines the numerous racemic as well as asymmetric β‐borylation methods developed to date.
Selenium protects against cadmium‐induced cardiac injury by attenuating programmed cell death viaPI3K/AKT/PTENsignaling
Authors: Feng Jiapei , Yang Fan , Wu Huansheng , Xing Chenghong , Xue Haotian , Zhang Linwei , Zhang Caiying , Hu Guoliang , Cao Huabin
Published: January 2022

Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental pollutant that has an enormous influence on agricultural production, but selenium (Se) can alleviate its toxicity. The present study aimed to illustrate the effects of Se on Cd‐induced heart injury. All 40 rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: control group, Se [0.5 mg kg−1·body weight (BW)] group, Cd (1 mg kg−1·BW) group, and Se + Cd group. After 30 days of feeding, morphological changes, the levels of oxidative stress and myocardial enzyme, the content of cardiac troponin T, programmed cell death (pyroptosis, autophagy and apoptosis), and PI3K/AKT/PTEN transduction capacity were observed. The results showed that Cd destroyed the physiological balance of trace elements and caused myocardial damage, increased the cardiac oxidative damage and led to programmed cell death. Coadministration of Se prominently ameliorated histological lesions and improved cardiac function of hearts in Cd‐induced rabbits. Furthermore, Se exerted detoxification and oxidation resistance, maintained trace element homeostasis, and alleviated the changes of mRNA and protein levels of pyroptosis‐, autophagy‐ and apoptosis‐controlling factors and PI3K/AKT/PTEN signal molecules caused by Cd. In conclusion, Se might protect against Cd‐induced pyroptosis, autophagy and apoptosis by interfering with PI3K/AKT/PTEN signaling in heart.
Predictive performance of ensemble hydroclimatic forecasts: Verification metrics, diagnostic plots and forecast attributes
Authors: Huang Zeqing , Zhao Tongtiegang
Published: January 2022

Predictive performance is one of the most important issues for practical applications of ensemble hydroclimatic forecasts. While different forecasting studies tend to use different combinations of verification metrics and diagnostic plots, this paper presents a literature survey of popular verification metrics, diagnostic plots and their corresponding forecast attributes. Twenty metrics to quantify predictive performance of ensemble, deterministic and categorical forecasts are detailed; six types of diagnostic plots to visualize the relationship between ensemble forecasts and observations are presented; and the correspondence relationships of verification metrics and diagnostic plots with ten forecast attributes are illustrated. Numerical experiments are devised for raw ensemble precipitation forecasts generated by the Climate Forecast System version 2 (CFSv2) to illustrate the verification metrics, diagnostic plots and forecast attributes. The results suggest that verification metrics that pay attention to some similar attributes can be related to one another. Meanwhile, the metrics are not necessarily in full accordance as they tend to reflect different attributes. Time series plots visualize forecasts over a period of interest and graphically illustrate forecast bias, reliability and skill. Quantile range plots provide an overall diagnosis for the association of ensemble forecasts with observations. Overall, verification metrics can be illustrated by diagnostic plots for individual grid cells and also be screened by spatial plots at regional and global scales. The survey presented in this article can serve as a roadmap for the selection of verification metrics, diagnostic plots and forecast attributes for verifying ensemble hydroclimatic forecasts.

This article is categorized under:

Science of Water > Hydrological Processes
Use of Vegetation for Landslide Risk Mitigation
Authors: Kalsnes Bjørn , Capobianco Vittoria
Published: January 2022

Landslide risk management involves several activities, modelling being a required premise for most of them. Modelling of climate-induced landslides include both the analysis of the triggering process, i.e. static slope stability analysis and dynamic propagation (run-out) analysis. These analyses are vital for mapping purposes, as well as for selection of effective means to reduce the landslide risk when this exceeds a certain value of tolerance. With the prospect of increasing rainfall duration and intensity in parts of Europe, the need for further development of modelling tools is evident. In recent years, the use of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) for mitigation of natural hazards has further demonstrated the need for developing the modelling tools. The use of vegetation as NBS is increasingly being used for erosion protection and shallow landslide mitigation. For slope stability analyses, the use of vegetation makes the modelling more complex for a number of reasons, mostly linked to the influence of vegetation on both the soil–atmosphere interaction (i.e. rainfall interception, evapotranspiration) and the soil hydro-mechanical properties. All effects that are difficult to model due to lack of knowledge and to large variations in time and space. Even though there is an increasing activity in the geotechnical environment to incorporate the effects of vegetation in the modelling for quantifying the change in slope stability (i.e. calculate slope safety factor), the status is far from being at the level of traditional landslide modelling tools. More efforts are therefore needed in the years to come to demonstrate that the use of vegetation as a viable and effective measure in landslide risk mitigation management can be verified in a more quantifiable manner.
Cascading Transitional Climate Risks in the Private Sector—Risks and Opportunities
Authors: Sanderson Hans , Stridsland Thomas
Published: January 2022

Adaptation to climate change poses two recognized significant types of risks to the private sector; (1) physical risks and (2) transitional risks. As markets respond to climate-related policies and shifting demands from customers and investors, opportunities as well as risks are presented. A very recent and important policy development is the European Green Deal suggesting the EU to reduce its emissions from 40 to 55% by 2030, and aiming to enable European countries to meet their Paris Agreement targets. The shift required for this transition highlights the challenges in terms of adapting business models and decision-making tools, while also providing opportunities for innovation and development in the private sector. In order to reach Paris Agreement goals, science-based targets need to be adopted to measure and manage emissions, specifically focussing on Scope 3 emissions embedded in the value chain in the private sector. Methods and guidances are considered, with the ultimate goal being a harmonized methodology to create a detailed emissions inventory and risk disclosure of a company’s operations. It is suggested that Environmentally Extended Input–Output models initially be used as a screening tool, in order to identify emission dense sectors. Process-based LCA inventory data, collected through collaboration and transparency throughout the value chain, can then be applied to increase the resolution of the decision-making tool.
Efficient gene editing through an intronic selection marker in cells
Authors: Wang Shang , Li Yuqing , Zhong Li , Wu Kai , Zhang Ruhua , Kang Tiebang , Wu Song , Wu Yuanzhong
Published: January 2022

Background

Gene editing technology has provided researchers with the ability to modify genome sequences in almost all eukaryotes. Gene-edited cell lines are being used with increasing frequency in both bench research and targeted therapy. However, despite the great importance and universality of gene editing, the efficiency of homology-directed DNA repair (HDR) is too low, and base editors (BEs) cannot accomplish desired indel editing tasks.

Results and discussion

Our group has improved HDR gene editing technology to indicate DNA variation with an independent selection marker using an HDR strategy, which we named Gene Editing through an Intronic Selection marker (GEIS). GEIS uses a simple process to avoid nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ)-mediated false-positive effects and achieves a DsRed positive rate as high as 87.5% after two rounds of fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS) selection without disturbing endogenous gene splicing and expression. We re-examined the correlation of the conversion tract and efficiency, and our data suggest that GEIS has the potential to edit approximately 97% of gene editing targets in human and mouse cells. The results of further comprehensive analysis suggest that the strategy may be useful for introducing multiple DNA variations in cells.
A20 and ABIN-1 cooperate in balancing CBM complex-triggered NF-κB signaling in activated T cells
Authors: Yin Hongli , Karayel Ozge , Chao Ying-Yin , Seeholzer Thomas , Hamp Isabel , Plettenburg Oliver , Gehring Torben , Zielinski Christina , Mann Matthias , Krappmann Daniel
Published: January 2022

T cell activation initiates protective adaptive immunity, but counterbalancing mechanisms are critical to prevent overshooting responses and to maintain immune homeostasis. The CARD11-BCL10-MALT1 (CBM) complex bridges T cell receptor engagement to NF-κB signaling and MALT1 protease activation. Here, we show that ABIN-1 is modulating the suppressive function of A20 in T cells. Using quantitative mass spectrometry, we identified ABIN-1 as an interactor of the CBM signalosome in activated T cells. A20 and ABIN-1 counteract inducible activation of human primary CD4 and Jurkat T cells. While A20 overexpression is able to silence CBM complex-triggered NF-κB and MALT1 protease activation independent of ABIN-1, the negative regulatory function of ABIN-1 depends on A20. The suppressive function of A20 in T cells relies on ubiquitin binding through the C-terminal zinc finger (ZnF)4/7 motifs, but does not involve the deubiquitinating activity of the OTU domain. Our mechanistic studies reveal that the A20/ABIN-1 module is recruited to the CBM complex via A20 ZnF4/7 and that proteasomal degradation of A20 and ABIN-1 releases the CBM complex from the negative impact of both regulators. Ubiquitin binding to A20 ZnF4/7 promotes destructive K48-polyubiquitination to itself and to ABIN-1. Further, after prolonged T cell stimulation, ABIN-1 antagonizes MALT1-catalyzed cleavage of re-synthesized A20 and thereby diminishes sustained CBM complex signaling. Taken together, interdependent post-translational mechanisms are tightly controlling expression and activity of the A20/ABIN-1 silencing module and the cooperative action of both negative regulators is critical to balance CBM complex signaling and T cell activation.
Extended micropolar approach within the framework of 3M theories and variations thereof
Authors: Vilchevskaya Elena N. , Müller Wolfgang H. , Eremeyev Victor A.
Published: January 2022

As part of his groundbreaking work on generalized continuum mechanics, Eringen proposed what he called 3M theories, namely the concept of micromorphic, microstretch, and micropolar materials modeling. The micromorphic approach provides the most general framework for a continuum with translational and (internal) rotational degrees of freedom (DOF), whilst the rotational DOFs of micromorphic and micropolar continua are subjected to more and more constraints. More recently, an “extended” micropolar theory has been presented by one of the authors: Eringen’s 3M theories were children of solid mechanics based on the concept of the indestructible material particle. Extended micropolar theory was formulated both ways for material systems as well as in spatial description, which is useful when describing fluid matter. The latter opens the possibility to model situations and materials with a continuum point that on the microscale consists no longer of the same elementary units during a physical process. The difference culminates in an equation for the microinertia tensor, which is no longer a kinematic identity. Rather it contains a new continuum field, namely an independent production term and, consequently, establishes a new constitutive quantity. This makes it possible to describe processes of structural change, which are difficult if not impossible to be captured within the material particle model. This paper compares the various theories and points out their communalities as well as their differences.
Symmetric elastic knots
Authors: Gilsbach Alexandra , Reiter Philipp , von der Mosel Heiko
Published: January 2022

Minimizing the bending energy within knot classes leads to the concept of elastic knots which has been initiated by von der Mosel (Asymptot Anal 18(1–2):49–65, 1998). Motivated by numerical experiments in Bartels and Reiter (Math Comput 90(330):1499–1526, 2021) we prescribe dihedral symmetry and establish existence of dihedrally symmetric elastic knots for knot classes admitting this type of symmetry. Among other results we prove that the dihedral elastic trefoil is the union of two circles that form a (planar) figure-eight. We also discuss some generalizations and limitations regarding other symmetries and knot classes.
Rate of head ultrasound abnormalities at one month in very premature and extremely premature infants with normal initial screening ultrasound
Authors: Liu Amanda R. , Gano Dawn , Li Yi , Diwakar Mithun , Courtier Jesse L. , Zapala Matthew A.
Published: January 2022

Background

Premature infants are at risk for multiple types of intracranial injury with potentially significant long-term neurological impact. The number of screening head ultrasounds needed to detect such injuries remains controversial.

Objective

To determine the rate of abnormal findings on routine follow-up head ultrasound (US) performed in infants born at ≤ 32 weeks’ gestational age (GA) after initial normal screening US.

Materials and methods

A retrospective study was performed on infants born at ≤ 32 weeks’ GA with a head US at 3–5 weeks following a normal US at 3–10 days at a tertiary care pediatric hospital from 2014 to 2020. Exclusion criteria included significant congenital anomalies, such as congenital cardiac defects necessitating surgery, congenital diaphragmatic hernia or spinal dysraphism, and clinical indications for US other than routine screening, such as sepsis, other risk factors for intracranial injury besides prematurity, or clinical neurological abnormalities. Ultrasounds were classified as normal or abnormal based on original radiology reports. Images from initial examinations with abnormal follow-up were reviewed.

Results

Thirty-three (14.2%) of 233 infants had 34 total abnormal findings on follow-up head US after normal initial US. Twenty-seven infants had grade 1 germinal matrix hemorrhage, and four had grade 2 intraventricular hemorrhage. Two had periventricular echogenicity and one had a focus of cerebellar echogenicity that resolved and was determined to be artifactual.

Conclusion

When initial screening head ultrasounds in premature infants are normal, follow-up screening ultrasounds are typically also normal. Abnormal findings are usually limited to grade 1 germinal matrix hemorrhage.
Detecting behavioural lateralisation in Poecilia reticulata is strongly dependent on experimental design
Authors: Penry-Williams Iestyn L. , Brown Culum , Ioannou Christos C.
Published: January 2022

Despite the potential benefits gained from behavioural lateralisation, defined as the asymmetrical expression of cognitive functioning, this trait demonstrates widespread variation within and between populations. Numerous methodologies have been applied to investigate lateralisation, although whether different methodologies give consistent results has been relatively understudied. In this study, we assess (1) the repeatability of individual Poecilia reticulata’s lateralisation indexes between a classic detour assay (I-maze), quasi-circular mirror maze and novel detour assay (a radially symmetric Y-maze); (2) whether the methodological standard of analysing only the first ten turns in a detour assay accurately quantifies lateralisation; and (3) whether lateralisation indexes produced can be adequately explained by random chance by comparing the observed data to a novel unbiased ‘coin-toss’ randomisation model. We found (1) the two detour assays to produce generally consistent results in terms of relative lateralisation (directionality) but differed in terms of absolute laterality (intensity). The mirror assay, however, demonstrated no similarity to either assay. (2) The first ten turns were generally reflective of all turns undertaken during the 15-min trial but reducing the number of turns did exaggerate lateralisation indexes. (3) The observed laterality indexes from the assays were found to be similar to corresponding datasets produced by the randomisation model, with significant deviations likely explained by individuals’ propensity to perform consecutive turns in the same direction. These results demonstrate the need to increase the number of observed turning choices to reduce the likelihood of producing spurious or exaggerated lateralisation indexes from random chance or external influences.

Significance statement

Published studies investigating lateralisation, or ‘handedness’, in fish species have used a diverse array of methodologies. Given the variability in methodologies being employed and the widespread variation in the extent fish are lateralised and in which direction (left or right), it is important to assess whether different methods produce consistent laterality indexes. From assessing individual Poecilia reticulata in three laterality assays, the direction of lateralisation was found to correlate between the two detour assays measuring turn choice, although the absolute strength of this laterality was not consistent. There were no correlations between these assays and in an individual’s eye-use when viewing their reflection in a mirror maze assay. However, further investigation using a novel unbiased ‘coin-toss’ randomisation model to simulate replica datasets for each assay brings into question whether patterns of laterality found in the observed population differ significantly from random chance.
Genomic and functional conservation of lncRNAs: lessons from flies
Authors: Camilleri-Robles Carlos , Amador Raziel , Klein Cecilia C. , Guigó Roderic , Corominas Montserrat , Ruiz-Romero Marina
Published: January 2022

Over the last decade, the increasing interest in long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) has led to the discovery of these transcripts in multiple organisms. LncRNAs tend to be specifically, and often lowly, expressed in certain tissues, cell types and biological contexts. Although lncRNAs participate in the regulation of a wide variety of biological processes, including development and disease, most of their functions and mechanisms of action remain unknown. Poor conservation of the DNA sequences encoding for these transcripts makes the identification of lncRNAs orthologues among different species very challenging, especially between evolutionarily distant species such as flies and humans or mice. However, the functions of lncRNAs are unexpectedly preserved among different species supporting the idea that conservation occurs beyond DNA sequences and reinforcing the potential of characterising lncRNAs in animal models. In this review, we describe the features and roles of lncRNAs in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, focusing on genomic and functional comparisons with human and mouse lncRNAs. We also discuss the current state of advances and limitations in the study of lncRNA conservation and future perspectives.
Investigating the impact of weak geomagnetic fluctuations on pigeon races
Authors: Jandačka Petr , Burda Hynek , Ščučka Jiří
Published: January 2022

The existence of avian magnetic orientation has been proved by many experimental studies, however, evidence for the use of magnetic cues by homing pigeons remains controversial. To investigate magnetic orientation by homing pigeons, we analyzed the results of pigeon races relative to weak fluctuations in the geomagnetic field, assuming that such disturbances could impact navigational efficiency if based on magnetoreception. Whereas most of the previous studies recorded and analyzed vanishing bearing of individually released pigeons, we evaluated relative duration of the homeward flight (homing speed, as a proxy of navigational efficiency) and its dependence on specific geomagnetic indices in racing pigeons released collectively. Our analysis of orientation efficiency of about 289 pigeon races over 15 years suggested slight negative correlations between geomagnetic fluctuations and homing time. Although the interpretation of this finding is manifold and not clear, it suggests that natural magnetic variations or disturbances can affect the homing orientation performance of pigeons. We suggest that studying pigeon races may have a heuristic potential and since these races are regularly and frequently organized in many countries all over the globe, examining homing performance relative to a suite of environmental variables may be useful for exploring hypotheses about pigeon navigation.