bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uncertainty Analysis on k-ε Turbulence Model in the Prediction of Subcooled Boiling in Vertical Pipes
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Xia Genglei , Cong Tenglong , Peng Minjun , Wang Zhenhong
Published: November 2020

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has become an effective method for researching two-phase flow in reactor systems. However, the uncertainty analysis of Computational fluid dynamics simulation is still immature. The effects of uncertainties from two-phase models and boundary conditions have been analyzed in our previous work. In this work, the uncertainties from a turbulence model on the prediction of subcooled boiling flow were analyzed with the DEBORA benchmark experiments by a deterministic sampling method. Seven parameters in the standard k-ε model, which interrelated momentum, energy, turbulent kinetic energy, and dissipation rate, were studied as uncertainty sources, including Cμ, Cμ,g, C1ε, C2ε, σk, σε, and Prt. Radial parameters were calculated to study the effects of uncertainties from the turbulence model. The contributions of each uncertainty source on void fraction and liquid temperature were also analyzed. It was found that the models can simulate subcooled boiling flow accurately and uncertainty analysis by deterministic sampling can give a reference interval to increase the reliability of results. The C2ε and C1ε, parameters in the production term and dissipation term of transport equations, dominate the radial distributions of void fraction and liquid temperature.
Lack of Cross-Sector and Cross-Level Policy Coherence and Consistency Limits Urban Green Infrastructure Implementation in Malawi
Authors: Afionis Stavros , Mkwambisi David D. , Dallimer Martin
Published: November 2020

The quality, quantity and accessibility of urban greenspaces and green infrastructure offer multiple benefits for city dwellers, the environment and urban sustainability. Green infrastructure provides a wide range of environmental, social, cultural, climate change adaptation, and mitigation benefits. However, for green infrastructure to do so, it needs to be integrated into national policy and city-planning strategies in ways that recognize its value and importance. Consequently, consistency and coherence between policy sectors and levels is essential. The more prominent urban green infrastructure is in national level policy, the easier it will be to ensure coherence and consistency between sectors and levels, as well as avoid national and local initiatives hindering each other's effectiveness. Integrating urban green infrastructure into planning processes should be a priority for all cities, but even more so for those in sub-Saharan Africa, which are undergoing rapid expansion. Here we focus on Malawi, one of the most rapidly urbanizing countries in sub-Saharan Africa. We collated and reviewed national-level and city-level policies and strategies, ranging from housing to transport to biodiversity, in order to determine, based on vertical and horizontal integration processes, whether urban greenspaces and green infrastructure have been incorporated into planning and management priorities. We found little evidence that urban greenspaces and green infrastructure are incorporated into national-level decision-making processes. In contrast, promoting and enhancing urban greenspace and green infrastructure was a priority in planning and strategy documents produced by the Lilongwe and Mzuzu City Councils. Better institutional coordination and policy coherence across national level sectors that affect urban greenspaces and green infrastructure is required if their multiple benefits are to be realized.
Deforestation Impacts on Orographic Precipitation in the Tropical Andes
Authors: Eghdami Masih , Barros Ana P.
Published: November 2020

This study examines the implications of Tropical Montane Forests (TMFs) loss on orographic precipitation in the Eastern slopes of the Andes (EADS). The focus is on moist processes for synoptic regimes associated with significant EADS precipitation: (1) monsoon rainfall for weak and strong South America Low-Level Jet (LLJ) conditions and (2) heavy rainfall associated with cold air intrusions (CAI) in the dry season. High-resolution simulations using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model were conducted for realistic and modified land-cover resulting from the conversion of TMFs to savanna. The deforestation scenarios result in 50–100% decrease (up to ∼400 J kg–1) in Convective Available Potential Energy (CAPE) spatially organized by land-cover change along the EADS. Analysis of the differences in simulated frequency distributions of rainfall intensity shows robust daytime increases in light rainfall (<2 mm h–1) and decreases in moderate rainfall rates (2–10 mm h–1) in the altitudinal band 500–2,000 m where orographic enhancement is dominant. Whereas there are negligible changes in the spatial patterns of precipitation and hydrologic response for monsoon conditions, rainfall accumulations decrease for all cases, and the precipitation maxima shift downslope into the Amazon lowlands. Changes in rainfall amount and intensity result in runoff decreases of 5–10% at the event-scale for the CAI case. Sensitivity simulations for lower initial soil moisture conditions indicate a strong positive feedback of forest loss to hydrologic drought along the EADS foothills in the austral spring when CAIs play a key role in the tropical EADS dry season hydrometeorology.
Integrated Analysis of m6A Methylome in Cisplatin-Induced Acute Kidney Injury and Berberine Alleviation in Mouse
Authors: Shen Jianxiao , Wang Wanpeng , Shao Xinghua , Wu Jingkui , Li Shu , Che Xiajing , Ni Zhaohui
Published: November 2020

Background

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant modification known in mRNAs. It participates in a variety of physiological and pathological processes, such as metabolism, inflammation, and apoptosis.

Aims

To explore the mechanism of m6A in cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) and berberine alleviation in mouse.

Methods

This study investigated the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylome of kidneys from three mouse groups: C57 mice (controls), those with CI-AKI (injury group, IG), and those pretreated with berberine (treatment group, TG). Methylated RNA Immunoprecipitation Next Generation Sequencing (MeRIP-seq) and RNA-seq were performed to identify the differences between the injury group and the control group (IvC) and between the treatment group and the injury group (TvI). Western blotting was performed to identify the protein levels of candidate genes.

Results

In IvC, differentially methylated genes (DMGs) were enriched in metabolic processes and cell death. In TvI, DMGs were enriched in tissue development. Several genes involved in important pathways related to CI-AKI showed opposite methylation and expression trends in the IvC and TvI comparisons.

Conclusion

m6A plays an important role in cisplatin induced AKI and berberine may alleviate this process.
Changes in Activity and Community Composition Shape Bacterial Responses to Size-Fractionated Marine DOM
Authors: Varela Marta M. , Rodríguez-Ramos Tamara , Guerrero-Feijóo Elisa , Nieto-Cid Mar
Published: November 2020

To study the response of bacteria to different size-fractions of naturally occurring dissolved organic matter (DOM), a natural prokaryotic community from North Atlantic mesopelagic waters (1000 m depth) was isolated and grown in (i) 0.1-μm filtered seawater (CONTROL), (ii) the low-molecular-weight (<1 kDa) DOM fraction (L-DOM), and (iii) the recombination of high- (>1 kDa) and low-molecular-weight DOM fractions (H + L-DOM), to test the potential effect of ultrafiltration on breaking the DOM size continuum. Prokaryotic abundance and leucine incorporation were consistently higher in the H + L-DOM niche than in the L-DOM and CONTROL treatments, suggesting a different interaction with each DOM fraction and the disruption of the structural DOM continuum by ultrafiltration, respectively. Rhodobacterales (Alphaproteobacteria) and Flavobacteriales (Bacteroidetes) were particularly enriched in L-DOM and closely related to the colored DOM (CDOM) fraction, indicating the tight link between these groups and changes in DOM aromaticity. Conversely, some other taxa that were rare or undetectable in the original bacterial community were enriched in the H + L-DOM treatment (e.g., Alteromonadales belonging to Gammaproteobacteria), highlighting the role of the rare biosphere as a seed bank of diversity against ecosystem disturbance. The relationship between the fluorescence of protein-like CDOM and community composition of populations in the H + L-DOM treatment suggested their preference for labile DOM. Conversely, the communities growing on the L-DOM niche were coupled to humic-like CDOM, which may indicate their ability to degrade more reworked DOM and/or the generation of refractory substrates (as by-products of the respiration processes). Most importantly, L- and/or H + L-DOM treatments stimulated the growth of unique bacterial amplicon sequence variants (ASVs), suggesting the potential of environmental selection (i.e., changes in DOM composition and availability), particularly in the light of climate change scenarios. Taken together, our results suggest that different size-fractions of DOM induced niche-specialization and differentiation of mesopelagic bacterial communities.
Mapping Phosphodiesterase 4D (PDE4D) in Macaque Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex: Postsynaptic Compartmentalization in Layer III Pyramidal Cell Circuits
Authors: Datta Dibyadeep , Enwright John F. , Arion Dominique , Paspalas Constantinos D. , Morozov Yury M. , Lewis David A. , Arnsten Amy F. T.
Published: November 2020

cAMP signaling has powerful, negative effects on cognitive functions of the primate dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC), opening potassium channels to reduce firing and impair working memory, and increasing tau phosphorylation in aging neurons. This contrasts with cAMP actions in classic circuits, where it enhances plasticity and transmitter release. PDE4 isozymes regulate cAMP actions, and thus have been a focus of research and drug discovery. Previous work has focused on the localization of PDE4A and PDE4B in dlPFC, but PDE4D is also of great interest, as it is the predominant PDE4 isoform in primate association cortex, and PDE4D expression decreases with aging in human dlPFC. Here we used laser-capture microdissection transcriptomics and found that PDE4D message is enriched in pyramidal cells compared to GABAergic PV-interneurons in layer III of the human dlPFC. A parallel study in rhesus macaques using high-spatial resolution immunoelectron microscopy revealed the ultrastructural locations of PDE4D in primate dlPFC with clarity not possible in human post-mortem tissue. PDE4D was especially prominent in dendrites associated with microtubules, mitochondria, and likely smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER). There was substantial postsynaptic labeling in dendritic spines, associated with the SER spine-apparatus near glutamatergic-like axospinous synapses, but sparse labeling in axon terminals. We also observed dense PDE4D labeling perisynaptically in astroglial leaflets ensheathing glutamatergic connections. These data suggest that PDE4D is strategically positioned to regulate cAMP signaling in dlPFC glutamatergic synapses and circuits, especially in postsynaptic compartments where it is localized to influence cAMP actions on intracellular trafficking, mitochondrial physiology, and internal calcium release.
Autophagy in Multiple Sclerosis: Two Sides of the Same Coin
Authors: Misrielal Chairi , Mauthe Mario , Reggiori Fulvio , Eggen Bart J. L.
Published: November 2020

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex auto-immune disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) that involves a range of CNS and immune cells. MS is characterized by chronic neuroinflammation, demyelination, and neuronal loss, but the molecular causes of this disease remain poorly understood. One cellular process that could provide insight into MS pathophysiology and also be a possible therapeutic avenue, is autophagy. Autophagy is an intracellular degradative pathway essential to maintain cellular homeostasis, particularly in neurons as defects in autophagy lead to neurodegeneration. One of the functions of autophagy is to maintain cellular homeostasis by eliminating defective or superfluous proteins, complexes, and organelles, preventing the accumulation of potentially cytotoxic damage. Importantly, there is also an intimate and intricate interplay between autophagy and multiple aspects of both innate and adaptive immunity. Thus, autophagy is implicated in two of the main hallmarks of MS, neurodegeneration, and inflammation, making it especially important to understand how this pathway contributes to MS manifestation and progression. This review summarizes the current knowledge about autophagy in MS, in particular how it contributes to our understanding of MS pathology and its potential as a novel therapeutic target.
Mapping the Progressive Treatment-Related Reduction of Active MRI Lesions in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Giorgio Antonio , Battaglini Marco , Gentile Giordano , Stromillo Maria Laura , Gasperini Claudio , Visconti Andrea , Paolillo Andrea , De Stefano Nicola
Published: November 2020

Objective: To assess treatment-related spatio-temporal dynamics of active MRI lesions in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients.

Methods: We performed a post-hoc analysis of MRI data acquired at weeks 4, 8, 12, and 16, in RRMS patients from the multicenter randomized IMPROVE study, which compares patients treated with 44 mcg subcutaneous interferon β-1a three times weekly (n = 120) versus placebo (n = 60). We created lesion probability maps (LPMs) of the cumulative combined unique active (CUA) lesions in each patient group at each time point. Group differences were tested in terms of lesion spatial distribution and frequency of occurrence.

Results: Spatial distribution of CUA lesions throughout the study was less widespread in the treated than placebo group, with a 50% lower lesion accrual (24 vs. 48 cm3/month). Similar results were obtained with the WM tract analysis, with a reduction ranging from −47 to −66% in the treated group (p < 0.001). On voxel-wise analysis, CUA lesion frequency was lower in the treated group than the placebo group at week 4 (p = 0.07, corrected), becoming particularly pronounced (p ≤ 0.03, corrected) from week 8 onwards in large clusters of WM tracts, with peaks along fronto-parietal parts of the corticospinal tract, thalamic radiation, and superior longitudinal fascicle.

Conclusion: LPM showed, in the short term, a treatment-related reduction of MRI lesion activity in RRMS patients in specific, clinically relevant brain locations. Such a quantitative approach might be a promising additional endpoint in future MS studies alongside the number and volume of WM lesions.

Clinical Trial Registration:ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT00441103.
Clinical and Neuroimaging Characteristics of Pediatric Acute Disseminating Encephalomyelitis With and Without Antibodies to Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein
Authors: Zhang Min , Shen Jin , Zhou Shuizhen , Du Xiaonan , Li Wenhui , Yu Lifei , Zhang Yunjian , Wang Yi , Zhang Linmei
Published: November 2020

Objective: To compare the clinical and neuroimaging characteristics of anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody (MOG-ab) negative and positive pediatric acute disseminating encephalomyelitis (ADEM) patients.

Methods: Clinical characteristics, neuroimaging features, ancillary examination results, and outcomes of pediatric ADEM patients were retrospectively reviewed between February 2016 and July 2019.

Results: Among 37 pediatric ADEM patients, 24 patients (11 girls and 13 boys) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The median age was 72 (range 19–156) months, and the median follow-up duration was 20 (range 12–48) months. Children with ADEM and MOG-abs presented with increased ataxia, reduced bladder/rectum dysfunction, and paralysis compared to children without MOG-abs. An important finding was that no significant differences existed in age at symptom onset, sex ratio, time from immunotherapy to clinical improvement and clinical recovery, or modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at the last follow-up. More typical cerebral MRI lesions were detected in patients with ADEM and MOG-abs than in children without MOG-abs [11/12 (91.7%) vs. 8/12 (66.7%)]. Cerebellar lesions were higher in ADEM patients with MOG-abs (7/12, 58.3%) than in those without MOG-abs (2/12, 16.7%). While seven children had abnormal spinal MRI findings (7/12, 58.3%) and five had longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) (5/12, 41.7%) per group, the coexistence of spinal dysfunction and abnormal spinal MRI was lower in ADEM with MOG-abs (2/12, 16.7%) than in children without MOG-abs (7/12, 58.3%). Clinical improvement was achieved 1 week after immunotherapy. Most children in both groups achieved clinical recovery within 3 months after immunotherapy, although two (16.7%) patients with ADEM and MOG-abs had persistent neurological sequelae at the last follow-up.

Conclusion: MOG-abs-positive ADEM is a major subtype of pediatric ADEM. Ataxia is the most common clinical presentation in pediatric ADEM and MOG-abs. Children with ADEM and MOG-abs have similar patterns of lesions characterized by large, bilateral, widespread lesions, as well as more cerebellar lesions than children without MOG-abs. Most spinal lesions were subclinical in pediatric ADEM with MOG-abs. A favorable prognosis can be achieved for pediatric ADEM regardless of the MOG-abs status. However, some patients with MOG-abs are likely to have more severe neurological sequelae.
Deep Brain Stimulation of the Subthalamic Nucleus Modulates Reward-Related Behavior: A Systematic Review
Authors: Vachez Yvan M. , Creed Meaghan C.
Published: November 2020

Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN-DBS) is an effective treatment for the motor symptoms of movement disorders including Parkinson's Disease (PD). Despite its therapeutic benefits, STN-DBS has been associated with adverse effects on mood and cognition. Specifically, apathy, which is defined as a loss of motivation, has been reported to emerge or to worsen following STN-DBS. However, it is often challenging to disentangle the effects of STN-DBSper sefrom concurrent reduction of dopamine replacement therapy, from underlying PD pathology or from disease progression. To this end, pre-clinical models allow for the dissociation of each of these factors, and to establish neural substrates underlying the emergence of motivational symptoms following STN-DBS. Here, we performed a systematic analysis of rodent studies assessing the effects of STN-DBS on reward seeking, reward motivation and reward consumption across a variety of behavioral paradigms. We find that STN-DBS decreases reward seeking in the majority of experiments, and we outline how design of the behavioral task and DBS parameters can influence experimental outcomes. While an early hypothesis posited that DBS acts as a “functional lesion,” an analysis of lesions and inhibition of the STN revealed no consistent pattern on reward-related behavior. Thus, we discuss alternative mechanisms that could contribute to the amotivational effects of STN-DBS. We also argue that optogenetic-assisted circuit dissection could yield important insight into the effects of the STN on motivated behavior in health and disease. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the effects of STN-DBS on motivated behavior-will be critical for optimizing the clinical application of STN-DBS.
Modification of Eye–Head Coordination With High Frequency Random Noise Stimulation
Authors: Maeda Yusuke , Suzuki Makoto , Iso Naoki , Okabe Takuhiro , Cho Kilchoon , Wang Yin-Jung
Published: November 2020

The vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) plays an important role in controlling the gaze at a visual target. Although patients with vestibular hypofunction aim to improve their VOR function, some retain dysfunction for a long time. Previous studies have explored the effects of direct current stimulation on vestibular function; however, the effects of random noise stimulation on eye–head coordination have not previously been tested. Therefore, we aimed to clarify the effects of high frequency noisy vestibular stimulation (HF-nVS) on eye–head coordination related to VOR function. Thirteen healthy young adult participants with no serious disease took part in our study. The current amplitude and density used were 0.4 mA and 0.2 mA/cm2, respectively, with a random noise frequency of 100–640 Hz. The electrodes were located on both mastoid processes. The stimulus duration and fade in/out duration were 600 and 10 s, respectively. Subjects oscillated their head horizontally, gazing at the fixation point, at 1 Hz (0.5 cycles/s) for 30 repetitions. The coordination of eye–head movements was measured by eye-tracking and a motion capture system. Peak-to-peak angles for eye and head movement and deviation of the visual line from the fixation target revealed no significant differences between HF-nVS and sham. The lag time between the eye and head movement with HF-nVS post-stimulation was significantly shorter than that of the sham. We found that HF-nVS can reduce the lag time between eye and head movement and improve coordination, contributing to a clear retinal image. This technique could be applied as a form of VOR training for patients with vestibular hypofunction.
Measuring dlPFC Signals to Predict the Success of Merchandising Elements at the Point-of-Sale – A fNIRS Approach
Authors: Gier Nadine R. , Strelow Enrique , Krampe Caspar
Published: November 2020

The (re-)launch of products is frequently accompanied by point-of-sale (PoS) marketing campaigns in order to foster sales. Predicting the success of these merchandising elements at the PoS on sales is of interest to research and practice, as the misinvestments that are based on the fragmented PoS literature are tremendous. Likewise, the predictive power of neuropsychological methods has been demonstrated in various research work. Nevertheless, the practical application of these neuropsychological methods is still limited. In order to foster the application of neuropsychological methods in research and practice, the current research work aims to explore, whether mobile functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) – as a portable neuroimaging method – has the potential to predict the success of PoS merchandising elements by rendering significant neural signatures of brain regions of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC), highlighting its potential to forecast shoppers’ behaviour aka sales at the PoS. Building on previous research findings, the results of the given research work indicate that the neural signal of brain regions of the dlPFC, measured with mobile fNIRS, is able to predict actual sales associated with PoS merchandising elements, relying on the cortical relief effect. More precisely, the research findings support the hypothesis that the reduced neural activity of brain regions associated with the dlPFC can predict sales at the PoS, emphasising another crucial neural signature to predict shoppers’ purchase behaviour, next to the frequently cited reward association system. The research findings offer an innovative perspective on how to design and evaluate PoS merchandising elements, indicating fruitful theoretical and practical implications.
P300 Analysis Using High-Density EEG to Decipher Neural Response to rTMS in Patients With Schizophrenia and Auditory Verbal Hallucinations
Authors: Aubonnet Romain , Banea Ovidiu C. , Sirica Roberta , Wassermann Eric M. , Yassine Sahar , Jacob Deborah , Magnúsdóttir Brynja Björk , Haraldsson Magnús , Stefansson Sigurjon B. , Jónasson Viktor D. , Ívarsson Eysteinn , Jónasson Aron D. , Hassan Mahmoud , Gargiulo Paolo
Published: November 2020

Schizophrenia is a complex disorder about which much is still unknown. Potential treatments, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), have not been exploited, in part because of the variability in behavioral response. This can be overcome with the use of response biomarkers. It has been however shown that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can the relieve positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia, particularly auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH). This exploratory work aims to establish a quantitative methodological tool, based on high-density electroencephalogram (HD-EEG) data analysis, to assess the effect of rTMS on patients with schizophrenia and AVH. Ten schizophrenia patients with drug-resistant AVH were divided into two groups: the treatment group (TG) received 1 Hz rTMS treatment during 10 daily sessions (900 pulses/session) over the left T3-P3 International 10-20 location. The control group (CG) received rTMS treatment over the Cz (vertex) EEG location. We used the P300 oddball auditory paradigm, known for its reduced amplitude in schizophrenia with AVH, and recorded high-density electroencephalography (HD-EEG, 256 channels), twice for each patient: pre-rTMS and 1 week post-rTMS treatment. The use of HD-EEG enabled the analysis of the data in the time domain, but also in the frequency and source-space connectivity domains. The HD-EEG data were linked with the clinical outcome derived from the auditory hallucinations subscale (AHS) of the Psychotic Symptom Rating Scale (PSYRATS), the Quality of Life Scale (QoLS), and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS). The general results show a variability between subjects, independent of the group they belong to. The time domain showed a higher N1-P3 amplitude post-rTMS, the frequency domain a higher power spectral density (PSD) in the alpha and beta bands, and the connectivity analysis revealed a higher brain network integration (quantified using the participation coefficient) in the beta band. Despite the small number of subjects and the high variability of the results, this work shows a robust data analysis and an interplay between morphology, spectral, and connectivity data. The identification of a trend post-rTMS for each domain in our results is a first step toward the definition of quantitative neurophysiological parameters to assess rTMS treatment.
Prevalence of Cytopenia in the General Population—A National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Analysis
Authors: Alpert Naomi , Rapp Joseph L. , Mascarenhas John , Scigliano Eileen , Tremblay Douglas , Marcellino Bridget K. , Taioli Emanuela
Published: November 2020

Background

Cytopenia, a reduced count of blood cells manifesting as anemia, neutropenia, and/or thrombocytopenia is frequently associated with other medical conditions. However, a cytopenia may not be accompanied by a known determinant and in some of these cases, may be a precursor to pre-malignancies or hematologic cancers. Little is known about the prevalence of these unexplained cytopenias and their distribution in the population.

Materials and Methods

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2002 was used to identify those with a cytopenia in the general population. Those without an identifiable determinant in the NHANES were classified as having unexplained cytopenia. Weighted frequencies were examined to assess the prevalence of unexplained cytopenia in the population. Distribution of blood counts comparing those with unexplained cytopenia to the general population was examined. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to assess the association between unexplained cytopenia and demographic factors.

Results

Of the 7,962 people in the sample, 236 (2.0%) had any cytopenia and 86 (0.9%) had an unexplained cytopenia. Approximately 43% of all cytopenias were not accompanied by a clinical determinant. Unexplained cytopenia was more common in men (1.1%) than in women (0.7%) and in Non-Hispanic Black participants (3.4%). Among those with an unexplained cytopenia, the majority (74.8%) manifested as neutropenia. Compared to those with no cytopenia, those with unexplained cytopenia were significantly less likely to be female, have body mass index ≥30 kg/m2, and work in the service industry, and were significantly more likely to be non-Hispanic Black.

Conclusions

This is the first study to examine the prevalence of unexplained cytopenia in a nationally representative sample and may serve as a baseline for comparison with other populations. Future research to identify risk factors for development of malignant hematological disorders among those with unexplained cytopenia is warranted.
Cytotoxic T Cell Responses Induced by CS1/CRT Fusion DNA Vaccine in a Human Plasmacytoma Model
Authors: Ye Xueshi , Li Wanli , Huang Jinwen , Zhang Lifei , Zhang Ye
Published: November 2020

To date, multiple myeloma remains an incurable disease. Immunotherapy is an encouraging option in the development of multiple myeloma (MM) therapy. CS1 is a specific myeloma antigen, which is highly expressed in myeloma cells. Calreticulin (CRT) is a key determinant of cell death, which can influence antigen presentation and promote cellular phagocytic uptake. In the current study, we constructed a DNA vaccine encoding both CS1 and CRT. Our results show that the PcDNA3.1-CS1/CRT vaccine was able to induce cytotoxic T cell responses against myeloma cells in vivo, and the tumor growth was significantly suppressed in mice immunized with this vaccine. Therefore, our findings indicate that the CS1/CRT fusion DNA vaccine may represent a promising novel myeloma therapy, and the potential for combining the CS1/CRT vaccine with other myeloma treatments.
Gene Panel of Persister Cells as a Prognostic Indicator for Tumor Repopulation After Radiation
Authors: Zhao Yucui , Song Yanwei , Zhao Ruyi , Zhao Minghui , Huang Qian
Published: November 2020

Tumor repopulation during cycles of radiotherapy limits the radio-response in ensuing cycles and causes failure of treatment. It is thus of vital importance to unveil the mechanisms underlying tumor repopulating cells. Increasing evidence suggests that a subpopulation of drug-tolerant persister cancer cells (DTPs) could survive the cytotoxic treatment and resume to propagate. Whether these persister cells contribute to development of radio-resistance remains elusive. Based on the genetic profiling of DTPs by integrating datasets from Gene Expression Omnibus database, this study aimed to provide novel insights into tumor-repopulation mediated radio-resistance and identify predictive biomarkers for radio-response in clinic. A prognostic risk index, grounded on four persister genes (LYNX1, SYNPO, GADD45B, and PDLIM1), was constructed in non-small-cell lung cancer patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas Program (TCGA) using stepwise Cox regression analysis. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis further confirmed the interaction among persister-gene based risk score, radio-response and overall survival time. In addition, the predictive role of risk index was validated in vitro and in other types of TCGA patients. Gene set enrichment analysis was performed to decipher the possible biological signaling, which indicated that two forces behind persister cells, stress response and survival adaptation, might fuel the tumor repopulation after radiation. Targeting these persister cells may represent a new prognostic and therapeutic approach to enhance radio-response and prevent radio-resistance induced by tumor repopulation.
Neuronal and Cerebrovascular Complications in Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Andrabi Mudasir S. , Andrabi Shaida A.
Published: November 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a pandemic disease resulting from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, primarily in the respiratory tract. This pandemic disease has affected the entire world, and the pathobiology of this disease is not yet completely known. The Interactions of SARS-CoV-2 proteins with different cellular components in the host cell may be necessary for understanding the disease mechanism and identifying crucial pharmacological targets in COVID-19. Studies have suggested that the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on other organs, including the brain, maybe critical for understanding the pathobiology of COVID-19. Symptoms in COVID-19 patients, including impaired consciousness dizziness, headache, loss of taste and smell, vision problems, and neuromuscular pain, suggest that neuronal complications comprise a crucial component of COVID-19 pathobiology. A growing body of literature indicates that SARS-CoV-2 can enter the brain, leading to neuronal defects in COVID-19 patients. Other studies suggest that SARS-CoV-2 may aggravate neuronal complications due to its effects on the cerebrovascular system. Emerging pieces of evidence show that stroke can be one of the leading neurological complications in COVID-19. In this review, we describe the observations about neuronal complications of COVID-19 and how SARS-CoV-2 may invade the brain. We will also discuss the cerebrovascular problems and occurrence of stroke in COVID-19 patients. We will also present the observations and our views about the potential pharmacological strategies and targets in COVID-19. We hope this review will help comprehend the current knowledge of neuronal and cerebrovascular complications from SARS-CoV-2 infections and highlight the possible long-term consequences of SARS-CoV-2 on the human brain.
Pattern Formation and Tropical Geometry
Authors: Kalinin Nikita
Published: November 2020

Sandpile models exhibit fascinating pattern structures: patches, characterized by quadratic functions, and line-shaped patterns (also called solitons, webs, or linear defects). It was predicted by Dhar and Sadhu that sandpile patterns with line-like features may be described in terms of tropical geometry. We explain the main ideas and technical tools—tropical geometry and discrete superharmonic functions—used to rigorously establish certain properties of these patterns. It seems that the aforementioned tools have great potential for generalization and application in a variety of situations.
Developments and Recent Progresses in Microwave Impedance Microscope
Authors: Zhong Zhaoqi , Chen Xiaolong , Quan Xing , Huan Huiting , Nian Fushun , Liang Shengli , Yang Yanhong
Published: November 2020

Microwave impedance microscope (MIM) is a near-field microwave technology which has low emission energy and can detect samples without any damages. It has numerous advantages, which can appreciably suppress the common-mode signal as the sensing probe separates from the excitation electrode, and it is an effective device to represent electrical properties with high spatial resolution. This article reviews the major theories of MIM in detail which involve basic principles and instrument configuration. Besides, this paper summarizes the improvement of MIM properties, and its cutting-edge applications in quantitative measurements of nanoscale permittivity and conductivity, capacitance variation, and electronic inhomogeneity. The relevant implementations in recent literature and prospects of MIM based on the current requirements are discussed. Limitations and advantages of MIM are also highlighted and surveyed to raise awareness for more research into the existing near-field microwave microscopy. This review on the ongoing progress and future perspectives of MIM technology aims to provide a reference for the electronic and microwave measurement community.
Developing a Photoacoustic Whole-Breast Imaging System Based on the Synthetic Matrix Array
Authors: Zhang Guangjie , Li Wenzhao , Yang Meng , Li Changhui
Published: November 2020

In this study, we reported a photoacoustic (PA) imaging system for whole-breast imaging. Similar to the traditional X-ray mammography, this system slightly compressed the breast by a water tank. The PA signal is acquired via scanning a long unfocused ultrasonic linear array probe over the breast top surface, and the expanded high-energy laser pulses illuminate the breast bottom through a transparent supporting plate. Scanning the unfocused transducer probe is equivalent to a synthetic two-dimensional (2D) matrix array, which significantly increased the field of view (FOV) via a much easier way and at a much lower cost. Our phantom results demonstrated that this system has a great potential for clinical implementation.
Medical Students Immersed in a Hyper-Realistic Surgical Training Environment Leads to Improved Measures of Emotional Resiliency by Both Hardiness and Emotional Intelligence Evaluation
Authors: White Allana , Zapata Isain , Lenz Alissa , Ryznar Rebecca , Nevins Natalie , Hoang Tuan N. , Franciose Reginald , Safaoui Marian , Clegg David , LaPorta Anthony J.
Published: November 2020

Background

Burnout is being experienced by medical students, residents, and practicing physicians at significant rates. Higher levels of Hardiness and Emotional Intelligence may protect individuals against burnout symptoms. Previous studies have shown both Hardiness and Emotional IntelIigence protect against detrimental effects of stress and can be adapted through training; however, there is limited research on how training programs affect both simultaneously. Therefore, the objective of this study was to define the association of Hardiness and Emotional Intelligence and their potential improvement through hyper realistic immersion simulation training in military medical students.

Methods

Participants in this study consisted of 68 second year medical students representing five medical schools who were concurrently enrolled in the United States military scholarship program. During a six day hyper-realistic surgical simulation training course, students rotated through different roles of a medical team and responded to several mass-casualty scenarios. Hardiness and Emotional Intelligence were assessed using the Hardiness Resilience Gauge (HRG) and the Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-I 2.0) respectively, at two time points: on arrival (pre-event) and after completion of the course (post-event).

Results

Hardiness and Emotional Intelligence scores and sub scores consistently improved from pre-event to post-event assessments. No difference in training benefit was observed between genders but differences were observed by age where age was more often associated with Emotional Intelligence. In addition, factor analysis indicated that the HRG and EQ-I 2.0 assessment tools measured predominately different traits although they share some commonalities in some components.

Conclusion

This study indicates that Hardiness and Emotional Intelligence scores can be improved through immersion training in military medical students. Results from this study support the use of training course interventions and prompt the need for long term evaluation of improvement strategies on mitigating burnout symptoms.
Investigating Children’s Narrative Abilities in a Chinese and Multilingual Context: Cantonese, Mandarin, Kam and Urdu Adaptations of the Multilingual Assessment Instrument for Narratives (MAIN)
Authors: Kan Rachel T. Y. , Chan Angel , Gagarina Natalia
Published: November 2020

This article introduces the LITMUS-MAIN (Language Impairment Testing in Multilingual Settings-MAIN) and motivates the adaptation of this instrument into Chinese languages and language pairs involving a Chinese language, namely Cantonese, Mandarin, Kam, Urdu. We propose that these new adapted protocols not only contribute to the theoretical discussion on story grammar and widen the evidential base of MAIN to include more languages in studying bilinguals, they also offer new methods of assessing language development in young children that have the potential to tease apart the effects of language impairment and bilingualism and improve the identification of Developmental Language Disorder. These new protocols are the first tools to be designed for the dual assessment of language skills in these particular languages, in particular narrative skills in bilingual children speaking these languages. By catering to under-researched languages and over-looked groups of bilingual children, these new tools could improve the clinical management for certain bilingual ethnic minority children such as Urdu-Cantonese and Kam-Mandarin bilinguals, as well as promote the study of these groups and their acquisition issues. Advances in understanding the theoretical and acquisition issues in childhood bilingualism can also be made possible using these new tools.
Loneliness and Social Distancing During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Risk Factors and Associations With Psychopathology
Authors: Hoffart Asle , Johnson Sverre Urnes , Ebrahimi Omid V.
Published: November 2020

Background: The mitigation strategies employed against the COVID-19 pandemic have severe mental health consequences. In particular, as a result of the social distancing protocols, loneliness is likely to increase. This study investigates (a) potential risk and resilience factors for loneliness in the Norwegian population during the strict social distancing non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) implemented against the pandemic and (b) the associations between loneliness and psychopathology symptoms.

Methods: A survey was disseminated online to the adult Norwegian population when strict social distancing measures had been implemented for 2 weeks. The resulting sample of 10,061 respondents was unproportionate in terms of gender and educational level and thus sensitivity analyses were conducted. The levels of loneliness were compared across demographic sub-groups, and regression analyses were conducted to identify potential risk and resilience factors for loneliness and associations between loneliness and psychopathology symptoms.

Results: Among the stable factors, being single and having a psychiatric diagnosis were related to more loneliness with small effect sizes. Among the state risk factors, more rumination and worry in general were associated with stronger loneliness, showing a medium effect size. Among the coping behaviors examined, doing new things at home not done otherwise was negatively related to loneliness, with a small effect size. Loneliness was associated with both depression and anxiety with small effect sizes when all potential confounders and psychiatric diagnosis were controlled for. The relationship to depression was more marked than the relationship to anxiety.

Conclusions: The findings suggest that singles and those with a psychiatric diagnosis were most affected by loneliness during the implementation of social distancing measures to impede the coronavirus. The results support the link between loneliness and depression and anxiety symptoms. The results of the analysis of potential risk and resilience factors point to intervention targets for reducing loneliness during pandemic crises.
Carbon Ion Therapy Inhibits Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Metastasis by Upregulating STAT3 Through the JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Luo Hongtao , Yang Zhen , Zhang Qiuning , Shao Lihua , Wei Shihong , Liu Ruifeng , Li Zheng , Geng Yichao , Li Chengcheng , Wang Xiaohu
Published: November 2020

Radiation therapy is an important component of the comprehensive treatment of esophageal cancer. However, conventional radiation resistance is one of the main reasons for treatment failure. The superiority of heavy ion radiation in physics and biology has been increasingly highlighted in radiation therapy research. The Janus Kinase 2/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) pathway plays an important role in the occurrence, development and metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and is related to the development of resistance to ionizing radiation in ESCC. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between carbon ion inhibition of the proliferation and metastasis of esophageal carcinoma cells and the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. The results demonstrated that carbon ion beams significantly reduced cell viability and stimulated apoptosis in human ESCC cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, carbon ion beams induced G2/M phase cell cycle arrest in ESCC cells and inhibited tumor metastasis in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, poorly differentiated KYSE150 cells were more sensitive to the same carbon ion beam dose than moderately differentiated ECA109 cells. Carbon ion beam exposure regulated the relative expression of metastasis-related molecules at the transcriptional and translational levels in ESCC cells. Carbon ion beams also regulatedCDH1andMMP2downstream of the STAT3 pathway and inhibited ESCC cell metastasis, which activated the STAT3 signaling pathway. This study confirmed the inhibition of cell proliferation and the metastatic effect of carbon ion beam therapy in ESCC cells.
Canonical Correlation Analysis on the Association Between Sleep Quality and Nutritional Status Among Centenarians in Hainan
Authors: Liu Guangdong , Yang Shanshan , Liu Wei , Wang Shengshu , Tai Penggang , Kou Fuyin , Jia Wangping , Han Ke , Liu Miao , He Yao
Published: November 2020

Objective: To analyze the correlation between nutritional status and sleep quality among centenarians.

Methods: A total of 1,002 centenarians in Hainan were included in the full sample survey. The Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF) was used for nutritional risk assessment and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Scale (PSQI) was used for evaluating sleep quality. Canonical correlation analysis was conducted to analyze their correlation.

Results: Two statistically significant (p < 0.05) canonical coefficients were found, with the first canonical correlation coefficient having a value of 0.247, eigenvalue of 0.065, and contribution rate of 89.0%. The linear combination of nutrition variable V1, mainly determined by MNA1 (appetite loss), MNA5 (dementia/depression), and MNA2 (weight loss), indicates an association with sleep quality; the linear combination of sleep quality W1, mainly determined by PSQI1 (subjective sleep quality), PSQI7 (daytime dysfunction), and PSQI2 (sleep latency), indicates an association with nutritional status. Appetite loss, dementia/depression, and weight loss have negative correlations with subjective sleep quality and daytime dysfunction.

Conclusion: Among centenarians, the relationship between nutritional status and sleep quality is bidirectional. Furthermore, appetite loss, dementia/depression, weight loss, subjective sleep quality, and daytime dysfunction are the main relevant factors.
#Quarantineworkout: The Use of Digital Tools and Online Training Among Boxers and Boxing Coaches During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Tjønndal Anne
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this article is to explore the use of online training strategies and digital tools amongst coaches and athletes in boxing clubs during the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent shutdown of organized sport. A digital qualitative research strategy was applied to boxing clubs, boxers, and boxing coaches in Norway. A total of 46 official clubs, athletes, and coach pages on Facebook were followed from 12th March to 30th June 2020, resulting in a sample of 78 social media posts (texts, photos, and videos). A content analysis approach was used for the material. The results show that the use of digital tools amongst the studied Norwegian coaches and boxing clubs varied in frequency and form during the spring of 2020 (COVID-19 shutdown). For them, the most frequent use of digital instruments was to communicate internally and externally about the COVID-19 situation, national rules and guidelines. The material demonstrated that online training strategies varied between different constellations of three specific factors: (1) synchronized (live-streamed) online training and unsynchronized online training (at home training videos and programmes), (2) publicly published online training that was only accessible through digital registration, and (3) free online training and online training that was only available to paying members. For the athletes in the material, the most frequent content was social media posts for self-promotion purposes. Additionally, several of the athletes expressed that they struggled to cope with and manage the training at home during lockdown, and that they deeply missed training and competing as usual.