bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabarcoding reveals high diversity of benthic foraminifera linked to water masses circulation at coastal Svalbard
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc‐Loi , Pawłowska Joanna , Angeles Inès Barrenechea , Zajaczkowski Marek , Pawłowski Jan
Published: October 2022

Arctic marine biodiversity is undergoing rapid changes due to global warming and modifications of oceanic water masses circulation. These changes have been demonstrated in the case of mega‐ and macrofauna, but much less is known about their impact on the biodiversity of smaller size organisms, such as foraminifera that represent a main component of meiofauna in the Arctic. Several studies analyzed the distribution and diversity of Arctic foraminifera. However, all these studies are based exclusively on the morphological identification of specimens sorted from sediment samples. Here, we present the first assessment of Arctic foraminifera diversity based on metabarcoding of sediment DNA samples collected in fjords and open sea areas in the Svalbard Archipelago. We obtained a total of 5,968,786 reads that represented 1384 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs). More than half of the ASVs (51.7%) could not be assigned to any group in the reference database suggesting a high genetic novelty of Svalbard foraminifera. The sieved and unsieved samples resolved comparable communities, sharing 1023 ASVs, comprising over 97% of reads. Our analyses show that the foraminiferal assemblage differs between the localities, with communities distinctly separated between fjord and open sea stations. Each locality was characterized by a specific assemblage, with only a small overlap in the case of open sea areas. Our study demonstrates a clear pattern of the influence of water masses on the structure of foraminiferal communities. The stations situated on the western coast of Svalbard that are strongly influenced by warm and salty Atlantic water (AW) are characterized by much higher diversity than stations in the northern and eastern part, where the impact of AW is less pronounced. This high diversity and specificity of Svalbard foraminifera associated with water mass distribution indicate that the foraminiferal metabarcoding data can be very useful for inferring present and past environmental conditions in the Arctic.
Estimation of the determinants for HIV late presentation using the traditional definition and molecular clock‐inferred dates: Evidence that older age, heterosexual risk group and more recent diagnosis are prognostic factors
Authors: Kostaki Evangelia Georgia , Limnaios Stefanos , Adamis Georgios , Xylomenos Georgios , Chini Maria , Mangafas Nikos , Lazanas Marios , Patrinos Stavros , Metallidis Simeon , Tsachouridou Olga , Papastamopoulos Vasileios , Chatzidimitriou Dimitrios , Antoniadou Anastasia , Papadopoulos Antonios , Protopapas Konstantinos , Tsiara Chrysa , Psichogiou Mina , Basoulis Dimitrios , Pilalas Dimitrios , Paraskeva Dimitra , Chrysos Georgios , Paparizos Vasileios , Kourkounti Sofia , Sambatakou Helen , Bolanos Vasileios , Sipsas Nikolaos V. , Lada Malvina , Barbounakis Emmanouil , Kantzilaki Evrikleia , Panagopoulos Periklis , Petrakis Vasilis , Drimis Stelios , Katsarolis Ioannis , Lagiou Pagona , Hatzakis Angelos , Magiorkinis Gkikas , Skoura Lemonia , Paraskevis Dimitrios
Published: October 2022

Objectives

HIV late presentation (LP) has been increasing in recent years in Europe. Our aim was to investigate the characteristics of LP in Greece using in addition to the traditional definition for LP, the time interval between HIV infection and diagnosis.

Methods

Our nationwide sample included HIV‐1 sequences generated from 6166 people living with HIV (PLWH) in Greece during the period 1999–2015. Our analysis was based on the molecularly inferred HIV‐1 infection dates for PLWH infected within local molecular transmission clusters of subtypes A1 and B.

Results

Analysis of the determinants of LP was conducted using either CD4 counts or AIDS‐defining condition at diagnosis or the time from infection to diagnosis. Older age, heterosexual transmission risk group and more recent diagnosis were associated with increased risk for LP. In contrast to previous studies, people who inject drugs (PWID) had a shorter median time to diagnosis (0.63 years) compared to men who have sex with men (MSM) (1.72 years) and heterosexuals (2.43 years). Using HIV infection dates that provide an unbiased marker for LP compared to CD4 counts at diagnosis, which are age‐dependent, we estimated that the time to diagnosis increased gradually with age. Migrants infected regionally do not differ with respect to LP status compared to native Greeks.

Conclusions

We demonstrate that older people and heterosexuals are among those at higher risk for LP; and given the growing number of older people among newly diagnosed cases, tailored interventions are needed in these populations.
Granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor–stimulated human macrophages demonstrate enhanced functions contributing to T‐cell activation
Authors: Farzam‐kia Negar , Lemaître Florent , Carmena Moratalla Ana , Carpentier Solorio Yves , Da Cal Sandra , Jamann Hélène , Klement Wendy , Antel Jack , Duquette Pierre , Girard Jean Marc , Prat Alexandre , Larochelle Catherine , Arbour Nathalie
Published: October 2022

Granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) has been implicated in numerous chronic inflammatory diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS). GM‐CSF impacts multiple properties and functions of myeloid cells via species‐specific mechanisms. Therefore, we assessed the effect of GM‐CSF on different human myeloid cell populations found in MS lesions: monocyte‐derived macrophages (MDMs) and microglia. We previously reported a greater number of interleukin (IL)‐15+ myeloid cells in the brain of patients with MS than in controls. Therefore, we investigated whether GM‐CSF exerts its deleterious effects in MS by increasing IL‐15 expression on myeloid cells. We found that GM‐CSF increased the proportion of IL‐15+ cells and/or IL‐15 levels on nonpolarized, M1‐polarized and M2‐polarized MDMs from healthy donors and patients with MS. GM‐CSF also increased IL‐15 levels on human adult microglia. When cocultured with GM‐CSF–stimulated MDMs, activated autologous CD8+ T lymphocytes secreted and expressed significantly higher levels of effector molecules (e.g. interferon‐γ and GM‐CSF) compared with cocultures with unstimulated MDMs. However, neutralizing IL‐15 did not attenuate enhanced effector molecule expression on CD8+ T lymphocytes triggered by GM‐CSF–stimulated MDMs. We showed that GM‐CSF stimulation of MDMs increased their expression of CD80 and ICAM‐1 and their secretion of IL‐6, IL‐27 and tumor necrosis factor. These molecules could participate in boosting the effector properties of CD8+ T lymphocytes independently of IL‐15. By contrast, GM‐CSF did not alter CD80, IL‐27, tumor necrosis factor and chemokine (C–X–C motif) ligand 10 expression/secretion by human microglia. Therefore, our results underline the distinct impact of GM‐CSF on human myeloid cells abundantly present in MS lesions.
Accounting for Non‐ignorable Sampling and Non‐response in Statistical Matching
Authors: Marella Daniela , Pfeffermann Danny
Published: October 2022

Data for statistical analysis is often available from different samples, with each sample containing measurements on only some of the variables of interest. Statistical matching attempts to generate a fused database containing matched measurements on all the target variables. In this article, we consider the use of statistical matching when the samples are drawn by informative sampling designs and are subject to not missing at random non‐response. The problem with ignoring the sampling process and non‐response is that the distribution of the data observed for the responding units can be very different from the distribution holding for the population data, which may distort the inference process and result in a matched database that misrepresents the joint distribution in the population. Our proposed methodology employs the empirical likelihood approach and is shown to perform well in a simulation experiment and when applied to real sample data.
Women are underrepresented in cardiac resynchronization therapy trials
Authors: Ahmad Javaria , Ahmad Hassaan A. , Surapaneni Phani , Penagaluri Ashritha , Desai Sapna , Dominic Paari
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Current guidelines for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device implant are the same across both sexes however women have been traditionally underrepresented in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We aimed to identify if the number of women included in CRT trials is representative of the real‐world burden of heart failure (HF) in women.

Methods

RCTs evaluating the benefit of CRT in HF patients referenced in the 2012 EHRA/HRS expert consensus statement on CRT in HF were included. Studies were evaluated for gender representation, baseline variables, and gender‐based analysis of outcomes.

Results

A total of 10 CRT trials including 8107 patients were studied. Of the total patient population in these RCTs, only 23% were women. Analysis of outcomes based on sex was reported only in 5 out of 10 trials. Of these five trials reporting sex‐based outcomes, multicenter automatic defibrillator implantation trial with cardiac resynchronization therapy (MADIT‐CRT) and resynchronization–defibrillation for ambulatory heart failure trial (RAFT) showed a greater benefit in women compared to men. Both MADIT and RAFT trials had a lower ejection fraction (EF) cut‐off in the inclusion criteria (EF ≤ 30%) compared to the studies that did not find gender‐based differences in the outcome (inclusion criteria: EF ≤ 35% or 40%). Additionally, women had less ischemic cardiomyopathy and more left bundle branch block (LBBB) compared to men in these two trials.

Conclusion

Women are underrepresented in CRT trials; however, they have been shown to derive a greater benefit from CRT compared to men. Appropriate measures should be taken in future studies to enhance the participation of women in clinical trials for more generalizable evidence.
Changes in MCP‐1, HGF, and IGF‐1 expression in endometrial stromal cells, PBMCs, and PFMCs of endometriotic women following 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment
Authors: Heidari Sahel , Kolahdouz‐Mohammadi Roya , Khodaverdi Sepideh , Mohammadi Tahereh , Delbandi Ali‐Akbar
Published: October 2022

1,25(OH)2D3 has anti‐inflammatory and growth inhibitory effects. Our study explored the effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment on the expression of monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 (MCP‐1), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), peritoneal fluid mononuclear cells (PFMCs), endometrial stromal cells (ESCs), and its effect on the proliferation of PBMCs and PFMCs of patients with endometriosis compared with controls. PBMCs, PFMCs, and ESCs were obtained from 10 endometriosis patients and 10 non‐endometriotic individuals. After treating cells with 0.1 μM of 1,25(OH)2D3 for 6, 24, and 48 h, the gene and protein expression of mentioned factors were evaluated by real‐time PCR and ELISA methods, respectively. 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment significantly reduced the protein expression of MCP‐1, HGF, and IGF‐1 in PBMCs and PFMCs of endometriotic patients at 48 h (p < 0.05–<0.01). Also, this treatment significantly reduced MCP‐1, HGF, and IGF‐1 gene and/or protein expression in EESCs and EuESCs at 24 and 48 h (p < 0.05–<0.01). 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment also reduced the proliferation of PBMCs and PFMCs of endometriotic patients compared with controls (p < 0.01). 1,25(OH)2D3 can be considered as a potentially effective agent in the prevention and treatment of endometriosis along with other therapies.
Does an initial public offering (IPO) issuer's Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee calculation method predict pricing revisions and IPO underpricing?
Authors: Corrigan Patrick M.
Published: October 2022

This paper proposes a new proxy for the ex ante expectations of issuers and their underwriters about the direction of pricing revisions during the roadshows of an initial public offering (IPO): the way issuers elect to calculate the registration fees owed to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Consistent with fee‐minimizing decision‐making, I find that the choice of fee calculation method is associated with pricing revisions and IPO underpricing. This relationship suggests that issuers or their advisors may not incorporate economically significant private valuation information into the initial pricing range estimate and initial public offering price. The results provide empirical support for theoretical models of partial adjustment and IPO underpricing driven by the preferences of underwriters or managers of issuers for underpriced IPOs.
Influence of ultrasound processing on the quality of guava juice
Authors: Kalsi Baldev Singh , Singh Sandhya , Alam Mohammed Shafiq
Published: October 2022

Ultrasound has been found to be a non‐thermal method for inactivating microorganisms pertinent to fruit juices. The current research was planned with the goal of investigating the influence of sonication on the quality of guava juice when treated at a constant 40 kHz frequency, 200 W radiating power for different processing times of 2, 6, and 10 min in ultrasonic bath. After ultrasound treatment, the values of pH and titratable acidity varied non‐significantly (p > 0.05), while 6 min of sonication showed significant decrement in total soluble solids. The cloud value, color attributes (a* and b*), hue angle, chroma, and antioxidant increased after ultrasound processing. On the other hand, non‐enzymatic browning decreased significantly. Furthermore, ultrasound processing significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced the amount of ascorbic acid (2.45%–4.70%) and total phenolics (3.50%–4.35%) regardless of the processing time. The sonication also demonstrated significant effect to inactivate microbial load with maximum total plate count inactivation of 38.18% and highest yeast and mold count inactivation of 33.20% at 10 min of time. A sensory test showed that the sonicated samples of guava juice had a good acceptance similar to fresh juice of guava. Thus, result of this investigation showed that ultrasound processing at 40 kHz can be a practical choice for fruit juice processing at industry level, particularly for guava juice production.

Practical Applications

Increasing consumer preferences for healthier foods stimulate the growth of the global fruit juice market. The ultrasound is an emerging novel technology that is seen as a prospective substitute to traditional thermal treatments due to its capability to enhance stability and nutritional quality of juices. This research investigation displayed that the sonication treatment effectively retained the quality attributes of the guava juice. The improved phenolic and antioxidant stability achieved with a novel non‐thermal approach is directly linked to the nutritive and economic benefits of industrial processing. This research work promotes a novel processing treatment of ultrasound which enhances the quality and stability of juices.
Effect of green technologies of cold plasma and airborne ultrasound wave on the germination and growth indices of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) seeds
Authors: Namjoo Moslem , Moradi Mehdi , Dibagar Nesa , Taghvaei Mansour , Niakousari Mehrdad
Published: October 2022

Current research is considered to study the effect of nonthermal physical field technologies of atmospheric cold plasma (CP) and ultrasound waves (US) on the germination and seedling indices of cumin seeds. In this regard, different drying strategies were planned in a single and combined form using a lab‐scale cold plasma unit and ultrasound‐assisted air dryer. Various duration of CP pretreatment (CPt: 0, 15, and 30 s), ultrasound power (P: 0, 60, 120, and 180 W), and air temperature (T: 30, 35, and 40°C) were practiced to investigate the changes in germination traits and microstructure characteristics of cumin seeds. It was found that CP pretreatment and ultrasound treatment in a single form significantly increased germination percentage, germination index, and germination rate as well as seeding vigor of cumin seeds. The morphological alteration in the surface of the seeds, which modifies the seed surface hydrophilicity and accelerates water uptake, may be the leading cause of CP and US‐induced modification in the germination power. The highest stimulatory effect belonged to the combined application of cold plasma and ultrasound wave when the cumin seeds were treated with an appropriate CP dose and ultrasound energy. So that, the maximum germination percentage (92%), germination index (14.91), and germination rate (21.33%), as well as the highest values of seedling vigor index I (178.67 mm) and vigor index II (420.72 mg), were in possession of pretreatment with CPt: 15 s before ultrasound‐assisted drying at T ≤ 35°C and P ≤ 120 W.

Practical Applications

This study demonstrates the potential of cold plasma and ultrasound wave before and during air drying of cumin seeds, respectively. Cold plasma was used as a nonthermal and nonchemical pretreatment strategy before air drying of cumin seeds in ultrasound‐assisted dryer. A single application of cold plasma caused a significant increase in germination percentage, germination index, and germination rate of cumin seeds. The positive effect of cold plasma on the studied parameter of cumin seeds intensified when it was supported by airborne low‐power ultrasound waves during air drying.
Effect of microwave pretreatment on the extraction of antioxidant‐rich red color betacyanin, phenolic, and flavonoid from the crown of Cylindra‐type beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.)
Authors: Zin Moh Moh , Nagy Katalin , Bánvölgyi Szilvia , Abrankó László , Nath Arijit
Published: October 2022

In the context of “waste valorization,” recovery of biomolecules from agri‐food wastes by the innovative extraction technique has come to the forefront. In this investigation, the effect of microwave pretreatment on aqueous extraction of betacyanin (BC), phenolic, flavonoid, and antioxidant from the crown part of Cylindra‐type beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) has been studied. Two major operating parameters of leaching, such as temperature and extraction time have been varied, ranging from 30°C to 60°C and 20–60 min, respectively to optimize the extraction of mentioned biomolecules through the response surface methodology technique. Moreover, the extraction of mentioned biomolecules by leaching was increased by microwave pretreatment (at 800 W for 3 min). As an example: the microwave‐assisted aqueous leaching process provided BC color compound 17.12 ± 0.37 mg/g dry matter (DM), total phenolic compounds (TPC) 57.89 ± 1.14 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g DM, total flavonoids content (TFC) 10.37 ± 0.00 mg quercetin equivalent (QUE)/g DM and total antioxidant activity (AA) 56.13 ± 0.92 mg ascorbic acid equivalent (ASE)/g DM. Whereas, BC, TPC, TFC, and AA were 3.04 ± 0.07 mg/g DM, 2.81 ± 0.11 mg GAE/g DM, 2.43 ± 0.41 mg QUE/g DM, and 4.38 ± 0.18 mg ASE/g DM by aqueous leaching process without microwave pretreatment. Subsequently, the existence of two major different BC, such as betanin and iso‐betanin have been examined by high‐performance liquid chromatography‐diode array detector‐electrospray ionization‐quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight. In addition, changes in the morphology of the plant matrix were pointed out by field emission scanning electron microscope. Our investigation has proven the positive impacts of microwave pretreatment on the extraction of mentioned bioactive compounds by infusion and maceration processes as well.

Practical Applications

The application of innovative emerging technologies for the effective scavenging of bioactive compounds from agro‐industrial discharges has been focused on. Under the study range, microwave‐assisted leaching extraction was found to be the most efficient method as it exhibited the utmost amounts of betacyanin, phenolic, flavonoid, and antioxidants in microwave‐assisted maceration and infusion processes. This investigation encourages the short‐time microwave pretreatment before the performance of traditional solid–liquid extractions in order to improve the extraction efficacy of plant compounds.
Challenges and opportunities in creating a deprescribing program in the emergency department: A qualitative study
Authors: Lee Sangil , Bobb Swanson Morgan , Fillman Allison , Carnahan Ryan M. , Seaman Aaron T. , Reisinger Heather Schacht
Published: October 2022

Background

As the population of older adults increases, appropriate deprescribing becomes increasingly important for emergency geriatric care. Older adults represent the sickest patients with chronic medical conditions, and they are often exposed to high‐risk medications. We need to provide an evidence‐based, standardized deprescribing program in the acute care setting, yet the evidence base is lacking and standardized medication programs are needed.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study with the goal to understand the perspective of healthcare workers, patients, and caregivers on deprescribing high‐risk medications in the context of emergency care practices, provider preferences, and practice variability, along with the facilitators and barriers to an effective deprescribing program in the emergency department (ED). To ensure rich, contextual data, the study utilized two qualitative methods: (1) a focus group with physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, pharmacists, and geriatricians involved in care of older adults and their prescriptions in the acute care setting; (2) semi‐structured interviews with patients and caregivers involved in treatment and emergency care. Transcriptions were coded using thematic content analysis, and the principal investigator (S.L.) and trained research staff categorized each code into themes.

Results

Data collection from a focus group with healthcare workers (n = 8) and semi‐structured interviews with patients and caregivers (n = 20) provided evidence of a potentially promising ED medication program, aligned with the vision of comprehensive care of older adults, that can be used to evaluate practices and develop interventions. We identified four themes: (1) Challenges in medication history taking, (2) missed opportunities in identifying high‐risk medications, (3) facilitators and barriers to deprescribing recommendations, and (4) how to coordinate deprescribing recommendations.

Conclusions

Our focus group and semi‐structured interviews resulted in a framework for an ED medication program to screen, identify, and deprescribe high‐risk medications for older adults and coordinate their care with primary care providers.
Implications of garnet nucleation overstepping for the P–T evolution of the Lesser Himalayan Sequence of central Nepal
Authors: Tamang Shashi , Groppo Chiara , Girault Frédéric , Rolfo Franco
Published: October 2022

Recent studies have demonstrated that kinetic factors can significantly influence garnet nucleation, delaying its appearance with respect to the equilibrium predictions. Overstepping of garnet nucleation occurs in both contact and regional metamorphic settings, with extremely variable degrees: The factors controlling such highly variable degrees of overstepping are still unclear. This study focuses on garnet nucleation and growth in aluminous metapelites from the Barrovian inverted metamorphic pile of the upper portion of the Lesser Himalayan Sequence (Upper‐LHS; central Nepal), with the aim of (i) investigating if (and how) the bulk‐rock composition can influence overstepping of garnet nucleation and (ii) which are the implications of garnet nucleation overstepping for the P–T evolution of a Barrovian metamorphic sequence. Detailed petrographic, microstructural and compositional data are presented for six phyllitic schists, containing porphyroblasts of garnet, staurolite and/or kyanite. Their P–T evolution is constrained through thermodynamic forward modelling (i.e., isochemical phase diagrams combined with isopleth thermobarometry), assuming that equilibrium was attained at every stage of their metamorphic evolution. Comparison between the P–T conditions inferred for the growth of garnet core, the assemblages predicted to be stable at these P–T conditions and the modelled garnet‐in reaction boundary suggests that the studied samples have experienced different degrees of apparent thermal (ΔT) and/or baric (ΔP) overstepping of garnet nucleation. We suggest that the bulk‐rock MnO and CaO amounts might have influenced the apparent ΔT and ΔP overstepping of the garnet‐in reaction: more specifically, the higher the bulk‐rock MnO content, the more pronounced the apparent ΔT overstepping, whereas the lower the bulk‐rock CaO content, the greater the ΔP overstepping. However, rather than an effective delay of garnet appearance with respect to equilibrium predictions, the apparent ΔT overstepping of garnet nucleation could reflect the attainment of the critical 0.5% threshold of garnet abundance, below which garnet is not readily detected in thin section. Kinetic factors seem much less critical in controlling the growth of the garnet rim at peak P–T conditions, confirming that peak metamorphic conditions constrained through equilibrium approaches based on the composition of garnet rim and of the matrix assemblage can be considered as reliable. Overall, the P–T paths of the studied samples are characterized by prograde heating coupled with tectonic overload (peak‐P conditions of 9.5–10.5 kbar, 580–590°C), followed by heating during exhumation (peak‐T conditions of 8.2–8.9 kbar, 610–630°C), supporting those thermo‐mechanical models that predict a period of slowdown (or quiescence) of the Main Central Thrust activity.
Refining the process: Safety net dental professionals' experiences with teledentistry implementation during the first year of COVID‐19
Authors: McLeod Caroline D. , Heaton Lisa J. , Chung‐Bridges Katherine , Raskin Sarah E.
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Teledentistry helped dentistry adapt to pandemic‐era challenges; little is known about dental professionals' teledentistry experiences during this time. This analysis sought to understand professionals' pandemic teledentistry experiences and expectations for the modality's future.

Methods

We conducted virtual individual interviews (n = 21) via Zoom to understand how federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) delivered oral care during the first year of the pandemic, including but not limited to the use of teledentistry. We independently coded each transcript, then identified themes and sub‐themes.

Results

We identified three major themes: (1) Logistical and equity considerations shaped teledentistry's adoption; (2) Team‐based factors influenced implementation; and (3) Teledentistry's future is as‐yet undetermined.

Conclusions

Experiences with teledentistry during the first year of COVID‐19 varied substantially. Future directions should be more deliberate to counter the urgency of pandemic‐style implementation and must address appropriate use, reimbursement guidance, patient and provider challenges, and customizability to each clinic's context.
Effective pavement skid resistance measurement using multi‐scale textures and deep fusion network
Authors: Liu Chenglong , Xu Nan , Weng Zihang , Li Yishun , Du Yuchuan , Cao Jing
Published: October 2022

Pavement skid resistance measurement is a fundamental component of roadway management and maintenance. Most traditional approaches rely on manual operations or heavy devices, which lead to a labor‐intensive, inefficient, and vulnerable testing environment. Precise laser scanning technology lays a solid foundation for effective and continuous pavement friction measurement. This paper proposed an automated pavement friction estimation model using 3D point cloud data and a deep neural network. The fine‐grained texture data of over 800 pavement sections with various anti‐skidding abilities were collected. The impact of the multi‐scale textures on pavement friction was separated and analyzed via two‐dimensional wavelet decomposition. A multi‐input fusion network with deep aggregation modules was designed to fuse the features of sub‐images generated by wavelet decomposition. The results show that the average prediction error is 0.0935, outperforming most state‐of‐the‐art models. The impact of different texture scales on friction estimation is then revealed. The proposed method provides a new tool for effective and large‐scale pavement friction evaluation.
Artificial intelligence‐based algorithm for cervical vertebrae maturation stage assessment
Authors: Radwan Mohamad Talal , Sin Çağla , Akkaya Nurullah , Vahdettin Levent
Published: October 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm to automatically and accurately determine the stage of cervical vertebra maturation (CVM) with the main purpose being to eliminate the human error factor.

Setting and Sample Population

Archives of the cephalometric images were reviewed and the data of 1501 subjects with fully visible cervical vertebras were included in this retrospective study.

Materials and Methods

Lateral cephalometric (LC) that met the inclusion criteria were used in the training process, labeling was carried out using a computer vision annotation tool (CVAT), tracing was done by an experienced orthodontist as a gold standard and, in order to limit the effect of the uneven distribution of the training data set, maturation stage was classified with a modified Bachetti method by the operator who labelled them. The labelled data were split randomly into a training set (80%), a testing set (10%) and an validation set (10%), to measure intra‐observer, inter‐observer reliability, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and weighted Cohen's kappa test was carried out.

Results

The ICC was valued at 0.973, weighted Cohen's kappa standard error was 0.870 ± 0.027 which shows high reliability of the observers and excellent level of agreement between them, the segmentation network achieved a global accuracy of 0.99 and the average dice score overall images was 0.93. The classification network achieved an accuracy of 0.802, class sensitivity of (pre‐pubertal 0.78; pubertal 0.45; post‐pubertal 0.98), respectively, per class specificity of (pre‐pubertal 0.94; pubertal 0.94; post‐pubertal 0.75), respectively.

Conclusion

The developed algorithm showed the ability to determine the cervical vertebrae maturation stage which might aid in a faster diagnosis process by eliminating human intervention, which might lead to wrong decision‐making procedures that might affect the outcome of the treatment plan. The developed algorithm proved reliable in determining the pre‐pubertal and post‐pubertal growth stages with high accuracy.
Never walk alone on the way: Friendships of emerging adults
Authors: Yavuz Güler Çiğdem , Çakmak Ilgın , Bayraktar Elif
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to comprehend how individuals in emerging adulthood characterize friendship. This study adopted a qualitative design to obtain in‐depth information about the elements in emerging adults' definitions of friendships. The study was conducted with university samples and non‐university samples. As a result of the study, the elements in the friendship definitions of the participants were grouped under five themes: behavioral processes; cognitive processes; emotional processes, structural characteristics, and distinctive features. Accordingly, sharing, fun, assistance, boundaries, and altruism sub‐codes were categorized under behavioral processes; while trust, compatibility, commitment‐fidelity, and respect sub‐codes were categorized under cognitive processes. Intimacy, requirement sub‐codes were categorized under affective processes and openness, homogeneity, heterogeneity, and reciprocity sub‐codes were grouped under structural characteristics themes. Apropos of distinctive features they included the sub‐codes of developmental support, unconditional acceptance, isolation‐vigilant, closeness, friend as a life partner, and network. In addition to the codes in the university sample, “Effects of marriage” was the only code that differed in the non‐university sample.
Analysis of the MIR396 gene family and the role of MIR396b in regulating fiber length in cotton
Authors: Zhang Bingbing , Liu Guoyuan , Song Jikun , Jia Bing , Yang Shuxian , Ma Jianjiang , Liu Ji , Shahzad Kashif , Wang Wenkui , Pei Wenfeng , Wu Man , Zhang Jinfa , Yu Jiwen
Published: October 2022

Cotton fiber is one of the most important natural raw materials in the world textile industry. Improving fiber yield and quality has always been the main goal. MicroRNAs, as typical small noncoding RNAs, could affect fiber length during different stages of fiber development. Based on differentially expressed microRNA in the two interspecific backcross inbred lines (BILs) with a significant difference in fiber length, we identified the miR396 gene family in the two tetraploid cotton genomes and found MIR396b_D13 as the functional precursor to produce mature miR396 during the fiber elongation stage. Among 46 target genes regulated by miR396b, the GROWTH‐REGULATING FACTOR 5 gene (GRF5, Gh_A10G0492) had a differential expression level in the two BILs during fiber elongation stage. The expression patterns indicated that the miR396b‐GRF5 regulatory module has a critical role in fiber development. Furthermore, virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) of miR396b significantly produced longer fiber than the wild type, and the expression level of GRF5 showed the reverse trends of the miR396b expression level. The analysis of co‐expression network for the GRF5 gene suggested that a cytochrome P450 gene functions as an allene oxide synthase (Gh_D06G0089, AOS), which plays a critical role in jasmonate biosynthetic pathway. In conclusion, our results revealed that the miR396b‐GRF5 module has a critical role in fiber development. These findings provide a molecular foundation for fiber quality improvement in the future.
Rieske FeS overexpression in tobacco provides increased abundance and activity of cytochrome b6f
Authors: Heyno Eiri , Ermakova Maria , Lopez‐Calcagno Patricia E. , Woodford Russell , Brown Kenny L. , Matthews Jack S. A. , Osmond Barry , Raines Christine A. , von Caemmerer Susanne
Published: October 2022

Photosynthesis is fundamental for plant growth and yield. The cytochrome b6f complex catalyses a rate‐limiting step in thylakoid electron transport and therefore represents an important point of regulation of photosynthesis. Here we show that overexpression of a single core subunit of cytochrome b6f, the Rieske FeS protein, led to up to a 40% increase in the abundance of the complex in Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco) and was accompanied by an enhanced in vitro cytochrome f activity, indicating a full functionality of the complex. Analysis of transgenic plants overexpressing Rieske FeS by the light‐induced fluorescence transients technique revealed a more oxidised primary quinone acceptor of photosystem II (QA) and plastoquinone pool and faster electron transport from the plastoquinone pool to photosystem I upon changes in irradiance, compared to control plants. A faster establishment of qE, the energy‐dependent component of nonphotochemical quenching, in transgenic plants suggests a more rapid buildup of the transmembrane proton gradient, also supporting the increased in vivo cytochrome b6f activity. However, there was no consistent increase in steady‐state rates of electron transport or CO2 assimilation in plants overexpressing Rieske FeS grown in either laboratory conditions or field trials, suggesting that the in vivo activity of the complex was only transiently increased upon changes in irradiance. Our results show that overexpression of Rieske FeS in tobacco enhances the abundance of functional cytochrome b6f and may have the potential to increase plant productivity if combined with other traits.
Acute haemolytic transfusion reaction after transfusion of fresh frozen plasma in a neonate—Preventable by using solvent/detergent‐treated pooled plasma?
Authors: Henricks Linda M. , Huisman Elise J. , Lopriore Enrico , Luken Jessie S. , de Haas Masja , Ootjers Claudia S. , Albersen Arjan
Published: October 2022

Background

Plasma is a commonly used blood product and is available in the form of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) or pooled solvent/detergent‐treated plasma. In the Netherlands, solvent/detergent‐treated plasma has become the standard product in the adult population since several years, but for neonatal use, FFP remains the product of preference.

Description

A preterm neonate developed lung bleeding at day 8 postpartum, for which intubation and mechanical ventilation was required and transfusions with packed red blood cells and plasma, in the form of FFP, were given. Five hours after transfusion, a red discoloration of the urine occurred. An acute haemolytic transfusion was suspected, confirmed by laboratory investigations (fast decrease in haemoglobin, increased free haemoglobin, decreased haptoglobin, increased lactate dehydrogenase and a positive direct antiglobulin test [IgG 2+]). Additional research showed that the FFP product contained nonspecific auto‐antibodies that reacted with the transfused erythrocytes, most test erythrocytes and the donor's own erythrocytes.

Conclusion

A neonate experienced an acute haemolytic reaction, most probably caused by administrating a FFP product containing auto‐antibodies. If transfused with solvent/detergent‐treated plasma, such antibodies would have been diluted or captured. This case adds a new argument to the discussion on expanding the use of solvent/detergent‐treated plasma to the paediatric population.
Quantifying the Value of Stochastic Supervisory Controller for Building Thermal Energy Storage Aggregators in Two-Settlement Grid Markets
Authors: Yu Min Gyung , Pavlak Gregory S.
Published: October 2022

Smart cities will need collections of buildings that are responsive to the variation in renewable energy generation. However, an unprecedented level of renewable energy being added to the power grid compounds the level of uncertainties in making decisions for reliable grid operation. Making autonomous decisions regarding demand management requires consideration of uncertainty in the information available for planning and executing operations. Thus, this paper aims to quantitatively analyze the performance of supervisory controllers for multiple grid-integrative buildings with thermal energy storage depending on the quality of information available. Day-ahead planning and real-time model predictive controllers were developed and compared across 50 validation scenarios when given perfect information, deterministic forecasts, and stochastic forecasts. Despite the relatively large uncertainty in the stochastic forecasts, marked improvements were observed when a stochastic optimization was solved for both the day-ahead and real-time problems. This observation underscores the need for continued development in the area of stochastic control and decision-making for future grid-interactive buildings and improved energy management of smart cities.
Morphological and molecular identification of Spinibdella lignicola (Canestrini, 1886) (Trombidiformes: Bdellidae)
Authors: Chu Ling-Miao , Feng Rui , Fang Yu , Fang Ying , Zuo Ze-Tao , Zhang Zi-Yu , Zhou Xiao-Qian , Huang Xin , Han Ren-Rui , Tao Li , Sun En-Tao
Published: October 2022

In October 2019, specimens of Spinibdella lignicola (Canestrini, 1886) (Trombidiformes: Bdellidae) were isolated from a soybean sample in Anqing City, Anhui Province, China. The morphological features were observed under a digital microscope and digital pathological scanning system, and the DNA of a single mite was extracted. Cytochrome oxidase subunit I (Cox1) and the small ribosomal subunit RNA (18S rRNA) gene sequences were obtained by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification and sequencing, and BLAST comparison was performed. The base composition was analyzed using MEGA7.0 software, and a phylogenetic tree was constructed using the maximum likelihood method. PCR amplification results showed the Cox1 gene to be 1238 bp in length and the 18S rRNA gene to be 1740 bp in length. The content of the Cox1 gene (A+T) was 71.0%, and that of 18S rRNA gene (A+T) was 52.7%. In the phylogenetic tree constructed based on Cox1 gene and 18S rRNA gene, Spinibdella lignicola and the other mites in Bdelloidea gathered in one branch. The Cox1 gene and 18S rRNA gene can be useful tools for use as molecular markers for species identification.
RGS12 polarizes the GPSM2-GNAI complex to organize and elongate stereocilia in sensory hair cells
Authors: Akturk Anil , Day Matthew , Tarchini Basile
Published: October 2022

Inhibitory G proteins (GNAI/Gαi) bind to the scaffold G protein signaling modulator 2 (GPSM2) to form a conserved polarity complex that regulates cytoskeleton organization. GPSM2 keeps GNAI in a guanosine diphosphate (GDP)-bound state, but how GPSM2-GNAI is generated or relates to heterotrimeric G protein signaling remains unclear. We find that RGS12, a GTPase-activating protein (GAP), is required to polarize GPSM2-GNAI at the hair cell apical membrane and to organize mechanosensory stereocilia in rows of graded heights. Accordingly, RGS12 and the guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) DAPLE are asymmetrically co-enriched at the hair cell apical junction, andRgs12mouse mutants are deaf. GPSM2 and RGS12 share GoLoco motifs that stabilize GNAI(GDP), and GPSM2 outcompetes RGS12 to bind GNAI. Our results suggest that polarized GEF/GAP junctional activity might dissociate heterotrimeric G proteins, generating free GNAI(GDP) for GPSM2 at the adjacent apical membrane. GPSM2-GNAI(GDP), in turn, imparts asymmetry to the forming stereocilia to enable sensory function in hair cells.
Spatially controlled, bipolar, cortical stimulation with high-capacitance, mechanically flexible subdural surface microelectrode arrays
Authors: Uguz Ilke , Shepard Kenneth L.
Published: October 2022

Most neuromodulation approaches rely on extracellular electrical stimulation with penetrating electrodes at the cost of cortical damage. Surface electrodes, in contrast, are much less invasive but are challenged by the lack of proximity to axonal processes, leading to poor resolution. Here, we demonstrate that high-density (40-μm pitch), high-capacitance (>1 nF), single neuronal resolution PEDOT:PSS electrodes can be programmed to shape the charge injection front selectively at depths approaching 300 micrometers with a lateral resolution better than 100 micrometers. These electrodes, patterned on thin-film parylene substrate, can be subdurally implanted and adhere to the pial surface in chronic settings. By leveraging surface arrays that are optically transparent with PEDOT:PSS local interconnects and integrated with depth electrodes, we are able to combine surface stimulation and recording with calcium imaging and depth recording to demonstrate these spatial limits of bidirectional communication with pyramidal neurons in mouse visual cortex both laterally and at depth from the surface.
Dominant frazil ice production in the Cape Darnley polynya leading to Antarctic Bottom Water formation
Authors: Ohshima Kay I. , Fukamachi Yasushi , Ito Masato , Nakata Kazuki , Simizu Daisuke , Ono Kazuya , Nomura Daiki , Hashida Gen , Tamura Takeshi
Published: October 2022

Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) occupies the abyssal layer of the world ocean and contributes to the global overturning circulation. It originates from dense shelf water, which forms from brine rejection during sea ice production. An important region of AABW formation has been identified off the Cape Darnley polynya. However, it remains unclear why and how high ice production leads to AABW formation. Using moored acoustic measurements and a satellite microwave algorithm, we reveal that underwater frazil ice dominates in the polynya. This underwater ice formation prevents heat-insulating surface-cover ice forming, thereby enabling efficient ice production. The high ice production in the nearshore and longer residence times create high-salinity source water for the AABW. Underwater frazil ice occurs as long as strong winds continue and occasionally penetrates depths of at least 80 m. Deep-penetrating frazil ice is particularly prominent in this polynya, while it also occurs in other Antarctic coastal polynyas.
Causal inference from text: A commentary
Authors: Sridhar Dhanya , Blei David M.
Published: October 2022

Statistical and machine learning methods help social scientists and other researchers make causal inferences from texts.
Genome-wide CRISPR screens identify combinations of candidate latency reversing agents for targeting the latent HIV-1 reservoir
Authors: Dai Weiwei , Wu Fengting , McMyn Natalie , Song Bicna , Walker-Sperling Victoria E. , Varriale Joseph , Zhang Hao , Barouch Dan H. , Siliciano Janet D. , Li Wei , Siliciano Robert F.
Published: October 2022

Reversing HIV-1 latency promotes killing of infected cells and is essential for cure strategies; however, no single latency reversing agent (LRA) or LRA combination have been shown to reduce HIV-1 latent reservoir size in persons living with HIV-1 (PLWH). Here, we describe an approach to systematically identify LRA combinations to reactivate latent HIV-1 using genome-wide CRISPR screens. Screens on cells treated with suboptimal concentrations of an LRA can identify host genes whose knockout enhances viral gene expression. Therefore, inhibitors of these genes should synergize with the LRA. We tested this approach using AZD5582, an activator of the noncanonical nuclear factor κB (ncNF-κB) pathway, as an LRA and identified histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) and bromodomain-containing protein 2 (BRD2), part of the bromodomain and extra-terminal motif (BET) protein family targeted by BET inhibitors, as potential targets. Using CD4
+
T cells from PLWH, we confirmed synergy between AZD5582 and several HDAC inhibitors and between AZD5582 and the BET inhibitor, JQ1. A reciprocal screen using suboptimal concentrations of an HDAC inhibitor as an LRA identified BRD2 and ncNF-κB regulators, especially BIRC2, as synergistic candidates for use in combination with HDAC inhibition. Moreover, we identified and validated additional synergistic drug candidates in latency cell line cells and primary lymphocytes isolated from PLWH. Specifically, the knockout of genes encoding CYLD or YPEL5 displayed synergy with existing LRAs in inducing HIV mRNAs. Our study provides insights into the roles of host factors in HIV-1 reactivation and validates a system for identifying drug combinations for HIV-1 latency reversal.
Genome-Wide Analysis of AGC Kinases Reveals that MoFpk1 Is Required for Development, Lipid Metabolism, and Autophagy in Hyperosmotic Stress of the Rice Blast Fungus Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Wu Ming-Hua , Yu Qin , Tao Tian-Yi , Sun Li-Xiao , Qian Hui , Zhu Xue-Ming , Li Lin , Liang Shuang , Lu Jian-Ping , Lin Fu-Cheng , Liu Xiao-Hong
Published: October 2022

Our identification and analysis of evolutionary and biological relationships provide us with an unprecedented high-resolution view of the flexible and conserved roles of the AGC family in the topmost fungal pathogens that infect rice, wheat, barley, and millet. Guided by these insights, an AGC member, MoFpk1, was found to be indispensable for
M. oryzae
development.