bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extracellular fluid, cerebrospinal fluid and plasma biomarkers of axonal and neuronal injury following intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Tobieson Lovisa , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Marklund Niklas
Published: August 2021

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the most devastating form of stroke. To refine treatments, improved understanding of the secondary injury processes is needed. We compared energy metabolic, amyloid and neuroaxonal injury biomarkers in extracellular fluid (ECF) from the perihemorrhagic zone (PHZ) and non-injured (NCX) brain tissue, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma. Patients (n = 11; age 61 ± 10 years) undergoing ICH surgery received two microdialysis (MD) catheters, one in PHZ, and one in NCX. ECF was analysed at three time intervals within the first 60 h post- surgery, as were CSF and plasma samples. Amyloid-beta (Aβ) 40 and 42, microtubule associated protein tau (tau), and neurofilament-light (NF-L) were analysed using Single molecule array (Simoa) technology. Median biomarker concentrations were lowest in plasma, higher in ECF and highest in CSF. Biomarker levels varied over time, with different dynamics in the three fluid compartments. In the PHZ, ECF levels of Aβ40 were lower, and tau higher when compared to the NCX. Altered levels of Aβ peptides, NF-L and tau may reflect brain tissue injury following ICH surgery. However, the dynamics of biomarker levels in the different fluid compartments should be considered in the study of pathophysiology or biomarkers in ICH patients.
Wind energy potential assessment based on wind speed, its direction and power data
Authors: Wang Zhiming , Liu Weimin
Published: August 2021

Based on wind speed, direction and power data, an assessment method of wind energy potential using finite mixture statistical distributions is proposed. Considering the correlation existing and the effect between wind speed and direction, the angular-linear modeling approach is adopted to construct the joint probability density function of wind speed and direction. For modeling the distribution of wind power density and estimating model parameters of null or low wind speed and multimodal wind speed data, based on expectation–maximization algorithm, a two-component three-parameter Weibull mixture distribution is chosen as wind speed model, and a von Mises mixture distribution with nine components and six components are selected as the models of wind direction and the correlation circular variable between wind speed and direction, respectively. A comprehensive technique of model selection, which includes Akaike information criterion, Bayesian information criterion, the coefficient of determination R2 and root mean squared error, is used to select the optimal model in all candidate models. The proposed method is applied to averaged 10-min field monitoring wind data and compared with the other estimation methods and judged by the values of R2 and root mean squared error, histogram plot and wind rose diagram. The results show that the proposed method is effective and the area under study is not suitable for wide wind turbine applications, and the estimated wind energy potential would be inaccuracy without considering the influence of wind direction.
Evaluation of the feasibility of explainable computer-aided detection of cardiomegaly on chest radiographs using deep learning
Authors: Lee Mu Sook , Kim Yong Soo , Kim Minki , Usman Muhammad , Byon Shi Sub , Kim Sung Hyun , Lee Byoung Il , Lee Byoung-Dai
Published: August 2021

We examined the feasibility of explainable computer-aided detection of cardiomegaly in routine clinical practice using segmentation-based methods. Overall, 793 retrospectively acquired posterior–anterior (PA) chest X-ray images (CXRs) of 793 patients were used to train deep learning (DL) models for lung and heart segmentation. The training dataset included PA CXRs from two public datasets and in-house PA CXRs. Two fully automated segmentation-based methods using state-of-the-art DL models for lung and heart segmentation were developed. The diagnostic performance was assessed and the reliability of the automatic cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) calculation was determined using the mean absolute error and paired t-test. The effects of thoracic pathological conditions on performance were assessed using subgroup analysis. One thousand PA CXRs of 1000 patients (480 men, 520 women; mean age 63 ± 23 years) were included. The CTR values derived from the DL models and diagnostic performance exhibited excellent agreement with reference standards for the whole test dataset. Performance of segmentation-based methods differed based on thoracic conditions. When tested using CXRs with lesions obscuring heart borders, the performance was lower than that for other thoracic pathological findings. Thus, segmentation-based methods using DL could detect cardiomegaly; however, the feasibility of computer-aided detection of cardiomegaly without human intervention was limited.
Electronic structures and optical characteristics of fluorescent pyrazinoquinoxaline assemblies and Au interfaces
Authors: Kwon Soyeong , Jeong Dong Yeun , Chae Weon-Sik , Noh Kyungju , Devi P. , Colazzo Luciano , You Youngmin , Choi Taeyoung , Kim Dong-Wook
Published: August 2021

Understanding the excitonic processes at the interfaces of fluorescent π-conjugated molecules and metal electrodes is important for both fundamental studies and emerging applications. Adsorption configurations of molecules on metal surfaces significantly affect the physical characteristics of junctions as well as molecules. Here, the electronic structures and optical properties of molecular assemblies/Au interfaces were investigated using scanning probe and photoluminescence microscopy techniques. Scanning tunneling microscopy images and tunneling conductance spectra suggested that the self-assembled molecules were physisorbed on the Au surface. Visible-range photoluminescence studies showed that Au thin films modified the emission spectra and reduced the lifetime of excitons. Surface potential maps, obtained by Kelvin probe force microscopy, could visualize electron transfer from the molecules to Au under illumination, which could explain the decreased lifetime of excitons at the molecule/Au interface.
Distribution of diabetic retinopathy in diabetes mellitus patients and its association rules with other eye diseases
Authors: Yao Xi , Pei Xiaoting , Yang Yingrui , Zhang Hongmei , Xia Mengting , Huang Ranran , Wang Yuming , Li Zhijie
Published: August 2021

The study aims to explore the distribution characteristics and influencing factors of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients and association rules of eye diseases in these patients. Data were obtained from 1284 DM patients at Henan Provincial People’s Hospital. Association rules were employed to calculate the probability of the common occurrence of eye-related diseases in DM patients. A web visualization network diagram was used to display the association rules of the eye-related diseases in DM patients. DR prevalence in people aged < 40 years (≥ 58.5%) was higher than that in those aged 50–60 years (≤ 43.7%). Patients with DM in rural areas were more likely to have DR than those in urban areas (56.2% vs. 35.6%, P < 0.001). DR prevalence in Pingdingshan City (68.4%) was significantly higher than in other cities. The prevalence of DR in patients who had DM for ≥ 5 years was higher than in other groups (P < 0.001). About 33.07% of DM patients had both diabetic maculopathy and DR, and 36.02% had both diabetic maculopathy and cataracts. The number of strong rules in patients ≥ 60 years old was more than those in people under 60 in age, and those in rural areas had more strong rules than those in urban areas. DM patients with one or more eye diseases are at higher risks of other eye diseases than general DM patients. These association rules are affected by factors such as age, region, disease duration, and DR severity.
Understanding fatigue in progressive supranuclear palsy
Authors: Ahn Jong Hyeon , Song Joomee , Lee Dong Yeong , Youn Jinyoung , Cho Jin Whan
Published: August 2021

Fatigue is a common and disabling non-motor symptom (NMS) of Parkinson’s disease (PD); however, it has been poorly understood in patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). We investigated the association between fatigue, clinical features, and other NMS in patients with probable PSP. In 72 probable PSP patients, fatigue was investigated using the Parkinson Fatigue Scale (PFS). Further, all patients were evaluated using the PSP rating scale (PSPRS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), PD Sleep Scale (PDSS), NMS scale (NMSS), PD Questionnaire-39 summary index (PDQ-39 SI), and Scale for outcomes in PD-Autonomic (SCOPA-AUT). The prevalence of fatigue assessed by PFS was 38.9% (28/72) in patients with PSP. The secondary fatigue was defined as fatigued patients with depression and/or sleep disturbances. We divided the patients into primary (n = 15), secondary (n = 13), and non-fatigue groups. There were no differences in age, sex, disease duration, and PSPRS, PDSS, MMSE, and FAB scores among the three groups. The primary fatigue group had higher scores in PDQ-39 SI compared to the non-fatigue group. The secondary fatigue group showed higher scores in NMSS, PDQ-39 SI, and SCOPA-AUT compared to the non-fatigue group. PFS was positively correlated with NMSS and PDQ-39 SI and SCOPA-AUT. Fatigue is common in patients with PSP and is associated with the NMS and the quality of life in these patients. The present study provides meaningful insight into fatigue in patients with PSP.
Relation between vitamin D deficiency and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Authors: Abdelmaksoud Aida Ahmed , Fahim Dalia Fahim Mohammed , Bazeed Shamardan Ezzeldin Sayed , Alemam Mohamed Farouk , Aref Zaki Farouk
Published: August 2021

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of positional vertigo. Vitamin D deficiency may be one of the causes of its development. To assess the relation between recurrent attacks BPPV and Vitamin D deficiency. A case control study in which 40 patients were clinically diagnosed as posterior canal BPPV, Serum 25(OH) D was measured at 1st visit. Patients were divided into two groups; group A (20 patients) received Vitamin D supplementation in addition to canal repositioning maneuver and group B (20 patients) treated by canal repositioning maneuver only. Follow up of all patients for 6 months, neuro-otological assessment was repeated and recurrent attacks were recorded. Serum vitamin D was repeated after 6 month. This study included 14 males and 26 females age ranged from 35 to 61 years, Average serum of 25 (OH) D at the first visit was (12.4 ± 2 ng/ml) for group A, and (12.2 ± 1.7 ng/ml) for group B, all patients had low serum level of 25(OH) D (below 20 ng/ml). Recurrent BPPV episodes, were significantly lower in group A than that of group B. There is a relation between BPPV recurrence and low serum Vitamin D.
Effects of green-manure and tillage management on soil microbial community composition, nutrients and tree growth in a walnut orchard
Authors: Dong Ningguang , Hu Guanglong , Zhang Yunqi , Qi Jianxun , Chen Yonghao , Hao Yanbin
Published: August 2021

This study characterized the effect of green manures (February orchid, hairy vetch, rattail fescue and a no-green-manure control) and the termination method (flail or disk) on nutrient contents, enzyme activities, microbial biomass, microbial community structure of rhizosphere soil and vegetative growth of walnut tree. All three selected green manures significantly enhanced the water content, organic C, total N and available P. The rattail fescue significantly decreased the mineral N. Total organic C, total N, mineral N and available P were significantly greater under flail than under disk. Hairy vetch and February orchid significantly improved levels of soil β-glucosidase, N-acetyl-glucosaminidase and acid phosphatase activity, whereas rattail fescue improved only β-glucosidase activity. All of the green manures significantly decreased phenoloxidase activity. β-glucosidase, N-acetyl-glucosaminidase and acid phosphatase activities were significantly greater under flail relative to disk. The termination method had no significant effect on phenoloxidase activity. The different types of green manures and termination methods significantly altered the soil microbial biomass and microbial community structure. The green-manure treatments were characterized by a significantly greater abundance of Gram-positive (Gram +) bacteria, total bacteria and saprophytic fungi compared to the control. Hairy vetch significantly decreased the abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) while February orchid and rattail fescue increased their abundance compared to the no-green-manure treatment. The abundance rates of Gram+ bacteria, actinomycetes, saprophytic fungi and AMF were significantly greater in soils under flail than under disk. In terms of vegetative growth of walnut tree, hairy vetch showed the greatest positive effects. The growth of walnut tree was significantly greater under flail relative to disk. Our results indicate that green-manure application benefits the rhizosphere soil micro-ecology, rhizosphere soil nutrient contents and tree growth. Overall, the hairy vetch and flail combined treatment is recommended for walnut orchards in northern China.
Classification for avian malaria parasite Plasmodium gallinaceum blood stages by using deep convolutional neural networks
Authors: Kittichai Veerayuth , Kaewthamasorn Morakot , Thanee Suchansa , Jomtarak Rangsan , Klanboot Kamonpob , Naing Kaung Myat , Tongloy Teerawat , Chuwongin Santhad , Boonsang Siridech
Published: August 2021

The infection of an avian malaria parasite (Plasmodium gallinaceum) in domestic chickens presents a major threat to the poultry industry because it causes economic loss in both the quality and quantity of meat and egg production. Computer-aided diagnosis has been developed to automatically identify avian malaria infections and classify the blood infection stage development. In this study, four types of deep convolutional neural networks, namely Darknet, Darknet19, Darknet19-448 and Densenet201 are used to classify P. gallinaceum blood stages. We randomly collected a dataset of 12,761 single-cell images consisting of three parasite stages from ten-infected blood films stained by Giemsa. All images were confirmed by three well-trained examiners. The study mainly compared several image classification models and used both qualitative and quantitative data for the evaluation of the proposed models. In the model-wise comparison, the four neural network models gave us high values with a mean average accuracy of at least 97%. The Darknet can reproduce a superior performance in the classification of the P. gallinaceum development stages across any other model architectures. Furthermore, the Darknet has the best performance in multiple class-wise classification, with average values of greater than 99% in accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity. It also has a low misclassification rate (< 1%) than the other three models. Therefore, the model is more suitable in the classification of P. gallinaceum blood stages. The findings could help us create a fast-screening method to help non-experts in field studies where there is a lack of specialized instruments for avian malaria diagnostics.
Antibiotic cement plate composite structure internal fixation after debridement of bone infection
Authors: Wang Xiaohua , Wang Shulin , Xu Jianzhong , Sun Dong , Shen Jie , Xie Zhao
Published: August 2021

An internal fixation composite structure of antibiotic cement plates was created. The aim of this study was to analyse the infection control effect of this structure when applied to treat a bone infection. We retrospectively analysed patients with bone infection admitted to our hospital between January 2013 and June 2019. After debridement, an antibiotic cement plate composite structure was used to fill and stabilize the defects. The treatment effect was evaluated at six months after surgery, and the infection control rate, factors associated with the recurrence of infection, and complications were analysed. If the patients had bone defects, the defect was repaired after infection control, and the infection control rate of all of the patients was re-evaluated at 12 months after surgery. A total of 548 patients were treated with this technique, including 418 men and 130 women. The infection sites included 309 tibias, 207 femurs, 16 radii and ulnae, 13 humeri, and 3 clavicles. After at least 6 months of follow-up, 92 patients (16.79%) had an infection recurrence and needed further treatment. The recurrence rate of the tibia was higher than that of the femur (P = 0.025). Eighty-nine out of 92 patients who relapsed underwent a second debridement with the same method, and the infection control rate after the second debridement was 94.71%. Complications included 8 cases of epidermal necrosis around the incision, 6 cases of internal fixation failure, and 30 cases of lower limb swelling. By the follow-up time of 12 months, another 6 patients had experienced recurrence of infection, and 4 cases were controlled after debridement. Finally, among all 548 cases, 7 patients remained persistently infected, and 6 underwent amputation. The infection control rate was 97.6% at the 1-year follow-up. The clinical efficacy of this new antibiotic cement plate composite structure for internal fixation after debridement of bone infection is stable and reliable.
Systemic versus local adipokine expression differs in a combined obesity and osteoarthritis mouse model
Authors: Hülser Marie-Lisa , Luo Yubin , Frommer Klaus , Hasseli Rebecca , Köhler Kernt , Diller Magnus , Van Nie Lina , Rummel Christoph , Roderfeld Martin , Roeb Elke , Schett Georg , Bozec Aline , Müller-Ladner Ulf , Neumann Elena
Published: August 2021

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by cartilage loss and reduced joint function. OA risk factors are age and obesity. Many adipokines are altered by obesity but also OA although systemic adipokine regulation in OA is not always clear. Therefore, metabolic effects of diet-induced obesity on OA development as well as the influence of obesity and OA progression on systemic vs. local adipokine expression in joints were compared. C57Bl/6-mice fed with HFD (high fat diet) or normal diet prior to destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) were sacrificed 4/6/8 weeks after surgery. Sera were evaluated for adiponectin, leptin, visfatin, cytokines. Liver grading and staging for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) was performed and crown-like structures (CLS) in adipose tissue measured. OA progression was scored histologically. Adipokine-expressing cells and types were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Time-dependent changes in DMM-progression were reflected by increased systemic adiponectin levels in DMM especially combined with HFD. While HFD increased serum leptin, DMM reduced systemic leptin significantly. OA scores correlated with bodyweight, leptin and hepatic scoring. Locally, increased numbers of adiponectin- and leptin-producing fibroblasts were observed in damaged menisci but visfatin was not changed. Local adipokine expression was independent from systemic levels, suggesting different mechanisms of action.
Effects of intranasal instillation of nanoparticulate matter in the olfactory bulb
Authors: Kim So Young , Kim Kyung Woon , Lee So Min , Park Sohyeon , Kim Byeong-Gon , Choi Eun-kyung , Son Bu Soon , Park Moo Kyun
Published: August 2021

Nanoparticulate matter activates the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) pathway in the respiratory system in a process involving the AhR nuclear translocator (ARNT) and cytochrome P450 family 1, member A1 (CYP1A1). We examined changes in AhR-related pathways following intranasal instillation of nanoparticulate matter in the olfactory bulb and cerebral cortex. Twice a day for 5 days per week for 1 week or 2 weeks, 8-week-old Sprague–Dawley rats were intranasally instilled with 10 µL nanoparticulate matter (nano group; n = 36). An equal volume of saline was intranasally instilled in control rats (n = 36). One week after intranasal instillation, olfactory function and Y-maze tests were performed. The expression levels of AhR in the olfactory bulb and temporal cortex were analyzed using western blotting and immunofluorescence assays. The expression levels of AhR, CYP1A1, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and five genes encoding cation transporters (ARNT, ATP7B, ATPB1, OCT1, and OCT2) in the olfactory bulb were analyzed using quantitative reverse transcription. The olfactory discrimination capability was reduced in the nano group compared with the control group. Proportional changes in the Y-maze test were not significantly different between the nano and control groups. AhR mRNA and protein expression in the olfactory bulb increased 1.71-fold (P < 0.001) and 1.60-fold (P = 0.008), respectively. However, no significant changes were observed in the temporal cortex. In the olfactory bulb, the expression of ARNT, ATP7B, ATPB1, and OCT2 was downregulated. CYP1A1 and iNOS expression in the olfactory bulb was upregulated compared with that in the temporal cortex. The intranasal instillation of nanoparticulate matter decreased the olfactory discrimination ability, which was accompanied by upregulation of AhR expression and downregulation of cation transporters in the olfactory bulb.
Modeling porosity loss in Fe0-based permeable reactive barriers with Faraday’s law
Authors: Yang Huichen , Hu Rui , Ruppert Hans , Noubactep Chicgoua
Published: August 2021

Solid iron corrosion products (FeCPs), continuously generated from iron corrosion in Fe0-based permeable reactive barriers (PRB) at pH > 4.5, can lead to significant porosity loss and possibility of system’s failure. To avoid such failure and to estimate the long-term performance of PRBs, reliable models are required. In this study, a mathematical model is presented to describe the porosity change of a hypothetical Fe0-based PRB through-flowed by deionized water. The porosity loss is solely caused by iron corrosion process. The new model is based on Faraday’s Law and considers the iron surface passivation. Experimental results from literature were used to calibrate the parameters of the model. The derived iron corrosion rates (2.60 mmol/(kg day), 2.07 mmol/(kg day) and 1.77 mmol/(kg day)) are significantly larger than the corrosion rate used in previous modeling studies (0.4 mmol/(kg day)). This suggests that the previous models have underestimated the impact of in-situ generated FeCPs on the porosity loss. The model results show that the assumptions for the iron corrosion rates on basis of a first-order dependency on iron surface area are only valid when no iron surface passivation is considered. The simulations demonstrate that volume-expansion by Fe0 corrosion products alone can cause a great extent of porosity loss and suggests careful evaluation of the iron corrosion process in individual Fe0-based PRB.
Association between chronic idiopathic cough and sensitive skin syndromes is a new argument in favor of common neuropathic pathways: results from a survey on 4050 subjects
Authors: Misery Laurent , Shourick Jason , Reychler Grégory , Taieb Charles
Published: August 2021

Sensitive skin syndrome has a neuropathic origin, which is why it is frequently associated with irritable bowel syndrome. We have looked for a possible association with chronic cough, which is commonly maintained by neurogenic mechanisms, whatever the initial cause(s). A survey was carried out on a representative sample of the population over 15 years of age using the quota method. The questionnaire included sociodemographic data and questions about sensitive skin, the presence of chronic cough, smoking and possible causes of chronic cough. Chronic cough was assessed by the Leicester Cough Questionnaire, and 4050 subjects responded (mean age: 45 years). Overall, 12.2% of subjects with a chronic cough were compared to the 87.8% without any cough. Among them, 72.5% had sensitive skin (vs. 47.8%, p < 0.001); additionally, 17.4% of the subjects with sensitive skin had a chronic cough (vs. 6.9% if no sensitive skin). These proportions were higher if very sensitive skin was reported. The risk of having chronic cough was twice as high if sensitive skin was reported [OR = 1.9 (1.5–2.4), p < 0.001]. The risk of having sensitive skin was also twice as high for chronic cough. Thus, chronic cough and sensitive skin are frequently associated. This association represents a new argument in favor of a neuropathic nature of sensitive skin. Sensitive skin and chronic cough are both modes of overreaction to environmental factors, which tend to be autonomized by neurogenic mechanisms. Dermatologists should ask their patients if they have a chronic cough, and pneumologists should ask about the presence of sensitive skin.
Accumulation of formaldehyde causes motor deficits in an in vivo model of hindlimb unloading
Authors: Yao Dandan , He Qingyuan , Bai Shangying , Zhao Hang , Yang Jun , Cui Dehua , Yu Yan , Fei Xuechao , Mei Yufei , Cheng Ye , Yan Shi , Huang Nayan , Di Yalan , Cai Xianjie , Wang Rui , Gao Yajuan , Cheng Fangxiao , Zhao Shengjie , Yang Xu , Cai Xiang , Han Hongbin , Lyu Jihui , Tong Zhiqian
Published: August 2021

During duration spaceflight, or after their return to earth, astronauts have often suffered from gait instability and cerebellar ataxia. Here, we use a mouse model of hindlimb unloading (HU) to explore a mechanism of how reduced hindlimb burden may contribute to motor deficits. The results showed that these mice which have experienced HU for 2 weeks exhibit a rapid accumulation of formaldehyde in the gastrocnemius muscle and fastigial nucleus of cerebellum. The activation of semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase and sarcosine dehydrogenase induced by HU-stress contributed to formaldehyde generation and loss of the abilities to maintain balance and coordinate motor activities. Further, knockout of formaldehyde dehydrogenase (FDH-/-) in mice caused formaldehyde accumulation in the muscle and cerebellum that was associated with motor deficits. Remarkably, formaldehyde injection into the gastrocnemius muscle led to gait instability; especially, microinfusion of formaldehyde into the fastigial nucleus directly induced the same symptoms as HU-induced acute ataxia. Hence, excessive formaldehyde damages motor functions of the muscle and cerebellum.
Protein or ribonucleoprotein-mediated blocking of recombinase polymerase amplification enables the discrimination of nucleotide and epigenetic differences between cell populations
Authors: Fujita Toshitsugu , Nagata Shoko , Fujii Hodaka
Published: August 2021

Isothermal DNA amplification, such as recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA), is well suited for point-of-care testing (POCT) as it does not require lengthy thermal cycling. By exploiting DNA amplification at low temperatures that do not denature heat-sensitive molecules such as proteins, we have developed a blocking RPA method to detect gene mutations and examine the epigenetic status of DNA. We found that both nucleic acid blockers and nuclease-dead clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) ribonucleoproteins suppress RPA reactions by blocking elongation by DNA polymerases in a sequence-specific manner. By examining these suppression events, we are able to discriminate single-nucleotide mutations in cancer cells and evaluate genome-editing events. Methyl-CpG binding proteins similarly inhibit elongation by DNA polymerases on CpG-methylated template DNA in our RPA reactions, allowing for the detection of methylated CpG islands. Thus, the use of heat-sensitive molecules such as proteins and ribonucleoprotein complexes as blockers in low-temperature isothermal DNA amplification reactions markedly expands the utility and application of these methods.
LDL receptor-peptide conjugate as in vivo tool for specific targeting of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Acier Angélina , Godard Magali , Gassiot Fanny , Finetti Pascal , Rubis Marion , Nowak Jonathan , Bertucci François , Iovanna Juan L. , Tomasini Richard , Lécorché Pascaline , Jacquot Guillaume , Khrestchatisky Michel , Temsamani Jamal , Malicet Cédric , Vasseur Sophie , Guillaumond Fabienne
Published: August 2021

Despite clinical advances in diagnosis and treatment, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains the third leading cause of cancer death, and is still associated with poor prognosis and dismal survival rates. Identifying novel PDAC-targeted tools to tackle these unmet clinical needs is thus an urgent requirement. Here we use a peptide conjugate that specifically targets PDAC through low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR). We demonstrate by using near-infrared fluorescence imaging the potential of this conjugate to specifically detect and discriminate primary PDAC from healthy organs including pancreas and from benign mass-forming chronic pancreatitis, as well as detect metastatic pancreatic cancer cells in healthy liver. This work paves the way towards clinical applications in which safe LDLR-targeting peptide conjugate promotes tumor-specific delivery of imaging and/or therapeutic agents, thereby leading to substantial improvements of the PDAC patient’s outcome.
Neutrophils dominate in opsonic phagocytosis of P. falciparum blood-stage merozoites and protect against febrile malaria
Authors: Garcia-Senosiain Asier , Kana Ikhlaq Hussain , Singh Subhash , Das Manoj Kumar , Dziegiel Morten Hanefeld , Hertegonne Sanne , Adu Bright , Theisen Michael
Published: August 2021

Antibody-mediated opsonic phagocytosis (OP) of Plasmodium falciparum blood-stage merozoites has been associated with protection against malaria. However, the precise contribution of different peripheral blood phagocytes in the OP mechanism remains unknown. Here, we developed an in vitro OP assay using peripheral blood leukocytes that allowed us to quantify the contribution of each phagocytic cell type in the OP of merozoites. We found that CD14 + +CD16− monocytes were the dominant phagocytic cells at very low antibody levels and Fc gamma receptor (FcγR) IIA plays a key role. At higher antibody levels however, neutrophils were the main phagocytes in the OP of merozoites with FcγRIIIB acting synergistically with FcγRIIA in the process. We found that OP activity by neutrophils was strongly associated with protection against febrile malaria in longitudinal cohort studies performed in Ghana and India. Our results demonstrate that peripheral blood neutrophils are the main phagocytes of P. falciparum blood-stage merozoites.
Superintense laser-driven photon activation analysis
Authors: Mirani Francesco , Calzolari Daniele , Formenti Arianna , Passoni Matteo
Published: August 2021

Laser-driven radiation sources are attracting increasing attention for several materials science applications. While laser-driven ions, electrons and neutrons have already been considered to carry out the elemental characterization of materials, the possibility to exploit high-energy photons remains unexplored. Indeed, the electrons generated by the interaction of an ultra-intense laser pulse with a near-critical material can be turned into high-energy photons via bremsstrahlung emission when shot into a high-Z converter. These photons could be effectively exploited to perform Photon Activation Analysis (PAA). In the present work, laser-driven PAA is proposed and investigated. We develop a theoretical approach to identify the optimal experimental conditions for laser-driven PAA in a wide range of laser intensities. Lastly, exploiting the Monte Carlo and Particle-In-Cell tools, we successfully simulate PAA experiments performed with both conventional accelerators and laser-driven sources. Under high repetition rate operation (i.e. 1−10 Hz) conditions, the ultra-intense lasers can allow performing PAA with performances comparable with those achieved with conventional accelerators. Moreover, laser-driven PAA could be exploited jointly with complementary laser-driven materials characterization techniques under investigation in existing laser facilities.
Silver nanomaterials: synthesis and (electro/photo) catalytic applications
Authors: Sharma Rakesh Kumar , Yadav Sneha , Dutta Sriparna , Kale Hanumant B. , Warkad Indrajeet R. , Zbořil Radek , Varma Rajender S. , Gawande Manoj B.
Published: August 2021

In view of their unique characteristics and properties, silver nanomaterials (Ag NMs) have been used not only in the field of nanomedicine but also for diverse advanced catalytic technologies.
Two-dimensional biomaterials: material science, biological effect and biomedical engineering applications
Authors: Huang Hui , Feng Wei , Chen Yu
Published: August 2021

Two-dimensional materials have attracted explosive interests in biomedicine, including biosensing, imaging, drug delivery, cancer theranostics, and tissue engineering, stemming from their unique morphology, physiochemical property, and biological effect.
Selective dimerization of a trinuclear mixed-metal sandwich complex: construction of an axially chiral metal skeleton
Authors: Yamaura Hiroshige , Yamamoto Koji , Murahashi Tetsuro
Published: August 2021

We report reductive dimerization of mixed metal Pd2Pt or PdPt2 sandwich complexes. The dimerization occurs through selective Pt–Pt bond formation, and the PdPt2 dimer has a unique axially chiral structure derived from the heterometal arrangement.
Reactivity of an N-heterocyclic silylene with a 1,1′-ferrocenediyl backbone towards carbonyl compounds, including carbon suboxide
Authors: Weyer Nadine , Heinz Myron , Bruhn Clemens , Holthausen Max C. , Siemeling Ulrich
Published: August 2021

The reaction of a stable silylene with Ph2CCO and OCCCO respectively afforded the first silaallene oxide and a silylketene, whose hydrolysis furnished a stable methyleneketene.
Density functional theory studies of boron clusters with exotic properties in bonding, aromaticity and reactivity
Authors: Zhao Dongbo , He Xin , Li Meng , Wang Bin , Guo Chunna , Rong Chunying , Chattaraj Pratim K. , Liu Shubin
Published: August 2021

Atomic clusters are unique in many perspectives because of their size and structure features and are continuously being applied for different purposes.
HD–H+ collisions: statistical and quantum state-to-state studies
Authors: Desrousseaux Benjamin , Konings Maarten , Loreau Jérôme , Lique François
Published: August 2021

State-to-state scattering study of the HD–H+ collisional system: exact quantum approach and new statistical method.
Resistive switching on individual V2O5nanoparticles encapsulated in fluorinated graphene films
Authors: Ivanov Artem I. , Prinz Victor Ya. , Antonova Irina V. , Gutakovskii Anton K.
Published: August 2021

Individual core-shell vanadium oxide (V2O5)/fluorinated graphene (FG) nanoparticles make it possible to achieve bipolar resistive switchings, reproducible during 104switching cycles, with the ON/OFF current ratio reaching 103-105.
Altered relaxation dynamics of excited state reactions by confinement in reverse micelles probed by ultrafast fluorescence up-conversion
Authors: Heisler Ismael A. , Meech Stephen R.
Published: August 2021

Time resolved fluorescence follows reaction dynamics in real-time. Study of reaction which are sensitive to their environment allowed the effect of confinement to be observed and studied.
Biosynthesis of the [FeFe] hydrogenase H-cluster via a synthetic [Fe(ii)(CN)(CO)2(cysteinate)]− complex
Authors: Britt R. David , Rauchfuss Thomas B.
Published: August 2021

The synthetic complex [Fe(ii)(CN)(CO)2(cysteinate)]− as donated from Syn-B bound as the substrate in the radical SAM enzyme HydE.
Life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions and net energy assessment of large-scale hydrogen production via electrolysis and solar PV
Authors: Palmer Graham , Roberts Ashley , Hoadley Andrew , Dargaville Roger , Honnery Damon
Published: August 2021

Environmental impacts and net-energy of hydrogen production via solar-electrolysis are highly sensitive to operating constraints and context specific variances.
Electrochemical characterization of individual oil micro-droplets by high-frequency nanocapacitor array imaging
Authors: Renault Christophe , Laborde Cecilia , Cossettini Andrea , Selmi Luca , Widdershoven Frans , Lemay Serge G.
Published: August 2021

CMOS-based nanocapacitor arrays allow local probing of the impedance of an electrolyte in real time and with sub-micron spatial resolution. We report on the physico-chemical characterization of individual microdroplets of oil in a continuous water phase.
Ultrasensitive determination of mercury by atmospheric pressure glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy coupled with solution cathode glow discharge microplasma
Authors: Chen Huixiu , Wang Zheng
Published: August 2021

The ultrasensitive determination of Hg was achieved by atmospheric pressure glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy coupled with solution cathode glow discharge microplasma.
Simple/efficient solution-processed emitting systems dominated by a novel bipolar small-molecule iridium(iii) complex
Authors: Feng Yu , Xue Jianan , Zhang Hao , Lu Tong , Ye Kaiqi , Liu Yu , Wang Yue
Published: August 2021

Due to the desirable film-forming ability and morphological stability, a new bipolar Ir(iii) complex FMPPHC can act as a blue emitter and a host sensitizing efficient saturated red light in wet-process emitting systems.
Facile one-pot synthesis of Mn3O4 nanorods and their analytical application
Authors: Xu Lijun , Yang Lu , Liu Aihua
Published: August 2021

One-pot synthesis of Mn3O4 nanorods in aqueous solution at room temperature without using templates and surfactants was achieved for the first time, opening a new route for preparing various metal nanorods for detecting H2O2-related targets.
Efficient visible-light photocatalytic H2 evolution with heterostructured Ag2S modified CdS nanowires
Authors: Lu Congrong , Du Shiwen , Zhao Yanfei , Wang Qi , Ren Kuankuan , Li Chunhe , Dou Weidong
Published: August 2021

Ag2S/CdS heterojunction exhibits excellent photocatalytic H2 evolution performances, due to the highly effective separation and migration of charges.
Characterization and chemical reactivity of room-temperature-stable MnIII–alkylperoxo complexes
Authors: Opalade Adedamola A. , Parham Joshua D. , Day Victor W. , Jackson Timothy A.
Published: August 2021

A pair of room-temperature-stable MnIII–alkylperoxo complexes were characterized and shown to oxidize PPh3. Thermal decomposition studies provide evidence of both homolysis and heterolysis of the MnIII–alkylperoxo O–O bond.
Nonspecific interactions between SpCas9 and dsDNA sites located downstream of the PAM mediate facilitated diffusion to accelerate target search
Authors: Yang Mengyi , Sun Ruirui , Deng Pujuan , Yang Yuzhuo , Wang Wenjuan , Liu Jun-Jie Gogo , Chen Chunlai
Published: August 2021

Nonspecific interactions between DNA ∼8 bp downstream of the PAM and lysines within residues 1151–1156 of Cas9 mediate one-dimensional diffusion and cause asymmetric target search regions flanking the PAM.
Bread-inspired foaming strategy to fabricate a wine lees-based porous carbon framework for high specific energy supercapacitors
Authors: Peng Hui , Xu Yipu , Jiang Yaping , Wang Xin , Zhao Rui , Wang Faqiang , Li Lu , Ma Guofu
Published: August 2021

Inspired by the fermentation process of bread, a novel wine lees-based porous carbon framework (WLCF) having high energy density and excellent long-term stability is prepared via one-step sodium bicarbonate foaming and activation strategy.
Apparent contact angle of drops on liquid infused surfaces: geometric interpretation
Authors: Semprebon Ciro , Sadullah Muhammad Subkhi , McHale Glen , Kusumaatmaja Halim
Published: August 2021

We provide an intuitive geometrical interpretation for the apparent contact angle on LISs, due to the rotation of the Neumann triangle at the lubricant–droplet–gas contact line.
Enhanced polarization in epitaxially strained monoclinic potassium niobate for lead-free electromechanical applications
Authors: Hwang Woohyun , Lee Ji-Hwan , Soon Aloysius
Published: August 2021

We have performed density-functional theory calculations to understand how applied epitaxial strain influences the thermodynamic, electronic, and (anisotropic) polarization properties in polar KNbO3 polymorphs for next-generation Pb-free piezoelectric applications.
A nexus of miR-1271, PAX4 and ALK/RYK influences the cytoskeletal architectures in Alzheimer's Disease and Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Majumder Piyali , Chanda Kaushik , Das Debajyoti , Singh Brijesh Kumar , Chakrabarti Partha , Jana Nihar Ranjan , Mukhopadhyay Debashis
Published: August 2021

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) share a common hallmark of insulin resistance. Reportedly, two non-canonical Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (RTKs), ALK and RYK, both targets of the same micro RNA miR-1271, exhibit significant and consistent functional down-regulation in post-mortem AD and T2D tissues. Incidentally, both have Grb2 as a common downstream adapter and NOX4 as a common ROS producing factor. Here we show that Grb2 and NOX4 play critical roles in reducing the severity of both the diseases. The study demonstrates that the abundance of Grb2 in degenerative conditions, in conjunction with NOX4, reverse cytoskeletal degradation by counterbalancing the network of small GTPases. PAX4, a transcription factor for both Grb2 and NOX4, emerges as the key link between the common pathways of AD and T2D. Down-regulation of both ALK and RYK through miR-1271, elevates the PAX4 level by reducing its suppressor ARX via Wnt/β-Catenin signaling. For the first time, this study brings together RTKs beyond Insulin Receptor (IR) family, transcription factor PAX4 and both AD and T2D pathologies on a common regulatory platform.
An Evaluation of Expedited Transcription Methods for School-Age Children's Narrative Language: Automatic Speech Recognition and Real-Time Transcription
Authors: Fox Carly B. , Israelsen-Augenstein Megan , Jones Sharad , Gillam Sandra Laing
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study examined the accuracy and potential clinical utility of two expedited transcription methods for narrative language samples elicited from school-age children (7;5–11;10 [years;months]) with developmental language disorder. Transcription methods included real-time transcription produced by speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and trained transcribers (TTs) as well as Google Cloud Speech automatic speech recognition.

Method

The accuracy of each transcription method was evaluated against a gold-standard reference corpus. Clinical utility was examined by determining the reliability of scores calculated from the transcripts produced by each method on several language sample analysis (LSA) measures. Participants included seven certified SLPs and seven TTs. Each participant was asked to produce a set of six transcripts in real time, out of a total 42 language samples. The same 42 samples were transcribed using Google Cloud Speech. Transcription accuracy was evaluated through word error rate. Reliability of LSA scores was determined using correlation analysis.

Results

Results indicated that Google Cloud Speech was significantly more accurate than real-time transcription in transcribing narrative samples and was not impacted by speech rate of the narrator. In contrast, SLP and TT transcription accuracy decreased as a function of increasing speech rate. LSA metrics generated from Google Cloud Speech transcripts were also more reliably calculated.

Conclusions

Automatic speech recognition showed greater accuracy and clinical utility as an expedited transcription method than real-time transcription. Though there is room for improvement in the accuracy of speech recognition for the purpose of clinical transcription, it produced highly reliable scores on several commonly used LSA metrics.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.15167355
Signal design based on post‐detection SINR for MIMO radar in the presence of signal‐dependent interference
Authors: Azarang Marzieh , Derakhtian Mostafa , Sheikhi Abbas
Published: August 2021

In this study, the target detection and signal design problems in the presence of signal‐dependent interference for a colocated multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) radar employing a space‐(slow) time transmit signal are addressed. Due to the large dimension of the clutter covariance matrix (CCM) in MIMO radars, the Kronecker form of the CCM is exploited to derive a Rao‐based detector, which does not require the secondary data. According to the numerical results, the proposed detector considerably outperforms its competitors. Additionally, by tackling a non‐convex sum of ratio problem, a low‐complexity algorithm is devised to maximise the post‐detection signal‐to‐interference‐plus‐noise ratio () under constant modulus and similarity constraints. Finally, using the simulation results, the effectiveness of the designed signal on the system performance is highlighted.
Fe Kαand Fe Kβline detection in theNuSTARspectrum of the ultra-bright Z source Scorpius X–1
Authors: Mazzola S. M. , Iaria R. , Di Salvo T. , Sanna A. , Gambino A. F. , Marino A. , Bozzo E. , Ferrigno C. , Riggio A. , Anitra A. , Burderi L.
Published: August 2021

Context.Low-mass X-ray binaries hosting a low-magnetised neutron star, which accretes matter via Roche-lobe overflow, are generally grouped into two classes called Atoll and Z sources after the path described in their X-ray colour-colour diagrams. Scorpius X–1 is the brightest persistent low-mass X-ray binary known so far, and it is the prototype of the Z sources.

Aims.We analysed the firstNuSTARobservation of this source to study its spectral emission, exploiting the high-statistics data collected by this satellite. The colour-colour diagram shows that the source was probably observed during the lower normal and flaring branches of its Z track. We separated the data from the two branches in order to investigate the evolution of the source along the track.

Methods.We fitted the 3−60 keVNuSTARspectra using the same models for the two branches. We adopted two descriptions for the continuum: in the first case, we used a blackbody and a thermal Comptonisation with seed photons originating in the accretion disc, and in the second case, we adopted a disc-blackbody and a Comptonisation with a blackbody-shaped spectrum of the incoming seed photons. A power-law fitting of the high-energy emission above 20 keV was also required in both cases.

Results.The two models provide the same physical scenario for the source in the two branches: a blackbody temperature between 0.8 and 1.5 keV, a disc-blackbody with a temperature between 0.4 and 0.6 keV, and an optically thick Comptonising corona with an optical depth between 6 and 10 and a temperature about 3 keV. Furthermore, two lines related to the Kαand Kβtransitions of the He-like Fe XXVions were detected at 6.6 keV and 7.8 keV, respectively. A hard tail modelled by a power law with a photon index between 2 and 3 was also required for the two models.