bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Significant suppression of residual nitrogen incorporation in diamond film with a novel susceptor geometry employed in MPCVD
Authors: Zhao Weikang , Teng Yan , Tang Kun , Zhu Shunming , Yang Kai , Duan Jingjing , Huang Yingmeng , Chen Ziang , Ye Jiandong , Gu Shulin
Published: May 2022

This work proposed to change the structure of the sample susceptor of the microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD) reaction chamber, that is, to introduce a small hole in the center of the susceptor to study its suppression effect on the incorporation of residual nitrogen in the MPCVD diamond film. By using COMSOL multiphysics software simulation, the plasma characteristics and the concentration of chemical reactants in the cylindrical cavity of MPCVD system were studied, including electric field intensity, electron number density, electron temperature, the concentrations of atomic hydrogen, methyl, and nitrogenous substances, etc. After introducing a small hole in the center of the molybdenum support susceptor, we found that no significant changes were found in the center area of the plasma, but the electron state in the plasma changed greatly on the surface above the susceptor. The electron number density was reduced by about 40%, while the electron temperature was reduced by about 0.02 eV, and the concentration of atomic nitrogen was decreased by about an order of magnitude. Moreover, we found that if a specific lower microwave input power is used, and a susceptor structure without the small hole is introduced, the change results similar to those in the surface area of the susceptor will be obtained, but the spatial distribution of electromagnetic field and reactant concentration will be changed.
Study of the rare decay

at the BESIII *
Authors: Zhang Feng , Wang Jian-Xiong
Published: May 2022

The two-photon radiative decay process

was studied, and the main contribution processes,

and

, were calculated. With the specific conditions at the BESIII, this rare decay process and the main background process

were investigated. The results show that the ratio of signal to background can reach 1.24 with optimized selection criteria at the BESIII. In addition, distributions of the signal and background are presented. All the results show that the signal is large enough to be experimentally measured.
Generalized electrical substitution methods and detectors for absolute optical power measurements
Authors: Woods S I , Neira J E , Proctor J E , Rice J P , Tomlin N A , White M G , Stephens M S , Lehman J H
Published: May 2022

We have developed generalized methods for electrical substitution optical measurements, as well as cryogenic detectors which can be used to implement them. The new methods detailed here enable measurement of arbitrary periodic waveforms by an electrical substitution radiometer (ESR), which means that spectral and dynamic optical power can be absolutely calibrated directly by a primary standard detector. Cryogenic ESRs are not often used directly by researchers for optical calibrations due to their slow response times and cumbersome operation. We describe two types of ESRs with fast response times, including newly developed cryogenic bolometers with carbon nanotube absorbers, which are manufacturable by standard microfabrication techniques. These detectors have response times near 10 ms, spectral coverage from the ultraviolet to far-infrared, and are ideal for use with generalized electrical substitution. In our first tests of the generalized electrical substitution method with FTS, we have achieved uncertainty in detector response of 0.13% (k = 1) and total measurement uncertainty of 1.1% (k = 1) in the mid-infrared for spectral detector responsivity calibrations. The generalized method and fast detectors greatly expand the range of optical power calibrations which can be made using a wideband primary standard detector, which can shorten calibration chains and improve uncertainties.
A transcriptome sequencing study on the effect of macro-pores in hydrogel scaffolds on global gene expression of laden human cartilage chondrocytes
Authors: Xue Junqiang , Yang Wei , Wang Xinping , Wang Peiyan , Meng Xinyue , Yu Tengbo , Fan Changjiang
Published: May 2022

The macro-porous hydrogel scaffolds can not only enhance the proliferation of laden chondrocytes but also favor the deposition of hyaline cartilaginous extracellular matrix, however, the underlying molecular mechanism is still unclear. Herein, the global gene expression of human cartilage chondrocytes (HCCs) encapsulated in traditional hydrogel (Gel) constructs and micro-cavitary gel (MCG) constructs are investigated by using high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the HCCs cultured in Gel and MCG constructs have been identified via bioinformatics analysis. Significantly, the DEGs that promote cell proliferation (e.g. POSTN, MKI67, KIF20A) or neo-cartilage formation (e.g. COL2, ASPN, COMP, FMOD, FN1), are more highly expressed in MCG constructs than in Gel constructs, while the expressions of the DEGs associated with chondrocyte hypertrophy (e.g. EGR1, IBSP) are upregulated in Gel constructs. The expression of representative DEGs is verified at both mRNA and protein levels. Besides, cellular viability and morphology as well as the enriched signaling pathway of DEGs are studied in detail. These results of this work may provide data for functional tissue engineering of cartilage.
Discrete-time random walks and Lévy flights on arbitrary networks: when resetting becomes advantageous?
Authors: Riascos Alejandro P , Boyer Denis , Mateos José L
Published: May 2022

The spectral theory of random walks on networks of arbitrary topology can be readily extended to study random walks and Lévy flights subject to resetting on these structures. When a discrete-time process is stochastically brought back from time to time to its starting node, the mean search time needed to reach another node of the network may be significantly decreased. In other cases, however, resetting is detrimental to search. Using the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the transition matrix defining the process without resetting, we derive a general criterion for finite networks that establishes when there exists a non-zero resetting probability that minimizes the mean first passage time (MFPT) at a target node. Right at optimality, the coefficient of variation of the first passage time is not unity, unlike in continuous time processes with instantaneous resetting, but above 1 and depends on the minimal MFPT. The approach is general and applicable to the study of different discrete-time ergodic Markov processes such as Lévy flights, where the long-range dynamics is introduced in terms of the fractional Laplacian of the graph. We apply these results to the study of optimal transport on rings and Cayley trees.
Selecting an analytical model for describing the viscosity of an oil-water emulsion in the Aspen HYSYS program
Authors: Drozdov A S , Leontev S A
Published: May 2022

When designing technological installations for the preparation of downhole products, it is necessary to know the dynamic viscosity of the oil-water emulsion. It is not always possible to experimentally determine the viscosity and physico-chemical parameters of the oil-water emulsion. In this regard, the formulas used in the Aspen Hysys complex for determining the dynamic viscosity at different temperatures were analyzed. When analyzing the applicability of the analytical dependences, the calculated data were compared with the experimental data obtained by physical modeling of the viscosity of the water-oil emulsion of the Chayandinskoye field. The study was conducted in two stages. The first stage consisted of constructing models of the viscosity of the oil-water emulsion for all dependencies and comparing them with experimental data. This is done to test analytical assumptions and select the most reliable models. The models were constructed for a single temperature T=20 °C. The second stage consists of predicting the viscosity of the emulsion over the entire studied temperature range from -10 to 60 °C and water cut from 0.5 to 95% by weight, followed by verifying the reliability of the results of analytical calculations, as well as identifying existing shortcomings. An alternative formula is proposed, which does not contain empirical constants, describes the entire possible range of water cut, and has a relative forecast error of about 30%. In the future, it is planned to test the formula on water-oil emulsions with oils having similar properties (density, viscosity, amount of paraffins).
Reassessment of the potential of oil reserves in thin-layered “hazel grouse” type reservoirs
Authors: Agishev E R , Andreev V E , Kuleshova L S , Mukhametshin V V , Mingulov Sh G , Akhmetshina D I
Published: May 2022

The article describes an integrated approach to the development of solutions for the effective involvement of oil in the development of a thin-layered “hazel grouse” type reservoir. The principles of justification based on facies, geological-hydrodynamic and geomechanical modeling are analyzed. In the course of the work, new core data and a petrophysical model were obtained, which made it possible to substantiate the TRIZ status of the object. A conceptual geological model was built and an assessment of geological reserves was carried out to determine the priority zones for putting wells into operation.
Justification for proppant concentration choice during hydraulic fracturing
Authors: Kochetkov A V , Fattakhov I G , Kuleshova L S , Stepanova R R , Safiullina A R
Published: May 2022

The article presents a mathematical model of linear and nonlinear increase in proppant concentration during hydraulic fracturing. For the first time, an analytical solution using direct calculation for determining the parameters of the main hydraulic fracturing stages including the transition concentrations for given masses of proppant of various types is presented. It is shown that the use of a mathematical model in the development of a processing plan provides the correct distribution of the proppant mass by fractions, which facilitates the introduction of information and analytical systems and transferring data directly from the operating program to the database. The spreadsheet forms used in the production have been elaborated, which enables to apply the mathematical model of the operating program at each hydraulic fracturing without additional labor costs. The obtained mathematical model can be applied to improve the software used in the design, modeling and engineering support of hydraulic fracturing.
Development of a mathematical model for the formation of organic deposits based on research on their formation
Authors: Kozlov A V , Vyatkin K A , Ilushin P U
Published: May 2022

The processes of production and transportation of reservoir fluids are often complicated by various phenomena, among which one can distinguish the formation of organic deposits on the walls of the production tubing or linear oil pipeline. The fundamental problem in the field of oil production is the modeling of the processes of formation of these deposits, for which many models and equations have been developed. Their common disadvantage is high complexity and the need to use a complex mathematical apparatus. This work presents an equation based on laboratory studies and allowing one to model the processes of paraffin formation depending on the temperature gradient and water cut. This model shows high reliability in comparison with the classical Matzein model.
Search of chalcopyrite materials based on hybrid density functional theory calculation
Authors: Park Kanghyeon , Jeong Byeong-Hyeon , Park Ji-Sang
Published: May 2022

We computationally screened materials for photovoltaic applications based on hybrid density functional theory by assuming the chalcopyrite structure. Out of 96 materials, 14 materials were calculated to have a direct band gap between 0.6 eV and 2.0 eV, potentially applicable for photovoltaic applications. Materials with transition metals like Cr and Co were metallic, and those with Fe, Sc, and Y had indirect band gaps. Synthesis of 13 materials in experiments was reported, and the remaining one was thermodynamically unstable. Ag-containing compounds have lower stacking fault energy than Cu-containing compounds.
Instabilities in magnetized inhomogeneous dusty plasmas with the effect of recombination
Authors: Pachauri Shachi , Jyoti  , Misra Kamakhya Prakash
Published: May 2022

An analytical formalism to understand the impact of various parameters on evolving instabilities in inhomogeneous collisional dusty plasmas is presented here under the effect of recombination. The basic fluid dynamics for electrons and singly charged cold ions is carried out including recombination and collision at constant rate at the surface of dust particles. Dust particles are considered to be static with unperturbed density. Normal mode analysis method has been used along with linear approximation to get perturbed densities (n

i1, n

e1) which are used along with quasi-neutrality condition to get perturbed potential

(

φ

1

)
,

using Poisson’s equation to obtain dispersion relation. While other authors have detected instabilities in unmagnetized plasmas, here this method has been successfully realized in presence of static magnetic field at various propagation angle and allowed the straightforward calculation of growth rates of observed instability. An extensive study of the unstable modes has been done which are well discriminated and plotted with respect to different plasma parameters like dust charge, dust density, propagation angle, magnetic field, electrostatic potential along with plasma oscillation wavelength to Debye wavelength ratio. We have observed in the said model that the presence of dust particles and propagation angle of applied magnetic field are affecting significantly the growth rate of instability as compared to magnetic field and recombination.
A random matrix theory approach to damping in deep learning
Authors: Granziol Diego , Baskerville Nicholas
Published: May 2022

We conjecture that the inherent difference in generalisation between adaptive and non-adaptive gradient methods in deep learning stems from the increased estimation noise in the flattest directions of the true loss surface. We demonstrate that typical schedules used for adaptive methods (with low numerical stability or damping constants) serve to bias relative movement towards flat directions relative to sharp directions, effectively amplifying the noise-to-signal ratio and harming generalisation. We further demonstrate that the numerical damping constant used in these methods can be decomposed into a learning rate reduction and linear shrinkage of the estimated curvature matrix. We then demonstrate significant generalisation improvements by increasing the shrinkage coefficient, closing the generalisation gap entirely in both logistic regression and several deep neural network experiments. Extending this line further, we develop a novel random matrix theory based damping learner for second order optimisers inspired by linear shrinkage estimation. We experimentally demonstrate our learner to be very insensitive to the initialised value and to allow for extremely fast convergence in conjunction with continued stable training and competitive generalisation. We also find that our derived method works well with adaptive gradient methods such as Adam.
Non-linear modelling reveals a predominant moisture limit on juniper growth across the southern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Jia Hengfeng , Fang Ouya , Lyu Lixin
Published: May 2022

Background and Aims

Tree growth in plateau forests is critically limited by harsh climatic conditions. Many mathematical statistical methods have been used to identify the relationships between tree growth and climatic factors, but there is still uncertainty regarding the relative importance of these factors across different regions. We tested major climatic limits at 30 sites to provide insights into the main climatic limits for juniper trees (Juniperus tibetica Kom.) across the southern Tibetan Plateau.

Methods

We analysed the linear and non-linear relationships between tree growth and climatic factors using Pearson correlation statistics and a process-based forward Vaganov–Shashkin-Lite (VS-Lite) model, respectively. These relationships were used to identify the strength of the influence of different climatic factors throughout the species’ growing season and to identify the main climatic factors limiting tree growth.

Key Results

Growth of juniper trees began in April and ended in October in the study area. The radial growth of juniper trees was limited by soil moisture throughout the summer (June–August) of the current year at 24 sampling sites and was limited by temperature at the other six sites on the southern Tibetan Plateau.

Conclusions

Soil moisture limited juniper growth at the majority of sites. Temperature in the current summer limited the growth of juniper trees at a few sampling sites in the western part of the study area. Local climate conditions may contribute to different limiting factors in the growth response of trees on the southern Tibetan Plateau. These findings may contribute to our understanding of divergent forest dynamics and to sustainable forest management under future climate scenarios.
Photizo: an open-source library for cross-sample analysis of FTIR spectroscopy data
Authors: Grant-Peters Melissa , Rich-Griffin Charlotte , Grant-Peters Jonathan E , Cinque Gianfelice , Dendrou Calliope A
Published: May 2022

Motivation

With continually improved instrumentation, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopy can now be used to capture thousands of high-resolution spectra for chemical characterization of a sample. The spatially resolved nature of this method lends itself well to histological profiling of complex biological specimens. However, current software can make joint analysis of multiple samples challenging and, for large datasets, computationally infeasible.

Results

To overcome these limitations, we have developed Photizo—an open-source Python library enabling high-throughput spectral data pre-processing, visualization and downstream analysis, including principal component analysis, clustering, macromolecular quantification and mapping. Photizo can be used for analysis of data without a spatial component, as well as spatially resolved data, obtained e.g. by scanning mode IR microspectroscopy and IR imaging by focal plane array detector.

Availability and implementation

The code underlying this article is available at https://github.com/DendrouLab/Photizo with access to example data available at https://zenodo.org/record/6417982#.Yk2O9TfMI6A.
Regression of exchangeable relational arrays
Authors: Marrs F W , Fosdick B K , Mccormick T H
Published: May 2022

Relational arrays represent measures of association between pairs of actors, often in varied contexts or over time. Trade flows between countries, financial transactions between individuals, contact frequencies between school children in classrooms and dynamic protein-protein interactions are all examples of relational arrays. Elements of a relational array are often modelled as a linear function of observable covariates. Uncertainty estimates for regression coefficient estimators, and ideally the coefficient estimators themselves, must account for dependence between elements of the array, e.g., relations involving the same actor. Existing estimators of standard errors that recognize such relational dependence rely on estimating extremely complex, heterogeneous structure across actors. This paper develops a new class of parsimonious coefficient and standard error estimators for regressions of relational arrays. We leverage an exchangeability assumption to derive standard error estimators that pool information across actors, and are substantially more accurate than existing estimators in a variety of settings. This exchangeability assumption is pervasive in network and array models in the statistics literature, but not previously considered when adjusting for dependence in a regression setting with relational data. We demonstrate improvements in inference theoretically, via a simulation study, and by analysis of a dataset involving international trade.
Thromboprophylaxis Use in Paediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: An International RAND Appropriateness Panel
Authors: Torrente Franco , Meade Susanna , Benchimol Eric I , de Ridder Lissy , Croft Nicholas M , Kammermeier Jochen , Mack David R , Klomberg Renz C W , Turner Dan , Wilson David C , Martín-de-Carpi Javier , Bronsky Jiri , Amil Dias Jorge , Walker Gregor , van Ommen C Heleen , Powar Michael P , Burgess Natasha , Irving Peter M , Samaan Mark A , Hansen Richard
Published: May 2022

Background and Aims

Thromboprophylaxis use in paediatric inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] is inconsistent. Current guidelines only support treating children with acute severe colitis with risk factors. We convened an international RAND panel to explore thromboprophylaxis in paediatric IBD inpatients in the context of new evidence.

Methods

We convened a geographically diverse 14-person panel of paediatric gastroenterologists alongside supporting experts. An online survey was sent before an online meeting. Panellists were asked to rate the appropriateness of thromboprophylaxis in hospitalised paediatric IBD patients via 27 scenarios of varying ages, gender, and phenotype, with and without thrombotic risk factors. Anonymised results were presented at the meeting. A second modified survey was distributed to all panellists present at the meeting. Results from the second survey constitute the RAND panel results. The validated RAND disagreement index defined disagreement when ≥ 1.

Results

The combined outcome of thromboprophylaxis being considered appropriate until discharge and inappropriate to withhold was seen in 20 of 27 scenarios, including: all patients with new-onset acute severe colitis; all flares of known ulcerative colitis, irrespective of risk factors except in pre-pubescent patients with limited disease and no risk factors; and all Crohn’s patients with risk factors. Disagreement was seen in five scenarios regarding Crohn’s without risk factors, where outcomes were already uncertain.

Conclusions

RAND panels are an established method to assess expert opinion in areas of limited evidence. This work therefore constitutes neither a guideline nor a consensus; however, the findings suggest a need to re-evaluate the role of thromboprophylaxis in future guidelines.
Validation of the Soleris®Enterobacteriaceae Method for Detection of Enterobacteriaceae in Dried Cannabis Flower: AOAC Performance Tested MethodSM 121901
Authors: Le Quynh-Nhi , Mozola Mark , Tudor Alexandra , Horine Leo , Roman Brooke , Montei Carolyn , Zhang Lei , Biswas Preetha , Donofrio Robert
Published: May 2022

Background

The Soleris®Enterobacteriaceae vial is a growth-based, automated method for detection of bacteria of the family Enterobacteriaceae in foods and other sample types including nutraceuticals and cosmetics. The Soleris method is used in a “dilute-to-specification” or threshold manner, in which a result is scored as positive or negative around a predetermined cutoff (in CFU/g) established by the dilution and volume of sample homogenate tested. The Soleris method was granted AOAC Performance Tested MethodSM (PTM) status for select foods after successful completion of a validation study (PTM 121901).

Objective

The objective of this study was to validate the method for the detection of Enterobacteriaceae in dried cannabis flower [>0.3% delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)].

Methods

The matrix study included comparison of Soleris method presumptive results to confirmation from the Soleris vials, and comparison of the Soleris confirmed results to those of the ISO 21528-2:2017 colony count method. Test materials at four different levels of contamination ranging from 7.8 to 3500 CFU/g were tested at three dilutions, corresponding to test thresholds.

Results

Probability of detection analysis at P < 0.05 showed there were no significant differences between Soleris presumptive and confirmed results, and no significant differences between Soleris confirmed and ISO 21528-2:2017 results.

Conclusion

The results provided evidence that the Soleris Enterobacteriaceae test is an accurate method for detection of Enterobacteriaceae in dried cannabis flower.

Highlights

The Soleris Enterobacteriaceae method provides cannabis industry QC personnel with an effective method for analysis of dried cannabis flower and produces results in 20–24 h.
Uranotaenia (Pseudoficalbia) bhutanensis (Diptera: Culicidae), A New Species From Bhutan
Authors: Somboon Pradya , Namgay Rinzin , Harbach Ralph E
Published: May 2022

A new species of the subgenus Pseudoficalbia of the genus Uranotaenia is described from larvae found in a hole in a log at high altitude in montane forest in the Mongar District of Bhutan. Based on morphology, the larvae are sufficiently distinct from other species of the subgenus to be described and formally named here as Uranotaenia bhutanensis Somboon, Namgay & Harbach, n. sp. The species is a member of the Bimaculata Series. The chaetotaxy of the fourth-instar larva is provided.
Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes Containing Gli1 Alleviate Microglial Activation and Neuronal Apoptosis In Vitro and in a Mouse Parkinson Disease Model by Direct Inhibition of Sp1 Signaling
Authors: Cai Yang , Zhang Ming-Ming , Wang Ming , Jiang Zhuo-Hang , Tan Zhi-Gang
Published: May 2022

This study investigated possible therapeutic effect mechanisms of exosomes from bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC) in neuronal and microglial cells and in a Parkinson disease (PD) model. Neuronal SH-SY5Y cells and microglial HMC3 cells were subjected to 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) or LPS, respectively. The mRNA and protein expression was assessed using qRT-PCR, Western blotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cell viability and apoptosis of SH-SY5Y cells were examined using the MTT assay and flow cytometry. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were performed to assess the binding relationship between glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (Gli1) and the Sp1 transcription factor promoter. BMSC-derived exosomes promoted cell proliferation and inhibited apoptosis in MPP+-treated SH-SY5Y cells and suppressed inflammatory markers in LPS-treated HMC3 cells. Sp1 knockdown decreased SH-SY5Y cell damage and HMC3 immune activation. Gli1 carried by BMSC exosomes directly bound with Sp1 to inhibit Sp1-mediated LRRK2 activation whereas exosomes secreted by Gli1-knockdown in BMSC did not. In a PD mouse model induced with MPTP, BMSC exosomes decreased neuron loss injury and the inflammatory response by inhibiting Sp1 signaling. Thus, BMSC-derived exosomal Gli1 alleviates inflammatory damage and neuronal apoptosis by inhibiting Sp1 in vitro and in vivo. These findings provide the basis for the potential clinical use of BMSC-derived exosomes in PD.
Visual Estimation Accuracy of Tree Part Diameter and Fall Distance
Authors: Klein Ryan W , McLean Drew C , Koeser Andrew K , Hauer Richard J , Miesbauer Jason W , Salisbury Allyson B
Published: May 2022

When professionals assess tree risk, they must consider the potential consequences associated with a branch or whole tree striking a person, vehicle, or structure. This process requires an assessor to determine the diameter and fall distance of a tree part and then gauge the likely damage to a target if failure occurred. The ability to accurately estimate diameter and fall distances is important, as direct measurements are not always possible. In this study, we examined whether differences exist between visual estimations and direction measurements of tree part diameters and fall distances among 106 arborists of differing experience levels. Our findings suggest arborists’ estimations were reasonably accurate in comparison to direct measurements. International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborists and experienced arborists were more accurate in diameter estimations than arborists lacking assessment experience. In contrast, nonexperienced arborists were closer in their fall distance estimations than arborists with risk assessment experience.
Deep learning super-resolution magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging of brain metabolism and mutant isocitrate dehydrogenase glioma
Authors: Li Xianqi , Strasser Bernhard , Neuberger Ulf , Vollmuth Philipp , Bendszus Martin , Wick Wolfgang , Dietrich Jorg , Batchelor Tracy T , Cahill Daniel P , Andronesi Ovidiu C
Published: May 2022

Background

Magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) can be used in glioma patients to map the metabolic alterations associated with IDH1,2 mutations that are central criteria for glioma diagnosis. The aim of this study was to achieve super-resolution (SR) MRSI using deep learning to image tumor metabolism in patients with mutant IDH glioma.

Methods

We developed a deep learning method based on generative adversarial network (GAN) using Unet as generator network to upsample MRSI by a factor of 4. Neural networks were trained on simulated metabolic images from 75 glioma patients. The performance of deep neuronal networks was evaluated on MRSI data measured in 20 glioma patients and 10 healthy controls at 3T with a whole-brain 3D MRSI protocol optimized for detection of d-2-hydroxyglutarate (2HG). To further enhance structural details of metabolic maps we used prior information from high-resolution anatomical MR imaging. SR MRSI was compared to ground truth by Mann–Whitney U-test of peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), structure similarity index measure (SSIM), feature-based similarity index measure (FSIM), and mean opinion score (MOS).

Results

Deep learning SR improved PSNR by 17%, SSIM by 5%, FSIM by 7%, and MOS by 30% compared to conventional interpolation methods. In mutant IDH glioma patients proposed method provided the highest resolution for 2HG maps to clearly delineate tumor margins and tumor heterogeneity.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that proposed deep learning methods are effective in enhancing spatial resolution of metabolite maps. Patient results suggest that this may have great clinical potential for image guided precision oncology therapy.
Extra-CNS and dural metastases inFGFR3::TACC3fusion+ adult glioblastoma, IDH-wildtype
Authors: Kleinschmidt-DeMasters B K , Gilani Ahmed
Published: May 2022

Background

Adult glioblastomas (GBMs), IDH-wildtype, WHO grade 4 with FGFR3::TACC3 fusion have a better prognosis than standard GBMs. Whether this extended survival leads to late biological consequences is unknown. Although constituting only 4% of all GBMs, FGFR3::TACC3 fusion-positive GBMs manifest recurrent morphological features that allow prediction of this subtype, possibly affecting trial eligibility and/or targeted therapies. However, we have previously shown that an identical histological pattern can be present in wildtype examples, and conversely, occasional FGFR3::TACC3 fusion-positive tumors lack this stereotypic morphology; thus, ultimately molecular characterization is required. We now report for the first time an adult with FGFR3::TACC3 fusion-positive GBM showing archetypal histological features who developed extracranial metastases to provide further insight into potential behavior of the GBM type.

Methods

Report of a 70-year-old man with left parietal GBM who developed 2 subsequent metastases, all 3 of which were assessed by next-generation sequencing (NGS) and DNA methylation.

Results

Biopsy-proven dural metastases occurred at 8 months and cervical lymph node metastasis at 12-month post-diagnosis before the patient succumbed at 23 months. By NGS, all 3 tumors showed FGFR3::TACC3 fusion as well as an additional PDZD2::TERT fusion of uncertain significance. DNA methylation profiling demonstrated mesenchymal subtype in the initial biopsy and RTKII subtype in subsequent dural and lymph node metastases, indicating intratumor spatial heterogeneity or temporal evolution.

Conclusion

Rarely, FGFR3::TACC3 fusion-positive GBM patients may develop dural and extracranial metastatic spread, the latter with subclass switching on epigenomic analysis.
A rare concurrence: bee venom associated acute tubular necrosis and acute interstitial nephritis
Authors: Waziri Bala , Alhaji Umar I , Oduwale Mubaraq A , Umar Halima Isah , Abdulmalik Aliyu M
Published: May 2022

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is generally associated with increased morbidity and mortality and is even more devastating in patients with comorbidities. Although AKI due to multiple bee stings is well established in the literature, it is still a rare entity with complex pathophysiologic mechanisms. The most commonly reported histological findings in AKI due to bee stings is acute tubular necrosis (ATN), with a few studies attributing it to acute interstitial nephritis (AIN), whereas the concurrence of both ATN and AIN is rarely reported. We hereby present a 50-year-old known Type 2 diabetes mellitus patient with a prior normal renal function, who developed AKI following multiple stings from >1000 bees. He had a kidney biopsy on account of non-recovery of his kidney function despite being on intermittent hemodialysis that showed combined features of ATN and AIN. He subsequently had a full recovery of his renal function following appropriate management.
Mosaic trisomy 13 and constitutional delay in puberty
Authors: Eltayeb Sara Yousif Hussein , Bashier Alaaeldin , Hussain Azza Abdulaziz Khalifa Bin
Published: May 2022

Patau syndrome is the third most frequent chromosomal trisomy, with an estimated mortality rate that is about 50 times higher than the general neonatal mortality rate. Trisomy 13 mosaicism is a subtype that may result in a milder form of the disease, potentially leading to a longer life expectancy in these patients, allowing them to reach puberty. In this report, we discuss the case of a young boy who was evaluated for delayed puberty and karyotyping revealed mosaicism for trisomy 13. A detailed history, physical examination and appropriate laboratory studies and imaging were performed that showed a picture of suggestive of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and an abnormal male karyotype with mosaicism for trisomy 13. To date, there is no clear explanation to the association between trisomy 13 and gonadal axis, specifically with normal imaging of pituitary. We postulate that delayed puberty could be a clinical feature of mosaic trisomy 13.
A case of total ophthalmoplegia associated with a COVID-19 infection: case report
Authors: Hajjar Doaa , Sultan Dana , Khalaf Abdullah , Hesso Hussein , Kayyali Ammar
Published: May 2022

We are presenting a rare case of an acute complete external ophthalmoplegia with positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for SARS-CoV-2. Our case is the first case that depicts development of Tolosa-Hunt Syndrome (THS) following infection with COVID-19, with a challenging diagnosis and spontaneous improvement. A 65-year-old diabetic female presented with a complete external ophthalmopegia in the left eye and a severe left-sided headache. The PCR result for SARS-CoV-2 was positive. Brain and orbital computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging were both unremarkable. We diagnosed the case as THS after ruling out other differential diagnoses. The patient refused to receive prednisone, so we had to observe her closely for 6 months during which period we recorded a spontaneous recovery. Acute ophthalmoplegia is a very challenging presentation. It needs full workup to exclude the wide range of differential diagnoses.
An Arabidopsispre-RNA processing8a (prp8a)missense allele restores splicing of a subset of mis-spliced mRNAs
Authors: Llinas Roxanna J , Xiong Jia Qi , Clark Natalie M , Burkhart Sarah E , Bartel Bonnie
Published: May 2022

Eukaryotic precursor mRNAs often harbor noncoding introns that must be removed prior to translation. Accurate splicing of precursor messenger RNA depends on placement and assembly of small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) sub-complexes of the spliceosome. Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) studies established a role in splice-site selection for PRE-RNA PROCESSING8 (PRP8), a conserved spliceosome scaffolding protein of the U5 snRNP. However, analogous splice-site selection studies in multicellular eukaryotes are lacking. Such studies are crucial for a comprehensive understanding of alternative splicing, which is extensive in plants and animals but limited in yeast. In this work, we describe an Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) prp8a mutant that modulates splice-site selection. We isolated prp8a-14 from a screen for suppressors of pex14-6, which carries a splice-site mutation in the PEROXIN14 (PEX14) peroxisome biogenesis gene. To elucidate Arabidopsis PRP8A function in spliceosome fidelity, we combined prp8a-14 with various pex14 splice-site mutations and monitored the double mutants for physiological and molecular consequences of dysfunctional and functional peroxisomes that correspond to impaired and recovered splicing, respectively. prp8a-14 restored splicing and PEX14 function to alleles with mutations in the exonic guanine of the 5′-splice site but did not restore splicing or function to alleles with mutations in the intronic guanine of 5′- or 3′-splice sites. We used RNA-seq to reveal the systemic impact of prp8a-14 and found hundreds of differentially spliced transcripts and thousands of transcripts with significantly altered levels. Among differentially spliced transcripts, prp8a-14 significantly altered 5′- and 3′-splice-site utilization to favor sites resulting in shorter introns. This study provides a genetic platform for probing splicing in plants and hints at a role for plant PRP8 in splice-site selection.
Sphingolipids are involved in insect egg-induced cell death in Arabidopsis
Authors: Groux Raphaël , Fouillen Laetitia , Mongrand Sébastien , Reymond Philippe
Published: May 2022

In Brassicaceae, hypersensitive-like programmed cell death (HR-like) is a central component of direct defenses triggered against eggs of the large white butterfly (Pieris brassicae). The signaling pathway leading to HR-like in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) is mainly dependent on salicylic acid (SA) accumulation, but downstream components are unclear. Here, we found that treatment with P. brassicae egg extract (EE) triggered changes in expression of sphingolipid metabolism genes in Arabidopsis and black mustard (Brassica nigra). Disruption of ceramide (Cer) synthase activity led to a significant decrease of EE-induced HR-like whereas SA signaling and reactive oxygen species levels were unchanged, suggesting that Cer are downstream activators of HR-like. Sphingolipid quantifications showed that Cer with C16:0 side chains accumulated in both plant species and this response was largely unchanged in the SA-induction deficient2 (sid2-1) mutant. Finally, we provide genetic evidence that the modification of fatty acyl chains of sphingolipids modulates HR-like. Altogether, these results show that sphingolipids play a key and specific role during insect egg-triggered HR-like.
Adipose tissue derived stromal cells in a gelatin-based 3D matrix with exclusive ascorbic acid signalling emerged as a novel neural tissue engineering construct: an innovative prototype for soft tissue
Authors: Martin Catherine Ann , Radhakrishnan Subathra , Gómez Ribelles Jose Luis , Trentz Omana Anna , EAK Nivethaa , Reddy Mettu Srinivas , Rela Mohamed , Kalkura Subbaraya Narayana
Published: May 2022

The current study investigated a triad, which comprises of adipose tissue derived stem cells isolated from infrapatellar fat pad and gelatin/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based matrix with exclusive ascorbic acid signalling. Though, the bio-mechanical properties of the gelatin–PVA blended scaffolds in wet condition are equivalent to the ECM of soft tissues in general, in this study, the triad was tested as a model for neural tissue engineering. Apart from being cytocompatible and biocompatible, the porosity of the scaffold has been designed in such a manner that it facilitates the cell signalling and enables the exchange of nutrients and gases. The highly proliferative stem cells from Passage 2 were characterized using both, mesenchymal and embryonic stem cell markers. As an initial exploration the mesenchymal stem cells at Passage 4 were exposed to ascorbic acid and basic fibroblast growth factor signalling for neuronal differentiation in 2D environment independently. The MSCs successfully differentiated and acquired neuron specific markers related to cytoskeleton and synapses. Subsequently, three phases of experiments have been conducted on the 3D gelatin/PVA matrix to prove their efficacy, the growth of stem cells, growth of differentiated neurons and the in situ growth and differentiation of MSCs. The scaffold was conducive and directed MSCs to neuronal lineage under specific signalling. Overall, this organotypic model triad could open a new avenue in the field of soft tissue engineering as a simple and effective tissue construct.
Gold nanorods/tetrahedral DNA composites for chemo-photothermal therapy
Authors: He Ziyun , Wang Qiusheng , Zhang Nan , Yan Jianqin , Li Li , Cao Jun , He Bin
Published: May 2022

Combination therapy is extensively developed for cancer treatment in recent years due to its high efficiency. Herein, we constructed a nanocomposite based on gold nanorods (GNRs) and drug-loaded tetrahedral DNA nanostructures (TDN) for chemo-photothermal combinational therapy. Anti-tumor drug doxorubicin (DOX) was loaded via the insertion within GC base pairs of TDN. The aptamer AS1411 was attached to the apex of TDN (ATDN) to target tumor cells. The DOX-loaded DNA tetrahedron (ATDN-DOX) was compressed by the GNRs coated with PEI (GNRs@ATDN-DOX) to realize the photothermal function and lysosome escape. GNRs under the illumination of 808 nm infrared laser showed high photothermal conversion and stability due to the protection of PEI layer. The drug-loading capacity of ATDN-DOX was as high as 314 DOX molecules in per ATDN. The positive charge of PEI in GNRs@ATDN-DOX nanocomposites was utilized to achieve excellent cell penetration and induce proton sponge effect for lysosomal escape. The nanocomposites presented HeLa and 4T1 cells targeting and resulted in efficient anticancer activity.
Is time a healer? How quality of life changes over time reported by parents of children and young people with juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Smith Andrew D , Saqib Bishma , Lee Rebecca Rachael , Shoop-Worrall Stephanie , Hyrich Kimme L , McDonagh Janet E , Cordingley Lis
Published: May 2022

Objective

To investigate changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children and young people with JIA (Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis) over 3 years following diagnosis.

Methods

Data on children and young people recruited to the Childhood Arthritis Prospective Study (CAPS) were selected if >5 years of age at diagnosis. HRQoL was assessed at diagnosis (baseline), 1 year and 3 years using the proxy-reported Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) completed by a parent or guardian. The CHQ measures aspects of HRQoL including physical functioning and mental health. Analyses included descriptive statistics, comparison with a US reference population and analysis of CHQ scores longitudinally and by gender and age of onset.

Results

Using CHQ data from parents/guardians of 182 CAPS study participants [median age 9.6 years (interquartile range 7.2–12.2)], all HRQoL domains significantly improved over the 3 year follow-up, except general health perceptions. Physical health domains showed greater improvement than psychosocial domains, although psychosocial scores were generally higher than physical scores throughout. Although similar at diagnosis, at 1 year females had significantly worse HRQoL than males in physical functioning (P = 0.03), bodily pain (P = 0.03), mental health (P = 0.00), social-emotional (P = 0.02) and social-physical (P < 0.001). Differences largely remained at 3 years. Age at onset was not significantly associated with HRQoL.

Conclusion

Children and young people with JIA have low HRQoL across domains compared with the reference population. This improves within 3 years of diagnosis, with the greatest improvement within the first year. Early developmentally appropriate clinical intervention is recommended to reduce both psychosocial and physical impact of JIA. The lower HRQoL scores of females require further investigation.
Do alcohol and cannabis substitute or complement each other? Analysis from behavioral economics for formulating public policy on substance use in Colombia
Authors: Pereira-Morales Angela J , Eslava-Schmalbach Javier Hernando
Published: May 2022

After alcohol and tobacco, cannabis is the third most used substance among young Colombian adults, and many consume alcohol and cannabis concomitantly. However, academics have debated whether these substances substitute or complement each other among consumers. Understanding the relationship between the price and demand for psychoactive substances can clarify consumption patterns and help to develop strategies to reduce harmful consumption. This paper summarizes worldwide evidence of both complementary and substitution relationships and discusses the most probable relationship types in Colombia based on its substance use patterns and current regulations. Like other countries, Colombia is considering legalizing recreational cannabis use. However, there is a growing concern that legalization would increase the negative impacts of cannabis and increase alcohol use among the young adult population. The lack of Colombian empirical studies about the impacts of legal changes on the cannabis market makes it difficult to predict how such changes would affect demand and price elasticities.
Cause to Pause
Authors: Sassatelli Elizabeth H.
Published: May 2022

Preventable medication errors cause nearly 9,000 deaths annually, though this number may be low due to underreporting. This article uses a case study to examine how the “cause to pause” safety strategy can help prevent medication errors.
Controversies with routine urine drug screening
Authors: Danda Michelle C.
Published: May 2022

Urine drug screening (UDS) is a tool often used in a comprehensive treatment plan—even though it may cause harm to patients with mental health disorders. This article analyzes nurses' use of UDS in inpatient mental health services and offers strategies to develop policy and practice guidelines that ensure patient safety.