bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HR-Bac, a toolbox based on homologous recombination for expression, screening and production of multiprotein complexes using the baculovirus expression system
Authors: Kolesnikova Olga , Zachayus Amélie , Pichard Simon , Osz Judit , Rochel Natacha , Rossolillo Paola , Kolb-Cheynel Isabelle , Troffer-Charlier Nathalie , Compe Emmanuel , Bensaude Olivier , Berger Imre , Poterszman Arnaud
Published: February 2022

The Baculovirus/insect cell expression system is a powerful technology for reconstitution of eukaryotic macromolecular assemblies. Most multigene expression platforms rely on Tn7-mediated transposition for transferring the expression cassette into the baculoviral genome. This allows a rigorous characterization of recombinant bacmids but involves multiple steps, a limitation when many constructs are to be tested. For parallel expression screening and potential high throughput applications, we have established an open source multigene-expression toolbox exploiting homologous recombination, thus reducing the recombinant baculovirus generation to a single-step procedure and shortening the time from cloning to protein production to 2 weeks. The HR-bac toolbox is composed of a set of engineered bacmids expressing a fluorescent marker to monitor virus propagation and a library of transfer vectors. They contain single or dual expression cassettes bearing different affinity tags and their design facilitates the mix and match utilization of expression units from Multibac constructs. The overall cost of virus generation with HR-bac toolbox is relatively low as the preparation of linearized baculoviral DNA only requires standard reagents. Various multiprotein assemblies (nuclear hormone receptor heterodimers, the P-TEFb or the ternary CAK kinase complex associated with the XPD TFIIH subunit) are used as model systems to validate the toolbox presented.
Impact of COVID-19 forecast visualizations on pandemic risk perceptions
Authors: Padilla Lace , Hosseinpour Helia , Fygenson Racquel , Howell Jennifer , Chunara Rumi , Bertini Enrico
Published: February 2022

People worldwide use SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) visualizations to make life and death decisions about pandemic risks. Understanding how these visualizations influence risk perceptions to improve pandemic communication is crucial. To examine how COVID-19 visualizations influence risk perception, we conducted two experiments online in October and December of 2020 (N= 2549) where we presented participants with 34 visualization techniques (available at the time of publication on the CDC’s website) of the same COVID-19 mortality data. We found that visualizing data using a cumulative scale consistently led to participants believing that they and others were at more risk than before viewing the visualizations. In contrast, visualizing the same data with a weekly incident scale led to variable changes in risk perceptions. Further, uncertainty forecast visualizations also affected risk perceptions, with visualizations showing six or more models increasing risk estimates more than the others tested. Differences between COVID-19 visualizations of the same data produce different risk perceptions, fundamentally changing viewers’ interpretation of information.
Role of mitochondrial genetic interactions in determining adaptation to high altitude human population
Authors: Verma Rahul K. , Kalyakulina Alena , Mishra Ankit , Ivanchenko Mikhail , Jalan Sarika
Published: February 2022

Physiological and haplogroup studies performed to understand high-altitude adaptation in humans are limited to individual genes and polymorphic sites. Due to stochastic evolutionary forces, the frequency of a polymorphism is affected by changes in the frequency of a near-by polymorphism on the same DNA sample making them connected in terms of evolution. Here, first, we provide a method to model these mitochondrial polymorphisms as “co-mutation networks” for three high-altitude populations, Tibetan, Ethiopian and Andean. Then, by transforming these co-mutation networks into weighted and undirected gene–gene interaction (GGI) networks, we were able to identify functionally enriched genetic interactions ofCYBandCO3genes in Tibetan and Andean populations, while NADH dehydrogenase genes in the Ethiopian population playing a significant role in high altitude adaptation. These co-mutation based genetic networks provide insights into the role of different set of genes in high-altitude adaptation in human sub-populations.
Preclinical cerebral cryoablation in non-tumor bearing pigs
Authors: Jankovic Irena , Poulsen Frantz Rom , Pedersen Christian Bonde , Kristensen Bjarne Winther , Schytte Tine , Andersen Thomas Lund , Langhorn Louise , Graumann Ole , Krone Willy , Høilund-Carlsen Poul Flemming , Halle Bo
Published: February 2022

Patients with brain metastases, the most common intracranial tumor, have an average survival ranging from a few months to 40 months, and new treatment initiatives are needed. Cryoablation is a minimally invasive, well-tolerated, and effective procedure commonly applied for treatment of renal tumors and certain other malignancies. We aimed to examine the clinical usefulness of this procedure in a step-by-step program starting with cerebral cryoablation in healthy pigs. In four terminal and four non-terminal non-tumor bearing pigs, we studied immediate and delayed effects of cerebral cryoablation. Safety was assessed by computed tomography (CT), and clinical observation of behavior, neurological deficits, and wellbeing. Effects were assessed by histological and immuno-histochemical analyses addressing structural and metabolic changes supported by additional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) in the non-terminal animals. Using CT-guidance, cryoablation probes were successfully inserted without complications, and ice formation could be monitored real-time with CT. No animal developed neurological deficits or signs of discomfort. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses, MRI, and PET revealed profound structural and biological damage within the lesion. MRI and PET revealed no long-term damage to healthy tissue outside the cryoablation zone. Cerebral cryoablation appears to be a feasible, safe, and controllable procedure that can be monitored successfully with CT. The net effect is a dead brain lesion without damage of either nearby or remote healthy structures. Immediate changes are local hemorrhage and edema; delayed effects are perfusion defects, immune system activation, and astrogliosis.
Brain structural and functional correlates to defense-related inhibition of muscle sympathetic nerve activity in man
Authors: Riaz Bushra , Eskelin John J. , Lundblad Linda C. , Wallin B. Gunnar , Karlsson Tomas , Starck Göran , Lundqvist Daniel , Oostenveld Robert , Schneiderman Justin F. , Elam Mikael
Published: February 2022

An individual’s blood pressure (BP) reactivity to stress is linked to increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. However, inter- and intra-individual BP variability makes understanding the coupling between stress, BP reactivity, and long-term outcomes challenging. Previous microneurographic studies of sympathetic signaling to muscle vasculature (i.e. muscle sympathetic nerve activity, MSNA) have established a neural predictor for an individual’s BP reactivity during short-lasting stress. Unfortunately, this method is invasive, technically demanding, and time-consuming and thus not optimal for widespread use. Potential central nervous system correlates have not been investigated. We used MagnetoEncephaloGraphy and Magnetic Resonance Imaging to search for neural correlates to sympathetic response profiles within the central autonomic network and sensorimotor (Rolandic) regions in 20 healthy young males. The main correlates include (a) Rolandic beta rebound and an anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) response elicited by sudden stimulation and (b) cortical thickness in the ACC. Our findings highlight the involvement of the ACC in reactions to stress entailing peripheral sympathetic responses to environmental stimuli. The Rolandic response furthermore indicates a surprisingly strong link between somatosensory and autonomic processes. Our results thus demonstrate the potential in using non-invasive neuroimaging-based measures of stress-related MSNA reactions, previously assessed only using invasive microneurography.
Scalp recorded theta activity is modulated by reward, direction, and speed during virtual navigation in freely moving humans
Authors: Lin Mei-Heng , Liran Omer , Bauer Neeta , Baker Travis E.
Published: February 2022

Theta oscillations (~ 4–12 Hz) are dynamically modulated by speed and direction in freely moving animals. However, due to the paucity of electrophysiological recordings of freely moving humans, this mechanism remains poorly understood. Here, we combined mobile-EEG with fully immersive virtual-reality to investigate theta dynamics in 22 healthy adults (aged 18–29 years old) freely navigating a T-maze to find rewards. Our results revealed three dynamic periods of theta modulation: (1) theta power increases coincided with the participants’ decision-making period; (2) theta power increased for fast and leftward trials as subjects approached the goal location; and (3) feedback onset evoked two phase-locked theta bursts over the right temporal and frontal-midline channels. These results suggest that recording scalp EEG in freely moving humans navigating a simple virtual T-maze can be utilized as a powerful translational model by which to map theta dynamics during “real-life” goal-directed behavior in both health and disease.
Programmable polymorphism of a virus-like particle
Authors: Biela Artur P. , Naskalska Antonina , Fatehi Farzad , Twarock Reidun , Heddle Jonathan G.
Published: February 2022

Virus-like particles (VLPs) have significant potential as artificial vaccines and drug delivery systems. The ability to control their size has wide ranging utility but achieving such controlled polymorphism using a single protein subunit is challenging as it requires altering VLP geometry. Here we achieve size control of MS2 bacteriophage VLPs via insertion of amino acid sequences in an external loop to shift morphology to significantly larger forms. The resulting VLP size and geometry is controlled by altering the length and type of the insert. Cryo electron microscopy structures of the new VLPs, in combination with a kinetic model of their assembly, show that the abundance of wild type (T = 3), T = 4, D3 and D5 symmetrical VLPs can be biased in this way. We propose a mechanism whereby the insert leads to a change in the dynamic behavior of the capsid protein dimer, affecting the interconversion between the symmetric and asymmetric conformers and thus determining VLP size and morphology.
Mantle plume and rift-related volcanism during the evolution of the Rio Grande Rise
Authors: Hoyer Patrick A. , Haase Karsten M. , Regelous Marcel , O’Connor John M. , Homrighausen Stephan , Geissler Wolfram H. , Jokat Wilfried
Published: February 2022

The Rio Grande Rise in the western South Atlantic Ocean has been interpreted as either an oceanic plateau related to the Tristan-Gough mantle plume, or a fragment of detached continental crust. Here we present new major and trace element data for volcanic rocks from the western and eastern Rio Grande Rise and the adjacent Jean Charcot Seamount Chain. The eastern Rio Grande Rise and older parts of the western Rio Grande Rise are comprised of tholeiitic basalt with moderately enriched trace element compositions and likely formed above the Tristan-Gough mantle plume close to the southern Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Younger alkalic lavas from the western Rio Grande Rise and the Jean Charcot Seamount Chain were formed by lower degrees of melting beneath thicker lithosphere in an intraplate setting possibly during rifting of the plateau. There is no clear geochemical evidence that remnants of continental crust are present beneath the Rio Grande Rise.
DiSCoVeR: a materials discovery screening tool for high performance, unique chemical compositions
Authors: Baird Sterling G. , Diep Tran Q. , Sparks Taylor D.
Published: February 2022

We present the DiSCoVeR algorithm (https://github.com/sparks-baird/mat_discover), a Python tool for identifying and assessing high-performing, chemically unique compositions relative to existing compounds.
Adsorption of heavy metal ions in water by surface functionalized magnetic composites: a review
Authors: Zeng Xiangchu , Zhang Guanghua , Zhu Junfeng , Wu Zhe
Published: February 2022

This review systematically summarizes the application of magnetic composite adsorbents for the removal of heavy metal ions in water and focuses on the surface functionalization of magnetic materials.
Self-assembly of Boc-p-nitro-l-phenylalanyl-p-nitro-l-phenylalanine and Boc-l-phenylalanyl-l-tyrosine in solution and into piezoelectric electrospun fibers
Authors: Baptista Rosa M. F. , Lopes Paulo E. , Rodrigues Ana Rita O. , Cerca Nuno , Belsley Michael S. , de Matos Gomes Etelvina
Published: February 2022

Dual self-assembly of dipeptides into microspheres and microtapes. Quantum confinement in self-assembled structures of dipeptides. Self-assembly of dipeptides as nanospheres and nanotubes into blue luminescent electrospun fibers.
Facile synthesis of Ni-incorporated and nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide as an effective electrode material for tri(ammonium) phosphate electro-oxidation
Authors: Barakat Nasser A. M. , Ahmed Enas , Farghali A. A. , Nassar Mamdouh M. , Tolba Gehan M. K. , Zaki Ayman H.
Published: February 2022

Drying well-mixed Ni(CH3COO)2-PVP solution results in incorporation of metal precursor NPs throughout the polymer sheets. Adjusting the metal salt content leads to produce N-doped and Ni-decorated rGO which is an effective electrocatalyst for H2 production from tri(ammonium) phosphate.
Study on the different mechanoluminescence of anthracene derivatives
Authors: Miao Jun , Zhang Zhaoxia , Cui Zhiyuan , Zhang Ming
Published: February 2022

The mechanoluminescence (ML) properties of anthracene derivatives were studied.
Study of the morphological, optical, structural and electrical properties of silicon nanowires at varying concentrations of the catalyst precursor
Authors: Rai Sadhna , Bhujel Rabina , Mondal Manas Kumar , Swain Bibhu Prasad , Biswas Joydeep
Published: February 2022

Silicon nanowires (SiNWs) were grown by metal-assisted chemical etching of a p-type (100) silicon wafer.
Modular penetration and controlled release (MP-CR): improving the internal modification of natural hierarchical materials with smart nanoparticles
Authors: Zhu Ruixin , Wang Junchao , Li Kaijun , Chen Chaojian , Liu Gongyan
Published: February 2022

Polymer-coated responsive nanoparticles can penetrate into biomass materials more effectively and uniformly than conventional small-molecule crosslinkers, resulting in functional hierarchical materials with significantly improved overall performance.
Bacteria-mediated tumor immunotherapy via photothermally-programmed PD1 expression
Authors: Xu Wenxuan , Ren Debao , Yu Zimeng , Hou Jia , Huang Fan , Gan Tingfang , Ji Ping , Zhang Cheng , Ma Lixin , Hu Yunhong
Published: February 2022

A thermally-induced bacteria platform was constructed for oncotherapy. E. coli colonized the tumor tissue and form a thrombus. After NIR irradiation, local hyperthermia and heat-induced PD1 inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of tumor cells.
Nominally stoichiometric Na3(WxSixSb1−2x)S4 as a superionic solid electrolyte
Authors: Han Suyeon , Seo Jung Yong , Park Woon Bae , Richard Prabakar S. J. , Park Sangwon , Sohn Kee-Sun , Pyo Myoungho
Published: February 2022

Nominally stoichiometric Na3WxSixSb1−2xS4 is presented as Na+-conducting solid-state electrolytes. When x = 0.2, it shows the highest ionic conductivity of 13.2 mS cm−1, despite the absence of intentionally incorporated Na+ vacancies.
Magnetic bistable organic ionic plastic crystal with room temperature ion conductivity comparable to NASICON and superionic conduction in a broad temperature window
Authors: Qian Yin , Zhang Jin , Wang Yi-Ming , Yao Wan-Wan , Shao Dong-Sheng , Ren Xiao-Ming
Published: February 2022

A radical salt experiences crystal–crystal and crystal–plastic crystal phase transitions with magnetic bistability and negative thermal expansion, high room-temperature ion-conduction in crystal phase and superionic conduction in plastic crystal phase.
Catalytic asymmetric conjugate addition of indolizines to unsaturated ketones catalyzed by chiral-at-metal complexes
Authors: Huang Cheng , Zhao Zhifei , Li Shiwu , Zhao Jixing , Wu Leifang , Gu Chengzhi
Published: February 2022

A highly enantioselective conjugate addition of indolizine and its analogues with α,β-unsaturated 2-acyl imidazoles has been developed.
Investigation on structure, thermodynamic and multifunctional properties of Ni–Zn–Co ferrite for Gd3+ substitution
Authors: Hossain M. D. , Jamil A. T. M. K. , Hossain Md. Sarowar , Ahmed S. J. , Das H. N. , Rashid R. , Hakim M. A. , Khan M. N. I.
Published: February 2022

This study presents a modification of structure-dependent elastic, thermodynamic, magnetic, transport and magneto-dielectric properties of a Ni–Zn–Co ferrite tailored by Gd3+ substitution at the B-site replacing Fe3+ ions.
Methane synthesis from CO2 and H2O using a phosphate-based electrochemical cell at 210–270 °C with oxide-supported Ru catalysts
Authors: Kubota Jun , Okumura Takaya , Hayashi Rika
Published: February 2022

The conversion of electricity to chemical energy is a key technology for absorbing the fluctuations of electricity and utilizing solar and wind-powered electricities as chemical fuels.
Local strain-induced energy storage as driving force for autogenous scratch closure
Authors: Montano V. , Urban M. W. , van der Zwaag S. , Garcia S. J.
Published: February 2022

In this work we rationalize the relationship between polymer architecture, energy stored during scratch damage, entropy release during healing and gap closure of scratches.
Engineering surface patterns on nanoparticles: new insights into nano-bio interactions
Authors: Hu Boyang , Liu Ruijie , Liu Qingyue , Lin Zi'an , Shi Yiwei , Li Jun , Wang Lijun , Li Longjie , Xiao Xianjin , Wu Yuzhou
Published: February 2022

The surface patterns of gold nanoparticles, dendrimers and DNA nanostructures are explored as a model to provide new insights into nano-bio interactions.
Manganese oxide nanomaterials for bacterial infection detection and therapy
Authors: Xu Wenjing , Qing Xin , Liu Shengli , Chen Zhencheng , Zhang Yewei
Published: February 2022

This review presents applications of MnO2 nanomaterials in anti-infective detection and therapy. Firstly, the antibacterial mechanism are summarized. Moreover, the applications are highlighted. Finally, the challenges and perspectives are discussed.
The regioisomeric effect on the excited-state fate leading to room-temperature phosphorescence or thermally activated delayed fluorescence in a dibenzophenazine-cored donor–acceptor–donor system
Authors: Hosono Takumi , Decarli Nicolas Oliveira , Crocomo Paola Zimmermann , Goya Tsuyoshi , de Sousa Leonardo Evaristo , Tohnai Norimitsu , Minakata Satoshi , de Silva Piotr , Data Przemyslaw , Takeda Youhei
Published: February 2022

Regioisomeric and substituent effects in a twisted D–A–D molecular scaffold on the photophysical properties has been revealed. The studied compounds display distinct difference in TADF, dual TADF&RTP, and dual RTP, depending on the host used.
Au@ZnO/rGO nanocomposite-based ultra-low detection limit highly sensitive and selective NO2 gas sensor
Authors: Cao PeiJiang , Cai YongZhi , Pawar Dnyandeo , Han Shun , Xu WangYing , Fang Ming , Liu XinKe , Zeng YuXiang , Liu WenJun , Lu YouMing , Zhu DeLiang
Published: February 2022

An Au@ZnO/rGO nanocomposite demonstrates a sensitive, selective, and ultra-low detection limit for NO2 sensing (5 ppb-1 ppm) at 60 °C.
van der Waals 2D metallic materials for low-resistivity interconnects
Authors: Hu Yaoqiao , Conlin Patrick , Lee Yeonghun , Kim Dongwook , Cho Kyeongjae
Published: February 2022

2D metallic materials offer a solution to the problem of poor scalability of elemental metals within ever-downscaling device interconnects. With the absence of surface scattering, they could be used for interconnects in future integrated circuits.
Regioselectivity of Pd-catalyzedo-carborane arylation: a theoretical view
Authors: Liu Jiying , Fu Dongmin , Chen Zitong , Li Tiantian , Qu Ling-Bo , Li Shi-Jun , Zhang Wenjing , Lan Yu
Published: February 2022

B(3)-Arylation is unfavorable because the steric repulsion between the substituent group on C(2) and the metal moiety would lead to significant distortion ofo-carborane and would result in a higher activation energy for reductive elimination.
Slag-based geopolymer microsphere-supported Cu: a low-cost and sustainable catalyst for CO2 hydrogenation
Authors: Deng Liang , Su Qiaoqiao , Ye Quan , Wan Hengyu , He Yan , Cui Xuemin
Published: February 2022

Recent studies on the exploration of sustainable approaches by utilizing large-scale waste materials as potential catalysts in the field of heterogeneous catalysis have attracted much attention.
Adaptor protein 3BP2 regulates dectin-1-mediated cellular signalling to induce cytokine expression and NF-κB activation
Authors: Chihara Kazuyasu , Chihara Yuri , Takeuchi Kenji , Sada Kiyonao
Published: February 2022

The adaptor protein c-Abl Src homology 3 domain-binding protein-2 (3BP2) is phosphorylated by spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk), and the phosphorylation of Tyr183 is important in the regulation of immune responses. Recently, we reported that 3BP2 plays important roles in phagocytosis and chemokine expression mediated by the Fc receptor for IgG. Although it is well established that various phagocytic cells express Syk-coupled C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) to induce innate immune responses, the functions of 3BP2 and the physiological relevance of the phosphorylation of Tyr183 remain elusive. In this study, we generated genome-edited mice and observed that 3BP2 influenced the development of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) induced by granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. In addition, we found that 3BP2 was critical for cytokine expression induced by Syk-coupled CLRs — dectin-1 and macrophage-inducible C-type lectin. Immunoblotting analyses revealed that 3BP2 was required for the dectin-1-induced activation of NF-κB p65. The impaired expression of cytokines and activation of NF-κB in 3BP2-mutant cells were restored by wild-type 3BP2, suggesting that 3BP2 was involved in the dectin-1-mediated signalling that led to NF-κB activation. Furthermore, we found that the phosphorylation of Tyr183 is not essential for cytokine expression and that 3BP2 in combination with caspase recruitment domain family member 9 activates NF-κB in HEK-293T cells. Collectively, these results indicate that in addition to the development of BMDCs, 3BP2 plays an important role in the dectin-1-induced activation of NF-κB and cytokine expression.
Investigating Bilateral Cochlear Implant Users' Localization of Amplitude- and Time-Panned Stimuli Produced Over a Limited Loudspeaker Arrangement
Authors: Fernandez Janani , Sivonen Ville , Pulkki Ville
Published: February 2022

Objective:

The objective of this study was to investigate the localization ability of bilateral cochlear implant (BiCI) users for virtual sound sources produced over a limited loudspeaker arrangement.

Design:

Ten BiCI users and 10 normal-hearing subjects participated in listening tests in which amplitude- and time-panned virtual sound sources were produced over a limited loudspeaker setup with varying azimuth angles. Three stimuli were utilized: speech, bandpassed pink noise between 20 Hz and 1 kHz, and bandpassed pink noise between 1 kHz and 8 kHz. The data were collected via a two-alternative forced-choice procedure and used to calculate the minimum audible angle (MAA) of each subject, which was subsequently compared to the results of previous studies in which real sound sources were employed.

Result:

The median MAAs of the amplitude-panned speech, low-frequency pink noise, and high-frequency pink noise stimuli for the BiCI group were calculated to be 20°, 38°, and 12°, respectively. For the time-panned stimuli, the MAAs of the BiCI group for all three stimuli were calculated to be close to the upper limit of the listening test.

Conclusions:

The computed MAAs of the BiCI group for amplitude-panned speech were marginally larger than BiCI users' previously reported MAAs for real sound sources, whereas their computed MAAs for the time-panned stimuli were significantly larger. Subsequent statistical analysis indicated a statistically significant difference in the performances of the BiCI group in localizing the amplitude-panned sources and the time-panned sources. It follows that time-panning over limited loudspeaker arrangements may not be a useful clinical tool, whereas amplitude-panning utilizing such a setup may be further explored as such. Additionally, a comparison with the patient demographics indicated correlations between the results and the patients' age at time of diagnoses and the time passed between date of diagnosis and their implant surgeries.
Management of Multidrug-Resistant Infections in Cirrhosis
Authors: Gallaher Charles E. , Shawcross Debbie L.
Published: February 2022

The World Health Organization describes antimicrobial resistance as one of the biggest threats to global health, food security, and development with indiscriminate use of antimicrobials globally driving the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria, resistant to 60% of antimicrobials in some countries. Infections with multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) have increased in recent decades in patients with cirrhosis, who are frequently prescribed antibiotics, regularly undergo invasive procedures such as large volume paracentesis, and have recurrent hospitalizations, posing a particular risk in this already immunocompromised cohort of patients. In this review, we explore mechanisms underlying this vulnerability to MDRO infection; the effect of bacterial infections on disease course in cirrhosis; prevalence of MDROs in patients with cirrhosis; outcomes following MDRO infection; fungal infections; antibiotics and their efficacy; and management of MDRO infections in terms of detection, antimicrobial and nonantimicrobial treatments, prophylaxis, antibiotic stewardship, the gut microbiome, and technological interventions.
Spanish Translation, Face Validity, and Reliability of the ICIQ-B Questionnaire with Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Sacomori Cinara , Lorca Luz Alejandra , Martinez-Mardones Mónica , Benavente Paulina , Plasser Jorge , Pardoe Megan
Published: February 2022

Purpose To describe the English-to-Spanish translation process and preliminary psychometric analysis (face validity, cultural adaptation, and test-retest reliability) of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire – Bowels Module (ICIQ-B) among Chilean colorectal cancer patients.

Materials and Methods The face validity was studied with 10 colorectal cancer patients, and the test-retest reliability, with 15 patients, 1 month before and 6 months after cancer surgery.

Results Two rounds of translation/back translation resulted in a Spanish version. The English expression open your bowels was translated as defecar, as it is easily understandable in Spanish. The patients reported that the instrument was easy to answer, with clear instructions, and that it was adequate to appraise their health condition. The test-retest reliability was good (Spearman rho [ρ] ≥ 0.842); only item 15a, the Bristol Stool Scale, obtained a moderate correlation (ρ = 0.639). The patients reported a variety of symptoms, including increased bowel movements, nocturnal bowel movements, fecal urgency, and incontinence.

Conclusions The first Spanish version of the ICIQ-B was culturally adapted for Chilean colorectal cancer patients, and showed good test-retest reliability. It might be a reference for other Spanish-speaking countries and for patients with other conditions. The ICIQ-B is a robust comprehensive questionnaire for bowel function.
C-Reactive Protein as a Marker of Postoperative Complication of Emergency Colorectal Surgery
Authors: Nadal Luis R. M. , Silva Artur M. A. da , Johann Larissa , Boustani Shuaib H. El , Medrado Maria Beatriz A. S. , Farah Jose F. M. , Lupinacci Renato A.
Published: February 2022

Introduction The literature converges regarding the use of C-reactive protein (CRP) tests between postoperative days (PODs) 3 and 5 of elective procedures. In this period, they have great sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) for severe and anastomotic complications about two days before the first clinical sign. The few studies on colorectal urgency suggest that, despite the different initial values according to the surgical indication, following POD 3, the level of CRP is similar to that of elective procedures. However, given the heterogeneity of the studies, there is no consensus on the cutoff values for this use.

Objective To validate the use and propose a PO CRP cut-off value in urgent colorectal procedures as an exclusion criterion for complications of anastomosis or the abdominal cavity.

Method Retrospective analysis of the medical records of 308 patients who underwent urgent colorectal surgical procedures between January 2017 and December 2019. The following data were considered: age, gender, surgical indication, type of procedure performed, complications, CRP levels preoperatively and from POD 1 to 4, and the severity of the complications. We compared the CRP levels and the percentage variations between the preoperative period and PODs 1 to 4 as markers of severe complications using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results The levels of CRP on POD4, and their percentage drops between PODs 2 to 4 and PODs 3 to 4, were better to predict severe complications. A cutoff of 7.45 mg/dL on POD 4 had 91.7% of sensitivity and NPV. A 50% drop between PODs 3 and 4 had 100% of sensitivity and NPV.

Conclusion Determining the level of CRP is useful to exclude severe complications, and it could be a criterion for hospital discharge in POD 4 of emergency colorectal surgery.
Liquid-based Anal Cytology as a Screening Tool for Prevention of Anal Cancer in at-risk Populations: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis on 111 Patients
Authors: Pisano Luigi , Tiradritti Luana , Lorenzoni Elisa , Zuccati Giuliano , Foxi Prassede , Butera Daniela , Matucci Marzia , Confortini Massimo , Carozzi Francesca
Published: February 2022

Objective Squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA) is associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in almost 90% of the cases. Its incidence is alarmingly high among men who have sex with men (MSM) and continues to increase at an average rate of 2% per year. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the usefulness and performance of liquid-based anal cytology as a screening tool for prevention and early detection of SCCA in a cohort of at-risk men.

Method We conducted a retrospective study including 111 MSM, aged between 22 and 62 years old, who underwent anal cytological screening with a liquid-based Pap test at our sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) clinic from January 2015 to March 2017.

Results Out of 111 anal smears, 57 (51,4%) resulted negative, 42 (37,8%) abnormal, and 12 (10,8%) unsatisfactory for the cytological evaluation. Only patients with an abnormal cytology underwent anoscopy and subsequent biopsy. The histological results were as follows: negative for squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) in 5 cases, low-grade SIL (L-SIL) in 21, high-grade SIL (H-SIL) in 5, SCCA in 1. Five patients had a normal anoscopy and biopsy was not taken.

Conclusion Liquid-based cytology, reducing the “darkening factors” typical for the conventional smears, has a higher positive predictive value than the traditional technique. Moreover, a cytological diagnosis of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) or L-SIL may hide a severe dysplasia or even a carcinoma. Thus, all patients with an abnormal anal cytology at any grade should be considered for anoscopy.
Elective Laparoscopic Sigmoidectomy with Preservation of the Superior Rectal Artery Prior to Endoscopic Decompression in Sigmoid Volvulus
Authors: Jaramillo Romero Aldo , Ramirez López Mario Alberto , Mejía Flores Samantha L. , Niño Carrasco Andrés
Published: February 2022

Sigmoid volvulus is a frequent cause of intestinal obstruction. Its management has evolved with the use of laparoscopic surgery, achieving an elective sigmoid resection with anastomosis after a flexible endoscopic detorsion. A female patient was admitted to the emergency room with abdominal pain, distention, and constipation. The abdominal computed tomography showed a whirled sigmoid mesentery in addition to dilated sigmoid loops, and coffee bean sign. The patient successfully underwent a flexible endoscopic detorsion and was scheduled for elective sigmoid colectomy with rectal superior artery preservation and primary anastomosis. During the sigmoid resection, the superior rectal artery preservation is related to a better prognostic, with less bleeding, anastomotic leakage, and hospital stay. Currently, there are few reports of the laparoscopic preservation of the superior rectal artery in patients with sigmoid volvulus.
Is There a Precise Correlation between the Lengths of the Peritoneal Reflection and the Middle Rectal Valve?
Authors: Corrêa Neto Isaac José Felippe , Oliveira Mariana Campello de , Robles Laercio , Santos Leonardo Marcos Lopes , Rolim Alexander Sá , Souza Rogério Freitas Lino , Watté Hugo Henriques , Cecchini Angelo Rossi da Silva
Published: February 2022

Introduction Pelvic anatomy remains a challenge, and thorough knowledge of its intricate landmarks has major clinical and surgical implications in several medical specialties. The peritoneal reflection is an important landmark in intraluminal surgery, rectal trauma, impalement, and rectal adenocarcinoma.

Objectives To investigate the correlation between the lengths of the middle rectal valve and of the peritoneal reflection determined with rigid sigmoidoscopy and to determine whether there are any differences in the location of the peritoneal reflection between the genders and in relation to body mass index (BMI) and parity.

Design We prospectively investigated the location of the middle rectal valve and of the peritoneal reflection via intraoperative rigid sigmoidoscopy in colorectal cancer patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery.

Results We evaluated 38 patients with a mean age of 55.5 years old (57.5% males) who underwent colorectal surgery at the coloproctology service of the Hospital Santa Marcelina, São Paulo, state of São Paulo, Brazil. There was substantial agreement between the lengths of the middle rectal valve and of the peritoneal reflection (Kappa = 0.66). In addition, the peritoneal reflection was significantly lower in overweight patients (p = 0.013 for women and p < 0.005 for men) and in women with > 2 vaginal deliveries (p = 0.009), but there was no significant difference in the length of the peritoneal reflection between genders (p = 0.32).

Conclusion There was substantial agreement between the lengths of the peritoneal reflection and of the middle rectal valve, and the peritoneal reflection was significantly lower in overweight patients and in women with more than two vaginal deliveries.
Risk Factors for Anastomotic Leakage Following Total or Subtotal Colectomy
Authors: Ocaña J. , Pastor-Peinado P. , Abadía P. , Ballestero A. , Ramos D. , García-Pérez JC. , Fernández-Cebrián JM. , Die J.
Published: February 2022

Introduction A higher rate of anastomotic leakage (AL) is reported after ileosigmoid anastomosis (ISA) or ileorectal anastomosis (IRA) in total or subtotal colectomy (TSC) compared with colonic or colorectal anastomosis. The main aim of the present study was to assess potential risk factors for AL after ISA or IRA and to investigate determinants of morbidity.

Methods We identified 180 consecutive patients in a prospective referral, single center database, in which 83 of the patients underwent TSC with ISA or IRA. Data regarding the clinical characteristics, surgical treatment, and outcome were assessed to determine their association with the cumulative incidence of AL and surgical morbidity.

Results Ileosigmoid anastomosis was performed in 51 of the patients (61.5%) and IRA in 32 patients (38.6%). The cumulative incidence of AL was 15.6% (13 of 83 patients). A higher AL rate was found in patients under 50 years-old (p = 0.038), in the elective-laparoscopic approach subgroup (p = 0.049), and patients in the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) subgroup (p = 0.009). Furthermore, 14 patients (16.9%) had morbidity classified as Clavien-Dindo ≥ IIIA.

Discussion A relatively high incidence of AL after TSC was observed in a relatively safe surgical procedure. Our findings suggest that the risk of AL may be higher in IBD patients. According to our results, identifying risk factors prior to surgery may improve short-term outcomes.
β-Gallium oxide power electronics
Authors: Green Andrew J. , Speck James , Xing Grace , Moens Peter , Allerstam Fredrik , Gumaelius Krister , Neyer Thomas , Arias-Purdue Andrea , Mehrotra Vivek , Kuramata Akito , Sasaki Kohei , Watanabe Shinya , Koshi Kimiyoshi , Blevins John , Bierwagen Oliver , Krishnamoorthy Sriram , Leedy Kevin , Arehart Aaron R. , Neal Adam T. , Mou Shin , Ringel Steven A. , Kumar Avinash , Sharma Ankit , Ghosh Krishnendu , Singisetti Uttam , Li Wenshen , Chabak Kelson , Liddy Kyle , Islam Ahmad , Rajan Siddharth , Graham Samuel , Choi Sukwon , Cheng Zhe , Higashiwaki Masataka
Published: February 2022

Gallium Oxide has undergone rapid technological maturation over the last decade, pushing it to the forefront of ultra-wide band gap semiconductor technologies. Maximizing the potential for a new semiconductor system requires a concerted effort by the community to address technical barriers which limit performance. Due to the favorable intrinsic material properties of gallium oxide, namely, critical field strength, widely tunable conductivity, mobility, and melt-based bulk growth, the major targeted application space is power electronics where high performance is expected at low cost. This Roadmap presents the current state-of-the-art and future challenges in 15 different topics identified by a large number of people active within the gallium oxide research community. Addressing these challenges will enhance the state-of-the-art device performance and allow us to design efficient, high-power, commercially scalable microelectronic systems using the newest semiconductor platform.
Distributed deep learning training using silicon photonic switched architectures
Authors: Zhu Ziyi , Teh Min Yee , Wu Zhenguo , Glick Madeleine Strom , Yan Shijia , Hattink Maarten , Bergman Keren
Published: February 2022

The scaling trends of deep learning models and distributed training workloads are challenging network capacities in today’s datacenters and high-performance computing (HPC) systems. We propose a system architecture that leverages silicon photonic (SiP) switch-enabled server regrouping using bandwidth steering to tackle the challenges and accelerate distributed deep learning training. In addition, our proposed system architecture utilizes a highly integrated operating system-based SiP switch control scheme to reduce implementation complexity. To demonstrate the feasibility of our proposal, we built an experimental testbed with a SiP switch-enabled reconfigurable fat tree topology and evaluated the network performance of distributed ring all-reduce and parameter server workloads. The experimental results show up to 3.6× improvements over the static non-reconfigurable fat tree. Our large-scale simulation results show that server regrouping can deliver up to 2.3× flow throughput improvement for a 2× tapered fat tree and a further 11% improvement when higher-layer bandwidth steering is employed. The collective results show the potential of integrating SiP switches into datacenters and HPC systems to accelerate distributed deep learning training.
Photonic and optoelectronic neuromorphic computing
Authors: El Srouji L. , Krishnan A. , Ravichandran R. , Lee Y. , On M. , Xiao X. , Ben Yoo S. J.
Published: February 2022

Recent advances in neuromorphic computing have established a computational framework that removes the processor-memory bottleneck evident in traditional von Neumann computing. Moreover, contemporary photonic circuits have addressed the limitations of electrical computational platforms to offer energy-efficient and parallel interconnects independently of the distance. When employed as synaptic interconnects with reconfigurable photonic elements, they can offer an analog platform capable of arbitrary linear matrix operations, including multiply–accumulate operation and convolution at extremely high speed and energy efficiency. Both all-optical and optoelectronic nonlinear transfer functions have been investigated for realizing neurons with photonic signals. A number of research efforts have reported orders of magnitude improvements estimated for computational throughput and energy efficiency. Compared to biological neural systems, achieving high scalability and density is challenging for such photonic neuromorphic systems. Recently developed tensor-train-decomposition methods and three-dimensional photonic integration technologies can potentially address both algorithmic and architectural scalability. This tutorial covers architectures, technologies, learning algorithms, and benchmarking for photonic and optoelectronic neuromorphic computers.
Non-contact optical magnetic field sensor based on metamaterial nanomechanics
Authors: Lan Guoqiang , Ou Jun-Yu , Papas Dimitrios , Zheludev Nikolay I. , Plum Eric
Published: February 2022

We demonstrate a non-contact optical magnetic field sensor that is based on actuation of a metamaterial-microcavity by the magnetic Lorentz force. Magnetic field is transduced to a change of the sensor’s reflectivity. The microscale proof-of-concept metamaterial magnetometer can be read from a distance and offers 60 μm spatial, about 10 μs temporal, and sub-microtesla magnetic field resolution.
Optical transitions of neutral Mg in Mg-doped β-Ga2O3
Authors: Bhandari Suman , Lyons John L. , Wickramaratne Darshana , Zvanut M. E.
Published: February 2022

Gallium oxide when doped with Mg becomes semi-insulating and can be useful for power electronic devices. The present work investigates optical transitions of neutral Mg (MgGa0) using photoinduced electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, a variation of the traditional optical absorption. Steady-state and time-dependent measurements are carried out at 130 K by illuminating the samples with photon energies from 0.7 to 4.4 eV. Interpretation of the data using a model that incorporates electron–phonon coupling yields a defect transition level that is consistent with the MgGa−/0 level obtained from hybrid density functional theory calculations. We conclude that the neutral to negative transition of MgGa that we observe involves an electron transition from the valence band to the defect, and the MgGa−/0 level is located 1.2 eV above the valence band maximum, with a relaxation energy of 1.3 eV.
Sustained high CO
Authors: Bargrizan Sima , Biswas Tapas K. , Joehnk Klaus D. , Mosley Luke M.
Published: February 2022

Many of the world’s rivers have been found to be sources of CO2 to the atmosphere, however, there has been limited assessment in arid regions. This analysis of a long-term (1979–2013) dataset (n = 3496) along Australia’s largest river system (River Murray) showed that there were sustained high pCO2 (carbon dioxide partial pressure) levels, ranging from 1210 ± 107 to 3066 ± 579 µatm along the main river channel, and 5114 ± 1221 µatm on the major tributaries. As a consequence, the River Murray is a significant source of CO2 to the atmosphere, with an estimated average annual (±s.d.) flux of 218 ± 98 g C m−2 year−1 and total emissions of 355 000 ± 29 000 t CO2 year−1 over a total river area of 386 km2 from below Lake Hume to Tailem Bend, although there is some uncertainty with gas transfer coefficients. Supersaturation with CO2 relative to the atmosphere was maintained even under drought conditions with minimal external carbon inputs, suggesting internal carbon cycling and respiration is important in driving net CO2 production. Supersaturation of the river water relative to calcium carbonate minerals was also observed under low flow conditions. Hydro-climatic changes could be having significant impacts on the CO2 system in the River Murray and other arid river systems.
Ancient DNA at the edge of the world: Continental immigration and the persistence of Neolithic male lineages in Bronze Age Orkney
Authors: Dulias Katharina , Foody M. George B. , Justeau Pierre , Silva Marina , Martiniano Rui , Oteo-García Gonzalo , Fichera Alessandro , Rodrigues Simão , Gandini Francesca , Meynert Alison , Donnelly Kevin , Aitman Timothy J. ,   The Scottish Genomes Partnership, Chamberlain Andrew , Lelong Olivia , Kozikowski George , Powlesland Dominic , Waddington Clive , Mattiangeli Valeria , Bradley Daniel G. , Bryk Jaroslaw , Soares Pedro , Wilson James F. , Wilson Graeme , Moore Hazel , Pala Maria , Edwards Ceiridwen J. , Richards Martin B. , Aitman Tim J. , Miedzybrodzka Zosia , Williams Nicola , Meynert Alison , Biankin Andrew V , Santoyo-Lopez Javier
Published: February 2022

Significance

The Orcadian Neolithic has been intensively studied and celebrated as a major center of cultural innovation, whereas the Bronze Age is less well known and often regarded as a time of stagnation and insularity. Here, we analyze ancient genomes from the Orcadian Bronze Age in the context of the variation in Neolithic Orkney and Bronze Age Europe. We find clear evidence for Early Bronze Age immigration into Orkney, but with an extraordinary pattern: continuity from the Neolithic on the male line of descent but immigration from continental Europe on the female side, echoed in the genome-wide picture. This suggests that despite substantial immigration, indigenous male lineages persisted for at least a thousand years after the end of the Neolithic.
Dark-field computed tomography reaches the human scale
Authors: Viermetz Manuel , Gustschin Nikolai , Schmid Clemens , Haeusele Jakob , von Teuffenbach Maximilian , Meyer Pascal , Bergner Frank , Lasser Tobias , Proksa Roland , Koehler Thomas , Pfeiffer Franz
Published: February 2022

Significance

X-ray computed tomography (CT) is one of the most commonly used diagnostic three-dimensional imaging modalities today. Conventionally, this noninvasive technique generates contrast by measuring the X-ray attenuation properties of different tissues. Considering the wave nature of X-rays, complementary contrast can be achieved by further measuring their small-angle scattering (dark-field) properties. This provides additional valuable diagnostic information on otherwise unresolved tissue microstructure. In our work, we have translated this wave-optical mechanism from the optical bench to a human-sized prototype CT system. This involved the integration of an interferometer into a clinical CT gantry and overcoming several associated challenges regarding vibrations, continuous gantry rotation, and large field of view. This development puts complementary X-ray contrast within reach for real-word medical applications.
Quenching of single-particle strengths of carbon isotopes 9-12,14-20C with knockout reactions for incident energies 43–2100 MeV/nucleon *
Authors: Xu Yi-Ping , Pang Dan-Yang , Yuan Cen-Xi , Yun Xiao-Yan
Published: February 2022

To study the quenching of single-particle strengths of carbon isotopes, a systematic analysis is performed for 9-12,14-20C, with single neutron knockout reactions on Be/C targets, within an energy range from approximately 43 to 2100 MeV/nucleon, using the Glauber model. Incident energies do not show any obvious effect on the resulting values across this wide energy range. The extracted quenching factors are found to be strongly dependent on the proton-neutron asymmetry, which is consistent with the recent analysis of knockout reactions but is inconsistent with the systematics of transfer and quasi-free knockout reactions.