bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psoas muscle measurement as a marker of sarcopenia predicts risk of Grade 4 or 5 baseline chronic kidney disease and its progression
Authors: Yang Davine , Iqbal Sameena , Rafatzand Khashayar , Scheede‐Bergdahl Celena
Published: May 2022

Background

Psoas muscle area (PMA) has recently been found to be an appropriate surrogate for whole‐body skeletal muscle mass and a measure of sarcopenia. Sarcopenia, which includes a decreased muscle mass and correlated with physical disability, morbidity, and mortality, is prevalent in and has deleterious consequences for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The current study investigates the association of PMA, as a marker of sarcopenia, with baseline kidney function and CKD progression.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted in a community hospital nephrology clinic setting. For this study, sarcopenia was defined as standardized PMA measured at the L3 level either as below 25th percentile or below the median. Progression of CKD was measured by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline rate and change in proteinuria. To assess sarcopenia as a predictor of baseline CKD Grade 4 or 5, a multivariate logistic regression model was applied using standardized PMA < 25th percentile. To assess sarcopenia as a predictor for eGFR slope, a multivariate generalized linear model was applied using PMA < median.

Results

Among the 230 patients studied, the median age was 74 (31–92) years, 56.52% (130/230) were male patients, and the majority was Caucasian 62.61% (144/230). The body mass index classes of <18.5, 18.5–24.9, 25.0–29.9, and >29.9 kg/m2 were categorized by 4.8% (11/229), 24.89% (57/229), 33.19% (76/229), and 37.12% (85/229), respectively. Sarcopenia as a predictor of baseline CKD Grade 4 or 5 had an unadjusted odds ratio of 1.46 (0.87–2.63) and an adjusted odds ratio of 2.45 (1.13–5.31). Sarcopenia as a predictor for eGFR slope had an unadjusted odds ratio of 1.01 (1.00–1.04) and an adjusted odds ratio 1.03 (1.00–1.05).

Conclusions

Sarcopenia, as measured by PMA, predicts a significant risk of more severe baseline CKD grade and progression. Future studies should examine sex‐specific muscle mass tools as a predictor of renal function to create more targeted interventions.
Long non‐coding RNAs in virus‐related cancers
Authors: Huang Yushan , Jiang Longchang , Liu Yang , Liu Lixian , Wang Junling , Shi Lei
Published: May 2022

Some viral infections lead to tumourigenesis explained by a variety of underlying molecular mechanisms. Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have the potential to be added to this list due to their diverse mechanisms in biological functions and disease processes via gene alternation, transcriptional regulation, protein modification, microRNA sponging and interaction with RNA/DNA/proteins. In this review, we summarise the dysregulation and mechanism of lncRNAs in virus‐related cancers focussing on Hepatitis B virus, Epstein‐Barr virus, Human Papillomavirus. We will also discuss the potential implications of lncRNAs in COVID‐19.
SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike Stem Protein Nanoparticles Elicited Broad ADCC and Robust Neutralization against Variants in Mice
Authors: Ma Yao , Wang Ye , Dong Chunhong , Gonzalez Gilbert X. , Zhu Wandi , Kim Joo , Wei Lai , Kang Sang‐Moo , Wang Bao‐Zhong
Published: May 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has caused the global pandemic. The virus is rapidly evolving, characterized by the emergence of several major variants. Stable prefusion spike protein (Pre) is the immunogen in current vaccines but is limited in protecting against different variants. Here, the immune responses induced by the relatively conserved stem subunit (S2) of spike protein versus Pre are investigated. Pre generates the most robust neutralization responses against SARS‐CoV‐2 variants in vesicular stomatitis virus pseudovirus‐based assessment but elicits less antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity than S2. By contrast, S2 induces the most balanced immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies with potent and broad ADCC activity although produces weaker neutralization. The immunogenicity of S2 and Pre improves by incorporating the two proteins into double‐layered protein nanoparticles. The resulting protein nanoparticles Pre/S2 elicit higher neutralizing antibodies than Pre alone, and stronger ADCC than S2 alone. Moreover, nanoparticles produce more potent and balanced serum IgG antibodies than the corresponding soluble protein mixture, and the immune responses are sustained for at least four months after the immunization. Thus, the double‐layered protein nanoparticles have the potential to be developed into broader SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines with excellent safety profiles.
Modulating the Oxidation State of Titanium via Dual Anions Substitution for Efficient N2 Electroreduction
Authors: Li Qinglin , Fang Cong , Yang Zihao , Yu Bo , Takabatake Moe , Motokura Ken , Sun Xiaoyan , Yang Yong
Published: May 2022

The electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) is a promising approach for renewable ammonia synthesis but remains significantly challenging due to the low yield and poor selectivity. Herein, a facile N and S dual anions substitution strategy is developed to tune the Ti oxidation states of TiO2 nanohybrid catalyst (NS‐TiO2/C), in which anatase TiO2 nanoplates with dense Ti3+ active sites are uniformly dispersed on porous carbon derived from 2D Ti3C2Tx nanosheets. The catalyst NS‐TiO2/C exhibits a superior ambient NRR efficiency with an NH3 yield rate of 19.97 µg h−1 mg−1cat and Faradaic efficiency of 25.49% and is coupled with a remarkable 50 h long‐term stability at −0.25 V versus RHE. Both experimental and theoretical results reveal that the N and S dual‐substitution effectively regulate the Ti oxidation state and electronical properties of the NS‐TiO2/C via simultaneously forming interstitial and substitutional TiS and TiN bonds in the anatase TiO2 lattice, inducing oxygen vacancies and dense Ti3+ active species as well as better electronic conductivity, which substantially facilitates N2 chemisorption and activation, and reduces the energy barrier of the rate‐determining step, thereby essentially boosting NRR efficiency. This work provides a valuable approach to the rational design of advanced materials by modulating oxidation states for efficient electrocatalysis.
Ruddlesden–Popper 2D Chiral Perovskite‐Based Solar Cells
Authors: Shpatz Dayan Adva , Wierzbowska Małgorzata , Etgar Lioz
Published: May 2022

In this work, 2D chiral perovskite is demonstrated, where the barrier molecules are the two enantiomers (R)‐(+)‐α‐Methylbenzylamine (R‐MBA) and (S)‐(‐)‐α‐Methylbenzylamine (S‐MBA). The chirality is manifested at high χ values and pure 2D structure measured by circular dichroism (CD) (where the perovskite general formula is ABX3 χ (S/R‐MBA)2PbI4, χ is the ratio of the barrier molecule to the small cation (A+)). The anisotropy factor (gabs) decreased by an order of magnitude when decreasing the χ value achieving 0.0062 for pure 2D. Ab initio many‐body perturbation theory successfully describes the bandgaps, absorbance, and CD measurements. For the first time, these quasi‐2D chiral perovskites are integrated into the solar cell. Using circular polarization (CP) and cutoff filter, the chirality effect from the solar cells photovoltaic response is able to be distinguished. It is revealed that at high χ values, the chirality affects the current density of the solar cell more than at low χ values while the open‐circuit voltage didn't change. These chiral 2D perovskite are new class of materials which open the way for polarized hybrid perovskite.
National‐scale impacts on wind energy production under curtailment scenarios to reduce bat fatalities
Authors: Maclaurin Galen , Hein Cris , Williams Travis , Roberts Owen , Lantz Eric , Buster Grant , Lopez Anthony
Published: May 2022

Wind energy often plays a major role in meeting renewable energy policy objectives; however, increased deployment can raise concerns regarding the impacts of wind plants on certain wildlife. Particularly, estimates suggest hundreds of thousands of bat fatalities occur annually at wind plants across North America, with potential implications for the viability of several bat species. One approach to reducing bat fatalities is shutting down (or curtailing) turbines when bats are most at risk, such as at night during relatively low wind speed periods throughout summer and early autumn. While curtailment has consistently been shown to reduce bat fatalities, the lost power production reduces revenues for wind plants. This study conducted simulations with a range of curtailment scenarios across the contiguous United States to examine sensitivities of annual energy production (AEP) loss and potential impacts on economic metrics for future wind energy deployment. We found that AEP reduction can vary across the country from less than 1% to more than 10% for different curtailment scenarios. From an estimated 2891 gigawatts (GW) of simulated economically viable wind capacity (measured by a positive net present value), we found the mid curtailment scenario (6.0 m/s wind speed cut‐in from July 1 through October 31) reduced the quantity of economic wind capacity by 274 GW or 9.5%. Our results indicate that high levels of curtailment could substantially reduce the future footprint of financially viable wind energy. In this context, future work that illuminates cost‐effective strategies to minimize curtailment while reducing bat fatalities would be of value.
Addressing challenges to effectively disseminate relevant health information
Authors: Kreps Gary L.
Published: May 2022

Providing access to relevant, accurate, and timely health information is critically important for promoting public health in local, national, and global contexts, especially when confronting challenging health issues, such as a global pandemic.
Transport and optical properties of the chiral semiconductor Ag3AuSe2
Authors: Won Juyeon , Kim Soyeun , Gutierrez‐Amigo Martin , Bettler Simon , Lee Bumjoo , Son Jaeseok , Won Noh Tae , Errea Ion , Vergniory Maia G. , Abbamonte Peter , Mahmood Fahad , Shoemaker Daniel P.
Published: May 2022

Previous band structure calculations predicted Ag3AuSe2 to be a semiconductor with a band gap of approximately 1 eV. Here, we report single crystal growth of Ag3AuSe2 and its transport and optical properties. Single crystals of Ag3AuSe2 were synthesized by slow‐cooling from the melt, and grain sizes were confirmed to be greater than 2 mm using electron backscatter diffraction. Optical and transport measurements reveal that Ag3AuSe2 is a highly resistive semiconductor with a band gap and activation energy around 0.3 eV. Our first‐principles calculations show that the experimentally determined band gap lies between the predicted band gaps from GGA and hybrid functionals. We predict band inversion to be possible by applying tensile strain. The sensitivity of the gap to Ag/Au ordering, chemical substitution, and heat treatment merit further investigation.
Convenient one‐pot synthesis and coordination chemistry of a bulky asymmetrical 9,10‐dihydroacridine‐based ligand
Authors: Nelmes Gareth R. , Brothers Penelope J. , Hicks Jamie
Published: May 2022

An asymmetrical, 9,10‐dihydroacridine‐based proligand, H[NNOtBu], featuring a diphenylamine and a tert‐butyl ether substituent on the 4 and 5 positions is reported. The ligand can be synthesized in a one‐pot, palladium‐catalysed reaction in reasonable yields from symmetrical starting materials. The coordination chemistry of this ligand has been investigated towards a range of main group metals. The reaction between the proligand H[NNOtBu] and benzyl potassium proceeded as expected, leading to deprotonation of the amine to give the potassium amide in good yields. In contrast, the reactions between H[NNOtBu] and MeMgBr or AlMe3 were found to be more complex, leading to both deprotonation of the amine and C−O bond cleavage of the ligand's tert‐butyl ether group. This C−O bond cleavage was found to be preventable when using the bulkier reagent n‐butyl‐sec‐butylmagnesium, yielding the monometallic complex [NNOtBu]MgsBu in good yields.
Population Dynamics of Mexican Migration on Both Sides of the Border
Authors: Masferrer Claudia , Pederzini Carla , Passel Jeffrey S. , Livingston Gretchen
Published: May 2022

The first decade of the twenty-first century was remarkable in terms of migration between Mexico and the United States. For the first time since the 1930s, the net flow of Mexicans to the United States declined to approximately zero for an extended period, and in fact, may have been negative (with more Mexicans returning to Mexico than going to the U.S.). Flows in both directions changed dramatically over a very short period. Movement to the United States decreased after 2005 reaching low levels not seen since the 1970s. At the same time, migration from the U.S. to Mexico—mostly Mexican-born former immigrants and some U.S.-born children of Mexicans—more than doubled from the levels of the late 1990s.
Violence and International Emigration from Mexico: Evidence at a Municipality Level
Authors: González Liliana Meza
Published: May 2022

International Human Rights law considers forced internal and international displacement a human-rights violation. By definition, violence is the trigger of the kind of displacement considered in this paper. The consequences of violence for the affected countries are severe. In sending communities, insecurity problems mix with economic deprivation to create conditions for migration. In receiving areas, it is common to experience increased unemployment, a violent redistribution of land ownership, strong inefficiencies in resource allocation, and the effects of large and unplanned demographic inflows into cities and regions, which act as receptors for the displaced. Leaders of regions affected by violence tend to create programs to deal with the consequences of displacement. However, the trend of displacement, the limited ability of the receptor cities, and the scale of these masses of people make the design of prevention, assistance, and resettlement policies a priority. A sine qua non condition for defining such policies is to understand the decision-making process underlying displacement. People react differently to given levels of direct and indirect violence. Frequently, we observe that a substantial portion of the population in violent areas decides to stay despite the risks this implies for them. In a sense, the decision whether to move or not, is a decision between the lesser of two “evils”: staying and accepting the everyday risk of being a victim of violence, or leaving behind one’s way of life and property and moving on, to an unfamiliar place, having to find new employment in the hope of a better life. Although the theoretical literature is unanimous in predicting a positive relationship between violence and migration, Morrison found a threshold effect of violence such that low levels of violence had no effect on migration, but violence reaching a certain threshold level led people to migrate.
Mexican Social Programs, Departures and Return Migration
Authors: Banegas Israel , Teruel Graciela , Latapí Agustín Escobar
Published: May 2022

Mexico–U.S. migration has been conceived of as triggered by a post-colonial relationship, influenced by economic development and income gaps, and sustained, over the long term, by the social connections arising from the movement itself. The significant shift in Mexico–U.S. net migration rate to a level close to zero between 2008 and 2020 has often been explained by a combination of diminishing market demand—due to the Great Recession, together with the attrition in migrant stocks derived in part from more than 1000 anti-immigrant bills after 2001 at the federal, state, and local levels in the U.S., as well as from a large amount of removals and deportations. Together, these two factors underline the significance of market forces in the U.S. and more effective removal/deterrence of undocumented immigrants. We believe this view makes a major contribution to an explanation of the change in migrations flows, but stills fails to account for it, both in terms of the non-economic determinants of well-being, and in terms of Mexico’s role in migration. These changes take place in a broader set of social policy changes in Mexico, where, from 1997 onwards, there was a significant effort to expand the social protection safety net.
Cybercrimes Law and Citizen Journalism Clampdown During the Covid-19 Pandemic in Tanzania
Authors: Solomon Eva
Published: May 2022

This chapter explores citizens’ use of social media during the Covid-19 pandemic in Tanzania against the backdrop of the restrictive Cybercrimes Act 2015. Guided by Uses and Gratifications Theory and through Grounded Theory as a method of inquiry for data collection and data analysis, the study found that, of the 60 citizens interviewed, 75 per cent supported the Cybercrimes Act 2015 as a relevant law but acknowledged that the same Act limits the construction and dissemination of their Covid-19 messages. Only 18.4 per cent of respondents trusted information posted by ordinary citizens while 81.6 per cent trusted information from verifiable sources. Data analysis further reveals a weak citizen journalism practice occasioned mainly by six factors: limited freedom of expression, poor knowledge of Cybercrimes Law, citizen journalism values underutilisation, poor social media literacy skills, and limited message construction and dissemination. Nonetheless, respondents revealed that social media remained the most popular platform on which citizens discuss Covid-19 preventive measures amidst reduced social interactions. Equipping citizens with social media literacy skills was found to be important to reduce misinformation and disinformation. The chapter calls for a review of Section 20 of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 to enable citizens, especially during pandemics, to seek and impart information more effectively, devoid of fear of repercussions.
Framing Poverty in Nigerian Online Media Reports on the Inaugural Neglected Tropical Diseases Day
Authors: Omitola Omotayo Modupeola
Published: May 2022

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are so called because they affect the poor people in the low income tropical and subtropical regions of the world which do not draw much global attention. The diseases can be totally cured with adequate clinical interventions; however, their persistence, in spite of the availability of drugs, brought about the dedication of January 30 as a world awareness day to focus on them. This chapter looks into online media reports about the day in Nigeria, the country with 45% of the disease burden in sub-Saharan Africa. A total of 34 reports turned up by a Google search were sampled. Using framing theory, the chapter identifies how the reports, relying on the testimonies of medical experts, rightly highlight poverty as the major driver of the diseases. They are, however, silent about the need to eradicate poverty in order to eradicate the diseases, thus neglecting it (poverty) at a critical point. This creates an amputated frame that does not deliver on how the incidence of the diseases can be holistically tackled. Journalists are urged to conduct independent research when reporting on technical issues in order to complement the testimonies of experts and thus complete their frames.
Coping with a Complex Messy World: Education for the Twenty-First Century and Beyond
Authors: Mitroff Ian I.
Published: May 2022

This chapter summarizes the key findings of the book. In particular, it spells out the full complement of skills that are necessary to cope with a world that grows more complex and messy by the nanosecond.
Reflections on Selected Gender Equality in STEM Initiatives in an Irish University
Authors: Devereux Michael , Heffernan Elizabeth , McKeever Susan , Dunne Julie , Shoemaker Leslie , O’Leary Ciarán
Published: May 2022

This chapter provides an account of the journey taken by the College of Sciences and Health in Technological University Dublin over an eleven-year period, from 2010 to 2021, as it sought to address the challenges of gender inequality in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) disciplines. The start and end points for the journey are marked by the formation of the College and its eventual replacement following a reorganisation of the Higher Education landscape in Ireland and a structural reorganisation at University level. This chapter draws upon the authors’ collective experience of leadership within the managerial structures of the College and the University, and leadership on specific initiatives, to illustrate how consideration of gender equality and inequality featured within the journey taken by the College over this period of time. The chapter applies a broad lens to analyse the gender profile of the College’s people and practices, including its planning, its operational management, its leadership, its staff profile and its student cohorts over the eleven-year period. The chapter also focusses more narrowly on a set of specific initiatives undertaken within the College or across the University which impacted upon the College. Collectively, the two perspectives demonstrate how a STEM College evolved over an extended period of time, shaped by cultural changes and challenges and bolstered by initiatives that targeted the areas of greatest challenge. This eleven-year snapshot provides insight into a journey that has built momentum and has potential to continue into the future. The story communicated in this chapter will be of value to Higher Education leaders and practitioners that wish to learn from this experience and interpret the approach set out in this chapter for their own local context.
Generalized entanglement entropies in two-dimensional conformal field theory
Authors: Murciano Sara , Calabrese Pasquale , Konik Robert M.
Published: May 2022

Abstract

We introduce and study generalized Rényi entropies defined through the traces of products of TrB(| Ψi⟩⟨Ψj| ) where ∣Ψi⟩ are eigenstates of a two-dimensional conformal field theory (CFT). When ∣Ψi⟩ = ∣Ψj⟩ these objects reduce to the standard Rényi entropies of the eigenstates of the CFT. Exploiting the path integral formalism, we show that the second generalized Rényi entropies are equivalent to four point correlators. We then focus on a free bosonic theory for which the mode expansion of the fields allows us to develop an efficient strategy to compute the second generalized Rényi entropy for all eigenstates. As a byproduct, our approach also leads to new results for the standard Rényi and relative entropies involving arbitrary descendent states of the bosonic CFT.
Anaerobic Degradation of Naphthalene and Pyrene by Sulfate-Reducing Cultures Enriched from Former Manufactured Gas Plant Soil
Authors: Dhar Kartik , Panneerselvan Logeshwaran , Subashchandrabose Suresh R. , Venkateswarlu Kadiyala , Megharaj Mallavarapu
Published: May 2022

Biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) under completely anaerobic sulfate-reducing conditions is an energetically challenging process. To date, anaerobic degradations of only two-ringed naphthalene and three-ringed phenanthrene by sediment-free and enriched sulfate-reducing bacteria have been reported. In this study, sulfate-reducing enrichment cultures capable of degrading naphthalene and four-ringed PAH, pyrene, were enriched from a contaminated former gas plant site soil. Bacterial community composition analysis revealed that a naphthalene-degrading enrichment culture, MMNap, was dominated (84.90%) by a Gram-positive endospore-forming member of the genus Desulfotomaculum with minor contribution (8.60%) from a member of Clostridium. The pyrene-degrading enrichment, MMPyr, was dominated (97.40%) by a species of Desulfotomaculum. The sequences representing the Desulfotomaculum phylotypes shared 98.80% similarity to each other. After 150 days of incubation, MMNap degraded 195 µM naphthalene with simultaneous reduction of sulfate and accumulation of sulfide. Similarly, MMPyr degraded 114 µM pyrene during 180 days of incubation with nearly stochiometric sulfate consumption and sulfide accumulation. In both cases, the addition of sulfate reduction inhibitor, molybdate (20 mM), resulted in complete cessation of the substrate utilization and sulfate reduction that clearly indicated the major role of the sulfate-reducing Desulfotomaculum in biodegradation of the two PAHs. This study is the first report on anaerobic pyrene degradation by a matrix-free, strictly anaerobic, and sulfate-reducing enrichment culture.
A Bayesian computational model to investigate expert anticipation of a seemingly unpredictable ball bounce
Authors: Harris David J. , North Jamie S. , Runswick Oliver R.
Published: May 2022

During dynamic and time-constrained sporting tasks performers rely on both online perceptual information and prior contextual knowledge to make effective anticipatory judgments. It has been suggested that performers may integrate these sources of information in an approximately Bayesian fashion, by weighting available information sources according to their expected precision. In the present work, we extended Bayesian brain approaches to anticipation by using formal computational models to estimate how performers weighted different information sources when anticipating the bounce direction of a rugby ball. Both recreational (novice) and professional (expert) rugby players (n = 58) were asked to predict the bounce height of an oncoming rugby ball in a temporal occlusion paradigm. A computational model, based on a partially observable Markov decision process, was fitted to observed responses to estimate participants’ weighting of online sensory cues and prior beliefs about ball bounce height. The results showed that experts were more sensitive to online sensory information, but that neither experts nor novices relied heavily on prior beliefs about ball trajectories in this task. Experts, but not novices, were observed to down-weight priors in their anticipatory decisions as later and more precise visual cues emerged, as predicted by Bayesian and active inference accounts of perception.
Quality of life in lung cancer survivors treated with tyrosine-kinase inhibitors (TKI): results from the multi-centre cross-sectional German study LARIS
Authors: Riccetti Nicola , Blettner Maria , Taylor Katherine , Wehler Beatrice , Gohrbandt Bernhard , Nestle Ursula , Bals Robert , Stockinger Marcus , Wehler Thomas , Singer Susanne , Eichler Martin
Published: May 2022

Purpose

We aimed at exploring the quality of life (QOL) of lung cancer survivors with proven tyrosine-kinase receptor (RTK) genetic alterations and targeted tyrosine-kinase inhibitors (TKI) therapy, compared to lung cancer survivors with no-RTK alterations and no-TKI therapy.

Methods

Data were collected in a cross-sectional multi-centre study. Primary lung cancer survivors were asked about their socio-demographic and clinical information, QOL, symptom burden, and distress. QOL and symptom burden were assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30), and distress with the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4). Demographic and clinical characteristics were reported in absolute and relative frequencies, QOL, and symptom burden using mean scores. Differences in mean scores with relative 95% confidence intervals were used for comparison.

Results

Three groups of survivors were defined: group A with proven RTK alterations, TKI therapy at any time during therapy, and stage IV lung cancer at diagnosis (n = 49); group B: non-TKI therapy and stage IV lung cancer (n = 121); group C: non-TKI therapy and stage I–III lung cancer (n = 495). Survivors in group A reported lower QOL (mean score difference = -11.7 vs. group B) and symptom burden for dyspnoea (difference = -11.5 vs. group C), and higher symptom burden for appetite loss (difference =  + 11.4 vs. group C), diarrhoea and rash (differences =  + 25.6, + 19.6 and + 13.2, + 13.0, respectively, vs. both groups).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the specific side effects of TKI therapy can impair QOL among lung cancer survivors. Therefore, specific focus towards the optimal management of these side effects should be considered.
The epigenetic modifier HDAC2 and the checkpoint kinase ATM determine the responses of microsatellite instable colorectal cancer cells to 5-fluorouracil
Authors: Kiweler Nicole , Schwarz Helena , Nguyen Alexandra , Matschos Stephanie , Mullins Christina , Piée-Staffa Andrea , Brachetti Christina , Roos Wynand P. , Schneider Günter , Linnebacher Michael , Brenner Walburgis , Krämer Oliver H.
Published: May 2022

The epigenetic modifier histone deacetylase-2 (HDAC2) is frequently dysregulated in colon cancer cells. Microsatellite instability (MSI), an unfaithful replication of DNA at nucleotide repeats, occurs in about 15% of human colon tumors. MSI promotes a genetic frameshift and consequently a loss of HDAC2 in up to 43% of these tumors. We show that long-term and short-term cultures of colorectal cancers with MSI contain subpopulations of cells lacking HDAC2. These can be isolated as single cell-derived, proliferating populations. Xenografted patient-derived colon cancer tissues with MSI also show variable patterns of HDAC2 expression in mice. HDAC2-positive and HDAC2-negative RKO cells respond similarly to pharmacological inhibitors of the class I HDACs HDAC1/HDAC2/HDAC3. In contrast to this similarity, HDAC2-negative and HDAC2-positive RKO cells undergo differential cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction in response to the frequently used chemotherapeutic 5-fluorouracil, which becomes incorporated into and damages RNA and DNA. 5-fluorouracil causes an enrichment of HDAC2-negative RKO cells in vitro and in a subset of primary colorectal tumors in mice. 5-fluorouracil induces the phosphorylation of KAP1, a target of the checkpoint kinase ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM), stronger in HDAC2-negative cells than in their HDAC2-positive counterparts. Pharmacological inhibition of ATM sensitizes RKO cells to cytotoxic effects of 5-fluorouracil. These findings demonstrate that HDAC2 and ATM modulate the responses of colorectal cancer cells towards 5-FU.

Graphical abstract
Cross-linked natural IntegroPectin films from citrus biowaste with intrinsic antimicrobial activity
Authors: Piacenza Elena , Presentato Alessandro , Alduina Rosa , Scurria Antonino , Pagliaro Mario , Albanese Lorenzo , Meneguzzo Francesco , Ciriminna Rosaria , Chillura Martino Delia F.
Published: May 2022

Pectin recovered via hydrodynamic cavitation (IntegroPectin) from lemon and grapefruit agri-food waste intrinsically containing antimicrobial bioactive substances (flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenes, and terpenoids) was used to generate innovative and eco-compatible films that efficiently inhibit the growth of Gram-negative pathogens. Extensive characterization of films confirmed the presence of these substances, which differently interact with the polysaccharide polymer (pectin), plasticizer (glycerol), surfactant (Tween 60), and cross-linker (Ca2+), conferring to these films a unique structure. Besides, IntegroPectin-based films constitute versatile systems for the sustained, controlled, and slow-release (up to 72 h) of bioactive substances in an aqueous environment. This feature is crucial for the good in vitro antimicrobial activity exerted by IntegroPectin films against three Gram-negative bacteria (two indicator pathogen strains Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 10145, P. aeruginosa PAO1, and the clinical isolate Klebsiella pneumoniae) that are involved in the global emergence of the antimicrobial resistance.

Graphical abstract
Moderate-density parity-check codes from projective bundles
Authors: Bariffi Jessica , Mattheus Sam , Neri Alessandro , Rosenthal Joachim
Published: May 2022

New constructions for moderate-density parity-check (MDPC) codes using finite geometry are proposed. We design a parity-check matrix for the main family of binary codes as the concatenation of two matrices: the incidence matrix between points and lines of the Desarguesian projective plane and the incidence matrix between points and ovals of a projective bundle. A projective bundle is a special collection of ovals which pairwise meet in a unique point. We determine the minimum distance and the dimension of these codes, and we show that they have a natural quasi-cyclic structure. We consider alternative constructions based on an incidence matrix of a Desarguesian projective plane and compare their error-correction performance with regards to a modification of Gallager’s bit-flipping decoding algorithm. In this setting, our codes have the best possible error-correction performance after one round of bit-flipping decoding given the parameters of the code’s parity-check matrix.
Negotiating scientific knowledge in the development of an eHealth MOOC
Authors: Gilstad Heidi , Skogen Martha , Toussaint Pieter , Larsen Cathrin B. , Faxvaag Arild
Published: May 2022

Interdisciplinary team communication in eHealth development is challenging because all disciplines have unique, intrinsic discursive practices, theories and artefacts. Due to these factors, members of interdisciplinary teams can experience problems in communication and collaboration. Through a centered focus, members can benefit individually, inspire one another, and ultimately reach a timely delivery of their common pedagogical goal(s). Using the lens of dialogism, this paper aims to identify the conceptual considerations that arose during the development of a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) for higher education in eHealth. Methods included auto-ethnography and interdisciplinary dialogue supported by literacy artefacts, including visual material. Results yielded a visual tool for meta-assessment of team communication, and an organizing principle for topics in the MOOC. A major implication is that especially for eHealth, scientific communicative competence of experts—while establishing a common understanding—can lead to a unique and meaningful delivery of high pedagogical quality.
CUBES phase a design overview
Authors: Zanutta Alessio , Cristiani Stefano , Atkinson David , Baldini Veronica , Balestra Andrea , Barbuy Beatriz , Macanhan Vanessa Bawden P. , Calcines Ariadna , Calderone Giorgio , Case Scott , Castilho Bruno V. , Cescutti Gabriele , Cirami Roberto , Coretti Igor , Covino Stefano , Cupani Guido , De Caprio Vincenzo , Dekker Hans , Di Marcantonio Paolo , D’Odorico Valentina , Ernandes Heitor , Evans Chris , Feger Tobias , Feiz Carmen , Franchini Mariagrazia , Genoni Matteo , Gneiding Clemens D. , Kałuszyński Mikołaj , Landoni Marco , Lawrence Jon , Lunney David , Miller Chris , Molaverdikhani Karan , Opitom Cyrielle , Pariani Giorgio , Piranomonte Silvia , Quirrenbach Andreas , Redaelli Edoardo Maria Alberto , Riva Marco , Robertson David , Rossi Silvia , Rothmaier Florian , Seifert Walter , Smiljanic Rodolfo , Stürmer Julian , Stilz Ingo , Trost Andrea , Verducci Orlando , Waring Chris , Watson Stephen , Wells Martyn , Xu Wenli , Zafar Tayyaba , Zorba Sonia
Published: May 2022

We present the baseline conceptual design of the Cassegrain U-Band Efficient Spectrograph (CUBES) for the Very Large Telescope. CUBES will provide unprecedented sensitivity for spectroscopy on a 8 – 10 m class telescope in the ground ultraviolet (UV), spanning a bandwidth of ≥ 100 nm that starts at 300 nm, the shortest wavelength accessible from the ground. The design has been optimized for end-to-end efficiency and provides a spectral resolving power ofR≥ 20000, that will unlock a broad range of new topics across solar system, Galactic and extraglactic astronomy. The design also features a second, lower-resolution (R$$\sim$$∼7000) mode and has the option of a fiberlink to the UVES instrument for simultaneous observations at longer wavelengths.

Here we present the optical, mechanical and software design of the various subsystems of the instrument after the Phase A study of the project. We discuss the expected performances for the layout choices and highlight some of the performance trade-offs considered to best meet the instrument top-level requirements. We also introduce the model-based system engineering approach used to organize and manage the project activities and interfaces, in the context that it is increasingly necessary to integrate such tools in the development of complex astronomical projects.
A Simple Way of Simulating Insolation on a Rotating Body with a Commercial Solar Simulator
Authors: Terliesner Selina , Kaufmann Erika , Grott Matthias , Hagermann Axel
Published: May 2022

The surfaces of all solid bodies in the solar system, planets, moons, comets and asteroids, experience short-term temporal variations of solar irradiation which depend on their respective spin rates. These so-called insolation cycles affect temperature variations, climate, photosynthesis in plants, etc. Hence, experimental reproduction of these cycles is important for space analogue simulations. In this short note we describe a simple, low-cost method to simulate diurnal cycles in the laboratory using a type of commercial solar simulator commonly used for experimental investigation in planetary science.
From knowledge-based to big data analytic model: a novel IoT and machine learning based decision support system for predictive maintenance in Industry 4.0
Authors: Rosati Riccardo , Romeo Luca , Cecchini Gianalberto , Tonetto Flavio , Viti Paolo , Mancini Adriano , Frontoni Emanuele
Published: May 2022

The Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data and Machine Learning (ML) may represent the foundations for implementing the concept of intelligent production, smart products, services, and predictive maintenance (PdM). The majority of the state-of-the-art ML approaches for PdM use different condition monitoring data (e.g. vibrations, currents, temperature, etc.) and run to failure data for predicting the Remaining Useful Lifetime of components. However, the annotation of the component wear is not always easily identifiable, thus leading to the open issue of obtaining quality labeled data and interpreting it. This paper aims to introduce and test a Decision Support System (DSS) for solving a PdM task by overcoming the above-mentioned challenge while focusing on a real industrial use case, which includes advanced processing and measuring machines. In particular, the proposed DSS is comprised of the following cornerstones: data collection, feature extraction, predictive model, cloud storage, and data analysis. Differently from the related literature, our novel approach is based on a feature extraction strategy and ML prediction model powered by specific topics collected on the lower and upper levels of the production system. Compared with respect to other state-of-the-art ML models, the experimental results demonstrated how our approach is the best trade-off between predictive performance (MAE: 0.089, MSE: 0.018, $$R^{2}: 0.868$$

R
2

:
0.868

), computation effort (average latency of 2.353 s for learning from 400 new samples), and interpretability for the prediction of processing quality. These peculiarities, together with the integration of our ML approach into the proposed cloud-based architecture, allow the optimization of the machining quality processes by directly supporting the maintainer/operator. These advantages may impact to the optimization of maintenance schedules and to get real-time warnings about operational risks by enabling manufacturers to reduce service costs by maximizing uptime and improving productivity.
The ethical anatomy of payment for research participants
Authors: Różyńska Joanna
Published: May 2022

In contrast to most publications on the ethics of paying research subjects, which start by identifying and analyzing major ethical concerns raised by the practice (in particular, risks of undue inducement and exploitation) and end with a set of—more or less well-justified—ethical recommendations for using payment schemes immune to these problems, this paper offers a systematic, principle-based ethical analysis of the practice. It argues that researchers have aprima faciemoral obligation to offer payment to research subjects, which stems from the principle of social beneficence. This principle constitutes an ethical “spine” of the practice. Other ethical principles of research ethics (respect for autonomy, individual beneficence, and justice/fairness) make up an ethical “skeleton” of morally sound payment schemes by providing additional moral reasons for offering participants (1) recompense for reasonable expenses; and (2a) remuneration conceptualized as a reward for their valuable contribution, provided (i) it meets standards of equality, adequacy and non-exploitation, and (ii) it is not overly attractive (i.e., it does not constitute undue inducement for participation or retention, and does not encourage deceptive behaviors); or (2b) remuneration conceptualized as a market-driven price, provided (i) it is necessary and designed to help the study achieve its social and scientific goals, (ii) it does not reinforce wider social injustices and inequalities; (iii) it meets the requirement of non-exploitation; and (iv) it is not overly attractive. The principle of justice provides a strong ethical reason for not offering recompenses for lost wages (or loss of other reasonably expected profits).
Applications of Quantitative Systems Pharmacology (QSP) in Drug Development for NAFLD and NASH and Its Regulatory Application
Authors: Siler Scott Q.
Published: May 2022

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a widely prevalent disease, but approved pharmaceutical treatments are not available. As such, there is great activity within the pharmaceutical industry to accelerate drug development in this area and improve the quality of life and reduce mortality for NASH patients. The use of quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) can help make this overall process more efficient. This mechanism-based mathematical modeling approach describes both the pathophysiology of a disease and how pharmacological interventions can modify pathophysiologic mechanisms. Multiple capabilities are provided by QSP modeling, including the use of model predictions to optimize clinical studies. The use of this approach has grown over the last 20 years, motivating discussions between modelers and regulators to agree upon methodologic standards. These include model transparency, documentation, and inclusion of clinical pharmacodynamic biomarkers. Several QSP models have been developed that describe NASH pathophysiology to varying extents. One specific application of NAFLDsym, a QSP model of NASH, is described in this manuscript. Simulations were performed to help understand if patient behaviors could help explain the relatively high rate of fibrosis stage reductions in placebo cohorts. Simulated food intake and body weight fluctuated periodically over time. The relatively slow turnover of liver collagen allowed persistent reductions in predicted fibrosis stage despite return to baseline for liver fat, plasma ALT, and the NAFLD activity score. Mechanistic insights such as this that have been derived from QSP models can help expedite the development of safe and effective treatments for NASH patients.
Evidence synthesis indicates contentless experiences in meditation are neither truly contentless nor identical
Authors: Woods Toby J. , Windt Jennifer M. , Carter Olivia
Published: May 2022

Contentless experience involves an absence of mental content such as thought, perception, and mental imagery. In academic work it has been classically treated as including states like those aimed for in Shamatha, Transcendental, and Stillness Meditation. We have used evidence synthesis to select and review 135 expert texts from within the three traditions. In this paper we identify the features of contentless experience referred to in the expert texts and determine whether the experiences are the same or different across the practices with respect to each feature. We identify 65 features reported or implied in one or more practices, with most being reported or implied in all three. While there are broad similarities in the experiences across the traditions, we find that there are differences with respect to four features and possibly many others. The main difference identified is that Shamatha involves substantially greater attentional stability and vividness. Another key finding is that numerous forms of content are present in the experiences, including wakefulness, naturalness, calm, bliss/joy, and freedom. The findings indicate that meditation experiences described as contentless in the academic literature can in fact involve considerable variation, and that in many and perhaps most cases these experiences are not truly contentless. This challenges classical understandings in academic research that in these so-called contentless experiences all content is absent, and that the experiences are therefore an identical state of pure consciousness or consciousness itself. Our assessment is that it remains an open question whether the experiences aimed for in the three practices should be classed as pure consciousness. Implications of our analysis for neuroscientific and clinical studies and for basic understandings of the practices are discussed.
Soil-tree-atmosphere CH4 flux dynamics of boreal birch and spruce trees during spring leaf-out
Authors: Vainio Elisa , Haikarainen Iikka P. , Machacova Katerina , Putkinen Anuliina , Santalahti Minna , Koskinen Markku , Fritze Hannu , Tuomivirta Tero , Pihlatie Mari
Published: May 2022

Aims

Studies on tree CH4 exchange in boreal forests regarding seasonality and role of tree canopies are rare. We aimed to quantify the contribution of boreal trees to the forest CH4 budget during spring leaf-out and to reveal the role of microbes in the CH4 exchange.

Methods

Methane fluxes of downy birch and Norway spruce (Betula pubescens and Picea abies) growing on fen and upland sites were measured together with soil CH4 flux, environmental variables and microbial abundances involved in the CH4 cycle. Tree CH4 fluxes were studied from three stem heights and from shoots.

Results

The trees emitted CH4 with higher stem emissions detected from birch and higher shoot emissions from spruce. The stem CH4 emissions from birches at the fen were high (mean 45 µg m−2 h−1), decreasing with stem height. Their dynamics followed soil temperature, suggesting the emitted CH4 originated from methanogenic activity, manifested in high mcrA gene copy numbers, in the peat soil. Methanogens were below the quantification limit in the tree tissues. Upscaled tree CH4 emissions accounted for 22% of the total CH4 emissions at the fen.

Conclusions

The variation in stem CH4 flux between the trees and habitats is high, and the emissions from high-emitting birches increase as the spring proceeds. The lack of detection of methanogens or methanotrophs in the aboveground plant tissues suggests that these microbes did not have a significant role in the observed tree-derived fluxes. The stem-emitted CH4 from birches at the fen is presumably produced microbially in the soil.
Proxies for legal firearm prevalence
Authors: Kim Jessica Jumee , Wilbur Kenneth C.
Published: May 2022

Product acquisition policies define legal markets. Policy evaluations require data but prevalence data are not always available. We introduce Legal Firearm Prevalence (LFP), a direct behavioral measure based on the population of firearm licensees in Massachusetts, and argue that it can help evaluate firearm sales and usage restrictions. LFP is not directly measurable in most firearm markets, so we test candidate proxies for LFP in several common research designs, finding that firearm acquisitions are the best proxy in every research design tested. We update the classic study of guns and crime by Cook and Ludwig (2006), finding that choosing an invalid proxy can lead to false research conclusions. We recommend systematic collection and reporting of firearm acquisition data to improve firearm research and inform firearm policy.