bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New insight into the coloration mechanism and synthesis of ultrafine Pr‐ZrSiO4 yellow pigments
Authors: Peng Shan , Yang Ranran , Lei Binglong , Chen Renhua , Gao Yun , Xia Xiaohong , Homewood Kevin P.
Published: April 2023

It is of particular significance to unveil the authentic coloration mechanism of the multivalent praseodymium colored ZrSiO4 yellow pigments for advanced decoration applications. We herein adopted a facile strategy to modulate the fluorine‐assisted zircon crystallization and thereby obtained ultrafine Pr‐ZrSiO4 yellow pigments, which have a remarkably narrow size distribution and average diameters within 250–400 nm. By virtue of some cogent combinative spectra of reflection, absorption, excitation, and emission from three types of elaborately‐designed H2‐, air‐, and O2‐based pigments, the coloration mechanism for the Pr‐colored zircon was systematically unveiled: both Pr4+ and Pr3+ coexist invariably in the pigments, while the former contributes primarily to the ligand‐to‐metal charge transfer from O2p to Pr(IV)4f for the blue–violet absorption to generate the yellow hue, and the latter is inclined to discolor the pigments. Therefore, an oxidizing atmosphere is preferable to produce brilliant Pr‐ZrSiO4 pigments with enhanced chromatic properties. The stark spectroscopic distinctions between the wide‐band absorption from the nonluminescent tetravalency and the narrow‐band absorption from the luminescent trivalency can expand our understanding to the rare‐earth‐based inorganic pigments.
Phase‐structure evolution and electrocaloric effect in Sr2NaNb4.3Ta0.7O15‐based filled tungsten bronze ceramics
Authors: Ji Xiaoli , Li Feng , Liu Jing , Long Mingsheng , Zheng Jun , Wang Chunchang , Shan Lei
Published: April 2023

To investigate the effect of A‐site substitution on phase‐structure evolution and electrocaloric effect (ECE) in filled tungsten bronze ceramics, Sr2–3x/2LaxNaNb4.3Ta0.7O15 (x = 0, 0.02, 0.04, and 0.06) ceramics are prepared through a two‐step solid‐state reaction method. Rietveld refinement shows that La2O3 addition achieves a partial transition from orthorhombic (Im2a) to tetragonal phase (P4bm). A decrease in phase transition temperature, enhancement in distortion degree, and relaxation behavior are observed with increasing La2O3 content, as demonstrated by dielectric, in situ Raman spectra, and ferroelectric properties. The indirectly measured ECE shows a non‐monotonic variation, with room‐temperature ECE ranging from 0.19, 0.15, 0.23 to finally 0.19 K for x = 0, 0.02, 0.04, and 0.06 compositions, respectively. This evolution trend is explained by an interplay of relaxation and multiphase coexistence. Directly measured ECE is also performed and a positive ECE character with a good temperature stability is observed. This work not only establishes relationships between phase‐structure evolution and ECE in filled Sr2NaNb4.3Ta0.7O15 tungsten bronze ceramics, but also presents its possibility in applications of thermally stable EC devices.
Managing Bubbles in Experimental Asset Markets with Monetary Policy
Authors: HENNEQUIN MYRNA , HOMMES CARS
Published: April 2023

We study the effect of a “leaning against the wind” monetary policy on asset price bubbles in a learning‐to‐forecast experiment, where prices are driven by the expectations of market participants. We find that a strong interest rate response is successful in preventing or deflating large price bubbles, while a weak response is not. Giving information about the interest rate changes and communicating the goal of the policy increases coordination of expectations and has a stabilizing effect. When the steady‐state fundamental price is unknown and the interest rate rule is based on a proxy instead, the policy is less effective.
Argument by False Analogy: The Mistaken Classification of Bitcoin as Token Money
Authors: MILNE ALISTAIR
Published: April 2023

This paper documents inconsistent terminologies and misleading analogies in current discussions of digital money and payments. It offers a more consistent framework for understanding the potential of technological innovation in providing the functions of money and payments: as media of exchange, stores of value, and units of account and the implications of cryptographic technologies underpinning cryptocurrencies for the future of money and payments. These could support efficiency gains in money and payments, but decentralization is not inherent to their application. Radical reform leading to improved economic outcomes is conceivable, but not through disruptive displacement of existing institutional arrangements.
A severe case of neuroleukemiosis caused by B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia, presenting as mononeuritis multiplex
Authors: Vicino Alex , Cochet Stéphane , Pistocchi Silvia , Conrad Curdin , Ribi Camillo , Du Pasquier Renaud , Brouland Jean‐Philippe , Théaudin Marie
Published: April 2023

Aims

To report an exceptional case of nerve infiltration by an otherwise benign chronic B cell leukemia, inducing severe mononeuritis multiplex.

Methods

The patient underwent extensive evaluation, including nerve conduction study and myography, brain and plexus MRI, and nerve biopsy.

Results

The clinical and electrophysiological diagnosis was a mononeuritis multiplex with severe motor and sensory involvement; only the nerve biopsy allowed definite diagnosis and introduction of chemotherapy, leading to resolution of sensory deficit and progressive motor improvement.

Discussion

Neuroleukemiosis caused by chronic lymphoid leukemia is an exceptional diagnosis. The presence of other possible causes like cryoglobulinemia could induce avoidance of nerve biopsy thus undertreating patient, since steroid treatment is not expected to be efficient on lymphocytic proliferation. Our case stretches the importance of nerve biopsy and raises neuromuscular specialist's awareness of this rare entity.
A cross‐sectional, observational study of nutritional status and eating behaviours in people living with dementia in acute care settings
Authors: Lin Ping‐Hsiu , Ataiza Chell , Ho Mu‐Hsing , Chung Yen‐Yeh (Vera) , Sharp Liam , Chang Hui‐Chen (Rita)
Published: April 2023

Aims and Objectives

To understand the nutritional status, observing eating difficulties during mealtimes for people living with dementia in acute care settings.

Background

Changed eating behaviours caused by declining cognitive function is common in people living with dementia which can lead to malnutrition. Malnutrition is associated with prolonged hospitalisation and increased mortality. People living with dementia in acute care settings are at high risk of malnutrition. This highlights the importance of better understanding the nutritional intake and eating behaviours of people living with dementia in acute care settings.

Design

This study is a cross‐sectional, observational study.

Methods

Data of mealtime difficulties and nutritional status of people living with dementia were collected in four geriatric care wards (in acute or sub‐acute hospitals) by using Feeding Difficulty Index and Mini Nutritional Assessment Short‐Form. The STROBE checklist was used throughout this study.

Results

The study included 94 people living with dementia. The median age of the participants was 85.86 years old, with a Feeding Difficulty Index of 8.27 and had stayed in hospitals for average 14.46 days, with an average total feeding time of 24.61 min. Only 1.2% of participants were considered to be in normal nutritional status, whereas 72.1% were malnourished. All participants required partial or full assistance during mealtime. Participants with higher scores on the Feeding Difficulty Index have longer total feeding times, compared to those with lower scores.

Conclusions

Malnutrition is prevalent in people living with dementia. People living with dementia demonstrate varying mealtime difficulties depending on the level of dependence. Mealtime assistance training programs are warranted and are beneficial for nursing staff and family members to improve their feeding skills and knowledge.

No patient or public contribution

This study did not involve patients, service users, caregivers or members of the public.

Relevance to clinical practice

The study is relevant to clinical practice by identifying changed eating behaviours or mealtime difficulties in people living with dementia in acute care settings can significantly decrease the risk of malnutrition.
Argonaute 1 and 5 proteins play crucial roles in the defence against cucumber green mottle mosaic virus in watermelon
Authors: Liu Mei , Wu Huijie , Hong Ni , Kang Baoshan , Peng Bin , Liu Liming , Gu Qinsheng
Published: April 2023

RNA silencing, a core part of plants' antiviral defence, requires the ARGONAUTE, DICER‐like, and RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase proteins. However, how these proteins contribute to watermelon's RNA interference (RNAi) pathway response to cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV) has not been characterized. Here, we identify seven ClAGO, four ClDCL, and 11 ClRDR genes in watermelon and analyse their expression profiles when infected with CGMMV. ClAGO1 and ClAGO5 expression levels were highly induced by CGMMV infection. The results of ClAGO1 and ClAGO5 overexpression and silencing experiments suggest that these genes play central roles in watermelon's antiviral defence. Furthermore, co‐immunoprecipitation and bimolecular fluorescence complementation experiments showed that ClAGO1 interacts with ClAGO5 in vivo, suggesting that ClAGO1 and ClAGO5 co‐regulate watermelon defence against CGMMV infection. We also identified the ethylene response factor (ERF) binding site in the promoters of the ClAGO1 and ClAGO5 genes, and ethylene (ETH) treatment significantly increased ClAGO5 expression. Two ERF genes (Cla97C08G147180 and Cla97C06G122830) closely related to ClAGO5 expression were identified using co‐expression analysis. Subcellular localization revealed that two ERFs and ClAGO5 predominantly localize at the nucleus, suggesting that enhancement of resistance to CGMMV by ETH is probably achieved through ClAGO5 but not ClAGO1. Our findings reveal aspects of the mechanisms underlying RNA silencing in watermelon against CGMMV.
The prognostic value of CHA2DS2‐VASc and modified‐CHADS2 scores for cardiovascular events in diabetics and non‐diabetics haemodialysis patients
Authors: Tourountzis Theodoros , Lioulios Georgios , Ginikopoulou Evdoxia , Stasini Fotini , Skarlatou Zoi , Stai Stamatia , Christodoulou Michalis , Moysidou Eleni , Stangou Maria
Published: April 2023

Aim

CHA2DS2‐VASc and modified‐CHADS2 score can easily estimate the risk of stroke in atrial fibrillation. Study's purpose was to evaluate these in haemodialysis patients, and assess the effect of diabetes mellitus (DM).

Methods

The scores calculated in 237 haemodialysis patients, 121 diabetics (58 females) and 116 non‐diabetics (41 females). Results correlated to cardiovascular events (acute myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, peripheral arterial disease, stroke, mortality).

Results

CHA2DS2‐VASc score correlated with the occurrence of stroke and heart failure (p < .01, p < .01), (p < .01, p < .01), respectively in diabetics and non‐diabetics. CHA2DS2‐VASc score could predict the risk of all‐cause mortality in both groups, p = .03, p < .01, respectively, however, the risk of cardiovascular death could be predicted in non‐diabetics, p < .01. Modified‐CHADS2 score associated with heart failure (p = .04), cardiovascular (p < .01) and all‐cause mortality (p < .01) only on non‐diabetics. C statistics indicated that the first score showed modest discrimination in patients with and without DM, for stroke and all‐cause mortality. The second score performed modestly only on patients without DM for all‐cause mortality. Both scores showed poor calibration. Stroke was a common cause of cardiovascular death (OR = 3.52, 95% CI = 1.92–6.47, p < .01) and associated with central venous catheter (OR = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.12–4.27, p = .02) and pre‐existing atrial fibrillation (OR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.06–3.58, p = .03).

Conclusion

CHA2DS2‐VASc score correlated with stroke, heart failure and all‐cause mortality in haemodialysis patients with and without DM. The risk of cardiovascular death could be predicted only in non‐diabetics patients. Modified‐CHADS2 score correlated with heart failure, cardiovascular and all‐cause mortality only on non‐diabetics. Both had modest discrimination and poor calibration.
Leadless pacemaker with transcatheter aortic valve implantation: A single‐center experience
Authors: Gao Feng , Kherallah Riyad , Koetting Mackenzie , Simpson Leo , Seger John , Koneru Srikanth , Coselli Joseph , Preventza Ourania , Orozco‐Sevilla Vicente , Manon Nastasya , Silva Guilherme V
Published: April 2023

Background

The safety and efficacy of leadless pacemakers (LP) in transcatheter aortic valve implant (TAVI) patients is not well known due to paucity of data. Herein, we compared outcomes between leadless pacemakers to traditional dual chamber pacemakers (DCP) following TAVI.

Methods

A single‐center retrospective study was conducted, including a total of 27 patients with LP and 33 patients with DCP after TAVI between November 2013 and May 2021. We compared baseline demographics, pacemaker indications, complication rates, percent pacing, and ejection fractions.

Results

Leading indications for pacemaker implant were complete heart block (74% LP, 73% DCP) and high degree atrioventricular block (26% LP, 21% DCP). Twenty‐two (82%) LP patients had devices implanted in the right ventricular septal‐apex. Three (9%) DCP patients required rehospitalization for pocket related complications. Zero pacemaker‐related mortality was observed in both groups. Frequency of ventricular pacing and ejection fraction was similar between LP and DCP groups.

Conclusion

From this single‐center retrospective study, LP implant was feasible following TAVI and was found to have comparable performance to DCPs. LPs may be a reasonable alternative in TAVI patients where single ventricular pacing is indicated. Larger studies are required to validate these findings.
Permanent pacemaker implantation in post one‐and‐a‐half ventricle repair with tricuspid valve replacement in Ebstein anomaly: An innovative technique
Authors: Chokesuwattanaskul Ronpichai , Vithessonthi Kanyalak , Benjacholamas Vichai , Lertsapcharoen Pornthep
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Transvenous pacemaker implantation in patients post bidirectional Glenn anastomosis in one‐and‐a‐half ventricle repair is usually not feasible. However, with a modified surgical technique for Glenn anastomosis and a combined interventional and electrophysiologic approach, the transvenous pacemaker was successfully implanted.

Findings and Conclusions

We reported a novel technique of pacemaker implantation in a 27‐year‐old woman, underlying Ebstein anomaly of the tricuspid valve, who developed intermittent complete atrioventricular block at 5 years after surgical repair. The patient had a tricuspid valve replacement and a novel modified bidirectional Glenn anastomosis for one‐and‐a‐half ventricle repair. The Glenn circuit was conducted by opening a window between the posterior wall of the superior vena cava (SVC) and the anterior wall of the right pulmonary artery (RPA), combined with putting a Goretex membrane in the SVC below the SVC‐RPA window without disconnecting the SVC from the right atrium. The transvenous pacemaker was implanted by perforating the Goretex membrane, then passing the leads from the axillary vein through the perforated membrane and placing them in the coronary sinus and right atrium.
Nurse‐led culturally relevant smoking reduction intervention among cardiovascular and respiratory patients in Pakistan
Authors: Ali Naheed Feroz , Barolia Rubina , Ajani Khairulnissa , Khan Faris , Anastasia Jenifer , Iqbal Sajid
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Socioeconomically deprived populations are at greater risk for smoking‐induced diseases and death, such as cancers, and cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses. The initiation of a nurse‐led smoking cessation program in clinical practice is an effective method to enhance smoking cessation among cardiovascular and respiratory patients in Pakistan. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of nurse‐led smoking reduction intervention performed at out‐patient clinics in Karachi, Pakistan.

Methods

A single group pre‐and post‐test study was conducted on eligible patients (n = 83) with a typical profile of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases in a tertiary care hospital from December 2020 to July 2021.

Intervention

The multi‐modal nurse‐led intervention consisted of two face‐to‐face motivational counseling (30‐min) and free nicotine replacement therapy with telephonic counseling and follow‐ups offered to all eligible patients for 2 months.

Results

The nurse‐led intervention resulted in a significant decrease in daily cigarette consumption in most of the patients (75.9%) by 50% and 16.9% of the patients reported smoking abstinence (quitter) at 1‐week follow‐up (p < .001), verified by a CO breath test.

Conclusion

A nurse‐managed smoking reduction intervention for even a short duration (2 months) in clinics is an effective approach in enhancing smoking abstinence and reduction among cardiovascular and respiratory patients.
It does not need two: Assessing physiological linkage from videos across the valence dimension
Authors: Wingenbach Tanja S. H. , Peyk Peter , Pfaltz Monique C.
Published: April 2023

The phenomenon of physiological linkage describes similar fluctuations of two individuals' physiology, for example, the cardiac inter‐beat interval (IBI). Physiological linkage is a well‐documented occurrence in research settings of interacting dyads but the literature on non‐interacting dyads, that is, someone watching a video of another person, is sparse. The current study investigated whether physiological linkage, based on IBI, occurs from watching videos where strangers report about personal (neutral, positive, negative non‐traumatic, and negative traumatic) experiences. Videos were produced with six individuals and then presented to observers (N = 26). Time‐frequency‐domain cross‐wavelet analyses supplemented by threshold‐free cluster enhancement (TFCE; to account for multiple testing) showed significant physiological linkage between the IBI of observers and persons in the videos for 16 out of the 21 tested videos. Although significant physiological linkage also emerged for neutral videos and positive, negative valence videos led to such associations more reliably. This study shows that physiological linkage can be investigated in highly controlled conditions based on video stimuli paving the path for experimental manipulation in future research. Furthermore, due to the provision of information on time and frequency, the use of cross‐wavelet analysis is encouraged to learn more about factors modulating physiological linkage. The current study presents the next step toward identifying psychophysiological causal and modulating factors of physiological linkage.
Lipid availability during in vitro maturation alters oocyte lipid content and blastocyst development and metabolism
Authors: de Lima Camila Bruna , Barbosa Giulia Zanotto , Ispada Jessica , dos Santos Erika Cristina , Milazzotto Marcella Pecora
Published: April 2023

Lipids play a crucial role in various biological functions, including membrane composition, energy storage, cell signalling, and metabolic and epigenetic processes. Abnormal lipid accumulation and metabolism during in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes have been linked to the use of fetal bovine serum (FBS), even though it provides several beneficial molecules, contributing to the oocyte competence. Delipidating agents have been used to mitigate these deleterious effects, but they can have adverse effects on embryonic development. In this study, we explored how lipids present in fetal bovine serum (FBS) can impact the composition of oocytes and their resulting blastocysts in vitro. For that, we used organic solvents to separate the polar and nonpolar (lipid enriched) phase of FBS. Oocytes were in vitro matured in the presence of 10% whole FBS (control), 10% FBS plus 10% nonpolar lipids (lipid enriched – OL) or 10% polar lipids only (partially delipidated – ODL). After 24 h, part of the matured oocytes was collected and those remaining in each group underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) and culture (IVC) under the same conditions and expanded blastocysts were collected at day 7 (control, BL and BDL). Oocytes and embryos were analysed by Multiple Reaction Monitoring mass spectrometry (MRM‐MS) to determine their lipid composition. Interestingly, principal component analysis (PCA) revealed a clear distinction in the lipid profile of oocytes and blastocysts from both treatments compared to the control group. Control oocytes and blastocysts had higher triacylglycerol and cholesterol ester enrichment while the OL, ODL, BL and BDL groups had higher amounts of free fatty acids (FFAs). The structural and signalling phospholipids also differed among groups. Our findings suggest that the lipid‐enriched fraction of FBS can be manipulated for IVM to ensure proper maturation, resulting in oocytes and blastocysts with less accumulated intracellular lipids and an improved metabolic status.
Longitudinal relations of emotion knowledge to psychosocial adjustment in European and Chinese American school‐age children
Authors: Yang Yang , Wang Qi
Published: April 2023

The study is the first to examine the developmental trajectory of emotion knowledge as it relates to psychosocial adjustment in a cross‐cultural context. European American (EA, n = 68, 28 boys) and Chinese American (CA, n = 62, 31 boys) children and their mothers participated. Children's emotion knowledge was assessed, and their psychosocial adjustment was reported by mothers at three time points when children were 6.5, 7, and 8 years of age. Although EA children had greater emotion knowledge at Time 1, CA children's emotion knowledge grew faster over the following 1.5 years. In addition, emotion knowledge predicted fewer internalizing problems in CA children but predicted fewer externalizing problems in EA children. Thus, emotion knowledge was associated with psychosocial adjustment for both cultural groups, and particularly helpful for children to cope with issues to which they are most vulnerable in their respective cultural contexts. The findings shed critical light on the developmental trajectories of emotion understanding and psychosocial adjustment in specific cultural contexts.
Development of a recombinant hepatitis B immunoglobulin derived from B cells collected from healthy individuals administered with hepatitis B virus vaccines: A feasibility study
Authors: Furuta Rika A. , Yasui Teruhito , Minamitani Takeharu , Akiba Hiroki , Toyoda Chizu , Tobita Ryutaro , Yasui Kazuta , Aminaka Ryota , Masaki Mikako , Satake Masahiro
Published: April 2023

Background

In Japan, plasma with a high concentration of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) antibodies for hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) is almost entirely imported. We aimed to produce recombinant HBIG by isolating immunoglobulin cDNAs against the HBV surface antigen (HBsAg).

Study Design and Methods

B cells expressing HBsAg antibodies were obtained from blood center personnel who had been administered HB vaccine booster and then isolated by either an Epstein–Barr virus hybridoma or an antigen‐specific memory B cell sorting method. Each cDNA of the heavy and light chains of the target antibody was cloned into an IgG1 expression vector and transfected into Expi293F cells to produce a recombinant monoclonal antibody (mAb), which was screened by ELISA and in vitro HBV neutralizing assays. The cross‐reactivity of the mAbs to normal human molecules was evaluated by ELISA and immunohistochemistry.

Results

Antibody cDNAs were cloned from 11 hybridoma cell lines and 204 HBsAg‐bound memory B cells. Three of the resulting recombinant mAbs showed stronger neutralizing activity in vitro than the currently used HBIG. All three bind to the conformational epitope(s) of HBsAg but not to human DNA or cells.

Discussion

We successfully isolated HBV‐neutralizing monoclonal antibodies from B cells collected from healthy plasma donors boosted against the HBV. To obtain an alternative source for HBIG, HBV‐neutralizing monoclonal antibodies from B cells collected from healthy plasma donors boosted against the HBV may be useful.
Emergency treatment with intravenous infusion of methylene blue followed by oral administration in a cat presented with severe recurrent methemoglobinemia
Authors: Brunori Lara , Elias Santo‐Domingo Neus , Donnelly Emma , Bassolino Serena , Lewis Daniel
Published: April 2023

Objective

To describe the use of IV infusion followed by oral administration of methylene blue (MB) to successfully treat recurrent methemoglobinemia (MetHb) in a young cat.

Case Summary

A 6‐month‐old male Ragdoll cat presented with recurrent episodes of severe MetHb and was successfully managed with IV infusion of MB followed by a course of oral MB. Although the definitive cause of the patient's MetHb remains unknown, the cat made a full recovery following treatment without developing any significant side effects secondary to therapy and at the time of writing not had any further recurrences. Follow‐up at 6 months found the patient in good health and without any long‐term consequences.

New Information Provided

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of a cat presented with severe MetHb quantitatively assessed via co‐oximetry and successfully treated with both IV and oral administration of MB.
Comparative evaluation of corneal and limbal epithelial thickness in brachycephalic dogs with and without corneal diseases using spectral domain optical coherence tomography
Authors: Jeong Youngseok , Kang Seonmi , Seo Kangmoon
Published: April 2023

Objective

To evaluate alterations in epithelial thickness during corneal degeneration, corneal pigmentation, and additional features observed through spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) in brachycephalic dogs.

Animals and Procedures

The study used 55 eyes from 49 brachycephalic dogs that underwent OCT‐containing ophthalmic examinations. The examined eyes were classified into corneal degeneration, corneal pigmentation, and normal groups according to corneal lesions. For each eye, corneal epithelial thickness (CET) in the central cornea and maximum limbal epithelial thickness (maxLET) in 4 quadrants of limbus (superior, inferior, nasal, and temporal) were measured from OCT images. Additional abnormal findings on OCT images, including irregular epithelium, subepithelial hyperreflectivity, and conjunctivochalasis, were also recorded.

Results

The corneal degeneration group had significantly thinner nasal and temporal maxLETs than that of the normal group (p < .001). In the central corneal OCT image of the corneal degeneration group, an irregular epithelium was observed in 70.6% and subepithelial hyperreflectivity in 82.4%, both of which were significantly higher than the normal group (p < .001). In a comparative analysis, the nasal, temporal, and inferior maxLETs were significantly thinner in the corneal pigmentation group than those in the normal group (p < .001, p < .001, and p = .01, respectively).

Conclusions

Morphological changes in the limbal epithelium were observed in dogs with corneal degeneration and corneal pigmentation. LET reduction could be associated with their pathogenesis and would be valuable as an additional parameter for corneal diseases.
PCR and peptide based PCMV detection in pig – development and application of a combined testing procedure differentiating newly from latent infected pigs
Authors: Fischer Nicole , Gulich Barbara , Keßler Barbara , Längin Matthias , Fishman Jay A. , Wolf Eckhard , Boller Klaus , Tönjes Ralf R. , Godehardt Antonia W.
Published: April 2023

Porcine cytomegalovirus (PCMV) is widely distributed in pigs and difficult to detect due to latency. PCMV infection of source pigs was associated with early graft failure after cardiac and renal xenotransplantation into nonhuman primates. Importantly, PCMV infection of the first genetically modified pig heart into a human may have contributed to the reduced survival of the patient. Sensitive and reliable assays for detection of latent PCMV infection are thus indispensable. Here, we report the development of five peptide‐induced rabbit antisera specific for PCMV glycoprotein B (gB) and their validation for detection of PCMV in infected pig fallopian tube (PFT) cells by immunofluorescence and electron microscopy (EM). The anti‐gB antibodies were also used for detection by Western blot analysis of PCMV purified from the supernatant of infected PFT cells. Sera of infected versus non‐infected pigs have been compared. In parallel, PCMV viral load in blood samples of the animals was quantified by a novel highly sensitive nested‐PCR and qPCR assay. A combination of four partly overlapping peptides from the gB C‐terminus was used to establish a diagnostic ELISA for PCMV gB specific pig antibodies which is able to differentiate infected from non‐infected animals and to quantify maternal antibodies in neonates. The combination of a highly sensitive nested PCR for direct virus detection with a sensitive peptide‐based ELISA detecting anti‐PCMV gB‐antibodies, supplemented by Western blot analysis and/or immunohistochemistry for virus detection will reliably differentiate pigs with active infection, latently infected pigs, and non‐infected pigs. It may significantly improve the virologic safety of xenotransplantation.
Obstacle Detection and Anti-Collision Robot Using Ultrasonic Sensor
Authors: Yanmida Dele Zacheaus , Imam Abubakar Surajo , Alim Sabur Ajibola
Published: April 2023

Obstacle detection can be considered central and paramount in designing mobile robots. This technique enables mobile robots equipped with sensors to transverse and maneuver freely in an environment preventing damage as a result of a collision with obstacles in its path. Several systems with different approaches have been developed for the anti-collision of a robot with obstacles. The approach to Sensor selection, path planning, and navigation processes determines the operation of such a system and differs from one another. This paper presents a low-cost ultrasonic distance sensor for obstacle detection to enhance anti-collision in mobile robot navigation. The system is designed with the C/C++ programming of the Arduino software (IDE) and implemented on the ATMega 2560 Microcontroller of the Arduino board. An ultrasonic sensor detects an obstacle and sends the data collected to the controller which directs the motor driver to stop or move the robot while following a visible predefined path (blackline) embedded in the ground and detected with the help of an IR sensor placed beneath the robot. Experimental results with varied obstacle positions show a decent performance scoring 96.4% accuracy at a 50cm distance to the obstacle.
Optimal Methods for Fault Detection and Classification
Authors: Idris Rasyidah , Anas Lim Nadzir
Published: April 2023

Detecting fault in transmission line is very important in order to have a well-functioned power system. This is due to the fact that the system will be distorted if there is fault in the transmission line. Occurrence of fault causes the significant difference in terms of the value of current or voltage in the system. There are a few approaches that can be used in order to detect and classify fault in the transmission line. Two methods of fault detection and classification have been used to be analyzed in order to identify both method accuracy and reliability. The two methods are the Wavelet Transform method and the Fuzzy Logic based method. Both methods show their own advantages and disadvantages after simulation have been done. These methods are later being utilized by combining both to create a better version of fault detection and classification method. In this paper, a combined method of Wavelet Transform and Fuzzy Logic based for fault detection and classification model for power systems is developed and simulated. This combined method is later compared to other method under the same category but different perspective and aspect namely the Radial Basis Function Neural Network. Fuzzy Logic Based method and Radial Basis Function Neural Network falls under Artificial Intelligence category for fault classification method. However, the approach used for both method is significantly different.
Mechanosensory encoding in ex vivo muscle–nerve preparations
Authors: Housley Stephen N. , Gardolinski Evelyn A. , Nardelli Paul , Reed J'Ana , Rich Mark M. , Cope Timothy C.
Published: April 2023

Our objective was to evaluate an ex vivo muscle–nerve preparation used to study mechanosensory signalling by low threshold mechanosensory receptors (LTMRs). Specifically, we aimed to assess how well the ex vivo preparation represents in vivo firing behaviours of the three major LTMR subtypes of muscle primary sensory afferents, namely type Ia and II muscle spindle (MS) afferents and type Ib tendon organ afferents. Using published procedures for ex vivo study of LTMRs in mouse hindlimb muscles, we replicated earlier reports on afferent firing in response to conventional stretch paradigms applied to non‐contracting, that is passive, muscle. Relative to in vivo studies, stretch‐evoked firing for confirmed MS afferents in the ex vivo preparation was markedly reduced in firing rate and deficient in encoding dynamic features of muscle stretch. These deficiencies precluded conventional means of discriminating type Ia and II afferents. Muscle afferents, including confirmed Ib afferents were often indistinguishable based on their similar firing responses to the same physiologically relevant stretch paradigms. These observations raise uncertainty about conclusions drawn from earlier ex vivo studies that either attribute findings to specific afferent types or suggest an absence of treatment effects on dynamic firing. However, we found that replacing the recording solution with bicarbonate buffer resulted in afferent firing rates and profiles more like those seen in vivo. Improving representation of the distinctive sensory encoding properties in ex vivo muscle–nerve preparations will promote accuracy in assigning molecular markers and mechanisms to heterogeneous types of muscle mechanosensory neurons.
Unpacking the multimodal, multi‐scale data of the fast and slow lanes of the cardiac vagus through computational modelling
Authors: Gee Michelle M. , Hornung Eden , Gupta Suranjana , Newton Adam J. H. , Cheng Zixi (Jack) , Lytton William W. , Lenhoff Abraham M. , Schwaber James S. , Vadigepalli Rajanikanth
Published: April 2023

The vagus nerve is a key mediator of brain–heart signaling, and its activity is necessary for cardiovascular health. Vagal outflow stems from the nucleus ambiguus, responsible primarily for fast, beat‐to‐beat regulation of heart rate and rhythm, and the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, responsible primarily for slow regulation of ventricular contractility. Due to the high‐dimensional and multimodal nature of the anatomical, molecular and physiological data on neural regulation of cardiac function, data‐derived mechanistic insights have proven elusive. Elucidating insights has been complicated further by the broad distribution of the data across heart, brain and peripheral nervous system circuits. Here we lay out an integrative framework based on computational modelling for combining these disparate and multi‐scale data on the two vagal control lanes of the cardiovascular system. Newly available molecular‐scale data, particularly single‐cell transcriptomic analyses, have augmented our understanding of the heterogeneous neuronal states underlying vagally mediated fast and slow regulation of cardiac physiology. Cellular‐scale computational models built from these data sets represent building blocks that can be combined using anatomical and neural circuit connectivity, neuronal electrophysiology, and organ/organismal‐scale physiology data to create multi‐system, multi‐scale models that enable in silico exploration of the fast versus slow lane vagal stimulation. The insights from the computational modelling and analyses will guide new experimental questions on the mechanisms regulating the fast and slow lanes of the cardiac vagus toward exploiting targeted vagal neuromodulatory activity to promote cardiovascular health.
Increased pyramidal and VIP neuronal excitability in rat primary auditory cortex directly correlates with tinnitus behaviour
Authors: Ghimire Madan , Cai Rui , Ling Lynne , Brownell Kevin A. , Hackett Troy A. , Llano Daniel A. , Caspary Donald M.
Published: April 2023

Tinnitus affects roughly 15%–20% of the population while severely impacting 10% of those afflicted. Tinnitus pathology is multifactorial, generally initiated by damage to the auditory periphery, resulting in a cascade of maladaptive plastic changes at multiple levels of the central auditory neuraxis as well as limbic and non‐auditory cortical centres. Using a well‐established condition‐suppression model of tinnitus, we measured tinnitus‐related changes in the microcircuits of excitatory/inhibitory neurons onto layer 5 pyramidal neurons (PNs), as well as changes in the excitability of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) neurons in primary auditory cortex (A1). Patch‐clamp recordings from PNs in A1 slices showed tinnitus‐related increases in spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) and decreases in spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs). Both measures could be correlated to the rat's behavioural evidence of tinnitus. Tinnitus‐related changes in PN excitability were independent of changes in A1 excitatory or inhibitory cell numbers. VIP neurons, part of an A1 local circuit that can control the excitation of layer 5 PNs via disinhibitory mechanisms, showed significant tinnitus‐related increases in excitability that directly correlated with the rat's behavioural tinnitus score. That PN and VIP changes directly correlated to tinnitus behaviour suggests an important role in A1 tinnitus pathology. Tinnitus‐related A1 changes were similar to findings in studies of neuropathic pain in somatosensory cortex suggesting a common pathology of these troublesome perceptual impairments. Improved understanding between excitatory, inhibitory and disinhibitory sensory cortical circuits can serve as a model for testing therapeutic approaches to the treatment of tinnitus and chronic pain.

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Key points

We identified tinnitus‐related changes in synaptic function of specific neuronal subtypes in a reliable animal model of tinnitus.

The findings show direct and indirect tinnitus‐related losses of normal inhibitory function at A1 layer 5 pyramidal cells, and increased VIP excitability.

The findings are similar to what has been shown for neuropathic pain suggesting that restoring normal inhibitory function at synaptic inputs onto A1 pyramidal neurons (PNs) could conceptually reduce tinnitus discomfort.
Generation of Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Lung Organoids for Modeling Infection and Replication Differences between Human Adenovirus Types 3 and 55 and Evaluating Potential Antiviral Drugs
Authors: Zhao Shanshan , Wu Xiaowei , Tan Zhihong , Ren Yi , Li Lian , Ou Junxian , Lin Ying , Song Hongbin , Feng Liqiang , Seto Donald , Wu Jianguo , Zhang Qiwei , Rong Zhili
Published: April 2023

Human adenovirus (HAdV) infections are a major threat worldwide. HAdV-3 is one of the most predominant respiratory pathogen types found in children.
High burden of rheumatic heart disease confirmed by echocardiography among Pacific adults living in New Zealand
Authors: Webb Rachel , Culliford-Semmens Nicola , ChanMow Andrew , Doughty Robert , Tilton Elizabeth , Peat Briar , Stirling John , Gentles Thomas L , Wilson Nigel J
Published: April 2023

Background

Despite numerous echocardiographic screening studies of children in high incidence acute rheumatic fever (ARF)/rheumatic heart disease (RHD) communities, little is known about the prevalence of RHD in adults in these populations.

We sought to determine the prevalence of RHD in an urban area of South Auckland, New Zealand, where previous studies had shown the prevalence of RHD in children to be around 2%.

Methods

A cross-sectional screening study was conducted between 2014 and 2016. Echocardiography clinics were conducted at an urban Pacific-led primary healthcare clinic in New Zealand. Eligible persons aged 16–40 years were recruited according to a stratified randomised approach. Echocardiograms were performed with a standardised image acquisition protocol and reported by cardiologists.

Results

There were 465 individuals who underwent echocardiograms. The overall prevalence of RHD (define and borderline) was 56 per 1000 (95% CI 36 to 78 per 1000). Definite RHD was found in 10 individuals (4 of whom were already under cardiology review at a hospital clinic) with a prevalence of 22 per 1000 (95% CI 9 to 36 per 1000). Non-rheumatic cardiac abnormalities were found in 29 individuals.

Conclusions

There is a high burden of both rheumatic and non-rheumatic cardiac abnormalities in this population. Rates described in New Zealand are as high as lower-middle-income countries in Africa. Addressing knowledge gaps regarding the natural history of RHD detected by echocardiography in adults is a priority issue for the international RHD community.
An Attention-Aware Long Short-Term Memory-Like Spiking Neural Model for Sentiment Analysis
Authors: Liu Qian , Huang Yanping , Yang Qian , Peng Hong , Wang Jun
Published: April 2023

LSTM-SNP model is a recently developed long short-term memory (LSTM) network, which is inspired from the mechanisms of spiking neural P (SNP) systems. In this paper, LSTM-SNP is utilized to propose a novel model for aspect-level sentiment analysis, termed as ALS model. The LSTM-SNP model has three gates: reset gate, consumption gate and generation gate. Moreover, attention mechanism is integrated with LSTM-SNP model. The ALS model can better capture the sentiment features in the text to compute the correlation between context and aspect words. To validate the effectiveness of the ALS model for aspect-level sentiment analysis, comparison experiments with 17 baseline models are conducted on three real-life data sets. The experimental results demonstrate that the ALS model has a simpler structure and can achieve better performance compared to these baseline models.
Modeling Emerging Interpersonal Synchrony and its Related Adaptive Short-Term Affiliation and Long-Term Bonding: A Second-Order Multi-Adaptive Neural Agent Model
Authors: Hendrikse Sophie C. F. , Treur Jan , Koole Sander L.
Published: April 2023

When people interact, their behavior tends to become synchronized, a mutual coordination process that fosters short-term adaptations, like increased affiliation, and long-term adaptations, like increased bonding. This paper addresses for the first time how such short-term and long-term adaptivity induced by synchronization can be modeled computationally by a second-order multi-adaptive neural agent model. It addresses movement, affect and verbal modalities and both intrapersonal synchrony and interpersonal synchrony. The behavior of the introduced neural agent model was evaluated in a simulation paradigm with different stimuli and communication-enabling conditions. Moreover, in this paper, mathematical analysis is also addressed for adaptive network models and their positioning within the landscape of adaptive dynamical systems. The first type of analysis addressed shows that any smooth adaptive dynamical system has a canonical representation by a self-modeling network. This implies theoretically that the self-modeling network format is widely applicable, which also has been found in many practical applications using this approach. Furthermore, stationary point and equilibrium analysis was addressed and applied to the introduced self-modeling network model. It was used to obtain verification of the model providing evidence that the implemented model is correct with respect to its design specifications.
Anticancer Effects of Morusin in Prostate Cancer via Inhibition of Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wu Hsin-En , Su Chia-Cheng , Wang Shu-Chi , Liu Po-Len , Cheng Wei-Chung , Yeh Hsin-Chih , Chuu Chih-Pin , Chen Jen-Kun , Bao Bo-Ying , Lee Cheng Hsueh , Ke Chien-Chih , Chen Yuan-Ru , Yu Yun-Hsin , Huang Shu-Pin , Li Chia-Yang
Published: April 2023

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most prevalent cancer in men worldwide. The majority of PCa incidences eventually progress to castration-resistant PCa (CRPC), thereby establishing an urgent need for new effective therapeutic strategies. This study aims to examine the effects of morusin, a prenylated flavonoid isolated from Morus alba L., on PCa progression and identify the regulatory mechanism of morusin. Cell growth, cell migration and invasion, and the expression of EMT markers were examined. Cycle progression and cell apoptosis were examined using flow cytometry and a TUNEL assay, while transcriptome analysis was performed using RNA-seq with results being further validated using real-time PCR and western blot. A xenograft PCa model was used to examine tumor growth. Our experimental results indicated that morusin significantly attenuated the growth of PC-3 and 22Rv1 human PCa cells; moreover, morusin significantly suppressed TGF-[Formula: see text]-induced cell migration and invasion and inhibited EMT in PC-3 and 22Rv1 cells. Significantly, morusin treatment caused cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase and induced cell apoptosis in PC-3 and 22Rv1 cells. Morusin also attenuated tumor growth in a xenograft murine model. The results of RNA-seq indicated that morusin regulated PCa cells through the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, while our western blot results confirmed that morusin suppressed phosphorylation of AKT, mTOR, p70S6K, and downregulation of the expression of Raptor and Rictor in vitro and in vivo. These results suggest that morusin has antitumor activities on regulating PCa progression, including migration, invasion, and formation of metastasis, and might be a potential drug for CRPC treatment.
Finite difference scheme of time-dependent MHD viscous fluid flow
Authors: Ibrahim Muhammad , Al Sarairah E. , Hejazi Hala A. , Saeed Tareq
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we investigate time-dependent viscous fluid flow along a stretching horizontal plate with a magnetic field, viscous dissipation and chemical reaction are taken into account. A system of partial differential equations (PDEs) governs the flow problem. Using dimensionless variables, system of governing PDEs is transformed to dimensionless form. Finite difference method is the numerical method adopted for solving the system of PDEs with initial and boundary conditions. The impact of potential variables is examined and displayed graphically. The results suggest that greater Hartmann number reduces velocity and temperature, whereas raising chemical reaction parameter decreases concentration profile. Moreover, skin friction increases with Hartmann number values and Nusselt number, showing increase for growing Eckert and Prandtl numbers.
Structural aspects of the thermal properties of the Cu2Se
Authors: Dashdemirov A. O. , Aliyev Y. I. , Bashirov R. J. , Aliyeva N. A. , Rustamova L. V.
Published: April 2023

The compound Cu2Se has been synthesized and its crystal structure has been studied. Structural studies were carried out by angle dispersive XRD method. Structural phase transition was detected by analyzing the spectra obtained in the temperature range [Formula: see text]–1000[Formula: see text]K. It was found that, under normal conditions, this compound has an orthorhombic crystal structure. At a temperature [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]K, a phase transition occurs from orthorhombic to cubic with the formation of a highly symmetrical phase. The values of crystallographic parameters were determined for each phase.