bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting the effects of mutations on protein solubility using graph convolution network and protein language model representation
Authors: Wang Jing , Chen Sheng , Yuan Qianmu , Chen Jianwen , Li Danping , Wang Lei , Yang Yuedong
Published: November 2023

Solubility is one of the most important properties of protein. Protein solubility can be greatly changed by single amino acid mutations and the reduced protein solubility could lead to diseases. Since experimental methods to determine solubility are time‐consuming and expensive, in‐silico methods have been developed to predict the protein solubility changes caused by mutations mostly through protein evolution information. However, these methods are slow since it takes long time to obtain evolution information through multiple sequence alignment. In addition, these methods are of low performance because they do not fully utilize protein 3D structures due to a lack of experimental structures for most proteins. Here, we proposed a sequence‐based method DeepMutSol to predict solubility change from residual mutations based on the Graph Convolutional Neural Network (GCN), where the protein graph was initiated according to predicted protein structure from Alphafold2, and the nodes (residues) were represented by protein language embeddings. To circumvent the small data of solubility changes, we further pretrained the model over absolute protein solubility. DeepMutSol was shown to outperform state‐of‐the‐art methods in benchmark tests. In addition, we applied the method to clinically relevant genes from the ClinVar database and the predicted solubility changes were shown able to separate pathogenic mutations. All of the data sets and the source code are available at https://github.com/biomed-AI/DeepMutSol.
Impact of a hospital service for adults with chronic childhood‐onset disease: A propensity weighted analysis
Authors: Feeney Colby , Chandler Mark , Platt Alyssa , Sun Shifeng , Setji Noppon , Ming David Y.
Published: November 2023

Background

Young adults with chronic childhood‐onset diseases (CCOD) transitioning care from pediatrics to adult care are at high risk for readmission after hospital discharge. At our institution, we have implemented an inpatient service, the Med‐Peds (MP) line, to improve transitions to adult care and reduce hospital utilization by young adults with CCOD.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the effect of the MP line on length of stay (LOS) and 30‐day readmission rates compared to other inpatient services.

Methods

This was an observational, retrospective cohort analysis of patients admitted to the MP line compared to other hospital service lines over a 2‐year period. To avoid potential confounding by indication for admission to the MP line, propensity score weighting methods were used.

Results

The MP line cared for 302 patients with CCOD from June 2019 to July 2021. Compared to other service lines, there was a 33% reduction in relative risk of 30‐day readmission (26.9% compared to 40.3%, risk ratio = 0.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.55–0.81). LOS was 10% longer for the MP line (event time ratio (ETR): 1.10 95% CI 1.0–1.21) with median LOS 4.8 versus 4.5 days. Patients with sickle cell disease had less of a reduction in 30‐day readmissions and longer LOS.

Conclusion

Hospitalization for young adults with CCOD on a MP service line was associated with lower 30‐day readmission rates and longer LOS than hospitalization on other services. Further research is needed to assess which components of the line most contribute to decreased utilization.
Metabolic characterization of neurogenetic disorders involving glutamatergic neurotransmission
Authors: Illescas Sofía , Diaz‐Osorio Yaiza , Serradell Anna , Toro‐Soria Lucía , Musokhranova Uliana , Juliá‐Palacios Natalia , Ribeiro‐Constante Juliana , Altafaj Xavier , Olivella Mireia , O'Callaghan Mar , Darling Alejandra , Armstrong Judith , Artuch Rafael , García‐Cazorla Àngels , Oyarzábal Alfonso
Published: November 2023

The study of inborn errors of neurotransmission has been mostly focused on monoamine disorders, GABAergic and glycinergic defects. The study of the glutamatergic synapse using the same approach than classic neurotransmitter disorders is challenging due to the lack of biomarkers in the CSF. A metabolomic approach can provide both insight into their molecular basis and outline novel therapeutic alternatives. We have performed a semi‐targeted metabolomic analysis on CSF samples from 25 patients with neurogenetic disorders with an important expression in the glutamatergic synapse and 5 controls. Samples from patients diagnosed with MCP2, CDKL5‐, GRINpathies and STXBP1‐related encephalopathies were included. We have performed univariate (UVA) and multivariate statistical analysis (MVA), using Wilcoxon rank‐sum test, principal component analysis (PCA), and OPLS‐DA. By using the results of both analyses, we have identified the metabolites that were significantly altered and that were important in clustering the respective groups. On these, we performed pathway‐ and network‐based analyses to define which metabolic pathways were possibly altered in each pathology. We have observed alterations in the tryptophan and branched‐chain amino acid metabolism pathways, which interestingly converge on LAT1 transporter‐dependency to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Analysis of the expression of LAT1 transporter in brain samples from a mouse model of Rett syndrome (MECP2) revealed a decrease in the transporter expression, that was already noticeable at pre‐symptomatic stages. The study of the glutamatergic synapse from this perspective advances the understanding of their pathophysiology, shining light on an understudied feature as is their metabolic signature.
Acute gastroenteritis outbreak associated with multiple and rare norovirus genotypes after storm events in Santa Catarina, Brazil
Authors: Fumian Tulio Machado , Malta Fábio Correia , Sarmento Sylvia Kahwage , Fernandes Sandra Bianchini , Negri Cynthia Maria , Belettini Senele Ana de Alcantara , Machado Mariza Hoffmann , Guimarães Maria Angelica Arpon Marandino , de Assis Rosane Maria Santos , Baduy Gabriel Assad , Fialho Alexandre Madi , Burlandy Fernanda Marcicano
Published: November 2023

Norovirus is a major cause of acute diarrheal disease (ADD) outbreaks worldwide. In the present study, we investigated an ADD outbreak caused by norovirus in several municipalities of Santa Catarina state during the summer season, southern Brazil in 2023. As of the 10th epidemiological week of 2023, approximately 87 000 ADD cases were reported, with the capital, Florianópolis, recording the highest number of cases throughout the weeks. By using RT‐qPCR and sequencing, we detected 10 different genotypes, from both genogroups (G) I and II. Some rare genotypes were also identified. Additionally, rotavirus and human adenovirus were sporadically detected among the ADD cases. Several features of the outbreak suggest that sewage‐contaminated water could played a role in the surge of ADD cases. Storm events in Santa Catarina state that preceded the outbreak likely increased the discharge of contaminated wastewater and stormwater into water bodies, such as rivers and beaches during a high touristic season in the state. Climate change‐induced extreme weather events, including intensified rainfall and frequent floods, can disturb healthcare and sanitation systems. Implementing public policies for effective sanitation, particularly during peak times, is crucial to maintain environmental equilibrium and counter marine pollution.
An event‐driven model of fractional‐N CPPLLbasedFMCWsynthesizers
Authors: Li Hao , Mawuli Ernest Smith , Xing Zhao , Liu Huihua , Wu Yunqiu , Zhao Chenxi , Yu Yiming , Zhang Jingzhi , Kang Kai
Published: November 2023

This paper proposes an improved event‐driven (ED) model to improve the simulation efficiency of a mixed‐signal charge‐pump phase locked loop (CP‐PLL) design for a frequency‐modulated continuous‐wave (FMCW) chirp generation. The improvement mainly comes into three parts. First, we update the data only when it changes during the previous trigger. Second, we save the data at the triggering moment of the reference clock to achieve uniform sampling for better noise characterization. Furthermore, we propose a simplified model that is specifically optimized for the third‐order loop filter (LF). This article presents a detailed design flow of the improved ED model, and we apply it to the simulation of the FMCW chirp generation. Compared to the conventional transistor‐level simulation, our proposed model reduces the simulation time to less than 1 s, which leads to a reduction of the simulation time by five or six orders of magnitude.
Association between dietary total choline and abdominal aorta calcification among older US adults: A cross‐sectional study of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Zhang Kai , Han Yu , Gu Fangmin , Gu Zhaoxuan , Zhao JiaYu , Chen Jianguo , Chen Bowen , Gao Min , Hou Zhengyan , Yu Xiaoqi , Cai Tianyi , Gao Yafang , Xie Jinyu , Liu Tianzhou , Liu Kexiang
Published: November 2023

Background

Numerous studies indicate a potential bidirectional association between dietary choline intake and its derivative, betaine, and subclinical atherosclerosis. However, little research has been conducted on the relationship between dietary choline and severe abdominal aortic calcification (SAAC).

Methods

This cross‐sectional study analyzed population‐based data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013–2014). Choline intake and food sources were measured using two 24‐h dietary‐recall interviews. The abdominal aortic calcification score was measured using a dual‐emission x‐ray absorptiometry scan. To assess the relationship between choline intake and SAAC, the study utilized restricted cubic spline and a multivariable logistic regression model.

Results

Among the 2640 individuals included in the study, 10.9% had SAAC. After adjusting for all selected covariates, compared with the lowest quartile of dietary choline, the odds ratios of SAAC for the second‐quartile, third‐quartile, and fourth‐quartile dietary choline intake were 0.63 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.43–0.93), 0.63 (95% CI, 0.42–0.94), and 0.77 (95% CI, 0.5–1.16), respectively. The study found an L‐shaped relationship between dietary choline and SAAC in the dose‐response analysis. Subgroup analyses did not demonstrate any statistically significant interaction effects for any subgroup.

Conclusion

The study found that a higher intake of dietary choline is associated with a lower prevalence of SAAC. The dose‐response analysis revealed an L‐shaped relationship between dietary choline and SAAC. However, further studies are warranted to investigate the direct role of choline in the development of SAAC.
Extracellular adenosine triphosphate regulates inflammatory responses of periodontal ligament cells
Authors: Kyawsoewin Maythwe , Manokawinchoke Jeeranan , Termkwanchareon Chutimon , Egusa Hiroshi , Osathanon Thanaphum , Limraksasin Phoonsuk
Published: November 2023

Background

Various stimuli, that is, mechanical stresses or inflammation, induce the release of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) by human periodontal ligament cells (HPDLCs). Extracellular adenosine triphosphate (eATP) affects HPDLCs’ functions such as immunosuppressive action and inflammatory responses. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is the key factor involved in periodontal inflammation. However, the possible correlation and detailed mechanism of inflammation‐mediated eATP by LPS and inflammatory cascade formation in HPDLCs is unclarified. This study aims to examine the role of eATP on the HPDLCs’ responses concerning inflammatory actions after LPS treatment.

Methods

HPDLCs were stimulated with Porphyromonas gingivalis LPS and polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly I:C). The amount of ATP release was measured at different time points using a bioluminescence assay. HPDLCs were treated with eATP. The expression of pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory genes was determined. Specific P2X purinoreceptor 7 (P2X7) inhibitors (brilliant blue G [BBG] and KN62), a specific P2Y purinoreceptor 1 (P2Y1) inhibitors (MRS2179), calcium chelator (EGTA), protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors, nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells (NF𝜅B) activation inhibitors, and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)‐dependent protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitors (H89 dihydrochloride) and activators (forskolin) were used to dissect the mechanism of eATP‐induced HPDLCs’ inflammatory responses.

Results

LPS and poly I:C induced ATP release. A low concentration of eATP (50 µM) increased pro‐inflammatory genes (COX2, IL1B, IL6, IL8, IL12, and TNFA), while a high concentration (500 µM) enhanced anti‐inflammatory genes (IL4 and IL10). BBG, KN62, and NF𝜅B activation inhibitors impeded eATP‐induced pro‐inflammatory genes. MRS2179 and H89 markedly suppressed eATP‐induced anti‐inflammatory genes. Forskolin induced IL4 and IL10.

Conclusion

HPDLCs respond to LPS by releasing ATP. eATP has dose‐dependent dual functions on HPDLCs’ inflammatory responses via different pathways. As regulation of inflammation is important in regeneration, eATP may help to limit inflammation and trigger periodontal regeneration.
Biochemical and protein nutritional potential of mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaf: partial substitution improves the nutrition of conventional protein
Authors: Yan Cheng‐Hai , Chen Fang‐Hui , Yang Yu‐Lu , Shen Li‐Wei , Xun Xiao‐Meng , Zhang Zhi‐Ang , Zhan Yu‐Fan , You Shuai , Wang Jun
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

With the requirements of environmental, cost and economic sustainability, new sources of alternative proteins in the livestock industry are receiving increasing attention. Mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaves are a unique feed resource because of their high protein content and large availability. Therefore, mining sustainable protein suitable for the animal husbandry industry in sericulture resources could achieve a win–win situation.

RESULTS

The protein content in mulberry leaves is 232.10–386.16 g kg−1, and the mean value of crude fat content is 43.76 ± 8.48 g kg−1, which has the advantages of protein content and energy. In addition, the average content of phytic acid in mulberry leaves is only 1.88 ± 0.56 g kg−1, which means that it is not inhibited in terms of nutrient absorption. Meanwhile, the digestibility of protein was Bean pulp > Sample 8 ≈ Alfalfa ≈ Sample 13 ≈ Cottonseed meal > Fish meal, and the β‐turn and particle size of mulberry leaf protein are more conducive to digestion in vitro. Furthermore, the protein of Sample 13 had the richest essential amino acids (252.00 g kg−1) and the highest essential amino acid index (EAAI), which was superior to conventional feed protein. In addition, the partial substitution of mulberry leaf protein (15%) significantly increased the EAAI value of conventional feed protein. However, to balance nutrition, it is necessary to combine mulberry leaf protein with other proteins to further broaden its application field.

CONCLUSION

Mulberry leaves are a new source of feed protein, which helps to alleviate the two major problems of mulberry resource surplus and feed protein resource shortage. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
The impact of fruit thinning on size and quality of fresh‐market muscadine berries
Authors: Khalil Uzman , Rajwana Ishtiaq A. , Razzaq Kashif , Brecht Jeffrey K. , Sarkhosh Ali
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Achieving a larger berry size accompanied with even ripening are demanded by producers in growing muscadine cultivars. The current study aimed to evaluate the impact of fruit thinning on berry size and quality in two muscadine grape cultivars, ‘Triumph’ a bronze‐fruited cultivar bearing hermaphrodite flowers, and ‘Supreme’ a dark black‐fruited cultivar bearing female flowers. Thinning was performed before bunch closure and only one cluster per cane was retained.

RESULTS

Results indicated a significant interaction of treatments and cultivars on berry weight and berry diameter. In ‘Supreme,’ berry weight and berry diameter were significantly increased where thinning was performed, and difference in plant yield between thinned and not thinned vines was not significant. For ‘Triumph,’ thinning had no significant impact on berry weight and diameter, but yield was ultimately reduced. Other physico‐chemical characters were not affected by fruit thinning. However, differences were observed between both cultivars for these characters. The values of antioxidant scavenging activity (ASA) and total phenolic content (TPC) were 62.7% and 21.7% higher in ‘Supreme’ as compared to ‘Triumph,’ irrespective of the thinning treatments. Being a colored cultivar, ‘Supreme’ berries have higher anthocyanins than ‘Triumph,’ which has a negligible amount of anthocyanins. The ASA exhibited a strong positive correlation with TPC and anthocyanin content of muscadine grapes. There was also a significant positive correlation between TPC and anthocyanins.

CONCLUSION

Cluster thinning of some muscadine grape cultivars may improve individual berry size without affecting overall plant yield or the fruit color, firmness, biochemical attributes and bioactive compounds. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
The Impact of Hospital Safety‐Net Burden Status on Patients with HPV‐Positive Oropharyngeal Cancer
Authors: Gilja Shivee , Kumar Arvind , Kapustin Danielle , Su Vivian , Rubin Samuel J. , Chai Raymond , Roof Scott A. , Khan Mohemmed N.
Published: November 2023

Objectives

The objective of this study was to compare treatment characteristics and outcomes between patients with HPV‐positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) treated at hospitals of varying safety‐net burden status.

Methods

Patients with cT1‐4, N0‐3, M0 HPV‐positive OPSCC who underwent definitive surgery or radiation were included. Patients were grouped based on their treating hospital safety‐net burden status, defined as the percentage of uninsured and Medicaid‐insured patients with OPSCC treated at the facility and stratified as low burden (LBH: 0–25th percentile), medium burden (MBH: 25th–75th percentile), or high burden (HBH: 75th–100th percentile). The primary outcome was primary treatment with surgery versus radiation, evaluated with multivariable‐adjusted logistic regression. Secondary outcomes included TORS versus open surgical approach, and overall survival evaluated with Cox proportional hazards analysis.

Results

Of the 19,810 patients with cT1‐4, N0‐3, M0 HPV‐positive OPSCC included in this study, 4921 (24.8%) were treated at LBH, 12,201 (61.6%) were treated at MBH, and 2688 (13.6%) were treated at HBH. In multivariable‐adjusted analysis, compared with treatment at LBH, treatment at HBH was associated with more frequent radiation over surgical treatment (OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.12–1.40, p < 0.001). For patients undergoing surgery, patients at HBH had less frequent transoral robotic surgery (OR: 0.30, 95% CI 0.24–0.38, p < 0.001) compared with patients treated at LBH. Overall survival of patients treated at HBH was worse than that of patients treated at LBH (HR: 1.27, 95% CI 1.13–1.43, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

These findings highlight underlying disparities at higher safety‐net burden facilities that impact patterns of care and outcomes for patients with OPSCC.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:1733–1740, 2024
A Nationwide Analysis of Head and Neck Fibromatoses
Authors: Raad Richard A. , Akers Rachel , Al‐Khudari Samer , Stenson Kerstin , Bhayani Mihir K.
Published: November 2023

Background

Head and neck fibromatoses (HNFs) are a rare, diverse group of soft tissue tumors characterized by an abnormal proliferation of fibroblasts. Available literature on these tumors is limited to case reports and small single‐institutional studies.

Objective

We aim to provide demographic, socioeconomic, tumor‐related, and treatment characteristics of HNFs.

Design

Retrospective cohort analysis using the National Cancer Database (NCDB).

Methods

The NCDB was queried for fibromatosis‐related histologic codes located within the head and neck region. Various factors were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate survival analyses were performed.

Results

Between 2004 and 2016, 130 patients were included in the analyses. Average age was 57.4 years old with a predominance of White (83.6%) males (61.5%). Non‐desmoid HNFs accounted for 60%–70% of the tumors. The salivary gland was the most common location (38.5%) and more than half of the tumors were high grade. The majority were treated surgically (90.8%) and 25% had positive margins. Mean and median overall survival (OS) were 98.9 and 135.4 months, respectively. Surgery is associated with better OS than nonsurgical alternatives. Addition of adjuvant treatments was not associated with differences in survival.

Conclusion

In the largest study to date, we describe demographic, socioeconomic, tumor‐related, and treatment patterns of patients with this rare disease. These tumors are most frequently present in middle‐aged males with high‐grade histology. Most are treated surgically and positive surgical margins are common. Surgery has better OS than nonsurgical alternatives. While adjuvant radiation has become more common, we found no difference in survival compared to surgery alone.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 134:2228–2235, 2024
The Influence of Polysaccharides on Lipid Metabolism: Insights from Gut Microbiota
Authors: Huang Qianqian , Zhang Yanhui , Chu Qiang , Song Haizhao
Published: November 2023

Scope

Polysaccharides are complex molecules of more than ten monosaccharide residues interconnected through glycosidic linkages formed via condensation reactions. Polysaccharides are widely distributed in various food resources and have gained considerable attention due to their diverse biological activities. This review presented a critical analysis of the existing research literature on anti‐obesity polysaccharides and investigates the complex interplay between their lipid‐lowering activity and the gut microbiota, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of the lipid‐lowering properties of polysaccharides and the underlying mechanisms of action.

Methods and results

In this review, the study summarized the roles of polysaccharides in improving lipid metabolism via gut microbiota, including the remodeling of the intestinal barrier, reduction of inflammation, inhibition of pathogenic bacteria, reduction of trimethylamine N‐oxide (TMAO) production, and regulation of the metabolism of short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and bile acids (BAs).

Conclusion

These mechanisms collectively contributed to the beneficial effects of polysaccharides on lipid metabolism and overall metabolic health. Furthermore, polysaccharide‐based nanocarriers combined with gut microbiota have broad prospects for developing targeted and personalized therapies for hyperlipidemia and obesity.
Biotic and abiotic factors that influence Walleye recruitment in stocked lakes in Michigan
Authors: Bopp Justin , Herbst Seth J. , Brenden Travis O. , Wehrly Kevin , Hessenauer Jan-Michael
Published: November 2023

Objective

In recent decades, widespread evidence of declining Walleye Sander vitreus recruitment in the Midwestern United States has raised concerns about diminishing ecological benefits and fishing opportunities, which in turn has resulted in natural resource agencies using stocking to supplement populations. Success of Walleye stocking events vary; thus, evaluating the external factors that influence recruitment success of Walleye resulting from stocking or natural production is critical for improved management.

Methods

We evaluated factors influencing the relative recruitment in 98 lakes stocked annually with Walleye by integrating 20 years of stocking data with fisheries assessment and abiotic data. We indexed recruitment as the relative abundance of Walleye cohorts from natural and stocked sources combined and used boosted regression tree modeling to identify variables that are associated with varying recruitment.

Result

Growing degree-days at age 1, shoreline development index, mean depth, and degree-days at age 2 were the most important variables. The boosted regression tree model explained 17% of observed variability in recruitment. A positive relationship between growing degree-days and Walleye recruitment was observed, whereas shoreline development and lake depth had a negative relationship with recruitment. Secondarily important predictors were lake surface area, spring warming rate, Northern Pike Esox lucius abundance, and degree-days at age 0. In general, Walleye recruitment was positively associated with these predictors, with the exceptions of spring warming rates >0.3°C/day and being exposed to >3500 degree-days at age 0.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that thermal variables in addition to lake characteristics are important recruitment drivers in stocked waters and highlights the potential for resource managers to use this information to prioritize stocking efforts in temperate lakes.
Experimental investigations on the repeated low velocity impact and compression‐after‐impact behaviors of woven glass fiber reinforced composite laminates
Authors: Li Hao , Yu Zhaogang , Tao Zhen , Liu Kun
Published: November 2023

In this paper, the repeated low velocity impact responses and compression‐after‐impact (CAI) behaviors of woven glass fiber‐reinforced composite laminates were studied at the same total impact energy. Three types of impact energies, 30, 40, and 60 J, were chosen for the repeated impact tests relative to the single 120 J impact event. The impact behaviors including impact contact force–displacement and energy–time curves during the impact testing were recorded. The variations of the impact mechanical characteristics such as peak impact force, maximum displacement, and energy absorption were evaluated. The methods of visual inspection and stereo microscope were applied to identify the damage morphology of the impacted laminates. The damage accumulation was evaluated employing the absorbed energy fraction and normalized maximum displacement. It was found that the influences of impact energy on the repeated impact mechanical response are more remarkable than that of the impact number, and the impact events with fewer impact numbers cause more damage to the laminates for the same accumulative impact energy. Furthermore, the load–displacement and the CAI strength versus impact number curves were compared for the CAI testing. The ultimate load and the resulted CAI strength decrease with the increase of impact number owing to the influence of damage accumulation in repeated impacts.

Highlights

Repeated impact responses were studied at the same total impact energy.

The impact energy makes significant influence on the impact dynamic responses.

The impact events with fewer impact numbers cause more damage to the composites.

The CAI behavior was explored considering the effect of damage accumulation.

The CAI strength of damaged laminates decreases with impact number increasing.
Violent online game contact and academic procrastination: A moderated mediation model
Authors: Luo Yun , Ye Chen , Zhao Yunxin , Zhang Hui
Published: November 2023

Researchers have found that violent online game addiction has become a serious global problem that negatively affects younger people. This study used a cross‐sectional research design to examine the effects of violent online game contact on individuals' academic procrastination. We further explored the mediating role of emotional self‐regulation and the moderating role of peer communication in the link between violent online game contact and academic procrastination. A sample of 1132 students completed self‐reported questionnaires regarding violent online game contact, emotional self‐regulation, peer communication, and academic procrastination. Participants were randomly selected from Guangdong Province, China. Results indicated that violent online game contact was positively correlated with academic procrastination, while emotional self‐regulation indirectly affected the relationship. Peer communication played a moderating role in the indirect effect between emotional self‐regulation and academic procrastination. The general pattern of this mechanism illustrates that as peer communication increased, the effects of emotional self‐regulation on academic procrastination decreased. The findings elucidate how and for whom violent online game exposure is related to academic procrastination. This research demonstrates that violent game contact is an important factor affecting academic procrastination, clarifies the role of peer communication and emotional self‐regulation, and provides practical suggestions for preventing academic procrastination in the field of school psychology.
Analysis of predictive factors in children with high suspicion of pulmonary embolism
Authors: Başaran Abdurrahman Erdem , Başaran Ayşen , Durmuş Suzan Yılmaz , Kazlı Tuba , Keven Ayşe , Bingöl Ayşen
Published: November 2023

Background and Aim

Since there is a limited number of predictive models designed for pediatric patients with pulmonary embolism (PE), healthcare providers have resorted to utilizing the Wells criteria and PE Rule‐out Criteria (PERC) that have been validated for use in adults. The objective of the study is to identify the predictive factors for PE and assess the effectiveness of the PERC, Wells, and pediatric‐specific PE (PPE) criteria.

Methods

The study included individuals between the ages of 0–18 years who underwent pulmonary CT angiography and/or ventilation–perfusion scintigraphy with suspicion of PE. Demographic characteristics, symptoms, physical examination findings, risk factors, and laboratory and imaging results were retrospectively analyzed, and PERC, Wells, and PPE criteria were applied to the study population.

Results

Of the 110 patients included in the study, 27 (24.5%) had PE. Saturation, albumin, cough, calf swelling, central catheter, and malignancy were found to significantly contribute to the model. The total weighted risk score, which represents the sum of all predictive scores, ranged from 0 to 16 with a mean of 5.41 ± 4.02. When the cut‐off >6.5, the model had good discrimination power for positive PE (AUC 0.79, 77% sensitivity, and 70% specificity). In our study, the Wells criteria showed a sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 24%. The PERC exhibited a sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 21%, while the PPE demonstrated a sensitivity of 74% and a specificity of 30%.

Conclusion

While the sensitivity of Wells, PERC, and PPE models was higher than our developed model, their specificities were considerably lower than our model.
Rational design of antibody‐like peptides for targeting the human complement fragment protein C5a
Authors: Ghosh Manaswini , Shadangi Sucharita , Rana Soumendra
Published: November 2023

Human complement fragment 5a (C5a) is one of the most potent glycoproteins generated downstream of C3a and C4a during late‐stage activation of the complement signaling cascade. C5a recruits receptors like C5aR1 and C5aR2 and is established to play a critical role in complement‐mediated inflammation. Thus, excessive C5a in the plasma due to aberrant activation of the complement contributes to the pathophysiology of several chronic inflammatory diseases. Therefore, restricting the excessive interaction of C5a with its receptors by neutralizing C5a has been one of the most effective therapeutic strategies for the management of inflammatory diseases. Indeed, antibodies targeting C5 (Eculizumab), the precursor of C5a, and C5a (Vilobelimab) have already been approved by the FDA. Still, small designer peptides that work like antibodies and can target and stop C5a from interacting with its receptors seem to be a possible therapeutic alternative to antibodies because they are smaller, cheaper to make, more specific to their target, and can get through membrane barriers. As a proof‐of‐principle, the current study describes the computational design and evaluation of a pair of peptides that are able to form stable high‐affinity complexes with the epitope regions of C5a that are important for the recruitment of C5aR1 and C5aR2. The computational data further supports the potential of designer peptides for mimicking the function of antibodies targeting C5a. However, further experimental studies will be required to establish the structure–function relationship of the designer peptides and also to establish the hypothesis of antibody‐like peptides targeting C5a.
Boiling combustion behaviors and heat feedback of pool fire of diesel fuel–water emulsification
Authors: Yang Shenlin , Pu Fang , Zhang Licong , Li Manhou
Published: November 2023

In the process of submarine oil exploitation and crude oil shipping, the offshore oil leakage accidents occur frequently. In the process of oil spill weathering on the sea, the oil is potentially mixed with water to form oil–water emulsification. The in situ burning is a low‐pollution and high‐efficiency method to eliminate the spilled oil. Meanwhile, as an alternative fuel, the emulsified diesel fuel has the advantage of energy saving and emission reduction. The combustion behaviors of pool fire of diesel fuel–water emulsifications are experimentally studied using three circular fuel reservoirs (10, 15, 20 cm) and five mass proportions of water (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%). The unsteady combustion process of emulsified diesel fuel is appreciated based on combustion phenomenon, mass burning rate, and flame length. The effects of pool diameter, ratio of water content, and initial fuel thickness on burning rate and flame length are revealed. The primary heat transfer mode in controlling the combustion behavior is explored according to the coupling factors of physical boundary of fuel reservoir, flame, and wall temperatures. This work is of great significance for understanding the combustion behavior of oil spill on the sea and optimizing the removal scheme of oil spill pollutants.
4D‐Flow MRI intracardiac flow analysis considering different subtypes of pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Cain Michael T. , Schäfer Michal , Ross Lexie K. , Ivy David D. , Mitchell Max B. , Fenster Brett E. , Bull Todd M. , Barker Alex J. , Vargas Daniel , Hoffman Jordan R. H.
Published: November 2023

Intracardiac flow hemodynamic patterns have been considered to be an early sign of diastolic dysfunction. In this study we investigated right ventricular (RV) diastolic dysfunction between patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and pulmonary hypertension with chronic lung disease (PH‐CLD) via 4D‐Flow cardiac MRI (CMR). Patients underwent prospective, comprehensive CMR for function and size including 4D‐Flow CMR protocol for intracardiac flow visualization and analysis. RV early filling phase and peak atrial phase vorticity (E‐vorticity and A‐vorticity) values were calculated in all patients. Patients further underwent comprehensive Doppler and tissue Doppler evaluation for the RV diastolic dysfunction. In total 13 patients with PAH, 15 patients with PH‐CLD, and 10 control subjects underwent the 4D‐Flow CMR and echocardiography evaluation for RV diastolic dysfunction. Reduced E‐vorticity differentiated PAH and PH‐CLD from healthy controls (both p < 0.01) despite the same Doppler E values. E‐vorticity was further decreased in PAH patients when compared to PH‐CLD group (p < 0.05) with similar Doppler and tissue Doppler markers of diastolic dysfunction. A‐vorticity was decreased in both PAH and PH‐CLD groups compared to controls but with no difference between the disease groups. E‐vorticity correlated with ejection fraction (R = 0.60, p < 0.001), end‐systolic volume (R = 0.50, p = 0.001), stroke volume (R = 0.42, p = 0.007), and cardiac output (R = 0.30, p = 0.027). Intracardiac flow analysis using 4D‐Flow CMR derived vorticity is a sensitive method to differentiate diastolic dysfunction in patients with different PH etiology and similar Doppler echocardiography profile.
Sharp thresholds in adaptive random graph processes
Authors: MacRury Calum , Surya Erlang
Published: November 2023

The ‐process is a single player game in which the player is initially presented the empty graph on vertices. In each step, a subset of edges is independently sampled according to a distribution . The player then selects one edge from , and adds to its current graph. For a fixed monotone increasing graph property , the objective of the player is to force the graph to satisfy in as few steps as possible. The ‐process generalizes both the Achlioptas process and the semi‐random graph process. We prove a sufficient condition for the existence of a sharp threshold for in the ‐process. Using this condition, in the semi‐random process we prove the existence of a sharp threshold when corresponds to being Hamiltonian or to containing a perfect matching. This resolves two of the open questions proposed by Ben‐Eliezer et al. (RSA, 2020).
Fabrication of molecularly imprinted polymer‐based interdigital sensor for L‐ascorbic acid
Authors: Akbar Muafia , Sadiq Nauman , Shakoor Memoona , Shafique Muhammad , Tahir Anum , Zahid Muhammad , Mustafa Ghulam
Published: November 2023

The level of L‐ascorbic acid (AA) in various natural and artificial foods, medicines and other substances must be determined for biological and agricultural purposes. In this study, an AA‐imprinted poly (methacrylic acid)‐based receptor was synthesized by thermal free‐radical bulk polymerization for the detection of ascorbic acid using the methacrylic acid as monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as cross‐linker, and azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as initiator, in the presence of a porogenic solvent dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The synthesized molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was used as a receptor. Immobilization of the receptor layer on IDEs provided a suitable sensor for AA detection by measuring changes in electrical parameters including inductance, capacitance, and resistance with the help of LCR meter. In the series and parallel inductance, the lowest detection limits were 0.13 and 0.001 ppm, respectively. While, for series and parallel capacitance, the lowest detection limits were 0.01548 and 1.3698 ppm, respectively. In the case of resistance, the lowest limit of detection was 0.0076 and 0.08121 ppm in series and parallel, respectively. The imprinted polymer‐based sensor showed sensitivity, selectivity, and reversibility for ascorbic acid.
Synthesis and characterization of a surface imprinting silica gel polymer for the resolution of tetrahydropalmatine enantiomers
Authors: Zhu Junfang , Li Bo
Published: November 2023

An L‐tetrahydropalmatine (L‐THP) imprinted silica gel polymer functionalized with aminated groups was prepared with surface imprinting technique by using L‐THP as template, grafted silica gel as support, methacrylic acid as functional monomer and ethylene glycol dimethyl acrylate as cross‐linker by solution polymerization. The optimum ratio of template, functional monomer, and cross‐linker were found to be 1:4:20 and the conditions of synthesis were 50°C for 18 h. The surface imprinting silica gel polymer of L‐THP was used as a sorbent for L‐THP adsorption and showed better adsorption capacity of L‐THP than that of non‐imprinted polymers. Then the surface imprinting silica gel polymer of L‐THP was filled into the cartridges as the adsorbents of solid‐phase extraction, and the mean recoveries of L‐THP and D‐tetrahydropalmatine were 70.1% and 17.1% with 2.8% and 3.0% of relative standard deviation, respectively.
Critical Feminist Pedagogy in English Language Education: An Action Research Project on the Implementation of Feminist Views in a German Secondary School
Authors: Granger Kimberly , Gerlach David
Published: November 2023

Based on an action research project, this paper provides innovative teaching approaches for ELT to ensure gender equality through critical pedagogy. The qualitative study focuses on the reconstruction of students' perceptions through the analysis of group/peer talk allowing for the display of changing viewpoints after having dealt with feminist issues in class. Given the still limited representation of multiple individuals not only in society but also in secondary ELT coursebooks, critical educational practices have been concerned with the transformation of exclusionary schooling practices for the purpose of ensuring a just and equal future. Critical language education has been known to promote students' autonomy and sense of responsibility when it comes to the abolition of oppression and marginalization. Likewise, feminist approaches have the goal of fostering feminist principles and ethics of gender equality. The study, conducted in a German secondary school, reveals that the majority of learners welcome an exploration of feminist matters in the ELT classroom, because they recognize the significant connection between language learning and the exploration of societal issues. The implementation of critical and feminist ethics helped students become aware of prevailing gender inequalities; and their willingness for societal transformation highlights a visible increase in learner autonomy.
Before‐after‐control‐impact field experiment shows anti‐predator netting enhances occupancy of the threatened Hungarian meadow viper (Vipera ursinii rakosiensis)
Authors: Mizsei Edvárd , Budai Mátyás , Wenner Bálint , Rák Gergő , Radovics Dávid , Bancsik Barnabás , Kovács Gergő , Tisza Ádám , Simics János , Szabolcs Márton , Vadász Csaba , Móré Attila
Published: November 2023

The Hungarian meadow viper is an endangered grassland‐dwelling species, which faces high predation pressure, partially due to avian species that forage in its habitat. Predation pressure by avian predators is caused not only by abundant game species (e.g. hooded crow, Corvus cornix) but also by protected and threatened species (e.g. short‐toed eagle, Cricaetus gallicus; common buzzard, Buteo buteo; roller, Coracias garrulus) in the project area (Felső‐kiskunsági turjánvidék, Hungary). Mark–recapture data of a reintroduced viper population showed a very low, 42% yearly average apparent survival rate. To establish a strong sub‐population we applied anti‐predator netting (APN) by building a 200 × 200 × 3 m (4 ha) totally closed exclusion site with a mesh net, lateral sides boosted with a 1 m high steel field fence to exclude mammals as well as birds. To test the effect of APN we monitored viper occupancy at 50 × 50 m sampling plots in a before–after/control–intervention (BACI) design, where we randomly placed quadrats 0.25 ha (50 × 50 m) to be surveyed, n = 26 at control habitats and n = 4 below the APN enclosure. We collected data across four years (2020–2023), in each year during the spring by 10 surveys replicates in each plot resulting in 1200 surveys to record viper detection/non‐detection data. We applied a multi‐season occupancy model to estimate site occupancy changes to test the effects of the BACI design. Occupancy probabilities were increasing during the four consecutive survey years in both the control and the intervention sites, however except for the initial occupancy, the occupancy probability became significantly higher at APN sites, and the APN intervention had a significant positive effect on viper occupancy, while the distance to APN showed negative effect. Predator exclusion is an effective method to minimise predation pressure and potentially has a deterministic positive demographic outcome, however, due to the high logistical and maintenance costs, this measure can be applied at only a few sites.
“Passion Alone Is Not Sufficient”: What Do We Know About Young Farmers in Canada?
Authors: Nasielski Joshua , Srinivasan Sharada , Jansen Travis , Akram-Lodhi A. Haroon
Published: November 2023

In 2016, Canada’s 271,935 farm operators represented less than 0.8 per cent of the Canadian population (Statistics Canada 2017a). This reflects a loss of close to 120,000 farmers over the past 25 years as Canadian livelihoods continue to shift away from agriculture (about 1.4 per cent of the population farmed in 1991). Considering that less than 10 per cent of Canadian farmers are under the age of 35, it is hard to imagine these numbers rebounding anytime in the near future (Statistics Canada 2017a). Clearly, Canadian farming faces a generational challenge (Qualman et al. 2018). However, despite these generational challenges, there has been little research that focuses specifically on young farmers in Canada and their experiences in becoming “successful” farmers. Therefore, the purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of the information available on Canadian young farmers. This overview references existing research from scholarly literature and government statistics. This is done to offer an understanding of the context within which Canada’s young farmers are embedded. A young person’s desire to farm is partly shaped by but also shapes their experiences in becoming and being a young farmer. This overview helps inform the discussion in the next two chapters that are based upon interviews with young farmers in our two case study provinces: Ontario and Manitoba.
Young Farmers’ Difficulties and Adaptations in Agriculture: A Case Study from a Mountainous Town in Sichuan Province, Southwest China
Authors: Liang Dong , Pan Lu
Published: November 2023

The unprecedented rural labour migration in China has resulted in the transformation of rural areas and the entire rural society. Migrant workers returning to their hometowns are a new force that is promoting social transformation and changing the urban-rural relationship in the context of integrated development. Since the early 2000s, the modernization of agriculture and the integration of urban and rural areas has meant significant advancements in China’s modernization. The government has introduced policies to enforce agricultural supply structural reforms and support rural areas and the agricultural sector. Therefore, returning farmers, especially those who are young, have become the “generation of the entrepreneurs” in the countryside. Having facilitated urban-rural integration, these young farmers are innovating agricultural production and management and utilizing diverse practices to realize agriculture’s integration with secondary and tertiary industries as the government has been advocating. Rural youth have been growing up as the backbone of rural revitalization and agricultural development. Thus, it is of far-reaching practical significance to identify young farmers’ difficulties in market integration and organizing their production and explore young farmers’ adaptations as they enter or return to farming.
Becoming/Being a Young Farmer in a Fast-Transitioning Region: The Case of Tamil Nadu
Authors: Vijayabaskar M. , Varadarajan Radha
Published: November 2023

This chapter focuses on the pathways into farming among youth in select locales in the state of Tamil Nadu, southern India and what being in farming means for their lives and livelihoods. In doing so, we offer some interpretations about youth experiences of being a farmer, what they perceive as constraints in securing decent livelihoods, and the institutional context in which such processes and perceptions are embedded. We point out that regional political economy shapes the institutional context in which youth develop aspirations and dispensation towards farming. The extensive diversification into the non-farm and the diffusion of education in the farming communities in the state, we argue, have influenced how farming is located in relation to other occupations.
Epilogue: Or 16
Authors: Stroeken Koen
Published: November 2023

The book ends with an anecdote recounting an improbable event of ‘pre-ception’ and the ways that the human observers tried to deal with it. One will have to read it to believe it.

The ensuing discussion synthesizes the book’s main argument by way of conclusion. For one last time, we deconstruct a simplex into its underlying frames to derive their interrelation. To deal with simplex society, the answer is straightforward. Forget the vector, escape the matrix, live the tensor.