bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The utility of non‐invasive tests to assess advanced fibrosis in Asian subjects with chronic hepatitis B and concomitant hepatic steatosis
Authors: Lin Kenneth W. , Kumar Rajneesh , Shen Feng , Chan Henry L.‐Y. , Wong Grace L.‐H. , Kumar Rahul , Chow Wan Cheng , Lin Su , Wong Vincent W.‐S. , Fan Jian‐Gao , Goh George B.‐B.
Published: March 2023

Background

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is endemic to Asia and is a leading cause of liver‐related morbidity. The prevalence of concomitant CHB and hepatic steatosis (HS) is increasing in Asia. Non‐invasive tests (NITs) including FIB‐4, NFS and APRI assess fibrosis in populations with a single aetiology, but not in subjects with concomitant CHB and HS.

Aim

To explore the accuracy of NITs in predicting advanced fibrosis in patients with concomitant CHB and HS.

Methodology

This multicentre study of CHB patients who underwent liver biopsy explored clinical characteristics of these subjects, stratified by presence of HS. Fibrosis scores from NITs were compared against histological fibrosis stage in CHB subjects with and without HS.

Results

2262 subjects were enrolled, 74.5% were males, and the mean age was 39.5 years ±11.8 SD. 984 (44.4%) had HS, 824 (36.4%) had advanced fibrosis. In the CHB group, the AUROC for advanced fibrosis were 0.65 (95% CI 0.62–0.69) for FIB‐4 and 0.63 (95% CI 0.60–0.66) for APRI. The specificities were 0.94 for FIB‐4 greater than 3.25 and 0.81 for APRI greater than 1.5. In the CHBHS group, the AUROC for advanced fibrosis were 0.67 (95% CI 0.63–0.71) for FIB‐4, 0.60 (95% CI 0.56–0.64) for APRI and 0.65 (95% CI 0.61–0.69) for NFS. The specificities were 0.95 for FIB‐4 greater than 3.25, 0.88 for APRI greater than 1.5 and 0.99 for NFS greater than 0.675.

Conclusion

The performance of NITs to exclude advanced fibrosis did not differ greatly regardless of HS. FIB‐4 and NFS have the best negative predictive values of 0.80 and 0.78, respectively, to exclude advanced fibrosis in CHBHS subjects.
The nation in bronze and granite: Creating national monuments in post‐Soviet Bishkek
Authors: O'Shea Moira
Published: March 2023

Scholars of nationalism have long looked to material forms of symbolic power to understand the politics and cultures of nations, and national monuments specifically have been studied as reflections of ideological programmes of political regimes. However, these approaches have paid insufficient attention to processes of creation. Given the importance of material symbols as sites through which the nation is understood, I argue that analysing the dynamics of creation expands our understanding of symbolic nation making. Using the case of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, and focusing on moments of creation and the actors involved in them, I build a conceptual framework for understanding the construction of national symbols on the ground based on three interconnected and co‐constituting dynamics: spatial, temporal and aesthetic/semiotic. Using this framework, I demonstrate how meaning and materiality are related to one another both as component and consequent in the creation of national monuments and how it is their very imperfection as material representations that provides the context for the nation to emerge as a category of discourse.
AggregateNet: A deep learning model for automated classification of cervical vertebrae maturation stages
Authors: Atici Salih Furkan , Ansari Rashid , Allareddy Veerasathpurush , Suhaym Omar , Cetin Ahmet Enis , Elnagar Mohammed H.
Published: March 2023

Objective

A study of supervised automated classification of the cervical vertebrae maturation (CVM) stages using deep learning (DL) network is presented. A parallel structured deep convolutional neural network (CNN) with a pre‐processing layer that takes X‐ray images and the age as the input is proposed.

Methods

A total of 1018 cephalometric radiographs were labelled and classified according to the CVM stages. The images were separated according to gender for better model‐fitting. The images were cropped to extract the cervical vertebrae automatically using an object detector. The resulting images and the age inputs were used to train the proposed DL model: AggregateNet with a set of tunable directional edge enhancers. After the features of the images were extracted, the age input was concatenated to the output feature vector. To have the parallel network not overfit, data augmentation was used. The performance of our CNN model was compared with other DL models, ResNet20, Xception, MobileNetV2 and custom‐designed CNN model with the directional filters.

Results

The proposed innovative model that uses a parallel structured network preceded with a pre‐processing layer of edge enhancement filters achieved a validation accuracy of 82.35% in CVM stage classification on female subjects, 75.0% in CVM stage classification on male subjects, exceeding the accuracy achieved with the other DL models investigated. The effectiveness of the directional filters is reflected in the improved performance attained in the results. If AggregateNet is used without directional filters, the test accuracy decreases to 80.0% on female subjects and to 74.03% on male subjects.

Conclusion

AggregateNet together with the tunable directional edge filters is observed to produce higher accuracy than the other models that we investigated in the fully automated determination of the CVM stages.
Global Cluster Analysis and Network Visualization in Prosthetic Joint Infection: A Scientometric Mapping
Authors: Dong Shengjie , Mei Fengyao , Li Jiao jiao , Xing Dan
Published: March 2023

Objective

Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is the main reason of failure of total joint arthroplasty (TJA). This study aimed to investigate the global trends and network visualization in research of PJI.

Methods

Publications in PJI search during 1980–2022 were extracted from the Science Citation Index‐Expanded of Web of Science Core Collection database (WoSCC). The source data was investigated and analyzed by bibliometric methodology. For network visualization, VOS viewer and R software was used to perform bibliographic coupling, co‐citation, co‐authorship and co‐occurrence analysis and to predict the publication trends in PJI research.

Results

There were 7288 articles included. The number of publications and relative research interests increased gradually per year globally. The USA made the highest contributions in the world and with the highest H‐index and the most citations. Journal of Arthroplasty published the highest number of articles in this area. The Mayo Clinic, Thomas Jefferson University (Rothman Institute), Hospital Special Surgery and the Rush University were the most contributive institutions by network visualization. Included studies were divided into four clusters: bacterial pathogenic mechanism and antibacterial drugs study, TJA complications, risk factors and epidemiology of PJI, diagnosis of PJI, and revision surgical management. More articles in PJI could be published over the next few years.

Conclusion

The number of publications about PJI will be increasing dramatically based on the global trends and network visualization. The USA made the highest contributions in PJI. Diagnosis and revision management may be the next hot spots in this field.
The emergence of complex adaptive response networks in China: A case study of four disasters
Authors: Tao Zhigang , Zhang Haibo
Published: March 2023

This study aims to identify the driving forces behind interorganizational networks in China following disasters. Using the theory of complex adaptive systems, we identified the self‐organization process of disaster response as the network formation process. We identified interorganizational networks that emerged in response to two natural hazards and two technical disasters by collecting data from multiple sources. The exponential random model analysis is performed to analyze the effects of structures and organizational attributes on network formation. In structuring networks for disaster response, findings demonstrate that bonding structures take precedence over bridging structures for organizations. Meanwhile, the sector and jurisdiction‐based homophily effects facilitate network formation in disaster response. On the basis of research findings, five propositions describing the network formation process in China's disaster response are proposed. Such a theoretical model is essential for advancing research and practice in complex disaster network management.
The long‐term impact of education on dietary diversity among women in Zimbabwe
Authors: Makate Marshall , Nyamuranga Chamunorwa
Published: March 2023

Education is perceived to have a positive impact on a variety of health outcomes. However, it is unclear how causal this association is or what could account for the observed relationship, especially in low‐income countries. This study examined the educational gradient in dietary diversity among young women using individual‐level survey data from Zimbabwe. A parametric fuzzy regression discontinuity design was used in the empirical analysis, with school reform exposure serving as an instrumental variable for educational attainment. The results show that increased schooling improves dietary diversity among women and that this effect is large and statistically significant. An examination of the potential mechanisms by which education improves dietary diversity revealed that women with more education are more likely to engage with print media by reading newspapers or magazines, to be literate, to access prenatal care when pregnant, to be wealthier, to have fewer children, and to live in metropolitan areas. These findings suggest that expanding educational opportunities, particularly for young girls in developing countries like Zimbabwe, could be a useful policy strategy to promote healthy eating among young women and, as a result, could enhance population health and nutrition outcomes.
Trend of changes in epidermal biophysical properties in the Chinese aged 1 month to 17‐year old
Authors: Ye Li , Lai Qingsong , Wang Xiaohua , Wen Si , Chen Aiqi , Lai Yulin , Yang Bin , Man Mao‐Qiang
Published: March 2023

Background

Although it is known that epidermal biophysical properties vary with age and gender, the changes in epidermal biophysical properties over the time from baby to adolescence have not been elucidated yet. In the present study, we assessed the trend of changes in transepidermal water loss rates (TEWL), stratum corneum hydration, and skin surface pH in Chinese children.

Participants and methods

A total of 780 boys and 610 girls, aged 1 month to 17‐year old, were enrolled in this study. TEWL and stratum corneum hydration on the forearm and the shin were measured with GPSkin Barrier, whereas skin surface pH was measured with portable skin pH meter.

Results

Overall, TEWL and stratum corneum hydration levels decreased, whereas skin surface pH increased in children from 1‐month old to 17‐year old. Significant decline in TEWL was observed on both the forearm and the shin of girls, and the shin of boys aged 13–17‐year old. Similarly, marked decline in stratum corneum hydration levels started at ages of 6–12‐year old. In contrast, decline in skin surface pH was observed in both girls and boys aged one to 12‐month old except on the forearm of boys. Afterward, skin surface pH remained either stable or slight increase except on the shin of boys aged >12 months to 3‐year old.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that both TEWL and stratum corneum hydration levels decrease, whereas skin surface pH increases in children aged 1 month to 17‐year old. The changes in these biophysical properties vary with age, gender, and body site.
Productivity and wages of firms using COVID‐19‐related support policies
Authors: Morikawa Masayuki
Published: March 2023

Objective

This study analyzes the performance over the past several years of firms that have taken advantage of various COVID‐19‐related support policies.

Methods

This study uses survey data on Japanese firms linked with official firm statistics to analyze the productivity and wages over the past several years of firms.

Results

The results indicate that the firms that used support policies had lower productivity and wages long before the pandemic. Firms that used multiple policy measures and those that repeatedly used support policies tended to show additionally lower performance.

Conclusions

Firm support policies may have the side effect of preserving inherently inefficient firms and such a problem may increase in severity as support policies become prolonged.
Incidence of breakthrough fungal infections on isavuconazole prophylaxis compared to posaconazole and voriconazole
Authors: Scott Sara A. , Perry Cory , Mahmoudjafari Zahra , Martin Grace A. , Boyd Samuel , Thompson Jeffrey , Thomas Beth
Published: March 2023

Background

Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are a common infectious complication during the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), high‐risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or post hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). For these patients, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends posaconazole or voriconazole for IFI prophylaxis. In clinical practice, however, there has been increased use of isavuconazole due to favorable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters despite limited data for this indication. The comparative prophylactic efficacy of antifungals in this patient population has not been reported, and an analysis is warranted.

Methods

This retrospective, matched cohort, single‐center study, included AML, MDS, or HCT patients who began treatment or underwent transplant between January 1, 2015 and July 31, 2021. Isavuconazole patients were matched 1:2 with patients receiving posaconazole or voriconazole prophylaxis.

Results

A total of 126 patients were included, 42 received isavuconazole, 81 received posaconazole, and three received voriconazole. The majority of patients were male receiving secondary IFI prophylaxis while receiving steroids for treatment of GVHD. The incidence of possible, probable or proven IFI was 16.7% in the isavuconazole group compared to 10.7% in the posaconazole and voriconazole group (OR 1.28, 95% CI −0.9–1.4; p = .67). Hepatotoxicity occurred in 16 total patients, 14 receiving posaconazole and two receiving isavuconazole.

Conclusion

Patients who received isavuconazole prophylaxis during AML induction therapy or post‐HCT experienced a similar incidence of breakthrough fungal infections compared to those who received posaconazole or voriconazole. These results suggest no difference in antifungal prophylactic efficacy; however larger prospective comparative studies are needed.

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Single vesicle analysis reveals the release of tetraspanin positive extracellular vesicles into circulation with high intensity intermittent exercise
Authors: McIlvenna Luke C. , Parker Hannah‐Jade , Seabright Alex P. , Sale Benedict , Anghileri Genevieve , Weaver Samuel R.C. , Lucas Samuel J.E. , Whitham Martin
Published: March 2023

Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are released from all cell types and participate in the intercellular exchange of proteins, lipids, metabolites and nucleic acids. Proteomic, flow cytometry and nanoparticle tracking analyses suggest sEVs are released into circulation with exercise. However, interpretation of these data may be influenced by sources of bias introduced by different analytical approaches. Seven healthy participants carried out a high intensity intermittent training (HIIT) cycle protocol consisting of 4 × 30 s at a work‐rate corresponding to 200% of individual max power (watts) interspersed by 4.5 min of active recovery. EDTA‐treated blood was collected before and immediately after the final effort. Platelet‐poor (PPP) and platelet‐free (PFP) plasma was derived by one or two centrifugal spins at 2500 g, respectively (15 min, room temperature). Platelets were counted on an automated haemocytometer. Plasma samples were assessed with the Exoview R100 platform, which immobilises sEVs expressing common tetraspanin markers CD9, CD63, CD81 and CD41a on microfluidic chips and with the aid of fluorescence imaging, counts their abundance at a single sEV resolution, importantly, without a pre‐isolation step. There was a lower number of platelets in the PFP than PPP, which was associated with a lower number of CD9, CD63 and CD41a positive sEVs. HIIT induced an increase in fluorescence counts in CD9, CD63 and CD81 positive sEVs in both PPP and PFP. These data support the concept that sEVs are released into circulation with exercise. Furthermore, platelet‐free plasma is the preferred, representative analyte to study sEV dynamics and phenotype during exercise.

image

Key points

Small extracellular vesicles (sEV) are nano‐sized particles containing protein, metabolites, lipid and RNA that can be transferred from cell to cell.

Previous findings implicate that sEVs are released into circulation with exhaustive, aerobic exercise, but since there is no gold standard method to isolate sEVs, these findings may be subject to bias introduced by different approaches.

Here, we use a novel method to immobilise and image sEVs, at single‐vesicle resolution, to show sEVs are released into circulation with high intensity intermittent exercise.

Since platelet depletion of plasma results in a reduction in sEVs, platelet‐free plasma is the preferred analyte to examine sEV dynamics and phenotype in the context of exercise.
Simulating the Evolution of Non-Metallic Inclusions During the Forging Process
Authors: Mackey Brandon T. , Siegmund Thomas , Sangid Michael D.
Published: March 2023

Radial forging of metallic materials requires both high temperatures and large plastic deformation. During this process, non-metallic inclusions (NMIs) can debond from the metallic matrix and break apart, resulting in a linear array of smaller inclusions, known as stringers. The evolution of NMIs into stringers can result in matrix load shedding, localized plasticity, and stress concentrations near the matrix–NMI interface. Due to these factors, stringers can be detrimental to the fatigue life of the final forged component, especially when present near a free surface. By performing a finite element model of the forging process with cohesive zones to simulate material debonding, we contribute to the understanding of processing-induced deformation and damage sequences on the onset of stringer formation for both Type 1 and Type 2 alumina NMIs in a Ni–200 matrix. Through a parametric study, the interactions of forging temperature, strain rate, strain per pass, and interfacial decohesion on the NMI damage evolution metrics are studied, specifically NMI particle separation, rotation, and cavity formation. For Type 2 alumina NMIs, embedded in a Ni–200 matrix, the simulations indicate that at temperatures below 800 °C, particle separation dominates the NMI damage sequences, whereas at temperatures between 900 °C and 1000 °C, below an interfacial bond strength of 178 MPa, cavity formation is the dominate damage evolution mechanism, resulting in matrix load shedding and stress concentrations around the NMI.
Cell composition inference and identification of layer-specific spatial transcriptional profiles with POLARIS
Authors: Chen Jiawen , Luo Tianyou , Jiang Minzhi , Liu Jiandong , Gupta Gaorav P. , Li Yun
Published: March 2023

Spatial transcriptomics (ST) technology, providing spatially resolved transcriptional profiles, facilitates advanced understanding of key biological processes related to health and disease. Sequencing-based ST technologies provide whole-transcriptome profiles but are limited by the non–single cell–level resolution. Lack of knowledge in the number of cells or cell type composition at each spot can lead to invalid downstream analysis, which is a critical issue recognized in ST data analysis. Methods developed, however, tend to underuse histological images, which conceptually provide important and complementary information including anatomical structure and distribution of cells. To fill in the gaps, we present POLARIS, a versatile ST analysis method that can perform cell type deconvolution, identify anatomical or functional layer-wise differentially expressed (LDE) genes, and enable cell composition inference from histology images. Applied to four tissues, POLARIS demonstrates high deconvolution accuracy, accurately predicts cell composition solely from images, and identifies LDE genes that are biologically relevant and meaningful.
Functional imaging and quantification of multineuronal olfactory responses in
C. elegans
Authors: Lin Albert , Qin Shanshan , Casademunt Helena , Wu Min , Hung Wesley , Cain Gregory , Tan Nicolas Z. , Valenzuela Raymond , Lesanpezeshki Leila , Venkatachalam Vivek , Pehlevan Cengiz , Zhen Mei , Samuel Aravinthan D.T.
Published: March 2023

Many animals perceive odorant molecules by collecting information from ensembles of olfactory neurons, where each neuron uses receptors that are tuned to recognize certain odorant molecules with different binding affinity. Olfactory systems are able, in principle, to detect and discriminate diverse odorants using combinatorial coding strategies. We have combined microfluidics and multineuronal imaging to study the ensemble-level olfactory representations at the sensory periphery of the nematode
Caenorhabditis elegans
. The collective activity of
C. elegans
chemosensory neurons reveals high-dimensional representations of olfactory information across a broad space of odorant molecules. We reveal diverse tuning properties and dose-response curves across chemosensory neurons and across odorants. We describe the unique contribution of each sensory neuron to an ensemble-level code for volatile odorants. We show that a natural stimuli, a set of nematode pheromones, are also encoded by the sensory ensemble. The integrated activity of the
C. elegans
chemosensory neurons contains sufficient information to robustly encode the intensity and identity of diverse chemical stimuli.
Soluble organic molecules in samples of the carbonaceous asteroid (162173) Ryugu
Authors: Naraoka Hiroshi , Takano Yoshinori , Dworkin Jason P. , Oba Yasuhiro , Hamase Kenji , Furusho Aogu , Ogawa Nanako O. , Hashiguchi Minako , Fukushima Kazuhiko , Aoki Dan , Schmitt-Kopplin Philippe , Aponte José C. , Parker Eric T. , Glavin Daniel P. , McLain Hannah L. , Elsila Jamie E. , Graham Heather V. , Eiler John M. , Orthous-Daunay Francois-Regis , Wolters Cédric , Isa Junko , Vuitton Véronique , Thissen Roland , Sakai Saburo , Yoshimura Toshihiro , Koga Toshiki , Ohkouchi Naohiko , Chikaraishi Yoshito , Sugahara Haruna , Mita Hajime , Furukawa Yoshihiro , Hertkorn Norbert , Ruf Alexander , Yurimoto Hisayoshi , Nakamura Tomoki , Noguchi Takaaki , Okazaki Ryuji , Yabuta Hikaru , Sakamoto Kanako , Tachibana Shogo , Connolly Harold C. , Lauretta Dante S. , Abe Masanao , Yada Toru , Nishimura Masahiro , Yogata Kasumi , Nakato Aiko , Yoshitake Miwa , Suzuki Ayako , Miyazaki Akiko , Furuya Shizuho , Hatakeda Kentaro , Soejima Hiromichi , Hitomi Yuya , Kumagai Kazuya , Usui Tomohiro , Hayashi Tasuku , Yamamoto Daiki , Fukai Ryota , Kitazato Kohei , Sugita Seiji , Namiki Noriyuki , Arakawa Masahiko , Ikeda Hitoshi , Ishiguro Masateru , Hirata Naru , Wada Koji , Ishihara Yoshiaki , Noguchi Rina , Morota Tomokatsu , Sakatani Naoya , Matsumoto Koji , Senshu Hiroki , Honda Rie , Tatsumi Eri , Yokota Yasuhiro , Honda Chikatoshi , Michikami Tatsuhiro , Matsuoka Moe , Miura Akira , Noda Hirotomo , Yamada Tetsuya , Yoshihara Keisuke , Kawahara Kosuke , Ozaki Masanobu , Iijima Yu-ichi , Yano Hajime , Hayakawa Masahiko , Iwata Takahiro , Tsukizaki Ryudo , Sawada Hirotaka , Hosoda Satoshi , Ogawa Kazunori , Okamoto Chisato , Hirata Naoyuki , Shirai Kei , Shimaki Yuri , Yamada Manabu , Okada Tatsuaki , Yamamoto Yukio , Takeuchi Hiroshi , Fujii Atsushi , Takei Yuto , Yoshikawa Kento , Mimasu Yuya , Ono Go , Ogawa Naoko , Kikuchi Shota , Nakazawa Satoru , Terui Fuyuto , Tanaka Satoshi , Saiki Takanao , Yoshikawa Makoto , Watanabe Sei-ichiro , Tsuda Yuichi
Published: March 2023

The Hayabusa2 spacecraft collected samples from the surface of the carbonaceous near-Earth asteroid (162173) Ryugu and brought them to Earth. The samples were expected to contain organic molecules, which record processes that occurred in the early Solar System. We analyzed organic molecules extracted from the Ryugu surface samples. We identified a variety of molecules containing the atoms CHNOS, formed by methylation, hydration, hydroxylation, and sulfurization reactions. Amino acids, aliphatic amines, carboxylic acids, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and nitrogen-heterocyclic compounds were detected, which had properties consistent with an abiotic origin. These compounds likely arose from an aqueous reaction on Ryugu’s parent body and are similar to the organics in Ivuna-type meteorites. These molecules can survive on the surfaces of asteroids and be transported throughout the Solar System.
Vitamin B5 and succinyl-CoA improve ineffective erythropoiesis in
SF3B1
-mutated myelodysplasia
Authors: Mian Syed A. , Philippe Céline , Maniati Eleni , Protopapa Pantelitsa , Bergot Tiffany , Piganeau Marion , Nemkov Travis , Di Bella Doriana , Morales Valle , Finch Andrew J. , D’Alessandro Angelo , Bianchi Katiuscia , Wang Jun , Gallipoli Paolo , Kordasti Shahram , Kubasch Anne Sophie , Cross Michael , Platzbecker Uwe , Wiseman Daniel H. , Bonnet Dominique , Bernard Delphine G. , Gribben John G. , Rouault-Pierre Kevin
Published: March 2023

Patients with myelodysplastic syndrome and ring sideroblasts (MDS-RS) present with symptomatic anemia due to ineffective erythropoiesis that impedes their quality of life and increases morbidity. More than 80% of patients with MDS-RS harbor splicing factor 3B subunit 1 (SF3B1) mutations, the founder aberration driving MDS-RS disease. Here, we report how mis-splicing of coenzyme A synthase (
COASY
), induced by mutations in
SF3B1
, affects heme biosynthesis and erythropoiesis. Our data revealed that
COASY
was up-regulated during normal erythroid differentiation, and its silencing prevented the formation of erythroid colonies, impeded erythroid differentiation, and precluded heme accumulation. In patients with MDS-RS, loss of protein due to
COASY
mis-splicing led to depletion of both CoA and succinyl-CoA. Supplementation with COASY substrate (vitamin B5) rescued CoA and succinyl-CoA concentrations in
SF3B1
mut
cells and mended erythropoiesis differentiation defects in MDS-RS primary patient cells. Our findings reveal a key role of the COASY pathway in erythroid maturation and identify upstream and downstream metabolites of COASY as a potential treatment for anemia in patients with MDS-RS.
Viral Preservation with Protein-Supplemented Nebulizing Media in Aerosols
Authors: Humphrey Brittany , Tezak Matthew , Lobitz Mia , Hendricks Anastasia , Sanchez Andres , Zenker Jake , Storch Steven , Davis Ryan D. , Ricken Bryce , Cahill Jesse
Published: March 2023

We have identified common and inexpensive lab reagents that confer increased aerosol survivability on phi6 and other phages. Our results suggest that soluble protein is a key protective component in nebulizing medium.
Bifurcation of mantle plumes by interaction with stagnant slabs in the mantle transition zone: Evidence from late Cenozoic basalts within Southeast Asia
Authors: Yang Fan , Huang Xiao-Long , Xu Yi-Gang , He Peng-Li
Published: March 2023

Mantle plumes can encounter stagnant slabs in the mantle transition zone (MTZ) during their ascent from the lower mantle to Earth’s surface. However, the interactions between stagnant slabs and mantle plumes remain poorly understood. This study presents new data on the spatial thermal−lithological−chemical heterogeneity in the mantle over a vast area of Southeast Asia that reflects the variable influence of a late Cenozoic mantle plume. Site U1433 of International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Expedition 349 in the southwest sub-basin of the South China Sea (SCS) is located near the center of this seismically imaged mantle upwelling. This area also contains mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB) derived from a peridotite-dominated and normal temperature mantle source with a depleted Nd-Hf and enriched 207Pb/206Pb isotopic composition. In contrast, MORB from Site U1431 of IODP Expedition 349 within the eastern sub-basin of the SCS and other intraplate basalts from the Hainan-Leizhou area, the eastern Indochina block, and elsewhere in the SCS are dominantly sourced from higher temperature pyroxenite-enriched mantle material that records mantle plume activity. These observations are in contrast with previous models involving a single plume rising from the lower mantle beneath the SCS that then tilted toward Hainan Island, China. Instead, it is likely that the observations from this region are indicative of plume-stagnant slab interaction. The shallow upper mantle beneath Site U1433 has not been influenced by a mantle plume as the presence of stagnant slabs within the MTZ prevented further upwelling of the plume. In contrast, a mantle plume passed through the weaker MTZ within the eastern sub-basin and circum-SCS areas, allowing plume-related magmatism to occur. The bifurcation of a deep-rooted mantle plume by stagnant slabs in the MTZ produced a cluster of small mantle upwellings that ascended to shallow depths, consistent with new multiscale global tomographic data for Southeast Asia.
A review of lethal thermal tolerance among freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionida) within the North American faunal region
Authors: Fogelman Kaelyn J. , Archambault Jennifer M. , Irwin Elise , Walsh Maureen , Brewer Shannon , Stoeckel James A.
Published: March 2023

Freshwater mussels of the order Unionida are currently one of the most imperiled groups of organisms in the North American faunal region. Accurate risk assessments and development of effective management strategies for remaining populations require knowledge of thermal limits in the face of increasing surface water temperature due to climate change and various anthropogenic factors. We conducted a systematic literature review of unionid mussels (order Unionida, families Margaritiferidae and Unionidae) in the North American faunal region to (1) summarize lethal thermal tolerance data by life stage and taxonomy, (2) discuss ecological and climate change implications of existing lethal tolerance data, and (3) identify needs for future research. We identified lethal tolerance estimates for only 28 of 302 species in the families Unionidae and Margaritiferidae. The mean acute median lethal temperatures were 32.8 °C for glochidia (19 species), 35.0 °C for juveniles (13 species), and 36.3 °C for adults (4 species). Generally, glochidia were less tolerant than juveniles or adults of the same species—but there were several exceptions. Generally, Amblemini had the highest acute and chronic thermal tolerance of all tribes followed by Anodontini, Pleurobemini, Lampsilini, and Quadrilini. Acclimation temperature affected lethal tolerance endpoints in less than half (52 of 145) of comparisons within species. Lethal tolerance data for additional species, combined with a comprehensive database of in situ surface water temperatures, would be useful for modeling the frequency and duration of lethal limit exceedance in North America and identifying populations currently living at or near their upper lethal limits.
Algebraic Structure Based Clustering Method from Granular Computing Prospective
Authors: Chen Linshu , Shen Fuhui , Tang Yufei , Wang Xiaoliang , Wang Jiangyang
Published: March 2023

Clustering, as one of the main tasks of machine learning, is also the core work of granular computing, namely granulation. Most of the recent granular computing based clustering algorithms only utilize the plain granule features without taking the granule structure into account, especially in information area with widespread application of algebraic structure. This paper aims at proposing an algebraic structure based clustering method from granular computing prospective. Specifically, the algebraic structure based granularity is firstly formulated based on the granule structure of an algebraic binary operator. An algebraic structure based clustering method is then proposed by incorporating congruence partitioning granules and homomorphically projecting granule structure. Finally, proof of the lattice at multiple hierarchical levels and comparative analysis of experimental cases validate the effectiveness of the proposed clustering method. The algebraic structure based clustering method can provide a general framework to perform granularity clustering using the algebraic granule structure information. It meanwhile advances the granular computing methods by combing the granular computing theory and the clustering theory.
An Integrated Framework for COVID-19 Classification Based on Ensembles of Deep Features and Entropy Coded GLEO Feature Selection
Authors: Fayyaz Abdul Muiz , Raza Mudassar , Sharif Muhammad , Shah Jamal Hussain , Kadry Seifedine , Martínez Oscar Sanjuán
Published: March 2023

COVID-19 is a challenging worldwide pandemic disease nowadays that spreads from person to person in a very fast manner. It is necessary to develop an automated technique for COVID-19 identification. This work investigates a new framework that predicts COVID-19 based on X-ray images. The suggested methodology contains core phases as preprocessing, feature extraction, selection and categorization. The Guided and 2D Gaussian filters are utilized for image improvement as a preprocessing phase. The outcome is then passed to 2D-superpixel method for region of interest (ROI). The pre-trained models such as Darknet-53 and Densenet-201 are then applied for features extraction from the segmented images. The entropy coded GLEO features selection is based on the extracted and selected features, and ensemble serially to produce a single feature vector. The single vector is finally supplied as an input to the variations of the SVM classifier for the categorization of the normal/abnormal (COVID-19) X-rays images. The presented approach is evaluated with different measures known as accuracy, recall, F1 Score, and precision. The integrated framework for the proposed system achieves the acceptable accuracies on the SVM Classifiers, which authenticate the proposed approach’s effectiveness.
Biological Applications of Aqueous CuInS Quantum Dots: Overview
Authors: Kamel Ola A. , Ali Magdy , Fouad M.
Published: March 2023

Quantum dots (QDs), a type of semiconductor nanomaterial, have drawn a lot of attention because of their exceptional optical characteristics and prospective uses in biology and medicine. However, the presence of heavy hazardous metals in typical QDs, such as Cd, Pb and Hg, has posed a significant obstacle to their use. Therefore, it is essential to look for a workable substitute that would be nontoxic and have comparable optical characteristics to the traditional QDs. It has been determined that ternary I–III–VI QDs are appropriate substitutes. They emit light in the near-infrared range and have adjustable optical characteristics. They are valuable in a variety of biological applications because of their optical characteristics and can be easily bioconjugated with biomolecules for targeted imaging. Therefore, this review concentrates on the most recent developments in the usage of aqueous CIS QDs in biological, bioconjugated with biomolecules, nanomedical and drug delivery system applications.
On the computation of extremal trees of Harmonic index with given edge-vertex domination number
Authors: Senthilkumar B. , Kumar H. Naresh , Venkatakrishnan Y. B. , Raja S. P.
Published: March 2023

Let [Formula: see text] be vertices of a graph [Formula: see text] with degree of the vertices being [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] respectively. First, let us define the weight of the edge [Formula: see text] as twice the value of [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text]. Let us define [Formula: see text], the harmonic index of the graph [Formula: see text], as the sum obtained by adding the weight assigned to every edge of [Formula: see text]. In this paper, for the class of trees, we shall obtain an upper bound for the harmonic index [Formula: see text] in terms of the edge-vertex domination number and the order of [Formula: see text]. Also, we shall ascertain that the equality is true by characterizing the collection of all extremal trees attaining this bound.
Certain results on a class of analytic functions involving q-hypergeometric series
Authors: Bhardwaj Harshita , Sharma Poonam
Published: March 2023

Based on [Formula: see text]-Hypergeometric Series, a linear operator [Formula: see text] is considered and involving this operator a class [Formula: see text] of analytic functions is defined by using [Formula: see text]-derivatives. As a special case, a class [Formula: see text] by involving [Formula: see text]-analogue of Hohlov operator [Formula: see text] is defined. Coefficient inequality for a function [Formula: see text] to be in the class [Formula: see text] is obtained. Further, in terms of subordination, an equivalent condition for a function [Formula: see text] to be in this class is given and using this equivalent class condition results on coefficient estimates including Fekete–Szegö inequality and a convolution result are obtained.
Behavior of functionally graded concrete beams reinforced with steel slag
Authors: Selmi Abdellatif , Hlel Moncef Ben
Published: March 2023

This paper aims to evaluate the performance of steel slag in improving the properties of concrete by using different homogenization models and finite element simulations. The free vibration of functionally graded (FG) concrete beams reinforced with steel slag is investigated by using the Euler–Bernoulli and Timoshenko beam theories. It has been assumed that the modulus of elasticity and the density change in the thickness direction according to the power law. The equations governing the free vibration are resolved in an exact way for Euler–Bernoulli theory and by using ANSYS software for Timoshenko theory. Then, a parametric study is carried out in order to analyze the influence of volume fraction and distribution of steel slag, beam slenderness ratio and shear on the dynamic behavior of FG beams. The results demonstrate the significant effect of the studied parameters on the vibration of concrete beams reinforced with steel slag.
Integration of the Automotive Chain in the Process of Transition from Fossil Fuel to Electrification in Brazil
Authors: Haluch Edson Luiz , Canciglieri Osiris , Sampaio Carlos Alberto Cioce
Published: March 2023

The automotive industry is advancing with global innovations in vehicle electrification and hybridization as an adaptive response to ongoing environmental issues. Automotive automakers show concerns about these global megatrends that should impact the sector and are emphatic, especially regarding the rapid growth of solutions and business proposals that involve changing consumer behavior, especially regarding the aspect of product sustainability, as well as the new concept of vehicle use, instead of buying this. The planet does not have the capacity to withstand current patterns of consumption and, consequently, production. Aligned with this need, the work establishes corporate governance guidelines necessary for the transition from fossil fuel to electrification within the automotive chain. This paper aims to analyze the impact of the sustainable automotive chain against the perspective of electromobility in the most consolidated automotive markets, as well as in the incipient Brazilian market.
Joint Review of The Mathematics of Various Entertaining Subjects
Authors: Gasarch William
Published: March 2023

Each of these three books is a collection of articles on recreational math. Or are they? What is recreational math? The following three points are neither necessary or sufficient for an article to be on recreational mathematics; however, it is a good guide.
Guest Column
Authors: Allender Eric
Published: March 2023

The end is near. More precisely, the end of my time as a (non-emeritus) professor is near. Thus I'm particularly grateful to Lane for inviting me to share some thoughts here, because there are a few things that I want to get off my chest. The Computational Complexity Column provides the perfect podium for this.
Proximity Labeling in Plants
Authors: Xu Shou-Ling , Shrestha Ruben , Karunadasa Sumudu S. , Xie Pei-Qiao
Published: March 2023

Proteins are workhorses in the cell; they form stable and more often dynamic, transient protein–protein interactions, assemblies, and networks and have an intimate interplay with DNA and RNA. These network interactions underlie fundamental biological processes and play essential roles in cellular function. The proximity-dependent biotinylation labeling approach combined with mass spectrometry (PL-MS) has recently emerged as a powerful technique to dissect the complex cellular network at the molecular level. In PL-MS, by fusing a genetically encoded proximity-labeling (PL) enzyme to a protein or a localization signal peptide, the enzyme is targeted to a protein complex of interest or to an organelle, allowing labeling of proximity proteins within a zoom radius. These biotinylated proteins can then be captured by streptavidin beads and identified and quantified by mass spectrometry. Recently engineered PL enzymes such as TurboID have a much-improved enzymatic activity, enabling spatiotemporal mapping with a dramatically increased signal-to-noise ratio. PL-MS has revolutionized the way we perform proteomics by overcoming several hurdles imposed by traditional technology, such as biochemical fractionation and affinity purification mass spectrometry. In this review, we focus on biotin ligase–based PL-MS applications that have been, or are likely to be, adopted by the plant field. We discuss the experimental designs and review the different choices for engineered biotin ligases, enrichment, and quantification strategies. Lastly, we review the validation and discuss future perspectives.
Effects of CX3CR1 and CXCR2 antagonists on running-dependent intramuscular neutrophil recruitments and myokine upregulation
Authors: Nyasha Mazvita R. , Chen Weijian , Wang Haopeng , Yaoita Fukie , Aoki Masashi , Nagatomi Ryoichi , Kanzaki Makoto
Published: March 2023

This study provides compelling evidence that running-dependent intramuscular neutrophil recruitment requires both CX3CR1- and CXCR2-mediated signals that prime not only myofiber-derived myokine upregulations but also endothelium ICAM-1 and fractalkine expressions. The results revealed the importance of the exercise-evoked regional interplay among working myofibers, the adjacent endothelium, and recruited immune cells, including neutrophils and possibly ILC2s, which plays a key role in the organization of the intramuscular microenvironment supporting the performance of hindlimb muscles during running.
Cold acclimation and pioglitazone combined increase thermogenic capacity of brown and white adipose tissues but this does not translate into higher energy expenditure in mice
Authors: Valdivia Luís Felipe Galvão , Castro Érique , Eichler Rosangela Aparecida dos Santos , Moreno Mayara Franzoi , de Sousa Érica , Jardim Giovanna Freitas Rodrigues , Peixoto Álbert Souza , Moraes Maria Nathália , Castrucci Ana Maria de Lauro , Nedergaard Jan , Petrovic Natasa , Festuccia William T. , Reckziegel Patrícia
Published: March 2023

Cold acclimation and PPARγ agonism combined markedly increase brown and white adipose tissue total UCP1 content and mRNA levels of thermogenesis-related proteins. Higher UCP1 protein levels did not result in higher energy expenditure. The high thermogenic capacity induced by PPARγ agonism in cold-exposed animals markedly increases animals' body temperature in response to the β3-adrenergic agonist CL316,243.
Advantages of Fluoroscopy for Accidental Ingestion of Multiple Magnets
Authors: Kakiuchi Toshihiko , Nosho Tetsuya
Published: March 2023

Foreign body ingestion is one of the common problems among children. A three-year-old girl presented to the emergency department 2 h after ingesting three small disk-type neodymium magnets. She had no gastrointestinal symptoms. Abdominal radiography revealed a foreign body in the left upper quadrant, which was the three circular magnets. Fluoroscopy was performed. She was placed in the right lateral decubitus position for 3 min and slowly returned to the supine position. Abdominal fluoroscopy revealed a foreign body migrating near the middle of the spine. Similarly, when she was placed in the left lateral decubitus position for 3 min and slowly returned to the supine position, the foreign body migrated to the outermost part of her left upper quadrant. Thus, we anticipated that the magnets could be excreted spontaneously. The patient did not develop any gastrointestinal symptoms after returning home, and two days later, three overlapping magnets were finally found in her stool. During accidental ingestion of single or multiple desk-type neodymium magnets, endoscopic removal may not be necessary if they are mobile and clump together in the stomach. Regarding the ingestion of multiple desk-type neodymium magnets, fluoroscopy is useful to determine the extent of endoscopic intervention.
Construction and Validation of a Risk Warning Model of Depression in Patients with Pulmonary Nodule
Authors: Sun Jiaojiao , Zhou Yunxu , Wang Zhiqiang
Published: March 2023

Background. To establish a depression risk warning model for patients with pulmonary nodules and to provide a theoretical basis for medical staff to identify high‐risk patients early and quickly and take timely intervention measures. Methods. A total of 535 hospitalized patients with pulmonary nodules were selected, and the relevant data were analyzed by single‐factor analysis. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent risk factors for depression in patients with pulmonary nodules and to establish a risk warning model. The Hosmer−Lemeshow test and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to evaluate the goodness of fit and prediction effect of the model, and the cross‐validation method was used to verify the efficacy of the model. Results. The prevalence of depression in patients with pulmonary nodules was 47.29%. Univariate analysis showed that CRP, albumin, creatinine, phosphorus, calcium, triglyceride, cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein, high‐density lipoprotein, β2‐microglobulin, objective support, social support, and education level were related to depression in patients with pulmonary nodules (P  <  0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that serum CRP, calcium, social support, and education level were independent risk factors for depression in patients with pulmonary nodules. The area under the ROC curve/sensitivity/specificity of serum CRP, calcium, social support, and education level was 0.78/86.88%/80.65%, 0.79/84.40%/75.59%, 0.83/89.91%/80.22%, and 0.81/85.96%/79.19%, and the accuracy of cross‐checked risk warning model was 84.97%. In the Hosmer−Lemeshow test, P = 0.926, area under the ROC curve was 0.98, sensitivity was 98.17%, and specificity was 93.55%. The accuracy of the cross‐checked risk warning model was 84.97%, indicating that the prediction effect of the model was good. Conclusions. Serum CRP, calcium, social support, and education level are the independent risk factors of depression in patients with pulmonary nodules, and the risk warning model based on them has a good early warning effect on depression in patients with pulmonary nodules. The risk warning model established in this study has a good predictive effect on depression in patients with pulmonary nodules.