bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Driving state evaluation of intelligent connected vehicles based on centralized multi-source vehicle road collaborative information fusion
Authors: Tong Qiuhong , Yang Zhuolin , Chai Guoqong , Wang Yijie , Qi Zihao , Wang Feng , Yin Kangchao
Published: April 2022

When the intelligent vehicle is driving on the road, the driving state of the vehicle needs to be monitored and evaluated in real time, such as whether the distance from the vehicle or obstacle in front of it is often less than or close to the safe driving distance, whether it often deviates from the lane at high speed, whether the temperature of the power battery is often higher or lower, etc. The intelligent vehicle has rich environment perception systems and communication systems. A large amount of effective driving state information is obtained through these systems, then the information is fused by intelligent algorithm, which is very useful to evaluate the driving state. By using the developed Intelligent Connected Vehicle (ICV) information collection system platform, including vision, radar, environmental perception, positioning, and V2X communication system for obtaining roadside information, etc. various driving state parameters of the vehicle during the current driving process of the intelligent vehicle are obtained in real time when the vehicle is driving, then transmitted to the monitoring platform, and the intelligent immune algorithm is applied to establish model on monitoring platform. In the model, the state space representation of related problems is designed. The user establishes the autologous library according to the typical vehicle driving state in the monitoring road driving characteristics, which is used as the known antigen. The parameters of the real-time driving state of the vehicle are used as the unknown antigen, and the immune algorithm model is applied to get the evaluation of the current vehicle driving state and feedback the evaluation results to the vehicle and give early warning. In this paper, the model is verified by experiments, and the data are analyzed. In the experiment, the evaluation results of the monitoring platform are consistent with the state of the driving vehicle, which shows the feasibility of this model for the evaluation of the driving state of the ICV.
Quantification of adaptive forces on SNP rs1010211 due to viral zoonotic pathogens
Authors: Alsufyani Daniah , Lindesay James
Published: April 2022

Widespread genotyping of human populations in environmental homeostasis has created opportunities to quantify how environmental parameters affect the genomic distribution of variants in healthy populations. This represents an ongoing natural experiment upon the human species that can only be understood through developing models of adaptation. By examining the information dynamics of optimal SNP distributions within such populations, “adaptive forces” on genomic variants can be quantified through comparisons between different populations. To this end, we are performing double-blind scans of SNPs in order to ascertain any potential smooth functional relationships between the frequencies of the variants and changes in quantified environmental parameters. At present, we have sequentially examined more than twenty thousand SNPs (on chromosome 3) of nine homeostatic native populations for potential adaptive flagging of the variants as functions of 15 environmental parameters. Our first significant flag has related rs1010211 to viral pathogens in mammalian hosts. Such pathogens present a significant risk for the emergence of new infectious diseases in humans. This genomic variant is within the gene TNIK, which is a germinal center kinase (GCK). GCKs are participants in both adaptive and innate immune regulation. However, the function of TNIK is not fully understood. We quantify the adaptive force on the C allele due to the pathogens as 0.04 GEU’s/viral species.
Off-Diagonal Estimates for Bilinear Commutators
Authors: Oikari Tuomas
Published: April 2022

We find a minimal notion of non-degeneracy for bilinear singular integral operators T and identify testing conditions on the multiplying function b that characterize the Lp × Lq → Lr, $1
\frac {1}{2},$
r
>

1

2

,
boundedness of the bilinear commutator [b, T]1(f, g) = bT(f, g) − T(bf, g). Our arguments cover almost all arrangements of the integrability exponents p, q, r with a single open problem presented in the end. Additionally, the arguments extend to the multilinear setting.
Why kinship is progeneratively constrained: Extending anthropology
Authors: Wilson Robert A.
Published: April 2022

The conceptualisation of kinship and its study remain contested within anthropology. This paper draws on recent cognitive science, developmental cognitive psychology, and the philosophy of science to offer a novel argument for a view of kinship as progeneratively or reproductively constrained. I shall argue that kinship involves a form ofextended cognitionthat incorporates progenerative facts, going on to show how the resulting articulation of kinship’s progenerative nature can be readily expressed by an influential conception of kinds, the homeostatic property cluster view. Identifying the distinctive role that our extended cognitive access to progenerative facts plays in kinship delivers an integrative, progenerativist view that avoids standard performativist criticisms of progenerativism as being ethnocentric, epistemically naïve, and reductive.
Objective assessment of laparoscopic targeting skills using a Short-Time Power of Difference (STPOD) method
Authors: Ohtake Shinji , Makiyama Kazuhide , Yamashita Daisuke , Tatenuma Tomoyuki , Yao Masahiro
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To ensure that the use of surgical training tools results in improvement of surgical skills, it is necessary to be able to measure and assess surgeons’ skills. We established the Short-Time Power of Difference (STPOD) method as an evaluation tool for evaluating targeting technique. The STPOD method evaluates the distance from the actual movement of the forceps to the shortest linear path between two points in a short time period. We examined the effectiveness of the STPOD method as a new forceps kinematic analysis.

Methods

Six residents were categorized as novices and six urologists as experts. All participants performed box trainer training and LapPASS® Simulator training. During the procedure, objective scores (time, distance, and STPOD) were recorded. STPOD (Power) evaluated motion smoothness and STPOD (Stop) evaluated the stop time of the forceps.

Results

STPOD (Stop) on the right side of the experts was significantly lower than that of the novices in the box trainer. Furthermore, there were significant differences in the distances of left side and STPOD (Power) between the experts and the novices in the simulator. In the correlation of parameters between the box trainer and the simulator, time showed the strongest correlation, STPOD (Power) and distance showed a mild correlation.

Conclusion

We showed the construct validity of STPOD (Power) and STPOD (Stop) using both the box trainer and the simulator. This method is a good evaluation tool for assessing a physician’s skill; however, there are much more complex motions that are performed in actual surgery. Future studies are needed to focus on evaluation in an environment closer to actual surgery and comparing with other existing methods.
Circulating irisin levels in functional hypothalamic amenorrhea: a new bone damage index? A pilot study
Authors: Notaristefano Giovanna , Merola Annamaria , Scarinci Elisa , Ubaldi Nicolò , Ranalli Monia , Tropea Anna , Diterlizzi Alice , Fabozzi Simone Michele , Alesiani Ornella , Silvestrini Andrea , Mordente Alvaro , Capristo Esmeralda , Lanzone Antonio , Apa Rosanna
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Patients with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) could commonly have bone damage, often preceded by metabolic alterations due to a relative energy deficit state. To date, there are no markers capable of predicting osteopenia before it is manifested on DXA. Irisin is a myokine that promotes the differentiation of osteoblastic cells and appears to be inversely correlated with the incidence of bone fragility and fractures in postmenopausal women. The aim of this study was to measure irisin levels in FHA patients and to correlate it with bone density parameters.

Methods

Thirty-two patients with FHA and 19 matched controls underwent the same clinical and laboratory evaluation.

Results

Irisin and body mass index (BMI) were significantly lower in the case group than in healthy controls (2.03 ± 0.12 vs. 2.42 ± 0.09 p < 0.05 and 19.43 ± 2.26 vs. 22.72 ± 0.67 p < 0.05, respectively). Additionally, total body mass density (BMD g/cm2) was significantly lower in the case group than in the healthy controls (1.09 ± 0.08 vs. 1.14 ± 0.05, p < 0.05), without signs of osteopenia.

Conclusions

The FHA group showed lower irisin levels associated with significantly reduced BMD parameters that did not reach the severity of osteopenia. Therefore, we could speculate that irisin could predict DXA results in assessing modifications of body composition parameters. Future research is warranted to study these parameters in a larger population to confirm our results, so that irisin could be used as a predictor and screening method for bone deprivation. Furthermore, irisin is strictly related to energy metabolism and could be an indirect marker of nutritional status in FHA patients, identifying earlier states of energy deficit.
Novel Glyceryl Monostearate- and Polyethylene Glycol 6000-Based Ibuprofen Pellets Prepared by Hot-Melt Extrusion: Evaluation and Stability Assessment
Authors: El-Ashmawy Ahmed A. , Abdelfattah Fatma M. , Emara Laila H.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To prepare stable sustained-release (SR) pellets, containing high ibuprofen (IBU) loading, by hot-melt extrusion (HME) technique using polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG 6000) and glyceryl monostearate (GMS).

Methods

HME pellets (60% w/w IBU) were prepared using PEG 6000, GMS, and mixture of both polymers (1:1). Stability studies were performed under stress conditions (40 °C and relative humidity “RH” of 75%) for 6 months and at room temperature for 12 months. Fresh and stored IBU pellets were evaluated by drug content (HPLC), release rate study (USP apparatus IV), DSC, and XRD.

Results

HME succeeded to produce SR-IBU pellets with high drug loading. PEG 6000 gave higher IBU release rate and relatively unstable formula after storage. PEG 6000/GMS mixture gave prolonged IBU release up to 4 h with stable formula for 12 months at room temperature. While, IBU/GMS pellets gave SR profile up to 6 h and a stable formula under both testing conditions. These advantages of IBU/GMS pellets could be an excellent candidate for SR-IBU product. DSC and XRD analysis data (enthalpy and counts) for IBU and polymers gave a mirror image for IBU release profiles of the studied HME pellets, for both fresh and stored samples.

Conclusion

Stable SR-IBU/GMS HME pellets with high IBU loading (60% w/w) were successfully produced, for the first time, without any other excipients.
Design Principles for Shared Digital Twins in Distributed Systems
Authors: Haße Hendrik , van der Valk Hendrik , Möller Frederik , Otto Boris
Published: April 2022

Digital Twins offer considerable potential for cross-company networks. Recent research primarily focuses on using Digital Twins within the limits of a single organization. However, Shared Digital Twins extend application boundaries to cross-company utilization through their ability to act as a hub to share data. This results in the need to consider additional design dimensions which help practitioners design Digital Twins tailored for inter-company use. The article addresses precisely that issue as it investigates how Shared Digital Twins should be designed to achieve business success. For this purpose, the article proposes a set of design principles for Shared Digital Twins stemming from a qualitative interview study with 18 industry experts. The interview study is the primary data source for formulating and evaluating the design principles.
Monitoring network design with MLPG-TLBO hybrid model (case study Birjand, Iran)
Authors: Majidi Khalilabad Nahid , Mohtashami Ali , Khorashadizadeh Mahdi , Akbarpour Abolfazl
Published: April 2022

As the groundwater quantitative monitoring aimed to determine the factors affecting the aquifer behavior plays an important role in its regional management, studying the temporal and spatial groundwater level variations requires a comprehensive monitoring network. Effort has been made in this study to introduce a new linked simulation–optimization method, named MLPG-TLBO to quantitatively monitor the Birjand aquifer and determine the optimal points for piezometers. This model uses meshless local Petrov Galerkin (MLPF) method in the simulation part and teaching–learning-based optimization (TLBO) method in the optimization part. The objective function, in this study, is to minimize the difference between the groundwater level observed in piezometers and obtained computationally by the model. Since this coupled model is independent from the meshing, it eliminates the mesh-dependent shortcomings and, hence, yields more accurate results. It has been calibrated and validated in previous Birjand area studies and has led to acceptable results. By implementing the model in Birjand aquifer, the optimal positions of ten piezometers were determined mostly in areas where the density of the extraction wells was lower. Finally, the RMSE of both MLPG-TLBO and FDM was obtained to be 0.334 m and 1.483 m for 10 optimal piezometers. The RMSE value for MLPG-TLBO has shown a 0.423 m reduction compared to its previous value. This difference is quite meaningful as it shows good performance of this method in designing an optimal network for the aquifer.
Analysis of institutional daily domestic water consumption dynamics due to COVID-19 pandemic, a case study of Adama Science and Technology University
Authors: Tesgera Segni Lemessa , Hailemariam Sissay Dechasa , Tucho Gemechis Guta
Published: April 2022

The coronavirus pandemic outbreak is constantly changing the way of people’s life. To minimize or stop the transmission of the virus, several different measures have been taken by countries worldwide and including in Ethiopia. The World Health Organization (WHO), the Ethiopian Ministry of Health, and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute recommended frequent hand wash with soap and water as one of the prevention measures for the transmission of the COVID-19 pandemic. Conversely, the provision of water supply, sanitation, and hygiene is the main problem in developing countries. After the COVID-19 outbreak, the water related challenges exacerbated the situation before the pandemic existed. Accordingly, the additional supply of water is required to sufficiently provide water for hand wash. This paper mainly addresses how much additional water is required daily for domestic consumption after the coronavirus pandemic by educational institutions, Adama Science and Technology University as a case study. The data was collected with a questionnaire by the randomly selected respondents and analyzed by SPSS (Statistical package for social sciences).The analysis shown that the consumption of water has been changed after the Corona virus (COVID-19) pandemic existed. The highest percentage of the responses to the questionnaire, more than 35% require water (2–5) liters per day and more than 60% of the respondents need additional water up to 5 L per day after the pandemic existed. Based on the analysis, total daily water use by the institute before the COVID-19 existed was 24.2 m3/day. These amounts of water not sufficiently satisfy the daily water requirements of the institution even before the pandemic. After the pandemic existed, the water consumption drastically increased to 29 m3/day. Furthermore, the study recommends the provision of additional water supply sources or water demand management to reduce the impact of the pandemic on water availability.
Impact of climate change on groundwater hydrology: a comprehensive review and current status of the Indian hydrogeology
Authors: Swain Sabyasachi , Taloor Ajay Kumar , Dhal Lingaraj , Sahoo Sashikanta , Al-Ansari Nadhir
Published: April 2022

Groundwater is the second largest store of freshwater in the world. The sustainability of the ecosystem is largely dependent on groundwater availability, and groundwater has already been under tremendous pressure to fulfill human needs owing to anthropogenic activities around various parts of the world. The footprints of human activities can be witnessed in terms of looming climate change, water pollution, and changes in available water resources. This paper provides a comprehensive view of the linkage between groundwater, climate system, and anthropogenic activities, with a focus on the Indian region. The significant prior works addressing the groundwater-induced response on the climatic system and the impacts of climate on groundwater through natural and human-instigated processes are reviewed. The condition of groundwater quality in India with respect to various physicochemical, heavy metal and biological contamination is discussed. The utility of remote sensing and GIS in groundwater-related studies is discussed, focusing on Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) applications over the Indian region. GRACE-based estimates of terrestrial water storage have been instrumental in numerous groundwater studies in recent times. Based on the literature review, the sustainable practices adopted for optimum utilization of groundwater for different purposes and the possible groundwater-based adaptation strategies for climate change are also enunciated.
SLC26A9 deficiency causes gastric intraepithelial neoplasia in mice and aggressive gastric cancer in humans
Authors: Liu Xuemei , Li Taolang , Ma Zhiyuan , Riederer Brigitte , Yuan Dumin , Zhu Jiaxing , Li Yunhua , An Jiaxing , Wen Guorong , Jin Hai , Yang Xiao , Seidler Ursula , Tuo Biguang
Published: April 2022

Background

Solute carrier family 26 member (SLC26A9) is a Cl− uniporter with very high expression levels in the gastric mucosa. Here, we describe morphological and molecular alterations in gastric mucosa of slc26a9−/− mice and in selective parietal cell-deleted slc26a9fl/fl/Atp4b-Cre mice and correlate SLC26A9 expression levels with morphological and clinical parameters in a cohort of gastric cancer (GC) patients.

Methods

The expression patterns of genes related to transport and enzymatic function, proliferation, apoptosis, inflammation, barrier integrity, metaplasia and neoplasia development were studied by immunohistochemistry (IHC), quantitative RT-PCR, in situ hybridization and RNA microarray analysis. SLC26A9 expression and cellular/clinical phenotypes were studied in primary human GC tissues and GC cell lines.

Results

We found that both complete and parietal cell-selective Slc26a9 deletion in mice caused spontaneous development of gastric premalignant and malignant lesions. Dysregulated differentiation of gastric stem cells in an inflammatory environment, activated Wnt signaling, cellular hyperproliferation, apoptosis inhibition and metaplasia were observed. Analysis of human gastric precancerous and cancerous tissues revealed that SLC26A9 expression progressively decreased from atrophic gastritis to GC, and that downregulation of SLC26A9 was correlated with patient survival. Exogenous expression of SLC26A9 in GC cells induced upregulation of the Cl−/HCO3− exchanger AE2, G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis and suppressed their proliferation, migration and invasion.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that SLC26A9 deletion in parietal cells is sufficient to trigger gastric metaplasia and the development of neoplastic lesions. In addition, we found that SLC26A9 expression decreases during human gastric carcinogenesis, and that exogenous SLC26A9 expression in GC cells reduces their malignant behavior.

Graphical abstract
ripple2vec: Node Embedding with Ripple Distance of Structures
Authors: Luo Jizhou , Xiao Song , Jiang Shouxu , Gao Hong , Xiao Yinuo
Published: April 2022

Graph is a generic model of various networks in real-world applications. And, graph embedding aims to represent nodes (edges or graphs) as low-dimensional vectors which can be fed into machine learning algorithms for downstream graph analysis tasks. However, existing random walk-based node embedding methods often map some nodes with (dis)similar local structures to (near) far vectors. To overcome this issue, this paper proposes to implement node embedding by constructing a context graph via a new defined ripple distance over ripple vectors, whose components are the hitting times of fully condensed neighborhoods and thus characterize their structures as pure quantities. The distance is able to capture the (dis)similarities of nodes’ local neighborhood structures and satisfies the triangular inequality. The neighbors of each node in the context graph are defined via the ripple distance, which makes the short random walks from a given node over the context graph only visit its similar nodes in the original graph. This property guarantees that the proposed method, named as$$\mathsf {ripple2vec}$$ripple2vec, is able to map (dis)similar nodes to (far) near vectors. Experimental results on real datasets, where labels are mainly related to nodes’ local structures, show that the results of$$\mathsf {ripple2vec}$$ripple2vecbehave better than those of state-of-the-art methods, in node clustering and node classification, and are competitive to other methods in link prediction.
Model Test on the Passive Failure of Slurry Shield Tunneling in Circular‐Gravel Stratum
Authors: Liu Dongshuang , Liu Xinrong , Han Yafeng , Xiong Fei , Liu Ronghan , Lin Chengqian , Deng Zhiyun , Xiao Yu , Luo Weibang
Published: April 2022

To study the passive failure behavior of slurry shield tunnels in the circular‐gravel stratum, a set of slurry shield test devices capable of cutter cutting and slurry automatic circulation is designed and developed. The effects of the cover‐span ratio on the evolution process of ground surface displacement, the distribution of earth pressure and the passive failure mode of the face are discussed. The results show that the ground surface is gradually uplifted with the increase of slurry chamber pressure, and the amount uplifted decreases with the increase of the cover‐span ratio. The earth pressure near the face during testing experienced the growth stage, the rapid decrease stage, and the stable stage. The passive failure of slurry shield face experiences excavation face stability stage, slurry film splitting stage and splitting through stage in sequence, and the ultimate supporting force of passive failure of excavation face increases with the increase of the cover‐span ratio. The essentially of the passive failure is a kind of slurry splitting phenomenon in which slurry splits the slurry film and then splits the soil layer. When a passive failure of the excavation face occurs, there is a mud channel formed by the slurry split stratum in front of the excavation face. When the cover‐span ratio is relatively small, the channel extends to the ground surface and forms a hole whose size is basically the same as the diameter of the shield. The hole morphology gradually changes from an ellipse to a circle with the increase of the cover‐span ratio.
Theoretical Solution and Applications of Ocean Bottom Pressure Induced by Seismic Waves at High Frequencies
Authors: Deng Han , An Chao , Cai Chen , Ren Hengxin
Published: April 2022

Previous studies have demonstrated that the ocean‐bottom pressure associated with seismic seafloor motion is linearly proportional to the vertical seafloor acceleration, for frequencies much lower than the resonance frequency of water layer (c0/4h, c0 water sound speed, h water depth). In this article, we use realistic observations to verify a theoretical relation between the ocean‐bottom pressure and vertical acceleration up to the water resonance frequency. We then show two applications of the theoretical relation. First, the pressure amplitude recorded by differential pressure gauges is calibrated, and the calibration coefficient is found to vary by frequency. Second, Rayleigh wave phase velocity near the water resonance frequency can be calculated from recordings of pressure and vertical seafloor acceleration at a single station, which is useful to constrain the shallow Earth structure.
Temperature and Concentration Affect Particle Size Upon Sublimation of Saline Ice: Implications for Sea Salt Aerosol Production in Polar Regions
Authors: Závacká Kamila , Neděla Vilém , Olbert Martin , Tihlaříková Eva , Vetráková Ľubica , Yang Xin , Heger Dominik
Published: April 2022

Using an environmental scanning electron microscope, we quantified for the first time aerosol‐sized salt particles formed during the sublimation of sea ice as a function of temperature and concentration. The sublimation temperature of the ice is a dominating physical factor to determine the size of the residua: Below −20°C, micron‐sized pieces of salt emerge, whereas above the temperature large chunks of salt are detected. Another such aspect influencing the distribution of sizes in salt particles is the concentration: Micron‐sized particles are observed exclusively at salinities below 3.5 psu, while below 0.085 psu particles with a median smaller than 6 μm arise from sea ices at any subzero temperature. Moreover, when a chunk of salt sublimes at less than −30°C to be dried and warmed later, a large number of sub‐micron crystals will appear. We relate our findings to the production of the polar atmospheric sea salt aerosols.
Multi‐Stroke Positive Cloud‐To‐Ground Lightning Sharing the Same Channel Observed With a VHF Broadband Interferometer
Authors: Urbani M. , Montanyá J. , van der Velde O. A. , Arcanjo M. , López J. A.
Published: April 2022

This work presents the first observation of a multi‐stroke positive cloud‐to‐ground lightning flash sharing the same channel to ground mapped with a very high frequency broadband interferometer and a Lightning Mapping Array. This type of lightning flash is very rarely observed, and it is currently unclear how frequent it is and even under what conditions it occurs. Our observations indicate a scenario where the first downward positive leader initiates from a decayed negative channel. After the first return stroke, some of the main negative channel branches stop propagating and are likely cut off. A fast recoil leader and/or a fast breakdown play a crucial role in reconnecting these previously decayed leader channels and initiating the subsequent positive stroke. The mechanism we propose to describe the phenomenon allows us to explain its rarity and the discrete positive charge transfer to the ground.
Water‐Group Pickup Ions From Europa‐Genic Neutrals Orbiting Jupiter
Authors: Szalay J. R. , Smith H. T. , Zirnstein E. J. , McComas D. J. , Begley L. J. , Bagenal F. , Delamere P. A. , Wilson R. J. , Valek P. W. , Poppe A. R. , Nénon Q. , Allegrini F. , Ebert R. W. , Bolton S. J.
Published: April 2022

Water‐group gas continuously escapes from Jupiter's icy moons to form co‐orbiting populations of particles or neutral toroidal clouds. These clouds provide insights into their source moons as they reveal loss processes and compositions of their parent bodies, alter local plasma composition, and act as sources and sinks for magnetospheric particles. We report the first observations of H2+ pickup ions in Jupiter's magnetosphere from 13 to 18 Jovian radii and find a density ratio of H2+/H+ = 8 ± 4%, confirming the presence of a neutral H2 toroidal cloud. Pickup ion densities monotonically decrease radially beyond 13 RJ consistent with an advecting Europa‐genic toroidal cloud source. From these observations, we derive a total H2 neutral loss rate from Europa of 1.2 ± 0.7 kg s−1. This provides the most direct estimate of Europa's H2 neutral loss rate to date and underscores the importance of both ion composition and neutral toroidal clouds in understanding satellite‐magnetosphere interactions.
Visualizing Lamb Waves From a Volcanic Eruption Using Meteorological Satellite Himawari‐8
Authors: Otsuka S.
Published: April 2022

The major eruption of volcano Hunga Tonga‐Hunga Ha'apai in Tonga on 15 January 2022 generated atmospheric Lamb waves that propagated over the world. This seemed the first volcanic Lamb wave event that was clearly captured by the state‐of‐the‐art geostationary meteorological satellites. This paper provides visualization of the waves using thermal infrared images from geostationary satellite Himawari‐8. The second time derivatives of 10‐min interval images clearly illustrated the waves propagating at about 310 m s−1. The waves could be tracked for more than a week while they propagated five times round the earth. Automated wavefront identification illustrated nonuniform propagation speed. The signals in the satellite images well matched the surface pressure observations in Japan.
IRX5 promotes adipogenesis of hMSCs by repressing glycolysis
Authors: Jiang Bulin , Huang Liyuan , Tian Tian , Wu Hongling , Yao Hantao , Marmo Tyler , Song Fangfang , Huang Cui
Published: April 2022

Iroquois homeobox transcription factor 5 (IRX5) plays a pivotal role in extramedullary adipogenesis, but little is known about the effects of IRX5 on adipogenesis of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of IRX5 on hMSCs adipogenesis. By means of qPCR analysis, we determined that IRX5 expression was elevated during adipogenic commitment of hMSCs. The biologic role of IRX5 was further investigated by employing a gain/loss-of-function strategy using an in vitro lentivirus-based system. IRX5 overexpression promoted adipogenesis whereas IRX5 knockdown reduced the adipogenic phenotype. RNA-seq and metabolomics revealed that IRX5 overexpression repressed glycolysis. Dual-luciferase assay results showed that IRX5 overexpression transcriptionally activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator (PGC-1α). Metformin and PGC-1α inhibitor reversed IRX5-induced adipogenesis and glycolytic inhibition. Collectively, IRX5 facilitates adipogenic differentiation of hMSCs by transcriptionally regulating PGC-1α and inhibiting glycolysis, revealing a potential target to control bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) fate decision and bone homeostasis.
Optimizing the Dryland Sheet Erosion equation in South China
Authors: Wang Dongdong , Yuan Zaijian , Li Dingqiang , Chen Yong , Xie Zhenyue , Lai Yanfei
Published: April 2022

Optimisation of models applied in sheet erosion equations could facilitate effective management of sheet erosion in the field, and sustainable agricultural production. To optimise the characterisation of sheet erosion on slope farmland in South China, the present study conducted field simulation rainfall experiments with vegetated and fallow soils. According to the results, sheet erosion rate first increased with an increase in rainfall duration and then stabilised. Exclusive P. vulgaris planting and P. vulgaris in combination with earthworms could reduce sheet erosion by 10–60%, and the combined method could better control sheet erosion. There were significant differences in erosion rate between mild and steep slopes, and light and heavy rain conditions. The influence of rain intensity on sheet erosion was greater than that of slope. Soil organic matter (SOM), rain intensity, and slope can be used to optimise sheet erosion equations of exposed slopes, and SOM and hydraulic parameters can be used to optimise sheet erosion equations in vegetated slopes. The results of the present study could facilitate the reduction of the time and space variability errors in the establishment of sheet erosion models for vegetated slopes.
Near infra-red labelling and tracking of corneal endothelial cells in-vivo
Authors: Bhogal Maninder , Ang Heng-Pei , Lin Shu-Jun , Lwin Chan N. , Adnan Khadijah , Peh Gary , Mehta Jodhbir S.
Published: April 2022

Following corneal transplantation, there is an initial, rapid decline in corneal endothelial cells (CECs) following surgery. Direct imaging of post-transplantation endothelial cells is only possible weeks after surgery and with a limited field of view. We have developed a labelling approach using 1,1′-dioctadecyl-3,3,3′,3′-tetramethylindotricarbocyanine iodide (DIR) dye solution, that enables tracking of labelled CECs in vivo for at least 1 month. Initial in vitro optimization, with assessments of dye concentration on fluorescence, cellular toxicity and cell migration, performed in propagated primary CECs. Subsequently, in vivo evaluation of cellular labelling was assessed within a rabbit wound healing model. Finally, real-time visualization of human cadaver donor tissue incubated in DIR transplanted into rabbits was achieved using a clinical confocal microscope. Results revealed detectable fluorescence increased with concentration to a plateau of 100 µg/ml, with no toxicity of CECs at any concentration evaluated. DIR-labelled CECs were detectable in vivo up to 1 month, and transplanted labelled donor graft could be visualized and were trackable in vivo. Acute endothelial rejection in 1 rabbit was evidenced by detectable DIR positive cells within the anterior chamber. DIR imaging allowed for detailed imaging of the transplanted human corneal endothelium, and enabled non-invasive observation of the corneal endothelial morphology following transplantation.
Autochthony and isotopic niches of benthic fauna at shallow-water hydrothermal vents
Authors: Wang Teng-Wei , Lau Danny C. P. , Chan Tin-Yam , Chan Benny K. K.
Published: April 2022

The food webs of shallow-water hydrothermal vents are supported by chemosynthetic and photosynthetic autotrophs. However, the relative importance of these two basal resources for benthic consumers and its changes along the physicochemical gradient caused by vent plumes are unknown. We used stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes (i.e., δ13C and δ15N) and Bayesian mixing models to quantify the dietary contribution of basal resources to the benthic fauna at the shallow-water vents around Kueishan Island, Taiwan. Our results indicated that the food chains and consumer production at the shallow-water vents were mainly driven by photoautotrophs (total algal contribution: 26–54%) and zooplankton (19–34%) rather than by chemosynthetic production (total contribution: 14–26%). Intraspecific differences in the trophic support and isotopic niche of the benthic consumers along the physicochemical gradient were also evident. For instance, sea anemone Anthopleura sp. exhibited the greatest reliance on chemosynthetic bacteria (26%) and photoautotrophs (66%) near the vent openings, but zooplankton was its main diet in regions 150–300 m (32–49%) and 300–700 m (32–78%) away from the vent mouths. The vent-induced physicochemical gradient structures not only the community but also the trophic support and isotopic niche of vent consumers.
Mothers’ interoceptive sensibility mediates affective interaction between mother and infant
Authors: Suga Ayami , Naruto Yosuke , Maulina Venie Viktoria Rondang , Uraguchi Maki , Ozaki Yuka , Ohira Hideki
Published: April 2022

Interoceptive sensibility, which denotes the self-perceived sensitivity to inner-body sensations, has been associated with the emotional experiences and inferences of others’ emotional states. Focusing on the role of interoceptive sensibility in the emotional states and psychological well-being of mothers during caregiving, this study explores how physiological arousal and interoceptive sensibility mediate the association between mother–infant interaction and maternal well-being using an experience sampling method. Infant-directed-singing (IDS) with social touch was used to facilitate mother–infant interaction. Pairs of 2–8-month-old infants and their mothers participated. Mothers in an IDS group (N = 25) and a no-IDS group (N = 26) recorded their and the infant’s daily feelings and physiological states using a smartphone application for one month. All participants, including the control group (N = 78) who neither performed IDS nor used the application, answered the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness questionnaire before and after the recording period. Results indicated that IDS improved mother–infant interactions and positive feelings, enhancing maternal physiological arousal. Increased interoceptive sensibility enhanced infants’ positive feelings in the IDS group, whereas in the no-IDS group, it weakened mother’s positive feelings, suggesting that maternal interoceptive sensibility mediated the effects of IDS on mother and infant well-being.
Key connection between gravitational instability in physical gels and granular media
Authors: Kobayashi Kazuya U. , Kurita Rei
Published: April 2022

We study gravitationally-driven (Rayleigh–Taylor-like) instability in physical gels as a model for the behavior of granular media falling under gravity; physical gels have a structural elasticity and may be fluidized, capturing both the solid and liquid properties of granular systems. Though ubiquitous in both industrial and natural contexts, the unique static and dynamic properties of granular media remain poorly understood. Under the action of a gravitational force, granular materials may flow while exhibiting heterogeneous rigidity, as seen during e.g., avalanches or landslides. Though the onset of this gravitational “instability” has been addressed, the mechanism behind its incidence is not yet understood. We find key quantitative similarities between Rayleigh–Taylor-like instability in physical gels and granular systems. In particular, we identify a common scaling law, showing that the instability is chiefly governed by the thickness of the flowable region.
Nanosecond-pulsed DBD plasma treatment on human leukaemia Jurkat cells and monoblastic U937 cells in vitro
Authors: Erfani Rasool , Carmichael Cameron , Sofokleous Thea , Wang Qiuyu
Published: April 2022

Plasma therapy offers an exciting and novel way of cancer treatment. Specifically, it is shown that Jurkat death rates are closely governed by the plasma treatment time. However, apart from time, alterations to different parameters of treatment process may yield better results. Here, Dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactors excited by a nanosecond-pulse energy source are used to investigate cell viability for longer exposure times as well as the effects of polarity of reactor on treatment. Plasma discharge regimes are discussed and assessed using imaging and thermal imaging methods. We found that by changing the polarity of reactor i.e. changing the direction of plasma discharge, the plasma discharge regime changes influencing directly the effectiveness of treatment. Our results showed that ns-DBD− reactor could induce both apoptosis and necrosis of human Jurkat and U937 cells, and this cytotoxic effect of plasma was not completely antagonized by N-acetyl cysteine. It indicates that plasma could induce ROS-independent cell death. Gene expression analyses revealed that p53, BAD, BID and caspase 9 may play vital roles in plasma caused cell death. In addition, our findings demonstrate how different parameters can influence the effectiveness of our reactors. Our assay reveals the custom ability nature of plasma reactors for hematologic cancer therapy and our findings can be used for further development of such reactors using multi-objective optimisation techniques.
Comparison of intravenous sedation using midazolam versus dexmedetomidine in elderly patients with dementia: a randomized cross-over trial
Authors: Morimoto Yoshinari , Hayashi Megumi , Yao Yuki , Nishizaki Hitomi , Ishii Hidechika , Mikuzuki Lou , Hara Kouji
Published: April 2022

Differences between the effects of intravenous sedation with midazolam (MID) and dexmedetomidine (DEX) on the cerebral function of elderly patients with severe dementia are unclear. This study aimed to compare the effects of intravenous sedation with MID or DEX on parameters such as brain waves and cerebral blood flow (CBF). This cross-over study analyzed 12 patients with severe dementia, with each patient receiving both drug treatments. Each drug was administered until a Modified Observer’s Assessment of Alertness/Sedation (OAA/S) score of 2 was reached. Bispectral index (BIS) and normalized tissue hemoglobin index (nTHI), which reflects CBF using near-infrared spectroscopy, were measured. Mann–Whitney U, Wilcoxon signed-rank, and Friedman tests, and multiple regression analysis were performed. While a similar decline in BIS values was observed in both groups (P < 0.030), there was a significant decrease in nTHI up to 11% in the MID group (P = 0.005). In the DEX group, nTHI values did not differ from baseline. When an OAA/S score of 2 was just achieved, CBF in the MID group (− 5%) was significantly lower than in the DEX group (± 0%). In dementia patients, sedation with MID resulted in a decrease in CBF, while the CBF value was maintained during sedation with DEX.
In vivo bio-distribution and acute toxicity evaluation of greenly synthesized ultra-small gold nanoparticles with different biological activities
Authors: Aljohani Faizah S. , Hamed Moaaz T. , Bakr Basant A. , Shahin Yahya H. , Abu-Serie Marwa M. , Awaad Ashraf K. , El-Kady Hadir , Elwakil Bassma H.
Published: April 2022

Ultra-small gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) “≤ 10 nm diameters” have potent biomedical applications. Hence, the present study aimed to greenly synthesize ultra-small gold nanoparticles using Egyptian propolis extract. Different biological activities, in vivo bio-distribution and acute toxicity study were assessed. Results revealed that, Egyptian propolis extract can successfully synthesize the highly pure and stable ultra-small Au-NPs with average diameter 7.8 nm. In vitro antimicrobial and antimycobacterial activities revealed the powerful effect of the prepared Au-NPs. Moreover, the cytotoxic effect on human cancer cell lines revealed the potent inhibition of the cancer cells’ proliferation with high reactive oxygen species-mediated apoptosis induction. In vivo bio-distribution and acute toxicity studies were performed (10 and 100 mg/kg doses) in male albino rats. The ultra-small Au-NPs showed low or no toxicity upon using the Au-NPs low dose. The mean area accumulation (%) of the Au-NPs was higher in the liver, kidney, and brain tissues (4.41, 2.96, and 0.3 times, respectively) treated with high Au-NPs dosage compared to those treated with the low dose. Surprisingly, Au-NP accumulation in brain tissue was observed in the glial cells only. Accordingly, the low dose (10 mg/kg) of Au-NPs can be used safely in a variety of biomedical applications.
Increasing stratification as observed by satellite sea surface salinity measurements
Authors: Olmedo Estrella , Turiel Antonio , González-Gambau Verónica , González-Haro Cristina , García-Espriu Aina , Gabarró Carolina , Portabella Marcos , Corbella Ignasi , Martín-Neira Manuel , Arias Manuel , Catany Rafael , Sabia Roberto , Oliva Roger , Scipal Klaus
Published: April 2022

Changes in the Earth’s water cycle can be estimated by analyzing sea surface salinity. This variable reflects the balance between precipitation and evaporation over the ocean, since the upper layers of the ocean are the most sensitive to atmosphere–ocean interactions. In situ measurements lack spatial and temporal synopticity and are typically acquired at few meters below the surface. Satellite measurements, on the contrary, are synoptic, repetitive and acquired at the surface. Here we show that the satellite-derived sea surface salinity measurements evidence an intensification of the water cycle (the freshest waters become fresher and vice-versa) which is not observed at the in-situ near-surface salinity measurements. The largest positive differences between surface and near-surface salinity trends are located over regions characterized by a decrease in the mixed layer depth and the sea surface wind speed, and an increase in sea surface temperature, which is consistent with an increased stratification of the water column due to global warming. These results highlight the crucial importance of using satellites to unveil critical changes on ocean–atmosphere fluxes.
French guidelines for restrictive episiotomy during instrumental delivery were not followed by an increase in obstetric anal sphincter injury
Authors: Gachon Bertrand , Fritel Xavier , Rivière Olivier , Pereira Bruno , Vendittelli Françoise
Published: April 2022

The objective was to assess the influence of the French guidelines in favor of a restrictive use of episiotomy on both episiotomy and obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) rates during instrumental delivery. It was aulticenter study involving 193 maternities between 2000 and 2016. We included women with a singleton pregnancy, with cephalic presentation at 34 weeks of gestation or more who underwent an instrumental delivery. The study period was divided into three phases: 2000–2005 (reference) 2006–2011, and 2012–2016. We calculated the adjusted relative risk (aRR) of episiotomy and OASI and investigated for changes in episiotomy and OASI rates over time by using Prais–Winsten regression. We considered 96,035 deliveries. The episiotomy’s risk was lower in 2006–2011 (69.4%) and 2012–2016 (59.1%) compared to 2000–2005 (81.2%), respectively: aRR 0.93 [0.92–0.95] and 0.89 [0.87–0.90]. The OASI’s risk was higher in 2006–2011 (2.5%) and 2012–2016 (3.1%) compared to 2000–2005, respectively: aRR 1.30 [1.10–1.53]) and 1.57 [1.33–1.85]. However, Prais–Winsten regression showed no difference in the OASI rate during the study period. We observed a massive decrease in episiotomy use and a moderate increase in crude OASI’s rate but multivariate analysis failed to report an association between these outcomes.
A comparison between Austin-Moore and Corail prosthesis regarding intraoperative periprosthetic femur fractures in hip hemiarthroplasty
Authors: Mazzawi Elias , Ghrayeb Nabil , Khury Farouk , Norman Doron , Keren Yaniv
Published: April 2022

Hip hemiarthroplasty is considered the treatment of choice for displaced femoral neck fractures in elderly less active patients. One important complication of this procedure is an intraoperative periprosthetic femur fracture (IPF), which may lead to poor functional outcome and may increase morbidity and mortality. Our primary aim in this study is to compare between Austin-Moore and Corail prosthesis regarding IPFs. Our secondary aim is to assess patient and surgical technique related risk factors for the development of this complication. Inclusion criteria included patients older than 65 years of age who had a displaced femoral neck fracture and were operated for hip hemiarthroplasty between the years 2014–2018. Patient-specific data was collected retrospectively including age, gender, comorbidities, pre-injury ambulatory status, duration of surgery, surgical approach, use of Austin-Moore or Corail prosthesis, surgeon’s experience and type of anesthesia applied. In addition, radiographs were reviewed for measurement of calcar to canal ratio (CDR) and classification of Dorr canal type. 257 patients with an average age of 83.7 years were enrolled in the study. 118 patients (46%) were treated with an Austin-Moore prosthesis, while 139 (54%) were treated with a Corail prosthesis. A total of 22 patients (8.6%) had intraoperative fractures. Fracture prevalence was significantly higher in the Corail group compared with the Austin-Moore group (12.2% vs. 4.2%, p = 0.025). The majority of patients had a Dorr A type femoral canal, while the rest had Dorr B type canal (70% vs. 30%). There was no difference in fracture prevalence between Dorr A and B canal type patients. We didn’t find any significant risk factor for developing an IPF, neither patient wise (age, gender, and comorbidities) nor surgical technique related (surgical approach, type of anesthesia, and surgeon’s experience). Intraoperative periprosthetic fracture prevalence was significantly higher in the Corail patient group compared with the Austin-Moore group. This may be an important advantage of the Austin-Moore prosthesis over the Corail prosthesis.