bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing anesthesia and delivery approaches for dosing into lungs of mice
Authors: Seo Yurim , Qiu Longhui , Magnen Mélia , Conrad Catharina , Moussavi-Harami S. Farshid , Looney Mark R. , Cleary Simon J.
Published: July 2023

Many lung research studies involve dosing fluids into lungs of mice. In this study, the authors measure lung deposition using intranasal (i.n.), oropharyngeal aspiration (o.a.), and intratracheal (i.t.) dosing methods in mice. Anesthetic approach and administration route were found to affect pulmonary dosing efficiency. The authors demonstrate that refinements to dosing techniques can enable reductions in the number of animals needed for bacterial and viral pneumonia studies.
Gremlin 1 is required for macrophage M2 polarization
Authors: Mthunzi Liberty , Rowan Simon C. , Kostyunina Daria S. , Baugh John A. , Knaus Ulla G. , McLoughlin Paul
Published: July 2023

We show here that gremlin 1 potentiated M2 polarization of mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) in response to the Th2 cytokines IL4 and IL13. Genetic depletion of Grem1 in BMDMs inhibited M2 polarization while exogenous gremlin 1 partially rescued this effect. Taken together, these findings reveal a previously unknown requirement for gremlin 1 in M2 polarization of macrophages and suggest a novel cellular mechanism promoting fibrosis and remodeling in lung diseases.
High-altitude pulmonary edema: the intercellular network hypothesis
Authors: Richalet Jean-Paul , Jeny Florence , Callard Patrice , Bernaudin Jean-François
Published: July 2023

The pathophysiology of high-altitude pulmonary edema is currently attributed to exacerbated heterogeneous hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction. However, although other cellular mechanisms have been hypothesized, they are still poorly understood. In this review, we focused on cells of the pulmonary acinus, the distal unit for gas exchange, known to be responders to acute hypoxia, notably through many humoral or tissue factors that connect this intercellular network constituting the alveolo-capillary barrier. Hypoxia could drive alveolar edema by: 1) damaging the fluid reabsorption capacity of alveolar epithelial cells, 2) increasing the endothelial and epithelial permeability, especially by alteration of occluding junctions, 3) triggering the inflammation mainly led by alveolar macrophages, 4) increasing interstitial water accumulation by disruption of extracellular matrix architecture and tight junctions, 5) inducing pulmonary vasoconstriction through an orchestrated response of pulmonary arterial endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Hypoxia may also alter the function of fibroblasts and pericytes that contribute to the interconnection of the cells of the alveolar-capillary barrier. Due to its complex intercellular network and delicate pressure gradient equilibrium, the alveolar-capillary barrier is simultaneously affected by acute hypoxia in all its components, leading to rapid accumulation of water in the alveoli.
On Some Novel Results about Split-Complex Numbers, the Diagonalization Problem, and Applications to Public Key Asymmetric Cryptography
Authors: Merkepci Mehmet , Abobala Mohammad
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we present some of the foundational concepts of split-complex number theory such as split-complex divison, gcd, and congruencies. Also, we prove that Euler’s theorem is still true in the case of split-complex integers, and we use this theorem to present a split-complex version of the RSA algorithm which is harder to be broken than the classical version. On the other hand, we study some algebraic properties of split-complex matrices, where we present the formula of computing the exponent of a split-complex matrix

e

X

with a novel algorithm to represent a split-complex matrix

X

by a split-complex diagonal matrix, which is known as the diagonalization problem. In addition, many examples were illustrated to clarify the validity of our work.
The Aqueous Extract of Sclerocarya birrea, Nauclea latifolia, and Piper longum Mixture Protects Striatal Neurons and Movement‐Associated Functionalities in a Rat Model of Diabetes‐Induced Locomotion Dysfunction
Authors: Djientcheu Tientcheu Jean Philippe , Ngueguim Tsofack Florence , Gounoue Racéline Kamkumo , Fifen Rodrigue Ngapout , Dzeufiet Paul Désiré Djomeni , Dimo Théophile
Published: July 2023

Among the many complications of type 2 diabetes (T2D), locomotor disorders have been poorly studied and understood. Therefore, no disease‐modifying treatment is usually considered. The study aimed to investigate the effect of the aqueous extract of Sclerocarya birrea, Nauclea latifolia, and Piper longum (SNP) mixture on locomotor activity in fructose/streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats. T2D was induced by 10% fructose orally (6 weeks) and streptozotocin (STZ, 35 mg/kg, i.v.) in 25 male rats. Diabetic animals received distilled water, metformin (200 mg/kg), or the aqueous extract of the SNP mixture (75, 150, or 300 mg/kg). A 10‐minute open field test was performed in diabetic rats (glycemia: 126 and 350 mg/dL) to assess locomotor activity before and after treatment. A group of 5 normal rats (NC) served as controls throughout the study. Rats were sacrificed, and the striatum was removed for biochemical and histological studies. In untreated diabetic rats, fructose/STZ administration resulted in hyperglycemia that altered locomotor function as characterized by increased freezing time, decreased mobility time, number of lines crossed, and total travel time compared to NC. MDA, TNF‐α, INF‐γ, and nitrite levels were elevated in the striatum of diabetic rats, while catalase activity and GSH levels were decreased, indicating oxidative stress and neuroinflammatory changes. In untreated diabetic rats, the microstructure of the HE‐stained striatum revealed lipid vacuolation (hydropic degeneration) of the parenchyma, indicating a loss of neuronal integrity. The locomotor dysfunction was significantly improved by the aqueous extract of the SNP mixture, both biochemically and histologically. As a result, our findings support the mixture’s ability to correct diabetes‐related locomotion disorders as a glucose‐lowering product and antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and neuroprotective agent. These results justify the use of the aqueous extract of a combination of these three plants to manage diabetes and neuroinflammatory complications in Northern Cameroon.
Mapping Prosopis L. (Mesquites) Using Sentinel‐2 MSI Satellite Data, NDVI and SVI Spectral Indices with Maximum‐Likelihood and Random Forest Classifiers
Authors: Ouma Yashon O. , Gabasiane Thabiso G. , Nkhwanana Nyaladzani
Published: July 2023

Mapping of invasive alien plants (IAPs) is important for developing informed initiatives to assist environmentalists in managing the spread and impacts of IAPs. The Prosopis plant species is an aggressive IAP that has been considered a scourge in different regions of the globe. The aim of this study is to map the spatial distribution of the invasive alien Prosopis plant in southwestern Botswana using the higher spatial and spectral resolution Sentinel‐2A (S2A) MultiSpectral Instrument (MSI) satellite sensor data. Supervised parametric maximum likelihood classification (MLC) was compared with the nonparametric Random Forest (RF) classifier for the detection and mapping of the Prosopis using 10 m S2A sensor bands, integrated with normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and Sentinel Improved Vegetation Index (SVI). Using S2A, S2A and NDVI, and S2A and SVI, MLC mapped the land use/land cover (LULC) in the study area with respective accuracies of 71.5%, 66.5%, and 79.9%, while RF mapped the LULC with accuracies of 93.2%, 77.3%, and 95.6%. Using RF, S2A multispectral data and the red edge wavelength‐based SVI were found to be more suitable for mapping the distribution of Prosopis with classification accuracy of 18.3% higher than for NDVI. The study findings can be used by environmentalists, policy, and decision makers in the context of mapping, monitoring, and management of the invasive Prosopis.
2D router chip design, analysis, and simulation for effective communication
Authors: Agarwal Prateek , Kumar Garg Tanuj , Kumar Adesh
Published: July 2023

The router is a network device that is used to connect subnetwork and packet-switched networking by directing the data packets to the intended IP addresses. It succeeds the traffic between different systems and allows several devices to share the internet connection. The router is applicable for the effective commutation in system on chip (SoC) modules for network on chip (NoC) communication. The research paper emphasizes the design of the two dimensional (2D) router hardware chip in the Xilinx integrated system environment (ISE) 14.7 software and further logic verification using the data packets transmitted from all input/output ports. The design evaluation is done based on the pre-synthesis device utilization summary relating to different field programmable gate array (FPGA) boards such as Spartan-3E (XC3S500E), Spartan-6 (XC6SLX45), Virtex-4 (XC4VFX12), Virtex-5 (XC5VSX50T), and Virtex-7 (XC7VX550T). The 64-bit data logic is verified on the different ports of the router configuration in the Xilinx and Modelsim waveform simulator. The Virtex-7 has proven the fast-switching speed and optimal hardware parameters in comparison to other FPGAs.
Revision of the Tomoderinae Bonadona, 1961 (Coleoptera: Anthicidae). Part iv. First review of the Philippine Archipelago species
Authors: Telnov Dmitry
Published: July 2023

The first review of the Tomoderinae Bonadona, 1961 (Anthicidae Latreille, 1819) from the Philippine Islands is presented. Two genera, Macrotomoderus Pic, 1901 and Tomoderus LaFerté-Sénectère, 1849, are confirmed for the archipelago. Descriptions of the following 13 new species are provided: Macrotomoderus damaskai, M. davawenyo, M. hamiguitan, M. kirscheyi, M. maranao, M. subanen, M. unicus, Tomoderus agta, T. medinai, T. mindanaor, T. minor, T. penicillus, T. shavrini spp. nov. A new synonymy is proposed for Tomoderus longithorax Krekich-Strassoldo, 1929 = T. elegantithorax Telnov, 2001 (both from Luzon). Additional records and type material images are provided for the poorly known species. An annotated checklist of the Philippine Tomoderinae is provided. Biogeographical peculiarities are briefly discussed. The known Philippine fauna of Tomoderinae is comprised of 22 species: eight Macrotomoderus and 14 Tomoderus.
What Floodplain Managers Want: Using Weather and Climate Information for Decision-Making
Authors: VanBuskirk Olivia G. , McPherson Renee A. , Mullenbach Lauren E.
Published: July 2023

As a result of climate change, extreme precipitation events are likely to become more common in Oklahoma, requiring cities and municipalities to plan for managing this extra water. There are multiple types of practitioners within communities who are responsible for overseeing planning for the future, including stormwater and floodplain management. These practitioners may be able to integrate weather and climate information into their decision-making to help them prepare for heavy precipitation events and their impacts. Floodplain managers from central and eastern Oklahoma were interviewed to learn what information they currently use and how it informs their decision-making. When making decisions in the short term, floodplain managers relied on weather forecasts; for long-term decisions, other factors, such as constrained budgets or the power of county officials, had more influence than specific climate predictions or projections. On all time scales, social networks and prior experience with flooding informed floodplain managers’ decisions and planning. Overall, information about weather and climate is just one component of floodplain managers’ decision-making processes. The atmospheric science community could work more collaboratively with practitioners so that information about weather and climate is more useful and, therefore, more relevant to the types of decisions that floodplain managers make.
Simulation-driven engineering for the management of harmful algal and cyanobacterial blooms
Authors: Risco-Martín José L , Esteban Segundo , Chacón Jesús , Carazo-Barbero Gonzalo , Besada-Portas Eva , López-Orozco José A
Published: July 2023

Harmful algal and cyanobacterial blooms (HABs), occurring in inland and maritime waters, pose threats to natural environments by producing toxins that affect human and animal health. In the past, HABs have been assessed mainly by the manual collection and subsequent analysis of water samples and occasionally by automatic instruments that acquire information from fixed locations. These procedures do not provide data with the desirable spatial and temporal resolution to anticipate the formation of HABs. Hence, new tools and technologies are needed to efficiently detect, characterize and respond to HABs that threaten water quality. It is essential nowadays when the world’s water supply is under tremendous pressure because of climate change, overexploitation, and pollution. This paper introduces Discrete Event System Specification-BLOOM, a novel framework for real-time monitoring and management of HABs. Its purpose is to support high-performance hazard detection with model-based system engineering and cyber-physical systems infrastructure for dynamic environments.
Histoid leprosy complicated by erythema nodosum leprosum mimicking connective tissue disease
Authors: Pal Dipankar
Published: July 2023

Erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) is an immunological complication of leprosy seen in 50% of lepromatous and 10% of borderline lepromatous leprosy. It usually presents as a multisystem disease with papulo-nodular skin lesions and fever. Arthralgia or arthritis is a common initial presentation of erythema nodosum leprosum. Pure rheumatologic presentation of lepromatous leprosy complicated by erythema nodosum leprosum is extremely rare, mimics connective tissue disease and is treated with steroids.
Set-membership filtering for two-dimensional shift-varying systems with stochastic communication protocol and uniform quantization
Authors: Zhu Chaoqun , Zhang Pan , Wang Zhiwen
Published: July 2023

This paper is concerned with the set-membership filtering problem for the two-dimensional shift-varying systems subject to the stochastic communication protocol and uniform quantization effects. To prevent the data transmission from collisions, only one sensor can transmit the measured information to the filter at each sampling shift instant, and the selected sensor is determined by the scheduling strategy of the stochastic communication protocol. On the contrary, the uniform quantization mechanism has been employed to mitigate the influence of quantization error on filtering performance. Incorporating the stochastic communication protocol and uniform quantization mechanism, this paper proposes a set-membership filter design framework for the two-dimensional shift-varying systems with unknown-but-bounded noises. Sufficient conditions are derived for the existence of desired set-membership filter by utilizing double mathematical induction, such that the estimation error resides within the ellipsoidal set. Moreover, the optimal filtering algorithm is given by minimizing the ellipsoidal constraints. Finally, several examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed filter design algorithm.
Geochemistry and mineralogy of the Upper Ordovician Wufeng formation, Southwestern China: Implications for Paleoclimate construction
Authors: Dong Caiyuan , Li Dejiang , Zhang Ye , Li Dahua , Liu Mancang , Han Zhongxi
Published: July 2023

Wufeng Formation shale is an important source rock of unconventional hydrocarbons in the Lower Paleozoic shales of Sichuan Basin. However, the study on its provenance and paleoclimate is still relatively limited. In this study, mineralogical and geochemical data of the shales from the Upper Ordovician Wufeng Formation in southwestern China has been used to interpret the provenance and conditions of weathering and paleoclimate. The Wufeng shales have intermediate to high SiO2 (57.72–82.38 wt. %, av. = 68.84 wt. %) and Al2O3 (5.26–16.17 wt. %, av. = 10.62 wt. %), are rich in transition metal elements (i.e. V, Ni, Cu, Co and Cr) and Y as well as moderate depletion in Na2O and Sr, relative to the concentrations of the upper continental crust (UCC). In the chondrite-normalized (CN) rare earth elements (REE) distributions, these rocks display light REE (LREE) enrichment (La/YbCN = 6.69–12.63, av. = 9.28), ﬂat heavy REE (HREE) (Gd/YbCN = 1.35–2.41, av. = 1.70), and clearly negative Eu anomalies (Euan = 0.50–0.66, av. = 0.58), showing similar characteristics with the CN post-Archean Australian Average Shales (PAAS). Wufeng Formation shales are immature composition without evident recycling sediments, and they are originated from an intermediate-felsic igneous source composed of tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorite (TTG), granitic and andesitic igneous rocks. The chemical weathering conditions of studied shales decreased from moderate to low in the provenance region, suggesting a gradual cooling trend of the climate at Late Ordovician Thus, this article will be helpful to discern the provenance and variations of chemical weathering conditions and paleoclimate of Wufeng Formation shales.
Retinal and Systemic Toxicity of Vigabatrin Is Driven by the S-Enantiomer in the Long Evans Rat
Authors: Rasmussen Allan D. , Truchot Nathalie , Dyssegaard Agnete , Fant Pierluigi
Published: July 2023

In this study, we assessed the toxicity and toxicokinetics of racemic vigabatrin and its S- and R-enantiomers (vigabatrin consists of 50:50% of the two enantiomers) by administering doses of the three test articles to male Long Evans rats via oral gavage. The animals were housed under high-intensity light conditions and the study consisted of an escalating dose phase and a 21-day fixed-dose phase. Systemic toxicity of vigabatrin appears to be due to the Vig-S-enantiomer only, as increasing doses of Vig-S or Vig-RS caused body weight loss, decreased food consumption, and affected activity. Administration of the Vig-R-enantiomer did not cause any such effects. Systemic exposure to R- and S-enantiomers was approximately linear with dose. Compared to administration of the racemate, there appeared to be a tendency for animals to take up higher amounts of Vig-R and lower amounts of Vig-S when administered as enantiomer. Bilateral retinal atrophy was observed in the fixed-dose phase in rats receiving Vig-S (either alone or as part of Vig-RS) and was characterized by irregular thinning and disorganization of the outer nuclear layer and thinning of the photoreceptor layer. The administration of the R-enantiomer alone did not cause any microscopic retinal change.
Utilities Estimated from PROMIS Scales for Cost-Effectiveness Analyses in Stroke
Authors: Thompson Nicolas R. , Lapin Brittany R. , Katzan Irene L.
Published: July 2023

Background

The EQ-5D and Health Utilities Index Mark 3 (HUI-3) are preference-based measures used in cost-effectiveness studies. The Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Preference scoring system (PROPr) is a new preference-based measure. In addition, algorithms were previously developed to map PROMIS Global Health (PROMIS-GH) items to HUI-3 using linear equating (HUILE) and 3-level EQ-5D using linear (EQ5DLE). We sought to evaluate and compare estimated utilities based on PROPr and PROMIS-GH in adult stroke survivors.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of adults diagnosed with 1 of ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, or subarachnoid hemorrhage seen in an outpatient clinic between 2015 and 2019. Patients completed PROMIS scales and other measures. We computed a modified version of PROPr (mPROPr) and compared the distributional characteristics and correlations with stroke outcomes for mPROPr, HUILE, and EQ5DLE.

Results

T toal of 4,159 stroke survivors (average age 62.7 ± 14.7 y, 48.4% female, 77.6% ischemic stroke) were included. Mean utility estimates for mPROPr, EQ5DLE, and HUILE were 0.333 ± 0.244, 0.739 ± 0.201, and 0.544 ± 0.301, respectively. Correlations between the modified Rankin Scale and each of mPROPr and HUILE were both −0.48 and −0.43 for EQ5DLE. Regression analyses indicated that mPROPr scores may be too low for stroke patients in good health and that EQ5DLE scores may be too high for stroke patients in poor health.

Conclusions

All 3 PROMIS-based utilities were associated with measures of stroke disability and severity, but the distributions of utilities were very different. Our study highlights the problem cost-effectiveness researchers face of valuing health states with certainty. For researchers using utilities estimated from PROMIS scales, our study indicates that mapping PROMIS-GH item scores to HUI-3 via linear equating may be most appropriate in stroke patients.

Highlights

A new preference-based measure has been developed from the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS), known as the PROMIS-Preference (PROPr) scoring system, and published equations mapping PROMIS Global Health (PROMIS-GH) items to the Health Utilities Index Mark 3 (HUI-3) and EQ-5D-3L are available for use in cost-effectiveness studies. Our study provides distributional characteristics and comparisons of utilities estimated using a modified version of PROPr and equations mapping PROMIS-GH items to EQ-5D-3L and HUI-3 in a sample of stroke survivors. The results of our study show large differences in the distributions of utilities estimated using the different health state measures, and these differences highlight the ongoing difficulty researchers face in valuing health states with certainty.
Towards a theory of radical kinship
Authors: Aouragh Miriyam
Published: July 2023

This is an abridged and edited version of the speech given by the author in the panel on ‘The influence of A. Sivanandan’s ideas’ at the conference ‘New circuits of anti-racism’ at King’s College London in October 2022. It follows on from her seminal 2019 article (in Race & Class 61.2, ‘“White privilege”: shortcuts to anti-racism’) which drew on Sivanandan’s ‘RAT and the degradation of black struggle’, his critique of essentialising blackness and treating racism, a structural issue, as an interpersonal one out of which you could be ‘retrained’. She discusses ways of radical, respectful organising at a time when difference and competition of experiences can set back unity.
Anti-racist organising today: a roundtable discussion
Authors: Siddiqui Sophia
Published: July 2023

This article brings together contributions from participants in a roundtable discussion on ‘Anti-racist organising today’ which concluded the ‘New Circuits of Anti-racism Conference’, King’s College London, October 2022 (IRR50). Five key anti-racist writers and activists – Azfar Shafi and Ilyas Nagdee, co-authors of Race to the Bottom: reclaiming anti-racism (Pluto Press, 2022), Shanice Octavia McBean, co-author with Aviah Sarah Day of Abolition Revolution (Pluto Press, 2022), and Remi Joseph-Salisbury and Laura Connelly, co-authors of Anti-racist Scholar-Activism (Manchester University Press, 2021) – came together to discuss the key themes of their books, the influence of A. Sivanandan on their activism, as well as the main issues for anti-racist organisers today.
Leaving oil in the ground: Ecuador's Yasuní-ITT initiative and spatial strategies for supply-side climate solutions
Authors: Laastad Synneva Geithus
Published: July 2023

Rather than a surprising and illogical move to leave oil in the ground for international compensation, Ecuador's Yasuní-ITT Initiative should be understood as an outcome of ongoing struggles of interests within the state at the time. In this landmark oil moratorium attempt, launched in 2007, the Ecuadorian government offered to forego extraction of its largest oil reservoir, projected to contain 20% of the country's oil reserves, if it received international compensation totalling half the expected revenues. If successful, the initiative could have constituted a post-extractivist economic model that would have favoured indigenous and environmental interests at the expense of oil interests. However, the initiative was cancelled in 2013, after only a fraction of the requested sum had been received, and oil production is now ongoing. Most academic literature highlights how a developmentalist petro-state was willing to abstain from extracting its largest oil reserves, yet encountered a range of national and international obstacles. This article defies this ‘against all odds’ framing. It examines the initiative as a space-making process and understands the attempted internationalisation of the Yasuní oil as the state's spatial strategy to ensure continued income from oil, either in the form of compensation or by legitimising their continued existence as a petro-state and for business as usual if the attempt failed. This analysis demonstrates how understanding political economic resource governance and its space-making processes as outcomes of struggles and complex negotiation processes within the state could bring new insights into energy transition processes.
Wind energy potential and its current status in India
Authors: Kumar Nitin , Prakash Om
Published: July 2023

Currently, India’s population is growing at a rate comparable to other countries, which means we need to provide more energy. Most of the world’s energy is generated by coal-fired thermal power plants, despite the fact that this method results in a significant increase in the number of pollutants released into the atmosphere. Wind power is a kind of environment-friendly, pollution-free green energy that comes from renewable sources. India is one of the top five producers of wind power in the world. This article throws light upon the current status of wind energy in India, as well as its potential and regulations governing wind energy. India has a significant untapped potential for wind power generation, and this article details that potential as well as wind power generation in various states of India. When it comes to the production of wind power in India, Tamil Nadu is the most productive states.
Investigation of the Physicochemical Interactions and Modification Effects of Polyurethane on Asphalt Binder
Authors: Li Ruiming , Zhu Xiaoxu , Wang Yuhong
Published: July 2023

Polyurethane (PU) is a synthetic polymeric material with excellent mechanical properties and chemical designability. An in-depth understanding of the synergetic effect between polyurethane and asphalt binder is needed to produce durable PU-modified asphalt paving materials. This study focuses on the physicochemical changes, the states of in situ synthesized PU, and the modification effects of PU after PU prepolymers and chain extenders are added into asphalt binder. Investigation methods involve the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, partial Corbett separation, confocal fluorescence microscopy, particle size distribution test, rheological test, and theoretical calculation. It was found that the incorporation of PU has no obvious chemical influence on the asphalt binder and the main working principle of PU modification is its physical dispersion in asphalt binder. In situ synthesized PU is uniformly dispersed in asphalt binder and the size distribution of PU particles follows a log-normal distribution. As PU content exceeds 15%, the formed PU particles in asphalt binder are noticeably enlarged. Moreover, PU modification leads to significant improvements in asphalt binder properties, including high-temperature rutting resistance, elastic recovery, and deformation resistance. Rheological experiments and theoretical calculations under the framework of suspension rheology indicate that PU-modified asphalt binder can be reasonably modeled as a bimodal solid particle suspension, and the dynamic viscosity of PU-modified asphalt binder is predominantly determined by the dynamic viscosity of the maltenes and the volume fractions of PU and asphaltenes.
Silencing of long noncoding RNA X-inactive specific transcript alleviates Aβ1-42-induced microglia-mediated neurotoxicity by shifting microglial M1/M2 polarization
Authors: Zhao Kun-Peng , Wang Xin-Yu , Shao Mei-Qi , He Chen-Yang , Yuan Fu-Qiang
Published: July 2023

Objectives

This experimental study aims to investigate the role of long noncoding RNA X-inactive specific transcript (lncRNA XIST) in the microglial polarization and microglia-mediated neurotoxicity in Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Methods

The levels of XIST and microRNA-107 (miR-107) were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The spatial learning and memory capability of APPswe/PS1dE9 (APP/PS1) mice were evaluated by the Morris water maze test. The morphology of mouse hippocampus cells was evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The Iba1-positive microglia were labeled by immunohistochemistry staining. The protein levels were determined by western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Neurotoxicity was evaluated by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated dUTP nick end labeling, caspase-3 activity, and Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. The XIST, miR-107, and AD targets were predicted by bioinformatics analysis.

Results

The level of XIST was increased in APP/PS1 mice, and XIST silencing ameliorated AD progression. XIST silencing suppressed microglia activation, microglial M1 polarization, and proinflammatory factor levels, but promoted microglial M2 polarization in APP/PS1 mice and Aβ1-42-treated BV-2 cells. XIST knockdown reduced Aβ1-42-induced microglia-mediated apoptosis and enhanced cell viability in HT22 cells. XIST silencing down-regulated miR-107 level and attenuated Aβ1-42-caused suppression of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling. Those effects of XIST silencing were attenuated by miR-107 inhibitor or LY294002.

Conclusion

Downregulation of XIST lessened Aβ1-42-induced microglia-mediated neurotoxicity by modulating microglial M1/M2 polarization, which may be mediated by the miR-107/PI3K/Akt pathway.
“I Would Give Anything to Talk about Aliens Now”: QAnon Conspiracy Theories and the Creation of Cognitive Deviance
Authors: Jordan Meggan M. , Whitmer Jennifer Marie
Published: July 2023

Conspiracy theory researchers observed how the conspiracy theory known as QAnon traveled from dark Web message boards like 4chan to mainstream sources like Facebook, turning everyday people into fervent believers. However, the responses from nonbelievers have been overlooked. We report findings from in-depth interviews with adults ( n = 20) who identify as concerned about their family member’s involvement with the QAnon conspiracy theory. Overall, the findings reveal the fundamental basis for nonbelievers’ concern about QAnon. Participants reported epistemic conflicts, out-of-character behavior, broken boundaries, and fears of future actions due to their family member’s involvement in QAnon. The study contributes to the theoretical concept of cognitive deviance by empirically documenting the point at which beliefs become deviant in the eyes of others.
Impact Evaluation of Cash-For-Care in Latin America’s New Long-Term Care Policies: A Randomized Controlled Trial Pilot Study in Costa Rica
Authors: Chaverri-Carvajal Alexander , Matus-López Mauricio
Published: July 2023

Latin America is aging rapidly. Thus, governments in the region are reformulating their social protection policies. In 2022, Costa Rica passed a national long-term care law. A discussion developed on how to provide such care, whether through public or private in-kind benefits or cash-for-care (CfC) to beneficiaries. CfC has been used in developed countries with various outcomes. However, there are still no evaluations of its effects in middle-income countries. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of CfC pilot study on female caregivers in a middle-income country. The expectations of the program were to find positive effects of CfC on caregivers. After conducting a literature review, we developed four domains of analysis: labor market participation, time for personal activities, use of CfC, and caregiver burnout. The results indicate that CfC has no significant impact on caregivers’ integration into the labor market, or ability to have leisure time. However, there was a positive effect on the funding of basic needs and mitigation of factors predicting burnout.
Serious Psychological Distress, Substance Use Disorders, and Social Issues Among Men and Women in the United States During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Gray Joy , Santos-Lozada Alexis R. , Hard Greg , Apsley Hannah , O’Sullivan Deirdre , Jones Abenaa A.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study assesses the association between SUD, economic hardship, gender, and related risk and protective factors on serious psychological distress (SPD) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design

Quantitative cross-sectional design.

Setting

National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH).

Sample

Data were from the NSDUH (2020) N = 25,746, representing 238,677,123 US adults, who identified as 18 or older and either male or female.

Measures

SPD measured as scoring a 13 or more on the Kessler (K6) distress scale. SUDs were determined using DSM5 criteria. Sociodemographic and socioeconomic variables included in analyses.

Analysis

Logistic regressions evaluated the association between gender, protective, and risk factors on SPD.

Results

After controlling for sociodemographic and related factors of SPD, having a SUD was the strongest correlate of SPD. Other significant correlates of SPD included female gender and an income level at or below the federal poverty threshold. Gender stratified regressions illustrated that religiosity, self-identifying as Black, and high levels of education were protective against SPD for women but not men. Poverty level was more associated with SPD for women than men.

Conclusion

In the United States, individuals with SUDs were nearly four times more likely to report SPD than those without SUDs, controlling for economic hardship and markers of social support during 2020. Effective social interventions to reduce SPD among individuals with SUDs are needed.
Variable selection for mixed panel count data under the proportional mean model
Authors: Ge Lei , Liang Baosheng , Hu Tao , Sun Jianguo , Zhao Shishun , Li Yang
Published: July 2023

Mixed panel count data have attracted increasing attention in medical research based on event history studies. When such data arise, one either observes the number of event occurrences or only knows whether the event has happened or not over an observation period. In this article, we discuss variable selection in event history studies given such complex data, for which there does not seem to exist an established procedure. For the problem, we propose a penalized likelihood variable selection procedure and for the implementation, an expectation–maximization algorithm is developed with the use of the coordinate descent algorithm in the M-step. Furthermore, the oracle property of the proposed method is established, and a simulation study is performed and indicates that the proposed method works well in practical scenarios. Finally, the method is applied to identify the risk factors associated with medical non-adherence arising from the Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression Study.
The Cascading Development of Visual Attention in Infancy: Learning to Look and Looking to Learn
Authors: Oakes Lisa M.
Published: July 2023

The development of visual attention in infancy is typically indexed by where and how long infants look, focusing on changes in alerting, orienting, or attentional control. However, visual attention and looking are both complex systems that are multiply determined. Moreover, infants’ visual attention, looking, and learning are intimately connected. Infants learn to look, reflecting cascading effects of changes in attention, the visual system, and motor control as well as the information infants learn about the world around them. Furthermore, infants’ looking behavior provides the input infants use to perceive and learn about the world. Thus, infants look to learn about the world around them. A deeper understanding of development will be gained by appreciating the cascading effects of changes across these intertwined domains.
Tailoring mechanical and electrical properties of polydimethylsiloxane nanocomposites With graphene and carbon nanotubes for wearable electronics
Authors: Huang Sheng-Yang , Wu Tair-I , Chou Chia-Man , Hsiao Vincent K.S.
Published: July 2023

We explored the use of soft and flexible graphene (Gr)-reinforced polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS; Gr-PDMS) and Gr-carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced PDMS (Gr-CNT-PDMS) as nanocomposites (NCPs) in wearable electronic applications and investigated their mechanical and electrical properties. Specifically, we evaluated the mechanical reinforcement of the NCPs by performing Shore scleroscope hardness and machine-washing tests and evaluated their electrical properties by using a four-point probe. The results revealed that as the Gr or CNT concentrations increased, the NCPs’ hardness and surface resistance increased and decreased, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the formation of layered polymeric structures in the Gr-PDMS NCPs, contributing to the increase in hardness and decrease in surface resistance. Furthermore, bending tests revealed that changes in resistance were positively correlated with the Gr concentration. PDMS with low Gr concentrations exhibited no substantial changes in surface resistance after bending tests. However, for PDMS, as the Gr concentration increased (>5 wt.%), the cross-sectional morphology observed after 500 bending cycles differed substantially from that before observed bending tests. Additionally, the influence of one-dimensional (CNT) and two-dimensional (Gr) nanomaterials on the mechanical and electrical properties of the flexible PDMS samples was investigated. The aim of this study is to highlight the importance of considering the properties of different nanomaterials in developing high-performance NCPs for wearable electronics.
Design and optimization of a new flow-mode magnetorheological mount with compact structure and extended workable force
Authors: Shiao Yaojung , Huynh Tan-Linh
Published: July 2023

Magnetorheological-fluid-based mount (MR mount) is a useful type of semi-active vibration control device that is extensively used in automotive, construction, and medical applications. However, these applications are usually limited by the workable force range of the MR mount. This paper proposed a new design of MR mount using multiple magnetic poles based on a compact valve structure. Then, a three-step optimization process with evaluation is applied into this mount design to find out the optimal mount design through a cost function damping-force-to-volume ratio (DFVR). Simulation results showed that this proposed MR mount obtained an excellent DFVR of 3.23×107 N m−3, which is significantly higher than those of other MR mounts. According to the high DFVR of this MR mount, it is obvious that this MR mount has compact structure and dimension, and high workable force. The proposed MR mount has strong potential for its utility in commercial applications.
Nonlinear vibration control of functionally graded material beam coupled with NiTiNOL–steel wire ropes
Authors: Zang Jian , Zhang Bo-Wen
Published: July 2023

This paper proposes a novel damping device, NiTiNOL–steel wire rope, which is a vibration absorber with linear hysteresis damping, nonlinear damping, and nonlinear stiffness. This study is the first to couple the NiTi–ST damping device with the functionally graded material beam model. The Runge–Kutta method and harmonic balance method are adopted to study the resonant response of the system from the numerical and analytical aspects, respectively. It proves that NiTi–ST provides effective vibration reduction for FGM beam structures. In addition, special attention is paid to the appearance of the closed detached response, which significantly affects the resonant peak value of the system. And the CDR phenomenon is eliminated by adjusting the parameters, and a good damping effect is achieved under large external excitation. Results confirm that NiTi–ST is a promising nonlinear damper that serves as a new method for the vibration suppression of continuum structures.
Arts–Research Collaboration: Reflections on Collaboration as Creative Method
Authors: Morgan Jennie , Castle Shelley
Published: July 2023

What is arts–research collaboration and how does it work? What does arts–research collaboration as method for qualitative inquiry do? What is the effect of collaboration on creative practice and academic research? Drawing on a collaboration between an anthropologist and an artist, this article addresses a surprising lack of qualitative inquiry into collaboration between creative practitioners and academic researchers. By recounting how the authors developed and used collaboration as method, the article identifies and analyzes underpinning qualities of how they worked together through arts–research activities. It advances existing debate by agitating for more theoretically grounded accounts of collaboration, including those that take a processual view on making and creativity to argue for considering collaboration, itself, to be materials from which creative practice and outputs emerge.
Acute auto-aggression syndrome following autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant and lenalidomide for multiple myeloma
Authors: Struble Emily , Ginn Meredith , Strouse Christopher
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant is an important treatment modality used to achieve long-term remission in people with multiple myeloma. Complications include chemotherapy-related toxicity or infection. Rarely, clinical features consistent with autologous graft-versus-host disease, otherwise known as auto-aggression syndrome, is possible. Auto-aggression syndrome appears more commonly in patients with multiple myeloma, hypothesized to be a result of underlying immune dysregulation, conditioning chemotherapy, or treatment with immunomodulating agents.

Case report

A 66-year-old female with multiple myeloma underwent an autologous stem cell transplant with melphalan conditioning chemotherapy followed by maintenance therapy with lenalidomide. Transplant was complicated by engraftment syndrome versus auto-aggression syndrome. After lenalidomide maintenance therapy initiation, she required hospitalization for auto-aggression syndrome.

Management and outcome

Auto-aggression syndrome with gastrointestinal, hepatic, and dermatologic involvement as demonstrated by skin punch biopsy, elevated reg3α, ST2, elafin, eosinophilia, transaminitis, and persistent diarrhea beyond the engraftment period were noted. Topical and systemic steroids with a prolonged taper resulted in symptom resolution.

Discussion

Acute graft-versus-host disease is a complication once considered unique to allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients, but a similar syndrome termed “auto-aggression syndrome” may be seen following autologous transplant. Auto-aggression syndrome should be suspected when complications extend beyond the normal engraftment syndrome period following autologous transplant, particularly in people with multiple myeloma, and/or those who have received prior immunomodulating therapy. There should be a low threshold for obtaining biopsies in the setting of suspected auto-aggression syndrome. Early recognition and prompt initiation of corticosteroids with prolonged tapers may prevent auto-aggression syndrome relapse and readmissions.
Fucosyltransferase 5 Promotes the Proliferative and Migratory Properties of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Cells via Regulating Protein Glycosylation Profiles
Authors: Guo Jingheng , Cheng Qian , Li Yongjian , Tian Lingyu , Ma Delin , Li Zhao , Gao Jie , Zhu Jiye
Published: July 2023

Background:

The incidence of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is increasing globally, and its prognosis has not improved substantially in recent years. Understanding the pathogenesis of ICC may provide a theoretical basis for its treatment. In this study, we investigated the effects and underlying mechanisms of fucosyltransferase 5 (FUT5) on the malignant progression of ICC.

Methods:

FUT5 expression in ICC samples and adjacent nontumor tissues was compared using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical assays. We performed cell counting kit-8, colony formation, and migration assays to determine whether FUT5 influenced the proliferation and mobility of ICC cells. Finally, mass spectrometry was performed to identify the glycoproteins regulated by FUT5.

Results:

FUT5 mRNA was significantly upregulated in most ICC samples compared with corresponding adjacent nontumor tissues. The ectopic expression of FUT5 promoted the proliferation and migration of ICC cells, whereas FUT5 knockdown significantly suppressed these cellular properties. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that FUT5 is essential for the synthesis and glycosylation of several proteins, including versican, β3 integrin, and cystatin 7, which may serve key roles in the precancer effects of FUT5.

Conclusions:

FUT5 is upregulated in ICC and promotes ICC development by promoting glycosylation of several proteins. Therefore, FUT5 may serve as a therapeutic target for the treatment of ICC.
A series of lively impressions: quality narration and the rise of audio description
Authors: Peaty Gwyneth , Locke Kathryn , Kao Kai-Ti , Ellis Katie , Hersinta
Published: July 2023

This article investigates the multiple values of audio description (AD) across an increasingly discerning, broad and multi-platform audience of video consumers. While other accessibility features, such as closed captions, are an established aspect of accessible video consumption, AD has more recently emerged as a socially and culturally significant feature for audiences, both with and without vision-based disabilities. This article offers a review of historical accounts of AD and current discussions around both the quality and provision of AD for video. This discussion is presented alongside the findings from our three-way review of the accessibility of the video on demand landscape in Australia. We identify that AD is at a critical juncture, popularised by the rise in audio content and audience demands for personalised viewing options, thus becoming a mainstream entertainment issue as well as an accessibility issue.
Effectiveness and safety of prophylactic phototherapy to prevent jaundice in premature newborns: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lovera Luis A , Torres Javier , García-Perdomo Herney A
Published: July 2023

To determine the effectiveness and safety of prophylactic phototherapy compared with conventional phototherapy for the prevention of neonatal jaundice. We included clinical trials comparing prophylactic phototherapy to conventional phototherapy to prevent jaundice in premature newborns. We searched Embase, MEDLINE, LILACS, Central, and others. The statistical analysis was performed in RevMan (Review Manager 5.3). Outcomes were analyzed according to the type of variable: risk difference (RD) and mean difference (MD). A random effects model was used due to heterogeneity. We reported results in forest plots. Risk of bias was evaluated, and a sensitivity analysis was made. 1127 articles were found, and six studies (2332 patients) were included in the meta-analysis. Five studies evaluated the need for exchange transfusion as the primary outcome RD −0.01, 95% CI [−0.05 to 0.03]. One study evaluated bilirubin encephalopathy RD −0.04, 95% CI [−0.09 to 0.00]. Five studies evaluated the duration of phototherapy, MD 38.47, 95% CI [1.28 to 55.67]. Four studies evaluated levels of bilirubin (MD −1.23, 95% CI [−2.25 to −0.21]. Two studies evaluated mortality, RD 0.01, 95% CI [−0.03 to 0.04]. As a conclusion, compared to conventional phototherapy, prophylactic phototherapy decreases the last measured level of bilirubin, as well as the probability of neurodevelopmental disturbances. However, it increases phototherapy duration.