bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitral valve regurgitation assessed by intraventricular CMR 4D-flow: a systematic review on the technological aspects and potential clinical applications
Authors: Safarkhanlo Yasaman , Jung Bernd , Bernhard Benedikt , Peper Eva S. , Kwong Raymond Y. , Bastiaansen Jessica A. M. , Gräni Christoph
Published: June 2023

Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) four-dimensional (4D) flow is a novel method for flow quantification potentially helpful in management of mitral valve regurgitation (MVR). In this systematic review, we aimed to depict the clinical role of intraventricular 4D-flow in MVR. The reproducibility, technical aspects, and comparison against conventional techniques were evaluated. Published studies on SCOPUS, MEDLINE, and EMBASE were included using search terms on 4D-flow CMR in MVR. Out of 420 screened articles, 18 studies fulfilled our inclusion criteria. All studies (n = 18, 100%) assessed MVR using 4D-flow intraventricular annular inflow (4D-flowAIM) method, which calculates the regurgitation by subtracting the aortic forward flow from the mitral forward flow. Thereof, 4D-flow jet quantification (4D-flowjet) was assessed in 5 (28%), standard 2D phase-contrast (2D-PC) flow imaging in 8 (44%) and the volumetric method (the deviation of left ventricle stroke volume and right ventricular stroke volume) in 2 (11%) studies. Inter-method correlations among the 4 MVR quantification methods were heterogeneous across studies, ranging from moderate to excellent correlations. Two studies compared 4D-flowAIM to echocardiography with moderate correlation. In 12 (63%) studies the reproducibility of 4D-flow techniques in quantifying MVR was studied. Thereof, 9 (75%) studies investigated the reproducibility of the 4D-flowAIM method and the majority (n = 7, 78%) reported good to excellent intra- and inter-reader reproducibility. Intraventricular 4D-flowAIM provides high reproducibility with heterogeneous correlations to conventional quantification methods. Due to the absence of a gold standard and unknown accuracies, future longitudinal outcome studies are needed to assess the clinical value of 4D-flow in the clinical setting of MVR.
Nonwoven fabrics developed from agriculture and industrial waste for acoustic and thermal applications
Authors: Periyasamy Aravin Prince , Karunakaran Geyandraprasath , Rwahwire Samson , Kesari Kavindra
Published: June 2023

Numerous researchers in the field of noise control and acoustics have found success in using biomaterials to create a porous sound absorber that is both effective and environmentally friendly. This paper discusses the utilization of fibers extracted from the waste from coffee husk (CH) and waste from the cotton (CO) spinning industry to be an alternative to synthetic-based acoustic materials. The study was conducted within the range of 50–6300 (Hz) frequency. Five well-known mathematical prediction models, namely Delany–Bazley (D–B), Garai–Pompoli (G–P), Miki, Allard Champoux (AC), and Johnson–Champoux–Allard (JCA) models are theoretically used to predict the sound absorption coefficient of nonwoven fibrous materials. When compared with the experimental data, it was discovered that the JCA and AC model is the most acceptable model for predicting the absorption behavior of CH/CO nonwoven fibrous materials. Additionally, the thermal insulation of nonwoven fibrous materials has been experimentally and numerically studied. It is noteworthy that, when compared to the Herman model, the Bhattacharyya model’s results showed slightly greater thermal conductivities. Overall, this work used an environmentally friendly way to turn waste into a valuable product.
Revealing effective regional decarbonisation measures to limit global temperature increase in uncertain transition scenarios with machine learning techniques
Authors: Li Pei-Hao , Pye Steve , Keppo Ilkka , Jaxa-Rozen Marc , Trutnevyte Evelina
Published: June 2023

Climate change mitigation scenarios generated by integrated assessment models have been extensively used to support climate change negotiations on the global stage. To date, most studies exploring ensembles of these scenarios focus on the global picture, with more limited attention to regional metrics. A systematic approach is still lacking to improve the understanding of regional heterogeneity, highlighting key regional decarbonisation measures and their relative importance for meeting global climate goals under deep uncertainty. This study proposes a novel approach to gaining robust insights into regional decarbonisation strategies using machine learning techniques based on the IPCC SR1.5 scenario database. Random forest analysis first reveals crucial metrics to limit global temperature increases. Logistic regression modelling and the patient rule induction method are then used to identify which of these metrics and their combinations are most influential in meeting climate goals below 2 °C or below 1.5 °C. Solar power and sectoral electrification across all regions have been found to be the most effective measures to limit temperature increases. To further limit increase below 1.5 °C and not only 2 °C, decommissioning of unabated gas plants should be prioritised along with energy efficiency improvements. Bioenergy and wind power show higher regional heterogeneity in limiting temperature increases, with lower influences than aforementioned measures, and are especially relevant in Latin America (bioenergy) and countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the Former Soviet Union (bioenergy and wind). In the future, a larger scenario ensemble can be applied to reveal more robust and comprehensive insights.
Cells in the polyaneuploid cancer cell (PACC) state have increased metastatic potential
Authors: Mallin Mikaela M. , Kim Nicholas , Choudhury Mohammad Ikbal , Lee Se Jong , An Steven S. , Sun Sean X. , Konstantopoulos Konstantinos , Pienta Kenneth J. , Amend Sarah R.
Published: June 2023

Although metastasis is the leading cause of cancer deaths, it is quite rare at the cellular level. Only a rare subset of cancer cells (~ 1 in 1.5 billion) can complete the entire metastatic cascade: invasion, intravasation, survival in the circulation, extravasation, and colonization (i.e. are metastasis competent). We propose that cells engaging a Polyaneuploid Cancer Cell (PACC) phenotype are metastasis competent. Cells in the PACC state are enlarged, endocycling (i.e. non-dividing) cells with increased genomic content that form in response to stress. Single-cell tracking using time lapse microscopy reveals that PACC state cells have increased motility. Additionally, cells in the PACC state exhibit increased capacity for environment-sensing and directional migration in chemotactic environments, predicting successful invasion. Magnetic Twisting Cytometry and Atomic Force Microscopy reveal that cells in the PACC state display hyper-elastic properties like increased peripheral deformability and maintained peri-nuclear cortical integrity that predict successful intravasation and extravasation. Furthermore, four orthogonal methods reveal that cells in the PACC state have increased expression of vimentin, a hyper-elastic biomolecule known to modulate biomechanical properties and induce mesenchymal-like motility. Taken together, these data indicate that cells in the PACC state have increased metastatic potential and are worthy of further in vivo analysis.
A structured modified Newton approach for solving systems of nonlinear equations arising in interior-point methods for quadratic programming
Authors: Ek David , Forsgren Anders
Published: June 2023

The focus in this work is on interior-point methods for inequality-constrained quadratic programs, and particularly on the system of nonlinear equations to be solved for each value of the barrier parameter. Newton iterations give high quality solutions, but we are interested in modified Newton systems that are computationally less expensive at the expense of lower quality solutions. We propose a structured modified Newton approach where each modified Jacobian is composed of a previous Jacobian, plus one low-rank update matrix per succeeding iteration. Each update matrix is, for a given rank, chosen such that the distance to the Jacobian at the current iterate is minimized, in both 2-norm and Frobenius norm. The approach is structured in the sense that it preserves the nonzero pattern of the Jacobian. The choice of update matrix is supported by results in an ideal theoretical setting. We also produce numerical results with a basic interior-point implementation to investigate the practical performance within and beyond the theoretical framework. In order to improve performance beyond the theoretical framework, we also motivate and construct two heuristics to be added to the method.
The effect on computational thinking and identified learning aspects: Comparing unplugged smartGames with SRA-Programming with tangible or On-screen output
Authors: Fanchamps Nardie , van Gool Emily , Slangen Lou , Hennissen Paul
Published: June 2023

Learning basic concepts of programming resulting in a development on computational thinking (CT) can be reached by means of digital programming environments. As a counterpart, the application of unplugged programming activities seems also to have promising potential regarding the impact on CT. The main characteristic of unplugged programming is that it comprises activities without the use of information and communication technologies (ICT). Since previous research has shown that the application of sense-reason-act (SRA) programming with different types of output demonstrated a better understanding of underlying complex programming concepts with an impact on CT, our research investigates whether the application of unplugged programming, offered via SmartGames, can also generate such a distinctive impact on developing CT. To capture the effects of the different interventions applied, a mixed-methods study was conducted among primary school students aged ten to twelve. Research data were obtained by means of a pretest–posttest questionnaire survey using the validated Computational Thinking Test (CTt), and by conducting interviews to determine the effects of CT and to ascertain identifiable learning effects. Our research indicates that unplugged programming by applying SmartGames can be a consummate regarding the development of CT, similar to SRA-programming using either robotics with tangible output or robot simulations with on-screen output. The research findings identified support our claim that the application of unplugged SmartGames shows equivalent development on CT sub-characteristics in comparison with plugged-in SRA-programming with tangible or on-screen output. A better understanding of complex programming concepts and positive identified learning effects could only be partly demonstrated.
DHX9 Strengthens Atherosclerosis Progression By Promoting Inflammation in Macrophages
Authors: Huangfu Ning , Ma Hongchuang , Tian Mengyun , Zhang Jie , Wang Yong , Li Zhenwei , Chen Xiaomin , Cui Hanbin
Published: June 2023

Abstract—

Atherosclerosis (AS) is the main cause of cerebrovascular diseases, and macrophages play important roles in atherosclerosis. DExH-Box helicase 9 (DHX9), as a member of DExD/H-box RNA helicase superfamily II, is identified as an autoantigen in the sera of systemic lupus erythematosus patients to trigger inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate whether DHX9 is involved in AS development, especially in macrophages-mediated-inflammatory responses. We find that DHX9 expression is significantly increased in oxLDL or interferon-γ-treated macrophages and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Knockdown of DHX9 inhibits lipid uptake and pro-inflammatory factors expression in macrophages, and ameliorates TNF-α-mediated monocyte adhesion capacity. Furthermore, we find that oxLDL stimulation promotes DHX9 interaction with p65 in macrophages, and further enhances the transcriptional activity of DHX9-p65-RNA Polymerase II complex to produce inflammatory factors. Moreover, using ApoE -/- mice fed with western diet to establish AS model, we find that knockdown of DHX9 mediated by adeno-associated virus-Sh-DHX9 through tail vein injection evidently alleviates AS progression in vivo. Finally, we also find that knockdown of DHX9 inhibits p65 activation, inflammatory factors expression, and the transcriptional activity of p65-RNA Polymerase II complex in PBMCs from patients with CAD. Overall, these results indicate that DHX9 promotes AS progression by enhancing inflammation in macrophages, and suggest DHX9 as a potential target for developing therapeutic drug.
A Longitudinal Mediation Analysis of the Interrelations among Exclusionary Immigration Policy, Ethnic Identity, and Self-Esteem of Latinx Early Adolescents
Authors: Cadiz Madonna P. , Santos Carlos E. , Tibbe Tristan D.
Published: June 2023

Little is known about how exclusionary immigration laws affect ethnic identity and self-esteem among Latinx middle school students. Arizona’s SB 1070, which required local officers to verify the legal status of detained individuals, garnered national attention for its impact on immigrant and Latinx communities. This study tested a longitudinal parallel multiple mediation model where perceptions of the effects of an exclusionary immigration law (Arizona’s SB 1070) on self-esteem were mediated by dimensions of ethnic identity (ethnic centrality, ethnic private regard, ethnic public regard). Data were collected from a two-wave survey of 891 early adolescents ranging in age from 10 to 14 years (M = 12.09 years; SD = 0.99), a majority (71%) of whom were of Mexican descent. Analyses revealed an indirect effect of T1 perceptions of this law on T2 self-esteem (7 months later), holding T1 measures constant, with T2 ethnic centrality, private regard, and public regard acting as mediators. Perceived effects of this exclusionary law led to increased self-esteem through increased dimensions of ethnic identity. Results reveal how ethnic identity functions as a multidimensional construct in the process through which exclusionary immigration policy may impact the self-esteem of Latinx early adolescents.
Seagrass meadow stability and composition influence carbon storage
Authors: Bijak Alexandra L. , Reynolds Laura K. , Smyth Ashley R.
Published: June 2023

Context

Seagrass ecosystems are lauded for storing organic carbon in underlying sediments, but storage is highly variable, even at relatively small spatial scales. While environmental setting and seagrass cover are known drivers of carbon storage capacity, it is unclear how other seagrass features such as species composition influence carbon storage, and whether historical vs. contemporary features are better predictors of storage.

Objectives

We examined the influence of historical and contemporary seagrass variables on surface (0–10 cm) sediment organic carbon storage at the meadow-scale (~ 25 km2), in addition to the influence of environmental drivers. Our study area was located within a subtropical mixed-species seagrass meadow along a low-energy coastline in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico (Cedar Key, Florida, USA).

Methods

We derived historical metrics of seagrass cover and composition from 14-year seagrass monitoring datasets and measured surface sediment carbon densities and grain size, contemporary seagrass biomass and species composition, as well as environmental characteristics related to hydrology and physical disturbance (i.e., relative exposure, elevation, and distance to navigation channels). We assessed bivariate relationships between predictor variables and surface carbon densities with linear regression analyses and used path analysis to assess hypothesized relationships between a subset of predictor variables and carbon densities.

Results

While low relative to global values, surface carbon densities in Cedar Key seagrass meadows varied by an order of magnitude. Sediment grain size was strongly related to carbon densities, but environmental variables had only indirect effects on carbon densities. Historical seagrass cover, variability in cover, and species diversity were generally better predictors of storage than contemporary variables. Historical and contemporary species identity–specifically the presence ofThalassia testudinum–were also significant drivers of storage.

Conclusions

In Cedar Key, historically diverse and persistent seagrass meadows dominated by late-successional species contained the largest surface carbon stores. Our results highlight the importance of site history in terms of meadow stability (inversely measured as variability in cover) as well as species identity and diversity in enhancing surface carbon storage. The environmental variables we examined had comparatively weak effects on carbon densities, however, relative exposure and elevation may not be the most relevant hydrological drivers of carbon storage at the meadow scale. Together, these findings suggest that drivers of seagrass meadow carbon storage are context and scale dependent.
Metformin promotes ferroptosis and sensitivity to sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma cells via ATF4/STAT3
Authors: Hu Zongqiang , Zhao Yingpeng , Li Laibang , Jiang Jie , Li Wang , Mang Yuanyi , Gao Yang , Dong Yun , Zhu Jiashun , Yang Chaomin , Ran Jianghua , Li Li , Zhang Shengning
Published: June 2023

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common cancer worldwide, and sorafenib is a first-line drug for the treatment of advanced liver cancer. Resistance to sorafenib has become a major challenge in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma, however, studies have shown that metformin can promote ferroptosis and sorafenib sensitivity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the promotion of ferroptosis and sorafenib sensitivity by metformin via ATF4/STAT3 in hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

Methods

Hepatocellular carcinoma cells Huh7 and Hep3B and induced sorafenib resistance (SR) Huh7/SR and Hep3B/SR cells were used as in vitro cell models. Cells were injected subcutaneously to establish a drug-resistant mouse model. CCK-8 was used to detect cell viability and sorafenib IC50. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of relevant proteins. BODIPY staining was used to analyze the lipid peroxidation level in cells. A scratch assay was used to detect cell migration. Transwell assays were used to detect cell invasion. Immunofluorescence was used to localize the expression of ATF4 and STAT3.

Results

Metformin promoted ferroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells through ATF4/STAT3, decreased sorafenib IC50, increased ROS and lipid peroxidation levels, decreased cell migration and invasion, inhibited the expression of the drug-resistant proteins ABCG2 and P-GP in hepatocellular carcinoma cells, and thus inhibited sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Downregulating ATF4 inhibited the phosphorylated nuclear translocation of STAT3, promoted ferroptosis, and increased the sensitivity of Huh7 cells to sorafenib. Metformin was also shown in animal models to promote ferroptosis and sorafenib sensitivity in vivo via ATF4/STAT3.

Conclusion

Metformin promotes ferroptosis and sensitivity to sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma cells via ATF4/STAT3, and it inhibits HCC progression.
Narratives of Externality, Oppression, and Agency: Perceptions of the Role of the Demonic in Mental Illness Among Evangelical Christians
Authors: Lloyd Christopher E. M. , Panagopoulos Maxinne C.
Published: June 2023

Accounts of the demonic within the Christian tradition as causative in differing forms of illness and suffering can be traced back to the New Testament. Demonic accounts also exist more centrally in the language of spiritual warfare that pervades some evangelical groups. Contemporary research suggests that belief in the demonic as aetiologically culpable in mental illness has potentially stigmatising effects for those with mental illness and can also negatively impact help-seeking behaviours. However, no research has explored how evangelical groups which subscribe to belief in demonic entities represent the demonic and their relative role in relation to mental illness. This study explores perceptions of the demonic in relation to mental illness, with a sample of evangelical Christians who actively subscribe to belief in the demonic, by using the novel qualitative story completion task. A convenience sample of 43 evangelical Christians completed a third-person fictional story stem featuring a gender-neutral character (Alex) who encountered the demonic (in an ambiguous way) in relation to their mental health. A contextualist informed thematic analysis suggests that while mental ill health was often positioned as having a biopsychological cause, demonic activity was also frequently cited as exacerbating mental illness. Narrations of the demonic positioned Alex in either an active position, wherein they were responsible for their engagement with the occult and the subsequent onset of their mental illness (causative), or a passive position, wherein their pre-existing mental ill health made them vulnerable to demonic attack. In relation to recovery, storied data situated medical and spiritual interventions as effective. Significantly, participants positioned Alex’s Christian faith as a source of power over the demonic and over mental ill health – thus, despite demonic attacks, a sense of agency was often maintained. That the stories positioned demonic influence as external to the self, thereby maintaining a level of individual agency amidst suffering, highlights the potential limitations of assuming all demonic accounts are singularly stigmatising and negative in nature. Findings underline the need for future research to explore demonic accounts in religiously and culturally syntonic ways without imposing meaning.
Intensive and explicit derivational morphology training in school-aged children: an effective way to improve morphological awareness, spelling and reading?
Authors: Ardanouy Estelle , Zesiger Pascal , Delage Hélène
Published: June 2023

Morphological awareness has been shown to contribute to the acquisition of literacy in various languages. The current study focuses on an explicit derivational morphology training program in French-speaking fourth graders with the aim of measuring direct effects on morphological awareness and transfer effects on spelling and reading. The intensive training given in class consisted of (1) learning how to segment words into smaller units and (2) understanding the meaning of affixes in relation to words. Thirty-six children received the morphology training and 34 age-matched participants followed an alternative visuo-semantic training matched for intensity. The results of this pre-post group comparison study show a significant Group by Time interaction: Substantial progress in morphological awareness is observed for the group trained in morphology, on both trained as well as on untrained items. A similar gain was observed for the spelling of morphologically derived words, for trained and untrained words. Both roots and affixes were spelled more accurately. For reading however, we found a learning effect in speed and accuracy on trained words, but no generalization to untrained words. All effects were maintained four months after training. These results highlight the role that morphology plays in children’s literacy development.
Improving the Efficiency of the Indoor Air Purification from Formaldehyde by Plants Colonized by Endophytic Bacteria Ochrobactrum sp.
Authors: Li Jian , Zhong Jiaochan , Chen Silan , Jia Yinjuan , Zhang Weichuan , Agranovski Igor
Published: June 2023

The endophytic bacteria can be in symbiosis with host plants, owing to the natural stability advantages in degrading pollutants. To explore the technological feasibility of this method for indoor formaldehyde removal, a system combining endophytic bacteria and plants was established. In the present study, highly efficient formaldehyde-degrading bacteria Ochrobactrumintermedium, named strain ZH-1, was successfully induced with antibiotics (rifampicin) to an antibiotic-labeled strain ZH-1R without microbial variation. The strain ZH-1R was then used for colonization in the Epipremnum aureum and Chlorophytum comosumf. variegate plants by three inoculation methods: root irrigation (RI), acupuncture injury to stem (AS), and acupuncture injury to leaves (AL). The results demonstrated that the acupuncture injury to stem (AS) method was the most effective for inoculating ZH-1R strain in Epipremnum aureum plants. Conversely, acupuncture injury to stem (RI) method yielded the best results for the Chlorophytum comosumf. variegate plants, highlighting the importance of usage of optimal plant specific inoculation method ensuring the highest possible performance characteristics of the biological system. The results of 8-day formaldehyde dynamic fumigation experiment demonstrated that the removal efficiency of the formaldehyde by Chlorophytum comosum f. variegata inoculated with ZH-1R was significantly higher than the one demonstrated by non-inoculated plants. The average increase of 20.17% was observed during daytime, while much more significant improvement by 62.88% was achieved at night. This implied that endophytic bacteria could not only effectively improve the removal efficiency of formaldehyde, but also increased the resistance of not-native host plants to formaldehyde toxicity, suggesting its potential in an integrated system which provides a new path of an efficient and economical approach to radically improve indoor air quality, especially at nighttime.
Contribution of the Chinese Meridian Project to space environment research: Highlights and perspectives
Authors: Wang Chi , Xu Jiyao , Liu Libo , Xue Xianghui , Zhang Qinghe , Hao Yongqiang , Chen Gang , Li Hui , Li Guozhu , Luo Bingxian , Zhu Yajun , Wang Jiangyan
Published: June 2023

The Chinese Meridian Project (CMP) is devoted to establishing a comprehensive ground-based monitoring network for China’s space weather research. CMP is a major national science and technology infrastructure project with the participation of more than 10 research institutions and universities led by the National Space Science Center of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. CMP is planned to be constructed in two phases: CMP phases I and II. The first phase (CMP-I) started construction in 2008 and completed in 2012, after which it entered the operation stage. The 10-year observation of CMP-I has made significant scientific discoveries and achievements in the research fields of the middle and upper atmospheric fluctuations, metal layers in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere, ionospheric disturbances and irregularities, geomagnetic disturbances, and influences of solar activity. The review summarizes the main observations and research achievements, space weather forecast modeling and methods based on CMP-I over the past 10 years, and presents a future extension perspective along with the construction of CMP-II.
Anti-complement factor H (CFH) autoantibodies could delay pristane-induced lupus nephritis
Authors: Li Lin-Lin , Luan Zhong-qiu , Tan Ying , Wang Hui , Yu Xiao-Juan , Qu Zhen , Yu Feng , Chen Min
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Anti-complement factor H (CFH) autoantibodies could be detected in lupus and its significance remained to be elucidated. Herein, we aimed to explore the roles of anti-CFH autoantibodies based on pristane-induced lupus mice.

Methods

Twenty-four female Balb/c mice were randomly divided into four groups, with one group injected with pristane (pristane group), one group with pristane and then human CFH (hCFH) (pristane-CFH group) 3 times, and the other two as vertical controls, PBS group and PBS-CFH group. Histopathological analysis was performed six months after pristane administration. Levels of hCFH, anti-CFH autoantibodies and anti-dsDNA antibody were detected. Murine IgG (mIgG) were purified and cross-reactivity, epitopes, subclasses and functional analysis were further evaluated in vitro.

Results

Immunization with hCFH and subsequent development of anti-CFH autoantibodies significantly attenuated nephritis of pristane-induced lupus, including lower levels of urinary protein and serum creatinine, decreased levels of serum anti-dsDNA antibody, greatly ameliorated renal histopathologic damage, decreased IgG, complements (C1q, C3) deposits and lower inflammatory factor (IL-6) expression in glomerulus. Furthermore, the purified mIgG (contained anti-CFH autoantibodies) could recognize both hCFH and murine CFH, and the epitopes were predominantly located in hCFH short consensus repeats (SCRs) 1–4, 7 and 11–14. The IgG subclasses were predominant IgG1. The autoantibodies could enhance the binding between hCFH and C3b, and increase factor I mediated-C3b lysis in vitro.

Conclusion

Our results suggested that anti-CFH autoantibodies could attenuate pristane-induced lupus nephritis by increasing bio-functions of CFH on regulating complement activation and controlling inflammation.
Molecular mechanisms of syncytin-1 in tumors and placental development related diseases
Authors: Wang Qianqian , Shi Ying , Bian Qiang , Zhang Naibin , Wang Meng , Wang Jianing , Li Xuan , Lai Luhao , Zhao Zhankui , Yu Honglian
Published: June 2023

Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) have evolved from exogenous retroviruses and account for approximately 8% of the human genome. A growing number of findings suggest that the abnormal expression of HERV genes is associated with schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis, endometriosis, breast cancer, bladder cancer and other diseases. HERV-W env (syncytin-1) is a membrane glycoprotein which plays an important role in placental development. It includes embryo implantation, fusion of syncytiotrophoblasts and of fertilized eggs, and immune response. The abnormal expression of syncytin-1 is related to placental development-related diseases such as preeclampsia, infertility, and intrauterine growth restriction, as well as tumors such as neuroblastoma, endometrial cancer, and endometriosis. This review mainly focused on the molecular interactions of syncytin-1 in placental development-related diseases and tumors, to explore whether syncytin-1 can be an emerging biological marker and potential therapeutic target.
The immunomodulatory function and antitumor effect of disulfiram: paving the way for novel cancer therapeutics
Authors: Zhang Sijia , Zong Yan , Chen Leichong , Li Qianwen , Li Zhenyu , Meng Rui
Published: June 2023

More than 60 years ago, disulfiram (DSF) was employed for the management of alcohol addiction. This promising cancer therapeutic agent inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion of malignant tumor cells. Furthermore, divalent copper ions can enhance the antitumor effects of DSF. Molecular structure, pharmacokinetics, signaling pathways, mechanisms of action and current clinical results of DSF are summarized here. Additionally, our attention is directed towards the immunomodulatory properties of DSF and we explore novel administration methods that may address the limitations associated with antitumor treatments based on DSF. Despite the promising potential of these various delivery methods for utilizing DSF as an effective anticancer agent, further investigation is essential in order to extensively evaluate the safety and efficacy of these delivery systems.
“What if” should precede “whether” and “how” in the social conversation around human germline gene editing
Authors: Houtman Diewertje , Geuverink Wendy , Helmrich Isabel Rosalie Arianne Retel , Vijlbrief Boy , Cornel Martina , Riedijk Sam
Published: June 2023

Given the potential large ethical and societal implications of human germline gene editing (HGGE) the urgent need for public and stakeholder engagement (PSE) has been repeatedly expressed. In this short communication, we aim to provide directions for broad and inclusive PSE by emphasizing the importance of futures literacy, which is a skill to imagine diverse and multiple futures and to use these as lenses to look at the present anew. By first addressing “what if” questions in PSE, different futures come into focus and limitations that arise when starting with the “whether” or “how” questions about HGGE can be avoided. Futures literacy can also aid in the goal of societal alignment, as “what if” questions can be answered in many different ways, thereby opening up the conversation to explore a multitude of values and needs of various publics. Broad and inclusive PSE on HGGE starts with asking the right questions.
Diagnostic accuracy of upper gastrointestinal series in children with suspected intestinal malrotation
Authors: Girolamo Mattioli , Emanuela Gallo , Yu Wong Michela Cing , Anna Marzoli , Marta Pongiglione , Grazia Calevo Maria , Gandullia Paolo , Arrigo Serena , Stefano Avanzini , Beatrice Damasio Maria
Published: June 2023

Intestinal malrotation (IM) results from an altered or incomplete rotation of the fetal midgut around the superior mesenteric artery axis. The abnormal anatomy of IM is associated with risk of acute midgut volvulus which can lead to catastrophic clinical consequences. The upper gastro-intestinal series (UGI) is addressed as the gold standard diagnosis procedure, but a variable failure degree has been described in literature. The aim of the study was to analyze the UGI exam and describe which features are the most reproducible and reliable in diagnosing IM. Medical records of patients surgically treated for suspected IM between 2007 and 2020 at a single pediatric tertiary care center were retrospectively reviewed. UGI inter-observer agreement and diagnostic accuracy were statistically calculated. Images obtained with antero-posterior (AP) projections were the most significant in terms of IM diagnosis. Duodenal-Jejunal Junction (DJJ) abnormal position resulted to be the most reliable parameter (Se = 0.88; Sp = 0.54) as well as the most readable, with an inter-reader agreement of 83% (k = 0.70, CI 0.49–0.90). The First Jejunal Loops (FJL), caecum altered position and duodenal dilatation could be considered additional data. Lateral projections demonstrated an overall low sensitivity (Se = 0.80) and specificity (Sp = 0.33) with a PPV of 0.85 and a NPV of 0.25. UGI on the sole AP projections ensures a good diagnostic accuracy. The position of the third portion of the duodenum on lateral views showed an overall low reliability, therefore it was not helpful but rather deceiving in diagnosing IM.
Environmental feasibility of recycling construction and demolition waste
Authors: Atta I. , Bakhoum E. S.
Published: June 2023

Construction, demolition, and renovation activities generate a significant amount of waste, posing serious environmental risks. The scarcity of recycling facilities makes it difficult to implement the new legislation, which calls for producing recycled aggregates. Moreover, the lack of studies on the environmental feasibility of recycling construction and demolition waste in regions with plentiful natural resources of aggregates is a contributing factor to this scarcity. Therefore, this paper studies the environmental feasibility of establishing a construction and demolition waste (CDW) recycling plant. A case study approach compares the CDW recycling process against the traditional quarrying process for generating aggregates. The lifecycle assessment method is used for evaluating both scenarios. Contribution analysis is performed to infer the factors influencing the viability of the recycling process. Thereafter, a sensitivity analysis is conducted to determine the suitability of the proposed location for the recycling facility. As revealed by the single score, the recycling alternative has a 23% more negative environmental impact than quarrying. Nevertheless, there is a chance that the recycling process could be environmentally advantageous. Findings indicated that a total travel distance of 70 km between the demolition site and the construction site is recommended to guarantee environmental feasibility. The transportation distance is found to be the most critical element influencing the environmental feasibility of recycling CDW. The findings of this study help the decision-makers in environmental affairs to consider the influencing factors when constructing a CDW recycling plant.
Correlation of lipocalin 2 and glycolipid metabolism and body composition in a large cohort of children with osteogenesis imperfecta
Authors: Zheng W.-b. , Hu J. , Sun L. , Liu J.-y. , Zhang Q. , Wang O. , Jiang Y. , Xia W.-b. , Xing X.-p. , Li M.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Lipocalin 2 (LCN2) is a newly recognized bone-derived factor that is important in regulation of energy metabolism. We investigated the correlation of serum LCN2 levels and glycolipid metabolism, and body composition in a large cohort of patients with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI).

Methods

A total of 204 children with OI and 66 age- and gender-matched healthy children were included. Circulating levels of LCN2 and osteocalcin were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, HDL-C) were measured by automated chemical analyzers. The body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Grip strength and timed-up-and-go (TUG) were tested to evaluate the muscle function.

Results

Serum LCN2 levels were 37.65 ± 23.48 ng/ml in OI children, which was significantly lower than those in healthy control (69.18 ± 35.43 ng/ml, P < 0.001). Body mass index (BMI) and serum FBG level were significantly higher and HDL-C levels were lower in OI children than healthy control (all P < 0.01). Grip strength was significantly lower (P < 0.05), and the TUG was significantly longer in OI patients than healthy control (P < 0.05). Serum LCN2 level was negatively correlated to BMI, FBG, HOMA-IR, HOMA-β, total body, and trunk fat mass percentage, and positively correlated to total body and appendicular lean mass percentage (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, obesity, and muscle dysfunction are common in OI patients. As a novel osteogenic cytokine, LCN2 deficiency may be relevant to disorders of glucose and lipid metabolism, and dysfunction of muscle in OI patients.
New Frontiers in Language and Technology
Authors: Jenks Christopher Joseph
Published: June 2023

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) describes the technological transformations that are incrementally, but radically, changing everyday life practices. Like previous industrial revolutions, technological advancements are so pervasive and impactful that everything from an individual's sense of identity and understanding of the world to the economic success of an entire industry are profoundly altered by 4IR innovation. Despite the significance of 4IR transformations, little applied linguistic research has examined how these emergent technologies collectively transform human behavior and communication. To this end, this Element identifies key 4IR issues and outlines how they relate to applied linguistic research. The Element argues that applied linguists are in an excellent position to contribute to such research, as expertise in language and communication is critical to understanding 4IR issues. However, to make interdisciplinary and wider societal contributions, applied linguists must rethink how 4IR technologies can be harnessed to more efficiently publish and disseminate timely research.
Displacement in War-Torn Ukraine
Authors: Sereda Viktoriya
Published: June 2023

This Element offers a multi-scalar perspective on the transformational effects of war and dislocation on people's sense of belonging. It begins with an examination of the brief historical and socio-demographic profiles of Crimea and the Donbas, stages of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, main explanatory frameworks as presented in the scholarly literature and policy reports, with a critical re-evaluation of identity-based explanations, and the directions of conflict-driven displacement flows. It examines state failures and the role of internal displacement governance in shaping new lines of social inclusion or exclusion through the production of multiple physical, symbolic and bureaucratic borders. It discusses Ukraine's civil society response to IDP dislocation and IDPs' engagement through various formal and non-formal networks. The final section explores the multidimensional and complex (dis)connections that IDPs experience with regard to their imagined past, their new places of residence and the social groups perceived as important in their hierarchies of belonging.
Exploring the nonstationarity of coastal sea level probability distributions
Authors: Falasca Fabrizio , Brettin Andrew , Zanna Laure , Griffies Stephen M. , Yin Jianjun , Zhao Ming
Published: June 2023

Studies agree on a significant global mean sea level rise in the 20th century and its recent 21st century acceleration in the satellite record. At regional scale, the evolution of sea level probability distributions is often assumed to be dominated by changes in the mean. However, a quantification of changes in distributional shapes in a changing climate is currently missing. To this end, we propose a novel framework quantifying significant changes in probability distributions from time series data. The framework first quantifies linear trends in quantiles through quantile regression. Quantile slopes are then projected onto a set of fourorthogonalpolynomials quantifying how such changes can be explained byindependentshifts in the first four statistical moments. The framework proposed is theoretically founded, general, and can be applied to any climate observable with close-to-linear changes in distributions. We focus on observations and a coupled climate model (GFDL-CM4). In the historical period, trends in coastal daily sea level have been driven mainly by changes in the mean and can therefore be explained by a shift of the distribution with no change in shape. In the modeled world, robust changes in higher order moments emerge with increasing$ {\mathrm{CO}}_2 $concentration. Such changes are driven in part by ocean circulation alone and get amplified by sea level pressure fluctuations, with possible consequences for sea level extremes attribution studies.
Small-width wall-attached Coandǎ jets for flow control
Authors: El Mokkadem Oussama , Chen Xintong , Phan Charlene , Delva Jérôme , Joseph Pierric , Dazin Antoine , Romanò Francesco
Published: June 2023

The flow dynamics of small-width wall-attached jets generated by a Coand-effect nozzle is investigated by unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes simulations. The data are validated by comparison with hot-wire velocity measurements performed on the same flow configurations. The jets exhibit a complex topology strongly influenced not only by the spanwise vorticity (as usually observed in wall jets) but also by a vorticity component normal to the wall and induced by the shear layer developing on the jet sides. This results in an original U-shaped jet whose characteristics are studied in detail for three different mass flow rates. The robustness of the flow topology on a larger range of injected mass flow rates is finally presented and discussed in terms of the injected momentum near the wall. The resulting flow profiles point out that our injector is expected to be a promising candidate for active flow control in gas-turbine compressors for aeronautical and energy applications.
WHAT IS THE HARM IN ADDICTION? AUTONOMY, VULNERABILITY, AND THE CASE FOR HARM REDUCTION DRUG POLICY
Authors: Doucet Mathieu , Porter Lindsey Brooke
Published: June 2023

Successful drugs policy must be driven by thoughtful principle and intergovernmental consensus, not by departmental or legal inertia, nor by public (mis)conceptions about drug use. Perhaps the most pressing choice for drugs policymakers at present is between harm reduction and abstinence approaches to drugs policy. To choose between these two approaches, we need to know addiction's normative status: is having an addiction a misfortune or a harm in its own right, even setting aside knock-on health and wellbeing consequences? We argue that the harm of addiction is driven by poor policies, but that harm is not inevitable.
NAPE VERTIT: A NOTE ON OVID, AMORES 1.12
Authors: Swain Natalie J.
Published: June 2023

The hairdresser who carries Ovid's invitation to his puella in Amores 1.11 is almost immediately blamed for his rejection in 1.12, before that blame is transferred to the tablets carrying that invitation. Nape (the enslaved hairdresser of the puella) has been linked to the character Dipsas, appearing in 1.7, specifically through the descriptor sobria. By focussing on the use of the verb uerto, the reference to the mythical strix, and curses related to the old age of both Dipsas and the tablets in 1.7 and 1.12, this note demonstrates that the supernatural word choice further connects Nape with Dipsas.
Baumslag–Solitar groups and residual nilpotence
Authors: Kofinas C.E. , Metaftsis V. , Papistas A.I.
Published: June 2023

Let G be a Baumslag–Solitar group. We calculate the intersection $\gamma_{\omega}(G)$ of all terms of the lower central series of G. Using this, we show that $[\gamma_{\omega}(G),G]=\gamma_{\omega}(G)$, thus answering a question of Bardakov and Neschadim [1]. For any $c \in \mathbb{N}$, with $c \geq 2$, we show, by using Lie algebra methods, that the quotient group $\gamma_{c}(G)/\gamma_{c+1}(G)$ of the lower central series of G is finite.
Effects of time and temperature of storage on chemical and nutritional characteristics of raw milk for Provolone Valpadana PDO cheesemaking: a multivariate approach
Authors: Paggio Federico , Ritota Mena , Di Costanzo Maria Gabriella , Barzaghi Stefania , Monti Lucia , Ulrici Alessandro , Manzi Pamela
Published: June 2023

We evaluated the possibility of increasing the storage temperature of raw milk for Provolone Valpadana cheesemaking, to identify the most suitable conditions of time and temperature for a pre-maturation process. We used Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to analyze the overall effects of different storage conditions on chemical, nutritional and technological characteristics of the raw milk. Four different thermal storage cycles, two at fixed temperature/time (6 and 12°C for 60 h) and two with two-phase thermal cycle (10 and 12°C for 15 h, followed by refrigeration at 4°C for 45 h) were studied. Although a moderate heterogeneity among raw milks from the 11 producers of Provolone Valpadana cheese was observed, PCA revealed the critical aspects of the extreme storage conditions (60 h of refrigeration). Some samples resulted in anomalous behaviors, probably related to unexpected fermentation phenomena occurring with increasing storage temperature. The acidification and the increase in the contents of lactic acid, soluble calcium, and degree of retinol isomerization observed in the anomalous samples can compromise the technological functionality of milk. Conversely, the storage with a two-phase thermal cycle did not lead to variations in any measured characteristic, suggesting that mild refrigeration conditions (10 or 12°C for 15 h followed by 4°C for 45 h) could be a good compromise in favoring milk pre-maturation without altering its quality characteristics.