bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual-initiating and living frustrated Lewis pairs: expeditious synthesis of biobased thermoplastic elastomers
Authors: Bai Yun , Wang Huaiyu , He Jianghua , Zhang Yuetao , Chen Eugene Y.-X.
Published: August 2021

Biobased poly(γ-methyl-α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone) (PMMBL), an acrylic polymer bearing a cyclic lactone ring, has attracted increasing interest because it not only is biorenewable but also exhibits superior properties to petroleum-based linear analog poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). However, such property enhancement has been limited to resistance to heat and solvent, and mechanically both types of polymers are equally brittle. Here we report the expeditious synthesis of well-defined PMMBL-based ABA tri-block copolymers (tri-BCPs)—enabled by dual-initiating and living frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs)—which are thermoplastic elastomers showing much superior mechanical properties, especially at high working temperatures (80–130 °C), to those of PMMA-based tri-BCPs. The FLPs consist of a bulky organoaluminum Lewis acid and a series of newly designed bis(imino)phosphine superbases bridged by an alkyl linker, which promote living polymerization of MMBL. Uniquely, such bisphosphine superbases initiate the chain growth from both P-sites concurrently, enabling the accelerated synthesis of tri-BCPs in a one-pot, two-step procedure. The results from mechanistic studies, including the single crystal structure of the dually initiated active species, detailed polymerizations, and kinetic studies confirm the livingness of the polymerization and support the proposed polymerization mechanism featuring the dual initiation and subsequent chain growth from both P-sites of the superbase di-initiator.
Molecular engineering towards efficientwhite-light-emitting perovskite
Authors: Zhang Mingming , Zhao Lili , Xie Jiahao , Zhang Qian , Wang Xiaoyu , Yaqoob Najma , Yin Zhengmao , Kaghazchi Payam , Zhang San , Li Hua , Zhang Chunfeng , Wang Lei , Zhang Lijun , Xu Weigao , Xing Jun
Published: August 2021

Low-dimensional hybrid perovskites have demonstrated excellent performance as white-light emitters. The broadband white emission originates from self-trapped excitons (STEs). Since the mechanism of STEs formation in perovskites is still not clear, preparing new low-dimensional white perovskites relies mostly on screening lots of intercalated organic molecules rather than rational design. Here, we report an atom-substituting strategy to trigger STEs formation in layered perovskites. Halogen-substituted phenyl molecules are applied to synthesize perovskite crystals. The halogen-substituents will withdraw electrons from the branched chain (-R-NH3+) of the phenyl molecule. This will result in positive charge accumulation on -R-NH3+, and thus stronger Coulomb force of bond (-R-NH3+)-(PbBr42−), which facilitates excitons self-trapping. Our designed white perovskites exhibit photoluminescence quantum yield of 32%, color-rendering index of near 90 and chromaticity coordinates close to standard white-light. Our joint experiment-theory study provides insights into the STEs formation in perovskites and will benefit tailoring white perovskites with boosting performance.
Organocatalytic enantioselective dearomatization of thiophenes by 1,10-conjugate addition of indole imine methides
Authors: Li Xingguang , Duan Meng , Yu Peiyuan , Houk K. N. , Sun Jianwei
Published: August 2021

Catalytic asymmetric dearomatization (CADA) is a powerful tool for the rapid construction of diverse chiral cyclic molecules from cheap and easily available arenes. This work reports an organocatalytic enantioselective dearomatization of substituted thiophenes in the context of a rare remote asymmetric 1,10-conjugate addition. By suitable stabilization of the thiophenyl carbocation with an indole motif in the form of indole imine methide, excellent remote chemo-, regio-, and stereocontrol in the nucleophilic addition can be achieved with chiral phosphoric acid catalysis under mild conditions. This protocol can be successfully extended to the asymmetric dearomatization of other heteroarenes including selenophenes and furans. Control experiments and DFT calculations demonstrate a possible pathway in which hydrogen bonding plays an important role in selectivity control.
GLIS1 regulates trabecular meshwork function and intraocular pressure and is associated with glaucoma in humans
Authors: Nair K. Saidas , Srivastava Chitrangda , Brown Robert V. , Koli Swanand , Choquet Hélène , Kang Hong Soon , Kuo Yien-Ming , Grimm Sara A. , Sutherland Caleb , Badea Alexandra , Johnson G. Allan , Zhao Yin , Yin Jie , Okamoto Kyoko , Clark Graham , Borrás Terete , Zode Gulab , Kizhatil Krishnakumar , Chakrabarti Subhabrata , John Simon W. M. , Jorgenson Eric , Jetten Anton M.
Published: August 2021

Chronically elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is the major risk factor of primary open-angle glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness. Dysfunction of the trabecular meshwork (TM), which controls the outflow of aqueous humor (AqH) from the anterior chamber, is the major cause of elevated IOP. Here, we demonstrate that mice deficient in the Krüppel-like zinc finger transcriptional factor GLI-similar-1 (GLIS1) develop chronically elevated IOP. Magnetic resonance imaging and histopathological analysis reveal that deficiency in GLIS1 expression induces progressive degeneration of the TM, leading to inefficient AqH drainage from the anterior chamber and elevated IOP. Transcriptome and cistrome analyses identified several glaucoma- and extracellular matrix-associated genes as direct transcriptional targets of GLIS1. We also identified a significant association between GLIS1 variant rs941125 and glaucoma in humans (P = 4.73 × 10−6), further supporting a role for GLIS1 into glaucoma etiology. Our study identifies GLIS1 as a critical regulator of TM function and maintenance, AqH dynamics, and IOP.
PERM1 interacts with the MICOS-MIB complex to connect the mitochondria and sarcolemma via ankyrin B
Authors: Bock Theresa , Türk Clara , Aravamudhan Sriram , Keufgens Lena , Bloch Wilhelm , Rozsivalova Dieu Hien , Romanello Vanina , Nogara Leonardo , Blaauw Bert , Trifunovic Aleksandra , Braun Thomas , Krüger Marcus
Published: August 2021

Skeletal muscle subsarcolemmal mitochondria (SSM) and intermyofibrillar mitochondria subpopulations have distinct metabolic activity and sensitivity, though the mechanisms that localize SSM to peripheral areas of muscle fibers are poorly understood. A protein interaction study and complexome profiling identifies PERM1 interacts with the MICOS-MIB complex. Ablation of Perm1 in mice reduces muscle force, decreases mitochondrial membrane potential and complex I activity, and reduces the numbers of SSM in skeletal muscle. We demonstrate PERM1 interacts with the intracellular adaptor protein ankyrin B (ANKB) that connects the cytoskeleton to the plasma membrane. Moreover, we identify a C-terminal transmembrane helix that anchors PERM1 into the outer mitochondrial membrane. We conclude PERM1 functions in the MICOS-MIB complex and acts as an adapter to connect the mitochondria with the sarcolemma via ANKB.
Nickel-catalyzed deaminative Sonogashira coupling of alkylpyridinium salts enabled by NN2 pincer ligand
Authors: Zhang Xingjie , Qi Di , Jiao Chenchen , Liu Xiaopan , Zhang Guisheng
Published: August 2021

Alkynes are amongst the most valuable functional groups in organic chemistry and widely used in chemical biology, pharmacy, and materials science. However, the preparation of alkyl-substituted alkynes still remains elusive. Here, we show a nickel-catalyzed deaminative Sonogashira coupling of alkylpyridinium salts. Key to the success of this coupling is the development of an easily accessible and bench-stable amide-type pincer ligand. This ligand allows naturally abundant alkyl amines as alkylating agents in Sonogashira reactions, and produces diverse alkynes in excellent yields under mild conditions. Salient merits of this chemistry include broad substrate scope and functional group tolerance, gram-scale synthesis, one-pot transformation, versatile late-stage derivatizations as well as the use of inexpensive pre-catalyst and readily available substrates. The high efficiency and strong practicability bode well for the widespread applications of this strategy in constructing functional molecules, materials, and fine chemicals.
Cellularized small-caliber tissue-engineered vascular grafts: looking for the ultimate gold standard
Authors: Fayon Adrien , Menu Patrick , El Omar Reine
Published: August 2021

Due to the lack of efficacy of synthetic vascular substitutes in the replacement of small-caliber arteries, vascular tissue engineering (VTE) has emerged as a promising solution to produce viable small-caliber tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEVG). Previous studies have shown the importance of a cellular intimal layer at the luminal surface of TEVG to prevent thrombotic events. However, the cellularization of a TEVG seems to be a critical approach to consider in the development of a TEVG. To date, no standard cellularization method or cell type has been established to create the ideal TEVG by promoting its long-term patency and function. In this review, advances in VTE are described and discussed with a particular focus on the construction approaches of cellularized small-caliber TEVGs, the cell types used, as well as their preclinical and clinical applications.
Ground motion baseline analysis of the Cheshire UK GeoEnergy Observatory
Authors: Novellino Alessandro , Bateson Luke , Jordan Colm
Published: August 2021

Subsurface geonergy can induce ground motion and seismicity, however a scarcity of observations usually obscures the mechanisms underpinning such behaviour. Here, we analyse Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) data from ERS, ENVISAT and Sentinel-1 satellites for the period 1995–2017 and interpret ground deformation in the area of the planned Cheshire UK GeoEnergy Observatory ahead of facility contruction. Ground motion is dominated by the compaction of tidal flat deposits overlying two paleo-valleys, trending NNW–SSE. The western paleo-valley experienced faster subsidence rates in the period 1995–2007, whereas the eastern paleo-valley subsided faster in the period 2016–2017. The research highlights how baseline assessment can help differentiate natural variation from any anthropogenic effects associated with the growth of new subsurface technologies.
The implications of lag times between nitrate leaching losses and riverine loads for water quality policy
Authors: McDowell R. W. , Simpson Z. P. , Ausseil A. G. , Etheridge Z. , Law R.
Published: August 2021

Understanding the lag time between land management and impacts on riverine nitrate–nitrogen (N) loads is critical to understand when action to mitigate nitrate–N leaching losses from the soil profile may start improving water quality. These lags occur due to leaching of nitrate–N through the subsurface (soil and groundwater). Actions to mitigate nitrate–N losses have been mandated in New Zealand policy to start showing improvements in water quality within five years. We estimated annual rates of nitrate–N leaching and annual nitrate–N loads for 77 river catchments from 1990 to 2018. Lag times between these losses and riverine loads were determined for 34 catchments but could not be determined in other catchments because they exhibited little change in nitrate–N leaching losses or loads. Lag times varied from 1 to 12 years according to factors like catchment size (Strahler stream order and altitude) and slope. For eight catchments where additional isotope and modelling data were available, the mean transit time for surface water at baseflow to pass through the catchment was on average 2.1 years less than, and never greater than, the mean lag time for nitrate–N, inferring our lag time estimates were robust. The median lag time for nitrate–N across the 34 catchments was 4.5 years, meaning that nearly half of these catchments wouldn’t exhibit decreases in nitrate–N because of practice change within the five years outlined in policy.
Low level visual features support robust material perception in the judgement of metallicity
Authors: Harvey Joshua S. , Smithson Hannah E.
Published: August 2021

The human visual system is able to rapidly and accurately infer the material properties of objects and surfaces in the world. Yet an inverse optics approach—estimating the bi-directional reflectance distribution function of a surface, given its geometry and environment, and relating this to the optical properties of materials—is both intractable and computationally unaffordable. Rather, previous studies have found that the visual system may exploit low-level spatio-chromatic statistics as heuristics for material judgment. Here, we present results from psychophysics and modeling that supports the use of image statistics heuristics in the judgement of metallicity—the quality of appearance that suggests an object is made from metal. Using computer graphics, we generated stimuli that varied along two physical dimensions: the smoothness of a metal object, and the evenness of its transparent coating. This allowed for the exploration of low-level image statistics, whilst ensuring that each stimulus was a naturalistic, physically plausible image. A conjoint-measurement task decoupled the contributions of these dimensions to the perception of metallicity. Low-level image features, as represented in the activations of oriented linear filters at different spatial scales, were found to correlate with the dimensions of the stimulus space, and decision-making models using these activations replicated observer performance in perceiving differences in metal smoothness and coating bumpiness, and judging metallicity. Importantly, the performance of these models did not deteriorate when objects were rotated within their simulated scene, with corresponding changes in image properties. We therefore conclude that low-level image features may provide reliable cues for the robust perception of metallicity.
Peer victimization and the association with hippocampal development and working memory in children with ADHD and typically-developing children
Authors: Papadopoulos Alissa , Seguin Diane , Correa Susana , Duerden Emma G.
Published: August 2021

The symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity and inattention displayed by children with ADHD put them at risk of experiencing peer victimization. Hippocampal maturation, may reduce a child’s vulnerability to the experience of peer victimization, as it has been associated with decreased ADHD symptomatology. Working memory is an important executive function in the formation and maintenance of social relationships, which is often impaired in ADHD. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between problem behaviours, peer victimization, hippocampal morphology, and working memory in children with and without ADHD. 218 typically-developing participants (50.5% male) and 232 participants diagnosed with ADHD (77.6% male) were recruited. The ADHD group was subdivided into inattentive (ADHD-I) or combined (ADHD-C) types. The Child Behavior Checklist measured problem behaviours and peer victimization. Children underwent Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Hippocampal subfield volumes were obtained using FreeSurfer. The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-fifth edition measured working memory (WM). The ADHD-C group displayed significantly higher levels of problem behaviours and peer victimization (all,p < 0.001), compared to the other groups. Left Cornu Ammonis 3 (CA3) volume was a positive predictor of peer victimization (all,p < 0.013). Left CA3 volume was a positive predictor of WM and left Cornu Ammonis 4 (CA4) volume negatively predicted WM (all,p < 0.025). A cluster analysis revealed that children displaying symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity are the most at risk for peer victimization. Interventions focusing on minimizing peer victimization may aid in mitigating adverse downstream effects, and assist in promoting brain health and cognitive function.
Determination of critical decision points for COVID-19 measures in Japan
Authors: Kim Junu , Matsunami Kensaku , Okamura Kozue , Badr Sara , Sugiyama Hirokazu
Published: August 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread throughout the world. The prediction of the number of cases has become essential to governments’ ability to define policies and take countermeasures in advance. The numbers of cases have been estimated using compartment models of infectious diseases such as the susceptible-infected-removed (SIR) model and its derived models. However, the required use of hypothetical future values for parameters, such as the effective reproduction number or infection rate, increases the uncertainty of the prediction results. Here, we describe our model for forecasting future COVID-19 cases based on observed data by considering the time delay (tdelay). We used machine learning to estimate the future infection rate based on real-time mobility, temperature, and relative humidity. We then used this calculation with the susceptible-exposed-infectious-removed (SEIR) model to forecast future cases with less uncertainty. The results suggest that changes in mobility affect observed infection rates with 5–10 days of time delay. This window should be accounted for in the decision-making phase especially during periods with predicted infection surges. Our prediction model helps governments and medical institutions to take targeted early countermeasures at critical decision points regarding mobility to avoid significant levels of infection rise.
Livestock movement informs the risk of disease spread in traditional production systems in East Africa
Authors: Ekwem Divine , Morrison Thomas A. , Reeve Richard , Enright Jessica , Buza Joram , Shirima Gabriel , Mwajombe James K. , Lembo Tiziana , Hopcraft J. Grant C.
Published: August 2021

In Africa, livestock are important to local and national economies, but their productivity is constrained by infectious diseases. Comprehensive information on livestock movements and contacts is required to devise appropriate disease control strategies; yet, understanding contact risk in systems where herds mix extensively, and where different pathogens can be transmitted at different spatial and temporal scales, remains a major challenge. We deployed Global Positioning System collars on cattle in 52 herds in a traditional agropastoral system in western Serengeti, Tanzania, to understand fine-scale movements and between-herd contacts, and to identify locations of greatest interaction between herds. We examined contact across spatiotemporal scales relevant to different disease transmission scenarios. Daily cattle movements increased with herd size and rainfall. Generally, contact between herds was greatest away from households, during periods with low rainfall and in locations close to dipping points. We demonstrate how movements and contacts affect the risk of disease spread. For example, transmission risk is relatively sensitive to the survival time of different pathogens in the environment, and less sensitive to transmission distance, at least over the range of the spatiotemporal definitions of contacts that we explored. We identify times and locations of greatest disease transmission potential and that could be targeted through tailored control strategies.
Co-morbidity of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder among children with seizure disorders at University of Gondar referral hospital Ethiopia (2016)
Authors: Mulat Haregewoin , Yegezaw Niguse , Eyasu Tewodros
Published: August 2021

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a disorder in which a person is unable to control behavior due to difficulty in processing neural stimuli, accompanied by an extremely high level of motor activity. The prevalence is much higher ranging from 8 to 77% among children with seizure disorders than in the general population. When attention deficit hyperactivity disorder presents in children with seizure disorder, it makes the treatment complicated and the prognosis poor. Hence, understanding the magnitude of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and associated factors would be important to have a policy intention towards these people and to design appropriate interventions. Therefore, the current study was conducted to determine the comorbidity of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and associated factors in children with seizure disorders. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted by taking 260 children who have follow ups in the pediatric seizure clinic. The systematic random sampling technique was used to recruit participants. A structured, pretested and interviewer-administered questionnaire which included questions on associated factors and standard disruptive behavioral disorder rating scale was used to collect data. Data were coded, entered and cleaned by using the Epi-Data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20 for further analysis. The multivariate binary logistic regression was used to check the association between independent and dependent variables. Variables with significant associations were identified based on adjusted odds ratio, with a 95% CI and p-value of < 0.05 will be considered as statistically significant. The prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder among epileptic children was found to be 115 (44.2%),with a confidence interval of (38.1–50.5),out of which only 3 (2.6%) were detected as having mental health problems by the clinician. The predominant subtype was inattentive type 96 (61.1%). Factors significantly associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder were male sex (AOR = 2.70 CI 1.46–4.97), family history of seizure disorder (AOR = 2.42 CI 1.26–4.65), family history of mental illnesses (AOR = 4.14 CI 1.76–9.68), sudden onset of the seizure (AOR = 2.37 CI 1.32–4.27), and uncontrolled seizure (AOR = 2.55 CI 1.41–4.61). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder was common among children with seizure disorders in the study area. Male sex, sudden onsets of seizure, family history of seizure, and that of other psychiatric disorders as well as uncontrolled seizures were factors that increased the odds of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Therefore, interventions that would address such factors would help to overcome further complications.
Fire suppression and seed dispersal play critical roles in the establishment of tropical forest tree species in southeastern Africa
Authors: Fujita Tomohiro
Published: August 2021

This study examined the mechanisms of facilitation and importance of seed dispersal during establishment of forest tree species in an Afrotropical woodland. Seedling survival of Syzygium guineense ssp. afromontanum was monitored for 2.5 years at four different microsites in savannah woodland in Malawi (southeastern Africa) under Ficus natalensis (a potential nurse plant), Brachystegia floribunda (a woodland tree), Uapaca kirkiana (a woodland tree), and at a treeless site. The number of naturally established forest tree seedlings in the woodland was also counted. Additionally, S. guineense ssp. afromontanum seed deposition was monitored at the four microsites. Insect damage (9% of the total cause of mortality) and trampling by ungulates (1%) had limited impact on seedling survival in this area. Fire (43%) was found to be the most important cause of seedling mortality and fire induced mortality was especially high under U. kirkiana (74%) and at treeless site (51%). The rate was comparatively low under F. natalensis (4%) and B. floribunda (23%), where fire is thought to be inhibited due to the lack of light-demanding C4 grasses. Consequently, seedling survival under F. natalensis and B. floribunda was higher compared with the other two microsites. The seedling survival rate was similar under F. natalensis (57%) and B. floribunda (59%). However, only a few S. guineense ssp. afromontanum seedlings naturally established under B. floribunda (25/285) whereas many seedlings established under F. natalensis (146/285). These findings indicate that the facilitative mechanism of fire suppression is not the only factor affecting establishment. The seed deposition investigation revealed that most of the seeds (85%) were deposited under F. natalensis. As such, these findings suggest that in addition to fire suppression, dispersal limitations also play a role in forest-savannah dynamics in this region, especially at the community level.
Comparative transcriptomics provides a strategy for phylogenetic analysis and SSR marker development in Chaenomeles
Authors: Shao Wenhao , Huang Shiqing , Zhang Yongzhi , Jiang Jingmin , Li Hui
Published: August 2021

The genus Chaenomeles has long been considered an important ornamental, herbal and cash crop and is widely cultivated in East Asia. Traditional studies of Chaenomeles mainly focus on evolutionary relationships at the phenotypic level. In this study, we conducted RNA-seq on 10 Chaenomeles germplasms supplemented with one outgroup species, Docynia delavayi (D. delavayi), on the Illumina HiSeq2500 platform. After de novo assemblies, we generated from 40,084 to 49,571 unigenes for each germplasm. After pairwise comparison of the orthologous sequences, 9,659 orthologues within the 11 germplasms were obtained, with 6,154 orthologous genes identified as single-copy genes. The phylogenetic tree was visualized to reveal evolutionary relationships for these 11 germplasms. GO and KEGG analyses were performed for these common single-copy genes to compare their functional similarities and differences. Selective pressure analysis based on 6,154 common single-copy genes revealed that 45 genes were under positive selection. Most of these genes are involved in building the plant disease defence system. A total of 292 genes containing simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were used to develop SSR markers and compare their functions in secondary metabolism pathways. Finally, 10 primers were chosen as SSR marker candidates for Chaenomeles germplasms by comprehensive standards. Our research provides a new methodology and reference for future related research in Chaenomeles and is also useful for improvement, breeding and selection projects in other related species.
Prolonged sitting-induced back pain influences abdominal muscle thickness in a sitting but not a supine position
Authors: Kim Yeon , Kang Hye-won , Kim Si-hyun , Park Kyue-nam
Published: August 2021

The current study explored whether (i) abdominal muscle thickness differed between non-painful supine and painful sitting positions and (ii) the sitting position was more reliable and useful than the supine position to discriminate between people with and without prolonged sitting-induced lower back pain (LBP). Participants with and without prolonged sitting-induced LBP participated. The thickness of the transversus abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO), and external oblique (EO) muscles was measured using ultrasonography in supine, usual sitting, and upright sitting positions. Analysis of variance was used to compare muscle thickness among the positions. Intraclass correlation coefficients and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to determine which position reliably identified between group. The group with LBP showed significantly greater EO muscle thickness than that without LBP only in the upright sitting position. In the group without LBP, the TrA thickness was significantly greater in the usual and upright sitting positions than in the supine position, but there was no significant difference in TrA thickness among three positions in LBP group. Only EO thickness in the upright sitting position significantly predicted prolonged sitting-induced LBP. The current study suggests that clinicians should assess abdominal activation patterns in the upright sitting rather than supine position before applying abdominal muscle motor control training for patients with prolonged sitting-induced LBP, and to distinguish between those with and without prolonged sitting-induced LBP.
Choroidal structural evaluation in celiac disease
Authors: De Bernardo Maddalena , Vitiello Livio , Battipaglia Michela , Mascolo Francesca , Iovino Claudio , Capasso Luigi , Ciacci Carolina , Rosa Nicola
Published: August 2021

This observational case–control study assessed the differences in choroidal structure between patients with celiac disease and healthy subjects utilizing the choroidal vascularity index (CVI). Seventy-four celiac patients and 67 healthy subjects underwent a complete ophthalmological evaluation, axial length (AL) measurements and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography with enhanced depth imaging mode (EDI SD-OCT) evaluation. These images were binarized and choroidal vasculature was analyzed. Choroidal total subfoveal area (TSA), luminal subfoveal area (LSA), stromal subfoveal area (SSA), CVI and subfoveal choroidal thickness (CT) were measured. Furthermore, subfoveal CT, TSA, LSA, SSA, and CVI were also correlated with AL. A statistically significant difference was found between the two groups for TSA, LSA, SSA and subfoveal CT, but not for CVI. In celiac patients, a significant correlation was found between AL and TSA, LSA and SSA, but not with CVI. Similar findings were also noticed in the healthy subjects. Thus, celiac patients have a thicker choroid than healthy subjects, regardless of the AL, due to a proportional increase in both the vascular and stromal components, which does not alter the CVI.
Hygroscopic properties of particulate matter and effects of their interactions with weather on visibility
Authors: Won Wan-Sik , Oh Rosy , Lee Woojoo , Ku Sungkwan , Su Pei-Chen , Yoon Yong-Jin
Published: August 2021

The hygroscopic property of particulate matter (PM) influencing light scattering and absorption is vital for determining visibility and accurate sensing of PM using a low-cost sensor. In this study, we examined the hygroscopic properties of coarse PM (CPM) and fine PM (FPM; PM2.5) and the effects of their interactions with weather factors on visibility. A censored regression model was built to investigate the relationships between CPM and PM2.5 concentrations and weather observations. Based on the observed and modeled visibility, we computed the optical hygroscopic growth factor, $$f\left( {RH} \right)$$

f

RH

, and the hygroscopic mass growth, $$GM_{VIS}$$

G

M

VIS

, which were applied to PM2.5 field measurement using a low-cost PM sensor in two different regions. The results revealed that the CPM and PM2.5 concentrations negatively affect visibility according to the weather type, with substantial modulation of the interaction between the relative humidity (RH) and PM2.5. The modeled $$f\left( {RH} \right)$$

f

RH

agreed well with the observed $$f\left( {RH} \right)$$

f

RH

in the RH range of the haze and mist. Finally, the RH-adjusted PM2.5 concentrations based on the visibility-derived hygroscopic mass growth showed the accuracy of the low-cost PM sensor improved. These findings demonstrate that in addition to visibility prediction, relationships between PMs and meteorological variables influence light scattering PM sensing.
IL-34 affects fibroblast-like synoviocyte proliferation, apoptosis and function by regulating IL-17
Authors: Li Xin , Lei Yimeng , Gao Ziyu , Wu Gang , Gao Wei , Xia Liping , Lu Jing , Shen Hui
Published: August 2021

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by proliferation and insufficient apoptosis of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs).The biology and functions of interleukin (IL)-34 are only beginning to be uncovered. We previously demonstrated IL-34 could upregulate the expression of IL-17 in RA patients. In this study, the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and flow cytometry of Annexin V and PI staining were performed to assess cell proliferation and apoptosis progression in RA-FLSs after stimulated with increasing concentrations of IL-34, respectively. Inflammatory cytokines and angiogenic factors were measured using quantitative real-time PCR, Western blotting and ELISA. We explored the association between IL-34 and RA-FLS proliferation and apoptosis in the context of RA. Stimulating RA-FLSs with different concentrations of IL-34 significantly promoted the proliferation and inhibited the apoptosis of RA-FLSs in a concentration-dependent manner. Neutralization of IL-17 with the IL-17 inhibitor plumbagin (PB) reduced the effects of IL-34. Proinflammatory cytokine (IL-17A IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α, TNF-α) and angiogenic factor (vascular endothelial growth factor, VEGF and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α, HIF-1α) expression was markedly upregulated in RA-FLSs stimulated by IL-34. PB-mediated inhibition of IL-17A also decreased the expression of IL-6, TNF-α, HIF-1α and VEGF in RA-FLSs. Taken together, these findings suggest that targeting IL-34 production in RA-FLSs may be a therapeutic strategy for RA.
Synthetic design of farnesyl-electrostatic peptides for development of a protein kinase A membrane translocation switch
Authors: Kim Allen K. , Wu Helen D. , Inoue Takanari
Published: August 2021

Molecular switches that respond to a biochemical stimulus in cells have proven utility as a foundation for developing molecular sensors and actuators that could be used to address important biological questions. Developing a molecular switch unfortunately remains difficult as it requires elaborate coordination of sensing and actuation mechanisms built into a single molecule. Here, we rationally designed a molecular switch that changes its subcellular localization in response to an intended stimulus such as an activator of protein kinase A (PKA). By arranging the sequence for Kemptide in tandem, we designed a farnesylated peptide whose localization can dramatically change upon phosphorylation by PKA. After testing a different valence number of Kemptide as well as modulating the linker sequence connecting them, we identified an efficient peptide switch that exhibited dynamic translocation between plasma membranes and internal endomembranes in a PKA activity dependent manner. Due to the modular design and small size, our PKA switch can have versatile utility in future studies as a platform for visualizing and perturbing signal transduction pathways, as well as for performing synthetic operations in cells.
Disseminated intravascular coagulation associated organ failure in obstetric patients admitted to intensive care units: a multicenter study in China
Authors: Zhao Zhiling , Zhang Jianxin , Li Nan , Yao Gaiqi , Zhao Yangyu , Li Shuangling , Ge Qinggang , Lu Junli , Bo Shining , Xi Jingjing , Han Yue
Published: August 2021

We aimed to determine disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)-associated organ failure and underlying diseases based on data from three ICU wards in tertiary hospitals in China from 2008 to 2016. The diagnosis of DIC was confirmed by an International Society of Thrombosis and Hemostasis score greater than or equal to 5. The maternal outcomes included the changes in organ function 24 h after ICU admission. The durations of hospital stay and ICU stay were recorded as secondary outcomes. Among 297 ICU admissions (median Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, 4) for obstetric diseases, there were 87 DIC cases, with an estimated DIC incidence of 87 per 87,580 deliveries. Postpartum hemorrhage was the leading disease associated with DIC (71, 81.6%), followed by hypertensive disorders (27, 31.0%), sepsis (15, 17.2%), acute fatty liver of pregnancy (11, 12.6%) and amniotic fluid embolism (10, 11.5%). Compared with patients without DIC, those with DIC had higher rates of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome/death (27.6% vs 4.8%, p = 0.000), organ failure (36.8% vs 24.3%, p = 0.029), among which organ failure included acute renal failure (32.2% vs 10.0%, p = 0.000), respiratory failure (16.1% vs 8.6%, p = 0.057), disturbance of consciousness (12.6% vs 2.4%, p = 0.000) and DIC group also had higher rates of massive transfusion (52.9% vs 21.9%, p = 0.000), hysterectomy (32.2% vs 15.7%, p = 0.001), longer ICU (4 days vs 2 days, p = 0.000) and hospital stays (14 days vs 11 days, p = 0.005). DIC and amniotic fluid embolism were independent risk factors for organ failure in patients admitted to the ICU. Postpartum hemorrhage was the leading cause of DIC associated organ failure in obstetrics admitted to the ICU. The control of obstetric bleeding in a timely manner may improve obstetric prognoses.
Magnetized and non-magnetized Casson fluid flow with gyrotactic microorganisms over a stratified stretching cylinder
Authors: Dawar Abdullah , Shah Zahir , Alshehri Hashim M. , Islam Saeed , Kumam Poom
Published: August 2021

This study presents the magnetized and non-magnetized Casson fluid flow with gyrotactic microorganisms over a stratified stretching cylinder. The mathematical modeling is presented in the form of partial differential equations and then transformed into ordinary differential equations (ODEs) utilizing suitable similarity transformations. The analytical solution of the transformed ODEs is presented with the help of homotopy analysis method (HAM). The convergence analysis of HAM is also presented by mean of figure. The present analysis consists of five phases. In the first four phases, we have compared our work with previously published investigations while phase five is consists of our new results. The influences of dimensionless factors like a magnetic parameter, thermal radiation, curvature parameter, Prandtl number, Brownian motion parameter, Schmidt number, heat generation, chemical reaction parameter, thermophoresis parameter, Eckert number, and concentration difference parameter on physical quantities of interests and flow profiles are shown through tables and figures. It has been established that with the increasing Casson parameter (i.e. $$\beta \to \infty$$

β
→
∞

), the streamlines become denser which results the increasing behavior in the fluid velocity while on the other hand, the fluid velocity reduces for the existence of Casson parameter (i.e. $$\beta = 1.0$$

β
=
1.0

). Also, the streamlines of stagnation point Casson fluid flow are highly wider for the case of magnetized fluid as equated to non-magnetized fluid. The higher values of bioconvection Lewis number, Peclet number, and microorganisms’ concentration difference parameter reduces the motile density function of microorganisms while an opposite behavior is depicted against density number.
A peptide-based anti-Adalimumab antibody assay to monitor immune response to biologics treatment in juvenile idiopathic arthritis and childhood chronic non-infectious uveitis
Authors: Rusche Hendrik , Marrani Edoardo , Real-Fernandez Feliciana , Ponti Roberta , Terzani Francesco , Maccora Ilaria , Monasson Olivier , Mastrolia Maria Vincenza , Peroni Elisa , Pagnini Ilaria , Cimaz Rolando , Papini Anna Maria , Simonini Gabriele , Rovero Paolo
Published: August 2021

Immune response to biologics treatment, while widely reported, yet fails to correlate with clinical outcomes and assay to assay comparison is often not possible. Hence, we developed a new peptide based-detection assay to stratify pediatric patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) or chronic non-infectious uveitis (CNU) and monitor anti-drug antibodies (ADAbs) formed as part of an immune response to treatment with the fully human monoclonal therapeutic antibody Adalimumab. Adalimumab derived synthetic peptides were optimized for maximum immunogenicity and were tested by SP-ELISA on a development cohort of 18 JIA and CNU treated patients. The two best performing peptides able to differentiate patient groups were selected for evaluation with a larger scale ELISA testing on a total of 29 sera from pediatric patients with JIA or CNU. The results of this peptide-based assay were compared to an in-house developed SPR biosensor ADAbs assay and a commercially available bridging ELISA. The first peptide, termed HC3, was able to positively detect ADAbs in 7 out of the 29 sera, while the second peptide, called LC3, was able to detect ADAbs in 11 out of 29 sera in the evaluation group. Following statistical data evaluation, it has been found that the detection of ADAbs using the peptide-based ELISA assay positively correlates with disease progression and remission. Two synthetic peptides derived from Adalimumab may provide a beneficial tool to clinicians for monitoring patient response to such treatment and taking informed decisions for treatment alternatives.
An approach to assess stress in response to drive hunts using cortisol levels of wild boar (Sus scrofa)
Authors: Güldenpfennig Justine , Schmicke Marion , Hoedemaker Martina , Siebert Ursula , Keuling Oliver
Published: August 2021

Hunting can easily be linked to stress in wildlife. Drive hunts performed two to three times in one area during the respective hunting period, are thought to decrease the pressure hunting places on wildlife. Nevertheless, the expression of cortisol—one of the main mammalian stress hormones—is considered to have negative impacts on animals’ well-being if expressed excessively, which may occur during some (especially repeated) hunting events. We explored the effect of drive hunts on cortisol levels in wild boar in Lower Saxony, Germany, compared these cortisol levels to reference values given by a similar study, and investigated the effect of age, sex, and pregnancy. Blood collected from wild boar shot on drive hunts was analysed using a radioimmunoassay. As expected, we observed elevated cortisol levels in all samples, however, we still found significant differences between age groups and sexes, as well as an influence of pregnancy on cortisol levels. The effect of drive hunts on cortisol levels appears to be weaker than predicted, while the effects of other variables, such as sex, are distinct. Only half of the evaluated samples showed explicitly increased cortisol levels and no significant differences were found between sampling months and locations. Group living animals and pregnant females showed significantly higher cortisol levels. The impact of hunting is measurable but is masked by natural effects such as pregnancy. Thus, we need more information on stress levels in game species.
Interplay between p300 and HDAC1 regulate acetylation and stability of Api5 to regulate cell proliferation
Authors: Sharma Virender Kumar , Lahiri Mayurika
Published: August 2021

Api5, is a known anti-apoptotic and nuclear protein that is responsible for inhibiting cell death in serum-starved conditions. The only known post-translational modification of Api5 is acetylation at lysine 251 (K251). K251 acetylation of Api5 is responsible for maintaining its stability while the de-acetylated form of Api5 is unstable. This study aimed to find out the enzymes regulating acetylation and deacetylation of Api5 and the effect of acetylation on its function. Our studies suggest that acetylation of Api5 at lysine 251 is mediated by p300 histone acetyltransferase while de-acetylation is carried out by HDAC1. Inhibition of acetylation by p300 leads to a reduction in Api5 levels while inhibition of deacetylation by HDAC1 results in increased levels of Api5. This dynamic switch between acetylation and deacetylation regulates the localisation of Api5 in the cell. This study also demonstrates that the regulation of acetylation and deacetylation of Api5 is an essential factor for the progression of the cell cycle.
Valid 3D surface superimposition references to assess facial changes during growth
Authors: Häner Simeon T. , Kanavakis Georgios , Matthey François , Gkantidis Nikolaos
Published: August 2021

Currently, the primary techniques applied for the assessment of facial changes over time utilize 2D images. However, this approach has important limitations related to the dimensional reduction and the accuracy of the used data. 3D facial photography has been recently introduced as a risk-free alternative that overcomes these limitations. However, the proper reference areas that should be used to superimpose serial 3D facial images of growing individuals are not yet known. Here, we tested various 3D facial photo superimposition reference areas and compared their outcomes to those of a standard anterior cranial base superimposition technique. We found that a small rectangular area on the forehead plus an area including the middle part of the nose and the lower wall of the orbital foramen provided comparable results to the standard technique and showed adequate reproducibility. Other reference areas that have been used so far in the literature were less reliable. Within the limitations of the study, a valid superimposition reference area for serial 3D facial images of growing individuals is suggested. The method has potential to greatly expand the possibilities of this highly informative, risk free, and easily obtained 3D tool for the assessment of facial changes in growing individuals.
Human activity recognition using wearable sensors, discriminant analysis, and long short-term memory-based neural structured learning
Authors: Uddin Md Zia , Soylu Ahmet
Published: August 2021

Healthcare using body sensor data has been getting huge research attentions by a wide range of researchers because of its good practical applications such as smart health care systems. For instance, smart wearable sensor-based behavior recognition system can observe elderly people in a smart eldercare environment to improve their lifestyle and can also help them by warning about forthcoming unprecedented events such as falls or other health risk, to prolong their independent life. Although there are many ways of using distinguished sensors to observe behavior of people, wearable sensors mostly provide reliable data in this regard to monitor the individual’s functionality and lifestyle. In this paper, we propose a body sensor-based activity modeling and recognition system using time-sequential information-based deep Neural Structured Learning (NSL), a promising deep learning algorithm. First, we obtain data from multiple wearable sensors while the subjects conduct several daily activities. Once the data is collected, the time-sequential information then go through some statistical feature processing. Furthermore, kernel-based discriminant analysis (KDA) is applied to see the better clustering of the features from different activity classes by minimizing inner-class scatterings while maximizing inter-class scatterings of the samples. The robust time-sequential features are then applied with Neural Structured Learning (NSL) based on Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), for activity modeling. The proposed approach achieved around 99% recall rate on a public dataset. It is also compared to existing different conventional machine learning methods such as typical Deep Belief Network (DBN), Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), and Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) where they yielded the maximum recall rate of 94%. Furthermore, a fast and efficient explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) algorithm, Local Interpretable Model-Agnostic Explanations (LIME) is used to explain and check the machine learning decisions. The robust activity recognition system can be adopted for understanding peoples' behavior in their daily life in different environments such as homes, clinics, and offices.