bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organizing a transnational solidarity for social change through participatory practices: The case of People Powered–Global Hub for Participatory Democracy
Authors: Hagelskamp Carolin , Su Celina , Valverde Viesca Karla , Núñez Tarson
Published: March 2022

In the context of global democratic crises and pervasive neoliberal policies, civil society organizations (CSOs) play a critical role in promoting democratic processes and advancing social change on local, national, and transnational scales. However, such organizations also (need to) grapple with how they themselves put social justice and democratic principles into practice, and resist coloniality within. This article examines these questions in the case of People Powered–Global Hub for Participatory Democracy, a recently found transnational CSO that advocates globally for participatory democracy as a mechanism for social change and employs these principles in its own governance and operations. The analysis focusses on the creation of People Powered and its first year of practice. Drawing upon decolonial frameworks—and based on our own experiences as founding members of People Powered and our reading of interviews and documents—we identify concrete practices through which the organization seeks to enact epistemic justice, shift power, and emphasize relationality. We argue that People Powered's decolonial roots, collectively articulated values and commitments, radical transparency, and its consistent employment of meaningful participation and reflexivity have built and are likely to sustain this transnational solidarity for social change. At the same time and perhaps critical for fostering solidarity and social change in the long term, People Powered embraces, rather than evades, tensions and contradictions that emerge in these efforts.
Audiometric data analysis for prevention of noise‐induced hearing loss: A new approach
Authors: Craner James
Published: March 2022

Compliance with noise regulations in the past three decades has significantly reduced workplace noise exposures, particularly in the loudest industries and occupations. However, the overall effectiveness of hearing conservation programs in preventing occupational noise‐induced hearing loss remains uncertain and unquantified, while the incidence and cost of occupational hearing loss remain inexplicably high. This review/commentary critically explores this paradox by examining why the billions of annual audiograms conducted worldwide have not been aggregately utilized or applied to predict early NIHL in groups of workers or to measure the efficacy of exposure controls. Principal contributory reasons include regulation of noise as a safety standard rather than as a health standard, the inherent complexity of audiometric data, and the lack of a standardized method of interpretation for audiograms. The unsuccessful history of efforts to develop and adopt methods and tools to analyze aggregate audiometric data is described. Consequently, the Standard Threshold Shift—a regulatorily defined, lagging indicator of individual, irreversible hearing loss that is not an effective preventive metric—remains the de facto standard of care. A population‐based Best Practices approach is proposed to leverage the raw audiometric data already available and turn it into actionable data for effective secondary prevention to strategically manage and reduce occupational hearing loss risk. This approach entails statistical methods and information management tools necessary to transform audiometry from a compliance‐driven, individual screening test with limited preventive capability into a medical surveillance process directly linked to aggregate corrective and prevention actions.
Dose‐response relationship between late‐life physical activity and incident dementia: A pooled analysis of 10 cohort studies of memory in an international consortium
Authors: Wu Wanqing , Ding Ding , Zhao Qianhua , Xiao Zhenxu , Luo Jianfeng , Ganguli Mary , Hughes Tiffany F. , Jacobsen Erin , Haan Mary N. , van Dang Kristine , Lima‐Costa Maria Fernanda , Blay Sergio Luis , de Castro‐Costa Erico , Ng Tze Pin , Gwee Xinyi , Gao Qi , Gureje Oye , Ojagbemi Akin , Bello Toyin , Shahar Suzana , Ludin Arimi Fitri Mat , Rivan Nurul Fatin Malek , Scarmeas Nikolaos , Anastasiou Costas A. , Yannakoulia Mary , Brodaty Henry , Crawford John D. , Lipton Richard B. , Derby Carol A. , Katz Mindy J. , Lipnicki Darren M. , Sachdev Perminder S. ,   for Cohort Studies of Memory in an International Consortium (COSMIC)
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Though consistent evidence suggests that physical activity may delay dementia onset, the duration and amount of activity required remains unclear.

Methods

We harmonized longitudinal data of 11,988 participants from 10 cohorts in eight countries to examine the dose‐response relationship between late‐life physical activity and incident dementia among older adults.

Results

Using no physical activity as a reference, dementia risk decreased with duration of physical activity up to 3.1 to 6.0 hours/week (hazard ratio [HR] 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.67 to 1.15 for 0.1 to 3.0 hours/week; HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.89 for 3.1 to 6.0 hours/week), but plateaued with higher duration. For the amount of physical activity, a similar pattern of dose‐response curve was observed, with an inflection point of 9.1 to 18.0 metabolic equivalent value (MET)‐hours/week (HR 0.92, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.22 for 0.1 to 9.0 MET‐hours/week; HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.53 to 0.93 for 9.1 to 18.0 MET‐hours/week).

Discussion

This cross‐national analysis suggests that performing 3.1 to 6.0 hours of physical activity and expending 9.1 to 18.0/MET‐hours of energy per week may reduce dementia risk.
Cellular and Humoral Immunity to SARS‐CoV‐2 Infection in Multiple Sclerosis Patients on Ocrelizumab and Other Disease‐Modifying Therapies: A Multi‐Ethnic Observational Study
Authors: Kister Ilya , Patskovsky Yury , Curtin Ryan , Pei Jinglan , Perdomo Katherine , Rimler Zoe , Voloshyna Iryna , Samanovic Marie I. , Cornelius Amber R. , Velmurugu Yogambigai , Nyovanie Samantha , Kim Joseph J. , Tardio Ethan , Bacon Tamar E. , Zhovtis Ryerson Lana , Raut Pranil , Pedotti Rosetta , Hawker Kathleen , Raposo Catarina , Priest Jessica , Cabatingan Mark , Winger Ryan C. , Mulligan Mark J. , Krogsgaard Michelle , Silverman Gregg J.
Published: March 2022

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine the impact of multiple sclerosis (MS) disease‐modifying therapies (DMTs) on the development of cellular and humoral immunity to severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection.

Methods

Patients with MS aged 18 to 60 years were evaluated for anti‐nucleocapsid and anti‐Spike receptor‐binding domain (RBD) antibody with electro‐chemiluminescence immunoassay; antibody responses to Spike protein, RBD, N‐terminal domain with multiepitope bead‐based immunoassays (MBI); live virus immunofluorescence‐based microneutralization assay; T‐cell responses to SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike using TruCulture enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); and IL‐2 and IFNγ ELISpot assays. Assay results were compared by DMT class. Spearman correlation and multivariate analyses were performed to examine associations between immunologic responses and infection severity.

Results

Between January 6, 2021, and July 21, 2021, 389 patients with MS were recruited (mean age 40.3 years; 74% women; 62% non‐White). Most common DMTs were ocrelizumab (OCR)—40%; natalizumab —17%, Sphingosine 1‐phosphate receptor (S1P) modulators −12%; and 15% untreated. One hundred seventy‐seven patients (46%) had laboratory evidence of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection; 130 had symptomatic infection, and 47 were asymptomatic. Antibody responses were markedly attenuated in OCR compared with other groups (p ≤0.0001). T‐cell responses (IFNγ) were decreased in S1P (p = 0.03), increased in natalizumab (p <0.001), and similar in other DMTs, including OCR. Cellular and humoral responses were moderately correlated in both OCR (r = 0.45, p = 0.0002) and non‐OCR (r = 0.64, p <0.0001). Immune responses did not differ by race/ethnicity. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) clinical course was mostly non‐severe and similar across DMTs; 7% (9/130) were hospitalized.

Interpretation

DMTs had differential effects on humoral and cellular immune responses to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Immune responses did not correlate with COVID‐19 clinical severity in this relatively young and nondisabled group of patients with MS. ANN NEUROL 2022;91:782–795
Electrically Switchable Polymer Brushes for Protein Capture and Release in Biological Environments**
Authors: del Castillo Gustav Ferrand‐Drake , Kyriakidou Maria , Adali Zeynep , Xiong Kunli , Hailes Rebekah L. N. , Dahlin Andreas
Published: March 2022

Interfaces functionalized with polymers are known for providing excellent resistance towards biomolecular adsorption and for their ability to bind high amounts of protein while preserving their structure. However, making an interface that switches between these two states has proven challenging and concepts to date rely on changes in the physiochemical environment, which is static in biological systems. Here we present the first interface that can be electrically switched between a high‐capacity (>1 μg cm−2) multilayer protein binding state and a completely non‐fouling state (no detectable adsorption). Switching is possible over multiple cycles without any regeneration. Importantly, switching works even when the interface is in direct contact with biological fluids and a buffered environment. The technology offers many applications such as zero fouling on demand, patterning or separation of proteins as well as controlled release of biologics in a physiological environment, showing high potential for future drug delivery in vivo.
Redox‐Addressable Single‐Molecule Junctions Incorporating a Persistent Organic Radical**
Authors: Naghibi Saman , Sangtarash Sara , Kumar Varshini J. , Wu Jian‐Zhong , Judd Martyna M. , Qiao Xiaohang , Gorenskaia Elena , Higgins Simon J. , Cox Nicholas , Nichols Richard J. , Sadeghi Hatef , Low Paul J. , Vezzoli Andrea
Published: March 2022

Integrating radical (open‐shell) species into non‐cryogenic nanodevices is key to unlocking the potential of molecular electronics. While many efforts have been devoted to this issue, in the absence of a chemical/electrochemical potential the open‐shell character is generally lost in contact with the metallic electrodes. Herein, single‐molecule devices incorporating a 6‐oxo‐verdazyl persistent radical have been fabricated using break‐junction techniques. The open‐shell character is retained at room temperature, and electrochemical gating permits in situ reduction to a closed‐shell anionic state in a single‐molecule transistor configuration. Furthermore, electronically driven rectification arises from bias‐dependent alignment of the open‐shell resonances. The integration of radical character, transistor‐like switching, and rectification in a single molecular component paves the way to further studies of the electronic, magnetic, and thermoelectric properties of open‐shell species.
Prodrugs of Persulfide and Sulfide: Is There a Pharmacological Difference between the Two in the Context of Rapid Exchanges among Various Sulfur Species In Vivo?
Authors: Yu Bingchen , Kang Ting , Xu Yuan , Liu Yiqing , Ma Yaru , Ke Bowen
Published: March 2022

Sulfide and persulfide are chemically different and one might expect persulfide to be more effective in mediating sulfur signaling because persulfide can directly modify protein cysteine residue. However, rapid scrambling, and interconversions occur among sulfur species. Then there is the question of whether the chemical reactivity differences between sulfide and persulfide would translate into pharmacological differences. Utilizing a delivery system to generate pure hydrogen sulfide (H2S), hydrogen persulfide (H2S2), and N‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine persulfide (N‐CysSSH), we examined the activities of sulfide and persulfide in vitro and in vivo. Persulfide prodrugs exhibited increased activities compared to the H2S prodrug. In particular, the H2S2 prodrug offers much‐elevated analgesic effects compared to the H2S prodrug in vivo. Persulfide prodrugs also possess a reduced level of toxicity compared to the H2S prodrug in vivo, indicating persulfide might represent a better therapeutic paradigm than H2S.
Spontaneous Orthogonal Protein Crosslinking via a Genetically Encoded 2‐Carboxy‐4‐Aryl‐1,2,3‐Triazole
Authors: Xu Yali , Rahim Abdur , Lin Qing
Published: March 2022

Here we report the design of N2‐carboxy‐4‐aryl‐1,2,3‐triazole‐lysines (CATKs) and their site‐specific incorporation into proteins via genetic code expansion. When introduced into the protein dimer interface, CATKs permitted spontaneous, proximity‐driven, site‐selective crosslinking to generate covalent protein dimers in living cells, with phenyl‐bearing CATK‐1 exhibiting high reactivity toward the proximal Lys and Tyr. Furthermore, when introduced into the N‐terminal β‐strand of either a single‐chain VHH antibody or a supercharged monobody, CATK‐1 enabled site‐specific, inter‐strand, orthogonal crosslinking with a proximal Tyr located on the opposing β‐strand. Compared with a non‐crosslinked monobody, the orthogonally crosslinked monobody displayed improved cellular uptake and enhanced proteolytic stability against an endosomal enzyme. The robust crosslinking reactivity of CATKs should facilitate the design of novel protein topologies with improved physicochemical properties.
Diastereo‐ and Enantioselective Silver‐Catalyzed [3+3] Cycloaddition and Kinetic Resolution of Azomethine Imines with Activated Isocyanides
Authors: Tao Ling‐Fei , Zhang Sen , Huang Fen , Wang Wen‐Tao , Luo Zhang‐Hong , Qian Linghui , Liao Jia‐Yu
Published: March 2022

In contrast to the well‐established [3+2] cycloaddition reactions, the catalytic enantioselective [3+n] (n≥3) cycloaddition reaction of activated isocyanides for the preparation of six‐membered or larger ring systems has remained underdeveloped. Herein, we report the first example of highly diastereo‐ and enantioselective [3+3] cycloaddition of activated isocyanides with azomethine imines. By employing silver catalysis, a wide range of biologically important bicyclic 1,2,4‐triazines were obtained in high yields (up to 99 %) with good to excellent stereoselectivities (up to >20 : 1 dr, 99 % ee). In addition, the same catalytic system could be applied to both the late‐stage functionalization of complex bioactive molecules and the kinetic resolution of racemic azomethine imines, further highlighting its versatility and synthetic utility.
White‐Light Emission and Circularly Polarized Luminescence from a Chiral Copper(I) Coordination Polymer through Symmetry‐Breaking Crystallization
Authors: Yu Mu‐Xin , Liu Cai‐Ping , Zhao Yun‐Fang , Li Sheng‐Chang , Yu Yun‐Long , Lv Jiang‐Quan , Chen Lian , Jiang Fei‐Long , Hong Mao‐Chun
Published: March 2022

Achieving white‐light emission, especially white circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) from a single‐phase material is challenging. Herein, a pair of chiral CuI coordination polymers (1‐M and 1‐P) have been prepared by the asymmetrical assembly of achiral ligands and Cu2I2 clusters. The compounds display dual emission bands and can be used as single‐phase white‐light phosphors, achieving a “warm”‐white‐light‐emitting diode with an ultra‐high color rendering index (CRI) of 93.4 and an appropriate correlated color temperature (CCT) of 3632 K. Meanwhile, corresponding CPL signals with maximum dissymmetry factor |glum|=8×10−3 have been observed. Hence, intrinsic white‐light emission and CPL have been realized simultaneously in coordination polymers for the first time. This work gains insight into the nature of chiral assembly from achiral units and offers a prospect for the development of single‐phase white‐CPL materials.
A Hybrid Halide Perovskite Birefringent Crystal
Authors: Huang Weiqi , Zhang Xu , Li Yanqiang , Zhou Yang , Chen Xin , Li Xiaoqi , Wu Fafa , Hong Maochun , Luo Junhua , Zhao Sangen
Published: March 2022

Birefringent crystals that can modulate the polarization of light play a significant role in modern optical devices including polarizing microscopes, optical isolators, and achromatic quarter‐wave plates. To date, commercial birefringent crystals are exclusively limited to purely inorganic compounds. Here we report a new organic–inorganic hybrid halide, MLAPbBr4 (MLA=melamine), which features a (110)‐oriented layered perovskite structure. Although the 6s2 lone‐pair electrons of Pb2+ cations are stereochemically inert, MLAPbBr4 exhibits a birefringence of 0.322@550 nm, which exceeds those of all commercial birefringent crystals. The first‐principles calculations reveal that this birefringence should be ascribed to the highly dislocated π‐conjugation of MLA cations and high distortion of PbBr6 octahedra. This work highlights the persistently neglected great potential of hybrid halide perovskites as birefringent crystals.
Landscape features and forest maturity promote the occurrence of macroinvertebrates specialized for seepage springs in urban forests in Washington, DC
Authors: Burch Elizabeth , Culver David C. , Alonzo Michael , Malloy Elizabeth J.
Published: March 2022

The hypotelminorheic is a groundwater‐fed shallow subterranean habitat, occurring a few metres below the surface and emerging at a seepage spring. Little is known about the habitat requirements for the amphipods and isopods that live there, and forest quality and other surface parameters have been largely unexplored. Urban parks, encompassing protected lands from ballfields to forests, are not necessarily secure sites, because of non‐compatible uses and changing park boundaries.

Almost all records for this fauna in the study area are in parks. Using data from sampling in parklands of south‐east Washington, DC, exploratory analyses were conducted at two spatial scales – the seeps and pervious land patches surrounded by impervious surfaces (which range from 0.59 to 231 ha). Habitat quality, fragmentation and geological variables were calculated, and exploratory logistic regression models were fitted to predict occupancy.

Hypotelminorheic macroinvertebrates were found at 66 of 207 seeps and 15 of 27 patches. Five species were collected, three of which were uncommon. Only patches containing three or more seeps and >7.6 ha were inhabited. Occurrence of one or more species in seeps was associated with distance inside the forest, taller tree canopy, elevation and geological formation.

There is a threshold amount of habitat below which a population can no longer exist. Few patches of forest remain that are sufficiently large for habitation, and conservation actions should prioritize forested patches with three or more seeps. In addition, the development of forested corridors to enhance connectivity among populations, education of the public about the value of the hypotelminorheic, and development of field methods to detect habitats is recommended. Urban parklands can be important reservoirs for species of conservation concern.
Thiophene‐containing compounds with antimicrobial activity
Authors: Roman Gheorghe
Published: March 2022

Thiophene, as a member of the group of five‐membered heterocycles containing one heteroatom, is one of the simplest heterocyclic systems. Many synthetic strategies allow the accurate positioning of various functionalities onto the thiophene ring. This review provides a comprehensive, systematic and detailed account of the developments in the field of antimicrobial compounds featuring at least one thiophene ring in their structure, over the last decade.
Internationally mobile scientists as knowledge transmitters: A lexical‐based approach to detect knowledge transfer
Authors: Aman Valeria
Published: March 2022

This paper explores the knowledge transfer of internationally mobile scientists. It builds upon previous work on the development of methods for detecting the knowledge transfer of German scientists. Using abstract terms of publications covered in Scopus, this paper proposes a lexical‐based approach to identify knowledge transmitters. These scientists are characterized by acquiring knowledge from their co‐workers during their international stay and transferring it upon return to German co‐workers. Knowledge is operationalized as the co‐occurrence of rarely used abstract terms. Knowledge transfer is expressed as the diffusion of these term combinations in co‐authorship networks. The method developed was validated by contacting the bibliometrically identified knowledge transmitters and asking them what they believe they learned during their stay abroad. A control group of internationally mobile scientists without traceable knowledge transfer was similarly asked to report on their knowledge acquisition. The findings suggest that bibliometric data are capable of detecting knowledge transmitters among German scientists who were internationally mobile. The juxtaposition of the responses on their perceived knowledge acquisition and the bibliometrically identified lexical terms shows that the method proposed is well suited to studying the knowledge transfer of internationally mobile scientists. The strength of the method is its simplicity and high precision.
Manganese‐Catalyzed C(sp2)−H Alkylation of Indolines and Arenes with Unactivated Alkyl Bromides
Authors: Verma Suryadev K. , Punji Benudhar
Published: March 2022

Selective C(sp2)−H bond alkylation of indoline, carbazole and (2‐pyridinyl)arenes with unactivated alkyl bromides is achieved using MnBr2 catalyst in the absence of an external ligand. The alkylation uses a simple LiHMDS base and avoids the necessity of Grignard reagent, unlike other Mn‐catalyzed C−H functionalization. This reaction proceeded either through a five‐ or a less‐favored six‐membered metallacycle, and tolerated diverse functionalities, including alkenyl, alkynyl, silyl, aryl ether, pyrrolyl, indolyl, carbazolyl and alkyl bearing fatty alcohol and polycyclic‐steroid moieties. Alkylation follows a single electron transfer (SET) pathway involving 1e oxidative addition of alkyl bromide and a rate‐limiting C−H metalation.
Autism and the criminal justice system: An analysis of 93 cases
Authors: Slavny‐Cross Rachel , Allison Carrie , Griffiths Sarah , Baron‐Cohen Simon
Published: March 2022

We investigate whether autistic people's vulnerability is taken into account at each stage of the criminal justice system (CJS). Defense lawyers from 12 nations were included in the study although the sample was predominantly from the UK. Lawyers completed an online survey regarding one case in which they had defended an autistic client between January 2015 and January 2020; and on one case in which they had defended a nonautistic client charged with a similar offense, to provide a comparison group. Ninety‐three lawyers (85% in the UK) reported on one autistic case, and 53 also reported on one nonautistic case. 75% of autistic clients were not given reasonable adjustments during the process. Only 43% were offered an appropriate adult during police investigations, even though they had an existing diagnosis of autism. 59% of prosecution barristers and 46% of judges said or did something during the trial that made the lawyers concerned that they did not have an adequate understanding of autism. Lawyers were 7.58 times more likely to be concerned about their autistic client's effective participation in court and were 3.83 times more likely to be concerned that their autistic clients would engage in self‐harm, compared with their nonautistic clients. There is a failure to identify and address autistic peoples' disability within the CJS. There is a need for mandatory autism training for police officers and the judiciary, with a focus on identifying autism and understanding the needs of autistic people so that reasonable adjustments are offered in all cases.

Lay Summary

This study sought to investigate if the needs of autistic people are being overlooked by the police and other professionals within the CJS. Results show that autistic people are not always given the support they need during police questioning or in court. The experience of being involved with the police may also have a more negative impact on autistic peoples' mental health than that of nonautistic people.
The many faces of the unusual biofilm activator RemA
Authors: Bremer Erhard , Hoffmann Tamara , Dempwolff Felix , Bedrunka Patricia , Bange Gert
Published: March 2022

Biofilms can be viewed as tissue‐like structures in which microorganisms are organized in a spatial and functional sophisticated manner. Biofilm formation requires the orchestration of a highly integrated network of regulatory proteins to establish cell differentiation and production of a complex extracellular matrix. Here, we discuss the role of the essential Bacillus subtilis biofilm activator RemA. Despite intense research on biofilms, RemA is a largely underappreciated regulatory protein. RemA forms donut‐shaped octamers with the potential to assemble into dimeric superstructures. The presumed DNA‐binding mode suggests that RemA organizes its target DNA into nucleosome‐like structures, which are the basis for its role as transcriptional activator. We discuss how RemA affects gene expression in the context of biofilm formation, and its regulatory interplay with established components of the biofilm regulatory network, such as SinR, SinI, SlrR, and SlrA. We emphasize the additional role of RemA played in nitrogen metabolism and osmotic‐stress adjustment.
Detection of micro‐RNA by a combination of nucleic acid sequence‐based amplification and a novel chemiluminescent pyrophosphate assay
Authors: Karasawa Koji , Arakawa Hidetoshi
Published: March 2022

Micro‐RNA has attracted much attention as a biomarker for disease progression and malignancy. A compact, simple, rapid, and highly sensitive method is required to perform simple genetic analyses, such as point‐of‐care testing (POCT), at the clinic or bedside. Nucleic acid sequence‐based amplification (NASBA) is a specific amplification method for a single‐stranded RNA fragment that is useful for the highly sensitive detection of miRNAs. In this work, we developed a novel miRNA analytical system for POCT by combining the NASBA and chemiluminescence methods. Because the NASBA reaction is conducted at a constant temperature (41°C) and detection by chemiluminescence reaction does not require a light source, these methods could be combined to amplify 100 ng/assay miRNA. This combined miRNA detection method could be useful for the future development of compact POCT systems.
Effect of molecular representation on deep learning performance for prediction of molecular electronic properties
Authors: Kim Jun Hyeong , Kim Hyeonsu , Kim Woo Youn
Published: March 2022

Deep learning (DL) can be a useful approach to molecular applications such as the organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) development via high‐throughput virtual screening. Various representations have been proposed to incorporate molecular structures in DL methods. However, it is yet to be clear which one would be better for accurate prediction of molecular electronic properties. Here, we carried out a comparative study on the performance of four widely used molecular representations to elucidate an optimal solution for DL applications to OLED materials. We implemented six DL models based on the four representations and assessed their accuracies in the prediction of the electronic properties of thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) molecules. The attention gated graph neural network based on molecular graphs showed the highest accuracy for test sets and TADF candidates. Therefore, the molecular graph can be used as an optimal representation to predict the TADF‐related molecular properties.
Gaming behavior and brain activation using functional near‐infrared spectroscopy, Iowa gambling task, and machine learning techniques
Authors: Kornev Denis , Nwoji Stanley , Sadeghian Roozbeh , Esmaili Sardari Saeed , Dashtestani Hadis , He Qinghua , Gandjbakhche Amir , Aram Siamak
Published: March 2022

Introduction

The current study investigates the utilization and performance of machine learning (ML) algorithms in the cognitive task of finding the correlation between numerical parameters of the human brain activation during gaming. We hypothesize that our integrated feature extraction platform is able to distinguish between different psychosomatic conditions in the gaming process as measured by the functional near‐infrared brain imaging technique.

Methods

For demonstration, the decision‐making process was constructed in the experiment environment that combined gaming simulator, such as the Iowa Gaming Task (IGT), with functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) as the neuroimaging technique. Features of fNIRS levels were extracted, averaged, and synchronized by time with the IGT dataset to predict the task score inside ML algorithms, such as multiple regression, classification and regression trees, support vector machine, artificial neural network, and random forest. For findings validation, the experiment data were resampled by training and testing sets. Further, a training dataset was used to train the ML algorithms, and prediction accuracy was estimated by repeated cross‐validation methods and compared by R squared and root mean square error (RMSE). The model with the best accuracy was used with the testing dataset and finalized the experiment.

Results

During the experiment, the highest correlation was identified in the fourth block between the oxy‐hemoglobin signal and IGT score in average value (0.24) and signal feature (0.57). Such relationship is due to block 4 characterization as “conceptual” period when participants task experience reaches the maximum, and rewards raise accordingly. Simultaneously, ML algorithms, constructed based on training data set, demonstrate acceptable performance, and RMSE as the primary performance metric dynamically increases from block 1 to block 5, from the state of uncertainty and unknown to the certainty and risky. In contrast, R squared decreases during the same transition. In most IGT blocks, the best fitted model was determined as support vector machine with radial bases function kernel, and predictions were made with the highest accuracy (lowest RMSE) than in training models.

Conclusion

Obtained findings showed the applicability and capability of ML models as a powerful technique to evaluate the cognitive neuroimaging task result. Moreover, in terms of features it was identified that the hemodynamic response reacts to the acceleration decision‐making process and raises more significance than it was observed before.
Effect of extruded corn flour addition on the quality characteristics of fine dried noodles
Authors: Xu Fei , Chen Jie , Wang Lei , Liu Shuhang
Published: March 2022

Background and Objectives

In the past decade, the nonwheat grain noodle has been increasingly popular in the consumer market. However, as pseudocereals lack gluten protein, the addition level of pseudocereal in the wheat dough is strictly limited due to the poor viscoelastic property and processability.

Findings

In this study, to increase the addition level of corn in wheat, extrusion was used to modify corn flour's (CF's) physicochemical and rheological properties. Physicochemical, hydration, and structural property of extruded corn flour (ECF) were analyzed and compared with CF. Results showed that compared with CF, the content of moisture, fat, and starch of ECF decreased, the content of protein remained unchanged, while the content of reducing sugar, soluble dietary fiber, water solubility index, water absorption index, and viscosity characteristics significantly increased. Additionally, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectra analysis demonstrated that the extrusion process disrupts the crystal structure of corn starch, the crystallinity of ECF decreased. In XRD analysis, the peak detected at around 20° confirmed the formation of the starch–lipid complex during the extrusion process.

Conclusions

Different ECF and CF amounts were added to the dough and produced fine dried noodles. According to the tensile and scanning electron microscopy results, the ECF can improve the quality of dough and fine dried noodles.

Significance and Novelty

The results indicated that ECF could effectively enhance the maize addition level in wheat/maize blended fine dried noodles without compromising fine dried noodles' quality.
Bimetallic Cage‐Based Metal–Organic Frameworks for Electrochemical Hydrogen Evolution Reaction with Enhanced Activity
Authors: Zhang Rui‐Zhe , Lu Le‐Le , Chen Zhong‐Hang , Zhang Xiaoping , Wu Bo‐Yuan , Shi Wei , Cheng Peng
Published: March 2022

A cage‐based metal–organic framework (Ni‐NKU‐101) with biphenyl‐3,3’,5,5’‐tetracarboxylic acid was synthesized via solvothermal method. Ni‐NKU‐101 contains two types of cages based on trinuclear and octa‐nuclear nickel‐clusters that are connected with each other by the 4‐connected ligands, to form a 3D framework with a new topology. A mixed‐metal strategy was used to synthesize isostructural bimetallic MOFs of MxNi1‐x‐NKU‐101 (M=Mn, Co, Cu, Zn). The electrocatalytic studies showed that the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity of CuxNi1‐x‐NKU‐101 is much higher than that of other MxNi1‐x‐NKU‐101 catalysts in acidic aqueous solution, owing to the synergistic effect of the bimetallic centers. The optimized Cu0.19Ni0.81‐NKU‐101 has an overpotential of 324 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 131 mV dec−1. The mechanism of HER activity over these bimetallic MOF‐based electrocatalysts are discussed in detail.
Assessing left atrial function in patients with atrial fibrillation and valvular heart disease using cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Hou Jie , Sun Yu , Zhang Libo , Wang Wei , You Hongrui , Zhang Rongrong , Yang Benqiang , Wang Huishan
Published: March 2022

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common arrhythmia in valvular heart disease (VHD) and is associated with adverse outcomes.

Hypothesis

To evaluate the left atrial (LA) function in patients with AF‐VHD by cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging feature tracking (CMR‐FT) using LA strain (εs/εe/εa) and their corresponding strain rate (SRs/SRe/SRa).

Methods

This was a retrospective cross‐sectional inter‐reader and intra‐reader reproducibility conducted from July 1, 2020, to January 31, 2021. A total of 39 patients with AF‐VHD (rheumatic heart valvular disease [RHVD] [n = 22], degenerative heart valvular disease [DHVD] [n = 17]) underwent MRI scans performed with drug‐controlled heart rate before correcting the rhythm and valves through maze procedure. Fifteen participants with normal cardiac MRI were included as healthy control. εs/SRs, εe/SRe, and εa/SRa, corresponding to LA reservoir, conduit, and booster‐pump function, were assessed using Feature Tracking software (CVI42 v5.12.1).

Results

Compared with healthy controls, LA global strain parameters (εs/εe/εa/SRs/SRe/SRa) were significantly decreased (all p < 0.001), while LA size and volume were increased in AF‐VHD group (all p < 0.001). In the subgroup, RHVD group showed lower LA total ejection fraction (LATEF) and strain data than DHVD group (12.6% ± 3.3% vs. 19.4 ± 8.6, p = 0.001). Decreased LATEF was significantly related to altered LA strain and strain rate, especially in εs, εe, and SRs (Pearson/Spearman r/ρ = 0.856/0.837/0.562, respectively; all p < 0.001). Interstudy and intrastudy reproducibility were consistent for LA volumetry and strain parameters (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.88–0.99).

Conclusions

CMR‐FT can be used to assess the LA strain parameters, and identify LA dysfunction and deformation noninvasively, which could be a helpful functional imaging biomarker in the clinical treatment of AF‐VHD.
Detection of recurrent colorectal cancer with high specificity using a reporting threshold for circulating tumor DNA methylated in BCAT1 and IKZF1
Authors: Pedersen Susanne K. , Musher Benjamin L. , LaPointe Lawrence C. , Tuck Melissa K. , Symonds Erin L. , Loayza Naima , Young Graeme P.
Published: March 2022

Background

A blood assay measuring methylated BCAT1 and IKZF1 can detect recurrent colorectal cancer (CRC) with high sensitivity but suboptimal specificity. This study aimed to establish an upper reference limit (URL) of these biomarkers in a reference population without CRC, apply that threshold to detecting clinical recurrence in patients who had undergone definitive therapy for CRC, and compare the performance of the biomarkers with carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA).

Methods

The level of methylation was reported as the aggregate methylated BCAT1 and IKZF1 expressed as a percentage of total plasma DNA. A reference population of patients confirmed to have no colorectal neoplasia (n = 857) was used to determine the URL. Test accuracy for clinical recurrence was determined in a post‐treatment surveillance population (n = 549; 77 recurrence cases).

Results

A methylation level of 0.07%, corresponding to the 98th percentile in the reference population, was set as the URL. In the surveillance population, 60 patients had methylation levels above 0.07%, and 81.7% of these had recurrence. In comparison with no minimum threshold being applied, assay sensitivity with a URL of 0.07% yielded similar sensitivity (63.6% [CI, 51.9%‐74.3%] vs 64.9% [CI, 53.8%‐74.7%]; P = .87) and higher specificity (97.7% [CI, 95.9%‐98.8%] vs 91.3% [CI, 88.4%‐93.5%]; P < .001). The BCAT1/IKZF1 test was 2.5‐fold more sensitive than CEA for detecting recurrences considered amenable to surgery with curative intent (50.0% vs 20.8%; P = .016).

Conclusions

Applying a threshold for positivity to the methylated BCAT1/IKZF1 blood assay improved the specificity for CRC recurrence without compromising sensitivity. Both the sensitivity and the specificity were superior to those of CEA.
A randomized controlled trial of the effect of supervised exercise on functional outcomes in older African American and non‐Hispanic White breast cancer survivors: Are there racial differences in the effects of exercise on functional outcomes?
Authors: Owusu Cynthia , Margevicius Seunghee , Nock Nora L. , Austin Kristina , Bennet Elizabeth , Cerne Stephen , Hergenroeder Paul , Moore Halle C. F. , Petkac Jean , Schluchter Mark , Schmitz Kathryn H. , Webb Hooper Monica , Wimbley Leonard , Berger Nathan A.
Published: March 2022

Background

The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that exercise would be more effective than a support group plus Fitbit (SG+Fitbit) program in improving functional outcomes in older breast cancer survivors (BCSs) and that race would moderate the exercise effect on outcomes.

Methods

Older African American (AA) and non‐Hispanic White (NHW) BCSs were purposively recruited and enrolled into the 52‐week randomized controlled trial. The interventions included 20 weeks of supervised moderate‐intensity aerobic and resistance training followed by 32 weeks of unsupervised exercise called IMPROVE (n = 108) and a 20‐week SG+Fitbit program followed by 32 weeks of unsupervised activity (n = 105). Study outcomes were assessed at 20 and 52 weeks. The primary outcome was the change in Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) scores 20 weeks from the baseline between arms. Secondary outcomes included change in the 6‐Minute Walk Test (6MWT) in meters 20 weeks from the baseline between arms. General linear regression and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used.

Results

The mean age was 71.9 years (SD, 5.9 years), and 44% were AA. SPPB scores did not differ between arms (adjusted difference in mean change, 0.13; 95% CI, –0.28 to 0.55; P = .53). However, the exercise arm (vs the SG+Fitbit arm) improved on the 6MWT (21.6 m; 95% CI, 2.5‐40.6 m; P = .03). Race moderated the exercise effect on the 6MWT (adjusted interaction effect, 43.3 m; 95% CI, 6.3‐80.2 m; P = .02); this implied that the change in the adjusted mean for the 6MWT at 20 weeks from the baseline was 43.3 m higher in AA exercise participants versus NHW exercise participants.

Conclusions

Combined aerobic and resistance exercise appears to improve physical performance in older BCSs, and the exercise effect might be moderated by race, with AAs appearing to derive larger benefits in comparison with NHWs. Larger studies are warranted to confirm the study findings.
Improving the Pap test with artificial intelligence
Authors: Pantanowitz Liron
Published: March 2022

The cytology community should be excited about the emergence of artificial intelligence–based solutions and embrace these promising technologies. However, there is also a need to determine how best to adopt these tools into routine practice and to monitor their long‐term usefulness.
A novel high‐gain bidirectional DC–DC converter for EV onboard charger applications
Authors: Krishna Bekkam , Lithesh Gottapu , Karthikeyan V.
Published: March 2022

In electric vehicle (EV) onboard applications, the bidirectional DC‐DC converter is proposed in this paper to interface low terminal voltage battery with DC bus of the motor. The proposed bidirectional DC–DC converter is configured based on a ladder switching network of inductors and a capacitor. Due to this configuration, the proposed converter has a simple structure, and it can archive high voltage gain with fewer components. A detailed comparative analysis is presented to verify the uniqueness and superiority of the proposed topology. Furthermore, the detailed steady‐state analysis and working principles are presented in this paper. Finally, the 300‐W prototype is built, and the experimental results are presented to verify the performance and feasibility of the proposed bidirectional converter.
Salivary ACE2 and TMPRSS2 link to periodontal status and metabolic parameters
Authors: Zhao Dan , Cheng Tianfan , Koohi‐Moghadam Mohamad , Wu Mei‐Zhen , Yu Shuk Yin , Ding Xun , Pelekos George , Yiu Kai Hang , Jin Lijian
Published: March 2022

Background

Periodontitis links extensively to various non‐communicable diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease and most recently COVID‐19 complications. Two important proteins in humans, ACE2 and TMPRSS2, have been associated with various health problems and coronavirus infection. This study was to investigate the soluble ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in saliva and serum as well as their association with periodontal status and systemic conditions.

Methods

The demographic background, lifestyles, full‐mouth periodontal status and medical parameters in 139 subjects were examined and recorded. Saliva and serum samples were collected for determining the levels of ACE2, TMPRSS2 and MMP8.

Findings

The salivary levels of ACE2 increased with the severity and complexity of periodontitis and correlated positively with alveolar bone loss and salivary MMP8 as an inflammatory biomarker. While, the salivary levels of TMPRSS2 were negatively correlated with body mass index (BMI), cholesterol/high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), salivary MMP8 and number of remaining teeth. No inter‐correlation existed among ACE2 and TMPRSS2 levels in both saliva and serum.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrated the disparate correlation of the soluble ACE2 and TMPRSS2 with periodontal and systemic parameters. Salivary ACE2 could differentiate periodontal health and severe periodontitis, while salivary TMPRSS2 prominently linked to the metabolic parameters of obesity and cardiovascular disease. Our findings imply the potential application of the biofluidic soluble form of SARS‐CoV‐2 entry proteins in assessing oral or systemic conditions and delivering appropriate healthcare.
Characterization of myelodysplastic syndromes hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells using mass cytometry
Authors: Bachas Costa , Duetz Carolien , van Spronsen Margot F. , Verhoeff Jan , Garcia Vallejo Juan J. , Jansen Joop H. , Cloos Jacqueline , Westers Theresia M. , van de Loosdrecht Arjan A.
Published: March 2022

Background

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) at risk of transformation to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are difficult to identify. The bone marrows of MDS patients harbor specific hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) abnormalities that may be associated with sub‐types and risk‐groups. Leukemia‐associated characteristics of such cells may identify MDS patients at risk of progression to AML and provide insight in the pathobiology of MDS.

Methods

Bone marrow samples from healthy donors (n = 10), low risk (n = 12) and high risk (n = 13) MDS patients were collected, in addition, AML samples for 5 out of 6 MDS patients that progressed. Mass cytometry was applied to assess expression of stem cell subset and leukemia‐associated immunophenotype markers.

Results

We analyzed the data using FlowSOM to cluster cells with similar expression of 10 commonly used stem cell markers. Metaclusters (n = 20) of these clusters represented populations of cells with a related phenotype, largely resembling known stem cell subsets. Within specific subsets, intra‐cellular expression levels of pCREB, IkBα, or pS6 differed significantly between healthy bone marrow (HBM) and MDS or consecutive secondary AML samples. CD34, CD44, and CD49f expression was significantly increased in high risk MDS and AML‐associated metaclusters. We identified MDS/sAML cells with aberrant phenotypes when compared to HBM. Such cells were observed in clusters of both primary MDS and secondary AML samples.

Conclusions

High‐dimensional mass cytometry and computational data analyses enabled characterization of HSPC subsets in MDS and identification of leukemia stem cell populations based on their immunophenotype. Stem cells in MDS that display leukemia‐associated features may predict the risk of developing AML.
A feasibility study of the delivery of online brief cognitive‐behavioral therapy (CBT‐T) for eating disorder pathology in the workplace
Authors: Toro Carla T. , Jackson Tabitha , Payne Agatha S. , Walasek Lukasz , Russell Sean , Daly Guy , Waller Glenn , Meyer Caroline
Published: March 2022

Objective

CBT‐T is a brief (10 sessions) version of cognitive behavioral therapy for non‐underweight eating disorders. This report describes the protocol for a single center, single group, feasibility trial of online CBT‐T in the workplace as an alternative to the health‐service setting. By offering mental health services for eating disorders in the workplace, greater accessibility and increased help‐seeking behaviors could be achieved.

Method

Treatment will be delivered online over 10 weeks and offered to employees based on self‐referral rather than meeting diagnostic criteria, making treatment available to employees with sub‐threshold eating disorder symptoms.

Results

Assessments will be conducted at baseline, mid‐treatment (week 4), posttreatment (week 10) and at follow‐up (1 month and 3 months posttreatment). For the primary outcome, measures will include recruitment, attrition and attendance data using pre‐set benchmarks to determine high, medium or low feasibility and acceptability. Qualitative participant experiences data will be analyzed using thematic analysis. Impact on work engagement and effect sizes will be determined from secondary outcome measures; the latter enabling sample size calculations for future study.

Discussion

These pilot data will provide insights to recruitment, acceptability, effectiveness and viability of a future fully powered clinical trial of online CBT‐T in the workplace.

Public Significance Statement

This study will present feasibility data from an eating disorders intervention (online CBT‐T) using the workplace as an alternative to the healthcare setting to recruit and treat workers. Recruitment will be based on self‐reported eating and weight concerns rather than diagnosis potentially enabling treatment to employees who have not previously sought help. The data will also provide insights to recruitment, acceptability, effectiveness, and future viability of CBT‐T in the workplace.