bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ornithological Identification from Images Using Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Wang Jialin
Published: August 2024

As society works towards solutions to address environmental concerns, a crucial task emerges: the conservation of species, including avian species, through precise identification and monitoring. This paper shows that it is necessary to develop a quick and efficient way to identify birds in pictures. This project aims to improve the efficiency of bird identification by using a convolutional network to identify 10 distinct species of birds based on their visual representations. The results of the model are good: eventually, the model achieved decent performance indicators, including an accuracy of 0.75, macro average precision of 0.76, and macro average recall of 0.75. These metrics reflect the model’s ability to not only correctly identify birds but also minimize false identifications. Notably, this model demonstrates remarkable performance in classification of common birds such as the American Crow and the California Gull. Moreover, it can also distinguish some nuances between distinct species of birds and distinguish the bird from the background environment.
Exploring the legal and ethical implications of Duty to Rescue Laws
Authors: Chen Dora
Published: August 2024

This paper delves into the intricate legal and ethical issues surrounding duty to rescue laws, scrutinizing their implications through the lens of legal philosophy. By examining the theoretical foundation of utilitarianism and the social construction of norms, it elucidates the moral imperative and societal benefits of mandating assistance in emergency situations. Drawing upon seminal works in ethical theory and jurisprudence, such as Peter Singer’s renowned thought experiment and the concept of the collective action problem, the paper navigates the intricate balance between individual autonomy and communal wellbeing. Moreover, it engages with practical considerations regarding the enforceability and efficacy of such laws, addressing concerns regarding personal autonomy and potential unintended consequences. Through thorough analysis and argumentation, this paper seeks to contribute to the ongoing discourse surrounding the legal and ethical contours of duty to rescue laws, shedding light on both their merits and potential limitations in promoting a more just and compassionate society, finally coming to the conclusion that the arguments for the implementation of duty to rescue laws outweigh the arguments against.
MEASUREMENT AND ANALYSIS OF THE SPECTRAL EMISSION OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF DOMESTIC LAMPS IN THE BLUE LIGHT HAZARD WAVELENGTH RANGE
Authors: Tsankov Plamen , Stefanova Veselina , Yovchev Milko , Stoyanov Ivaylo
Published: August 2024

In recent years, research on the photobiological impact of light on humans has been expanding and deepening. A significant part of this research is aimed at harmful effects such as the blue light hazard (BLH) on the retina of the human eye, for which there are standardized indicators in international normative documents. The current research presents laboratory measurements and results for the spectral emission in blue light hazard wavelength range for several domestic lamps: conventional tungsten filament lamps, halogen and metal halide lamps, compact fluorescent lamps, and state-of-the-art LED lamps. The measurements are conducted in a specialised laboratory in the Technological Park of the Technical University - Gabrovo using a photometer with a spectroradiometer in an integrating sphere and are processed with specialised software. Graphical comparisons of the spectral distributions of lamps in the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum with the dangerous blue light wavelength range are shown. Data on the main photometric and colour characteristics - luminous flux, light efficacy, chromaticity coordinates, colour temperature, colour rendering index, and indicators for assessing the presence of dangerous blue light - blue light (weighted power) and blue light hazard factor (weighted power/ lux), for the different types of lamps, are shown in tables. Conclusions and recommendations regarding the choice of the type of domestic lamp and its colour characteristics to limit the level of dangerous blue light are made.
WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT OF SOUTH MORAVA RIVER AND CRITERIA FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS
Authors: Marković Jelena , Stevović Ivan
Published: August 2024

Water quality management is primarily performed through the control function. Water quality control in the South Morava is performed on a monthly basis by chemical and physical methods. Controlling is done at two measuring points from which the samples are taken, namely the village of Mezgraje, near the Railway Bridge, and the site of Mramora Novo Selo. Tests of water samples from the South Morava River included determination of: general parameters, nutrients, salinity, organic substances and microbiological parameters. Measured values of the investigated physicochemical parameters at the sampling location at Mezgraja village level, with the Railway Bridge, dominantly correspond to class I, except for BOD5 corresponding to class V, HPC corresponding to class IV, TOC, phenolic compounds and total nitrogen corresponding to class II, nitrites, orthophosphates, ammonium ion, copper and iron content corresponding to Class III. At the same location, the measured values of microbiological parameters correspond to Class IV. The water of South Morava River, from the physico-chemical aspect, has a mixed excellent to poor environmental status, while from a microbiological point of view it has a moderate environmental status at Mramor (Novo Selo) or poor environmental status at the level of the village of Mezgraja, at the Railway Bridge. The results of the water quality control tests show that the water is nutrient-poor and has microbiological parameters present in MPN/100 ml. Research in the field of water quality is one of the most important starting points in the proper conception of water management.
Convergent evolution in silico reveals shape and dynamic principles of directed locomotion
Authors: Biazzi Renata B , Fujita André , Takahashi Daniel Y
Published: August 2024

Active, directed locomotion on the ground is present in many phylogenetically distant species. Bilateral symmetry and modularity of the body are common traits often associated with improved directed locomotion. Nevertheless, both features result from natural selection, which is contingent (history-dependent) and multifactorial (several factors interact simultaneously). Based solely on the unique natural history on Earth, it is difficult to conclude that bilateral symmetry and modularity of the body are required traits for an improved locomotion ability as they can result from chance or be related to other body functions. As a way to avoid these caveats, we propose using physics-based simulations of 3D voxel-based soft robots evolved under different evolutionary scenarios to test the necessity of both traits for sustained and effective displacement on the ground. We found that an intermediate number of body modules (appendages) and high body symmetry are evolutionarily selected regardless of gravitational environments, robot sizes, and genotype encoding. Therefore, we conclude that both traits are strong candidates for universal principles related to improved directed locomotion.
Vangl2 suppresses NF-κB signaling and ameliorates sepsis by targeting p65 for NDP52-mediated autophagic degradation
Authors: Lu Jiansen , Zhang Jiahuan , Jiang Huaji , Hu Zhiqiang , Zhang Yufen , He Lian , Yang Jianwu , Xie Yingchao , Wu Dan , Li Hongyu , Zeng Ke , Tan Peng , Xiao Qingyue , Song Zijing , Pan Chenglong , Bai Xiaochun , Yu Xiao
Published: August 2024

Van Gogh-like 2 (Vangl2), a core planar cell polarity (PCP) component, plays an important role in polarized cellular and tissue morphology induction, growth development and cancer. However, its role in regulating inflammatory responses remains elusive. Here, we report that Vangl2 is upregulated in patients with sepsis and identify Vangl2 as a negative regulator of NF-κB signaling by regulating the protein stability and activation of the core transcription component p65. Mice with myeloid-specific deletion of Vangl2 (
Vangl2

Δ
M

) are hypersusceptible to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced septic shock. Vangl2 deficient myeloid cells exhibit enhanced phosphorylation and expression of p65, therefore, promoting the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines after LPS stimulation. Mechanistically, NF-κB signaling-induced-Vangl2 recruits E3 ubiquitin ligase PDLIM2 to catalyze K63-linked ubiquitination on p65, which serves as a recognition signal for cargo receptor NDP52-mediated selective autophagic degradation. Taken together, these findings demonstrate Vangl2 as a suppressor of NF-κB mediated inflammation and provide insights into the crosstalk between autophagy and inflammatory diseases.
Computational Engineering of a Therapeutic Antibody to Inhibit Multiple Mutants of HER2 Without Compromising Inhibition of the Canonical HER2
Authors: Peled Sapir , Guez-Haddad Julia , Biton Nevet Zur , Nimrod Guy , Fischman Sharon , Fastman Yair , Ofran Yanay
Published: August 2024

Genomic germline and somatic variations may impact drug binding and even lead to resistance. However, designing a different drug for each mutant may not be feasible. In this study, we identified the most common cancer somatic mutations from the Catalogue of Somatic Mutations in Cancer (COSMIC) that occur in structurally characterized binding sites of approved therapeutic antibodies. We found two HER2 mutations, S310Y and S310F, that substantially compromise binding of Pertuzumab, a widely used therapeutics, and lead to drug resistance. To address these mutations, we designed a multi-specific version of Pertuzumab, that retains original function while also bindings these HER2 variants. This new antibody is stable and inhibits HER3 phosphorylation in a cell-based assay for all three variants, suggesting it can inhibit HER2-HER3 dimerization in patients with any of the variants. This study demonstrates how a small number of carefully selected mutations can add new specificities to an existing antibody without compromising its original function, creating a single therapeutic antibody that targets multiple common variants, making a drug that is not personalized yet its activity may be.
An arms race between 5’ppp-RNA virus and its alternative recognition receptor MDA5 in RIG-I-lost teleost fish
Authors: Geng Shang , Lv Xing , Zheng Weiwei , Xu Tianjun
Published: August 2024

The incessant arms race between viruses and hosts has led to numerous evolutionary innovations that shape life’s evolution. During this process, the interactions between viral receptors and viruses have garnered significant interest since viral receptors are cell surface proteins exploited by viruses to initiate infection. Our study sheds light on the arms race between the MDA5 receptor and 5’ppp-RNA virus in a lower vertebrate fish,
M. miiuy
. Firstly, the frequent and independent loss events of RIG-I in vertebrates prompted us to search for alternative immune substitutes, with homology-dependent genetic compensation response (HDGCR) being the main pathway. Our further analysis suggested that MDA5 of
M. miiuy and G. gallus
, the homolog of RIG-I, can replace RIG-I in recognizing 5’ppp-RNA virus, which may lead to redundancy of RIG-I and loss from the species genome during evolution. Secondly, as an adversarial strategy, 5’ppp-RNA SCRV can utilize the m
6
A methylation mechanism to degrade MDA5 and weaken its antiviral immune ability, thus promoting its own replication and immune evasion. In summary, our study provides a snapshot into the interaction and coevolution between vertebrate and virus, offering valuable perspectives on the ecological and evolutionary factors that contribute to the diversity of the immune system.
Metabolic disruption impairs ribosomal protein levels, resulting in enhanced aminoglycoside tolerance
Authors: Shiraliyev Rauf , Orman Mehmet A
Published: August 2024

Aminoglycoside antibiotics target ribosomes and are effective against a wide range of bacteria. Here, we demonstrated that knockout strains related to energy metabolism in Escherichia coli showed increased tolerance to aminoglycosides during the mid-exponential growth phase. Contrary to expectations, these mutations did not reduce the proton motive force or aminoglycoside uptake, as there were no significant changes in metabolic indicators or intracellular gentamicin levels between wild-type and mutant strains. Our comprehensive proteomics analysis unveiled a noteworthy upregulation of proteins linked to the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle in the mutant strains during the mid-exponential growth phase, suggesting that these strains compensate for the perturbation in their energy metabolism by increasing TCA cycle activity to maintain their membrane potential and ATP levels. Furthermore, our pathway enrichment analysis shed light on local network clusters displaying downregulation across all mutant strains, which were associated with both large and small ribosomal binding proteins, ribosome biogenesis, translation factor activity, and the biosynthesis of ribonucleoside monophosphates. These findings offer a plausible explanation for the observed tolerance of aminoglycosides in the mutant strains. Altogether, this research provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of aminoglycoside tolerance, paving the way for novel strategies to combat such cells.
Defective CAPSL function causes impaired retinal angiogenesis through the MYC axis and is associated with familial exudative vitreoretinopathy
Authors: Liu Wenjing , Li Shujin , Yang Mu , Ma Jie , Liu Lu , Fei Ping , Xiang Qianchun , Huang Lulin , Zhao Peiquan , Yang Zhenglin , Zhu Xianjun
Published: August 2024

Familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) is a severe genetic disorder characterized by incomplete vascularization of the peripheral retina and associated symptoms that can lead to vision loss. However, the underlying genetic causes of approximately 50% of FEVR cases remain unknown. Here, we report two heterozygous variants, c.88C > T (p.Arg30Ter) and c.247C > T (p.Leu83Phe), in calcyphosine like (
CAPSL
), from four patients in two unrelated FEVR-affected families. Both variants exhibited compromised CAPSL protein expression. Vascular endothelial cell-specific inactivation of
Capsl
in postnatal mice resulted in defective sprouting, delayed radial/vertical vascular progression, compromised endothelial proliferation, and impaired cell migration, recapitulating the human FEVR phenotypes.
CAPSL
-depleted human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRECs) exhibited impaired tube formation, decreased cell proliferation, disrupted cell polarity establishment and filopodia/lamellipodia formation, as well as disrupted collective cell migration
in vitro
. Transcriptomic and proteomic profiling of
CAPSL
-depleted HRECs revealed that
CAPSL
abolition inhibited the MYC signaling axis, in which the expression of core MYC targeted genes were profoundly decreased. Furthermore, a combined analysis of
CAPSL
-depleted HRECs and
c-MYC
-depleted human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) uncovered similar transcription patterns. Collectively, this study reports a novel FEVR-associated candidate gene,
CAPSL
, which provides valuable information for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis of FEVR. This study also reveals that compromised CAPSL function may causes FEVR through MYC axis, shedding light on the potential involvement of MYC signaling in the pathogenesis of FEVR.
ASBAR: an Animal Skeleton-Based Action Recognition framework. Recognizing great ape behaviors in the wild using pose estimation with domain adaptation
Authors: Fuchs Michael , Genty Emilie , Zuberbühler Klaus , Cotofrei Paul
Published: August 2024

To date, the investigation and classification of animal behaviors have mostly relied on direct human observations or video recordings with posthoc analysis, which can be labor-intensive, time-consuming, and prone to human bias. Recent advances in machine learning for computer vision tasks, such as pose estimation and action recognition, thus have the potential to significantly improve and deepen our understanding of animal behavior. However, despite the increased availability of open-source toolboxes and large-scale datasets for animal pose estimation, their practical relevance for behavior recognition remains under-explored. In this paper, we propose an innovative framework,
ASBAR
, for
Animal Skeleton-Based Action Recognition
, which fully integrates animal pose estimation and behavior recognition. We demonstrate the use of this framework in a particularly challenging task: the classification of great ape natural behaviors in the wild. First, we built a robust pose estimator model leveraging OpenMonkeyChallenge, one of the largest available open-source primate pose datasets, through a benchmark analysis on several CNN models from DeepLabCut, integrated into our framework. Second, we extracted the great ape’s skeletal motion from the PanAf dataset, a large collection of in-the-wild videos of gorillas and chimpanzees annotated for natural behaviors, which we used to train and evaluate PoseConv3D from MMaction2, a second deep learning model fully integrated into our framework. We hereby classify behaviors into nine distinct categories and achieve a Top 1 accuracy of 74.98%, comparable to previous studies using video-based methods, while reducing the model’s input size by a factor of around 20. Additionally, we provide an open-source terminal-based GUI that integrates our full pipeline and release a set of 5,440 keypoint annotations to facilitate the replication of our results on other species and/or behaviors. All models, code, and data can be accessed at: https://github.com/MitchFuchs/asbar.
Subcellular visualization of the distribution of atmospheric dinitrogen fixed by Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus bacteria in maize
Authors: McMahon Greg , Rey Stephanie , Moore Katie , Greenidge Gina , Patel Dhaval , Murchie Erik H , Dent David , Cocking Edward
Published: August 2024

Plants normally obtain the nitrogen required for growth through their roots, often after application of synthetic fertilizer to the soil, at great cost to the environment and climate. Inoculation of plant seeds with nitrogen-fixing bacteria is a promising alternative means of supplying plants the nitrogen they require in an environmentally friendly manner. When maize seeds inoculated with nitrogen-fixing
Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus (Gd)
are grown for two weeks in a
15
N
2
air environment, nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS) imaging shows the distribution of fixed nitrogen with subcellular resolution, with the majority being incorporated heterogeneously into chloroplasts. Chloroplasts, as the chief energy source that drives plant growth via photosynthesis, are vital for healthy plant growth and these results help explain the observations of enhanced growth rates in plants containing this nitrogen fixing bacteria. The methodology provides a template upon which more powerful, correlative studies combining genomic and/or spatial transcriptomic methods may be based.
Kynurenine monooxygenase blockade reduces endometriosis-like lesions, improves visceral hyperalgesia, and rescues mice from a negative behavioural phenotype in experimental endometriosis
Authors: Higgins Ben , Simitsidellis Ioannis , Zheng Xiaozhong , Collins Frances , Homer Natalie ZM , Denham Scott G , Simpson Joanna P , Millar Mike , Boswell Lyndsey , Lee Hee Y , Kim Yeon G , Park Kyung H , Park Larry C , Sweeney Patrick J , Feraille Gerard , Taddei Alessandro , Chagras David , Alvarez Thierry , Webster Scott P , Horne Andrew , Saunders Philippa TK , Mole Damian J
Published: August 2024

Endometriosis is a common and debilitating neuro-inflammatory disorder that is associated with chronic pain. Definitive diagnosis is based on the presence of endometrial-like tissue (lesions) in sites outside the uterus. Kynurenine monooxygenase (KMO) is a mitochondrial enzyme of tryptophan metabolism that regulates inflammation and immunity. Here, we show that KMO is expressed in epithelial cells in human endometriosis tissue lesions and in corresponding lesions in a mouse model of endometriosis. In mice, oral treatment with the potent KMO inhibitor KNS898 induced a biochemical state of KMO blockade with accumulation of kynurenine, diversion to kynurenic acid and ablation of 3-hydroxykynurenine production. In the mouse model of endometriosis, KMO inhibition improved histological outcomes and endometriosis pain-like behaviours, even when KNS898 treatment commenced one week after initiation of lesions. Taken together, these results suggest that KMO blockade is a promising new non-hormonal therapeutic modality for endometriosis.
Cardiotoxicity detection tool for breast cancer chemotherapy: a retrospective study
Authors: Alenezi Ahmad , McKiddie Fergus , Nath Mintu , Mayya Ali , Welch Andy
Published: August 2024

Background

Patients with breast cancer undergoing biological therapy and/or chemotherapy perform multiple radionuclide angiography (RNA) or multigated acquisition (MUGA) scans to assess cardiotoxicity. The association between RNA imaging parameters and left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (LVEF) remains unclear.

Objectives

This study aimed to extract and evaluate the association of several novel imaging biomarkers to detect changes in LVEF in patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy.

Methods

We developed and optimized a novel set of MATLAB routines called the “RNA Toolbox” to extract parameters from RNA images. The code was optimized using various statistical tests (e.g., ANOVA, Bland-Altman, and intraclass correlation tests). We quantitatively analyzed the images to determine the association between these parameters using regression models and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

The code was reproducible and showed good agreement with validated clinical software for the parameters extracted from both packages. The regression model and ROC results were statistically significant in predicting LVEF (R2 = 0.40, P < 0.001) (AUC = 0.78). Some time-based, shape-based, and count-based parameters were significantly associated with post-chemotherapy LVEF (β = 0.09, P < 0.001), LVEF of phase image (β = 4, P = 0.030), approximate entropy (ApEn) (β = 11.6, P = 0.001), ApEn (diastolic and systolic) (β = 39, P = 0.002) and LV systole size (β = 0.03, P = 0.010).

Conclusions

Despite the limited sample size, we observed evidence of associations between several parameters and LVEF. We believe that these parameters will be more beneficial than the current methods for patients undergoing cardiotoxic chemotherapy. Moreover, this approach can aid physicians in evaluating subclinical cardiac changes during chemotherapy, and in understanding the potential benefits of cardioprotective drugs.
Long-term monitoring of Watson's Tree Frog Litoria watsoni and other lotic species of amphibian in the Shoalhaven Local Government Area, New South Wales
Authors: Daly Garry , Craven Philip , Bryant Jeff , Smith Michael , Melrose Rachel , Mahony Michael
Published: August 2024

Replicated systematic nocturnal searches were conducted along creeks for the endangered Watson's Tree Frog Litoria watsoni located in heath and woodland at or above 90m AHD on the south coast of New South Wales. Thirteen sites were surveyed in spring from 2001-2023. Breeding activity, including the occurrence of calling males, tadpoles, spawn and amplecting pairs was detected at 12 of the 13 surveyed sites. Within the duration of the surveys the south coast region experienced two major droughts, two wildfires and one year of exceptionally high rainfall. The number of frogs detected per year ranged from 23 to 109, with the lowest number found in 2020, some eight months after a wildfire burnt all sites. Comparisons of the mean number of frogs detected among years revealed the population took 13 years to recover from a wildfire in 2002 and was significantly impacted again by wildfire in 2020. There is evidence that drought that preceded the fires in the summer of 2019-2020 reduced the number of frogs observed prior to the commencement of the fires in late spring 2019. Fire and below average rainfall are implicated in a significant decline in L. watsoni. The number of L. watsoni and several other common species of frog observed differed among and within sites over time and illustrate the value of multi-year monitoring to understand the dynamics of population distribution and abundance with long-term variations in climatic conditions, and the effects of extreme events such as wildfire and flood. The non-endemic yabbie Cherax destructor expanded its distribution since it was initially detected at one site in 2006 and now occurs in the upper laterals of two catchments, having moved above waterfalls.
Breeding by Regent Parrots Polytelis anthopeplus in artificial nest hollows: A solution to a serious conservation problem
Authors: Mawson Peter R , Dawson Rick , Rycken Sam J. E.
Published: August 2024

The Regent Parrot Polytelis anthopeplus is a species that is now far less common and widespread than previously recorded. The nominate subspecies Polytelis anthopeplus anthopeplus found in south-west Western Australia is still widespread, but nowhere common, while the other subspecies P. a. monarchoides is listed as Endangered in New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. A conservation project conducted in Western Australia to develop a register of artificial nest hollows deployed for target species of black cockatoos Calyptorynchus sp. and Zanda sp. identified the Regent Parrot as being the species that used artificial nest hollows most often after Carnaby's Cockatoo Z. latirostris. In most instances Regent Parrots took advantage of newly deployed artificial hollows within the first 1-2 years of them becoming available. Regent Parrots used 35 of 40 large diameter (375-400 mm), 1.0-1.5 m deep artificial nest hollows at two study sites near Lake King, Western Australia. Of the artificial nest hollows used by Regent Parrots across nine monitored sites, each artificial hollow was used within 1.9±2.93 years of deployment and for an average of 2.3±1.47 years (avg±standard deviation). Individual artificial hollow use ranged from no use through to six years of use. This finding has important implications for the conservation of both subspecies of Regent Parrot.
Exploring Students’ Mathematics Performance through Self-regulated Learning
Authors: Lumoto Honey Queen A. , Decolas Crismar C. , Cabalquinto Karen E. , Miranda Aldwin T.
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to explore students' mathematics performance through self-regulated learning among first-year college students at a state college in the southern Philippines. A total of 333 students were selected using stratified random sampling, and data were gathered through surveys and academic records. Results indicated that students had a high level of self-regulated learning and achieved a 'very good' level of mathematics performance. Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between self-regulated learning and mathematics performance in blended learning. Furthermore, regression analysis identified general self-regulation, goal-setting, resource-seeking, environment management, and time management indicators of self-regulated learning as significant predictors of mathematics performance. Recommendations were made to enhance academic and extracurricular activities by integrating self-regulation strategies through self-reflective workshops, peer mentoring programs, and interactive learning sessions.
Estimation of Soil Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium Using IoT Based Sensor
Authors: Chandniha Surendra Kuman , Chouskey Harshit , Khunte S.K. , Sharma Muskan , V. Harithalekshmi
Published: August 2024

This study developed a sensor system to measure soil Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) levels. Using an Arduino-based setup, the sensors were installed at different soil locations to provide real time nutrient data. The collected data was analyzed to determine nutrient levels, and the results were visualized using ArcGIS and the IDW method. The analysis showed significant variability in soil nutrient levels. Nitrogen levels were low in many locations, indicating a need for nitrogen fertilization. Phosphorus levels were mostly high, suggesting that additional phosphorus fertilization is not needed in most areas. Potassium levels were low in some locations, indicating the need for potassium fertilization in several locations. These findings helped to understand of nutrient dynamics in agricultural soils and underscore the role of IoT technology in precision agriculture for improving nutrient management strategies.
Comparison of intramuscular haloperidol and other short-acting injectable antipsychotics for management of acute agitation in an adult inpatient psychiatry unit
Authors: Gamcsik Sarah , Adams Katie S.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

There is no consensus on the optimal antipsychotic for acute agitation. Whereas haloperidol is frequently used and has proven efficacy, second generation antipsychotics show similar efficacy and improved safety and tolerability. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of short-acting intramuscular (IM) haloperidol versus other IM antipsychotics for acute agitation in adults admitted to an inpatient psychiatry unit.

Methods

This was a retrospective medical record review of patients who received 1 or more doses of a short-acting IM antipsychotic, including chlorpromazine, haloperidol, olanzapine, or ziprasidone. The primary endpoint was the need for subsequent IM antipsychotic(s) or physical restraint within 2 hours of the initial IM antipsychotic. Secondary endpoints assessed outcomes at 24 hours and adverse events.

Results

One hundred six patients were included. Four patients in the haloperidol group and 0 patients in the other antipsychotic group received an additional IM antipsychotic or required physical restraints within 2 hours (5.3% versus 0%, p = .319). More patients in the other antipsychotic group required an additional dose of IM antipsychotic within 24 hours compared with the haloperidol group (p = .0096). More adverse events were seen in patients who received haloperidol.

Discussion

Haloperidol was used more frequently than other short-acting IM antipsychotics. Whereas the effectiveness at 2 hours was not significantly different between groups, patients who received haloperidol were more likely to experience adverse events and were more often subjected to polypharmacy with benzodiazepines and/or diphenhydramine. This study further supports the use of olanzapine and ziprasidone for acute agitation in patients hospitalized in inpatient psychiatry.
The Impact of Suppressing the Typical Life Events on the Reminiscence Bump
Authors: Ece Berivan , Gülgöz Sami
Published: July 2014

The aim of the study was to explore the impact of suppressing typical life events on the reminiscence bump in life script and autobiographical memory distributions. With an instruction to exclude typical life events, half of 142 participants older than 45 years (Mage = 51.82, SD = 4.80) reported expected life events and the other half reported autobiographical memories. Age at event, importance, emotional valence, and intensity ratings were reported for each event. The reminiscence bump disappeared in autobiographical memory distribution. In life script distribution, it disappeared for the intervals between 21 and 30 years, whereas it reduced for age intervals 16–20 and 31–35 years. However, these intervals were not significantly different from the preceding and following ones regarding the number of reported events. Characteristics of typical life events and their corresponding lifetime period had a role in the emergence of the reminiscence bump. Results are discussed in terms of multiple accounts of the bump. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Manganese Dioxide‐Mediated Oxidative Coupling of 1,3‐Dicarbonyl Compounds with α,β‐Unsaturated Ketones: Direct Access to 3,4‐Dicarbonyl Substituted Furans
Authors: Yue Yuanyuan , Zhang Yuanli , Song Weiwei , Zhang Xin , Liu Jianming , Zhuo Kelei
Published: July 2014

An efficient manganese dioxide‐mediated and highly selective oxidative CH/CH functionalization of 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds with α,β‐unsaturated ketones for the construction of tetrasubstituted furans in one step has been demonstrated. This catalytic system converts two CH bonds and CO bonds to CC and CO bonds. This reaction provides a facile and regio‐defined method for the synthesis of 3,4‐dicarbonyl substituted furans.

magnified image
Rare functional variants in genome–wide association identified candidate genes for nonsyndromic clefts in the African population
Authors: Butali Azeez , Mossey Peter , Adeyemo Wasiu , Eshete Mekonen , Gaines Lauren , Braimah Ramat , Aregbesola Babatunde , Rigdon Jennifer , Emeka Christian , Olutayo James , Ogunlewe Olugbenga , Ladeinde Akinola , Abate Fikre , Hailu Taye , Mohammed Ibrahim , Gravem Paul , Deribew Milliard , Gesses Mulualem , Adeyemo Adebowale , Marazita Mary , Murray Jeffrey
Published: July 2014

Nonsyndromic clefts of the lip and palate (NSCLP) are complex genetic traits. Together, they are classified as one of the most common birth defects with a prevalence of 1/700 live births. Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) for nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL[P]) revealed significant association for common single nucleotide polymorphisms near genes involved in craniofacial development i.e., MAFB, PAX7, VAX1, ARHGAP29 (ABCA4 locus), and IRF6. Sequencing of protein coding regions of the NSCL(P) GWAS candidate genes or adjacent genes suggest a role for rare functional variants. Replication studies in the African population did not observe any significant association with the GWAS candidate genes. On the other hand, the role of rare functional variants in GWAS candidate genes has not been evaluated in the African population. We obtained saliva samples from case triads in Nigeria and Ethiopia for Sanger sequencing of the GWAS candidate genes (MAFB, PAX7, VAX1, ARHGAP29, and IRF6) in order to identify rare functional variants. A total of 220 African samples (140 Nigerians and 80 Ethiopians) were sequenced and we found the following new rare variants— p.His165Asn in the MAFB gene, p.Asp428Asn in the PAX7, a splice‐site variant that creates a new donor splice‐site in PAX7. We also found three previously reported missense variants p.Gly466Ser in PAX7; p.Leu913Ser and Arg955His in ARHGAP29. No de novo mutations were found. Future genome‐wide association and sequencing studies should be conducted using samples from Africa in order to identify new molecular genetic factors that contribute to the etiology of NSCLP. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Scalar Aharonov‐Bohm‐type effect induced by Lorentz symmetry breaking effects
Authors: de Lima A. G. , Belich Humberto , Bakke Knut
Published: July 2014

A possible scenario of the Lorentz symmetry violation is discussed based on the arising of geometric quantum phases yielded by the effects of the Lorentz symmetry violation in the CPT‐even gauge sector of Standard Model Extension. Analogues of the Anandan quantum phase and the scalar Aharonov‐Bohm effect for a neutral particle [J. Anandan, Phys. Lett. A 138, 347 (1989)] are obtained from the parity‐odd sector of the tensor . Moreover, we build quantum holonomies associated with the analogue of the Anandan quantum phase and discuss a possible analogy with the geometric quantum computation [A. Ekert et al., J. Mod. Opt. 47, 2501 (2000)].

image
Ultra‐Low‐Field NMR Relaxation and Diffusion Measurements Using an Optical Magnetometer
Authors: Ganssle Paul J. , Shin Hyun D. , Seltzer Scott J. , Bajaj Vikram S. , Ledbetter Micah P. , Budker Dmitry , Knappe Svenja , Kitching John , Pines Alexander
Published: July 2014

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxometry and diffusometry are important tools for the characterization of heterogeneous materials and porous media, with applications including medical imaging, food characterization and oil‐well logging. These methods can be extremely effective in applications where high‐resolution NMR is either unnecessary, impractical, or both, as is the case in the emerging field of portable chemical characterization. Here, we present a proof‐of‐concept experiment demonstrating the use of high‐sensitivity optical magnetometers as detectors for ultra‐low‐field NMR relaxation and diffusion measurements.
Versatile poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) poly(styrenesulfonate) films on polydimethylsiloxane substrates having random micro ridges: Study of resistive behaviors of a polymer–polymer laminate
Authors: Mehdi Murtuza , Cho Kyung Ho , Choi Kyung Hyun
Published: July 2014

Conductive polymers such as poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) poly(styrenesulfonate) or PEDOT:PSS has become increasingly important in present day organic electronics. PEDOT:PSS being a polymer is more durable than metals used in electronics and thus offers greater mechanical flexibility during operation. This article presents results regarding resistive behaviors of blade coated PEDOT:PSS films on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate having random micro ridges as a function of axial strain and different temperatures. The average resistance of the blade coated PEDOT:PSS films were found to increase by 1.4 times between 35 and 45% axial strain. The resistances of the films were found to change within the temperature range of 25–230°C without any thermal morphological degradations and the polymer–polymer laminate also showed linear thermal actuation behavior. These results suggest that the blade coated PEDOT:PSS films on PDMS substrates with random micro ridges can be potentially useful in versatile applications like stretchable conductors, thermal actuators, thermoelectric generators, and as heating surfaces. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41235.
Excellent biocompatible polymeric membranes prepared via layer‐by‐layer self‐assembly
Authors: Xiang Tao , Wang Rui , Qin Hui , Xiang Hui , Su Bai‐Hai , Zhao Chang‐Sheng
Published: July 2014

Excellent biocompatible polymeric membranes were prepared by combining the antifouling property of poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether (mPEG) and the anticoagulant property of poly(sodium p‐styrene sulfonate) (PSS). Block copolymers of poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether‐b‐poly(sodium p‐styrene sulfonate) (mPEG‐b‐PSS) with different chain lengths were synthesized by ATRP using mPEG macroinitiator. The copolymers were then used to modify polyethersulfone (PES) membrane via layer‐by‐layer (LBL) self‐assembly technology. The chemical compositions, surface morphologies and hydrophilicity of the modified membranes were characterized, indicating that the mPEG‐b‐PSS copolymers were successfully deposited on the membranes surfaces. Then, the blood compatibility and cytocompatibility of the modified membranes were systematically investigated. The results indicated that the mPEG‐b‐PSS copolymers could improve the hydrophilicity and the resistance to protein adsorption, and had great effect on suppressing platelet adhesion, prolonging clotting times, and improving cytocompatibility. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41245.
Electrospun polymeric coatings on aluminum alloy as a straightforward approach for corrosion protection
Authors: Firouzi Amin , Del Gaudio Costantino , lamastra Francesca Romana , Montesperelli Giampiero , Bianco Alessandra
Published: July 2014

Several metals and alloys are susceptible to corrosion attack and this usually implies the accurate selection of a specific material depending on the working conditions and the characteristics of the environment to which it will be exposed to. However, it could represent a restriction at the same time because a limited range of materials can be practically considered. In addition, they could be also characterized by unsuitable properties for the intended application and high costs. To address this issue, polymeric coatings exhibit high potentiality to be a valid alternative to toxic chromates, allowing to deal with the most appropriate metallic materials and affordable deposition procedures. In this work, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibrous coating was successfully collected onto aluminum alloy‐6082 by means of electrospinning technique. The anticorrosion performance of the final system has been evaluated in 3 wt % NaCl solution by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). To avoid PVA disintegration in aqueous environment, several crosslinking procedures were assessed using glyoxal. The two most promising ones (120°C for 60 min and 150°C for 15 min) were then considered for a further investigation. Crosslinked PVA mats showed improved properties as compared to the as‐spun case, as demonstrated by mechanical and thermal analyses. Electrochemical tests revealed that crosslinked coatings can protect aluminum substrates against corrosion, especially for the electrospun PVA coating treated at 120°C. In this case, after 270 h, a significant corrosion resistance of about 26 kΩ was recorded with respect to the blank alloy (about 3.8 kΩ). © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41250.
Engineering the oxygen sensing regulation results in an enhanced recombinant human hemoglobin production by Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Martínez José L. , Liu Lifang , Petranovic Dina , Nielsen Jens
Published: July 2014

Efficient production of appropriate oxygen carriers for transfusions (blood substitutes or artificial blood) has been pursued for many decades, and to date several strategies have been used, from synthetic polymers to cell‐free hemoglobin carriers. The recent advances in the field of metabolic engineering also allowed the generation of different genetically modified organisms for the production of recombinant human hemoglobin. Several studies have showed very promising results using the bacterium Escherichia coli as a production platform, reporting hemoglobin titers above 5% of the total cell protein content. However, there are still certain limitations regarding the protein stability and functionality of the recombinant hemoglobin produced in bacterial systems. In order to overcome these limitations, yeast systems have been proposed as the eukaryal alternative. We recently reported the generation of a set of plasmids to produce functional human hemoglobin in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, with final titers of active hemoglobin exceeding 4% of the total cell protein. In this study, we propose a strategy for further engineering S. cerevisiae by altering the oxygen sensing pathway by deleting the transcription factor HAP1, which resulted in an increase of the final recombinant active hemoglobin titer exceeding 7% of the total cellular protein. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2015;112: 181–188. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development and validation of an ultra‐performance liquid chromatography method for simultaneous analysis of 20 antihistaminics in dietary supplements
Authors: Kim Jung Yeon , Do Jung‐Ah , Choi Ji Yeon , Cho Sooyeul , Kim Woo‐Seong , Yoon Chang‐Yong
Published: July 2014

The purpose of this study was to develop and validate an ultra‐performance liquid chromatography method for simultaneous analysis of 20 antihistamines (illegal additives) in dietary supplements. The limits of detection and quantitation of the method ranged from 1.5 to 2.5 µg/mL and from 20.0 to 50.0 µg/mL, respectively. The determination coefficient was >0.999, precisions were 0.2–5.1% (intra‐day) and 0.1–8.8% (inter‐day), and accuracies were 84.5–111.2% (intra‐day) and 91.9–112.0% (inter‐day). The mean recoveries of 20 targeted compounds from dietary supplements ranged from 75.4 to 119.3%. The relative standard deviations were <6.6% and complied with established international guidelines. The relative standard deviation of stability was <0.8%. Fifty‐two commercially available dietary supplements were evaluated using this method, and were found to have none of the 20 antihistamines in significant abundance. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long‐Term Performance of Chemically and Physically Modified Activated Carbons in Air Cathodes of Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyuan , Pant Deepak , Zhang Fang , Liu Jia , He Weihua , Logan Bruce E.
Published: July 2014

Activated carbon (AC) is a low‐cost and effective catalyst for oxygen reduction in air cathodes of microbial fuel cells (MFCs), but its performance must be maintained over time. AC was modified by three methods: 1) pyrolysis with iron ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (AC‐Fe), 2) heat treatment (AC‐heat), and 3) mixing with carbon black (AC‐CB). The maximum power densities after one month with these AC cathodes were 35 % higher with AC‐Fe (1410±50 mW m−2) and AC‐heat (1400±20 mW m−2), and 16 % higher with AC‐CB (1210±30 mW m−2) than for plain AC (1040±20 mW m−2), versus 1270±50 mW m−2 for a Pt control. After 16 months, the Pt cathodes produced only 250±10 mW m−2. However, the AC‐heat and AC‐CB cathodes still produced 960–970 mW m−2, whereas plain AC produced 860±60 mW m−2. The performance of the AC cathodes was restored to >85 % of the initial maximum power densities by cleaning with a weak acid solution. Based on cost considerations among the AC materials, AC‐CB appears to be the best choice for long‐term performance.
Energy and Chemicals from the Selective Electrooxidation of Renewable Diols by Organometallic Fuel Cells
Authors: Bellini Marco , Bevilacqua Manuela , Filippi Jonathan , Lavacchi Alessandro , Marchionni Andrea , Miller Hamish A. , Oberhauser Werner , Vizza Francesco , Annen Samuel P. , Grützmacher H.
Published: July 2014

Organometallic fuel cells catalyze the selective electrooxidation of renewable diols, simultaneously providing high power densities and chemicals of industrial importance. It is shown that the unique organometallic complex [Rh(OTf)(trop2NH)(PPh3)] employed as molecular active site in an anode of an OMFC selectively oxidizes a number of renewable diols, such as ethylene glycol , 1,2‐propanediol (1,2‐P), 1,3‐propanediol (1,3‐P), and 1,4‐butanediol (1,4‐B) to their corresponding mono‐carboxylates. The electrochemical performance of this molecular catalyst is discussed, with the aim to achieve cogeneration of electricity and valuable chemicals in a highly selective electrooxidation from diol precursors.