bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The efficacy of PI3Kγ and EGFR inhibitors on the suppression of the characteristics of cancer stem cells
Authors: Xu Yanning , Afify Said M. , Du Juan , Liu Bingbing , Hassan Ghmkin , Wang Qing , Li Hanbo , Liu Yixin , Fu Xiaoying , Zhu Zhengmao , Chen Ling , Seno Masaharu
Published: January 2022

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are capable of continuous proliferation, self-renewal and are proposed to play significant roles in oncogenesis, tumor growth, metastasis and cancer recurrence. We have established a model of CSCs that was originally developed from mouse induced pluripotent stem cells (miPSCs) by proposing miPSCs to the conditioned medium (CM) of cancer derived cells, which is a mimic of carcinoma microenvironment. Further research found that not only PI3K-Akt but also EGFR signaling pathway was activated during converting miPSCs into CSCs. In this study, we tried to observe both of PI3Kγ inhibitor Eganelisib and EGFR inhibitor Gefitinib antitumor effects on the models of CSCs derived from miPSCs (miPS-CSC) in vitro and in vivo. As the results, targeting these two pathways exhibited significant inhibition of cell proliferation, self-renewal, migration and invasion abilities in vitro. Both Eganelisib and Gefitinib showed antitumor effects in vivo while Eganelisib displayed more significant therapeutic efficacy and less side effects than Gefitinib on all miPS-CSC models. Thus, these data suggest that the inhibitiors of PI3K and EGFR, especially PI3Kγ, might be a promising therapeutic strategy against CSCs defeating cancer in the near future.
Validation and recalibration of OxMIV in predicting violent behaviour in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders
Authors: Lamsma Jelle , Yu Rongqin , Fazel Seena ,   Genetic Risk and Outcome of Psychosis (GROUP) investigators, van Amelsvoort Therese , Bartels-Velthuis Agna , Cahn Wiepke , de Haan Lieuwe , Schirmbeck Frederike , Simons Claudia
Published: January 2022

Oxford Mental Illness and Violence (OxMIV) addresses the need in mental health services for a scalable, transparent and valid tool to predict violent behaviour in patients with severe mental illness. However, external validations are lacking. Therefore, we have used a Dutch sample of general psychiatric patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (N = 637) to evaluate the performance of OxMIV in predicting interpersonal violence over 3 years. The predictors and outcome were measured with standardized instruments and multiple sources of information. Patients were mostly male (n = 493, 77%) and, on average, 27 (SD = 7) years old. The outcome rate was 9% (n = 59). Discrimination, as measured by the area under the curve, was moderate at 0.67 (95% confidence interval 0.61–0.73). Calibration-in-the-large was adequate, with a ratio between predicted and observed events of 1.2 and a Brier score of 0.09. At the individual level, risks were systematically underestimated in the original model, which was remedied by recalibrating the intercept and slope of the model. Probability scores generated by the recalibrated model can be used as an adjunct to clinical decision-making in Dutch mental health services.
A prognostic model of non small cell lung cancer based on TCGA and ImmPort databases
Authors: Yang Dongliang , Ma Xiaobin , Song Peng
Published: January 2022

Bioinformatics methods are used to construct an immune gene prognosis assessment model for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and to screen biomarkers that affect the occurrence and prognosis of NSCLC. The transcriptomic data and clinicopathological data of NSCLC and cancer-adjacent normal tissues were downloaded from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and the immune-related genes were obtained from the IMMPORT database (http://www.immport.org/); then, the differentially expressed immune genes were screened out. Based on these genes, an immune gene prognosis model was constructed. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used for univariate and multivariate analyses. Further, the correlations among the risk score, clinicopathological characteristics, tumor microenvironment, and the prognosis of NSCLC were analyzed. A total of 193 differentially expressed immune genes related to NSCLC were screened based on the "wilcox.test" in R language, and Cox single factor analysis showed that 19 differentially expressed immune genes were associated with the prognosis of NSCLC (P < 0.05). After including 19 differentially expressed immune genes with P < 0.05 into the Cox multivariate analysis, an immune gene prognosis model of NSCLC was constructed (it included 13 differentially expressed immune genes). Based on the risk score, the samples were divided into the high-risk and low-risk groups. The Kaplan–Meier survival curve results showed that the 5-year overall survival rate in the high-risk group was 32.4%, and the 5-year overall survival rate in the low-risk group was 53.7%. The receiver operating characteristic model curve confirmed that the prediction model had a certain accuracy (AUC = 0.673). After incorporating multiple variables into the Cox regression analysis, the results showed that the immune gene prognostic risk score was an independent predictor of the prognosis of NSCLC patients. There was a certain correlation between the risk score and degree of neutrophil infiltration in the tumor microenvironment. The NSCLC immune gene prognosis assessment model was constructed based on bioinformatics methods, and it can be used to calculate the prognostic risk score of NSCLC patients. Further, this model is expected to provide help for clinical judgment of the prognosis of NSCLC patients.
The metabolic cost of turning right side up in the Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca)
Authors: Ewart Heather E. , Tickle Peter G. , Sellers William I. , Lambertz Markus , Crossley Dane A. , Codd Jonathan R.
Published: January 2022

Armoured, rigid bodied animals, such as Testudines, must self-right should they find themselves in an inverted position. The ability to self-right is an essential biomechanical and physiological process that influences survival and ultimately fitness. Traits that enhance righting ability may consequently offer an evolutionary advantage. However, the energetic requirements of self-righting are unknown. Using respirometry and kinematic video analysis, we examined the metabolic cost of self-righting in the terrestrial Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoise and compared this to the metabolic cost of locomotion at a moderate, easily sustainable speed. We found that self-righting is, relatively, metabolically expensive and costs around two times the mass-specific power required to walk. Rapid movements of the limbs and head facilitate successful righting however, combined with the constraints of breathing whilst upside down, contribute a significant metabolic cost. Consequently, in the wild, these animals should favour environments or behaviours where the risk of becoming inverted is reduced.
Reliability of hip joint position sense tests using a clinically applicable measurement tool in elderly participants with unilateral hip osteoarthritis
Authors: Reddy Ravi Shankar , Tedla Jaya Shanker , Alshahrani Mastour Saeed , Asiri Faisal , Kakaraparthi Venkata Nagaraj , Samuel Paul Silvian , Kandakurti Praveen Kumar
Published: January 2022

Hip joint proprioception is vital in maintaining posture and stability in elderly individuals. Examining hip joint position sense (JPS) using reliable tools is important in contemporary clinical practice. The objective of this study is to evaluate the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of hip JPS tests using a clinically applicable measurement tool in elderly individuals with unilateral hip osteoarthritis (OA). Sixty-two individuals (mean age = 67.5 years) diagnosed with unilateral hip OA participated in this study. The JPS tests were evaluated using a digital inclinometer in hip flexion and abduction directions. The absolute difference between target and reproduced angle (repositioning error) in degrees was taken to measure JPS accuracy. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC (2.k), was used to assess the reliability. The Intra rater-reliability for hip JPS tests showed very good agreement in the lying position (hip flexion-ICC = 0.88–0.92; standard error of measurement (SEM) = 0.06–0.07, hip abduction-ICC = 0.89–0.91; SEM = 0.06–0.07) and good agreement in the standing position (hip flexion-ICC = 0.69–0.72; SEM = 0.07, hip abduction-ICC = 0.66–0.69; SEM = 0.06–0.08). Likewise, inter-rater reliability for hip JPS tests demonstrated very good agreement in the lying position (hip flexion-ICC = 0.87–0.89; SEM = 0.06–0.07, hip abduction-ICC = 0.87–0.91; SEM = 0.07) and good agreement in the standing position (hip flexion-ICC = 0.64–0.66; SEM = 0.08, hip abduction-ICC = 0.60–0.72; SEM = 0.06–0.09). The results support the use of hip JPS tests in clinical practice and should be incorporated in assessing and managing elderly participants with hip OA.
Stabilization of 1D solitons by fractional derivatives in systems with quintic nonlinearity
Authors: Stephanovich V. A. , Olchawa W.
Published: January 2022

We study theoretically the properties of a soliton solution of the fractional Schrödinger equation with quintic nonlinearity. Under “fractional” we understand the Schrödinger equation, where ordinary Laplacian (second spatial derivative in 1D) is substituted by its fractional counterpart with Lévy index $$\alpha$$
α
. We speculate that the latter substitution corresponds to phenomenological account for disorder in a system. Using analytical (variational and perturbative) and numerical arguments, we have shown that while in the case of Schrödinger equation with the ordinary Laplacian (corresponding to Lévy index $$\alpha =2$$

α
=
2

), the soliton is unstable, even infinitesimal difference $$\alpha$$
α
from 2 immediately stabilizes the soliton texture. Our analytical and numerical investigations of $$\omega (N)$$

ω
(
N
)

dependence ($$\omega$$
ω
is soliton frequency and N its mass) show (within the famous Vakhitov–Kolokolov criterion) the stability of our soliton texture in the fractional $$\alpha <2$$

α
<
2

case. Direct numerical analysis of the linear stability problem of soliton texture also confirms this point. We show analytically and numerically that fractional Schrödinger equation with quintic nonlinearity admits the existence of (stable) soliton textures at $$2/3<\alpha <2$$

2
/
3
<
α
<
2

, which is in accord with existing literature data. These results may be relevant to both Bose–Einstein condensates in cold atomic gases and optical solitons in the disordered media.
Seasonal pattern of food habits of large herbivores in riverine alluvial grasslands of Brahmaputra floodplains, Assam
Authors: Devi Anita , Hussain Syed Ainul , Sharma Monika , Gopi Govindan Veeraswami , Badola Ruchi
Published: January 2022

Jarman–Bell (1974) hypothesized that in the dry savanna of Africa, small-bodied herbivores tend to browse more on forage with high protein and low fibre content. This implies browsing on high nutritive forage by meso-herbivores, and grazing and mixed feeding on coarse forage by mega-herbivores. We tested this hypothesis in the riverine alluvial grasslands of the Kaziranga National Park (KNP), where seasonal flood and fire play an important role in shaping the vegetation structure. We analyzed the feeding habits and quality of major forage species consumed by three mega-herbivores, viz. greater one-horned rhino, Asian elephant, and Asiatic wild buffalo, and three meso-herbivores, viz. swamp deer, hog deer, and sambar. We found that both mega and meso-herbivores were grazers and mixed feeders. Overall, 25 forage plants constituted more than 70% of their diet. Among monocots, family Poaceae with Saccharum spp. (contributing > 9% of the diet), and, among dicots, family Rhamnaceae with Ziziphus jujuba (contributing > 4% of the diet) fulfilled the dietary needs. In the dry season, the concentration of crude protein, neutral detergent fibre, calcium, sodium, and phosphorous varied significantly between monocots and dicots, whereas only calcium and sodium concentrations varied significantly in the wet season. Dicots were found to be more nutritious throughout the year. Compared to the dry season, the monocots, viz. Alpinia nigra, Carex vesicaria, Cynodon dactylon, Echinochloa crus-galli, Hemarthria compressa, Imperata cylindrica, and Saccharum spp., with their significantly high crude protein, were more nutritious during the wet season. Possibly due to the availability of higher quality monocots in the wet season, both mega and meso-herbivores consume it in high proportion. We concluded that the Jarman–Bell principle does not apply to riverine alluvial grasslands as body size did not explain the interspecific dietary patterns of the mega and meso-herbivores. This can be attributed to seasonal floods, habitat and forage availability, predation risk, and management practices such as controlled burning of the grasslands. The ongoing succession and invasion processes, anthropogenic pressures, and lack of grassland conservation policy are expected to affect the availability of the principal forage and suitable habitat of large herbivores in the Brahmaputra floodplains, which necessitates wet grassland-based management interventions for the continued co-existence of large herbivores in such habitats.
A comparative study of suction blister epidermal grafting and automated blister epidermal micrograft in stable vitiligo
Authors: Gao Pei-Rong , Wang Chi-Hui , Lin Yu-Jr , Huang Yu-Huei , Chang Ya-Ching , Chung Wen-Hung , Ng Chau Yee
Published: January 2022

The automated blister epidermal micrograft (ABEM) is a newly introduced surgical transplantation for refractory vitiligo. Comparative analysis of other surgical methods is lacking. We conducted a retrospective study to compare the efficacy, safety, and experience of ABEM with conventional suction blister epidermal graft (SBEG). A total of 118 anatomically based vitiligo lesions from 75 patients were included. The primary outcome was the degree of repigmentation; the patient and operator experience were evaluated. SBEG had a significantly greater incidence of repigmentation (p < 0.001), as measured by the Physician Global Assessment, as well as improvements in the Vitiligo Area Scoring Index, particularly on the face/neck area (p < 0.001). ABEM, on the contrary, had reduced donor harvest time, a better patient operative experience, and more significant Dermatology Life Quality Index improvements. In a subgroup of 38 lesions from ten patients who received both SBEG and ABEM concomitantly, there was no difference in the degree of repigmentation in the same recipient area. Overall, the degree of repigmentation for SBEG is higher than ABEM, especially in the mobilized region, and the cost is less expensive. On the contrary, ABEM requires less procedure learning curve and can supply a greater transplanting zone with shorter donor site recovery. Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of two blister grafting procedures is essential for optimal surgical outcomes for vitiligo grafting.
A two-way 224-Gbit/s PAM4-based fibre-FSO converged system
Authors: Lu Hai-Han , Li Chung-Yi , Tsai Wen-Shing , Chang Poh-Suan , Lin Yan-Yu , Chen Yu-Ting , Liu Chen-Xuan , Ko Ting
Published: January 2022

A two-way 224-Gbit/s four-level pulse amplitude modulation (PAM4)-based fibre-free-space optical (FSO) converged system through a 25-km single-mode fibre (SMF) transport with 500-m free-space transmission is successfully constructed, which adopts injection-locked vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers with polarisation-multiplexing mechanism for a demonstration. Compared with one-way transmission, two-way transmission is an attractive architecture for fibre-FSO converged system. Two-way transmission over SMF transport with free-space transmission not only reduces the required number of fibres and the setups of free-space transmission, but also provides the advantage of capacity doubling. Incorporating dual-wavelength four-level pulse amplitude modulation (PAM4) modulation with polarisation-multiplexing mechanism, the transmission capacity of fibre-FSO converged system is significantly enhanced to 224 Gbit/s (56 Gbit/s PAM4/wavelength × 2-wavelength × 2-polarisation) for downlink/uplink transmission. Bit error rate and PAM4 eye diagrams (downstream/upstream) perform well over 25-km SMF transport with 500-m free-space transmission. This proposed two-way fibre-FSO converged system is a prominent one not only because of its development in the integration of fibre backbone with optical wireless extension, but also because of its advantage in two-way transmission for affording high downlink/uplink data rate with good transmission performance.
Influence of calcareous nodules content on scaling effect in shear strength of cohesive soil containing calcareous nodules
Authors: Liang Chuan-yang , Wu Yue-dong , Liu Jian , Zhang Lei , Lin Lai-he , Chen Da-shuo
Published: January 2022

The difference in the shear strength and other characteristics of the cohesive soil containing calcareous nodules (CSCN) between samples with large size and corresponding scaling size, which is called scaling effect, is significantly affected by its calcareous nodule content (CNC) of the gradation composition. However, current researches rarely reveal the influence of the CNC on the scaling effect in shear strength of samples. In this study, how and why the CNC affects the scaling effect in shear strength were explored. Then a method to reduce the scaling effect based on the reason for influence was proposed. Results show that the correlation between the scaling effect in shear strength and the CNC presents a step curve. This is attributed to that it is easier to form a skeleton effect in samples with scaling size for the same CNC. Considering the skeleton effect, a calculation model for the shear strength parameters of CSCN samples with large size is proposed to reduce the scaling effect. This paper demonstrates that the proposed calculation model provides an access to obtain calculated shear strength parameters of CSCN samples with large size by using measured results of samples with corresponding scaling size.
Percutaneous iliosacral screw and trans-iliac trans-sacral screw with single C-arm fluoroscope intensifier is a safe treatment for pelvic ring injuries
Authors: Chen Jui-Ping , Tsai Ping-Jui , Su Chun-Yi , Tseng I.-Chuan , Chou Ying-Chao , Chen I.-Jung , Lee Pai-Wei , Yu Yi-Hsun
Published: January 2022

To elucidate the accuracy, efficacy, and safety of percutaneous iliosacral screw (ISS) and trans-iliac trans-sacral screw (TITS) insertion using a single C-arm fluoroscopy intensifier. Additionally, the potential risk factors that might cause mal-positioned screws were identified. Patients with pelvic ring injuries who underwent percutaneous screw fixation in a single medical institute were divided into an ISS group (n = 59) and a TITS group (n = 62) and assessed. The angles deviated from ideal orientation (ADIO) of the implanted screw were measured, and potential risk factors for mal-positioned screws were analyzed. Overall, the reduction quality of the pelvic ring was good or excellent in 70 patients (82.4%) by Matta’s criteria and in 48 patients (56.5%) by Lefaivre’s criteria. ADIO measurements of the ISS and TITS groups via multi-planar computed tomography were 9.16° ± 6.97° and 3.09° ± 2.8° in the axial view, respectively, and 5.92° ± 3.65° and 2.10° ± 2.01° in the coronal view, respectively. Univariate statistical analysis revealed body mass index as the single potential risk factor of mal-positioned screws. With careful preoperative planning and intraoperative preparations, placing ISS and TITS under the guidance of single C-arm fluoroscopy intensifier is a reliable and safe technique. Caution should be exercised when performing this procedure in patients with a high body mass index.
Is a downwards head tilt a cross-cultural signal of dominance? Evidence for a universal visual illusion
Authors: Witkower Zachary , Hill Alexander K. , Koster Jeremy , Tracy Jessica L.
Published: January 2022

The present pre-registered research provides the first evidence that a downwards head tilt is sufficient to communicate dominance from a neutral facial expression among the Mayangna, members of an unindustrialized, small-scale traditional society in Nicaragua who have had minimal exposure to North American culture. Consistent with the Action Unit imposter effect observed in North American populations (Witkower and Tracy in Psychol Sci 30:893–906, 2019), changes to the appearance of the upper face caused by a downwards head tilt were sufficient to elicit perceptions of dominance among this population. Given that the Mayangna are unlikely to associate a downwards head tilt or related apparent facial changes with dominance as a result of cross-cultural learning, the present results suggest that perceptions of dominance formed from a downwards head tilt, and the visual illusion shaping these perceptions, are a widely generalizable, and possibly universal, feature of human psychology.
Association between age-related cataract and blepharoptosis in Korean adults: a population-based study
Authors: Na Kyung-Sun , Jung Su-Kyung , Jung Younhea , Han Kyungdo , Lee Jiyoung , Paik Ji-Sun , Yang Suk-Woo
Published: January 2022

Cataract and blepharoptosis are both commonly encountered ophthalmic problems in older adults. Since they share similar risk factors, it is plausible that there may be an association between the two conditions. We examined data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2010–2012 to determine if there is an association between age-related cataract and blepharoptosis. Multivariable adjusted logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for association of each specific type of cataract with presence of blepharoptosis. Of the 10,387 eligible participants, 4782 (46.0%) had cataract and 1419 (15.8%) had blepharoptosis. There were more participants with blepharoptosis in the cataract group, compared with those in the no cataract group. After adjusting for potential confounders, participants with blepharoptosis had a higher risk of total cataract (OR: 1.557, 95% CI 1.201–2.019) and nuclear subtype cataract (OR: 1.305, 95% CI 1.050–1.620). Blepharoptosis was associated with significantly higher odds of cataract in obese participants when compared with non-obese participants (p for interaction = 0.0236). Our study revealed a positive association between age-related cataract and blepharoptosis; it suggests that thorough ophthalmic assessment is needed when assessing patients who are planning cataract or blepharoptosis surgery.
Biological composition analysis of a natural medicine, Faeces Vespertilionis, with complex sources using DNA metabarcoding
Authors: Zhang Xiaoying , Wang Wenxiu , Yu Xiaolei , Liu Yuxia , Li Wenhui , Yang Hongxia , Cui Ying , Tian Xiaoxuan
Published: January 2022

Faeces Vespertilionis is a commonly used fecal traditional Chinese medicine. Traditionally, it is identified relying only on morphological characters. This poses a serious challenge to the composition analysis accuracy of this complex biological mixture. Thus, for quality control purposes, an accurate and effective method should be provided for taxonomic identification of Faeces Vespertilionis. In this study, 26 samples of Faeces Vespertilionis from ten provinces in China were tested using DNA metabarcoding. Seven operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were detected as belonging to bats. Among them, Hipposideros armiger (Hodgson, 1835) and Rhinolophus ferrumequinum (Schober and Grimmberger, 1997) were the main host sources of Faeces Vespertilionis samples, with average relative abundances of 59.3% and 24.1%, respectively. Biodiversity analysis showed that Diptera and Lepidoptera were the most frequently consumed insects. At the species level, 19 taxa were clearly identified. Overall, our study used DNA metabarcoding to analyze the biological composition of Faeces Vespertilionis, which provides a new idea for the quality control of this special traditional Chinese medicine.
Direct matching between the flow factor approach model and molecular dynamics simulation for nanochannel flows
Authors: Jiang Chuntao , Zhang Yongbin
Published: January 2022

Mathematically formulating nanochannel flows is challenging. Here, the values of the characteristic parameters were extracted from molecular dynamics simulation (MDS), and directly input to the closed-form explicit flow factor approach model (FFAM) for nanochannel flows. By this way, the physical nature of the simulated system in FFAM is the same with that in MDS. Two nano slit channel heights respectively with two different liquid-channel wall interactions were addressed. The flow velocity profiles across the channel height respectively calculated from MDS and FFAM were compared. By introducing the equivalent value $${{\Delta_{im} } \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{\Delta_{im} } D}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} D}$$

Δ

im

/

D

, FFAM fairly agrees with MDS for all the cases. The study values FFAM in simulating nanochannel flows.
Association between visceral adipose tissue volume, measured using computed tomography, and cardio-metabolic risk factors
Authors: Yi Wook , Kim Keunyoung , Im Myungsoo , Ryang Soree , Kim Eun Heui , Kim Mijin , Jeon Yun Kyung , Kim Sang Soo , Kim Bo Hyun , Pak Kyoungjune , Kim In Joo , Kim Seong-Jang
Published: January 2022

We evaluated the associations between metabolic parameters with visceral adipose tissue (VAT) volume in women with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and we compared the VAT volume with the VAT area. We enrolled women aged > 20 years with prediabetes or T2DM, who underwent oral glucose tolerance test and whose VAT was evaluated using computed tomography (CT) at our institution between 2017 and 2019. All participants underwent unenhanced spiral CT with a 3-mm slice thickness from the level of the diaphragm to the level of the mid-thigh. The two VAT areas were defined as the free drawn area on the levels of the umbilicus and L2 vertebra. The VAT areas were also manually drawn from the level of the diaphragm to the level of the pelvic floor and were used to calculate the VAT volumes by summing all areas with a slice thickness of 3 mm after setting the attenuation values from −45 to −195 Hounsfield Unit. All metabolic characteristics, except blood pressure, were significantly correlated with the VAT volume. The VAT areas measured at the level of the L2 vertebra and umbilicus were correlated with serum triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and Framingham steatosis index alone. Multivariable regression analyses revealed that the VAT volume was significantly associated with several metabolic parameters. In conclusion, in women with prediabetes and T2DM, the VAT volume acquired from CT-based calculation has more significant correlations with metabolic risk factors compared with the VAT area.
Polynomial fitting method of background correction for electron backscatter diffraction patterns
Authors: Tsai Yi-Yun , Pan Yi-Chen , Kuo Jui-Chao
Published: January 2022

A raw electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) signal can be empirically decomposed into a Kikuchi diffraction pattern and a smooth background. For pattern indexing, the latter is generally undesirable but can reveal topographical, compositional, or diffraction contrast. In this study, we proposed a new background correction method using polynomial fitting (PF) algorithm to obtain clear Kikuchi diffraction patterns for some applications in nonconductive materials due to coating problems, at low accelerated voltage and at rough sample surfaces and for the requirement of high pattern quality in HR-EBSD. To evaluate the quality metrics of the Kikuchi patterns, we initially used three indices, namely, pattern quality, Tenengrad variance, and spatial–spectral entropy-based quality to detect the clarity, contrast, and noise of Kikuchi patterns obtained at 5 and 15 kV. Then, we examined the performance of PF method by comparing it with pattern averaging and Fourier transform-based methods. Finally, this PF background correction is demonstrated to extract the background images from the blurred diffraction patterns of EBSD measurements at low kV accelerating voltage and with coating layer, and to provide clear Kikuchi patterns successfully.
Functional cortical localization of tongue movements using corticokinematic coherence with a deep learning-assisted motion capture system
Authors: Maezawa Hitoshi , Fujimoto Momoka , Hata Yutaka , Matsuhashi Masao , Hashimoto Hiroaki , Kashioka Hideki , Yanagida Toshio , Hirata Masayuki
Published: January 2022

Corticokinematic coherence (CKC) between magnetoencephalographic and movement signals using an accelerometer is useful for the functional localization of the primary sensorimotor cortex (SM1). However, it is difficult to determine the tongue CKC because an accelerometer yields excessive magnetic artifacts. Here, we introduce a novel approach for measuring the tongue CKC using a deep learning-assisted motion capture system with videography, and compare it with an accelerometer in a control task measuring finger movement. Twelve healthy volunteers performed rhythmical side-to-side tongue movements in the whole-head magnetoencephalographic system, which were simultaneously recorded using a video camera and examined using a deep learning-assisted motion capture system. In the control task, right finger CKC measurements were simultaneously evaluated via motion capture and an accelerometer. The right finger CKC with motion capture was significant at the movement frequency peaks or its harmonics over the contralateral hemisphere; the motion-captured CKC was 84.9% similar to that with the accelerometer. The tongue CKC was significant at the movement frequency peaks or its harmonics over both hemispheres. The CKC sources of the tongue were considerably lateral and inferior to those of the finger. Thus, the CKC with deep learning-assisted motion capture can evaluate the functional localization of the tongue SM1.
The cyclic interaction between daytime behavior and the sleep behavior of laboratory dogs
Authors: Schork Ivana Gabriela , Manzo Isabele Aparecida , De Oliveira Marcos Roberto Beiral , da Costa Fernanda Vieira , Young Robert John , de Azevedo Cristiano Schetini
Published: January 2022

Sleep deprivation has been found to negatively affect an individual´s physical and psychological health. Sleep loss affects activity patterns, increases anxiety-like behaviors, decreases cognitive performance and is associated with depressive states. The activity/rest cycle of dogs has been investigated before, but little is known about the effects of sleep loss on the behavior of the species. Dogs are polyphasic sleepers, meaning the behavior is most observed at night, but bouts are also present during the day. However, sleep can vary with ecological and biological factors, such as age, sex, fitness, and even human presence. In this study, kennelled laboratory adult dogs’ sleep and diurnal behavior were recorded during 24-h, five-day assessment periods to investigate sleep quality and its effect on daily behavior. In total, 1560 h of data were analyzed, and sleep metrics and diurnal behavior were quantified. The relationship between sleeping patterns and behavior and the effect of age and sex were evaluated using non-parametric statistical tests and GLMM modelling. Dogs in our study slept substantially less than previously reported and presented a modified sleep architecture with fewer awakenings during the night and almost no sleep during the day. Sleep loss increased inactivity, decreased play and alert behaviors, while increased time spent eating during the day. Males appeared to be more affected by sleep fragmentation than females. Different age groups also experienced different effects of sleep loss. Overall, dogs appear to compensate for the lack of sleep during the night by remaining inactive during the day. With further investigations, the relationship between sleep loss and behavior has the potential to be used as a measure of animal welfare.
Intensive production of the harpacticoid copepod Tigriopus californicus in a zero-effluent ‘green water’ bioreactor
Authors: Prado-Cabrero Alfonso , Herena-Garcia Rafael , Nolan John M.
Published: January 2022

Aquaculture is looking for substitutes for fishmeal and fish oil to maintain its continued growth. Zooplankton is the most nutritious option, but its controlled mass production has not yet been achieved. In this context, we have developed a monoalgal ‘green water’ closed-loop bioreactor with the microalgaeTetraselmis chuithat continuously produced the harpacticoid copepodTigriopus californicus. During 145 days of operation, the 2.2 m3bioreactor produced 3.9 kg (wet weight) ofTigriopuswith (dry weight) 0.79 ± 0.29% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), 0.82 ± 0.26% docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), 1.89 ± 0,60% 3S,3’S-astaxanthin and an essential amino acid index (EAAI) of 97% for juvenile Atlantic salmon. The reactor kept the pH stable over the operation time (pH 8.81 ± 0.40 in the algae phase and pH 8.22 ± 2.96 in the zooplankton phase), while constantly removed nitrate (322.6 mg L−1) and phosphate (20.4 mg L−1) from the water. As a result of the stable pH and nutrient removal, the bioreactor achieved zero effluent discharges. The upscaling of monoalgal, closed-loop ‘green water’ bioreactors could help standardize zooplankton mass production to supply the aquafeeds industry.
The significant role of post-pairing male behavior on the evolution of male preferences and female traits
Authors: Lyu Nan , Yeh D. Justin , Lloyd Huw , Sun Yue-Hua
Published: January 2022

Existing sexual selection theory postulates that a sufficiently large variation in female fecundity or other direct benefits are fundamental for generating male mate choice. In this study, we suggest that, in addition to pre-pairing preferences, choosy males can also have different post-pairing behaviors, a factor which has been comparatively overlooked by previous studies. We found that both male preferences and female traits could evolve much more easily than previously expected when the choosy males that paired with unpreferred females would allocate more efforts to seeking additional post-pairing mating opportunities. Furthermore, a costly female trait could evolve when there was a trade-off between seeking additional mating and paternal care investment within social pair for choosy males. Finally, a costly male preference and a costly female trait might still evolve and reach a stable polymorphic state in the population, which might give rise to a high variability in male choice and female traits in nature. We suggest that male mate choice may be even more common than expected, which needs to be verified empirically.
Structures of the human peroxisomal fatty acid transporter ABCD1 in a lipid environment
Authors: Le Le Thi My , Thompson James Robert , Dang Phuoc Xuan , Bhandari Janarjan , Alam Amer
Published: January 2022

The peroxisomal very long chain fatty acid (VLCFA) transporter ABCD1 is central to fatty acid catabolism and lipid biosynthesis. Its dysfunction underlies toxic cytosolic accumulation of VLCFAs, progressive demyelination, and neurological impairments including X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD). We present cryo-EM structures of ABCD1 in phospholipid nanodiscs in a nucleotide bound conformation open to the peroxisomal lumen and an inward facing conformation open to the cytosol at up to 3.5 Å resolution, revealing details of its transmembrane cavity and ATP dependent conformational spectrum. We identify features distinguishing ABCD1 from its closest homologs and show that coenzyme A (CoA) esters of VLCFAs modulate ABCD1 activity in a species dependent manner. Our data suggest a transport mechanism where the CoA moieties of VLCFA-CoAs enter the hydrophilic transmembrane domain while the acyl chains extend out into the surrounding membrane bilayer. The structures help rationalize disease causing mutations and may aid ABCD1 targeted structure-based drug design.
Emergence of energy-avoiding and energy-seeking behaviors in nonequilibrium dissipative quantum systems
Authors: Werlang Thiago , Matos Maurício , Brito Frederico , Valente Daniel
Published: January 2022

A longstanding challenge in nonequilibrium thermodynamics is to predict the emergence of self-organized behaviors and functionalities typical of living matter. Despite the progress with classical complex systems, it remains far from obvious how to extrapolate these results down to the quantum scale. Here, we employ the paradigmatic master equation framework to establish that some lifelike behaviors and functionalities can indeed emerge in elementary dissipative quantum systems driven out of equilibrium. Specifically, we find both energy-avoiding (low steady dissipation) and energy-seeking behaviors (high steady dissipation), as well as self-adaptive shifts between these modes, in generic few-level systems. We also find emergent functionalities, namely, a self-organized thermal gradient in the system’s environment (in the energy-seeking mode) and an active equilibration against thermal gradients (in the energy-avoiding mode). Finally, we discuss the possibility that our results could be related to the concept of dissipative adaptation.
Lactiplantibacillus plantarumCCFM1019 attenuate polycystic ovary syndrome through butyrate dependent gut–brain mechanism
Authors: He Yufeng , Mei Liya , Wang Luyao , Li Xiu , Zhao Jianxin , Zhang Hao , Chen Wei , Wang Gang
Published: January 2022

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age.
Atomically precise structures of Pt2(S-Adam)4(PPh3)2 complexes and catalytic application in propane dehydrogenation
Authors: Lin Xinzhang , Zhang Junying , Tang Jie , Yang Yang , Liu Chao , Huang Jiahui
Published: January 2022

Novel Pt2(S-Adam)4(PPh3)2 complexes were precisely synthesized, structurally determined and applied in propane dehydrogenation with a high selectivity for propylene.
Dissolving microneedle-encapsulated drug-loaded nanoparticles and recombinant humanized collagen type III for the treatment of chronic wound via anti-inflammation and enhanced cell proliferation and angiogenesis
Authors: Long Lin-yu , Liu Wenqi , Li Li , Hu Cheng , He Shuyi , Lu Lu , Wang Jian , Yang Li , Wang Yun-bing
Published: January 2022

The first recombinant humanized collagen type III (rhCol III) and naproxen (Nap) loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles incorporated hyaluronic acid (HA) microneedle (MN) was fabricated for diabetic chronic wounds therapy.
Advanced applications of cerium oxide based nanozymes in cancer
Authors: Feng Na , Liu Ying , Dai Xianglin , Wang Yingying , Guo Qiong , Li Qing
Published: January 2022

Cerium oxide nanozymes possess enzyme mimetic activities with outstanding free radical scavenging activity, facile synthesis conditions, and excellent biocompatibility. Here, we summarise the latest applications of CeO2-based nanozymes in cancer research and treatment.
High strength composites from low-value animal coproducts and industrial waste sulfur
Authors: Lopez Claudia V. , Smith Ashlyn D. , Smith Rhett C.
Published: January 2022

Herein we report high strength composites prepared by reaction of sulfur, plant oils (either canola oil or sunflower oil) and brown grease.
Microwave-assisted in situ ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone in the presence of modified halloysite nanotubes loaded with stannous chloride
Authors: Yang Gang , Ma Rui , Zhang Shifan , Liu Ziying , Pei Dexuan , Jin Hongyun , Liu Jiaqi , Du Wenjie
Published: January 2022

For the composite catalyst, there existed synergetic catalytic effect between the hydroxyl groups and the metal center. All chain growth simultaneously proceeded between the layers or on the surface of HNTs, conducting the in situ ROP.
Improving the properties of Fe2O3 by a sparking method under a uniform magnetic field for a high-performance humidity sensor
Authors: Tippo Posak , Singjai Pisith , Sroila Waraporn , Jaisamer Tipsuda , Suttanon Nongpanita , Panthawan Arisara , Kantarak Ekkapong , Sroila Wattikon , Thongsuwan Wiradej , Kumpika Tewasin , Wiranwetchayan Orawan
Published: January 2022

Fe2O3 deposition by a sparking method under a uniform magnetic field.
New insights into the competition between antioxidant activities and pro-oxidant risks of rosmarinic acid
Authors: Truong Dinh Hieu , Ngo Thi Chinh , Nhung Nguyen Thi Ai , Quang Duong Tuan , Nguyen Thi Le Anh , Khiri Dorra , Taamalli Sonia , Louis Florent , El Bakali Abderrahman , Dao Duy Quang
Published: January 2022

Direct and indirect antioxidant activities of rosmarinic acid (RA) based on HOO˙/CH3OO˙ radical scavenging and Fe(iii)/Fe(ii) ion chelation were theoretically studied using density functional theory at the M05-2X/6-311++G(2df,2p) level of theory.
Bactericidal effect of nanostructures via lytic transglycosylases of Escherichia coli
Authors: Mimura Soma , Shimizu Tomohiro , Shingubara Shoso , Iwaki Hiroaki , Ito Takeshi
Published: January 2022

The time profiles of active cell ratios depended on the growth phase and the absence of some lytic transglycosylases of E. coli. Significant cell damage was not found on the autolysis inhibition condition.
Structural, optical, electric and dielectric characterization of a NaCu0.2Fe0.3Mn0.5O2 compound
Authors: Ben Slima Ichrak , Karoui Karim , Mahmoud Abdelfattah , Boschini Frédéric , Ben Rhaiem Abdallah
Published: January 2022

The compound NaCu0.2Fe0.3Mn0.5O2 was synthesized using a solid-state method and it crystallized in a hexagonal system with a R3̄m space group in an O3-type phase.
Visible and infrared solar radiation upconversion for water splitting via a surface plasmon-passivated strategy
Authors: Xue Ruiting , Huang Chengyuan , Deng Jianmin , Yang Lei , Li Lei , Fan Ximei
Published: January 2022

The plasmon-passivated strategy thermodynamically and kinetically promotes the HER and OER under solar irradiation.
Entangled core/shell magnetic structure driven by surface magnetic symmetry-breaking in Cr2O3 nanoparticles
Authors: Rinaldi-Montes Natalia , Gorria Pedro , Fuertes Antonio B. , Martínez-Blanco David , Amghouz Zakariae , Puente-Orench Inés , Olivi Luca , Herrero-Martín Javier , Fernandez-Garcia Maria Paz , Alonso Javier , Phan Manh-Huong , Srikanth Hariharan , Marti Xavi , Blanco Jesús A.
Published: January 2022

The entangled core/shell magnetic structure of Cr2O3 nanoparticles, where pinned uncompensated spins at the shell are randomly distributed in a low-temperature spin-glass ordering, gives rise to a Double Exchange-bias mechanism.
Multifaceted, printable skin-integrated electronics for monitoring physiological functions
Authors: Ahmed Abdelsalam , Hassan Islam , Ling Celine
Published: January 2022

In this work, we develop a new general strategy for fabricating a printable skin-integrated electronics that is highly permeable to gases, inflammation-free, conformable, and biodegradable for monitoring physiological functions.
A tin oxide/silicon heterojunction with a nano litchi shell structure for ultrafast, high-detectivity, self-powered broadband photodetectors
Authors: Ling Cuicui , Feng Bingxin , Wang Xiaomeng , Zhang Lingtan , Zhang Tuo , Cao Min , Yu Daoyong , Xue Xin , Xue Qingzhong , Zhang Jianqiang , Wang Chuanke , Zhu Lei , Lu Haipeng , Liu Wenpeng
Published: January 2022

We develop an ultrafast, high-detectivity, self-powered broadband PD based on SnO2 nano litchi shell structure/n-Si heterojunction. The excellent performance attributed to the SnO2 nano litchi shell structure, and meaningful interface barrier.
Amorphous Co(OH)2 nanocages achieving efficient photo-induced charge transfer for significant SERS activity
Authors: Yu Jian , Chen Chao , Lin Jie , Meng Xiangyu , Qiu Lin , Wang Xiaotian
Published: January 2022

Boosting substrate–molecule interactions, especially the strong vibronic coupling and efficient photo-induced charge transfer (PICT) transitions, is a critical issue to improve the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensitivity of non-metal substrates.
Identification of pathological subtypes of early lung adenocarcinoma based on artificial intelligence parameters and CT signs
Authors: Fang Weiyuan , Zhang Guorui , Yu Yali , Chen Hongjie , Liu Hong
Published: January 2022

Objective: To explore the value of quantitative parameters of artificial intelligence (AI) and computed tomography (CT) signs in identifying pathological subtypes of lung adenocarcinoma appearing as ground-glass nodules (GGNs). Methods: CT images of 224 GGNs from 210 individuals were collected retrospectively and classified into atypical adenomatous hyperplasia (AAH)/adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS), minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA), and invasive adenocarcinoma (IAC) groups. AI was used to identify GGNs and to obtain quantitative parameters, and CT signs were recognized manually. The mixed predictive model based on logistic multivariate regression was built and evaluated. Results: Of the 224 GGNs, 55, 93, and 76 were AAH/AIS, MIA, and IAC, respectively. In terms of AI parameters, from AAH/AIS to MIA, and IAC, there was a gradual increase in two-dimensional mean diameter, three-dimensional mean diameter, mean CT value, maximum CT value, and volume of GGNs (all P<0.0001). Except for the CT signs of the location, and the tumor–lung interface, there were significant differences among the three groups in the density, shape, vacuolar signs, air bronchogram, lobulation, spiculation, pleural indentation, and vascular convergence signs (all P<0.05). The areas under the curve (AUC) of predictive model 1 for identifying the AAH/AIS and MIA and model 2 for identifying MIA and IAC were 0.779 and 0.918, respectively, which were greater than the quantitative parameters independently (all P<0.05). Conclusion: AI parameters are valuable for identifying subtypes of early lung adenocarcinoma and have improved diagnostic efficacy when combined with CT signs.
Toward Empowering Conversational Agency in Aphasia: Understanding Mechanisms of Topic Initiation in People With and Without Aphasia
Authors: Leaman Marion C. , Archer Brent , Edmonds Lisa A.
Published: January 2022

Purpose:

This study examined topic initiation (TI) in conversations involving people with aphasia (PWA), matched people without aphasia (M-PWoA), and speech-language pathologists who were their conversation partners (SLP-Ps). For each speaker type, we analyzed patterns of distribution of typical mechanisms of TI and patterns of simultaneous use of multiple TI mechanisms. Lastly, we examined associations between use of simultaneous TI mechanisms and communicative success.

Method:

Twenty PWA and 20 M-PWoA each participated in two conversations with SLP-Ps. Conversation samples were analyzed for TI locations and mechanisms, with results tallied for each speaker type following a published typology. A measure of communicative success was applied to TI utterances. Rank-order correlations were conducted to evaluate the patterns of distribution of the TI mechanisms between speaker types and the patterns of multiple mechanism usage between speaker types. Descriptive analysis was conducted to provide additional insight to the TI behaviors of each speaker type and to evaluate the relationship between multiple TI mechanisms and communicative success.

Results:

All speaker types used cohesion most often to achieve TI. PWA used an abrupt method of TI (noncoherent TI) more often than other speaker types. A single mechanism of TI was used most often by all speaker types, except for SLP-Ps when they were in conversations with PWA. In this case, SLP-Ps most often used two or more layered mechanisms of TI. SLP-Ps also used a highly salient TI mechanism with greater frequency when speaking with PWA than observed between other speaker types. When PWA layered mechanisms of TI, they appeared to be more likely to achieve better communicative success.

Conclusions:

Specific, teachable behaviors such as favoring certain TI mechanisms and using multiple TI mechanisms may improve communicative success during TI for PWA. Furthermore, findings suggest that SLP-Ps modify their TI behaviors when speaking to PWA.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.17699423