bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical and genetic analysis of patients with segmental overgrowth features and somatic mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway disruption: Possible novel clinical issues
Authors: Romano Ferruccio , Madia Francesca , De Marco Patrizia , Ognibene Marzia , Guerrisi Sara , Scala Marcello , Iacomino Michele , Baldassari Simona , Vercellino Nadia , Manunza Francesca , Tallone Ramona , Pavanello Marco , Piatelli Gianluca , Garaventa Alberto , Zara Federico , Capra Valeria
Published: November 2022

Segmental overgrowth syndromes include a group of clinical entities, all characterized by the abundant proliferation of tissues or organs in association with vascular abnormalities. These syndromes show a wide spectrum of severity ranging from limited involvement of only small areas of the body to complex cases with impressive distortions of multiple tissues and organs. It is now clear that somatic mutations in genes of the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway (in brief “mTOR pathway”) are responsible for such entities. Not all the cells of the body carry the same causative mutation, which is mosaic, appearing from two (or more) distinct cell lineages after fertilization. In this article, we reconsider the clinical spectrum and surveillance programs of patients with segmental overgrowth syndromes, based on the features of six patients with diverse clinical forms of overgrowth and pathogenic variants in genes of the mTOR pathway.
Lack of impact of the ALDH2 rs671 variant on breast cancer development in Japanese BRCA1/2‐mutation carriers
Authors: Mori Tomoharu , Okamoto Yusuke , Mu Anfeng , Ide Yoshimi , Yoshimura Akiyo , Senda Noriko , Inagaki‐Kawata Yukiko , Kawashima Masahiro , Kitao Hiroyuki , Tokunaga Eriko , Miyoshi Yasuo , Ohsumi Shozo , Tsugawa Koichiro , Ohta Tomohiko , Katagiri Toyomasa , Ohtsuru Shigeru , Koike Kaoru , Ogawa Seishi , Toi Masakazu , Iwata Hiroji , Nakamura Seigo , Matsuo Keitaro , Takata Minoru
Published: November 2022

The aldehyde degrading function of the ALDH2 enzyme is impaired by Glu504Lys polymorphisms (rs671, termed A allele), which causes alcohol flushing in east Asians, and elevates the risk of esophageal cancer among habitual drinkers. Recent studies suggested that the ALDH2 variant may lead to higher levels of DNA damage caused by endogenously generated aldehydes. This can be a threat to genome stability and/or cell viability in a synthetic manner in DNA repair‐defective settings such as Fanconi anemia (FA). FA is an inherited bone marrow failure syndrome caused by defects in any one of so far identified 22 FANC genes including hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) genes BRCA1 and BRCA2. We have previously reported that the progression of FA phenotypes is accelerated with the ALDH2 rs671 genotype. Individuals with HBOC are heterozygously mutated in either BRCA1 or BRCA2, and the cancer‐initiating cells in these patients usually undergo loss of the wild‐type BRCA1/2 allele, leading to homologous recombination defects. Therefore, we hypothesized that the ALDH2 genotypes may impact breast cancer development in BRCA1/2 mutant carriers. We genotyped ALDH2 in 103 HBOC patients recruited from multiple cancer centers in Japan. However, we were not able to detect any significant differences in clinical stages, histopathological classification, or age at clinical diagnosis across the ALDH2 genotypes. Unlike the effects in hematopoietic cells of FA, our current data suggest that there is no impact of the loss of ALDH2 function in cancer initiation and development in breast epithelium of HBOC patients.
Isolation, Structure Characterization, Total Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Cinnamic Acid Derivatives from Tinospora sagittata
Authors: Xu De‐Feng , Su Pei‐Wen , Wang Chao , Miao Lei , Zhang Jun‐Sheng , Zhang Hua
Published: November 2022

Thirteen cinnamic acid derivatives (1–13), including six formerly unreported hybrids incorporating different short‐chain fatty acid esters (1–6), have been obtained and structurally elucidated from an ethnological herb Tinospora sagittata. The structures of them have been established by spectroscopic data analyses and NMR comparison with known analogs, while those of 1, 2, 4 and 6 have been further supported by total synthesis, and it is the first report of this type of metabolites from the title species. All the isolates have been assessed in an array of bioassays encompassing cytotoxic, antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, as well as α‐glucosidase and HDAC1 inhibitory models. Compound 7 showed significant inhibitory activity against α‐glucosidase, and half of the isolates also displayed moderate antiradical effect.
Recent progress in flexible Zn‐ion hybrid supercapacitors: Fundamentals, fabrication designs, and applications
Authors: Javed Muhammad Sufyan , Asim Sumreen , Najam Tayyaba , Khalid Muhammad , Hussain Iftikhar , Ahmad Awais , Assiri Mohammed A. , Han Weihua
Published: November 2022

One of the most exciting new developments in energy storage technology is flexible Zn‐ion hybrid supercapacitors (f‐ZIHSCs), which combine the high energy of Zn‐ion batteries with high‐power supercapacitors to satisfy the needs of portable flexible electronics. However, the development of f‐ZHSCs is still in its infancy, and there are numerous barriers to overcome before they can be widely implemented for practical applications. This review gives an up‐to‐date description of recent achievements and underlying concepts in energy storage mechanisms of f‐ZIHSCs and emphasizes the critical role of cathode, anode, and electrolyte materials systems in speeding the prosperity of f‐ZIHSCs. The innovative nanostructured‐based cathode materials for f‐ZIHSCs include carbon (e.g., porous carbon, heteroatom‐doped carbon, biomass‐derived porous carbon, graphene, etc.), metal‐oxides, MXenes, and metal/covalent‐organic frameworks, and other materials (e.g., activated carbon, phosphorene, etc.) are mainly focused. Afterward, the latest developments in flexible anode and electrolyte frameworks and impacts of electrolyte compositions on the electrochemical properties of f‐ZIHSC are elaborated. Subsequently, the advancements based on fabrication designs, including quasi‐solid‐state, micro, fiber‐shaped, and all climate‐changed f‐ZIHSCs, are discussed in detail. Lastly, a summary of current challenges and recommendations for the future progress of advanced f‐ZIHSC are addressed. This review article is anticipated to further understand the viable strategies and achievable approaches for assembling high‐performance f‐ZIHSCs and boost the technical revolutions on cathode, anode, and electrolytes for f‐ZIHSC devices.
Renal function during hospitalization and outcome in Chinese patients with acute decompensated heart failure: A retrospective study and literature review
Authors: Lee Hao‐Wei , Huang Chin‐Chou , Yang Chih‐Yu , Leu Hsin‐Bang , Huang Po‐Hsun , Wu Tao‐Cheng , Lin Shing‐Jong , Chen Jaw‐Wen
Published: November 2022

Background

The heart and kidneys had demonstrated a bidirectional interaction that dysfunction of the heart or kidneys can induce dysfunction in the other organ.

Hypothesis

Renal function and its decline during hospitalization may have impact on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF).

Methods

A total of 119 consecutive Chinese patients admitted for ADHF were prospectively enrolled. The course of renal function was presented with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), calculated by the four‐variable equation proposed by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) Study. Worsening renal function (WRF) was defined as eGFR decline between admission (eGFRadmission) and predischarge (eGFRpredischarge). Clinical outcomes were defined as 4P‐major adverse cardiovascular events (4P‐MACE), including the composition of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, and nonfatal HF hospitalization.

Results

During an average 2.6 ± 3.2 years follow‐up, 66 patients (55%) experienced 4P‐MACE. Patients with impaired eGFRpredischarge (<60 ml/min/1.73 m2) had more 4P‐MACE than those with preserved eGFRpredischarge (64.7% vs. 43.1%, p = .019). The Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed significantly higher incidence of 4P‐MACE in patients with impaired eGFRpredischarge than those with preserved eGFRpredischarge (p = .002). Cox regression analysis revealed that impaired eGFRpredischarge was significantly correlated with the development of 4P‐MACE (hazard ratio, 2.003; 95% confidence interval, 1.072–3.744; p = .029). In contrast, outcomes would be similar with regard to eGFR on admission and eGFR decline during hospitalization.

Conclusions

Impaired renal function before discharge, but not impaired renal function on admission or WRF, is a significant risk factor for poor outcomes in patients with ADHF.
Co‐design to deliver service improvement: What does this mean and how can we do it? A qualitative study with upper gastrointestinal cancer patients and professionals
Authors: Haste Anna , Sharp Linda , Thomson Richard , Sowden Sarah
Published: November 2022

Background

There is strategic objective to incorporate the principles and practice of co‐design into routine service development and improvement.

Aim

The aim was to explore the concept and feasibility of service co‐design with patients and health professionals with regards to the upper gastrointestinal (UGI) cancer care pathway.

Methods and Results

Qualitative telephone interviews and face‐to‐face focus groups in one region of England. Twenty patients completed interviews. Nine patients and ten professionals formed two focus groups. Patients were referred through the urgent (two week) GP referral route and were within six months of receiving their first treatment for an UGI cancer. Professionals were working as service planners and providers of the UGI cancer care pathway. Thematic analysis was undertaken. Six themes emerged: Responsibilities and expectations, Knowledge and understanding, Valuing patient input, Building relationships, Environment for co‐design activities, Impact and effectiveness. Based on the themes a checklist has been created to provide practical suggestions for both professionals and patients on approaching co‐design for service improvement.

Conclusion

This study offers policy and practice partners a clearer understanding of co‐design and factors to consider when approaching co‐design in real life settings.
Advanced In Situ Characterization Techniques for Direct Observation of Gas‐Involved Electrochemical Reactions
Authors: He Yanzheng , Liu Sisi , Wang Mengfan , Cheng Qiyang , Ji Haoqing , Qian Tao , Yan Chenglin
Published: November 2022

Gas‐involved electrochemical reactions provide feasible solutions to the worldwide energy crisis and environmental pollution. It has been recognized that various elements of the reaction system, including catalysts, intermediates, and products, will undergo real‐time variations during the reaction process, which are of significant meaning to the in‐depth understanding of reaction mechanisms, material structure, and active sites. As judicious tools for real‐time monitoring of the changes in these complex elements, in situ techniques have been exposed to the spotlight in recent years. This review aims to highlight significant progress of various advanced in situ characterization techniques, such as in situ X‐ray based technologies, in situ spectrum technologies, and in situ scanning probe technologies, that enhance our understanding of heterogeneous electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction reaction, nitrogen reduction reaction, and hydrogen evolution reaction. We provide a summary of recent advances in the development and applications of these in situ characterization techniques, from the working principle and detection modes to detailed applications in different reactions, along with key questions that need to be addressed. Finally, in view of the unique application and limitation of different in situ characterization techniques, we conclude by putting forward some insights and perspectives on the development direction and emerging combinations in the future.
Aryltriazenes as Coupling Partners in the Hiyama, Hiyama‐Suzuki and Hiyama‐Heck Cross‐Coupling Reactions Using Conventional and Ionic Liquid Reagents and Solvents
Authors: Anchi Athmanand , Malunavar Shruti S. , Naik Ravi S. , Kalkhambkar Rajesh G. , Laali Kenneth K.
Published: November 2022

Application of conventional and ionic liquid (IL) solvents and reagents in the Hiyama cross‐coupling reactions using triazenes as coupling partners was investigated. The microwave‐assisted and Pd‐catalyzed reactions in ROH/HBF4, ROH/BF3 ⋅ Et2O and in [BMIM][X]/[BMIM(SO3H)][OTf]/[BMIM][F] proved effective and gave respectable isolated yields within minutes. The scope of the Hiyama coupling reaction with triazenes was investigated in these media. The IL reagents and solvents were successfully employed to develop stepwise and sequential/tandem Hiyama‐Suzuki (H−S) and Hiyama‐Heck (H−H) methods. Study of the scope of these transformations led to facile synthesis of libraries of biaryls, hetero‐biaryls, diphenylmethanes, styryl‐biphenyls, and a host of biphenyl‐appended heterocycles. The potential for the recycling/reuse of the IL solvents in the Hiyama reaction, and in stepwise and sequential transformations was also examined.
Sublethal Exposure of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances of Varying Chain Length and Polar Functionality Results in Distinct Metabolic Responses in Daphnia magna
Authors: Labine Lisa M. , Oliveira Pereira Erico A. , Kleywegt Sonya , Jobst Karl J. , Simpson André J. , Simpson Myrna J.
Published: November 2022

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of persistent organic pollutants used in industrial applications because of their physicochemical properties, which results in their ubiquitous presence across environmental matrices. To date, legacy PFAS have been well studied; however, the concentration of alternative PFAS may exceed the concentration of legacy pollutants, and more information is needed regarding the sublethal toxicity at the molecular level of aquatic model organisms, such as Daphnia magna. Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) are four widely detected PFAS alternatives of varying chain length and polar functionality that are quantified in aquatic environments. The present study examines the metabolic perturbations of PFAS with varying chemistries to D. magna using targeted mass spectrometry–based metabolomics. Daphnia were acutely exposed to sublethal concentrations of PFBA, PFHxA, PFHxS, and PFNA before the polar metabolite profile was extracted from single organisms. Multivariate analysis demonstrated significant separation between the sublethal concentrations of PFHxA, PFHxS, and PFNA relative to the controls; in sum, longer chain lengths demonstrated greater overall perturbations to the extracted metabolic profiles. Univariate statistics revealed significant perturbations in the concentrations of several amino acids, nucleotides/nucleosides, and neurotransmitters with exposure to PFAS. These metabolic perturbations are consistent with disruptions in energy metabolism (pantothenate and coenzyme A metabolism, histidine metabolism) and protein synthesis (aminoacyl-transfer RNA biosynthesis and amino acid metabolism), which were identified through biochemical pathway analysis. These results provide evidence that although PFAS chemistry (chain length and polar functional group) invokes unique metabolic responses, there is also an underlying toxic mode of action that is common with select PFAS exposure. Overall, the present study highlights the capabilities of environmental metabolomics to elucidate the molecular-level perturbations of pollutants within the same chemical class to model aquatic organisms, which can be used to prioritize risk assessment of substituted PFAS alternatives. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:242–256. © 2022 SETAC
Artificial intelligence‐empoweredvision‐based self driver assistance system for internet of autonomous vehicles
Authors: Rawlley Oshin , Gupta Shashank
Published: November 2022

Artificial intelligence (AI) and edge computing have truly advanced in vehicular networks encouraging assessment of real‐time traffic conditions using kinetic information of autonomous vehicles with the help of road side units (RSUs). However, regardless of numerous improvements in sensor fusion technologies the existing vision/LIDAR‐based systems have found severe difficulties during perception on roads. In addition, the inter‐vehicular communications are hampered due to inefficient RSU placement techniques causing high‐latency issues during transmission of messages. Therefore, this article presents an AI‐driven vision‐based self driver assistance system (VSDAS) comprising a joint RSU deployment mechanism that utilizes enhanced memetic architecture‐based optimal RSU placement (MARP) method and an object detection model that implements an improved Haar‐cascade object detection algorithm for speedy identification of object. We have designed two varieties of genetic algorithm (GA) to solve optimal placement problem of RSUs: genetic architecture‐based with random restart hill climbing (GARRH) and the other is MARP for efficient placement of RSUs. After our experimental results, we see that the MARP algorithm shows best possible RSU locations over different generations achieving significantly better fitness scores than the GAHRC and GA ascribing to its local search process. In addition, Haar‐cascade achieves better mean average precision than local binary pattern and histogram of oriented gradients by selecting key frames. The experimental outcomes of our model reveals that the proposed enhanced memetic algorithm reduces the transmission delay to a greater extent. Additionally, the outcomes of our investigations on two public datasets (KITTI and Panasonic) showed that our improved algorithm clearly enhances the object detection performance.
Daily affect intensity and variability of adolescents and their parents before and during a COVID‐19 lockdown
Authors: de Vries Lianne P. , Bülow Anne , Pelt Dirk H. M. , Boele Savannah , Bartels Meike , Keijsers Loes
Published: November 2022

Introduction

The corona virus (COVID‐19) pandemic may have a prolonged impact on people's lives, with multiple waves of infections and lockdowns, but how a lockdown may alter emotional functioning is still hardly understood.

Methods

In this 100‐daily diaries study, we examined how to affect intensity and variability of adolescents (N = 159, Mage = 13.3, 61.6% female) and parents (N = 159, Mage = 45.3, 79.9% female) changed after the onset and during (>50 days) the second COVID‐19 lockdown in the Netherlands, using preregistered piecewise growth models.

Results

We found only an unexpected increase in parents' positive affect intensity after the lockdown onset, but no immediate changes in negative affect intensity or variability. However, both adolescents and parents reported gradual increases in negative affect intensity and variability as the lockdown prolonged. Lockdown effects did not differ between adolescents and parents. However, within groups, individuals differed. The individual differences in the effects were partly explained by life satisfaction, depressive symptoms, and self‐reported lockdown impact.

Conclusions

Overall, these findings suggests that a lockdown triggers changes in daily affective well‐being especially as the lockdown prolongs. Individual differences in the effects indicate heterogeneity in the impact of the lockdown on daily affect that was partly explained by baseline life satisfaction and depressive symptoms. However, more knowledge on the causes of this heterogeneity is needed to be able to increase resilience to lockdown effects in the population.
Real‐time macroeconomic projection using narrative central bank communication
Authors: Lin Jianhao , Fan Jiacheng , Zhang Yifan , Chen Liangyuan
Published: November 2022

Unlike the central banks of most developed economies, the People's Bank of China (PBC) does not release its macroeconomic forecasts to the public but instead carries out narrative communication. We apply a hurdle distributed multinomial regression to PBC communication texts in real time, addressing the ultrahigh dimensionality, sparsity, and look‐ahead biases. In addition, we embed text‐based indices into mixed‐data sampling (MIDAS)‐type models and conduct forecast combinations for prediction. Our results argue that the predictive information from communication texts improves the real‐time out‐of‐sample prediction performance. We connect textual analysis and real‐time macroeconomic projection, providing new insights into the value of central bank communication.
Two acute psychiatric emergencies and prevalence of mental health disorders at an outpatient apheresis clinic: Implications for apheresis practitioners
Authors: Williams Shelly M. , Bobr Aleh , Koepsell Scott A.
Published: November 2022

The prevalence of mental health disorders among apheresis patients is unknown. Patients with chronic conditions treated with apheresis in the outpatient setting often see their apheresis healthcare professionals more frequently than their referring physicians. In addition, many apheresis patients are on medications with psychiatric side effects such as steroids. Given the frequent interactions of apheresis practitioners with outpatients, psychiatric issues may be encountered. To highlight these issues, we report two psychiatric emergencies that occurred in an outpatient apheresis clinic. Additionally, the prevalence of mental health diagnoses in our outpatient clinic was determined to help estimate the exposure that apheresis teams have to patients with mental health diagnoses. Practical recommendations for apheresis practitioners when encountering psychiatric emergencies are summarized.
The role of miRNAs and lncRNAs in neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: Khosravi Teymoor , Oladnabi Morteza
Published: November 2022

Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) is a frequent cancer predisposition syndrome. The common hallmark of patients with this multisystemic genetic disorder is the formation of peripheral nerve sheath tumors, which can be seen as either dermal, plexiform, and malignant forms. MicroRNA (miRNA) is an essential gene regulation factor and consists of 22–25 nucleotides. MiRNAs are identified to act as both tumor suppressors and oncogenes (oncomirs) in a wide variety of human cancers. They play multiple roles in molecular pathways responsible for tumor homing, progression, and invasion. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) also has a key role in cancer transcriptomics. Altered lncRNA expression levels have been found in various malignancies. This review aims to summarize the role of two noncoding RNA groups, miRNAs and lncRNAs, in NF1 establishment, development, and progression. We also highlight their potential for future clinical interventions and devising new diagnostic tools.
lncRNA ANRIL accelerates wound healing in diabetic foot ulcers via modulating HIF1A/VEGFA signaling through interacting with FUS
Authors: Wan Jia , Bao Yan , Hou Li‐Juan , Li Guo‐Jian , Du Ling‐Juan , Ma Zhen‐Huan , Yang Guo‐Kai , Hou Yi , Li Zhao‐Xiang , Yang Yong
Published: November 2022

Background

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a frequently diagnosed complication of diabetes, and remains a heathcare burden worldwide. However, the pathogenesis of DFU is still largely unclear. The objective of this study is to delineate the function and underlying mechanism of lncRNA antisense non coding RNA in the INK4 locus (ANRIL) in endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and DFU mice.

Methods

The DFU mouse model was established, and EPCs were subjected to high glucose (HG) treatment to mimic diabetes. qRT‐PCR or western blot was employed to detected the expression of ANRIL, HIF1A, FUS and VEGFA. CCK‐8 and Annexin V/PI staining were used to monitor cell proliferation and apoptosis. Wound healing, Transwell invasion and tube formation assays were conducted to assess cell migration, invasion and angiogenesis, respectively. The association between ANRIL and FUS was verified by RNA pull‐down and RIP assays. Luciferase and ChIP assays were employed to investigate HIF1A‐mediated transcriptional regulation of VEGFA and ANRIL. The histological alterations of DFU wound healing were observed by H&E and Masson staining.

Results

ANRIL was downregulated in peripheral blood samples of DFU patients, DFU mice and HG‐treated EPCs. Mechanistically, ANRIL regulated HIFA mRNA stability via recruiting FUS. VEGFA and ANRIL were transcriptionally regulated by HIF1A. Functional experiments revealed that HG suppressed EPC proliferation, migration, invasion and tube formation, but promoted apoptosis via ANRIL/HIF1A axis. ANRIL accelerated DFU wound healing via modulating HIF1A expressionin vivo.

Conclusion

ANRIL accelerated wound healing in DFU via modulating HIF1A/VEGFA signaling in a FUS‐dependent manner.
Unruptured brain arteriovenous malformations causing seizures localize to one common brain network
Authors: Zhao Shao‐Zhi , Zhao Yu‐Xin , Liao Xiao‐Hua , Huo Ran , Li Hao , Jiao Yu‐Ming , Weng Jian‐Cong , Wang Jie , Liu Bing , Cao Yong
Published: November 2022

Seizures are a frequent symptom of unruptured brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs). However, the brain regions responsible for these seizures remain unclear. To identify the brain regions causally involved in bAVM‐related seizures, we retrospectively reviewed 220 patients with unruptured bAVMs. Using voxel‐based lesion‐symptom mapping (VLSM) analyses, we tested whether individual brain regions were associated with unruptured bAVM‐related seizures. The result revealed that unruptured bAVMs causing seizures are anatomically heterogeneous at the voxel level. Subsequently, lesion network mapping (LNM) analyses was performed to determine whether bAVMs causing seizures belonged to a distributed brain network. LNM analyses indicated that these lesions were located in a functional network characterized by connectivity to the left caudate and precuneus. Moreover, the discrimination performance of the identified seizure network was evaluated in discovery set by calculating the individualized network damage score and was tested in validation set. Based on the calculated network damage scores, patients were divided into low‐, medium‐, and high‐risk groups. The prevalence of seizures significantly differed among the three risk categories in both discovery (p = .003) and validation set (p = .004). Finally, we calculated the percentage of voxels in the canonical resting‐state networks that overlapped with the seizure‐susceptible brain regions to investigate the involvement of resting‐state networks. With an involvement percentage over 50%, the frontoparietal control (82.9%), limbic function (76.7%), and default mode network (69.3%) were considered to be impacted in bAVM‐related seizures. Our study identified the seizure‐susceptible brain regions for unruptured bAVMs, which could be a plausible neuroimaging biomarker in predicting possible seizures.
Community distribution of rhizosphere and endophytic bacteria of ephemeral plants in desert‐oasis ecotone and analysis of environmental driving factors
Authors: Peng Mengwen , He Hao , Wang Zhongke , Li Guifang , Lv Xinhua , Pu Xiaozhen , Zhuang Li
Published: November 2022

Ephemeral plants are important part of the vegetation maintaining Gurbantünggüt Desert‐oasis ecotone stability. Studying the response characteristics of root‐associated bacteria of ephemeral plants to soil habitats is of great significance for understanding the adaptability of plants and maintaining ecotone stability. In this study, physicochemical analysis and 16 S sequencing technology were used to analyse the diversity, structure, function, and driving factors of rhizosphere and root‐endophytic bacteria of ephemeral plants in aeolian soil and grey desert soil. The results showed differences in the rhizosphere soil properties and root nutrient content between the two habitat soils. The Shannon index of the rhizosphere bacteria in the grey desert soil was higher than that in the aeolian soil, whereas the Shannon and ACE indices of the endophytic bacteria were lower than those in the aeolian soil. Soil type caused evident changes in the relative abundance and community structure of the rhizosphere and endophytic bacteria. PICRUSt function prediction showed that energy metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, replication and repair, and membrane transport were the main functional categories of rhizosphere and endophytic bacteria in the two soils. The rhizosphere and endophytic bacteria of ephemeral plants were closely related to soil factors. Soil water content, electrical conductivity (EC), total phosphorus, total potassium, and nitrogen/phosphorus ratio were the key factors affecting the rhizosphere bacterial community structure and function. The key factors affecting the root‐endophytic bacterial community structure and function were the pH, EC, total phosphorus, ammonium nitrogen, available potassium, carbon/phosphorus ratio, and root phosphorus. This study revealed the community structure, functions and driving factors of root‐associated bacteria in ephemeral plants grown in different soils. These findings have significance for future studies on the bacterial metabolic function of ephemeral plants and provide references for vegetation protection and restoration in different soils of the ecotone.
The TGF‐β/Smad2/3 signaling pathway is involved in Musashi2‐induced invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer
Authors: Yu Zhong Lin , Liu Jiang , Ning Zhi Kun , Tian Hua Kai , Wu Xun , Huang Ying Feng , Wu Zi Chun , Zong Zhen , Zhou Tai Cheng
Published: November 2022

To identify Musashi2 as an effective biomarker regulated by the TGF‐β/Smad2/3 signaling pathway for the precise diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) through bioinformatic tools and experimental verification. The Cancer Genome Atlas, Timer, and Kaplan−Meier analyses were performed to clarify the expression of Musashi2 and its influence on the prognosis of CRC. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF‐β1) was used to activate the TGF‐β/Smad2/3 signaling pathway to identify whether it could regulate the expression and function of Musashi2. Western blot analysis and quantitative PCR analyses were conducted to verify the expression of Musashi2. Cell counting kit‐8 (CCK8), EdU, wound healing, and Transwell assays were conducted to reveal the role of Musashi2 in the proliferation, migration, and invasion of CRC. Musashi2 was upregulated in CRC and promoted proliferation and metastasis. TGF‐β1 increased the expression of Musashi2, while the antagonist inducer of type II TGF‐β receptor degradation‐1 (ITD‐1) decreased the expression. CCK8 and EdU assays demonstrated that inhibition of Musashi2 or use of ITD‐1 lowered proliferation ability. The Transwell and wound healing assays showed that the migration and invasion abilities of CRC cells could be regulated by Musashi2. The above functions could be enhanced by TGF‐β1 by activating the TGF‐β/Smad2/3 signaling pathway and reversed by ITD‐1. A positive correlation was found between Musashi2 and the TGF‐β/Smad2/3 signaling pathway. TGF‐β1 activates the TGF‐β/Smad2/3 pathway to stimulate the expression of Musashi2, which promotes the progression of CRC. Musashi2 might become a target gene for the development of new antitumor drugs.
Design of a river chief incentive mechanism based on blockchain: A principal–agent model
Authors: Chang He , Liu Huimin , Jin Shuai
Published: November 2022

Information asymmetry caused by centralized databases is the main factor hindering the improved performance of river chief governance, and blockchain can solve this dilemma. In view of the mismatch between traceable feature of blockchain and the heavy punishment mechanism, a model of river governance was constructed based on principal–agent theory, and an incentive mechanism of river chiefs in the context of blockchain was designed. The results we conducted will enable the real river management information to be stored permanently in the distributed ledger. These measures are conducive to long‐term river management and improve the overall environmental and social benefits.
Novel biallelic mutations in TTC29 cause asthenoteratospermia and male infertility
Authors: Dai Siyu , Liang Yan , Liu Mohan , Yang Yanting , Liu Hongqian , Shen Ying
Published: November 2022

Background

Multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF), which is characterized as asthenoteratospermia involving absent, short, bent, coiled, and/or irregular‐caliber flagella, is a rare recessive inherited disorder associated with male infertility. To date, genetic causes of MMAF cases are not fully explored.

Methods

Whole‐exome sequencing was conducted to identify pathogenic variants in a patient with MMAF. The functional effect of the identified mutations was investigated by immunofluorescence staining and western blotting. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection was used to assist fertilization for the patient with MMAF.

Results

We identified novel biallelic mutations, a splicing variant NC_000004.12:g.146937593C>T (c.254+1G>A), and a nonsense mutation NM_001300761.4:c.1185C>G (NP_001287690.1:p.Tyr395*), in TTC29 from an infertile patient. In addition to the typical MMAF phenotype, the patient also presented aberrant morphology of sperm heads. Further functional experiments confirmed the absence of TTC29 expression in the spermatozoa. We also explored the specific expression pattern of TTC29 in human and mouse spermatogenesis. The outcome of intracytoplasmic sperm injection in the patient was unsuccessful, while additional female risk factors should not be excluded.

Conclusions

Our study revealed the novel biallelic mutations in TTC29 in a MMAF patient, which findings expand the mutational spectrum of TTC29 and further contribute to the diagnosis, genetic counseling, and prognosis of male infertility.
Finding the geometric mean for two Hermitian matrices by an efficient iteration method
Authors: Song Yanlai , Soleymani Fazlollah , Kumar Ashim
Published: November 2022

In this work, an iterative method is developed to find the matrix sign function. It is discussed in detail that the method is novel in comparison to its competitors from the Padé family of methods for the same purpose. The convergence analysis and the stability of the method are given. The method is then extended to compute the matrix geometric mean of two Hermitian matrices having positive definiteness. This could be employed for solving a Riccati matrix equation, which is of practical importance. Some numerical results are furnished at the end to reveal the effectiveness of the proposed iteration method.
Torques and angular momenta of fluid elements in the octonion spaces
Authors: Weng Zi‐Hua
Published: November 2022

The paper focuses on applying the octonions to explore the influence of the external torque on the angular momentum of fluid elements, revealing the interconnection of the external torque and the vortices of vortex streets. J. C. Maxwell was the first to introduce the quaternions to study the physical properties of electromagnetic fields. The contemporary scholars utilize the quaternions and octonions to investigate the electromagnetic theory, gravitational theory, quantum mechanics, special relativity, general relativity, curved spaces, and so forth. The paper adopts the octonions to describe the electromagnetic and gravitational theories, including the octonionic field potential, field strength, linear momentum, angular momentum, torque, and force. In case the octonion force is equal to zero, it is able to deduce eight independent equations, including the fluid continuity equation, current continuity equation, and force equilibrium equation. Especially, one of the eight independent equations will uncover the interrelation of the external torque and angular momentums of fluid elements. One of its inferences is that the direction, magnitude, and frequency of the external torque must impact the direction and curl of the angular momentum of fluid elements, altering the frequencies of Karman vortex streets within the fluids. It means that the external torque is interrelated with the velocity circulation, by means of the liquid viscosity. The external torque is able to exert an influence on the direction of downwash flows, improving the lift and drag characteristics generated by the fluids.
Impact of secondary particles on the magnetic field generated by a proton pencil beam: a finite‐element analysis based on Geant4‐DNA simulations
Authors: Rädler Martin , Buizza Giulia , Kawula Maria , Palaniappan Prasannakumar , Gianoli Chiara , Baroni Guido , Paganelli Chiara , Parodi Katia , Riboldi Marco
Published: November 2022

Purpose

To investigate the static magnetic field generated by a proton pencil beam as a candidate for range verification by means of Monte Carlo simulations, thereby improving upon existing analytical calculations. We focus on the impact of statistical current fluctuations and secondary protons and electrons.

Methods

We considered a pulsed beam (10 s pulse duration) during the duty cycle with a peak beam current of 0.2 A and an initial energy of 100 MeV. We ran Geant4‐DNA Monte Carlo simulations of a proton pencil beam in water and extracted independent particle phase spaces. We calculated longitudinal and radial current density of protons and electrons, serving as an input for a magnetic field estimation based on a finite element analysis in a cylindrical geometry. We made sure to allow for non‐solenoidal current densities as is the case of a stopping proton beam.

Results

The rising proton charge density toward the range is not perturbed by energy straggling and only lowered through nuclear reactions by up to 15%, leading to an approximately constant longitudinal current. Their relative low density however (at most 0.37 protons/mm3 for the 0.2 A current and a beam cross‐section of 2.5 mm), gives rise to considerable current density fluctuations. The radial proton current resulting from lateral scattering and being two orders of magnitude weaker than the longitudinal current is subject to even stronger fluctuations. Secondary electrons with energies above 10 eV, that far outnumber the primary protons, reduce the primary proton current by only 10% due to their largely isotropic flow. A small fraction of electrons (<1%), undergoing head‐on collisions, constitutes the relevant electron current. In the far‐field, both contributions to the magnetic field strength (longitudinal and lateral) are independent of the beam spot size. We also find that the nuclear reaction‐related losses cause a shift of 1.3 mm to the magnetic field profile relative to the actual range, which is further enlarged to 2.4 mm by the electron current (at a distance of  mm away from the central beam axis). For  mm, the shift increases linearly. While the current density variations cause significant magnetic field uncertainty close to the central beam axis with a relative standard deviation (RSD) close to 100%, they average out at a distance of 10 cm, where the RSD of the total magnetic field drops below 2%.

Conclusions

With the small influence of the secondary electrons together with the low RSD, our analysis encourages an experimental detection of the magnetic field through sensitive instrumentation, such as optical magnetometry or SQUIDs.
Novel methodologies for solving the inverse unsteady heat transfer problem of estimating the boundary heat flux in continuous casting molds
Authors: Morelli Umberto Emil , Barral Patricia , Quintela Peregrina , Rozza Gianluigi , Stabile Giovanni
Published: November 2022

In this article, we investigate the estimation of the transient mold‐slab heat flux in continuous casting molds given some thermocouples measurements in the mold plates. Mathematically, we can see this problem as the estimation of a Neumann boundary condition given pointwise state observations in the interior of the domain. We formulate it in a deterministic inverse problem setting. After introducing the industrial problem, we present the mold thermal model and related assumptions. Then, we formulate the boundary heat flux estimation problem in a deterministic inverse problem setting using a sequential approach according to the sequentiality of the temperature measurements. We consider different formulations of the inverse problem. For each one, we develop novel direct methodologies exploiting a space parameterization of the heat flux and the linearity of the mold model. We construct these methods to be divided into a computationally expensive offline phase that can be computed before the process starts, and a cheaper online phase to be performed during the casting process. To conclude, we test the performance of the proposed methods in two benchmark cases.
A new stable, explicit, and generic third‐order method for simulating conductive heat transfer
Authors: Kovács Endre , Nagy Ádám
Published: November 2022

In this paper we introduce a new type of explicit numerical algorithm to solve the spatially discretized linear heat or diffusion equation. After discretizing the space variables as in standard finite difference methods, this novel method does not approximate the time derivatives by finite differences, but use three stage constant‐neighbor and linear neighbor approximations to decouple the ordinary differential equations and solve them analytically. In the final expression for the new values of the variable, the time step size appears not in polynomial or rational, but in exponential form with negative coefficients, which can guarantee unconditional stability. The scheme contains a free parameter p. We show that the convergence of the method is third‐order in the time step size regardless of the values of p, and, according to von Neumann stability analysis, the method is stable for a wide range of p. We validate the new method by testing the results in a case where the analytical solution exists, then we demonstrate the competitiveness by comparing its performance with several other numerical solvers.
Efficient, linearized high‐order compact difference schemes for nonlinear parabolic equations I: One‐dimensional problem
Authors: Wang Yanjie , Xie Shusen , Fu Hongfei
Published: November 2022

A one‐dimensional nonlinear time‐dependent conservative convection–diffusion‐reaction equation is considered, some linearized high‐order compact (HOC) difference schemes are developed and analyzed. Laplace‐modified method and implicit–explicit high‐order approximation technique are considered for the temporal discretization. While for the spatial discretization, the so‐called high‐order narrow stencil approximations are employed for the nonlinear second‐order spatial derivative, and the HOC difference approximations are considered, respectively, for the nonlinear first‐order spatial derivative and the introduced Laplace term. At each time level, the resulting algebraic system arising from the proposed schemes is linear and has the same (periodic) tridiagonal constant‐coefficient matrix, even though the convection–diffusion‐reaction equation itself has time‐dependent variable coefficients or even strongly nonlinear coefficients. Therefore, the proposed schemes are easy to implement in only computational complexity, where is the number of spatial unknowns per time level. The presented high‐order schemes are proved to be unconditionally stable in the linear case, and optimal‐order error estimates for the nonlinear equation in the discrete H1‐norm are obtained under reasonable restrictions on the temporal stepsize ratio by using the inductive arguments. Finally, ample numerical experiments are carried out to show the high accuracy and efficiency of the schemes.
Experimental study on the effect of molecular weight and chemical composition distribution on the mechanical response of high‐density polyethylene
Authors: Jani Farzad , Sepahi Abdolhannan , Afzali Seyyed Kamal , Houshmand Moayed Saeed
Published: November 2022

This article aims to appraise the effect of microstructure comprising molecular weight distribution and chemical composition distribution on the mechanical properties of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE). HDPE resins were synthesized using several titanium–magnesium‐supported Ziegler–Natta catalysts in the industrial gas phase reactor under the same polymerization condition. Gel permeation chromatography and crystallization elution fractionation (CEF) were conducted on the resins to characterize the molecular weight and comonomer distribution. Crystallization, thermal and rheological behavior were evaluated following differential scanning calorimetry, polarization light microscopy, and rheometric mechanical spectrometry. The resins with higher soluble fraction in trichlorobenzene below 80°C (highly branched low molecular weight chains) exhibited longer crystallization time based on the crystallization kinetic obtained from the Avrami model. Rheological determination of the molecular weight between entanglements (Me) and the average lamella thickness based on the Gibbs–Thomson equation revealed that the entanglement density and impact strength decreased, and the average lamella thickness increased with an increase in the ratio of CEF eluted fraction below 80°C to the crystallizable fraction in the range of 80–90°C.
Increasing the recruitment and retention of REM students within school psychology: The potential of diversity committees
Authors: Lim Karissa , Staubi Kayla , Adams Lyndsay , Higa Jamie , Parr Kayla , Frank Elyse , Arora Prerna G.
Published: November 2022

Racially and ethnically minoritized (REM) youth have been historically underrepresented in the field of school psychology due, in part, to poor program climate. Numerous strategies to increase the recruitment and retention of REM school psychology students have been put forth. Despite this, concerns regarding program climate remain and calls for the increased diversification of the field continue. The purpose of this article is to put forth the use of diversity committees (DCs) as a way to increase the recruitment and retention of REM students within school psychology. We present two case examples of DCs implemented in school psychology graduate programs. We conclude with implications, as well as future research needs as it relates to the examination of effectiveness and implementation of DCs.
Beyond the (im)mobility and social‐environmental dichotomy: Young adults' motives to reside in rural northwest Europe
Authors: Hofstede Henk , Salemink Koen , Haartsen Tialda
Published: November 2022

In line with the increased attention for residential experiences of young adults in rural areas, this paper explores the diversity of residential motives and combines them into overarching residential orientations. Based on survey data, we distinguish five residential orientations on rural identity, family, livability, housing and employment. These orientations are analysed on the basis of residential history, expectation to stay, agency about residential choices and sociodemographics of young adults. This paper finds that most of the young adults have the expectation to stay in their rural home region for the rest of their lives or at least for the upcoming 10 years. In addition, most of them experience a free choice to reside in their rural home areas. Young adults possess five residential orientations which do not differ much with regard to residential history and the expectation to stay. Nevertheless, whereas the family residential orientation is the most general orientation among young adults, the rural identity residential orientation stands out with specific characteristics among young adults. A stronger rural identity orientation is most likely among independent young adults who experience agency in their residential choice and who expect to stay in the study areas.