bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proof of Concept for Fast Equation of State Development Using an Integrated Experimental–Computational Approach
Authors: Frotscher Ophelia , Martinek Viktor , Fingerhut Robin , Yang Xiaoxian , Vrabec Jadran , Herzog Roland , Richter Markus
Published: May 2023

A multitude of industries, including energy and process engineering, as well as academia are researching and utilizing new fluid substances to further the aim of sustainability. Knowledge of the thermodynamic properties of these substances is a prerequisite, if they are to be utilized to their fullest potential. To date, the way to acquire reliable knowledge of the thermodynamic behavior is through measurements. The ensuing experimental data are then used to develop equations of state, which efficiently embody the gained knowledge of the behavior of the fluid substance, allow for interpolation and, to some extent, extrapolation. However, the acquisition of low-uncertainty experimental data, and thus the development of accurate equations of state, is often time-consuming and expensive. For substances for which suitable force field models exist, molecular modeling and simulation are well-suited to generate thermodynamic data or to augment experimental data, however, at the expense of larger uncertainties. The major goal of this work is to present a new approach for the development of equations of state using (1) symbolic regression, which is a machine learning based model development approach, (2) optimal experimental design, and (3) efficient data acquisition. We demonstrate this approach using the example of density data of an air-like binary mixture ($$0.2094\,\hbox {O}_{2}\,+\,0.7906\,\hbox {N}_{2}$$

0.2094

O
2

+

0.7906

N
2

) over the temperature range from $${100}\,{\textrm{K}}$$

100

K

to $${300}\,{\textrm{K}}$$

300

K

at pressures of up to $${8}\,{\textrm{MPa}}$$

8

MPa

, which covers the gaseous, liquid, and supercritical regions. For this purpose, an experimental data set published by von Preetzmann et al. (Int. J. Thermophys. 42, 2021) and molecular simulation data sampled in this work are used. The two data sets are compared in terms of acquisition time, cost, and uncertainty, showing that an optimized combination of experimental and simulation data leads to lower cost while maintaining low uncertainties.
Association of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (Glu298Asp) gene polymorphism with radial artery spasm during cardiac catheterization in Egyptians
Authors: Abdelaziz Tarek A , Mohamed Randa H. , Dwedar Ashraf A , Eldeeb Mohey Eldeen A , Abdelfattah Abdelrahman A , Saadawy Sara F
Published: May 2023

Background

Nitric oxide (NO) exerts diverse effects on the cardiovascular system. Impairment of NO production plays a key role in cerebral and coronary artery spasm. We aimed to explore the predicting factors of radial artery spasm (RAS) and the association of eNOS gene polymorphism (Glu298Asp) with RAS during cardiac catheterization.

Methods and results

200 patients underwent elective coronary angiography through a trans-radial approach. The subjects were genotyped to the Glu298Asp polymorphism (rs1799983) on the eNOS gene by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Our results showed that the subjects with the TT genotype and T allele were significantly more likely to develop radial artery spasms (OR = 12.5, 4.6, P < 0.001 respectively). TT genotype of eNOS Glu298Asp polymorphism, number of punctures, size of the radial sheath, radial tortuosity, and right radial access are independent predictors of radial spasm.

Conclusion

The eNOS (Glu298Asp) gene polymorphism is associated with RAS during cardiac catheterization in Egyptians. TT genotype of eNOS Glu298Asp polymorphism, number of punctures, size of the radial sheath, right radial access, and tortuosity are independent predictors of RAS during cardiac catheterization.
Modulatory Effect of Pyrus pyrifolia Fruit and its Phenolics on Key Enzymes against Metabolic Syndrome: Bioassay-Guided Approach, HPLC Analysis, and In Silico Study
Authors: Mahdy Nariman E. , Abdel-Baki Passent M. , El-Rashedy Ahmed A. , Ibrahim Rana M.
Published: May 2023

This study aims to isolate the active constituents of Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai fruits using a bioassay-guided fractionation approach, test their activity in vitro against key enzymes for metabolic disorders, and support it with molecular docking simulations. The antioxidant potential of the methanolic extract (ME), its polar (PF), and non-polar fractions (NPF), along with the inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase, α-amylase, lipase, angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE), renin, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and xanthine oxidase (XO) were assessed. The PF exhibited the highest antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activity. Purification of PF yielded rutin, isoquercitrin, isorhamnetin-3-O-β-D-glucoside, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, and cinnamic acid. HPLC-UV analysis of the PF allowed for the quantification of 15 phenolic compounds, including the isolated compounds. Cinnamic acid was the most powerful antioxidant in all assays and potent enzyme inhibitor against the tested enzymes (α-glucosidase, α-amylase, lipase, ACE, renin, iNOS, and XO). Additionally, it showed high affinity to target α-glucosidase and ACE active sites with high docking scores (calculated total binding free energy (ΔGbind) -23.11 kcal/mol and − 20.03 kcal/mol, respectively]. A 20-ns molecular dynamics simulation using MM-GBSA analysis revealed a stable conformation and binding patterns in a stimulating environment of cinnamic acid. Interestingly, the isolated compounds’ dynamic investigations including RMSD, RMSF, and Rg demonstrated a stable ligand − protein complex to the active site of iNOS with ΔGbind ranging from − 68.85 kcal/mol to -13.47 kcal/mol. These findings support the notion that P. pyrifolia fruit is a functional food with multifactorial therapeutic agents against metabolic syndrome-associated diseases.
Effects of a brief self-affirmation writing intervention among 7th graders in Germany: Testing for variations by heritage group, discrimination experiences and classroom diversity climate
Authors: Juang Linda P. , Schachner Maja K. , Aral Tuğçe , Schwarzenthal Miriam , Kunyu David , Löhmannsröben Hanna
Published: May 2023

We tested whether a brief self-affirmation writing intervention protected against identity-threats (i.e., stereotyping and discrimination) for adolescents’ school-related adjustment. The longitudinal study followed 639 adolescents in Germany (65% of immigrant descent, 50% female, Mage = 12.35 years, SDage = .69) from 7th grade (pre-intervention at T1, five to six months post-intervention at T2) to the end of 8th grade (one-year follow-up at T3). We tested for direct and moderated (by heritage group, discrimination, classroom cultural diversity climate) effects using regression and latent change models. The self-affirmation intervention did not promote grades or math competence. However, in the short-term and for adolescents of immigrant descent, the intervention prevented a downward trajectory in mastery reactions to academic challenges for those experiencing greater discrimination. Further, it protected against a decline in behavioral school engagement for those in positive classroom cultural diversity climates. In the long-term and for all adolescents, the intervention lessened an upward trajectory in disruptive behavior. Overall, the self-affirmation intervention benefited some aspects of school-related adjustment for adolescents of immigrant and non-immigrant descent. The intervention context is important, with classroom cultural diversity climate acting as a psychological affordance enhancing affirmation effects. Our study supports the ongoing call for theorizing and empirically testing student and context heterogeneity to better understand for whom and under which conditions this intervention may work.
Impact of bone and cartilage segmentation from CT and MRI on both bone forearm osteotomy planning
Authors: Kuiper Ruurd J. A. , Colaris Joost W. , Stockmans Filip , van Es Eline M. , Viergever Max A. , Seevinck Peter R. , Weinans Harrie , Sakkers Ralph J. B.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The use of MRI scans for pre-operative surgical planning of forearm osteotomies provides additional information of joint cartilage and soft tissue structures and reduces radiation exposure in comparison with the use of CT scans. In this study, we investigated whether using 3D information obtained from MRI with and without cartilage information leads to a different outcome of pre-operative planning.

Methods

Bilateral CT and MRI scans of the forearms of 10 adolescent and young adult patients with a unilateral bone deformation were acquired in a prospective study. The bones were segmented from CT and MRI, and cartilage only from MRI. The deformed bones were virtually reconstructed, by registering the joint ends to the healthy contralateral side. An optimal osteotomy plane was determined that minimized the distance between the resulting fragments. This process was performed in threefold: using the CT and MRI bone segmentations, and the MRI cartilage segmentations.

Results

Comparison of bone segmentation from MRI and CT scan resulted in a 0.95 ± 0.02 Dice Similarity Coefficient and 0.42 ± 0.07 mm Mean Absolute Surface Distance. All realignment parameters showed excellent reliability across the different segmentations. However, the mean differences in translational realignment between CT and MRI bone segmentations (4.5 ± 2.1 mm) and between MRI bone and MRI bone and cartilage segmentations (2.8 ± 2.1 mm) were shown to be clinically and statistically significant. A significant positive correlation was found between the translational realignment and the relative amount of cartilage.

Conclusion

This study indicates that although bone realignment remained largely similar when using MRI with and without cartilage information compared to using CT, the small differences in segmentation could induce statistically and clinically significant differences in the osteotomy planning. We also showed that endochondral cartilage might be a non-negligible factor when planning osteotomies for young patients.
Clinical validation of MR imaging time reduction for substitute/synthetic CT generation for prostate MRI-only treatment planning
Authors: Young Tony , Dowling Jason , Rai Robba , Liney Gary , Greer Peter , Thwaites David , Holloway Lois
Published: May 2023

Radiotherapy treatment planning based only on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become clinically achievable. Though computed tomography (CT) is the gold standard for radiotherapy imaging, directly providing the electron density values needed for planning calculations, MRI has superior soft tissue visualisation to guide treatment planning decisions and optimisation. MRI-only planning removes the need for the CT scan, but requires generation of a substitute/synthetic/pseudo CT (sCT) for electron density information. Shortening the MRI imaging time would improve patient comfort and reduce the likelihood of motion artefacts. A volunteer study was previously carried out to investigate and optimise faster MRI sequences for a hybrid atlas-voxel conversion to sCT for prostate treatment planning. The aim of this follow-on study was to clinically validate the performance of the new optimised sequence for sCT generation in a treated MRI-only prostate patient cohort. 10 patients undergoing MRI-only treatment were scanned on a Siemens Skyra 3T MRI as part of the MRI-only sub-study of the NINJA clinical trial (ACTRN12618001806257). Two sequences were used, the standard 3D T2-weighted SPACE sequence used for sCT conversion which has been previously validated against CT, and a modified fast SPACE sequence, selected based on the volunteer study. Both were used to generate sCT scans. These were then compared to evaluate the fast sequence conversion for anatomical and dosimetric accuracy against the clinically approved treatment plans. The average Mean Absolute Error (MAE) for the body was 14.98 ± 2.35 HU, and for bone was 40.77 ± 5.51 HU. The external volume contour comparison produced a Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC) of at least 0.976, and an average of 0.985 ± 0.004, and the bony anatomy contour comparison a DSC of at least 0.907, and an average of 0.950 ± 0.018. The fast SPACE sCT agreed with the gold standard sCT within an isocentre dose of -0.28% ± 0.16% and an average gamma pass rate of 99.66% ± 0.41% for a 1%/1 mm gamma tolerance. In this clinical validation study, the fast sequence, which reduced the required imaging time by approximately a factor of 4, produced an sCT with similar clinical dosimetric results compared to the standard sCT, demonstrating its potential for clinical use for treatment planning.
Measuring health-related quality of life in sarcopenia: summary of the SarQoL psychometric properties
Authors: Beaudart Charlotte , Reginster Jean-Yves , Amuthavalli Thiyagarajan Jotheeswaran , Bautmans Ivan , Bauer Jürgen , Burlet Nansa , Cesari Matteo , Cherubini Antonio , Cooper Cyrus , Cruz-Jentoft Alfonso J. , Dawson-Hughes Bess , Fielding Roger A. , Harvey Nicholas C. , Landi Francesco , Laslop Andrea , Maggi Stefania , Montero-Errasquin Beatriz , Concepción Prieto Yerro María , Rolland Yves , Rizzoli René , Visser Marjolein , Bruyère Olivier
Published: May 2023

Patient perspectives are now widely recognized as a key element in the evaluation of health interventions. Therefore, the provision of specific and validated Patient Reported Outcome Measures that emphasize the lived experience of patients suffering from specific diseases is very important. In the field of sarcopenia, the only validated specific health-related quality of life (HRQoL) instrument available is the Sarcopenia Quality of Life questionnaire (SarQoL). This self-administrated HRQoL questionnaire, developed in 2015, consists of 55 items arranged into 22 questions and has currently been translated into 35 languages. Nineteen validation studies performed on SarQoL have consensually confirmed the capacity of SarQoL to detect difference in HRQoL between older people with and without sarcopenia, its reliability and its validity. Two further observational studies have also indicated its responsiveness to change. A short form SarQoL, including only 14 items has further been developed and validated to reduce the potential burden of administration. Research on the psychometric properties of SarQoL questionnaire is still encouraged as the responsiveness to change of SarQoL has not yet been measured in the context of interventional studies, as limited prospective data currently exist and as there is still not cut-off score to define a low HRQoL. In addition, SarQoL has mainly been used in community-dwelling older individuals with sarcopenia and would benefit to be studied in other types of populations. This review aims to provide to researchers, clinicians, regulators, pharmaceutical industries and other stakeholders a clear summary of comprehensive evidence on the SarQoL questionnaire published up to January 2023Query.
Efficient image blur detection via hierarchical edge guidance and region complementation
Authors: Wang Xuewei , Liang Xiao , Li Shaohua , Zheng Jinjin
Published: May 2023

Blur detection is aimed to recognize the blurry pixels from a given image, which is increasingly valued in vision-centered applications. Albeit great improvement achieved by recent deep learning-based methods, the overweight model and rough boundary still pose challenges to blur detection. In this paper, we propose a Hierarchical Edge-guided Region-complemented Network (HER-Net) to tackle the above issues in quest of a favorable accuracy–complexity trade-off. First, we propose novel olive-shaped and pear-shaped inverted bottleneck structures based on large-kernel depth-wise convolutions to build a very concise architecture. Second, we provoke and exploit region-concerned and edge-concerned morphological priors to refine the boundary. To this end, we propose a reverse-region spatial attention to mine the complementary affinities between blurry and sharp regions so as to enrich the residual details around the boundary. In addition, we propose an edge spatial attention to guide the edge-concerned cues to emphasize the features related to the boundary. Both attentions are embedded into the model with hierarchical manners. Extensive experiments on three benchmark datasets demonstrate that the proposed method can achieve better detection performance using fewer parameters and lower floating-point operations compared to competitive methods. It proves the efficiency and effectiveness of our method in blur detection task.
Impact assessment of strain-dependent permeability on reservoir productivity in CSS
Authors: Alzate-Espinosa G. A. , Araujo-Guerrero E. F. , Torres-Hernandez C. A. , Benítez-Peláez C. A. , Herrera-Schlesinger M. C. , Higuita-Carvajal E. , Naranjo-Agudelo A.
Published: May 2023

Geomechanical analysis is essential to assess the productivity forecast of cyclic steam simulation (CSS) operations in heavy oil reservoirs. The high-temperature and high-pressure fluid injection, as well as depletion in unconsolidated and poorly cemented porous media during CSS, may generate a relevant stress–strain response at levels that can lead to irreversible changes in reservoir permeability. Therefore, it is fundamental to consider permeability dependence on rock strain to properly analyze the impact of geomechanics, pressure, and temperature on reservoir performance. This paper implements a proposed directional strain-dependent permeability model to assess the productivity and compare it with a conventional volumetric permeability model through numerical simulation, considering the effects of wellbore creation on the stress–strain initial state. An explicit coupling between CMG-STARS and the geomechanics in-house simulator GSIM is carried out to perform the simulations using the proposed model. The results of oil production rates and permeability profiles show competitiveness between dilation and compaction periods that modify the structure of the porous media. There is a significant influence of stress state, strain, and injected energy on the permeability parameter. The approximations of this study might be used for feasibility assessment and optimization of CSS when integrating reservoir flow and geomechanical behavior analysis in productivity forecast.
Contemporary beachrock formation at Arrigunaga beach (Bizkaia, Spain) on anthropogenic slag
Authors: Elorza Javier , Recio Clemente
Published: May 2023

The large, thick beachrock of Arrigunaga beach (Bizkaia, Spain) is unusual among beachrocks because of (a) Its location, at 43ºN latitude; (b) The substrate that was cemented, largely consisting on smelter slag mixed with natural beach sediment; (c) The timing and amount of slag dumping at sea, with millions of tons of waste dumped in the short interval AD 1902–1966; (d) The sudden cessation of dumping (AD 1966), followed by immediate beachrock exhumation and retrogradation and (e) An aggressive engineering intervention (AD 1999), supposedly aimed at beach regeneration, with imported bioclastic sands, resulting in additional weak cementation of the residual blocks. Thickness of the beachrock and the identification of internal clasts attest for a multiepisodic process with at least three main cementation steps and several CaCO3 polymorphs precipitated from mixed marine and freshwaters. Evidence of bacterial remains suggests that biological activity helped to trigger cementation. C and O isotopic values obtained in the cements confirm the dominance of mixed marine and freshwaters composition. Exact knowledge of the start and finishing dates of slag dumping permits to tightly constrain the rapid cementation, which was already evident at least since AD 1924, that produced the beachrock, as well as its evolution towards its current fast and complete disappearance.
Impact analysis of different applications of cyantraniliprole on control of horse chestnut leaf miner (Cameraria ohridella) larvae supported by biophoton emission
Authors: Keszthelyi Sándor , Gerbovits Bálint , Jócsák Ildikó
Published: May 2023

Cameraria ohridellais one of the most invasive pests of horse chestnut. Cyantraniliprole is one of the most perspectively active insecticides, which can transport within the plant in several ways, and its efficacy against this pest has not yet been tested. All three modes of application were effective against the target pest, but there was a difference in the time of action between them. However, no demonstrable difference in the speed of action was detected between the doses used. A more intense rate of acropetal translocation was confirmed compared to basipetal translocation. A trend-like effect between the applied concentration of cyantraniliprole and the photon emission intensity per unit area of plant tissue was observed in the translaminar and acropetal treatment settings. In both cases, a clear increase in photon emission was observed, indicating metabolic upregulation. Therefore, we can conclude that biophoton emission measurements can be utilized to conduct efficient pesticide translocation investigations.
Complexity-driven layout exploration for aircraft structures
Authors: Gamache Jean-François , Vadean Aurelian , Capo Mario , Rochefort-Beaudoin Thomas , Dodane Nicolas , Achiche Sofiane
Published: May 2023

Topology optimization has been identified as a powerful tool to improve aircraft structures for many years. Yet, innovative layouts have not been successfully implemented in commercial aircraft for several reasons. One reason identified by our research group is the lack of design constraints during topology optimization, such as buckling stability, which yields complex solutions that are not easily manufacturable. Second, the complexity of the resulting layouts makes integration with other systems highly challenging. With respect to these challenges, we propose a new heuristic layout optimization process: complexity-driven layout exploration for aircraft structures (CD-LEAS). The new process addresses the challenges of complexity and nonlinear constraints, such as buckling, in aircraft structure layout optimization. The novelty of CD-LEAS comes from the integration of a relative complexity metric as a driver to navigate the design space efficiently. Two case studies of commonly used stiffened panels are carried out to showcase the performance of the process. The results show that using complexity to navigate an explicit design space allows our process to quickly output a family of simple, light, stiff and buckling-resistant layouts.
Study of CO2 desublimation during cryogenic carbon capture using the lattice Boltzmann method
Authors: Lei Timan , Luo Kai H. , Hernández Pérez Francisco E. , Wang Geng , Wang Zhen , Restrepo Cano Juan , Im Hong G.
Published: May 2023

Cryogenic carbon capture (CCC) can preferentially desublimate

$\text {CO}_2$

out of the flue gas. A widespread application of CCC requires a comprehensive understanding of

$\text {CO}_2$

desublimation properties. This is, however, highly challenging due to the multiphysics behind it. This study proposes a lattice Boltzmann (LB) model to study

$\text {CO}_2$

desublimation on a cooled cylinder surface during CCC. In two-dimensional (2-D) simulations, various

$\text {CO}_2$

desublimation and capture behaviours are produced in response to different operation conditions, namely, gas velocity (Péclet number

$\textit {Pe}$

) and cylinder temperature (subcooling degree

$\Delta T_{sub}$

). As

$\textit {Pe}$

increases or

$\Delta T_{sub}$

decreases, the desublimation rate gradually becomes insufficient compared with the

$\text {CO}_2$

supply via convection/diffusion. Correspondingly, the desublimated solid

$\text {CO}_2$

layer (SCL) transforms from a loose (i.e. cluster-like, dendritic or incomplete) structure to a dense one. Four desublimation regimes are thus classified as diffusion-controlled, joint-controlled, convection-controlled and desublimation-controlled regimes. The joint-controlled regime shows quantitatively a desirable

$\text {CO}_2$

capture performance: fast desublimation rate, high capture capacity, and full cylinder utilization. Regime distributions are summarized on a

$\textit {Pe}$

–

$\Delta T_{sub}$

space to determine operation parameters for the joint-controlled regime. Moreover, three-dimensional simulations demonstrate four similar desublimation regimes, verifying the reliability of 2-D results. Under regimes with loose SCLs, however, the desublimation process shows an improved

$\text {CO}_2$

capture performance in three dimensions. This is attributed to the enhanced availability of gas–solid interface and flow paths. This work develops a reliable LB model to study

$\text {CO}_2$

desublimation, which can facilitate applications of CCC for mitigating climate change.
Minimum Wage Hikes and Technology Adoption: Evidence from U.S. Establishments
Authors: Dai Xin , Qiu Yue
Published: May 2023

This article studies the effects of state minimum wage increase on information technology (IT) adoption at the establishment level in the United States. Our results show that treatment establishments on average allocate between $10,328 and $66,808 more per year to their IT budgets during the first 3 years after experiencing significant state minimum wage increases. Additional evidence shows that state minimum wage increases on average lead to an economically small decrease in employment. The estimated employment effect is larger for establishments that have more incentives to automate labor. Our results suggest that establishments adopt technology to countervail increased labor costs.
Intraindividual phenotyping of depression in high-risk youth: An application of a multilevel hidden Markov model
Authors: Liu Qimin , Cole David , Tran Tiffany , Quinn Meghan , McCauley Elisabeth , Diamond Guy , Garber Judy
Published: May 2023

Background:

Traditionally, depression phenotypes have been defined based on interindividual differences that distinguish between subgroups of individuals expressing distinct depressive symptoms often from cross-sectional data. Alternatively, depression phenotypes can be defined based on intraindividual differences, differentiating between transitory states of distinct symptoms profiles that a person transitions into or out of over time. Such within-person phenotypic states are less examined, despite their potential significance for understanding and treating depression.

Methods:

The current study used intensive longitudinal data of youths (N = 120) at risk for depression. Clinical interviews (at baseline, 4, 10, 16, and 22 months) yielded 90 weekly assessments. We applied a multilevel hidden Markov model to identify intraindividual phenotypes of weekly depressive symptoms for at-risk youth.

Results:

Three intraindividual phenotypes emerged: a low-depression state, an elevated-depression state, and a cognitive-physical-symptom state. Youth had a high probability of remaining in the same state over time. Furthermore, probabilities of transitioning from one state to another did not differ by age or ethnoracial minority status; girls were more likely than boys to transition from a low-depression state to either the elevated-depression state or the cognitive-physical symptom state. Finally, these intraindividual phenotypes and their dynamics were associated with comorbid externalizing symptoms.

Conclusion:

Identifying these states as well as the transitions between them characterizes how symptoms of depression change over time and provide potential directions for intervention efforts
Effects of Test Mode and Medium on Elementary School Students’ Test Experience
Authors: Brüggemann Thomas , Ludewig Ulrich , Lorenz Ramona , McElvany Nele
Published: May 2023

Abstract: The use of digital media in education can bring great benefits and its use in schooling is steadily increasing. Administrating paper- versus computer-based as well as fixed-item versus adaptive tests could create differences in test experience, which can threaten the comparability of test results. This study investigated how the pen-and-paper, computer-based, and computer-adaptive test formats of a standardized reading comprehension test affect test anxiety and motivation among German fourth-grade students. A within-class randomized field trial with 387 fourth graders (aged: 9–10 years; 46.3% female) was conducted. Repeated-measures analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) revealed no differences in state test anxiety between the test formats when controlling for trait test anxiety and pre-test state anxiety, but state reading motivation was initially higher when reading on a screen, controlling for trait reading motivation. However, this difference diminishes over the course of the test. Implications for using digital media in elementary school test situations are discussed.
Modeling and Analysis of Sediment Trapping Efficiency of Large Dams Using Remote Sensing
Authors: Moragoda Nishani , Cohen Sagy , Gardner John , Muñoz David , Narayanan Anuska , Moftakhari Hamed , Pavelsky Tamlin M.
Published: May 2023

Quantifying the role of sediment trapping by dams is important due to its control on fluvial and coastal geomorphology, aquatic ecology, water quality, and human water uses. Sediment trapping behind dams is a major source of bias in large‐scale hydrogeomorphic models, hindering robust analyses of anthropogenic influences on sediment fluxes in freshwater and coastal systems. This study focuses on developing a new reservoir trapping efficiency (Te) parameter to account for the impacts of dams in hydrological models. This goal was achieved by harnessing a novel remote sensing data product which offers high‐resolution and spatially continuous maps of suspended sediment concentration across the Contiguous United States (CONUS). Validation of remote sensing‐derived surface sediment fluxes against USGS depth‐averaged sediment fluxes showed that this remote sensing data set can be used to calculate Te with high accuracy (R2 = 0.98). Te calculated for 222 dams across the CONUS, using incoming and outgoing sediment fluxes from their reservoirs, range from 0.13% to 98.3% with a mean of 45.8%. Contrary to the previous understanding that large reservoirs have larger Te, remote sensing data show that large reservoirs can have a wide range of Te values. A suite of 22 explanatory variables were used to develop an empirical Te model. The strongest model predicts Te using four variables: incoming sediment flux, outgoing water discharge, reservoir length, and reservoir storage. A global model was also developed using explanatory variables obtained from a global dam database.
High Spatial Melt Rate Variability Near the Totten Glacier Grounding Zone Explained by New Bathymetry Inversion
Authors: Vaňková Irena , Winberry J. Paul , Cook Sue , Nicholls Keith W. , Greene Chad A. , Galton‐Fenzi Benjamin K.
Published: May 2023

Totten Glacier is a fast‐moving East Antarctic outlet with the potential for significant future sea‐level contributions. We deployed four autonomous phase‐sensitive radars on its ice shelf to monitor ice‐ocean interactions near its grounding zone and made active source seismic observations to constrain gravity‐derived bathymetry models. We observe an asymmetry in basal melting with mean melt rates along the grounding zone differing by up to 20 m/a. Our new bathymetry model reveals that this melt rate asymmetry coincides with an asymmetry in water column thickness and that the low‐melting ice‐shelf portion is shielded from the main cavity circulation. A 2‐year record yields year‐to‐year melt rate variability of 7–9 m/a with no seasonal cycle. Our results highlight the key role of bathymetry near grounding lines for accurate modeling of ice‐shelf melt, and the importance of sustained multi‐year monitoring, especially at ice‐shelf cavities where the dominant melt rate drivers vary primarily inter‐annually.
Targeting small GTPases: emerging grasps on previously untamable targets, pioneered by KRAS
Authors: Yin Guowei , Huang Jing , Petela Johnny , Jiang Hongmei , Zhang Yuetong , Gong Siqi , Wu Jiaxin , Liu Bei , Shi Jianyou , Gao Yijun
Published: May 2023

Small GTPases including Ras, Rho, Rab, Arf, and Ran are omnipresent molecular switches in regulating key cellular functions. Their dysregulation is a therapeutic target for tumors, neurodegeneration, cardiomyopathies, and infection. However, small GTPases have been historically recognized as “undruggable”. Targeting KRAS, one of the most frequently mutated oncogenes, has only come into reality in the last decade due to the development of breakthrough strategies such as fragment-based screening, covalent ligands, macromolecule inhibitors, and PROTACs. Two KRASG12Ccovalent inhibitors have obtained accelerated approval for treating KRASG12Cmutant lung cancer, and allele-specific hotspot mutations on G12D/S/R have been demonstrated as viable targets. New methods of targeting KRAS are quickly evolving, including transcription, immunogenic neoepitopes, and combinatory targeting with immunotherapy. Nevertheless, the vast majority of small GTPases and hotspot mutations remain elusive, and clinical resistance to G12C inhibitors poses new challenges. In this article, we summarize diversified biological functions, shared structural properties, and complex regulatory mechanisms of small GTPases and their relationships with human diseases. Furthermore, we review the status of drug discovery for targeting small GTPases and the most recent strategic progress focused on targeting KRAS. The discovery of new regulatory mechanisms and development of targeting approaches will together promote drug discovery for small GTPases.
SLCO1B1*5 is protective against non-senile cataracts in cohort prescribed statins: analysis in a British-South Asian cohort
Authors: Magavern Emma F. , van Heel David A. ,   Genes & Health Research Team, Smedley Damian , Caulfield Mark J.
Published: May 2023

Background

Reported association between statin use and cataract risk is controversial. The SLCO1B1 gene encodes a transport protein responsible for statin clearance. The aim of this study was to investigate a possible association between the SLCO1B1*5 reduced function variant and cataract risk in statin users of South Asian ethnicity.

Methods

The Genes & Health cohort consists of British-Bangladeshi and British-Pakistani participants from East London, Manchester and Bradford, UK. SLCO1B1*5 genotype was assessed with the Illumina GSAMD-24v3-0-EA chip. Medication data from primary care health record linkage was used to compare those who had regularly used statins compared to those who had not. Multivariable logistic regression was used to test for association between statin use and cataracts, adjusting for population characteristics and potential confounders in 36,513 participants. Multivariable logistic regression was used to test association between SLCO1B1*5 heterozygotes or homozygotes and cataracts, in subgroups having been regularly prescribed statins versus not.

Results

Statins were prescribed to 35% (12,704) of participants (average age 41 years old, 45% male). Non-senile cataract was diagnosed in 5% (1686) of participants. An apparent association between statins and non-senile cataract (12% in statin users and 0.8% in non-statin users) was negated by inclusion of confounders. In those prescribed a statin, presence of the SLCO1B1*5 genotype was independently associated with a decreased risk of non-senile cataract (OR 0.7 (CI 0.5–0.9, p 0.007)).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that there is no independent association between statin use and non-senile cataract risk after adjusting for confounders. Among statin users, the SLCO1B1*5 genotype is associated with a 30% risk reduction of non-senile cataracts. Stratification of on-drug cohorts by validated pharmacogenomic variants is a useful tool to support or repudiate adverse drug events in observational cohorts.
Adipose mesenchymal stem cell-derived soluble factors, produced under hypoxic condition, efficiently support in vivo angiogenesis
Authors: Barone Ludovica , Palano Maria Teresa , Gallazzi Matteo , Cucchiara Martina , Rossi Federica , Borgese Marina , Raspanti Mario , Zecca Piero Antonio , Mortara Lorenzo , Papait Roberto , Bernardini Giovanni , Valdatta Luigi , Bruno Antonino , Gornati Rosalba
Published: May 2023

Tissue regeneration or healing both require efficient vascularization within a tissue-damaged area. Based on this concept, a remarkable number of strategies, aimed at developing new tools to support re-vascularization of damaged tissue have emerged. Among the strategies proposed, the use of pro-angiogenic soluble factors, as a cell-free tool, appears as a promising approach, able to overcome the issues concerning the direct use of cells for regenerative medicine therapy. Here, we compared the effectiveness of adipose mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs), use as cell suspension, ASC protein extract or ASC-conditioned-medium (i.e., soluble factors), combined with collagenic scaffold, in supporting in vivo angiogenesis. We also tested the capability of hypoxia in increasing the efficiency of ASC to promote angiogenesis, via soluble factors, both in vivo and in vitro. In vivo studies were performed using the Integra® Flowable Wound Matrix, and the Ultimatrix in sponge assay. Flow cytometry was used to characterize the scaffold- and sponge-infiltrating cells. Real-time PCR was used to evaluate the expression of pro-angiogenic factors by stimulating Human Umbilical-Vein Endothelial Cells with ASC-conditioned media, obtained in hypoxic and normoxic conditions. We found that, in vivo, ACS-conditioned media can support angiogenesis similar to ASCs and ASC protein extract. Also, we observed that hypoxia increases the pro-angiogenic activities of ASC-conditioned media, compared to normoxia, by generating a secretome enriched in pro-angiogenic soluble factors, with bFGF, Adiponectine, ENA78, GRO, GRO-a, and ICAM1-3, as most regulated factors. Finally, ASC-conditioned media, produced in hypoxic condition, induce the expression of pro-angiogenic molecules in HUVECs. Our results provide evidence that ASC-conditioned-medium can be proposed as a cell-free preparation able to support angiogenesis, thus providing a relevant tool to overcome the issues and restrictions associated with the use of cells.
Gut AstA mediates sleep deprivation-induced energy wasting in Drosophila
Authors: Li Yingge , Zhou Xiaoya , Cheng Chen , Ding Guangming , Zhao Peng , Tan Kai , Chen Lixia , Perrimon Norbert , Veenstra Jan A. , Zhang Luoying , Song Wei
Published: May 2023

Severe sleep deprivation (SD) has been highly associated with systemic energy wasting, such as lipid loss and glycogen depletion. Despite immune dysregulation and neurotoxicity observed in SD animals, whether and how the gut-secreted hormones participate in SD-induced disruption of energy homeostasis remains largely unknown. Using Drosophila as a conserved model organism, we characterize that production of intestinal Allatostatin A (AstA), a major gut-peptide hormone, is robustly increased in adult flies bearing severe SD. Interestingly, the removal of AstA production in the gut using specific drivers significantly improves lipid loss and glycogen depletion in SD flies without affecting sleep homeostasis. We reveal the molecular mechanisms whereby gut AstA promotes the release of an adipokinetic hormone (Akh), an insulin counter-regulatory hormone functionally equivalent to mammalian glucagon, to mobilize systemic energy reserves by remotely targeting its receptor AstA-R2 in Akh-producing cells. Similar regulation of glucagon secretion and energy wasting by AstA/galanin is also observed in SD mice. Further, integrating single-cell RNA sequencing and genetic validation, we uncover that severe SD results in ROS accumulation in the gut to augment AstA production via TrpA1. Altogether, our results demonstrate the essential roles of the gut-peptide hormone AstA in mediating SD-associated energy wasting.
Gas therapy potentiates aggregation-induced emission luminogen-based photoimmunotherapy of poorly immunogenic tumors through cGAS-STING pathway activation
Authors: Wang Kaiyuan , Li Yang , Wang Xia , Zhang Zhijun , Cao Liping , Fan Xiaoyuan , Wan Bin , Liu Fengxiang , Zhang Xuanbo , He Zhonggui , Zhou Yingtang , Wang Dong , Sun Jin , Chen Xiaoyuan
Published: May 2023

The immunologically “cold” microenvironment of triple negative breast cancer results in resistance to current immunotherapy. Here, we reveal the immunoadjuvant property of gas therapy with cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING) pathway activation to augment aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-active luminogen (AIEgen)-based photoimmunotherapy. A virus-mimicking hollow mesoporous tetrasulfide-doped organosilica is developed for co-encapsulation of AIEgen and manganese carbonyl to fabricate gas nanoadjuvant. As tetra-sulfide bonds are responsive to intratumoral glutathione, the gas nanoadjuvant achieves tumor-specific drug release, promotes photodynamic therapy, and produces hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Upon near-infrared laser irradiation, the AIEgen-mediated phototherapy triggers the burst of carbon monoxide (CO)/Mn2+. Both H2S and CO can destroy mitochondrial integrity to induce leakage of mitochondrial DNA into the cytoplasm, serving as gas immunoadjuvants to activate cGAS-STING pathway. Meanwhile, Mn2+ can sensitize cGAS to augment STING-mediated type I interferon production. Consequently, the gas nanoadjuvant potentiates photoimmunotherapy of poorly immunogenic breast tumors in female mice.
Learning how network structure shapes decision-making for bio-inspired computing
Authors: Schirner Michael , Deco Gustavo , Ritter Petra
Published: May 2023

To better understand how network structure shapes intelligent behavior, we developed a learning algorithm that we used to build personalized brain network models for 650 Human Connectome Project participants. We found that participants with higher intelligence scores took more time to solve difficult problems, and that slower solvers had higher average functional connectivity. With simulations we identified a mechanistic link between functional connectivity, intelligence, processing speed and brain synchrony for trading accuracy with speed in dependence of excitation-inhibition balance. Reduced synchrony led decision-making circuits to quickly jump to conclusions, while higher synchrony allowed for better integration of evidence and more robust working memory. Strict tests were applied to ensure reproducibility and generality of the obtained results. Here, we identify links between brain structure and function that enable to learn connectome topology from noninvasive recordings and map it to inter-individual differences in behavior, suggesting broad utility for research and clinical applications.
Direct allylic acylation via cross-coupling involving cooperative N‑heterocyclic carbene, hydrogen atom transfer, and photoredox catalysis
Authors: Wang Xiaochen , Yang Rongxin , Zhu Binbing , Liu Yuxiu , Song Hongjian , Dong Jianyang , Wang Qingmin
Published: May 2023

Herein, we report a mild, operationally simple, multicatalytic method for the synthesis of β,γ-unsaturated ketones via allylic acylation of alkenes. Specifically, the method combines N‑heterocyclic carbene catalysis, hydrogen atom transfer catalysis, and photoredox catalysis for cross-coupling reactions between a wide range of feedstock carboxylic acids and readily available olefins to afford structurally diverse β,γ-unsaturated ketones without olefin transposition. The method could be used to install acyl groups on highly functionalized natural-product-derived compounds with no need for substrate pre-activation, and C–H functionalization proceed with excellent site selectivity. To demonstrate the potential applications of the method, we convert a representative coupling product into various useful olefin synthons.
Effects of the microstructure and retained/reversed austenite on the corrosion behavior of NiCrMoV/Nb high-strength steel
Authors: Hai Chao , Zhu Yuetong , Fan Endian , Du Cuiwei , Cheng Xuequn , Li Xiaogang
Published: May 2023

A comparison of microstructure and corrosion performance has been made between NiCrMoV/Nb steel under different heat treatments in artificial seawater. The microstructures as well as the volume fraction of austenite strongly affect corrosion resistance. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) results reveal that both retained/reversed austenite and the grain boundary have a higher Volta potential than the matrix. The morphology of pits and the nature of retained/reversed austenite were investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Results can be discussed in terms of a model that describes the microgalvanic effect and the change of morphology and content of retained/reversed austenite resulting from a heat treatment process. The role of the microstructure and retained austenite on corrosion resistance evolution in the corrosion process is discussed. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) results reveal that the corrosion products formed on distinct microstructures primarily contain lepidocrocite (γ-FeOOH), goethite (α-FeOOH) with little difference after long time immersion.
The deficient cue monitoring and the facilitating effect of prosocial intention on prospective memory in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders
Authors: Chen Dong-Yang , Wang Qi , Yang Ning-Bo , Qin Xiao-Jing , Li Hang , Hou Wen-Peng , Ding Yu-Shen , Hou Wei-Wei , Wang Ya , Zhou Fu-Chun , Wang Chuan-Yue
Published: May 2023

The study aimed to investigate the cognitive processing of prospective memory (PM) in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) by using an eye-tracking paradigm. In addition, the facilitating effects of prosocial intention (the desire to help others) on PM in SSDs were also examined. In phase 1, 26 patients (group1) and 25 healthy controls (HCs) were compared in an eye-tracking PM paradigm in terms of the PM accuracy and eye-tracking indices. In phase 2, 21 more patients (group2) were recruited, and a prosocial intention was introduced in the eye-tracking PM paradigm. Their PM accuracy and eye-tracking indices were compared with those in group1. The PM cue monitoring was indicated by the total fixation counts and fixation time on distractor words. In phase 1, group1 showed lower PM accuracy, fewer fixation counts and less fixation time on distractor words than HCs. In phase 2, group2 (with prosocial intention) performed significantly better than group1 (with typical instruction) on both PM accuracy and fixation time on distractor words. In both groups of SSDs, the PM accuracy was significantly correlated with both the fixation counts and the fixation time of distractor words. After controlling for the cue monitoring indices, the difference in PM accuracy remained significant between group1 and HCs but disappeared between group1 and group2. The cue monitoring deficit contributes to the PM impairment in SSDs. The facilitating effect of prosocial intention disappears after the control of cue monitoring, also indicating its critical role in PM.