bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct modulation index: A measure of phase amplitude coupling for neurophysiology data
Authors: Scherer Maximilian , Wang Tianlu , Guggenberger Robert , Milosevic Luka , Gharabaghi Alireza
Published: December 2022

Neural communication across different spatial and temporal scales is a topic of great interest in clinical and basic science. Phase‐amplitude coupling (PAC) has attracted particular interest due to its functional role in a wide range of cognitive and motor functions. Here, we introduce a novel measure termed the direct modulation index (dMI). Based on the classical modulation index, dMI provides an estimate of PAC that is (1) bound to an absolute interval between 0 and +1, (2) resistant against noise, and (3) reliable even for small amounts of data. To highlight the properties of this newly‐proposed measure, we evaluated dMI by comparing it to the classical modulation index, mean vector length, and phase‐locking value using simulated data. We ascertained that dMI provides a more accurate estimate of PAC than the existing methods and that is resilient to varying noise levels and signal lengths. As such, dMI permits a reliable investigation of PAC, which may reveal insights crucial to our understanding of functional brain architecture in key contexts such as behaviour and cognition. A Python toolbox that implements dMI and other measures of PAC is freely available at https://github.com/neurophysiological-analysis/FiNN.
Associations between cortical β‐amyloid burden, fornix microstructure and cognitive processing of faces, places, bodies and other visual objects in early Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Bourbon‐Teles José , Jorge Lília , Canário Nádia , Martins Ricardo , Santana Isabel , Castelo‐Branco Miguel
Published: December 2022

Using two imaging modalities, that is, Pittsburgh compound B (PiB) positron emission tomography (PET) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) the present study tested associations between cortical amyloid‐beta (Aβ) burden and fornix microstructural changes with cognitive deficits in early Alzheimer's disease (AD), namely deficits in working memory (1‐back) processing of visual object categories (faces, places, objects, bodies and verbal material). Second, we examined cortical Aβ associations with fornix microstructure. Seventeen early AD patients and 17 healthy‐matched controls were included. Constrained spherical deconvolution‐based tractography was used to segment the fornix and a control tract the central branch of the superior longitudinal fasciculus (CB‐SLF) previously implicated in working memory processes. Standard uptake value ratios (SUVR) of Aβ were extracted from 45 cortical/subcortical regions from the AAL atlas and subject to principal component analysis for data reduction. Patients exhibited (i) impairments in cognitive performance (ii) reductions in fornix fractional anisotropy (FA) and (iii) increases in a component that loaded highly on cortical Aβ. There were no group differences in CB‐SLF FA and in a component loading highly on subcortical Aβ. Partial correlation analysis in the patient group showed (i) positive associations between fornix FA and performance for all the visual object categories and (ii) a negative association between the cortical Aβ component and performance for the object categories but not for the remaining classes of visual stimuli. A subsequent analysis showed a positive association between overall cognition (performance across distinct 1‐back task conditions) with fornix FA but no association with cortical Aβ burden, in keeping with influential accounts on early onset AD. This indicates that the fornix degenerates early in AD and contributes to deficits in working memory processing of visual object categories; though it is also important to acknowledge the importance of prospective longitudinal studies with larger samples. Overall, the effect sizes of fornical degeneration on visual working memory appeared stronger than the ones related to amyloid burden.
Knockdown of let‐7b in leukemia associated macrophages inhibit acute myeloid leukemia progression
Authors: Tian Chen , Li Yueyang , Si Junqi , Kang Junnan , Chen Zehui , Nuermaimaiti Rexidan , Wang Yafei , Yu Yong , Zhao Zhigang , Wang Xiaofang , Zhang Yizhuo , Zhao Haifeng , Yang Hongliang , You Mingjian James , Zheng Guoguang , Wang Lina
Published: December 2022

Macrophages, critical components of bone marrow microenvironment, are reported to be remodeled into leukemia‐associated macrophages (LAMs) in leukemic microenvironment where they contribute to leukemia development, characterized as M2 macrophages with pro‐tumor effects. However, how leukemic microenvironment transforms macrophages into LAMs remains unknown. Here, we analyzed the clinical relevance of LAMs and profiled their RNA‐Seq from acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with complete remission (CR) after induction treatment and refractory AML patients. Our results showed that the proportion and number of LAMs in refractory AML patients was higher than that in CR patients and LAM was a poor prognostic factor of AML patients. Furthermore, let‐7b was a potentially aberrant gene in LAMs contributed to M2‐subtype characteristics. Knockdown of let‐7b in LAMs could inhibit the development of AML by repolarizing LAMs toward M1‐subtype characteristics through the activation of Toll‐like receptor and NF‐κB pathway. Our study provides insight for future LAM‐based immunotherapy strategies for AML.
TheWeltanschauungof Howard Rachlin: Interdependencies among behaviors and contexts
Authors: Fisher Edwin B.
Published: December 2022

Through his broad perspectives and curiosity, Howard Rachlin took behaviorism, added critical perspectives and behavioral economics, and contributed substantially to developing behaviorism as an approach to addressing complex human actions and engagements. This essay describes the influence of Rachlin's work in three areas that reflect this broader growth of the field: 1) teleological behaviorism as a response to essentialist thinking about behavior, typified by Ryle's category mistake and including concepts in psychopathology; 2) self‐control as choices among rewards differing by amount and delay and the application of this model to clinical and preventive interventions; and 3) behavioral economic modeling of social support as a commodity substitutable for other commodities of interest such as nicotine. These and the body of Rachlin's work suggest a view not only of interdependencies among behaviors, patterns of behavior, and their consequences, but more broadly, of interdependencies among different settings and their effects on behavior, leading to a behaviorism of systems and contexts. Replacing essentialist discourse of individuals, individual behaviors, and discrete influences, a world view orWeltanschauungemerges of diffuse interdependencies across patterns, individuals, settings, systems, probabilities, and consequences.
Surviving, thriving, departing, and the hidden competencies of engineering graduate school
Authors: Zerbe Ellen , Sallai Gabriella , Berdanier Catherine G. P.
Published: December 2022

Background

While researchers in graduate engineering education are beginning to study facets of student experiences as they relate to attrition and persistence, theoretical applications of thriving theory have not been applied to graduate education contexts. Literature addresses students who persist and those who depart, inherently making assumptions that students who persist are doing well.

Purpose/Hypothesis

The purpose of this article was to understand graduate student well‐being within students that persist and depart from the engineering PhD through an adapted model of the Spreitzer et al.'s Socially Embedded Model for Thriving at Work.

Design/Method

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 64 current and former engineering PhD students, representing various stages of the PhD, status of persistence, questioning departure, or having left a PhD program. Interview transcripts were analyzed using an abductive analysis approach.

Results

An expanded model for thriving in graduate school was developed. While this study contextualizes the core elements of thriving theory (context features, agentic behaviors, and produced resources), we propose that the mechanisms for thriving in graduate school lie in interactions across these themes in processes we call Adapting, Internalizing, and Cultivating. We also reveal the presence of hidden competencies (from the point of view of the graduate student participants) that facilitate these transitions.

Conclusion

Thriving in graduate school is an interconnected process which has not been explored in the context of engineering. This study shows how even students who persist in their degree may only be surviving, rather than thriving.
Discrete localization patterns of PIP5Kγ and PLCβ3 working sequentially in phosphoinositide‐cycle within mouse sensory neuron somata
Authors: Pakkarato Sawetree , Sakagami Hiroyuki , Watanabe Masahiko , Kondo Hisatake , Hipkaeo Wiphawi , Chomphoo Surang
Published: December 2022

It is known that phosphatidylinositol phosphate 5 kinase (PIP5K) γ and phospholipase C (PLC) β3, working sequentially in the phosphoinositide cycle, are localized in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) somata and are involved in the regulation of pain and related sensations. However, the sites of their involvement have remained to be clarified. In the present study, immunoreactivity for PLCβ3 was distinct only in the central process of mouse DRG, but not in its peripheral process, in contrast to distinct PIP5Kγ‐immunoreactivity in both peripheral and central DRG processes. No nerve terminals showing immunoreactivity for PLCβ3 were detected in any peripheral sensory fields, similar to PIP5Kγ‐immunoreactivity. In DRG somata, PIP5Kγ‐immunoreactivity was rather confined to the neurolemma in which dots and threads were discerned in 3D bright field light microscopy. This feature well corresponded to its discontinuous localization along the plasma membranes in immuno‐electron microscopy. In contrast, PLCβ3‐immunoreactivity occurred diffusely throughout the somata, but did not take distinct appearance of immunoreaction on neurolemma or plasma membranes, unlike PIP5Kγ‐immunoreactivity. In addition, satellite glial cells were immunonegative for PLCβ3, but immunopositive for PIP5Kγ. The involvement of PLCβ3 in regulation of pain and related sensations is thus suggested to be mainly exerted at levels of the DRG soma and its upstream, but to be less significant in the peripheral sensory fields, similar to PIP5Kγ. The possibility is also suggested that PIP, PIP5Kγ‐target, is localized heterogeneously, but PIP2, PLCβ3‐target, is localized homogenously over the plane of the neuronal plasma membranes.

Research Highlights

PIP5Kγ, different from PLCβ3, was localized heterogeneously on neuronal membranes, and this difference was demonstrated in 3D‐bright field immuno‐light and electron microscopy.

Either PIP5Kγ or PLCβ3 was not detected in peripheral nerve terminals.
Non‐coding RNAs are correlated to TGF‐β receptor type 2 in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Abkenar Borhan Rahimi , Mohammadi Asghar , Amoli Hadi Ahmadi , Soleimani Ali Akbar , Korani Mohsen , Mahmoodi Hassan , Najafi Mohammad
Published: December 2022

Background

Multiple molecular expression alterations, particularly in non‐coding RNAs, play fundamental roles in the regulations of cellular processes and may relate to the occurrence and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). In the present study, we investigated the associations between TGFBR2, miR20a‐5p and long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) LAMTOR5‐AS1 in CRC patients.

Methods

Colorectal cancer and adjacent normal tissue samples (n = 34) were prepared from CRC patients. The associations between TGFBR2, miR20a‐5p and lncRNA LAMTOR5‐AS1 were predicted using bioinformatics tools. The expression levels of TGFBR2, miR20a‐5p and lncRNA LAMTOR5‐AS1 were measured using a quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction technique. The TGFBR2 protein values were measured by western blotting. The clinical importance of lncRNA LAMTOR5‐AS1 was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curve.

Results

The up‐regulated levels of TGFBR2 (p = 0.02), TGFBR2 protein (p = 0.008) and lncRNA LAMTOR5‐AS1 (p = 0.02) were significantly observed in CRC tissues compared to the adjacent normal tissues. The miR20a‐5p expression level (p = 0.009) was downregulated in CRC tissues. In addition, the miR20a‐5p expression level was inversely correlated to the TGFBR2 gene (r2 = 0.88, p < 0.0001), protein (r2 = 0.95, p < 0.0001) and lncRNA LAMTOR5‐AS1 gene (r2 = 0.93, p < 0.0001) expression levels. Based on the area under curve, the increase of lncRNA LAMTOR5‐AS1 expression level with a sensitivity of 64.52% and specificity of 65.52% was considered in CRC patients.

Conclusions

We propose that miR20a‐5p is inversely related to long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) LAMTOR5‐AS, such that it may be involved in the regulation of TGFBR2 expression level in CRC patients.
Systematic analysis and comparison of peptide specificity and selectivity between their cognate receptors and noncognate decoys
Authors: Shu Jianping , Li Juelin , Wang Shaozhou , Lin Jing , Wen Li , Ye Haiyang , Zhou Peng
Published: December 2022

Protein–peptide interactions (PpIs) play an important role in cell signaling networks and have been exploited as new and attractive therapeutic targets. The affinity and specificity are two unity‐of‐opposite aspects of PpIs (and other biomolecular interactions); the former indicates the absolute binding strength between the peptide ligand and its cognate protein receptor in a PpI, while the latter represents the relative recognition selectivity of the peptide ligand for its cognate protein receptor in a PpI over those noncognate decoys that could be potentially encountered by the peptide in cell. Although the PpI binding affinity has been widely investigated over the past decades, the peptide recognition specificity (and selectivity) still remains largely unexplored to date. In this study, we classified PpI specificity into three types: (i) class‐I specificity: peptide selectivity for its cognate wild‐type protein receptor over the noncognate mutant decoys of this receptor, (ii) class‐II specificity: peptide selectivity for its cognate protein receptor over other noncognate decoys that are homologous with this receptor, and (iii) class‐III specificity: peptide selectivity for its cognate protein receptor over other noncognate decoys that are the cognate receptors of other peptides. We performed affinity and selectivity analysis for the three types of PpI specificity and revealed that the PpIs generally exhibit a moderate or modest specificity; peptide selectivity increases in the order: class‐I < class‐II < class‐III. All the three types of PpI specificity were observed to have no statistically significant correlation with peptide length and hydrophobicity, but the class‐I and class‐II specificities can be influenced considerably by peptide secondary structures; the high specificity is preferentially associated with ordered structure types as compared to undefined structure types. In addition, the mutation distribution (for class‐I specificity), sequence conservation (for class‐II specificity), and structural similarity (for class‐III specificity) seem also to address effects on peptide selectivity.
Vegetation restoration measures: Increasing plant height suppresses population densities of plateau pikas
Authors: Wei Wanrong , Yao Xiang , Zhang Yan , Zhen Qiaoyan , Qin Minsen , Tang Zhongmin , Oosthuizen Maria K. , Zhang Weiguo
Published: December 2022

Plateau pikas (Ochotona curzoniae) are often regarded as pests when their population densities exceed a certain threshold. Vegetation restoration measures are commonly used for the ecological control of pikas. Nevertheless, it is not known how effective these measures are, and if effective, which factors are responsible for the decline in pika densities. Four commonly used grassland restoration measures: exclosure [E], exclosure/fertilized [EF], exclosure/overseeding [EO], exclosure/fertilization/over‐seeding [EOF], were implemented in grasslands degraded by high densities of pikas, and the pika density (PD) and vegetation traits in each treatment plot were monitored for 4 consecutive years. Neither the PD nor the vegetation composition was affected by any of the vegetation restoration measures within the first year. From the second year onwards, all the vegetation restoration measures had a significant effect on the vegetation composition and structure, such as an increase in the height, cover, and biomass. All the vegetation restoration measures, except E, had a significant suppressive effect on pika densities as time progressed, with the combination EOF measure having the largest effect. The stepwise regression analysis indicated that the vegetation height is the main factor that determines the PD. Similarly, structural equation modelling showed that vegetation restoration measures reduce PD primarily by increasing vegetation height. This may be because the height of the vegetation is closely correlated to the predation risk of pikas. Our results highlight the importance of vegetation height in pika management, suggesting that the key to successful pika management is to find a sustainable grazing system, which is beneficial to the growth of the dominant graminoids and maintains a high plant diversity for the sustainability of grassland ecosystems.
Perceptions regarding open science appraised by editors of scholarly publications published in Spain
Authors: Melero Remedios , Boté‐Vericad Juan‐José , López‐Borrull Alexandre
Published: December 2022

Pillars of open science are often included within the editorial policies of scholarly journals, including policies on open access publication, availability of underlying research data, preprints and open peer review. The aim of this paper is to examine and analyse perceptions and editorial practices related to open access, preprints, open research data and open peer review, from the perspective of editors of scientific journals published in Spain, to gain an insight into editorial policies related to open science. Results and data were obtained by a combined method of online interviews and an online questionnaire. The online survey was sent to editors from journals indexed in the Dulcinea directory, which at the time of the study included 1875 academic journals. A total of 420 responses (22.4%) were obtained. The results indicated that 92% of the journals were open access journals, 2% of the journals conducted open peer review, 15% of the journals had instructions to allow archiving preprints, and out of 375 responses, only 59 journals (16%) reported having a policy on underlying research data. Based on these results, there is a trend in favour of open access, but the perceived barriers to open peer review outweighed the advantages. There is also some reluctance to allow preprints to be made available. This concern might be because editors want authors and readers to read and cite the contents published in their journals, rather than their preprint versions.
How can patient partnership help to improve equality as COVID‐19 moves from pandemic to endemic?
Authors: Treagust Natasha
Published: December 2022

One of the stated aims of the National Health Service (NHS) within its constitution is the promotion of equality. However, there is evidence inequality has increased over the last decade and the COVID‐19 pandemic has exacerbated this. The current pressures on healthcare mean that there is a case for a shift in approach as we transition to living with endemic COVID‐19. This article sets out how putting patient partnership front and centre at an individual, systems and national level has the potential to improve equality and assist the NHS in achieving its founding principles.
Comparison of Pimavanserin Versus Quetiapine for Hospitalization and Mortality Risk Among Medicare Beneficiaries with Parkinson's Disease Psychosis
Authors: Alipour‐Haris Golnoosh , Armstrong Melissa J. , Okun Michael , Brown Joshua D.
Published: December 2022

Background

Pimavanserin is currently the only antipsychotic approved for Parkinson's disease (PD) psychosis, yet its relative safety compared with treatment alternatives has not been thoroughly assessed.

Objectives

This study aimed to compare hospitalization and mortality risk in Medicare beneficiaries with PD receiving new prescriptions of pimavanserin or quetiapine for PD psychosis.

Methods

The study identified new users of pimavanserin and quetiapine from a 15% national sample of Medicare fee‐for‐service claims collected between May 1, 2016, and December 30, 2018. All‐cause hospitalization and mortality were assessed in time‐to‐event regression models. Standardized mortality ratio weighting balanced pimavanserin and quetiapine users on baseline characteristics. Follow‐up was censored at discontinuation, switch, disenrollment, or the end of the study period.

Results

There were 844 new pimavanserin users and 2505 new quetiapine users. The adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) for hospitalization at 30, 90, 180, and 365 days for pimavanserin versus quetiapine users were 0.59 (0.43–0.81), 0.56 (0.44–0.72), 0.63 (0.52–0.77), and 0.70 (0.60–0.83). The most common reasons for hospitalization were traumatic injury and sepsis. Hospitalizations for heart‐related issues were higher with pimavanserin (P < 0.05). The adjusted hazard ratios (95% CIs) for all‐cause mortality at 90, 180, and 365 days for pimavanserin versus quetiapine users were 0.73 (0.48–1.13), 0.80 (0.58–1.10), and 0.94 (0.74–1.19).

Conclusions

Risk of hospitalization was lower in pimavanserin users compared with quetiapine, and no difference in mortality was observed between pimavanserin and quetiapine. An active comparator analyses with treatment alternatives provided the most clinically relevant information for patients and physicians.
Introduction to Cartan numbers and some geometric applications
Authors: Öztürk İskender
Published: December 2022

This article aims to define the rotational motion around a lightlike axis in pseudo‐null or null frames more easily and to put forward a suitable number system to express rotation transformation in these frames. Therefore, for null and pseudo‐null frames, we define a new set of numbers consisting of a linear combination of two lightlike units and a spacelike unit, which we call Cartan numbers. The first part gives the properties of the set of Cartan numbers, and in the second part, some geometric definitions, theorems, and applications are given. In addition, the definition of the center of a parabola and the concept of the central angle are defined. The connection is made between these concepts and the parabolic rotation transformation. Rotation matrices for parabolic rotations are obtained. The rotating points indicated that it follows in which cases a line path and in which cases a parabolic path. The rotation transformation along any straight line or parabola is studied with examples.
Effect and mechanism of microRNA‐515‐5p in proliferation and apoptosis of trophoblast cells in preeclampsia via manipulating histone deacetylase 2
Authors: Zhang Ke , Zhang Hailing , Gao Shanshan , Sun Caiping , Wang Bing
Published: December 2022

Preeclampsia (PE) refers to a pregnancy‐specific disease that begins with the placenta. Differentially expressed microRNAs (miRs) are a feature of PE. This study tried to elicit the functional mechanism of miR‐515‐5p in trophoblast cell behaviors in PE. First, HTR‐8/SVneo cells were transfected with miR‐515‐5p mimic or miR‐515‐5p inhibitor. Then, relative expression levels of miR‐515‐5p and histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) in HTR‐8/SVneo cells were determined by reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The potential binding site of miR‐515‐5p and HDAC2 was predicted on Targetscan and their binding relationship was verified via dual‐luciferase assay. Proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and migration of HTR‐8/SVneo cells were assessed via cell counting kit‐8, flow cytometry, Transwell, and wound healing assays, respectively. Protein levels of Cleaved caspase‐3, Bcl‐2, and Bax were determined via Western blot. Overexpressed miR‐515‐5p impeded proliferation and stimulated apoptosis of HTR‐8/SVneo cells, and decreased levels of Cleaved caspase‐3 and Bax and elevated Bcl‐2, whilst opposite results were observed after miR‐515‐5p inhibition. miR‐515‐5p targeted HDAC2. Knockdown of HDAC2 annulled the promotional action of miR‐515‐5p inhibition on proliferative, invasive, and migratory abilities and its antiapoptotic action on HTR‐8/SVneo cells. In brief, miR‐515‐5p affected the proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and migration of HTR‐8/SVneo cells by targeting HDAC2.
Generalization of quasi‐steady‐state reconstruction to CEST MRI with two‐tiered RF saturation and gradient‐echo readout—Synergistic nuclear Overhauser enhancement contribution to brain tumor amide proton transfer–weighted MRI
Authors: Sun Phillip Zhe
Published: December 2022

Purpose

While amide proton transfer–weighted (APTw) MRI has been adopted in tumor imaging, there are concurrent APT, magnetization transfer, and nuclear Overhauser enhancement changes. Also, the APTw image is confounded by relaxation changes, particularly when the relaxation delay and saturation time are not sufficiently long. Our study aimed to extend a quasi‐steady‐state (QUASS) solution to determine the contribution of the multipool CEST signals to the observed tumor APTw contrast.

Methods

Our study derived the QUASS solution for a multislice CEST‐MRI sequence with an interleaved RF saturation and gradient‐echo readout between signal averaging. Multiparametric MRI scans were obtained in rat brain tumor models, including T1, T2, diffusion, and CEST scans. Finally, we performed spinlock model–based multipool fitting to determine multiple concurrent CEST signal changes in the tumor.

Results

The QUASS APTw MRI showed small but significant differences in normal and tumor tissues and their contrast from the acquired asymmetry calculation. The spinlock model–based fitting showed significant differences in semisolid magnetization transfer, amide, and nuclear Overhauser enhancement effects between the apparent and QUASS CEST MRI. In addition, we determined that the tumor APTw contrast is due to synergistic APT increase (+3.5 ppm) and NOE decrease (−3.5 ppm), with their relative contribution being about one third and two thirds under a moderate B1 of 0.75 μT at 4.7 T.

Conclusion

Our study generalized QUASS analysis to gradient‐echo image readout and quantified the underlying tumor CEST signal changes, providing an improved elucidation of the commonly used APTw MRI.
SARS‐CoV‐2 and omicron variant detection with a high selectivity, sensitivity, and low‐cost silicon bio‐nanosensor
Authors: Leonardi Antonio Alessio , Sciuto Emanuele Luigi , Lo Faro Maria José , Fazio Barbara , Rizzo Maria Giovanna , Calabrese Giovanna , Francioso Luca , Picca Rosaria , Nastasi Francesco , Mancuso Giuseppe , Spinella Corrado , Knoll Wolfgang , Irrera Alessia , Conoci Sabrina
Published: December 2022

The recent SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic has highlighted the urgent need for novel point‐of‐care devices to be promptly used for a rapid and reliable large screening analysis of several biomarkers like genetic sequences and antibodies. Currently, one of the main limitations of rapid tests is the high percentage of false negatives in the presence of variants and, in particular for the Omicron one. We demonstrate in this work the detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 and the Omicron variant with a cost‐effective silicon nanosensor enabling high sensitivity, selectivity, and fast response. We have shown that a silicon (Si) nanowires (NW) platform detects both Sars‐CoV‐2 and its Omicron variant with a limit of detection (LoD) of four effective copies (cps), without any amplification of the genome, and with high selectivity. This ultrasensitive detection of 4 cps allows to obtain an extremely early diagnosis paving the way for efficient and widespread tracking. The sensor is made with industrially compatible techniques, which in perspective may allow easy and cost‐effective industrialization.
Age at onset of alcohol consumption and its association with alcohol misuse in adulthood
Authors: Kim Soo Y. , Jeong Sung H. , Park Eun‐Cheol
Published: December 2022

Objective

This study aimed to explore the association between early age onset of alcohol consumption and alcohol misuse in adulthood.

Methods

The study sample consisted of 16 829 individuals' (8349 males, 8435 females) survey responses obtained from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) from 2016 through 2019. Alcohol dependence was measured using the AUDIT‐C (Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test‐Consumption), and the ages at which alcohol consumption began were grouped into four categories: under 16, 16 to 18, 19 to 23, and over 24. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine the association between current alcohol misuse and age at onset of alcohol consumption.

Results

Compared to individuals who started drinking alcohol after the age of 24, those who began drinking alcohol before the age of 16 were more likely to score 8 or more on AUDIT‐C questions (under 16: males, odds ratio [OR] 2.50, confidence interval [CI] 1.97–3.17; females, OR: 1.66, CI: 1.18–2.33). Similar to the main analysis, the earlier the onset of alcohol assumption starts, the more likely one is to develop alcohol misuse in adulthood according to subgroup analysis stratified by independent variables in both gender.

Conclusion

The lower the age at the onset of alcohol consumption, the higher the likelihood of alcohol misuse in adulthood. While both males and females showed the same trend in response to the AUDIT‐C questions, males tended to have a stronger association between early onset alcohol consumption and alcohol misuse.
Trends in blood transfusion, hydroxyurea use, and iron overload among children with sickle cell disease enrolled in Medicaid, 2004–2019
Authors: Tang Amy Y. , Zhou Mei , Maillis Alexander N. , Lai Kristina W. , Lane Peter A. , Snyder Angela B.
Published: December 2022

Background

There have been significant changes in clinical guidelines for sickle cell disease (SCD) over the past two decades, including updated indications for hydroxyurea, transfusions, and iron overload management. In practice however, there are few studies that examine SCD care utilization over time.

Methods

We conducted a serial cross‐sectional cohort study of pediatric SCD patients from 2004 to 2019 using Georgia Medicaid claims data. For each year, we reported receipt of any transfusion, chronic transfusion, or three or more filled hydroxyurea prescriptions. For children receiving chronic transfusion (six or more annual transfusions), we evaluated iron overload diagnosis, monitoring, and chelation use. Among children with sickle cell anemia (SCA), we examined rates of transfusions and hydroxyurea use. The Cochran–Armitage test was used to assess trend.

Results

There were 5316 unique children 2–18 years old with SCD enrolled in Georgia Medicaid from 2004 to 2019. Children receiving any transfusion increased from 2004 to 2010, then stabilized. In SCA patients, chronic transfusions initially increased from 2004 to 2010, then stabilized from 2010 to 2019. For chronically transfused children, monitoring of iron burden and filled chelator prescriptions both increased significantly. Hydroxyurea use in SCA patients increased from 12% to 37%, with increases noted within each age group, most notably from 21% to 60% in the 13–18‐year‐old cohort.

Conclusion

We demonstrated changes in SCD care utilization over time, including increased hydroxyurea use, changes in transfusion rates, and increased attention to iron overload management. While trends in clinical management do follow updates in treatment guidelines, there is still delayed and suboptimal uptake of guideline recommendations in pediatric SCD patients.
Development of chitosan/gelatin/starch composite edible films incorporated with pineapple peel extract and aloe vera gel: Mechanical, physical, antibacterial, antioxidant, and sensorial analysis
Authors: Gürler Nedim
Published: December 2022

In this study, chitosan (C)/gelatin(G)/starch(S) composites incorporated pineapple peel extract (PPE) and aloe vera gel (AVG) were prepared by the casting method as antioxidant agents. Mechanical, water vapor permeability (WVP), moisture content, solubility, opacity, and color properties of the effects of PPE and AVG at different concentrations (0%, 10%, and 30%) were investigated. The prepared films were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in attenuated total reflection (ATR‐FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), mechanical, water barrier, opacity, and color. PPE and AVG extract incorporated edible films improved thermal stability of edible films. Tensile strength decreased with the addition of extracts; the maximum tensile strength was 8.15 MPa for CGS film. The WVP of the films increased with the increasing PPE and AVG concentration. As a biological activity, the films inhibited the growth of gram‐positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram‐negative bacteria (Escherichia coli). With the addition of PPE and AVG to the CGS film, its antioxidant properties were enhanced. In addition, the prepared films were applied for strawberry coating both in the refrigerator and at room temperature. Consequently, these edible‐coated films can be used for active food packaging/coating to extend the shelf life of fruits.
Fabricated coordinate and ionic bonds in chemically cross‐linked ethylene acrylic elastomer for high‐performing elastomers
Authors: Gao Tianming , Yu Biao , Hui Yonghai , Chen Jing , Chung Kyungho , Wang Sheng , Luo Yongyue
Published: December 2022

Covalent bond cross‐link networks endow rubber with unique resiliency enabling it to be widely used as a series of irreplaceable materials in modern life. However, the balance between rigidity and toughness, which is highly desired with the growing demand for high‐performance rubber, remains a significant challenge for covalent bond networks. In this study, magnesium oxide (MgO) was filled in an ethylene acrylic elastomer (AEM) to construct both ionic cluster and coordinate bonds within the framework of a covalent cross‐link network, which significantly improved the properties of AEM. The MgO‐filled AEM was measured through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis, using a universal testing machine, dynamic mechanical thermal analyzer, and rubber process analyzer. As the multi‐bond network was successfully constructed, the tensile strength was enhanced by almost 10 times, and unexpected dynamic properties were exhibited with a higher elastic modulus (rigidity) attributed to ionic clusters and a higher loss factor (toughness) attributed to the coordinate bonds. With the efficient enhancement of the mechanical properties, the improved toughness can dissipate energy to preserve the integrity of rubber under the application of an external mechanical force.
Crystal structure analysis of N‐acetylated proline and ring size analogs
Authors: Schnitzer Tobias , Trapp Nils , Fischer Lisa‐Marie , Wennemers Helma
Published: December 2022

Crystal structures of N‐acetylated proline and homologs with four‐ and six‐membered rings (azetidine carboxylic acid and piperidine carboxylic acid) were obtained and compared. The distinctly different conformations of the four‐, five‐, and six‐membered rings reflect Bayer strain, n → π* interaction, and allylic strain, and result in crystal lattices with a zigzag structure.
Temperature Dependence of the Lower Critical Field of the Noncentrosymmetric Superconductor α‐BiPd
Authors: Juraszek Jarosław , Konczykowski Marcin , Kaczorowski Dariusz , Cichorek Tomasz
Published: December 2022

Temperature variation of the lower critical field in the noncentrosymmetric superconductor α‐BiPd is probed by local magnetization measurements using Hall micromagnetometry, performed down to 0.3 K in a magnetic field applied along the crystallographic b axis. Below a critical temperature   3.8 K, a conventional dependence is found, typical for a single‐band s‐wave superconductor. The obtained data imply an absence of spin‐triplet component in the superconducting wavefunction and marginal multiband effects in this material, which contradicts some literature reports.
Room‐Temperature Self‐Powered Terahertz Photodetection in Ge‐Intercalated Topological Insulator GeBi4Te7
Authors: Yao Chenyu , Zhang Libo , Chen Yulu , Guo Cheng , Yang Liu , Lu Yang , Zhang Kai , Wang Lin , Chen Xiaoshuang
Published: December 2022

Topological insulators (TIs) are under rapid and intensive study in the fields of condensed matter physics, due to exotic electronic properties. Recent studies of photocurrent generation in topological surface states (TSS) properties have insufficient evidence to rule out that of bulk states, hindering the application in optoelectronics. Herein, the chemical vapor transport (CVT) synthesis of GeBi4Te7 crystal by the way of Ge intercalation is realized, enabling isolated Dirac points‐associated high‐mobility Dirac carriers and larger Seebeck coefficients. Then, the antenna‐coupled photodetector in GeBi4Te7 based on planar metal–TI–metal structure is reported, successfully realizing sensitive terahertz response without bias. According to the results, the GeBi4Te7‐based terahertz photodetector has a short response time and a high photoresponsivity (0.42 A W−1 at 0.107 THz and 0.6 A W−1 at 0.28 THz, respectively). The GeBi4Te7–graphene heterostructure can further improve the responsivity by more than two orders of magnitude, reaching 12 A W−1 at 0.107 THz. These findings bring up doable avenues for GeBi4Te7 materials’ low‐energy optoelectronic applications.
The effects of Gymnema Sylvestre supplementation on lipid profile, glycemic control, blood pressure, and anthropometric indices in adults: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zamani Mohammad , Ashtary‐Larky Damoon , Nosratabadi Saeed , Bagheri Reza , Wong Alexei , Rafiei Mohammad Mahdi , Asiabar Mojtaba Mahdavi , Khalili Pardis , Asbaghi Omid , Davoodi Sayed Hosein
Published: December 2022

There is a growing interest in the considerable health benefits of Gymnema Sylvestre (GS) supplementation, as some studies have reported that it may improve cardiometabolic risk factors. However, the widespread impact of GS supplementation on the parameters mentioned above is not fully resolved. Consequently, this study aimed to examine the effects of GS supplementation on lipid profile, glycemic control, blood pressure, and anthropometric indices in adults. Eligible randomized controlled trials (RCT), published up to November 2021, were identified through PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science databases. Six studies were included and analyzed using a random‐effects model to calculate weighted mean differences (WMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). All studies were conducted in adults that used a GC supplement (>1 week) and assessed our selected cardiovascular risk factors. Outcomes revealed that GS supplementation significantly decreased triglyceride (p < .001), total cholesterol (p < .001), low‐density lipoprotein (p < .001), fasting blood sugar (p < .001), and diastolic blood pressure (p = .003). Some limitations, including notable heterogeneity, low quality of studies, and lack of diversity among research participants, should be considered when interpreting our results. Our outcomes suggest that GS supplementation may improve cardiovascular risk factors. Future large‐high‐quality RCTs with longer duration and various populations are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of the plant.
Echinacea purpurea against neuropathic pain: Alkamides versus polyphenols efficacy
Authors: Micheli Laura , Maggini Valentina , Ciampi Clara , Gallo Eugenia , Bogani Patrizia , Fani Renato , Pistelli Luisa , Ghelardini Carla , Di Cesare Mannelli Lorenzo , De Leo Marinella , Firenzuoli Fabio
Published: December 2022

Chemotherapy‐induced neuropathy represents the main dose‐limiting toxicity of several anticancer drugs, such as oxaliplatin, leading to chronic pain and an impairment of the quality of life. Echinacea purpurea n‐hexane extract (EP4–RE; rich in alkamides) and butanolic extract (EP4–RBU; rich in polyphenols) have been characterized and tested in an in vivo model of oxaliplatin‐induced neuropathic pain, addressing the endocannabinoid system with alkamides and counteracting the redox imbalance with polyphenols. Thermal hypersensitivity was evaluated by the Cold Plate test. EP4–RE showed a dose‐dependent anti‐hyperalgesic profile. The extract was more effective than its main constituent, dodeca‐2 E,4 E,8Z,10 E/Z‐tetraenoic acid isobutylamide (18 mg kg−1, twofold to equimolar EP4–RE 30 mg kg−1), suggesting a synergy with other extract constituents. Administration of cannabinoid type 2 (CB2) receptor‐selective antagonist completely blocked the anti‐allodynic effect of EP4–RE, differently from the antagonism of CB1 receptors. EP4–RBU (30 mg kg−1) exhibited anti‐neuropathic properties too. The effect was mainly exerted by chicoric acid, which administered alone (123 μg kg−1, equimolar to EP4–RBU 30 mg kg−1) completely reverted oxaliplatin‐induced allodynia. A synergy between different polyphenols in the extract had not been highlighted. Echinacea extracts have therapeutic potential in the treatment of neuropathic pain, through both alkamides CB2‐selective activity and polyphenols protective properties.
Data learning‐based model‐free adaptive control and application to an NAO robot
Authors: Liu Shida , Li Zhen , Ji Honghai , Hou Zhongsheng , Chen Lu
Published: December 2022

In this article, an improved model‐free adaptive control method based on the controller dynamic linearization technique combined with the locally weighted regression‐based lazy learning method (cMFAC‐LL) is presented, and it is applied to solve the path‐tracking control problem for an NAO robot. In the proposed cMFAC‐LL method, two dynamic linearization techniques are first applied on the controlled plant, and then the cMFAC‐LL controller is further designed with the time‐varying parameters estimated using a novel locally weighted regression‐based lazy learning (LWR‐LL) technique. The greatest advantage of the cMFAC‐LL method is that it is a pure data‐driven control method, and the designed controller makes full use of both the online and offline measurement data of the plant. Moreover, the introduction of the local learning (LL) method gives the cMFAC‐LL method strong data learning ability and satisfactory control performance. The stability of cMFAC‐LL is proven via rigorous mathematical analysis. Furthermore, cMFAC‐LL is applied to the path‐tracking control of the NAO robot under different walking environments, by which the applicability of cMFAC‐LL is further verified.
The Effect of Spacing Versus Massing on Orthographic Learning
Authors: Wegener Signy , Wang Hua‐Chen , Beyersmann Elisabeth , Reichle Erik D. , Nation Kate , Castles Anne
Published: December 2022

Distributing study opportunities over time typically improves the retention of verbal material compared to consecutive study trials, yet little is known about the influence of temporal spacing on orthographic form learning specifically. This experiment sought to obtain and compare estimates of the magnitude of the spacing effect on written word form learning across three different outcome measures, administered between participants. Skilled adult readers (N = 120) read aloud 16 sentences containing an embedded pseudoword a total of four times. Half of the items were temporally distributed (appearing once in each of four blocks), while half were massed (read on four consecutive trials within a block). After a short delay, learning was assessed using tests of recognition (orthographic choice) or recall (spelling to dictation or letter cue spelling). There was a significant effect of spacing across all outcome measures (all p < .001). When the magnitude of the spacing effect was compared across these three measures, letter cue spelling showed a significantly larger spacing effect than spelling to dictation (p = .039) while orthographic choice did not significantly differ from either (both p > .05). These findings indicate that temporal spacing influences the learning of orthographic form, regardless of the outcome measure used.
Optimization of the two‐stage group sequential three‐arm gold‐standard design for non‐inferiority trials
Authors: Meis Jan , Pilz Maximilian , Herrmann Carolin , Bokelmann Björn , Rauch Geraldine , Kieser Meinhard
Published: December 2022

If design parameters are chosen appropriately, group sequential trial designs are known to be able to reduce the expected sample size under the alternative hypothesis compared to single‐stage designs. The same holds true for the so‐called ‘gold‐standard’ design for non‐inferiority trials, a design involving an experimental group, an active control group, and a placebo group. However, choosing design parameters that maximize the advantages of a two‐stage approach for the three‐arm gold‐standard design for non‐inferiority trials is not a straightforward task. In particular, optimal choices of futility boundaries for this design have not been thoroughly discussed in existing literature. We present a variation of the hierarchical testing procedure, which allows for the incorporation of binding futility boundaries at interim analyses. We show that this procedure maintains strong control of the family‐wise type I error rate. Within this framework, we consider the futility and efficacy boundaries as well as the sample size allocation ratios as optimization parameters. This allows the investigation of the efficiency gain from including the option to stop for futility in addition to the ability to stop for efficacy. To analyze the extended designs, optimality criteria that include the design's performance under the alternative as well as the null hypothesis are introduced. On top of this, we discuss methods to limit the allocation of placebo patients in the trial while maintaining relatively good operating characteristics. The results of our numerical optimization procedure are discussed and a comparison of different approaches to designing a three‐arm gold‐standard non‐inferiority trial is provided.
Economic planning must be polycentric, not monocentric: Introduction to a symposium on Mises and Hayek on socialism and knowledge
Authors: Carden Art
Published: December 2022

The roaring (20‐) 20s are a decade of anniversaries and milestones. 2020 was the 100th anniversary of Ludwig von Mises's seminal article “Economic Calculation in the Socialist Commonwealth” and the 75th anniversary of F.A. Hayek's seminal article “The Use of Knowledge in Society.” 2022 brought a series of significant anniversaries: the 100th anniversary of Mises's Socialism: An Economic and Sociological Analysis as well as the 60th anniversary of James M. Buchanan and Gordon Tullock's The Calculus of Consent: Logical Foundations of Constitutional Democracy, Milton Friedman's Capitalism and Freedom, and Murray Rothbard's Man, Economy, and State. It was also the 20th anniversary of Vernon Smith's Nobel Prize. The works and milestones celebrating anniversaries in 2022 owe much to Mises's and Hayek's pathbreaking contributions. This paper summarizes and contextualizes Mises's and Hayek's arguments about socialism and knowledge and introduces a Southern Economic Journal symposium on the anniversaries of “Economic Calculation in the Socialist Commonwealth” and “The Use of Knowledge in Society.”