bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring land use determinants in Italian municipalities: comparison of spatial econometric models
Authors: Punzo Gennaro , Castellano Rosalia , Bruno Emma
Published: July 2022

This study sets up a spatial econometric framework to explore the factors that best describe land consumption in Italy at the municipal level. By modelling the different types of spatial interactions and geographical proximity between all Italian municipalities, the direct effects of land use drivers are assessed together with spillover effects. Land use data are drawn from the ISPRA-SNPA 82/18 Report and cover all 7,998 Italian municipalities. The results highlight the existence of endogenous and exogenous interaction effects and the crucial role of the demographic, socio-economic and institutional structure on land use intensity. Hence the need for a planning policy aimed at: i) strengthening institutional cooperation to deal with excessive administrative fragmentation; ii) improving institutional and governmental quality to trigger virtuous mechanisms for sustainable land use management.
Janina Hosiasson-Lindenbaum on Analogical Reasoning: New Sources
Authors: Sznajder Marta
Published: July 2022

Janina Hosiasson-Lindenbaum is a known figure in philosophy of probability of the 1930s. A previously unpublished manuscript fills in the blanks in the full picture of her work on inductive reasoning by analogy, until now only accessible through a single publication. In this paper, I present Hosiasson’s work on analogical reasoning, bringing together her early publications that were never translated from Polish, and the recently discovered unpublished work. I then show how her late work relates to Rudolf Carnap’s approach to “analogy by similarity” developed in the 1960s. Hosiasson turns out to be a predecessor of the line of research that models analogical influence as inductive relevance. A translation of Hosiasson’s manuscript concludes the paper.
Higher intracranial pressure variability is associated with lower cerebrovascular resistance in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Svedung Wettervik Teodor , Engquist Henrik , Howells Timothy , Hånell Anders , Rostami Elham , Ronne-Engström Elisabeth , Lewén Anders , Enblad Per
Published: July 2022

Higher intracranial pressure variability (ICPV) has been associated with a more favorable cerebral energy metabolism, lower rate of delayed ischemic neurologic deficits, and more favorable outcome in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). We have hypothesized that higher ICPV partly reflects more compliant and active cerebral vessels. In this study, the aim was to further test this by investigating if higher ICPV was associated with lower cerebrovascular resistance (CVR) and higher cerebral blood flow (CBF) after aSAH. In this observational study, 147 aSAH patients were included, all of whom had been treated in the Neurointensive Care (NIC) Unit, Uppsala, Sweden, 2012–2020. They were required to have had ICP monitoring and at least one xenon-enhanced computed tomography (Xe-CT) scan to study cortical CBF within the first 2 weeks post-ictus. CVR was defined as the cerebral perfusion pressure in association with the Xe-CT scan divided by the concurrent CBF. ICPV was defined over three intervals: subminute (ICPV-1m), 30-min (ICPV-30m), and 4 h (ICPV-4h). The first 14 days were divided into early (days 1–3) and vasospasm phase (days 4–14). In the vasospasm phase, but not in the early phase, higher ICPV-4h (β =  − 0.19, p < 0.05) was independently associated with a lower CVR in a multiple linear regression analysis and with a higher global cortical CBF (r = 0.19, p < 0.05) in a univariate analysis. ICPV-1m and ICPV-30m were not associated with CVR or CBF in any phase. This study corroborates the hypothesis that higher ICPV, at least in the 4-h interval, is favorable and may reflect more compliant and possibly more active cerebral vessels.
A variational framework for the inverse Henderson problem of statistical mechanics
Authors: Frommer Fabio , Hanke Martin
Published: July 2022

The inverse Henderson problem refers to the determination of the pair potential which specifies the interactions in an ensemble of classical particles in continuous space, given the density and the equilibrium pair correlation function of these particles as data. For a canonical ensemble in a bounded domain, it has been observed that this pair potential minimizes a corresponding convex relative entropy functional, and that the Newton iteration for minimizing this functional coincides with the so-called inverse Monte Carlo (IMC) iterative scheme. In this paper, we show that in the thermodynamic limit analogous connections exist between the specific relative entropy introduced by Georgii and Zessin and a proper formulation of the IMC iteration in the full space. This provides a rigorous variational framework for the inverse Henderson problem, valid within a large class of pair potentials, including, for example, Lennard-Jones-type potentials. It is further shown that the pressure is strictly convex as a function of the pair potential and the chemical potential, and that the specific relative entropy at fixed density is a strictly convex function of the pair potential. At a given reference potential and a corresponding density in the gas phase, we determine the gradient and the Hessian of the specific relative entropy, and we prove that the Hessian extends to a symmetric positive semidefinite quadratic functional in the space of square integrable perturbations of this potential.
Two new parasitic copepods of the family Sphyriidae (Copepoda: Siphonostomatoida) from Australian elasmobranchs
Authors: Boxshall Geoff A. , Barton Diane P. , Kirke Amy , Zhu Xiaocheng , Johnson Grant
Published: July 2022

Two new species of the genus Tripaphylus Richiardi in Anonymous, 1878 (family Sphyriidae) are described from elasmobranch hosts caught as bycatch within the Demersal and Timor Reef Fisheries which operate in the Northern Territory exclusive economic zone. Tripaphylus squidwardin. sp. was collected from Carcharhinus coatesi Whitley and had a prevalence of 11.6%. Tripaphylus dippenaaraen. sp. was collected from Rhizoprionodon acutus (Rüppell) and had a prevalence of 28.2%. The new species are distinguished from existing congeneric species by the body proportions and shape of the adult female and by the arrangement of lobes on the ventral surface of the cephalothorax.
Plasma nervonic acid levels were negatively associated with attention levels in community-living older adults in New Zealand
Authors: de Seymour Jamie V , Beck Kathryn L , Conlon Cathryn A , von Hurst Pamela R , Mumme Karen D , Haskell-Ramsay Crystal F , Jones Mary Beatrix
Published: July 2022

The global population is aging. Preserving function and independence of our aging population is paramount. A key component to maintaining independence is the preservation of cognitive function. Metabolomics can be used to identify biomarkers of cognition before noticeable deterioration. Our study investigated the plasma metabolome of 332 community-living New Zealanders between 65 and 74 years of age, using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Six cognitive domains were assessed. Of the 123 metabolites identified using an in-house mass spectral libraries of standards, nervonic acid had a significant, inverse association with the attention domain (P-value = 1.52E− 4; FDR = 0.019), after adjusting for covariates (apolipoprotein E -ε4 genotype, sex, body fat percentage (standardised by sex), age, education, deprivation index, physical activity, metabolic syndrome, polypharmacy, smoking status, and alcohol intake) and multiple testing. Attention is defined as the ability to concentrate on selected aspects of the environment while ignoring other stimuli. This is the first study to identify nervonic acid as a potential biomarker of attention in older adults. Future research should confirm this association in a longitudinal study.
Development and validation of three colorimetric charge transfer complexes for estimation of fingolimod as an antineoplastic drug in pharmaceutical and biological samples
Authors: Salem Hesham , Mazen Dina Z. , Heshmat Dina , Mahmoud Mohamed M. , Ali Ebtisam , Abdelaziz Amany
Published: July 2022

An inexpensive, simple, sensitive and validated approach is developed for estimation of fingolimod through production of colored charge transfer complexes of fingolimod with different electron acceptor reagents, including a reaction of fingolimod as n-donor with 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane, tetrachloro 1,4-benzoquinone and tetracyanoethylene and as n-acceptors, yielding colored and stable anions which were measured spectrophotometrically. The range that obeyed Beer’s law is 50–300 µg mL−1 for fingolimod with all the studied reagents. The various parameters that affect the reaction were studied and optimized. The results were statistically compared with a reported method showing equal precision and accuracy. The researched approaches were utilized to determine the cited drug in its pharmaceutical form and spiked human plasma with accepted accuracy and precision.
Adjustable superlubricity system using polyalkylene glycol with various acid aqueous solutions
Authors: Liu Wenrui , Wang Hongdong , Liu Yuhong
Published: July 2022

Polyalkylene glycol (PAG) aqueous solutions have recently been demonstrated to exhibit an ultralow friction coefficient (COF, μ < 0.01). However, the prolonged running-in period and low bearing capacity have limited its widespread application. In this study, we determined that the running-in period can be decreased by more than 75% when the pH value of the lubricant is controlled at 3 by introducing various acid solutions. Additionally, less time was required to realize stable superlubricity with inorganic acid at lower pH values. This was mainly attributed to the acceleration effect of hydrogen ions around the contact region. In case of PAG aqueous solution with organic acid, the wear loss between sliding solid surfaces was reduced, and thus the bearing pressure during the superlubricity period was significantly improved from approximately 30 to 160 MPa. Furthermore, the organic acid molecules were considered to form strong hydrogen bonds with PAG macromolecules and solid surfaces. This in turn strengthened the structure of the adsorption layers. The unique effect of different acids in aqueous polymer lubrication can potentially significantly aid in advancing the study of polymer tribology and broadening industrial applications.
Stable oral lubrication enhancer obtained from thiolated polyethylene glycol and mucin
Authors: He Xiaoyan , Smart Pravin , Taufiqurrakhman Mohamad , Wang Chun , Bryant Michael
Published: July 2022

Mucins are vital components contributing to the unique lubrication properties of human whole saliva. For patients receiving medication and or treatment such as diabetes or radiotherapy, xerostomia (dry mouth) is a common with numerous and deleterious side effects. Although products exist on the market to relive the symptoms of Xerostomia there remains a drive to formulate a biocompatible lubricant that replicate the functionality offered by the natural biological environment. Herein, a combination of mucin and thiolated polyethylene glycol (PEG-SH) was proposed as a new saliva substitute. Mucin and PEG-SH molecules could form hydrated layers immediately by chemisorption. Meanwhile, the chemical interactions between mucin and PEG-SH molecules also promoted the formation of a mixed layer. All the pre-formed layers could decrease friction and had the potential to decrease wear, especially mucin and PEG-SH mixed layer when compared to mucin only solutions. Further investigations of tribological mechanism implied that the excellent lubrication performance of mixed layer with long effectiveness was contributed to the friction-reducing effect of PEG/mucin molecules and the mucoadhesive property of mucin. The study provides a guide for using mucin as a mucoadhesive agent to stable lubricative polymers with low molecular weight as novel salivary substitutes for lubrication.
Cartilage-bone inspired the construction of soft-hard composite material with excellent interfacial binding performance and low friction for artificial joints
Authors: Chen Qin , Zhang Xinyue , Liu Siyu , Chen Kai , Feng Cunao , Li Xiaowei , Qi Jianwei , Luo Yong , Liu Hongtao , Zhang Dekun
Published: July 2022

Inspired by the cartilage-bone structure in natural joints, soft-hard integrated materials have received extensive attention, which are the most promising candidates for artificial joints due to their combination of excellent load-bearing properties and lubricating properties. The latest progress showed that the combination of hydrogel and titanium alloy can realize a bionic natural joint lubrication system on the surface of titanium alloy. However, obtaining a tough interface between the hydrogel (soft and wet) and the titanium substrate (hard and dry) is still a great challenge. Here, we designed a “soft (hydrogel)-hard (Ti6Al4V)” integrated material with outstanding combination, which simulates the structure and function of cartilage-bone in the natural joint. The load-bearing properties, binding performance, and tribological behaviors for different forms of the soft-hard integrated materials were investigated. The results showed that the hydrogel layer and Ti6Al4V substrate possess ultra-high interfacial toughness (3,900 J/m2). In addition, the combination of the hydrogel layer and Ti6Al4V substrate provided a good lubrication system to endow the “soft (hydrogel)-hard (Ti6Al4V)” integrated material with high load-bearing and excellent tribological properties. Therefore, this study provided an effective strategy for prolonging the service life of Ti6Al4V in the biomedical field.
Conjoined Twins: Unicephalus Non-Janiceps Tetrapus Tetrabrachius
Authors: Yener Cem , Sayın N. Cenk , Altan Esra , Varol Füsun
Published: July 2022

Conjoined twins are an uncommon type of monoamniotic twins with an incidence of about 1.5 per 100,000 births worldwide. Non-janiceps is the extremely rare sub-type of cephalopagus which is reported as 1 in 58 of all conjoined twins or 1 in 3 million births. We present a G6, P5 31-year-old pregnant who was diagnosed with a unicephalus non-janiceps conjoined twins. Due to its incompatibility with life, the pregnancy was electively terminated. The prognosis of conjoined twins depends on the location and extent of the conjoined area and the accompanying congenital anomalies of the fetuses. Early diagnosis is vital because it can help in assessing the type of conjoined twins and subsequently pre-postnatal decision making. Elective termination of non-janiceps type of conjoined twins which is incompatible with life is a justifiable possibility.
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, disorders of sex development, and infertility in patients with POR gene pathogenic variants: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Gusmano C. , Cannarella R. , Crafa A. , Barbagallo F. , La Vignera S. , Condorelli R. A. , Calogero A. E.
Published: July 2022

Background

P450 oxidoreductase (POR) deficiency (PORD) is characterized by congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and disorders of sex development (DSD) in both sexes. PORD can also associate with skeletal defects. However, the prevalence of these phenotypes is unknown.

Aim

To evaluate the prevalence of CAH, DSD, and infertility of patients with POR gene pathogenic variants by a systematic review of the literature.

Methods

The literature search was performed through PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane, Academic One Files, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases. All studies reporting information on CAH, DSD, testicular adrenal rest tumor (TARTs), and fertility in patients with POR gene pathogenic variants were included. Finally, the prevalence of abnormal phenotypes was calculated.

Results

Of the 246 articles initially retrieved, only 48 were included for a total of 119 (46 males and 73 females) patients with PORD. We also included the case of a male patient who consulted us for CAH and TARTs but without DSD. This patient, found to be a carrier of combined heterozygous POR mutation, reached fatherhood spontaneously. All the patients found had CAH. The presence of DSD was found in 65.2%, 82.1%, and 82.1% of patients with compound heterozygosity, homozygosity, or monoallelic heterozygous variants, respectively. The prevalence was significantly higher in females than in males. The prevalence of TARTs in patients with PORD is 2.7%. Only 5 women with PORD became pregnant after assisted reproductive techniques and delivered a healthy baby. Except for the recently reported proband, no other studies focused on male infertility in patients with POR gene variants.

Conclusion

This systematic review of the literature reports the prevalence of CAH, DSD, and TARTs in patients with PORD. The unknown prevalence of POR gene pathogenetic variants and the paucity of studies investigating fertility do not allow us to establish whether PORD is associated with infertility. Further studies on both women and men are needed to clarify this relationship.
Aggregate interlock in fractured concrete mesoscale models: a novel finite element modelling approach
Authors: Jayasinghe Thushara , Gunawardena Tharaka , Mendis Priyan
Published: July 2022

Aggregate interlock is a stress transfer mechanism in cracked concrete. After concrete cracks under tensile loading, crack interfaces can experience significant slip deformation due to the applied crack kinematics. Upon rising slip along crack interfaces, aggregate interlock stresses are generated which transfer shear stress and normal stress. Many experimental programmes and analytical expressions have been developed for several decades. However, a finite element model considering realistic crack surfaces was still not developed. The complexity of developing a FE model lies due to the mesoscopic nature of the problem. In this study, concrete mesoscale models were employed to generate realistic cracked concrete surfaces. Uniaxial tensile fracture propagation in concrete mesoscale models were achieved using Zero-thickness cohesive elements approach. Once cracked concrete FE models are developed, validation of the proposed FE models was conducted against two experimental campaigns. The study comprises the evaluation of the surface roughness index of the cracked concrete surfaces. The FE model predicts secondary cracking under low initial crack widths and mixed mode angles. FE predictions were further compared with Walraven’s simplified formulae, Bažant’s rough crack model, Cavagnis’s aggregate interlock formulae and contact density model and consistence agreement was observed. Finally, strengths and weaknesses of the proposed FE modelling approach for aggregate interlock was discussed and further implementations were also highlighted.
Does Size Matter? Genital Self-Image, Genital Size, Pornography Use and Openness Toward Cosmetic Genital Surgery in 3503 Swedish Men and Women
Authors: Hustad Ingvill Bagøien , Malmqvist Karin , Ivanova Ekaterina , Rück Christian , Enander Jesper
Published: July 2022

Background

Dissatisfaction with the appearance and size of one’s genitalia is a common issue, and the use of cosmetic genital surgery is increasing among people with normal genitalia.

Aim

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the distribution of genital self-image in a large sample of males and females, and whether selected factors could predict genital self-image.

Methods

Three thousand five hundred three anonymous participants completed online questionnaires. Multiple linear regressions were used to identify the association between genital self-image and genital size (length of penis or protrusion of labia minora), consumption of sexually explicit material (SEM), sexual activity, avoidance and safety seeking behaviors, openness toward genital cosmetic surgery and age.

Outcomes

Total scores on the Female and Male Genital Self Image Scale were used as the main outcome measures.

Results

Overall, 3.6% of females and 5.5% of males had a severely low genital self-image (defined as 2 SD below the mean) and 33.8% of all individuals reported dissatisfaction with the appearance of their genitalia, with 13.7% of females and 11.3% of males considering undergoing cosmetic genital surgery. Mean protrusion of labia minora and stretched flaccid penis length in the population was estimated to 0.76 cm (95% CI 0.63–0.89 cm) and 12.5 cm (95% CI 12.33–12.76 cm), respectively. A higher genital self-image score was predicted by having a larger penis or less protruding labia minora, but not by the degree of SEM consumption, although 93.6% of males and 57.5% of females had consumed SEM in the past three months. The degree of avoidance and safety seeking behaviors, sexual activity, and openness toward genital cosmetic surgery predicted a low genital self-image. Being older was associated with a better genital self-image in females.

Clinical Implications

The results show that a psychological intervention may be needed as an alternative to cosmetic genital surgery for people who are dissatisfied with the appearance of their genitals.

Strengths and Limitations

This is one of few available studies investigating the association between actual genital size and genital dissatisfaction. The vast sample size and high response rate are also strengths. Limitations include the cross-sectional design, and possible bias in the study sample due to self-selection.

Conclusion

Overall, a low genital self-image and dissatisfaction with one’s genitalia is relatively common and is influenced not only by genital size, but also behaviors performed to alleviate worry about one’s genitals.
Characterization of Female Sexual Dysfunction Associated with Spinal Pathology and Surgery
Authors: Moscicki Patricia , Bachmann Gloria A.
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Studies demonstrate the connection between adverse sexual function and medical conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. However, in the areas of spinal and spinal cord pathologies that require surgical interventions, there are scant data.

Objectives

We undertook a narrative review to synthesize what is known on the topic, raise awareness, and call for action.

Methods

PubMed and Google Scholar identified case reports and primary studies evaluating female sexual dysfunction associated with spinal pathology as well as surgical intervention success were reviewed to contextualize and characterize female sexual dysfunction.

Results

Available case reports and primary studies suggest that female sexual dysfunction can result from traumatic spinal etiologies, malignant tumors, and benign tumors with and without bony involvement. Although identified as a key preoperative predictor in maintenance or improvement of neurologic status, sexuality is rarely addressed in the neurosurgical care plan. In spinal stenosis and degenerative spine disease, over half of patients report pain with sexual activity. Importantly, while pain can hinder sexual activity in females, there are other sexual issues, including desire and subjective arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and satisfaction that are usually not explored. Studies show the impact of spinal pathologies on frequency of sexual intercourse, hypoesthesia, anorgasmia, and depression. Surgical intervention of spinal pathologies has been cited to improve back pain however other types of sexual dysfunction usually fails to improve after surgical intervention.

Conclusions

The lack of high-quality research with adequate numbers of female participants that appropriately characterizes the nuances of female sexual dysfunction across various spinal pathologies, with post-surgical intervention analysis and consideration of surgical approach, necessitates consideration for future study. A pre-op and post-op sexual history in all woman undergoing spinal surgery should be a standard of care.
CRISPR-Cas12a nucleases function with structurally engineered crRNAs: SynThetic trAcrRNA
Authors: Jedrzejczyk D. J. , Poulsen L. D. , Mohr M. , Damas N. D. , Schoffelen S. , Barghetti A. , Baumgartner R. , Weinert B. T. , Warnecke T. , Gill R. T.
Published: July 2022

CRISPR-Cas12a systems are becoming an attractive genome editing tool for cell engineering due to their broader editing capabilities compared to CRISPR-Cas9 counterparts. As opposed to Cas9, the Cas12a endonucleases are characterized by a lack of trans-activating crRNA (tracrRNA), which reduces the complexity of the editing system and simultaneously makes CRISPR RNA (crRNA) engineering a promising approach toward further improving and modulating editing activity of the CRISPR-Cas12a systems. Here, we design and validate sixteen types of structurally engineered Cas12a crRNAs targeting various immunologically relevant loci in-vitro and in-cellulo. We show that all our structural modifications in the loop region, ranging from engineered breaks (STAR-crRNAs) to large gaps (Gap-crRNAs), as well as nucleotide substitutions, enable gene-cutting in the presence of various Cas12a nucleases. Moreover, we observe similar insertion rates of short HDR templates using the engineered crRNAs compared to the wild-type crRNAs, further demonstrating that the introduced modifications in the loop region led to comparable genome editing efficiencies. In conclusion, we show that Cas12a nucleases can broadly utilize structurally engineered crRNAs with breaks or gaps in the otherwise highly-conserved loop region, which could further facilitate a wide range of genome editing applications.
An experimental investigation of laser scabbling on cement-based materials using nanosecond fiber laser
Authors: Van Huynh Tam , Mondal Mounarik , Lee Dongkyoung
Published: July 2022

In this study, the influence of a pulsed fiber laser of 250 W power with a spot size of 40 µm was successfully analyzed during scabbling of six types of cement mortar and three types of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC). Confocal microscopy on the surface of the scabbled samples elucidated the formation of three distinct zones: glassy layer (GL), partially melted zone (PMZ), and heat-affected zone (HAZ) with unique morphological appearances. The glassy layer exhibited bubble formation, whereas cracks were spotted alongside the scabbled area. The difference in scabbling depth between the beginning and end of the process was revealed by using 3D topography images. Moreover, the development of pores and the changes in the microstructure of each zone were observed by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Further energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis also revealed significant changes in the percentage of silicon and calcium inside the glassy layer and non-processed zone (NPZ).
Development and characterization of a camelid derived antibody targeting a linear epitope in the hinge domain of human PCSK9 protein
Authors: Li Xinyang , Hong Jun , Gao Xiaoyan , Wang Meiniang , Yang Naibo
Published: July 2022

PCSK9 is an effective target for lowering LDL-c. Previously, a camelid-human chimeric heavy chain antibody VHH-B11-Fc targeting human PCSK9 was designed. It had a potent hypolipidemic effect. However, the nanobody VHH-B11 interacts with PCSK9 at low affinity, while camelid VHH exhibits some immunogenicity. Moreover, the interacting epitope is yet to be identified, although VHH-B11 was shown to have distinct hPCSK9-binding epitopes for Evolocumab. This might impede the molecule’s progress from bench to bedside. In the present study, we designed various configurations to improve the affinity of VHH-B11 with hPCSK9 (< 10 nM) that in turn enhanced the druggability of VHH-B11-Fc. Then, 17 amino acids were specifically mutated to increase the degree of humanization of the nanobody VHH-B11. Using phage display and sequencing technology, the linear epitope “STHGAGW” (amino acids 447–452) was identified in the hinge region of PCSK9 as the interacting site between VHH-B11-Fc and hPCSK9. Unlike the interaction epitope of Evolocumab, located in the catalytic region of PCSK9, the binding epitope of VHH-B11 is located in the hinge region of PCSK9, which is rarely reported. These findings indicated that a specific mechanism underlying this interaction needs to be explored.
PAI-1 is a potential transcriptional silencer that supports bladder cancer cell activity
Authors: Furuya Hideki , Sasaki Yuka , Chen Runpu , Peres Rafael , Hokutan Kanani , Murakami Kaoru , Kim Nari , Chan Owen T. M. , Pagano Ian , Dyrskjøt Lars , Jensen Jørgen B. , Malmstrom Per-Uno , Segersten Ulrika , Sun Yijun , Arab Abolfazl , Goodarzi Hani , Goodison Steve , Rosser Charles J.
Published: July 2022

The extracellular activity of Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is well described, acting as an inhibitor of tissue plasminogen activator and urokinase-type plasminogen activator, impacting fibrinolysis. Recent studies have revealed a pro-tumorigenic role of PAI-1 in human cancers, via the regulation of angiogenesis and tumor cell survival. In this study, immunohistochemical staining of 939 human bladder cancer specimens showed that PAI-1 expression levels correlated with tumor grade, tumor stage and overall survival. The typical subcellular localization of PAI-1 is cytoplasmic, but in approximately a quarter of the cases, PAI-1 was observed to be localized to both the tumor cell cytoplasm and the nucleus. To investigate the potential function of nuclear PAI-1 in tumor biology we applied chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-sequencing, gene expression profiling, and rapid immunoprecipitation mass spectrometry to a pair of bladder cancer cell lines. ChIP-sequencing revealed that PAI-1 can bind DNA at distal intergenic regions, suggesting a role as a transcriptional coregulator. The downregulation of PAI-1 in bladder cancer cell lines caused the upregulation of numerous genes, and the integration of ChIP-sequence and RNA-sequence data identified 57 candidate genes subject to PAI-1 regulation. Taken together, the data suggest that nuclear PAI-1 can influence gene expression programs and support malignancy.
The B-Score is a novel metric for measuring the true performance of blood pressure estimation models
Authors: Bothe Tomas L. , Patzak Andreas , Pilz Niklas
Published: July 2022

We aimed to develop and test a novel metric for the relative performance of blood pressure estimation systems (B-Score). The B-Score sets absolute blood pressure estimation model performance in contrast to the dataset the model is tested upon. We calculate the B-Score based on inter- and intrapersonal variabilities within the dataset. To test the B-Score for reliable results and desired properties, we designed generic datasets with differing inter- and intrapersonal blood pressure variability. We then tested the B-Score’s real-world functionality with a small, published dataset and the largest available blood pressure dataset (MIMIC IV). The B-Score demonstrated reliable and desired properties. The real-world test provided allowed the direct comparison of different datasets and revealed insights hidden from absolute performance measures. The B-Score is a functional, novel, and easy to interpret measure of relative blood pressure estimation system performance. It is easily calculated for any dataset and enables the direct comparison of various systems tested on different datasets. We created a metric for direct blood pressure estimation system performance. The B-Score allows researchers to detect promising trends quickly and reliably in the scientific literature. It further allows researchers and engineers to quickly assess and compare performances of various systems and algorithms, even when tested on different datasets.
Leveraging whole blood based functional flow cytometry assays to open new perspectives for rheumatoid arthritis translational research
Authors: Cartagena García Celia , Balandraud Nathalie , Roudier Jean , Lafforgue Pierre , Lambert Nathalie , Busnel Jean-Marc
Published: July 2022

Despite introduction of biological disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment, therapeutic strategies do not always lead to disease control and remission. Hence, a more efficient patient stratification and monitoring biomarkers and tools are needed to enable a more personalized medicine. We used a whole blood based functional flow cytometry assay to characterize immune cells from RA patients (treated or not), healthy donors and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients according to their responses to LPS and/or anti-TNFα (infliximab, IFX). Activation marker expression was measured using a 10-color flow cytometry panel following a no-wash protocol. Naïve-to-treatment RA patients had a stronger inflammatory profile in comparison to healthy donors at basal level. Higher expression of activation markers (CD69 and/or CD11b) on NK, B cells and granulocytes and lower expression of the adhesion molecule CD62L were measured on monocytes, granulocytes and B cells. After LPS, naïve RA patients’ cells were less capable of regulating CD69, CD11b, CD16 or CD62L showing impaired activation capabilities. Upon LPS and IFX co-incubation, hierarchical clustering analysis showed different profiles between cohorts. We believe that this whole blood-based approach should further be assessed for RA patient characterization as it provides new perspectives for stratification and/or monitoring.
Enhanced performance and stability in InGaZnO NIR phototransistors with alumina-infilled quantum dot solid
Authors: Kim Yoon-Seo , Oh Hye-Jin , Shin Seungki , Oh Nuri , Park Jin-Seong
Published: July 2022

The optimized ALD infilling process for depositing Al2O3 in the vertical direction of PbS QDs enhances the photoresponsivity, relaxation rate and the air stability of PbS QDs hybrid IGZO NIR phototransistors. Infilled Al2O3, which is gradually deposited from the top of PbS QDs to the PbS/IGZO interface (1) passivates the trap sites up to the interface of PbS/IGZO without disturbing charge transfer and (2) prevents QDs deterioration caused by outside air. Therefore, an Al2O3 infilled PbS QD/IGZO hybrid phototransistor (AI-PTs) exhibited enhanced photoresponsivity from 96.4 A/W to 1.65 × 102 A/W and a relaxation time decrease from 0.52 to 0.03 s under NIR light (880 nm) compared to hybrid phototransistors without Al2O3 (RF-PTs). In addition, AI-PTs also showed improved shelf stability over 4 months compared to RF-PTs. Finally, all devices we manufactured have the potential to be manufactured in an array, and this ALD technique is a means of fabricating robust QDs/metal oxide hybrids for optoelectronic devices.
Recent advances in the visual detection of ions and molecules based on gold and silver nanoclusters
Authors: Dai Rui , Zhang Yixin , Huang Ke , Peng Xian
Published: July 2022

We illustrate the applications of Au/AgNCs for visual detection and bioimaging of various analytes, including metal ions, inorganic anions, small molecules, and biomacromolecules in solution and on filter papers, thin films and small devices.
Structural transition and interconversion between the 2D self-assembled structures of pentacene
Authors: Shi Ming-Xia , Tao Min-Long , Sun Kai , Li Zuo , Yang Da-Xiao , Wang Jun-Zhong
Published: July 2022

The 2D self-assemblies and structural transitions of pentacene on a Cd(0001) surface have been investigated with low temperature scanning tunneling microscopy (STM).
Group 16 conjugated polymers based on furan, thiophene, selenophene, and tellurophene
Authors: Ye Shuyang , Lotocki Victor , Xu Hao , Seferos Dwight S.
Published: July 2022

This review systematically summarizes the history and recent progress in the synthesis, properties, and post-polymerization modifications of chalcogenophene-based homopolymers and copolymers.
Correction: s-Tetrazine-functionalized hyper-crosslinked polymers for efficient photocatalytic synthesis of benzimidazoles
Authors: An Wan-Kai , Zheng Shi-Jia , Zhang Hui-Xing , Shang Tian-Tian , Wang He-Rui , Xu Xiao-Jing , Jin Qiu , Qin Yuchen , Ren Yunlai , Jiang Song , Xu Cui-Lian , Hou Mao-Song , Pan Zhenliang
Published: July 2022

Correction for ‘s-Tetrazine-functionalized hyper-crosslinked polymers for efficient photocatalytic synthesis of benzimidazoles’ by Wan-Kai An et al., Green Chem., 2021, 23, 1292–1299, https://doi.org/10.1039/d0gc03719b.
Correction: pH sensitive water-in-water emulsions based on the pullulan and poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide) aqueous two-phase system
Authors: Plucinski Alexander , Schmidt Bernhard V. K. J.
Published: July 2022

Correction for ‘pH sensitive water-in-water emulsions based on the pullulan and poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide) aqueous two-phase system’ by Alexander Plucinski and Bernhard V. K. J. Schmidt, Polym. Chem., 2022, https://doi.org/10.1039/d2py00469k.
Calculation of a temperature–volume phase diagram of water to inform the study of isochoric freezing down to cryogenic temperatures
Authors: Powell-Palm Matthew J.
Published: July 2022

A new temperature–volume phase diagram is reported for water and five of its icy polymorphs, enabling new interrogation of isochoric freezing processes down to 190 K.
Bifunctional surface modification coupled with oxygen defect engineering enables high performance Li-rich cathodes
Authors: Zheng Chaoliang , Yang Zhe , Feng Jiameng , Zhong Jianjian , Wei Zhicheng , Li Jianling
Published: July 2022

Through the total cyclization of polyacrylonitrile, a bifunctional surface and abundant oxygen defects were constructed on the lithium-rich cathode, leading to an excellent electrochemical performance.
Spectrum sensing based on adversarial transfer learning
Authors: Miao Jiawu , Li Yuebo , Jing Xiaojun , Zhang Fangpei , Mu Junsheng
Published: July 2022

Recently, deep learning (DL) based spectrum sensing (SS) has drawn much attention due to its better capacity of feature extraction and superb performance. However, the model robustness of the DL based scheme is limited by reason of the dynamic radio environment, leading to the floating of sensing performance. Motivated by this, adversarial transfer learning is applied to SS here, where the model is pre‐trained at the central node firstly and fine‐tuned at the local nodes. More specifically, a 2D dataset of the observed signal is constructed under various signal‐to‐noise‐ratio (SNRs) and a convolution neural network (CNN) model is designed. Then a part of samples with various SNRs in the constructed dataset are employed to pre‐train the proposed CNN model. After that, the pre‐trained CNN model is distributed to local nodes with different SNRs and the pre‐trained CNN model is fine‐tuned. The proposed CNN model is pre‐trained based on the samples under various SNRs, resulting in its stronger adaptability at the local node. The simulation experiments validate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
An innovative method to eliminate multiple exponentially decaying DC components based on the discrete Fourier transform in the numerical distance relay
Authors: Parpaei Mohammad , Abyaneh Hossein Askarian , Razavi Farzad
Published: July 2022

Exponentially decaying direct current (EDDC) components in the faulted current of a power system can result in an imprecise estimation of the fundamental frequency component. Because of sources such as the faulted transmission line, the current transformer (CT), and the relay's internal CT, current signals tend to include multiple EDDC components. This paper presents an accurate model of the faulted current, including a new term of EDDC components that belongs to the relay's internal CT along with the transmission line and the CT response. Moreover, this paper proposes an innovative algorithm to eliminate multiple EDDC components. The feasibility and performance of the proposed algorithm were validated using several static, dynamic, and experimental tests. The static test was carried out using MathWorks’ MATLAB® software. For dynamic validation, the transient data of a power system (simulated in the commercial PSCAD© software) were employed to test the performance of the propounded method. The experimental test was performed on a distance protective relay manufactured by VEBKO AMIRKABIR Co. The main advantages of this method include the practical feasibility resulting from its simple structure, the ability to effectively suppress the adverse influence of multiple EDDC components (including the response of the transmission line, the CT, and the relay's internal CT), and the accuracy in estimating the fundamental frequency component.
Siamese Sigmoid Networks for the open classification of grid disturbances in power transmission systems
Authors: Kummerow André , Dirbas Mohammad , Monsalve Cristian , Bretschneider Peter
Published: July 2022

The online classification of grid disturbances is an important prerequisite for an automated and reliable operation of power transmission systems. Most of the state‐of‐the‐art approaches assume that all classes are already known in the training phase and cannot handle new disturbance events, which appear in the application phase and lead to severe misclassifications. To mitigate this shortcoming, the disturbance detection is investigated as an open classification task and a novel recurrent Siamese neural network architecture is introduced to identify and locate known and unknown disturbance events from phasor measurements. Extending preliminary work, a probabilistic distance‐based classification approach with an integrated rejection mechanism is presented, which enables to learn class‐dependent decision boundaries and margins to reduce the open‐set risk. A detailed performance analysis is presented including multiple benchmark methods in different closed‐set and open‐set classification tasks for a simulated power transmission system. Additionally, a limited and full observability of the grid with phasor measurements are addressed in the experiments.
Therapeutic Management of COVID-19 in a Pediatric Patient with Neurodegenerative CLN2 Disease and ICV—Enzyme Replacement Therapy: A Case Report
Authors: Schwering Christoph , Apostolidou Sofia , Deindl Philipp , Christner Martin , Knobloch Johannes K.-M. , Herrmann Jochen , Kobbe Robin , Schulz Angela , Singer Dominique , Ebenebe Chinedu Ulrich
Published: July 2022

The 12 years old male patient presented here suffers from neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses 2 (CLN2) (MIM# 204500) and receives intracerebroventricular enzyme replacement therapy (ICV-ERT) every 14 days. After the emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, routine care of children and adolescents with rare chronic diseases has become challenging. Although, in general, children do not develop severe COVID-19, when severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection was detected by polymerase chain reaction-screening examination in our CLN2 patient before hospital admission for ICV-ERT, he was regarded to be at risk. Upon diagnosis, the patient developed respiratory deterioration symptoms and was admitted to our pediatric intensive care unit to receive oxygen, remdesivir, and steroids. As far as we know, this is the first CLN2 patient receiving intraventricular enzyme therapy with COVID-19 who required intensive care treatment and specific therapy.
Investigation of droplet grouping in monodisperse streams by direct numerical simulations
Authors: Ibach M. , Vaikuntanathan V. , Arad A. , Katoshevski D. , Greenberg J. B. , Weigand B.
Published: July 2022

Droplet grouping is important in technical applications and in nature where more than one droplet is seen. Despite its relevance for such problems, the fundamentals of the grouping processes are not yet fully understood. Initial conditions that expedite or impede the formation of droplet groups have been studied, but a thorough investigation of the temporal and spatial evolution of the forces at play has not been conducted. In this work, the grouping process in monodisperse droplet streams is examined in detail by direct numerical simulation (DNS), for the first time, using the multiphase code Free Surface 3D. The code framework is based on the volume-of-fluid method and uses the piecewise linear interface calculation method to reconstruct the interface. A method is established to quantify the development and evolving differences of pressure and shear drag forces on each droplet in the stream using the available DNS data. The results show a linear increase in the difference between the forces, where the drag force on the leading droplet is always larger than that on the trailing droplet. A comprehensive parametric study reveals that, on the one hand, large initial inter-droplet separation and small group distances increase grouping time due to reduced difference in the drag coefficients. On the other hand, higher initial Reynolds numbers and larger irregularities in the geometrical arrangement promote droplet grouping. The flow field shows stable wake structures at initial Reynolds numbers of 300 and the onset of vortex shedding at Reynolds numbers of 500, affecting the next pair of droplets, even for larger separation distances.
Thermodynamic effects at Venturi cavitation in different liquids
Authors: Zuo Zhigang , Zhang Haochen , Ren Zibo , Chen Hui , Liu Shuhong
Published: July 2022

Thermodynamic effects delay the growth of cavitation bubbles and may accumulate to a considerable level in a bubbly cloud. Under thermo-sensitive conditions, due to thermodynamic effects, a bubbly cloud is often believed to behave similarly to a single cavitation bubble with respect to its shape, oscillation, etc. Discrepancies in thermodynamic effects on cavitating flows in previous experimental studies may result from the lack of control of non-dimensional parameter groups under this special condition. In the present paper, we first derive the non-dimensional parameter groups from the dynamics of a single cavitation bubble traveling through a Venturi tube. Among them, three major non-dimensional parameters are proposed for similitude conditions of Venturi cavitation experiments between different liquids, namely, the thermodynamic parameter, the Reynolds number, and the relative cavitation number. Our theory is validated with systematic experiments of Venturi cavitation in water, Freon 113, and fluoroketone in a small-scale closed-circuit cavitation tunnel under well-controlled conditions. Simultaneous high-speed observations from top and front views provide improved measurement of the cavitation characteristics. By comparing the variations of the attached cavity lengths and their oscillation frequencies, we successfully achieve similarities between different working liquids. The results are of particular importance for surrogates, when the original working liquid is too costly or too hazardous, e.g., cryogenic liquid hydrogen LH2 or liquid oxygen LO2.
Implications of dragonfly's muscle control on flapping kinematics and aerodynamics
Authors: Liu Di , Hefler Csaba , Shyy Wei , Qiu Huihe
Published: July 2022

In this work, we designed and characterized a passive structural wing actuation setup that was able to realistically mimic the flapping and pitching kinematics of dragonflies. In this setup, an inelastic string limited the wing pitch that may be sufficiently simple for practical micro air vehicle applications. To further evaluate the dominance of inertial passive and active muscle-controlled pitch actuation in dragonfly flight, the flow fields and pitching angle variations of the naturally actuated wing of a tethered dragonfly were compared with that of the same wing artificially actuated via a proposed passive mechanism. We found that passive rotation characterizes most of the forewing flapping cycle except the upstroke reversal where the dragonfly uses its muscle movement to accelerate its forewing rotation. The measured flow fields show that accelerated wing rotation at the upstroke reversal will result in a stronger leading edge vortex during the downstroke, the additional force from which is estimated to account for 4.3% of the total cycle averaged force generated.