bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crystal structure of a second polymorph of germacrone, C15H22O
Authors: Kaduk James A. , Gates-Rector Stacy , Blanton Thomas N.
Published: April 2022

The crystal structure of a new polymorph of germacrone has been solved and refined using synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction data and optimized using density functional theory techniques. This polymorph (Form II) crystallizes in space group C2/c (#15) with a = 26.0073(4), b = 9.84383(10), c = 10.53713(13) Å, β = 95.7547(11)°, V = 2684.04(3) Å3, and Z = 8. The crystal structure is dominated by van der Waals interactions, but four C–H⋯O hydrogen bonds are present. The structure exhibits many similarities to the previously reported Form I polymorph FIQLOG, but is clearly different. The powder pattern has been submitted to ICDD for inclusion in the Powder Diffraction File™ (PDF).
Mean-level correspondence and moment-to-moment synchrony in adolescent and parent affect: Exploring associations with adolescent age and internalizing and externalizing symptoms
Authors: Henry Lauren M. , Watson Kelly H. , Cole David A. , Torres Sofia , Vreeland Allison , Siciliano Rachel E. , Anderson Allegra S. , Gruhn Meredith A. , Ciriegio Abagail , Broll Cassandra , Ebert Jon , Kuhn Tarah , Compas Bruce E.
Published: April 2022

Interactions with parents are integral in shaping the development of children’s emotional processes. Important aspects of these interactions are overall (mean level) affective experience and affective synchrony (linkages between parent and child affect across time). Respectively, mean-level affect and affective synchrony reflect aspects of the content and structure of dyadic interactions. Most research on parent–child affect during dyadic interactions has focused on infancy and early childhood; adolescence, however, is a key period for both normative emotional development and the emergence of emotional disorders. We examined affect in early to mid-adolescents (N= 55,Mage= 12.27) and their parents using a video-mediated recall task of 10-min conflict-topic discussions. Using multilevel modeling, we found evidence of significant level-2 effects (mean affect) and level-1 effects (affective synchrony) for parents and their adolescents. Level-2 and level-1 associations were differentially moderated by adolescent age and adolescent internalizing and externalizing symptoms. More specifically, parent–adolescent synchrony was stronger when adolescents were older and had more internalizing problems. Further, more positive adolescent mean affect was associated with more positive parent affect (and vice versa), but only for dyads with low adolescent externalizing problems. Results underscore the importance of additional research examining parent–child affect in adolescence.
A New Quantitative Triage System for Hospitalized Neonates to Assist with Decisions of Hospital Evacuation Priorities
Authors: Imai Kazunori , Suzuki Tomoko , Fukaya Satoko , Karasawa Yuko , Bando Yoko , Sawaki Daisuke , Araki Yuko , Saitoh Shinji , Iwata Osuke
Published: April 2022

Introduction:

Hospitalized neonates are vulnerable to natural and man-made disasters because of their persistent requirement for medical resources and may need to be evacuated to safe locations when electricity and medical gas supply become unreliable. In Japan, a triage system for hospitalized neonates, or the Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment for Neonates, Revised (START-Neo-R), has been used to determine whether neonates are in suitable conditions for transportation. However, this scale is not useful to determine the evacuation order of neonates because a considerable number of evacuees are classified into the same categories.

Study Objective:

To solve this problem, a novel triage system, Neonatal Extrication Triage (NEXT) was developed. This study tested the validity and reproducibility of both triages and compared them with a standardized prognostic scoring system for hospitalized neonates, the Neonatal Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System (NTISS).

Methods:

In this retrospective observational study, physicians and nurses independently assessed each neonate hospitalized at a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) twice weekly using NEXT and START-Neo-R. The NEXT system comprises six questionnaires regarding medical resources required during transition and transportation, providing composite scores on a 12-point scale. The START-Neo-R classified neonates into five levels based on the severity of disease and dependence on medical care. Inter-rater reliability of both systems was assessed using Cohen’s kappa coefficient, whereas the criterion validity with NTISS was assessed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient.

Results:

Overall, 162 neonates were assessed for 49 days, resulting in triage data for 1,079 accumulated patients. Both NEXT scores and START-Neo-R ranks were well-dispersed across different levels without excessive accumulation in specific categories. Inter-rater reliability of NEXT (kappa coefficient, 0.973; 95% confidence interval, 0.969-0.976) and START-Neo-R (kappa coefficient, 0.952; 95% confidence interval, 0.946-0.957) between physicians and nurses was sufficiently high. The correlation coefficient of NEXT and START-Neo-R scores with NTISS scores were 0.889 (P <.001) and 0.850 (P <.001), respectively.

Conclusions:

Both START-Neo-R and NEXT had good reproducibility and correlation with the severity of neonates indicated by NTISS. With its well-dispersed scores across different levels, the NEXT system might be a powerful tool to determine the priority of evacuation objectively.
Focus on rural adolescent cannabis use and abuse: ignored epidemiologic trends, unique risks, long-term concerns, and hope
Authors: Gupta Mayank , Petti Theodore
Published: April 2022

Cannabis-related issues for adolescents and young adults are emerging from the shadow of rural opioid addiction and deaths. The rural pediatric population has multiple risk factors putting them at increased risk for adverse consequences with the expansion of cannabis legalization across the United States. Research in this area is rich but scattered across professional disciplines. Differences in demographics and cultures between rural and urban youth are gaining attention. Epidemiological factors relevant to rurality as a risk for cannabis and other substance use are considered for formulating clinical care, public policymakers, and future research. Race, culture, community stability, basic demographics of age, gender, educational status, and demands for more and better, accessible services for rural, nonmetropolitan areas comprise factors for consideration and are detailed. Research findings provide direction for policymakers and clinicians for prevention and intervention efforts to improve care for rural populations, validating and expanding upon insights gained to date.
Episodic and prospective memory difficulties in 13-year-old children born very preterm
Authors: Stedall Paulina M. , Spencer-Smith Megan M. , Lah Suncica , Doyle Lex W. , Spittle Alicia J. , Burnett Alice C. , Anderson Peter J.
Published: April 2022

Objectives:

Children born very preterm (VP) are susceptible to a range of cognitive impairments, yet the effects of VP birth on long-term, episodic, and prospective memory remains unclear. This study examined episodic and prospective memory functioning in children born VP compared with their term-born counterparts at 13 years.

Method:

VP (n= 81: born <30 weeks’ gestation) and term (n= 26) groups were aged between 12 and 14 years. Children completed: (i) standardized verbal and visuospatial episodic memory tests; and (ii) an experimental time- and event-based prospective memory test that included short-term (within assessment session) and long-term (up to 1-week post-session) tasks. Parents completed a questionnaire assessing memory functions in everyday life.

Results:

The VP group performed worse on all measures of verbal and visuospatial episodic memory than the term group. While there were no group differences in event-based or long-term prospective memory, the VP group performed worse on time-based and short-term prospective memory tasks than term-born counterparts. Parents of children born VP reported more everyday memory difficulties than parents of children born at term, with parent-ratings indicating significantly elevated rates of everyday memory challenges in children born VP.

Conclusions:

Children born VP warrant long-term surveillance, as challenges associated with VP birth include memory difficulties at 13 years. This study highlights the need for greater research and clinical attention into childhood functional memory outcomes.
A Machine Learning Method for Automated In Vivo Transparent Vessel Segmentation and Identification Based on Blood Flow Characteristics
Authors: Sun Mingzhu , Wang Yiwen , Fu Zhenhua , Li Lu , Liu Yaowei , Zhao Xin
Published: April 2022

In vivo transparent vessel segmentation is important to life science research. However, this task remains very challenging because of the fuzzy edges and the barely noticeable tubular characteristics of vessels under a light microscope. In this paper, we present a new machine learning method based on blood flow characteristics to segment the global vascular structure in vivo. Specifically, the videos of blood flow in transparent vessels are used as input. We use the machine learning classifier to classify the vessel pixels through the motion features extracted from moving red blood cells and achieve vessel segmentation based on a region-growing algorithm. Moreover, we utilize the moving characteristics of blood flow to distinguish between the types of vessels, including arteries, veins, and capillaries. In the experiments, we evaluate the performance of our method on videos of zebrafish embryos. The experimental results indicate the high accuracy of vessel segmentation, with an average accuracy of 97.98%, which is much more superior than other segmentation or motion-detection algorithms. Our method has good robustness when applied to input videos with various time resolutions, with a minimum of 3.125 fps.
Hobbes in France, Gallican Histories, and Leviathan's Supreme Pastor
Authors: Chandran Amy
Published: April 2022

Few of the recent treatments exploring Leviathan's dramatic expansion of ecclesiological considerations have delved into the political circumstances that furnished Hobbes's immediate Parisian surroundings, as he penned the work during the 1640s. This paper examines French ecclesial debates that were triggered by the publication of a polemical collection of texts narrating the “rights and liberties of the Gallican church.” Many of the tracts included had been written during the accession crisis of the late sixteenth century, and advocated a sacralized view of kingship in order to exclude papal jurisdictional claims in France. This paper argues that innovations in Leviathan's sacred history mirror tropes employed by Gallican writers, so that Hobbes can be seen as adopting a parallel strategy in establishing Leviathan's Supreme Pastor. This explication suggests that Hobbes composed Leviathan to appropriate, rather than eliminate, claims associated with “spiritual” power for the civil sovereign, as critical to the exercise of sovereignty.
Uninspired by Old White Guys: The Mobilizing Factor of Younger, More Diverse Candidates for Gen Z Women
Authors: Deckman Melissa , McDonald Jared
Published: April 2022

American political activism has surged recently among young citizens, particularly among women and people of color. At the same time, record numbers of women and minority candidates have been running for office. Does seeing more diverse candidates in terms of age, gender, and race propel more interest in political engagement among Generation Z, particularly women? Using a survey experiment embedded in a nationally representative survey of Generation Z citizens, we present respondents with Democratic politicians who vary based on these three criteria. Women who identify strongly with their gender express greater political engagement when presented with any candidate who does not fit the stereotypical image of a politician (older, white, male). They are spurred not only by role models who represent them descriptively, but by all politicians belonging to historically marginalized groups. These effects, which are not specific to just Democratic women, provide insights that can inform engagement efforts targeting younger Americans.
Cheating or learning? An investigation into Year 8 students' perceptions of the Cambridge Latin Course Explorer Tool and its role in both classroom teaching and online learning
Authors: Titcombe David
Published: April 2022

This article investigates the different uses of the Cambridge Latin Course Explorer Tool in the classroom, and students' perceptions of this, through a case study of a Year 8 class in an all-girls' comprehensive school. Student perceptions of this tool were a particular focus of the research, exploring its enhancement of students' enjoyment of the subject, its impact on vocabulary retention, and what they considered to be a reduced difficulty of translation. However, it also brought to light students' misgivings about the tool, including a sense of guilt in some pupils, who were of the opinion that their use of the Explorer Tool could be considered as ‘cheating'. Others, meanwhile, felt that it detracted from the ‘process' of translating to the point that they believed it actively hindered their learning.
Gender and the State Politics of Policy Implementation in Education: The Interaction of Bureaucratic and Legislative Representation in India
Authors: Meier Kenneth J. , Dhillon Anita
Published: April 2022

Representation frequently links state politics to policy. Current research, however, overlooks the interplay between bureaucratic and legislative representation and how local representation may be influenced by state policy environments. There is also a need to test current theories of state politics and policy, driven by the study of US federalism, in different national contexts to indicate how general such theories might be and to provide new insights into the study of US politics and policy. This article studies how gender representation and local policy implementation interacts with state environment factors to affect representation outcomes in K–12 education across 28 states in India. The research points to the generalizability of current theories of representation and state politics across national federal contexts, the conditional nature of the influence of bureaucratic representation on state policy implementation, and the need to better understand the interdependence of representation across political institutions.
Novel cardiovascular biomarkers associated with peripheral arterial	disease in men screened for abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Dakhel Ardwan , Memon Ashfaque A. , Zarrouk Moncef , Ågren-Witteschus Sophia , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina , Gottsäter Anders
Published: April 2022

Summary: Background: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common atherosclerotic disease with severity ranging from asymptomatic to chronic limb threatening ischemia. The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to identify novel biomarkers associated with PAD. Patients and methods: Levels of 91 cardiovascular specific proteins in plasma samples were measured by the Proseek Multiplex CVD III96x96 panel from a cohort consisting of 267 65-year-old men recruited from a screening program for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) Levels of protein biomarkers were compared in men with and without PAD (defined as an ankle brachial index of <0.9) and their diagnostic potential was calculated by receiver-operating characteristic analysis. Results: The prevalence of PAD was 14.2% (38/267). After adjustment for multiple comparisons, levels of the following 11 biomarkers remained significantly higher ( p<0.0001) in patients with PAD: secretoglobin family 3A member 2, osteoprotegerin, urokinase-type plasminogen activator surface receptor, serum macrophage chemokine ligand 16, matrix metalloproteinase 9, p-selectin, growth differentiation factor 15, elafin, cystatin B, trefoil factor 3, and fatty acid-binding protein 4. Multivariable logistic regression analysis (adjusted for smoking, use of antihypertensive and lipid-lowering medication, and metformin) showed that 11 biomarkers were significantly associated with higher risk of PAD with odds ratios ranging from 1.6 to 2.4. Area under curve calculated by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis (diagnostic value) for each protein biomarker ranged from 0.63 to 0.74. Conclusions: We have identified multiple proteins with a potential to be diagnostic biomarkers for PAD, and further research is warranted to clarify their potential predictive and prognostic value.
Ergebnisse einer Umfrage zur evidenzbasierten sportpsychologischen Praxis in Österreich, Deutschland und der Schweiz
Authors: Frytz Patricia , Amesberger Günter , Hödlmoser Kerstin
Published: April 2022

Zusammenfassung. Ziel der vorliegenden Umfrage war es, Umsetzung, Haltung, Fähigkeiten und Verbesserungsvorschläge der im deutschsprachigen Raum (Ö, D, CH) sportpsychologisch arbeitenden Praktiker_innen bezüglich evidenzbasierter Praxis (EBP) zu ermitteln. Dafür wurde eine übersetzte und adaptierte Version des Evidence Based Practice Questionnaire ( Upton & Upton, 2006 ) von 181 Teilnehmenden ( XAlter=42.19, SD=1.09, nFrauen=80, nMänner=95) online ausgefüllt. Sie gaben eine positivere Haltung gegenüber der EBP sowie höhere Fähigkeiten zum Teilen und Anwenden der EBP an, als sie ihre eigene Umsetzung und ihre Techniken zum Abrufen und Überprüfen von Evidenz einschätzten. Verschiedene Gründe für eine geringe Umsetzung – wie beispielsweise Zeitmangel – konnten identifiziert werden. Als Möglichkeiten, um EBP in ihre Praxis besser integrieren zu können, nannten die Praktiker_innen verbesserten Zugang zu aktueller Literatur und Intervisionsgruppen sowie klare Guidelines und mehr praxisnahe Forschung. Diese Vorschläge können als Anhaltspunkte für Organisationen und Forschende dienen, um die Umsetzung von EBP in der sportpsychologischen Praxis zu unterstützen.
Increasing Frequency of Anomalous Precipitation Events in Japan Detected by a Deep Learning Autoencoder
Authors: Murakami H. , Delworth T. L. , Cooke W. F. , Kapnick S. B. , Hsu P.‐C.
Published: April 2022

The frequency of large‐scale anomalous precipitation events associated with heavy precipitation has been increasing in Japan. However, it is unclear if the increase is due to anthropogenic warming or internal variability. Also, it is challenging to develop an objective methodology to identify anomalous events because of the large variety of anomalous precipitation cases. In this study, we applied a deep learning technique to objectively detect anomalous precipitation events in Japan for both observations and simulations using high‐resolution climate models. The results show that the observed increases in anomalous heavy precipitation events in Western Japan during 1977–2015 were not made only by internal variability but the increases in anthropogenic forcing played an important role. Such events will continue to increase in frequency this century. The increases are attributable to the increasing frequency of tropical cyclones and enhanced frontal rainbands near Japan. These results highlight the mitigation challenge posed by the increasing occurrence of unprecedented precipitation events in the future.
Measurement of SST and SSS Using Frequencies in the Range 0.3–2.0 GHz
Authors: Le Vine David M. , Dinnat Emmanuel P.
Published: April 2022

Wide bandwidth radiometer systems that make measurements at multiple frequencies in the range from 300 MHz to 2 GHz have been proposed to address parameters important for understanding issues in the cryosphere associated with climate change such as ice sheet thickness and temperature. It is also possible with such a system to retrieve sea surface salinity (SSS), which is important for understanding the impact of climate change on ocean circulation at high latitude. In contemporary sensors for retrieving SSS, such as on Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) and Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP), sea surface temperature (SST), another parameter important for understanding ocean circulation and necessary in the retrieval of salinity, is treated as an ancillary parameter obtained from an independent source. However, both SSS and SST have peaks in sensitivity below 1 GHz; and it has been shown that measurements at multiple frequencies in this portion of the spectrum can take advantage of this peak in sensitivity to improve the accuracy of the retrieval of SSS. In this manuscript, it will be shown that there is also the potential to retrieve SST and, in cold water, the possibility for improved accuracy over existing retrievals.
Hydrological Perspectives on Integrated, Coordinated, Open, Networked (ICON) Science
Authors: Acharya Bharat Sharma , Ahmmed Bulbul , Chen Yunxiang , Davison Jason H. , Haygood Lauren , Hensley Robert T. , Kumar Rakesh , Lerback Jory , Liu Haojie , Mehan Sushant , Mehana Mohamed , Patil Sopan D. , Persaud Bhaleka D. , Sullivan Pamela L. , URycki Dawn
Published: April 2022

Hydrologic sciences depend on data monitoring, analyses, and simulations of hydrologic processes to ensure safe, sufficient, and equal water distribution. These hydrologic data come from but are not limited to primary (lab, plot, and field experiments) and secondary sources (remote sensing, UAVs, hydrologic models) that typically follow FAIR Principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable: (go-fair.org)). Easy availability of FAIR data has become possible because the hydrology‐oriented organizations have pushed the community to increase coordination of the protocols for generating data and sharing model platforms. In addition, networking at all levels has emerged with an invigorated effort to activate community science efforts that complement conventional data collection methods. However, it has become difficult to decipher various complex hydrologic processes with increasing data. Machine learning, a branch of artificial intelligence, provide more accurate and faster alternatives to better understand different hydrological processes. The Integrated, Coordinated, Open, Networked (ICON) framework provides a pathway for water users to include and respect diversity, equity, and inclusivity. In addition, ICONs support the integration of peoples with historically marginalized identities into this professional discipline of water sciences. This article comprises three independent commentaries about the state of ICON principles in hydrology and discusses the opportunities and challenges of adopting them.
Acute kidney injury in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Arattu Thodika Fahad M. S. , Dassios Theodore , Deep Akash , Greenough Anne
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To assess the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), including those who had fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion (FETO), and the effect of AKI on mortality and length of stay.

Study design

Ten-year retrospective review of infants admitted with CDH to a tertiary perinatal centre.

Result

Ninety-four infants with median gestational age of 38+1 weeks were included. Fifty-nine (62.8%) infants had AKI. Compared to infants without AKI, infants with AKI, had a similar incidence of mortality (p = 0.989). In survivors, AKI was not independently associated with a longer adjusted median length of stay [23 versus 15 days (p = 0.194)]. FETO was associated with an increased risk of AKI (p = 0.005), but neither the mortality nor length of stay of FETO infants who had AKI was increased.

Conclusion

AKI was present in the majority of infants with CDH and most common in those who had undergone FETO.
Dissecting the clinical heterogeneity of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Sirkis Daniel W. , Bonham Luke W. , Johnson Taylor P. , La Joie Renaud , Yokoyama Jennifer S.
Published: April 2022

Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease (EOAD) is a rare but particularly devastating form of AD. Though notable for its high degree of clinical heterogeneity, EOAD is defined by the same neuropathological hallmarks underlying the more common, late-onset form of AD. In this review, we describe the various clinical syndromes associated with EOAD, including the typical amnestic phenotype as well as atypical variants affecting visuospatial, language, executive, behavioral, and motor functions. We go on to highlight advances in fluid biomarker research and describe how molecular, structural, and functional neuroimaging can be used not only to improve EOAD diagnostic acumen but also enhance our understanding of fundamental pathobiological changes occurring years (and even decades) before the onset of symptoms. In addition, we discuss genetic variation underlying EOAD, including pathogenic variants responsible for the well-known mendelian forms of EOAD as well as variants that may increase risk for the much more common forms of EOAD that are either considered to be sporadic or lack a clear autosomal-dominant inheritance pattern. Intriguingly, specific pathogenic variants inPRNPandMAPT—genes which are more commonly associated with other neurodegenerative diseases—may provide unexpectedly important insights into the formation of AD tau pathology. Genetic analysis of the atypical clinical syndromes associated with EOAD will continue to be challenging given their rarity, but integration of fluid biomarker data, multimodal imaging, and various ‘omics techniques and their application to the study of large, multicenter cohorts will enable future discoveries of fundamental mechanisms underlying the development of EOAD and its varied clinical presentations.
Tumor growth of neurofibromin-deficient cells is driven by decreased respiration and hampered by NAD+ and SIRT3
Authors: Masgras Ionica , Cannino Giuseppe , Ciscato Francesco , Sanchez-Martin Carlos , Darvishi Fereshteh Babaei , Scantamburlo Francesca , Pizzi Marco , Menga Alessio , Fregona Dolores , Castegna Alessandra , Rasola Andrea
Published: April 2022

Neurofibromin loss drives neoplastic growth and a rewiring of mitochondrial metabolism. Here we report that neurofibromin ablation dampens expression and activity of NADH dehydrogenase, the respiratory chain complex I, in an ERK-dependent fashion, decreasing both respiration and intracellular NAD+. Expression of the alternative NADH dehydrogenase NDI1 raises NAD+/NADH ratio, enhances the activity of the NAD+-dependent deacetylase SIRT3 and interferes with tumorigenicity in neurofibromin-deficient cells. The antineoplastic effect of NDI1 is mimicked by administration of NAD+ precursors or by rising expression of the NAD+ deacetylase SIRT3 and is synergistic with ablation of the mitochondrial chaperone TRAP1, which augments succinate dehydrogenase activity further contributing to block pro-neoplastic metabolic changes. These findings shed light on bioenergetic adaptations of tumors lacking neurofibromin, linking complex I inhibition to mitochondrial NAD+/NADH unbalance and SIRT3 inhibition, as well as to down-regulation of succinate dehydrogenase. This metabolic rewiring could unveil attractive therapeutic targets for neoplasms related to neurofibromin loss.
MEK and MCL-1 sequential inhibition synergize to enhance rhabdomyosarcoma treatment
Authors: Alcon Clara , Martín Fernando , Prada Estela , Mora Jaume , Soriano Aroa , Guillén Gabriela , Gallego Soledad , Roma Josep , Samitier Josep , Villanueva Alberto , Montero Joan
Published: April 2022

Targeted agents have emerged as promising molecules for cancer treatment, but most of them fail to achieve complete tumor regression or attain durable remissions due to tumor adaptations. We used dynamic BH3 profiling to identify targeted agents effectiveness and anti-apoptotic adaptations upon targeted treatment in rhabdomyosarcoma. We focused on studying the use of BH3 mimetics to specifically inhibit pro-survival BCL-2 family proteins, overwhelm resistance to therapy and prevent relapse. We observed that the MEK1/2 inhibitor trametinib rapidly depleted the pro-apoptotic protein NOXA, thus increasing MCL-1 availability. Indeed, we found that the MCL-1 inhibitor S63845 synergistically enhanced trametinib cytotoxicity in rhabdomyosarcoma cells in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, our findings indicate that the combination of a BH3 mimetic targeting MCL-1 with trametinib improves efficiency on rhabdomyosarcoma by blocking tumor adaptation to treatment.
MOXD1 knockdown suppresses the proliferation and tumor growth of glioblastoma cells via ER stress-inducing apoptosis
Authors: Shi Pengfei , Xu Jie , Xia Fanwei , Wang Yinggang , Ren Jie , Liang Ping , Cui Hongjuan
Published: April 2022

Oxygenase-catalyzed reduction and activation of oxygen molecules and the incorporation of oxygen atoms into organic molecules are undoubtedly necessary in the process of tumor development, and it is also one of the research hotspots in recent years. MOXD1 belongs to the copper-dependent monooxygenase family. The expression of MOXD1 is one of the characteristics of early tumor development. However, it is not understandable that the biological function and molecular mechanism of MOXD1 in Glioblastoma (GBM). In this study, high MOXD1 expression is strongly associated with poor survival of the patient with GBM. Moreover. MOXD1 knockdown can inhibit cell viability, proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumorigenesis of GBM cells. This is also proven for the first time that MOXD1 can bind to β3GnT2 and affect the glycosylation modification of some proteins. In addition, knockdown of MOXD1 induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and triggers the ER–mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. Taken together, these results reveal that MOXD1 is involved in the occurrence and development of GBM, and also provide a new strategy for targeted therapy.
Long-term outcome of renal nerve denervation (RDN) for resistant hypertension
Authors: Panchavinnin Pariya , Wanthong Sirisawat , Roubsanthisuk Weranuj , Tresukosol Damras , Buranakitjaroen Peera , Chotruangnapa Chavalit , Watanapa Wattana , Pongakasira Rungtiwa , Wongpraparut Nattawut
Published: April 2022

We aimed to determine the long-term outcome of renal denervation (RDN). All patients with resistant hypertension who underwent RDN between 2012 and 2018 at Siriraj Hospital were included in the study. Patients were followed up at 3, 6, and 12 months and then annually up to 9 years. Effectiveness of the RDN outcome was defined by either (1) a reduction in office systolic BP ≥ 10 mmHg, (2) a reduction in the number of antihypertensive drugs taken, or (3) both outcomes being achieved. In total, 18 RDN procedures were performed during the study period. The mean and longest follow-up periods were 52 months and 104 months, respectively. Heterogeneous BP responses after RDN for resistant hypertension were observed. Effectiveness of the RDN outcome was achieved in 88% of the patients at 1 year and in >80% of the patients during the entire follow-up at each time point up to 9 years.
Histological and chemical diagnosis of a combat lesion in Triceratops
Authors: D’Anastasio Ruggero , Cilli Jacopo , Bacchia Flavio , Fanti Federico , Gobbo Giacomo , Capasso Luigi
Published: April 2022

In the collective imagination derived from scientific and popular literature, Triceratops often faced each other in combat. Thus, from the second half of the twentieth century, these ceratopsids were described as pugnacious animals. This arises primarily from the interpretation of extracranial fenestrae in ceratopsids being the result of combat trauma. However, the diagnosis of the traumatic nature of these anatomical variants of their neck frill requires evidence of bone healing and remodelling by microscopy analysis. Here, we present the case of the Triceratops horridus known as Big John, which is one of the largest specimens discovered in the Hell Creek Formation (Upper Cretaceous; South Dakota, USA). Its right squamosal bone shows an extrafenestra with irregular margins and signs of inflammation. Microscopy analysis revealed newly formed and healing bone, with histological signs typical of the bone remodelling phase. Chemical analysis revealed sulphur that was derived from glycosaminoglycan’s and sulphated glycoproteins of the preosseous osteoid substance present in the healing phases of a bone trauma. Histological and microanalytical analyses confirm that the squamosal fenestra of Big John is the result of a traumatic event, which might indeed have occurred during combat with another Triceratops.
High intestinal parasite infection detected in children from Región Autónoma Atlántico Norte (R.A.A.N.) of Nicaragua
Authors: Muñoz-Antoli Carla , Pérez Paloma , Pavón Aleyda , Toledo Rafael , Esteban José Guillermo
Published: April 2022

There is a lack of epidemiological information concerning intestinal parasitic infections, and especially in soil-transmitted helminths, occurring in some departments of Nicaragua. Up to now, this is the first study involving two nearby areas (Puerto Cabezas and Siuna municipalities) of the Región Autónoma Atlántico Norte (R.A.A.N.). One stool sample was analyzed by Kato-Katz, formaldehyde-ethyl acetate concentration method and modified Ziehl–Neelsen technique, and a simple questionnaire concerning demographic, sanitary and behavioral data was distributed among 735 children and evaluated. Overall prevalence of infection reached 97.0%, being the highest prevalences detected in all Nicaragua. The higher protozoan prevalence appears in Siuna (94.5%), a rural interior municipality, with a typical tropical monsoon climate, while the higher helminths rates were reached in Puerto Cabezas (92.8%), the urbanized coastal capital, with a typical tropical rainforest climate. No statistical differences were found with regard to sex. However, the 6–11-year age-group children presented the highest prevalences. Most T. trichiura infections (59.4%) were of light intensity, while 51.7% of Ascaris lumbricoides were of moderate intensity. Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that those who drink rainwater and walk barefoot were 2.9 and 2.5 times more likely to have helminth infections, respectively. Results from one geographical setting might not be applied to other nearby with different climatic conditions. The use of anthelmintic drugs only will not be sufficient to bring prevalence to low levels. It is necessary to design geographically more specific intervention, with communication and interaction between different disciplines (e.g. parasitology, biochemistry, molecular biology, epidemiology, public health, etc.) being imperative to reduce STH infection.
The determinants of COVID-19 morbidity and mortality across countries
Authors: Chang Dianna , Chang Xin , He Yu , Tan Kelvin Jui Keng
Published: April 2022

We identify 21 predetermined country-level factors that explain marked variations in weekly COVID-19 morbidity and mortality across 91 countries between January and the end of 2020. Besides factors commonly associated with infectious diseases (e.g., population and tourism activities), we discover a list of country characteristics that shape COVID-19 outcomes. Among demographic–geographic factors, the male-to-female ratio, population density, and urbanization aggravate the severity of COVID-19, while education, temperature, and religious diversity mitigate the impact of the pandemic on morbidity and mortality. For the political-legal dimension, democracy and political corruption are aggravating factors. In contrast, female leadership, the strength of legal systems, and public trust in government significantly reduce infections and deaths. In terms of socio-economic aspects, GDP per capita, income inequality, and happiness (i.e., life satisfaction) lead to worse COVID-19 outcomes. Interestingly, technology advancement increases morbidity but reduces mortality. For healthcare factors, SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) experience and healthcare infrastructure help countries perform better in combating the pandemic.
Investigation of wavy microchannel ability on electronic devices cooling with the case study of choosing the most efficient microchannel pattern
Authors: Ghorbani Nima , Targhi Mohammad Zabetian , Heyhat Mohammad Mahdi , Alihosseini Yousef
Published: April 2022

A numerical study was conducted to investigate the ability of wavy microchannels to damp the temperature fluctuations generates in electronic devices. Five wavy patterns are considered with the amplitude and wavelength in the ranges of 62.5 to 250 μm and 1250 to 5000 μm, respectively to study the effect of governing phenomena of flow within wavy patterns on thermal–hydraulic performance. The flow regime is laminar and the Reynolds number is in the range of 300 to 900, and a relatively high heat flux of 80 W/cm2 is applied to the microchannels substrate. Also, variable flux condition is studied for heat fluxes of 80, 120, 160, 200, and 240 W/cm2 and for the most efficient wavy and straight microchannels. Results showed that the geometries with larger amplitude to wavelength ratio have a lower radius of curvature and larger Dean number, and as a result of transverse flow (secondary flow) amplification, they have enhanced heat transfer. Also, by comparing the ratio of the transverse velocity components to the axial component, it was found that by decreasing the radius of curvature and increasing the Dean number, transverse velocity increases, which intensifies the heat transfer between the wall and the fluid. The appraisement of the performance evaluation criterion (PEC) illustrates that the wavy case with an amplitude of 250 μm and wavelength of 2500 μm is the best geometry from the thermal–hydraulic point of view in the studied range. Finally, with variable flux condition, the wavy microchannel has responded well to the temperature increase and has created a much more uniform surface temperature compared to straight pattern. The proposed wavy pattern ensures that there are no hotspots which could damage the electronic chip. Presented wavy patterns can be used in heat sinks heat transfer enhancement to allow the chip to run in higher heat fluxes.
Modeling time evolving COVID-19 uncertainties with density dependent asymptomatic infections and social reinforcement
Authors: Liu Qing , Cao Longbing
Published: April 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges in modeling its complex epidemic transmissions, infection and contagion, which are very different from known epidemics. The challenges in quantifying COVID-19 complexities include effectively modeling its process and data uncertainties. The uncertainties are embedded in implicit and high-proportional undocumented infections, asymptomatic contagion, social reinforcement of infections, and various quality issues in the reported data. These uncertainties become even more apparent in the first 2 months of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the relevant knowledge, case reporting and testing were all limited. Here we introduce a novel hybrid approach SUDR by expanding the foundational compartmental epidemic Susceptible-Infected-Recovered (SIR) model with two compartments to a Susceptible-Undocumented infected-Documented infected-Recovered (SUDR) model. First, SUDR (1) characterizes and distinguishes Undocumented (U) and Documented (D) infections commonly seen during COVID-19 incubation periods and asymptomatic infections. Second, SUDR characterizes the probabilistic density of infections by capturing exogenous processes like clustering contagion interactions, superspreading, and social reinforcement. Lastly, SUDR approximates the density likelihood of COVID-19 prevalence over time by incorporating Bayesian inference into SUDR. Different from existing COVID-19 models, SUDR characterizes the undocumented infections during unknown transmission processes. To capture the uncertainties of temporal transmission and social reinforcement during COVID-19 contagion, the transmission rate is modeled by a time-varying density function of undocumented infectious cases. By sampling from the mean-field posterior distribution with reasonable priors, SUDR handles the randomness, noise and sparsity of COVID-19 observations widely seen in the public COVID-19 case data. The results demonstrate a deeper quantitative understanding of the above uncertainties, in comparison with classic SIR, time-dependent SIR, and probabilistic SIR models.
Multi-fidelity information fusion with concatenated neural networks
Authors: Pawar Suraj , San Omer , Vedula Prakash , Rasheed Adil , Kvamsdal Trond
Published: April 2022

Recently, computational modeling has shifted towards the use of statistical inference, deep learning, and other data-driven modeling frameworks. Although this shift in modeling holds promise in many applications like design optimization and real-time control by lowering the computational burden, training deep learning models needs a huge amount of data. This big data is not always available for scientific problems and leads to poorly generalizable data-driven models. This gap can be furnished by leveraging information from physics-based models. Exploiting prior knowledge about the problem at hand, this study puts forth a physics-guided machine learning (PGML) approach to build more tailored, effective, and efficient surrogate models. For our analysis, without losing its generalizability and modularity, we focus on the development of predictive models for laminar and turbulent boundary layer flows. In particular, we combine the self-similarity solution and power-law velocity profile (low-fidelity models) with the noisy data obtained either from experiments or computational fluid dynamics simulations (high-fidelity models) through a concatenated neural network. We illustrate how the knowledge from these simplified models results in reducing uncertainties associated with deep learning models applied to boundary layer flow prediction problems. The proposed multi-fidelity information fusion framework produces physically consistent models that attempt to achieve better generalization than data-driven models obtained purely based on data. While we demonstrate our framework for a problem relevant to fluid mechanics, its workflow and principles can be adopted for many scientific problems where empirical, analytical, or simplified models are prevalent. In line with grand demands in novel PGML principles, this work builds a bridge between extensive physics-based theories and data-driven modeling paradigms and paves the way for using hybrid physics and machine learning modeling approaches for next-generation digital twin technologies.
The SNPs of mitochondrial DNA displacement loop region and mitochondrial DNA copy number associated with risk of polymyositis and dermatomyositis
Authors: Zhao Yufei , Peng Chenxing , Lai Ruixue , Zhang Jingjing , Zhang Xiaoyun , Guo Zhanjun
Published: April 2022

Oxidative damage-induced mitochondrial dysfunction may activate muscle catabolism and autophagy pathways to initiate muscle weakening in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs). In this study, Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the mitochondrial displacement loop (D-loop) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number were assessed and their association with the risk of polymyositis and dermatomyositis (PM/DM) was evaluated. Excessive D-loop SNPs (8.779 ± 1.912 vs. 7.972 ± 1.903, p = 0.004) correlated positively with mtDNA copy number (0.602 ± 0.457 vs. 0.300 ± 0.118, p < 0.001). Compared with that of the controls, the mtDNA of PM/DM patients showed D-loop SNP accumulation. In addition, the distribution frequencies of 16304C (p = 0.047) and 16519C (p = 0.043) were significantly higher in the patients with PM/DM. Subsequent analysis showed that reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was increased in PM/DM patients compared with that in the controls (18,477.756 ± 13,574.916 vs. 14,484.191 ± 5703.097, p = 0.012). Further analysis showed that the PM/DM risk-related allele 16304C was significantly associated with lower IL-4 levels (p = 0.021), while 16519C had a trend to be associated with higher IL-2 expression (p = 0.064). The allele 16519C was associated with a positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) status in PM/DM patients (p = 0.011). Our findings suggest that mitochondrial D-loop SNPs could be potential biomarkers for PM/DM risk and these SNPs associated with cytokine expression may be involved in the development of PM/DM. Further, mtDNA copy number-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction may precede the onset of PM/DM.
Robust registration of SAR and optical images based on deep learning and improved Harris algorithm
Authors: Zhang Wannan
Published: April 2022

Traditional algorithms can achieve good results when registering homologous images, but it cannot reach satisfying results for registration between synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and optical images. The difficulty is that the image texture information and structures of different modalities is very different which leads to poor registration results. To solve this problem, we present a robust matching framework for registration between SAR and optical images. First, a novel deep learning network is utilized to generate high quality pseudo-optical images from SAR images. Next, feature points are detected and extracted using the multi-scale Harris algorithm. Then the feature points are constructed through the gradient position orientation histogram method. Finally, the actual position of the feature points will be reconstructed through a feedback mechanism for matching. Experimental results demonstrate its superior matching performance with respect to the state-of-the-art methods.
Multiple path length mid-infrared spectra of liquids obtained by using a modified button sample holder
Authors: Singh Jaspreet , White Robert L.
Published: April 2022

The button sample holder provides multiple absorption path lengths. Combining radiation from short and long absorption lengths creates spectra that retain high absorbance band shapes.
A large-volume sputum dry storage and transportation device for molecular and culture-based diagnosis of tuberculosis
Authors: Dsouza Andrea , Jangam Saylee , Soni Shruti , Agarwal Priyanka , Naik Vishwanath , Manjula J. , Nair Chandrasekhar B. , Toley Bhushan J.
Published: April 2022

We present SPECTRA-tube (specimen transportation tube), a device that enables the dry stabilization and transportation of large volumes (>1 mL) of liquid specimens. We demonstrate its application in molecular and culture testing of tuberculosis.
A genosensor for detecting single-point mutations in dendron chips after blocked recombinase polymerase amplification
Authors: Martorell Sara , Maquieira Ángel , Tortajada-Genaro Luis A.
Published: April 2022

Dendron–probe conjugates were effectively immobilized on chip surfaces, improving assay sensitivity and simplifying coupling reactions. Combined with an isothermal amplification, the array method accurately detects single-base changes.
COF-43 based voltammetric sensor for Ag(i) determination: optimization of experimental conditions by Box–Behnken design
Authors: Zanganeh Ali Reza
Published: April 2022

COF-43/carbon paste electrode has been utilized for the voltammetric determination of silver. In addition, Box–Behnken design has been employed for optimization.
Design syntheses of metal–organic layers with rich N-sites for CO2 chemical fixation
Authors: Wang Zhi-Wen , Zhu Zi-Yi , Li Shangda , Wang Fei
Published: April 2022

Presented here is a series of metal–organic layers in which azolate derivatives as terminal ligands supply numerous uncoordinated N active sites and exhibit high catalytic activity.
Towards hydrogen and halogen bonded frameworks based on 3,5-bis(triazolyl)pyridinium motifs
Authors: Foyle Émer M. , Tay Hui Min , White Nicholas G.
Published: April 2022

Construction of supramolecular assemblies using hydrogen and halogen bonding between anions and the 3,5-bis(triazolyl)pyridinium motif was investigated.
TAB1 binding induced p38α conformation change: an accelerated molecular dynamics simulation study
Authors: Zang Yongjian , Wang He , Kang Ying , Zhang Jianwen , Li Xuhua , Zhang Lei , Yang Zhiwei , Zhang Shengli
Published: April 2022

p38α mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) undergoes autophosphorylation induced by the binding of TGFβ-activated kinase 1 binding protein 1 (TAB1) in myocardial ischemia.