bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting cognitive scores with graph neural networks through sample selection learning
Authors: Hanik Martin , Demirtaş Mehmet Arif , Gharsallaoui Mohammed Amine , Rekik Islem
Published: November 2021

Analyzing the relation between intelligence and neural activity is of the utmost importance in understanding the working principles of the human brain in health and disease. In existing literature, functional brain connectomes have been used successfully to predict cognitive measures such as intelligence quotient (IQ) scores in both healthy and disordered cohorts using machine learning models. However, existing methods resort to flattening the brain connectome (i.e., graph) through vectorization which overlooks its topological properties. To address this limitation and inspired from the emerging graph neural networks (GNNs), we design a novel regression GNN model (namely RegGNN) for predicting IQ scores from brain connectivity. On top of that, we introduce a novel, fully modular sample selection method to select the best samples to learn from for our target prediction task. However, since such deep learning architectures are computationally expensive to train, we further propose alearning-based sample selectionmethod that learns how to choose the training samples with the highest expected predictive power on unseen samples. For this, we capitalize on the fact that connectomes (i.e., their adjacency matrices) lie in the symmetric positive definite (SPD) matrix cone. Our results on full-scale and verbal IQ prediction outperforms comparison methods in autism spectrum disorder cohorts and achieves a competitive performance for neurotypical subjects using 3-fold cross-validation. Furthermore, we show that our sample selection approach generalizes to other learning-based methods, which shows its usefulness beyond our GNN architecture.
A novel tool monitoring approach for diamond wire sawing
Authors: Denkena Berend , Bergmann Benjamin , Rahner Björn-Holger
Published: November 2021

Mobile diamond wire sawing is a highly flexible, productive and, versatile cutting process. Accordingly, it is used in many areas, such as the dismantling of nuclear power plants or wind turbines. Despite the widespread use of the process, the cutting process requires continuous manual monitoring by the machine operator. This is due to the continuously changing cutting conditions. A common process error is tool breakage. It is often caused by the displacement of the grinding segments (cutting beads). Due to the cutting speed (up to 30 m/s), these failures cannot be detected and prevented by the machine operator. However, a measuring system or process monitoring does not exist yet. Accordingly, a damaged diamond wire can become hooked, which often results in wire breaks. As a result, grinding segments break away from the wire, which can lead to deadly accidents. Therefore, a new approach for monitoring the tool for diamond wire grinding will be investigated. The paper is divided into five sections. First, the requirements for the sensor system are derived. After the selection of a measuring principle and the functional verification in the grinding process, the monitoring approach is presented and features for monitoring the tool with regard to the displacement of grinding segments are described. It was shown that the developed approach is suitable for monitoring the diamond wire tool during the sawing process. The investigation on a prepared diamond wire tool also demonstrated that the feature allows the detection of displacing grinding segments already from 2 mm.
Comprehensive Assessment of Local Population Chemical Exposome by Combination of Organic Pollutant- and Metal-Multi-Residue Analysis in Hair
Authors: Iglesias-González Alba , Schaeffer Charline , Dahm Georges , Hardy Emilie M. , Pexaras Achilleas , Palazzi Paul , Appenzeller Brice M. R.
Published: November 2021

Awareness of the adverse effects of exposure to pollutant mixtures, possibly much more severe than individual chemicals, has drawn attention towards the necessity of using multi-residue methods to obtain the most possible comprehensive information on exposome. Among the different biological matrices used for exposure assessment, hair enables to detect the largest number of chemicals, including many classes such as persistent pollutants, hydrophilic metabolites and metals. Most biomonitoring studies are however focused on a limited number of pollutants and only give a partial information on exposure. Combining several multi-residue methods, the present study aimed at assessing the exposure of a population to an extensive variety of chemicals by hair analysis. One hair sample was collected from each participant (55 children and 134 adults). Samples were analysed with three different multi-residue methods, targeting, respectively, 152 organic pollutants (pesticides, PCBs, bisphenols, PBDEs), 62 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metabolites, nicotine and cotinine and 36 metals. From 33 to 70 organic chemicals were detected in each child’s hair sample, and from 34 up to 74 in adults. From 7 to 26 PAH were detected per child, and 7 to 21 in adults. Twenty-three to 27 metals were detected per child and 21 to 28 per adult. The highest median concentration were observed for zinc (143 μg /mg in children; 164 μg /mg in adults), bisphenol A (95.9 pg/mg in children; 64.7 pg/mg in adults) and nicotine (66.4 pg/mg in children; 51.9 pg/mg in adults). The present study provides the most comprehensive exposure assessment ever and highlights the simultaneous exposure to multiple classes of pollutants in the general population. The results support the use of multi-residue methods for future studies on exposure-associated effects, to document exposome and better consider the effect of chemical mixtures.
Are Disasters a Risk to Regional Fiscal Balance? Evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Wiyanti Astrid , Halimatussadiah Alin
Published: November 2021

Indonesia is an archipelago country and is fairly vulnerable to disasters. While disasters generally affect government revenue and expenditure, their effects likely vary by country. This study examines the effect of disasters on the fiscal balance, revenue, and expenditure of local governments. We used panel data and fixed effects methods to estimate the degree to which disaster severity influences budgetary solvency at the district and provincial levels in Indonesia between 2010 and 2018. This study revealed that disasters can strain fiscal balance at the district and provincial levels due to a decrease in own-source revenue and an increase in social assistance expenditure, capital expenditure, consumption expenditure, and unexpected expenditure. The district expenditure most threatened by disasters is consumption expenditure, while the provincial expenditure most threatened is unexpected expenditure. We also found that an increase in capital expenditure can lead to financial burden due to delays of planned projects or post-disaster reconstruction. Based on these findings, it is clear that some forms of insurance or other financing schemes are necessary to mitigate the adverse impacts of disasters on regional fiscal balance.
The Metabolic Signature of Cardiorespiratory Fitness: A Systematic Review
Authors: Carrard Justin , Guerini Chiara , Appenzeller-Herzog Christian , Infanger Denis , Königstein Karsten , Streese Lukas , Hinrichs Timo , Hanssen Henner , Gallart-Ayala Hector , Ivanisevic Julijana , Schmidt-Trucksäss Arno
Published: November 2021

Background

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is a potent health marker, the improvement of which is associated with a reduced incidence of non-communicable diseases and all-cause mortality. Identifying metabolic signatures associated with CRF could reveal how CRF fosters human health and lead to the development of novel health-monitoring strategies.

Objective

This article systematically reviewed reported associations between CRF and metabolites measured in human tissues and body fluids.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science were searched from database inception to 3 June, 2021. Metabolomics studies reporting metabolites associated with CRF, measured by means of cardiopulmonary exercise test, were deemed eligible. Backward and forward citation tracking on eligible records were used to complement the results of database searching. Risk of bias at the study level was assessed using QUADOMICS.

Results

Twenty-two studies were included and 667 metabolites, measured in plasma (n = 619), serum (n = 18), skeletal muscle (n = 16), urine (n = 11), or sweat (n = 3), were identified. Lipids were the metabolites most commonly positively (n = 174) and negatively (n = 274) associated with CRF. Specific circulating glycerophospholipids (n = 85) and cholesterol esters (n = 17) were positively associated with CRF, while circulating glycerolipids (n = 152), glycerophospholipids (n = 42), acylcarnitines (n = 14), and ceramides (n = 12) were negatively associated with CRF. Interestingly, muscle acylcarnitines were positively correlated with CRF (n = 15).

Conclusions

Cardiorespiratory fitness was associated with circulating and muscle lipidome composition. Causality of the revealed associations at the molecular species level remains to be investigated further. Finally, included studies were heterogeneous in terms of participants’ characteristics and analytical and statistical approaches.

PROSPERO Registration Number

CRD42020214375.
Roller dynamometer particle immission* measurement
Authors: Atzler Frank , Wiedensohler Alfred , Roß Tilo , Weinhold Kay , Dobberkau Maximilian
Published: November 2021

Urban traffic is a significant contributor of particulate matter to the environment (Kessinger et al. in https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/sites/default/files/medien/5750/publikationen/hgp_luftqualitaet_2020_bf.pdf, 2021). Hence, there is a high interest in the measured data of roadside immission measurement station. In the federal state Saxony (Germany), the State Office for Environment, Agriculture and Geology (LfULG) is responsible for supervision of the air pollution. In a joint project, the LfULG, the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS) and the Chair of Combustion Engines and Powertrain Systems of the Technical University of Dresden (Lehrstuhl für Verbrennungsmotoren und Antriebssysteme, LVAS) measured the particulate immission* from a selection of passenger cars in an “environment simulation” Weinhold et al. (https://publikationen.sachsen.de/bdb/artikel/36768q, 2020). Especially direct injection spark ignition engines, DISI, without particle filter have a high particulate matter emission, depending on the operating condition. However, an increase of the particulate matter immission due to the rising market penetration of DISI engines was not measurable at the immission measurement stations of LfULG. To investigate the effect of vehicle exhaust emission and immission, an experiment was developed to measure particulate matter immission similar to road conditions on a chassis dynamometer. Five used cars with different engines, exhaust after treatment systems and mileage were evaluated regarding their emissions and particulate immissions. Unexpectedly, a high amount of ultrafine particulate matter smaller 100 nm was found during the emission measurements, although the exhaust emissions were completely extracted to the CVS measurement system. It was concluded that these particles were assignable to break and tire wear. This paper summarizes the most important findings, the complete report is available in Weinhold et al. (https://publikationen.sachsen.de/bdb/artikel/36768q, 2020).
Integrative Multi-Omics Landscape of Non-Structural Protein 3 of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronaviruses
Authors: Shi Ruona , Feng Zhenhuan , Zhang Xiaofei
Published: November 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is currently a global pandemic. Extensive investigations have been performed to study the clinical and cellular effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Mass spectrometry-based proteomics studies have revealed the cellular changes due to the infection and identified a plethora of interactors for all SARS-CoV-2 components, except for the longest non-structural protein 3 (NSP3). Here, we expressed the full-length NSP3 proteins of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 to investigate their unique and shared functions using multi-omics methods. We conducted interactome, phosphoproteome, ubiquitylome, transcriptome, and proteome analyses of NSP3-expressing cells. We found that NSP3 plays essential roles in cellular functions such as RNA metabolism and immune response (e.g., NF-κB signal transduction). Interestingly, we showed that SARS-CoV-2 NSP3 has both endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial localizations. In addition, SARS-CoV-2 NSP3 is more closely related to mitochondrial ribosomal proteins, whereas SARS-CoV NSP3 is related to the cytosolic ribosomal proteins. In summary, our integrative multi-omics study of NSP3 improves the understanding of the functions of NSP3 and offers potential targets for the development of anti-SARS strategies.
Effects of radius ratio on annular centrifugal Rayleigh–Bénard convection
Authors: Wang Dongpu , Jiang Hechuan , Liu Shuang , Zhu Xiaojue , Sun Chao
Published: November 2021

We report on a three-dimensional direct numerical simulation study of flow structure and heat transport in the annular centrifugal Rayleigh–Bénard convection (ACRBC) system, with cold inner and hot outer cylinders corotating axially, for the Rayleigh number range

$Ra \in [{10^6},{10^8}]$

and radius ratio range

$\eta = {R_i}/{R_o} \in [0.3,0.9]$

(

$R_i$

and

$R_o$

are the radius of the inner and outer cylinders, respectively). This study focuses on the dependence of flow dynamics, heat transport and asymmetric mean temperature fields on the radius ratio

$\eta$

. For the inverse Rossby number

$Ro^{-1} = 1$

, as the Coriolis force balances inertial force, the flow is in the inertial regime. The mechanisms of zonal flow revolving in the prograde direction in this regime are attributed to the asymmetric movements of plumes and the different curvatures of the cylinders. The number of roll pairs is smaller than the circular roll hypothesis as the convection rolls are probably elongated by zonal flow. The physical mechanism of zonal flow is verified by the dependence of the drift frequency of the large-scale circulation (LSC) rolls and the space- and time-averaged azimuthal velocity on

$\eta$

. The larger

$\eta$

is, the weaker the zonal flow becomes. We show that the heat transport efficiency increases with

$\eta$

. It is also found that the bulk temperature deviates from the arithmetic mean temperature and the deviation increases as

$\eta$

decreases. This effect can be explained by a simple model that accounts for the curvature effects and the radially dependent centrifugal force in ACRBC.
Qoheleth’s Idiolect and Its Cultural Context*
Authors: Samet Nili
Published: November 2021

The language of Qoheleth is characterized by an awkward style and an unusual vocabulary. Past studies have assigned these peculiarities to linguistic factors, assuming that the book reflects an underrepresented dialect or register. The current study aims to expand the boundaries of this discourse by introducing extra-linguistic considerations into the discussion. Qoheleth is the only biblical book that is purely philosophical, focusing on abstract issues such as the purpose of life and the problem of free will. Such philosophical discussions require the use of an abstract terminology. The basic toolkit of any philosopher consists of conceptual phrases such as “time,” “space,” “cosmos,” “humanity,” “meaning,” etc. Yet abstract vocabulary was meager in the Hebrew at the author’s disposal. Paving a pioneering way in the realm of thought, Qoheleth’s author had to create a terminological system capable of expressing his new ideas. This article traces the ways in which the need for a personally-customized philosophical idiom shaped Qoheleth’s language. Exploring the origins of eleven key-terms in the book, this article reveals the dynamics that gave rise to Qoheleth’s personal lexicon. These include generalization and conceptualization of the extant semantic fields of certain terms in order to re-invent them as personal expressions reflecting the author’s philosophy. The author takes advantage of the “linguistic availability” of certain terms, that is, their foreignness or rareness that makes them better-suited, in his view, to bear newly created meanings. Taken together, Qoheleth’s neologisms constitute a personal idiolect, carefully designed to convey the author’s unique thought.
Impact of a structured patient education programme on early diagnosis of prosthetic pulmonary valve endocarditis
Authors: Babic Daniela , Hämmerli Ramona , Santos Lopes Bruno , Attenhofer Jost Christine , Tobler Daniel , Schwerzmann Markus , Hasse Barbara , Bonassin Tempesta Francesca , Greutmann Matthias
Published: November 2021

Background:

Infective endocarditis is a major threat after prosthetic pulmonary valve replacement. Early diagnosis may improve outcomes.

Methods:

A structured patient education programme for prevention and early diagnosis of infective endocarditis was developed at our institution since 2016. Time delay between onset of symptoms of prosthetic pulmonary valve endocarditis and its diagnosis (defined as initiation of appropriate high-dose intravenous antibiotic treatment) was compared for patients presenting before (cohort 1) and after (cohort 2) initiation of the patient education programme.

Results:

Between 2008–2019, 26 patients (median age 24.9, range: 16.8–62.0 years, 73% male) were diagnosed with prosthetic pulmonary valve endocarditis, 13 patients (cohort 1) before (1.7 cases/year) and 13 patients (cohort 2) after June 2016 (3.7 cases/year). There were no differences in baseline characteristics or clinical presentation between the study cohorts. Overall, the median delay between onset of symptoms and diagnosis of infective endocarditis was 6 days (range: 0–133 days) with a significantly longer delay among patients in cohort 1, compared to cohort 2 (25 days, range: 5–133 days versus 3 days, range: 0–13 days, p < 0.0001). A delay of >7 days was documented in 11/13 patients (85%) in cohort 1 as compared to 1/13 (8%) in cohort 2 (p < 0.001). Need for urgent valve replacement or permanent deterioration of prosthetic valve function was higher in cohort 1, compared to cohort 2 (11/13, 85% versus 5/13, 39%; p = 0.041).

Conclusions:

Prosthetic pulmonary valve endocarditis is increasingly recognised. A structured patient education programme may improve early diagnosis and clinical outcomes.
Thalamic dopamine D2-receptor availability in schizophrenia: a study on antipsychotic-naive patients with first-episode psychosis and a meta-analysis
Authors: Plavén-Sigray Pontus , Ikonen Victorsson Pauliina , Santillo Alexander , Matheson Granville J. , Lee Maria , Collste Karin , Fatouros-Bergman Helena , Sellgren Carl M. , Erhardt Sophie , Agartz Ingrid , Halldin Christer , Farde Lars , Cervenka Simon
Published: November 2021

Pharmacological and genetic evidence support a role for an involvement of the dopamine D2-receptor (D2-R) in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Previous molecular imaging studies have suggested lower levels of D2-R in thalamus, but results are inconclusive. The objective of the present study was to use improved methodology to compare D2-R density in whole thalamus and thalamic subregions between first-episode psychosis patients and healthy controls. Differences in thalamocortical connectivity was explored based on the D2-R results. 19 antipsychotic-naive first-episode psychosis patients and 19 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were examined using high-resolution Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and the high-affinity D2-R radioligand [11C]FLB457. The main outcome was D2-R binding potential (BPND) in thalamus, and it was predicted that patients would have lower binding. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was performed in a subgroup of 11 patients and 15 controls. D2-R binding in whole thalamus was lower in patients compared with controls (Cohen’s dz = −0.479, p = 0.026, Bayes Factor (BF) > 4). Among subregions, lower BPND was observed in the ROI representing thalamic connectivity to the frontal cortex (Cohen’s dz = −0.527, p = 0.017, BF > 6). A meta-analysis, including the sample of this study, confirmed significantly lower thalamic D2-R availability in patients. Exploratory analyses suggested that patients had lower fractional anisotropy values compared with controls (Cohen’s d = −0.692, p = 0.036) in the inferior thalamic radiation. The findings support the hypothesis of a dysregulation of thalamic dopaminergic neurotransmission in schizophrenia, and it is hypothesized that this could underlie a disturbance of thalamocortical connectivity.
Caught in vicious circles: a perspective on dynamic feed-forward loops driving oxidative stress in schizophrenia
Authors: Cuenod Michel , Steullet Pascal , Cabungcal Jan-Harry , Dwir Daniella , Khadimallah Ines , Klauser Paul , Conus Philippe , Do Kim Q.
Published: November 2021

A growing body of evidence has emerged demonstrating a pathological link between oxidative stress and schizophrenia. This evidence identifies oxidative stress as a convergence point or “central hub” for schizophrenia genetic and environmental risk factors. Here we review the existing experimental and translational research pinpointing the complex dynamics of oxidative stress mechanisms and their modulation in relation to schizophrenia pathophysiology. We focus on evidence supporting the crucial role of either redox dysregulation, N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor hypofunction, neuroinflammation or mitochondria bioenergetics dysfunction, initiating “vicious circles” centered on oxidative stress during neurodevelopment. These processes would amplify one another in positive feed-forward loops, leading to persistent impairments of the maturation and function of local parvalbumin-GABAergic neurons microcircuits and myelinated fibers of long-range macrocircuitry. This is at the basis of neural circuit synchronization impairments and cognitive, emotional, social and sensory deficits characteristic of schizophrenia. Potential therapeutic approaches that aim at breaking these different vicious circles represent promising strategies for timely and safe interventions. In order to improve early detection and increase the signal-to-noise ratio for adjunctive trials of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and NMDAR modulator drugs, a reverse translation of validated circuitry approach is needed. The above presented processes allow to identify mechanism based biomarkers guiding stratification of homogenous patients groups and target engagement required for successful clinical trials, paving the way towards precision medicine in psychiatry.
Mild behavioral impairment correlates of cognitive impairments in older adults without dementia: mediation by amyloid pathology
Authors: Sun Yan , Xu Wei , Chen Ke-Liang , Shen Xue-Ning , Tan Lan , Yu Jin-Tai ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: November 2021

The relationship between mild behavioral impairment (MBI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is intricate and still not well investigated. The purpose of the study is to examine the roles of the AD imaging pathologies in modulating the associations of MBI with cognitive impairments. We analyzed 1129 participants (563 [49.86%] female), who had measures of Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI-Q), cognition, and amyloid PET AD biomarkers from the Alzheimer’s disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). We assess the longitudinal neuropathological and clinical correlates of baseline MBI via linear mixed effects and Cox proportional hazard models. The mediation analyses were used to test the mediation effects of AD pathologies on cognition. We found that MBI was associated with worse global cognition as represented by Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) (p < 0.001), and higher β-amyloid burden (p < 0.001). β-amyloid partially mediated the effects of MBI on cognition with the mediation percentage varied from 14.67 to 40.86% for general cognition, memory, executive, and language functions for non-dementia individuals. However, no significant associations were discovered between MBI and tau burden or neurodegeneration. Furthermore, longitudinal analyses revealed that individuals with MBI had a faster increase in brain amyloid burden (p < 0.001) and a higher risk of clinical conversion (HR = 2.42, 95% CI = 1.45 to 4.01 p < 0.001). In conclusion, MBI could be an imperative prediction indicator of clinical and pathological progression. In addition, amyloid pathologies might partially mediate the influences of MBI on cognitive impairments and AD risk.
De-escalation antibiotic therapy alleviates organ injury through modulation of NETs formation during sepsis
Authors: Duan Zehua , Xie Tian , Chu Chengnan , Chen Fang , Wang Xinyu , Li Jieshou , Ding Weiwei
Published: November 2021

Empiric broad-spectrum antimicrobials therapy is suggested to be started immediately for sepsis patients. Empiric antimicrobial therapy should be narrowed once pathogen identification and sensitivities are established. However, the detailed mechanisms of de-escalation strategy are still unclear. Here we hypothesized neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) played an essential role and de-escalation strategy might alleviate organs injury through regulation of NETs formation in sepsis. We evaluated the effect of imipenem and ceftriaxone on NETs formation in vitro and examined the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Next, we designed de-escalation and escalation strategy in cecum ligation and puncture (CLP) models. Organ injury, inflammatory cytokines, NETs levels were compared and evaluated. In CLP models, de-escalation therapy resulted in an increased serum MPO-DNA level during the early stage and decreased MPO-DNA level during late stage, which exerted the reverse effects in escalation therapy. Inflammatory response and organ injury exacerbated when eliminated NETs with DNAse I during the early stage of sepsis (p < 0.01). Histopathological analysis showed decreased injury in lung, liver, and intestine in de-escalation therapy compared with escalation therapy (p < 0.01). De-escalation therapy results in the highest 6-day survival rate compared with the control group (p < 0.01), however, no significant difference was found between de-escalation and escalation group (p = 0.051). The in vitro study showed that the imipenem could promote, while the ceftriaxone could inhibit the formation of NETs in PMA-activated PMNs through a ROS-dependent manner. We firstly demonstrate that de-escalation, not escalation, therapy reduces organ injury, decreases inflammatory response by promoting NETs formation in the early stage, and inhibiting NETs formation in the late stage of sepsis.
Cardiac expression of microRNA-7 is associated with adverse cardiac remodeling
Authors: Gupta Manveen K. , Sahu Anita , Sun Yu , Mohan Maradumane L. , Kumar Avinash , Zalavadia Ajaykumar , Wang Xi , Martelli Elizabeth E. , Stenson Kate , Witherow Conner P. , Drazba Judy , Dasarathy Srinivasan , Naga Prasad Sathyamangla V.
Published: November 2021

Although microRNA-7 (miRNA-7) is known to regulate proliferation of cancer cells by targeting Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR/ERBB) family, less is known about its role in cardiac physiology. Transgenic (Tg) mouse with cardiomyocyte-specific overexpression of miRNA-7 was generated to determine its role in cardiac physiology and pathology. Echocardiography on the miRNA-7 Tg mice showed cardiac dilation instead of age-associated physiological cardiac hypertrophy observed in non-Tg control mice. Subjecting miRNA-7 Tg mice to transverse aortic constriction (TAC) resulted in cardiac dilation associated with increased fibrosis bypassing the adaptive cardiac hypertrophic response to TAC. miRNA-7 expression in cardiomyocytes resulted in significant loss of ERBB2 expression with no changes in ERBB1 (EGFR). Cardiac proteomics in the miRNA-7 Tg mice showed significant reduction in mitochondrial membrane structural proteins compared to NTg reflecting role of miRNA-7 beyond the regulation of EGFR/ERRB in mediating cardiac dilation. Consistently, electron microscopy showed that miRNA-7 Tg hearts had disorganized rounded mitochondria that was associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. These findings show that expression of miRNA-7 in the cardiomyocytes results in cardiac dilation instead of adaptive hypertrophic response during aging or to TAC providing insights on yet to be understood role of miRNA-7 in cardiac function.
Identifying autism spectrum disorder symptoms using response and gaze behavior during the Go/NoGo game CatChicken
Authors: Putra Prasetia Utama , Shima Keisuke , Alvarez Sergio A. , Shimatani Koji
Published: November 2021

Previous studies have found that Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) children scored lower during a Go/No-Go task and faced difficulty focusing their gaze on the speaker’s face during a conversation. To date, however, there has not been an adequate study examining children’s response and gaze during the Go/No-Go task to distinguish ASD from typical children. We investigated typical and ASD children’s gaze modulation when they played a version of the Go/No-Go game. The proposed system represents the Go and the No-Go stimuli as chicken and cat characters, respectively. It tracks children’s gaze using an eye tracker mounted on the monitor. Statistically significant between-group differences in spatial and auto-regressive temporal gaze-related features for 21 ASD and 31 typical children suggest that ASD children had more unstable gaze modulation during the test. Using the features that differ significantly as inputs, the AdaBoost meta-learning algorithm attained an accuracy rate of 88.6% in differentiating the ASD subjects from the typical ones.
Effect of maturity timing on the physical performance of male Polish basketball players aged 13 to 15 years
Authors: Gryko Karol
Published: November 2021

The aims of this study were (i) to identify the motor potential and basic anthropometric characteristics of Polish basketball players aged 13 to 15 years, (ii) to demonstrate the effect of maturity timing on the results achieved in motor tests and basic body composition parameters, and (iii) to determine which index contributes most to the prediction of performance in the individual tests of speed, jumping ability, agility, and endurance. The sample included 818 male Polish players. Analysis of values related to age-adjusted characteristics showed that in the under 13-year-old group, early maturers had significantly better results (except for stage 1 in the agility test) than average maturers. However, in the endurance test in the under 14- and 15-year-old groups (both distance covered and VO2max), the average maturers obtained higher values. Furthermore, maturity differentiation in the under 14- and 15-year-old groups significantly affected body size, 20-m sprinting time (under 14-year-old group only), and the results of all jumping tests. ANCOVA results (age, body height, and body mass as covariates) showed better results of early maturers in the under 13-year-old group. The opposite trend was observed in the under 14- to 15-year-old groups, where early maturing individuals performed worse in the running vertical jump (VJ) and endurance tests (both distances covered and VO2max). Maturity timing (VJ and VO2max), chronological age (5 m, 10 m, 20 m, agility, and VO2max tests), body height (all tests), body mass (5 m), and the interaction between body mass and height (10 m, 20 m, agility, standing vertical jump, vertical jump) were significant (adjusted R2 = 0.08–0.25; p < 0.001) predictors of motor skills. These findings can be helpful in quantifying and controlling the results of youth sports programs adjusted to biological requirements used in the training process.
Inverse correlation between urethral length and continence before and after native tissue pelvic floor reconstruction
Authors: Mothes A. R. , Mothes H. K. , Kather A. , Altendorf-Hofmann A. , Radosa M. P. , Radosa J. C. , Runnebaum I. B.
Published: November 2021

Urethral length was evaluated retrospectively in patients with prolapse undergoing anterior native-tissue repair. Effects of age, prolapse stage, defect pattern, urodynamic and clinical stress test findings, and tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) surgery indication were analyzed using Mann–Whitney and Wilcoxon tests and linear and logistic regression. Of 394 patients, 61% had stage II/III and 39% had stage IV prolapse; 90% of defects were central (10% were lateral). Median pre- and postoperative urethral lengths were 14 and 22 mm (p < 0.01). Preoperative urethral length was greater with lateral defects [p < 0.01, B 6.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.67–8.08] and increased stress incontinence risk (p < 0.01, odds ratio 1.07, 95% CI 1.03–1.12). Postoperative urethral length depended on prolapse stage (p < 0.01, B 1.61, 95% CI 0.85–2.38) and defect type (p = 0.02, B – 1.42, 95% CI – 2.65 to – 0.2). Postoperatively, TVT surgery was indicated in 5.1% of patients (median 9 months), who had longer urethras than those without this indication (p = 0.043). Native-tissue prolapse repair including Kelly plication increased urethral length, reflecting re-urethralization, particularly with central defects. The functional impact of urethral length in the context of connective tissue aging should be examined further.
Scale invariance of cell size fluctuations in starving bacteria
Authors: Shimaya Takuro , Okura Reiko , Wakamoto Yuichi , Takeuchi Kazumasa A.
Published: November 2021

In stable environments, cell size fluctuations are thought to be governed by simple physical principles, as suggested by recent findings of scaling properties. Here, by developing a microfluidic device and using E. coli, we investigate the response of cell size fluctuations against starvation. By abruptly switching to non-nutritious medium, we find that the cell size distribution changes but satisfies scale invariance: the rescaled distribution is kept unchanged and determined by the growth condition before starvation. These findings are underpinned by a model based on cell growth and cell cycle. Further, we numerically determine the range of validity of the scale invariance over various characteristic times of the starvation process, and find the violation of the scale invariance for slow starvation. Our results, combined with theoretical arguments, suggest the relevance of the multifork replication, which helps retaining information of cell cycle states and may thus result in the scale invariance.
Dearomatization–rearomatization strategy of tyrosine for peptide/protein modification through thiol-addition reactions
Authors: Wang Pengxin , Cheng Yulian , Wu Chunlei , Luo Ruixiang , Ma Caibing , Zhou Yimin , Ma Zhilong , Wang Rui , Su Wu , Fang Lijing
Published: November 2021

A dearomatization–rearomatization strategy was developed for the site-specific modification of peptides via electrophilic cyclohexadienone in situ generation via the oxidation of tyrosine.
Characterizing the spatial distribution of dipeptides in rodent tissue using MALDI MS imaging with on-tissue derivatization
Authors: Li Kening , Guo Shuai , Tang Weiwei , Li Bin
Published: November 2021

Combining a laser-assisted chemical transfer technique and hexafluoroisopropanol provides a highly effective on-tissue derivatization method for MALDI MS imaging of the spatial distribution of dipeptides.
Site-selective and inducible acylation of thrombin using aptamer-catalyst conjugates
Authors: Keijzer Jordi F. , Firet Judith , Albada Bauke
Published: November 2021

Functionalizing a protein-binding aptamer with an acylation catalyst leads to site-selective modification of the target protein in proximity to the aptamer–protein interface. This protein modification can be switched ON or OFF by an external trigger.
Inclusion of cyclodextrins in a metallosupramolecular framework via structural transformations
Authors: Somsri Supattra , Kuwamura Naoto , Kojima Tatsuhiro , Yoshinari Nobuto , Rujiwatra Apinpus , Konno Takumi
Published: November 2021

The inclusion of α-cyclodextrin and both α- and γ-cyclodextrins in a multilayer framework composed of d-penicillaminato AuI3CoIII2 complex anions and aqua sodium(i) cations via solvent-mediated structural transformations are reported.
Comment on “Theoretical investigations on hydrogen peroxide decomposition in aquo” by T. Tsuneda and T. Taketsugu, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2018, 20, 24992
Authors: Koppenol Willem H.
Published: November 2021

In an ab initio study, Tsuneda and Taketsugu (Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2018, 20, 24992–24999) discuss the Fenton reaction, the reaction of Fe2+ with H2O2.
Synthesis, structure, electronic and thermal properties of sphalerite CuZn2InS4
Authors: Ojo Oluwagbemiga P. , Gunatilleke Wilarachchige D. C. B. , Poddig Hagen , Wang Hsin , Martin Joshua , Kirsch Dylan J. , Nolas George S.
Published: November 2021

Sphalerite quaternary chalcogenides have intrinsically low thermal conductivity and electrical properties that can be altered with stoichiometric variation. Temperature-dependent structural and thermal properties provided evidence of anharmonicity.
Diboration of alkenes and alkynes with a carborane-fused four-membered boracycle bearing an electron-precise B–B bond
Authors: Zhong Minling , Zhang Jie , Lu Zhenpin , Xie Zuowei
Published: November 2021

A carborane-fused four-membered boracycle bearing an electron precise B–B bond is synthesized via the reaction of 1,2-Li2-o-carborane with B2Br4(SMe2)2, which can be used as a “strain-release” reagent to achieve diboration of alkenes and alkynes.
Recommendations for replacing PET on packaging, fiber, and film materials with biobased counterparts
Authors: Sousa Andreia F. , Patrício Rafael , Terzopoulou Zoi , Bikiaris Dimitrios N. , Stern Tobias , Wenger Julia , Loos Katja , Lotti Nadia , Siracusa Valentina , Szymczyk Anna , Paszkiewicz Sandra , Triantafyllidis Konstantinos S. , Zamboulis Alexandra , Nikolic Marija S. , Spasojevic Pavle , Thiyagarajan Shanmugam , van Es Daan S. , Guigo Nathanael
Published: November 2021

What are the most promising biobased PET replacements? Are they economically feasible? Are they sustainable? Industrially feasible? In the future, PET will certainly be replaced by more than one option,e.g., PEF, PTF, bio-PET, and PLA.
Increased performance of an all-organic redox flow battery model via nitration of the [4]helicenium DMQA ion electrolyte
Authors: Moutet Jules , Mills David , Hossain Md Mubarak , Gianetti Thomas L.
Published: November 2021

Symmetrical non-aqueous organic redox flow batteries are highly promising systems for electrochemical energy storage. A higher solubility and energy density of a previously described robust ROM was obtained by straightforward nitration of its core.
Prominence of Cu in a plasmonic Cu–Ag alloy decorated SiO2@S-doped C3N4 core–shell nanostructured photocatalyst towards enhanced visible light activity
Authors: Babu Pradeepta , Dash Soumya Ranjan , Behera Arjun , Vijayaraghavan T. , Ashok Anuradha , Parida Kulamani
Published: November 2021

Core–shell nanostructured SiO2@AgCu@SC have been synthesized and their catalytic activities were tested towards H2 generation upon irradiation.
Molecular dynamics study of the internalization of cell-penetrating peptides containing unnatural amino acids across membranes
Authors: Gimenez-Dejoz Joan , Numata Keiji
Published: November 2021

Peptide-based delivery systems that deliver target molecules into cells have been gaining traction.
Highly dispersed Ag nanoparticles in situ creating rich cyano defects in carbon nitride for efficient photocatalytic H2 production
Authors: Qin Siqie , Zhang Hui , Cao Yuqi , Zheng Fukai , Mou Zhigang , Sun Jianhua , Zhu Mingshan
Published: November 2021

In the obtained Ag–C–CN photocatalyst, the cyano defects act as charge transfer channels to promote electron transfer, making Ag nanoparticles more active as a HER cocatalyst.
Controlling the adsorption of osteopontin for mediating cell behaviour by using self-assembled monolayers with varying surface chemistry
Authors: Chen Zhuoying , Fan Yan , Wang Lin , Bian Zhengqi , Hao Lijing
Published: November 2021

Osteopontin (OPN) is an important protein for mediating cell behaviour on biomaterials.
Structural, morphological, Raman, dielectric and electrical properties of La1−2xBaxBixFeO3 (0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.20) compounds
Authors: Benali E. M. , Benali A. , Bejar M. , Dhahri E. , Graca M. P. F. , Valente M. A. , Costa B. F. O.
Published: November 2021

La1−2xBaxBixFeO3 (0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.20) nanoparticles were prepared by the auto-combustion method using glycine as a combustion fuel.
Ultrafast synthesis of near-zero-cost S-doped Ni(OH)2 on C3N5 under ambient conditions with enhanced photocatalytic activity
Authors: Han Lixiao , Peng Cong , Huang Jinming , Wang Shengyao , Zhang Xiaohu , Chen Hao , Yang Yi
Published: November 2021

2D S–Ni(OH)2 is facially planted on 2D C3N5 at room temperature in 30 minutes via a reaction between Ni(NO3)2 and Na2S in aqueous solution. Due to quick internal charge transfer efficiency, the hybrid is highly efficient for photocatalytic H2 production.
Preparation of aramid-based epoxy resin from low-grade aramid
Authors: Yu Changlei , Yu Pengda , Ma Gang , Zhou Lequn , Deng Fei , Wang Fang , Zhu Xinbao
Published: November 2021

Low-grade aramid fibers are transformed to high value-added aramid-based epoxy resin. Bisphenol-A epoxy resin with aramid-based epoxy resin cured products exhibited improved mechanical properties, outperforming pure E-51 and pure aramid.
Knitted strain sensor with carbon fiber and aluminum-coated yarn, for wearable electronics
Authors: Jang Junhyeok , Kim Suji , Lee Kangmin , Park Seungjun , Park Geum-Yong , Kim Byoung-Joon , Oh Junghun , Lee Mi Jung
Published: November 2021

A knitted textile-type strain sensor with RRAM characteristics is developed. We demonstrated that the developed sensor has a higher sensitivity than previously demonstrated textile strain sensors and can be used as a motion sensor by applying it to clothes.
Molecular conformation modulating luminescence switching between delayed fluorescence and room-temperature phosphorescence
Authors: Wen Yating , Xiao Shengbing , Liu Haichao , Tian Xuzhou , De Jianbo , Lu Tong , Yang Zhiqiang , Zou Deyue , Lv Ying , Zhang Shi-Tong , Su Qing , Yang Bing
Published: November 2021

A new molecule IS-CBZ demonstrates delayed fluorescence (DF) and dual emission of DF and room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) in two crystals, respectively. The DF and RTP can be reversibly switched by external stimuli accompanied by phase transition.
CFD analysis of air flow through the LNG ambient air vaporizer with longitudinal finned tubes
Authors: Lisowski Filip , Lisowski Edward
Published: November 2021

Ambient air vaporizers, depending on their efficiency, can be up to several meters high. Therefore, they can have a large outside surface area exposed to the wind. Forced air flow through the vaporizer structure have a beneficial effect on improving heat transfer from the environment. On the other hand, if the vaporizer is placed in the region of significant wind velocities, the wind forces acting on the structure can be considerable. This paper presents CFD analysis of air flow through the structure of the ambient air vaporizer with a 6 x 6 finned tube array. The effect of changing wind direction on the wind pressure and wind velocity distributions is investigated.
Gas turbine intake air hybrid cooling systems and their rational designing
Authors: Radchenko Mykola , Radchenko Andrii , Mikielewicz Dariusz , Kosowski Krzysztof , Kantor Serhiy , Kalinichenko Ivan
Published: November 2021

The general trend to improve the fuel efficiency of gas turbines (GT) at increased ambient temperatures is turbine intake air cooling (TIAC) by exhaust heat recovery chillers The high efficiency absorption lithium-bromide chillers (ACh) of a simple cycle are the most widely used, but they are not able to cool intake air lower than 15°C because of a chilled water temperature of about 7°C. A two-stage hybrid absorption-ejector chillers (AECh) were developed with ejector chiller as a low temperature stage to provide deep air cooling to 10°C and lower. A novel trend in TIAC by two-stage air cooling in chillers of hybrid type has been proposed to provide about 50% higher annual fuel saving in temperate climatic conditions as compared with ACh cooling. The advanced methodology to design and rational distribute the cooling capacity of TIAC systems that provides a closed to maximum annual fuel reduction without oversizing was developed.
Correlation of Ophthalmology Residency Application Characteristics with Subsequent Performance in Residency
Authors: Gudgel Brett M. , Melson Andrew T. , Dvorak Justin , Ding Kai , Siatkowski R. Michael
Published: November 2021

Purpose Only from reviewing applications, it is difficult to identify which applicants will be successful ophthalmology residents. The change of the USMLE Step 1 scoring to “Pass/Fail” removes another quantitative metric. We aimed to identify application attributes correlated with successful residency performance. This study also used artificial intelligence (AI) to evaluate letters of recommendation (LOR), the Dean's letter (MSPE), and personal statement (PS).

Design Retrospective analysis of application characteristics versus residency performance was conducted.

Participants Residents who graduated from the Dean McGee Eye Institute/University of Oklahoma Ophthalmology residency from 2004 to 2019 were included in this study.

Methods Thirty-four attributes were recorded from each application. Residents were subjectively ranked into tertiles and top and bottom deciles based on residency performance by faculty present during their training. The Ophthalmic Knowledge Assessment Program (OKAP) examination scores were used as an objective performance metric. Analysis was performed to identify associations between application attributes and tertile/decile ranking. Additional analysis used AI and natural language processing to evaluate applicant LORs, MSPE, and PS.

Main Outcome Measures Characteristics from residency applications that correlate with resident performance were the primary outcome of this study.

Results Fifty-five residents and 21 faculty members were included. A grade of “A” or “Honors” in the obstetrics/gynecology (OB/GYN) clerkship and the presence of a home ophthalmology department were associated with ranking in the top tertile but not the top decile. Mean core clerkship grades, medical school ranking in the top 25 U.S. News and World Report (USNWR) primary care rankings, and postgraduate year (PGY)-2 and PGY-3 OKAP scores were predictive of being ranked in both the top tertile and the top decile. USMLE scores, alpha-omega-alpha (AOA) status, and number of publications did not correlate with subjective resident performance. AI analysis of LORs, MSPE, and PS did not identify any text features that correlated with resident performance.

Conclusions Many metrics traditionally felt to be predictive of residency success (USMLE scores, AOA status, and research) did not predict resident success in our study. We did confirm the importance of core clerkship grades and medical school ranking. Objective measures of success such as PGY-2 and PGY-3 OKAP scores were associated with high subjective ranking.