bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hybrid invasive weed optimization and squirrel search algorithm‐based NLOS nodes localization mechanism for improving reliable data dissemination in VANETs
Authors: Mani Rajendran , Jayaraman Sasikala , Ellappan Mohan
Published: April 2022

In emergency situations, the localization of Non Line of Sight (NLOS) nodes is essential for enhancing the reaction time of the vehicle drivers in response to the stimulus generated in VANETs. However, the existence of NLOS nodes intentionally or intentionally introduces broadcasting storm and congestion in the network. In this paper, a Hybrid Invasive Weed Optimization and Squirrel Search Algorithm‐Localization Mechanism (HIWO‐SSA‐LM) is proposed for improving the localization of NLOS nodes to enhance the reliable data dissemination under emergency situations in VANETs. This proposed HIWO‐SSA‐LM integrates the reproductive capability of Invasive Weeds into the reproductive potential of a Flying Squirrel Algorithm for sustaining the degree of balance under exploitation and exploration involved during NLOS node localization. The predominance of the proposed HIWO‐SSA‐LM is explored based on experiments conducted using EstiNet 8.1 simulator using emergency message delivery rate, channel utilization rate, and neighborhood awareness rate by varying the number of vehicles and NLOS nodes in the network.
Associations between leaf developmental stability, variability, canalization, and phenotypic plasticity inAbutilon theophrasti
Authors: Wang Shu , Zhou Dao‐Wei
Published: April 2022

Developmental stability, canalization, and phenotypic plasticity are the most common sources of phenotypic variation, yet comparative studies investigating the relationships between these sources, specifically in plants, are lacking. To investigate the relationships among developmental stability or instability, developmental variability, canalization, and plasticity in plants, we conducted a field experiment withAbutilon theophrasti, by subjecting plants to three densities under infertile vs. fertile soil conditions. We measured the leaf width (leaf size) and calculated fluctuating asymmetry (FA), coefficient of variation within and among individuals (CVintraand CVinter), and plasticity (PIrel) in leaf size at days 30, 50, and 70 of plant growth, to analyze the correlations among these variables in response to density and soil conditions, at each of or across all growth stages. Results showed increased density led to lower leaf FA, CVintra, and PIreland higher CVinterin fertile soil. A positive correlation between FA and PIreloccurred in infertile soil, while correlations between CVinterand PIreland between CVinterand CVintrawere negative at high density and/or in fertile soil, with nonsignificant correlations among them in other cases. Results suggested the complexity of responses of developmental instability, variability, and canalization in leaf size, as well as their relationships, which depend on the strength of stresses. Intense aboveground competition that accelerates the decrease in leaf size (leading to lower plasticity) will be more likely to reduce developmental instability, variability, and canalization in leaf size. Increased developmental instability and intra‐ and interindividual variability should be advantageous and facilitate adaptive plasticity in less stressful conditions; thus, they are more likely to positively correlate with plasticity, whereas developmental stability and canalization with lower developmental variability should be beneficial for stabilizing plant performance in more stressful conditions, where they tend to have more negative correlations with plasticity.
Interfacial and Vacancies Engineering of Copper Nickel Sulfide for Enhanced Oxygen Reduction and Alcohols Oxidation Activity
Authors: Wang Zhaoyang , Liao Xiaobin , Zhou Min , Huang Fuzhi , Owusu Kwadwo Asare , Li Jiantao , Lin Zifeng , Sun Qi , Hong Xufeng , Sun Congli , Cheng Yibing , Zhao Yan , Mai Liqiang
Published: April 2022

Rational design and construction of highly efficient nonprecious electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction and alcohols oxidation reactions (ORR, AOR) are extremely vital for the development of direct oxidation alkaline fuel cells, metal‐air batteries, and water electrolysis system involving hydrogen and value‐added organic products generation, but they remain a great challenge. Herein, a bifunctional electrocatalyst is prepared by anchoring CuS/NiS2 nanoparticles with abundant heterointerfaces and sulfur vacancies on graphene (Cu1Ni2‐S/G) for ORR and AOR. Benefiting from the synergistic effects between strong interfacial coupling and regulation of the sulfur vacancies, Cu1Ni2‐S/G achieves dramatically enhanced ORR activity with long term stability. Meanwhile, when ethanol is utilized as an oxidant for AOR, an ultralow potential (1.37 V) at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 is achieved, simultaneously delivering a high Faradaic efficiency of 96% for ethyl acetate production. Cu1Ni2‐S/G also exhibits catalytic activity for other alcohols electrooxidation process, indicating its multifunctionality. This work not only highlights a viable strategy for tailoring catalytic activity through the synergetic combination of interfacial and vacancies engineering, but also opens up new avenues for the construction of a self‐driven biomass electrocatalysis system for the generation of value‐added organic products and hydrogen under ambient conditions.
Reimagine the admitted student experience for stronger yield
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: April 2022

AVENTURA, Fla. — Your job recruiting students is not done when you admit them. The next step is to convince admitted students to enroll at your institution. Jack Miner, Vice Provost for Enrollment Management, and Linden Pechette, Director of Admissions for Student Engagement, Marketing, and Operations Management, both at the University of Cincinnati, explained how they transformed the admitted student experience at their institution.
Butterflies teach beautiful lessons about leadership
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z.
Published: April 2022

I have lived an hour away from Callaway Gardens in Georgia for more than 20 years. I've driven past the gates numerous times, but never stopped. Recently, I coaxed my husband into taking me to the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center in the Gardens. The center is 7,300 square feet with more than 1,000 panes of glass and state‐of‐the‐art mechanical systems. According to the Center's website, it is home to more than 2,000 tropical butterflies of 50 different species, which fluctuate in diversity and density.
Performance of fast responding ultracapacitor energy storage for virtual inertia emulation control
Authors: Mahajan Shreya , Verma Yajvender Pal
Published: April 2022

This paper proposes a black widow optimization (BWO) algorithm‐based derivative‐type control for optimized virtual inertia (VI) emulation using fast responding ultracapacitor (UC) as energy storage system for frequency regulation in a two‐area deregulated power system composed of thermal and hydro units with high penetration of solar photovoltaic. The parameters of the system have been controlled by using newly formulated BWO and their performance have been compared for virtual inertial emulation efficacy with other algorithms under different contract obligations. The impact of the coordinated action of BWO‐based proportional‐integral (PI) controller with VI emulation has been validated on the area frequency, tie‐line power, and generated power of different units. The eigenvalue approach has been applied to verify the performance and effect of VI emulation control using fast acting UC on system stability. The proposed VI emulation control studies have been evaluated under nonlinear environment of deregulated power system. The comparative studies show that BWO optimized PI‐based VI emulation using fast responding UC provides superior dynamic responsiveness in all competitive electricity market scenarios tested under different operating conditions.
Mitigating soil greenhouse‐gas emissions from land‐use change in tropical peatlands
Authors: Lam Shu Kee , Goodrich Jordan P , Liang Xia , Zhang Yujing , Pan Baobao , Schipper Louis A , Sulaeman Yiyi , Nelson Lee , Chen Deli
Published: April 2022

Conversion of tropical peat swamp forests to meet the demand for industrial plantations and agricultural production systems has triggered rapid and substantial carbon loss in the Asia‐Pacific region. Various management practices have been designed to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from tropical peat soils after changes in land use. We conducted a meta‐analysis using 506 paired observations on greenhouse‐gas (GHG) emissions from peat soils under different land uses and the effects of management practices on emissions. As compared to peat swamp forest, other land uses had higher emissions of CO2 (heterotrophic respiration) and N2O from soils, whereas soil‐based CH4 emissions were also increased but not significantly so. Raising the water table decreased CO2 emissions but increased N2O emissions; reducing nitrogen fertilizer inputs led to decreased CO2 and N2O emissions in oil‐palm (Elaeis spp) plantations and cropping systems; and shading and growing cover crops decreased CO2 emissions. Practices such as these are needed for careful management of tropical peatlands, and additional measurements at appropriate spatial and temporal scales are required to guide future GHG mitigation strategies in tropical peatlands.
Synergistic antitumor effects of polysaccharides and anthocyanins from Lycium ruthenicum Murr. on human colorectal carcinoma LoVo cells and the molecular mechanism
Authors: Qin Xinshu , Wang Xingyu , Xu Ke , Yang Xingbin , Wang Qing , Liu Chao , Wang Xinkun , Guo Xu , Sun Jinyue , Li Lin , Li Shiqi
Published: April 2022

The antitumor effects of Lycium ruthenicum Murr. polysaccharides (LRPS) and Lycium ruthenicum Murr. anthocyanins (LRAC) were comprehensively investigated in this study. LPRS was obtained by water extraction and alcohol precipitation and further purified using diethylaminoethyl cellulose (DEAE‐Cellulose) and Sephadex G‐75 columns. High‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and Fourier transform‐infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy were used to characterize the purified LRPS. The results showed that the purified LRPS contained heteropolysaccharides, mainly composed of arabinose, galactose, and glucose with weight percentage of 41.2%, 33.6%, and 10.8%, respectively. More importantly, LRPS (500 μg/ml) and LRAC (80 μg/ml) failed to impede the proliferation of tumor cells when applied solely (48 h incubation), yet remarkable antineoplastic effects were found once they were applied altogether, since the LoVo cells, a typical human colorectal carcinoma cell line, were significantly inhibited by the mixture of LRPS (150 μg/ml) and LRAC (20 μg/ml) (LRPS&AC) in 24 h. The antineoplastic activity resulted from the combination of both LRPS and LRAC (LRPS&AC), by means of blocking the cell cycle at the G0–G1 phase and inducing LoVo cell apoptosis via reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐dependent pathway. The inhibitory effects of LRPS&AC were specific to the tumor cells, without imposing on the proliferation of normal cells. Western blotting revealed that the antitumor effect was related to the mitochondria‐mediated apoptosis launched by the cross‐action of PI3K/Akt (phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/protein kinase B) and JAK2/STAT3 (janus kinase 2/signal transduction and activator of transcription 3) signaling pathways. These findings for the first time reveal the synergistic antitumor effects of LRPS&AC and the related mechanisms, which enable Lycium ruthenicum Murr. to serve as a natural source to develop therapeutic reagents and functional foods with antineoplastic properties.
Neural correlates of sequence learning in children with developmental dyslexia
Authors: Hedenius Martina , Persson Jonas
Published: April 2022

Developmental Dyslexia (DD) is a condition in which reading accuracy and/or fluency falls substantially below what is expected based on the individuals age, general level of cognitive ability, and educational opportunities. The procedural circuit deficit hypothesis (PDH) proposes that DD may be largely explained in terms of alterations of the cortico‐basal ganglia procedural memory system (in particular of the striatum) whereas the (hippocampus‐dependent) declarative memory system is intact, and may serve a compensatory role in the condition. The present study was designed to test this hypothesis. Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging, we examined the functional and structural brain correlates of sequence‐specific procedural learning (SL) on the serial reaction time task, in 17 children with DD and 18 typically developing (TD) children. The study was performed over 2 days with a 24‐h interval between sessions. In line with the PDH, the DD group showed less activation of the striatum during the processing of sequential statistical regularities. These alterations predicted the amount of SL at day 2, which in turn explained variance in children's reading fluency. Additionally, reduced hippocampal activation predicted larger SL gains between day 1 and day 2 in the TD group, but not in the DD group. At the structural level, caudate nucleus volume predicted the amount of acquired SL at day 2 in the TD group, but not in the DD group. The findings encourage further research into factors that promote learning in children with DD, including through compensatory mechanisms.
Incorporation of functional status, frailty, comorbidities and comedication in prediction models for colorectal cancer survival
Authors: Chen Li‐Ju , Nguyen Thi Ngoc Mai , Chang‐Claude Jenny , Hoffmeister Michael , Brenner Hermann , Schöttker Ben
Published: April 2022

Limitations in functional status, frailty, multiple comorbidities and comedications are common among older colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. We investigated whether adding these factors could improve the predictive value of a reference model containing age, sex, tumor stage and location for prediction of 5‐year overall survival (OS), disease‐free survival (DFS), disease‐specific survival (DSS), recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and nondisease‐specific survival (nDSS) for all CRC patients as well as for younger (<65 years) and older patients (≥65 years). Overall, 3410 CRC patients from the DACHS study were analyzed and area under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) and net reclassification improvements (NRI) were assessed. In prediction of OS, the reference model plus functional status was identified as the best model among all CRC patients (AUC: 0.762) and younger CRC patients (AUC: 0.820). In older CRC patients, comorbidity should additionally be added (AUC: 0.747). For nDSS, the reference model plus comorbidity and frailty had the best predictive performance in all CRC patients (AUC: 0.776). For the outcomes DFS (AUC: 0.727), DSS (AUC: 0.838) and RFS (AUC: 0.784), the reference model was already the best model in all CRC patients because no significant NRIs were observed. The pattern “The less CRC‐specific the survival outcome and the older the CRC patients, the more relevant the inclusion of functional status, comorbidity, and frailty in CRC prognostic scores is” was observed. Thus, different nomograms for younger and older CRC patients for 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year OS prognosis estimation are being suggested.
A review of crop water productivity in the Mediterranean basin under a changing climate: Wheat and barley as test cases
Authors: UnNisa Zaib , Govind Ajit , Marchetti Marco , Lasserre Bruno
Published: April 2022

The ever‐increasing water demands in the agricultural sector of the Mediterranean basin region (MBR) under climate change warrants that crop water productivity (WP) is a pertinent topic for discussion. Considering this need, this study aims to synthesize the body of knowledge on WP focusing on the MBR. The study is based on two test cases: (1) wheat, because it is a basic staple food in high dietary demand in the region and (2) barley, because it is a climate‐resilient alternative that is extensively cultivated in severe water‐ and salinity‐stress conditions. These staple crops are strategically important for regional food security in the MBR, which covers southern Europe, North Africa and western Asia. The study tries to investigate the plausible reasons for yield and WP gaps in the region. Our meta‐analysis revealed that wheat and barley are very different in their spatial distributions, productions and stress resiliencies in the MBR. Under the large gamut of biophysical and socio‐economic constraints that affect crop production, it is observed that the northern and southern parts of the MBR have large capacity differences (institutional, infrastructural and technical) in cereal production. It is noted that the role of soil‐water management in improving WP is vital and plays a critical role in closing yield gaps across the MBR. Moreover, the scaling of stress‐tolerant varieties along with a package of agronomic practices can enhance WP, and thereby we can make the region adaptive to climate change, especially in terms of water stress. The literature revealed that the MBR, especially the southern parts encompassing North Africa and western Asia, critically lacks comprehensive experimental/observational evidence on the dynamics of field water balance. This knowledge is key to enhancing WP assessments using modelling approaches. The paper concludes that the MBR does have water‐saving potential; it simply needs planned adaptation measures to enhance WP at the local and regional scales with effective benchmark studies in future.
Wikipedia pageviews as investors’ attention indicator for Nasdaq
Authors: Gómez‐Martínez Raúl , Orden‐Cruz Carmen , Martínez‐Navalón Juan Gabriel
Published: April 2022

The attempt to measure investors’ mood to find an early indicator of financial markets has evolved and developed with the advancement of technology over the years. The first attempts were based on surveys, a long and expensive process. Nowadays, big data has made it possible to measure the investor’s mood accurately and almost entirely online. This paper analyzes the explanatory and predictive capacity of Wikipedia pageviews for the Nasdaq index. For this purpose, two econometric models have been developed. In both models, the explanatory variable is the number of Wikipedia visits, and the endogenous variable is Nasdaq index return. As an alternative to this approach, an algorithmic trading system has been developed. It uses Wikipedia visits as investment signals for long and short positions to check the predictability power of this indicator. It is determined that the volume of queries about Nasdaq companies is a statistically significant variable for expressing the evolution of this index. However, it has no predictive capacity. Keeping in mind the capacity of Wikipedia to exemplify Nasdaq trends, further studies should be conducted to determine how to make this indicator profitable.
Lewis acid stabilized group 13–15 element analogs of ethylene
Authors: Pomogaeva Anna V. , Lisovenko Anna S. , Zavgorodnii Artem S. , Timoshkin Alexey Y.
Published: April 2022

Stabilization of hydrogen‐substituted group 13–15 compounds H2EE′H2 (E = B, Al, Ga; E′ = P, As, Sb) by Lewis acids is considered at B3LYP/def2‐TZVP, B3LYP‐D3/def2‐TZVP and M06‐2X/def2‐TZVP levels of theory. It is shown, that for many Lewis acids additional reactivity beyond the DA complex formation with H2EE′H2 monomer is expected. In case of complexation with E(C6F5)3, F/H exchange reactions with group 13 bound hydrides are predicted to be exothermic and accompanied by the activation energies which are smaller than dissociation of the complex into components. In case of complex formation with transition metal (TM) carbonyls, additional O → Al, TM–C → Al interactions are observed, which in several cases lead to cyclic structures. The most promising candidates for the experimental studies have been identified. Synthetic approaches to the most promising LA‐only stabilized compounds are recommended.
Neutrophil extracellular traps are associated with enhanced procoagulant activity in liver cirrhosis patients with portal vein thrombosis
Authors: Xing Yueyi , Jiang Yueping , Xing Shichao , Mao Tao , Guan Ge , Niu Qinghui , Zhao Xianzhi , Zhou Jianrui , Jing Xue
Published: April 2022

Objective

Patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) commonly exhibit hypercoagulability and tend to develop thrombosis. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are associated with a variety of thrombotic conditions, but their possible value in portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is not known. We assessed whether NETs promote thrombosis and contribute to the procoagulant state in patients with LC.

Methods

The circulating levels of NETs markers (myeloperoxidase, neutrophil elastase, citrullinated histone H3) were measured in 72 patients (median age, 55 years; 48 [66.7%] men) with LC from September 2020 to February 2021. Then they were divided into two groups: patients with or without PVT. NETs procoagulant activity was assessed based on thrombin–antithrombin complex (TAT complex) and Factor X. The levels of plasma markers were determined by ELISA.

Results

There were 28 patients with PVT and 44 patients without PVT. The levels of NETs markers and hypercoagulability markers in the plasma of cirrhosis patients with PVT were significantly higher than those of cirrhosis patients without PVT (p < 0.05). Additionally, the levels of the NETs markers correlated with TAT complex and Factor X (Spearman correlation rho >0.73, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Neutrophil extracellular traps seem to enhance procoagulant activity in LC patients with PVT; thus, they may be a practical predictor of PVT as well as a rapid and easy‐to‐use diagnostic and treatment guide for PVT in patients with cirrhosis.
Anakinra treatment efficacy in reduction of inflammatory biomarkers in COVID‐19 patients: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Naveed Zunaira , Sarwar Musharraf , Ali Zahid , Saeed Danish , Choudhry Khadija , Sarfraz Azza , Sarfraz Zouina , Felix Miguel , Cherrez‐Ojeda Ivan
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Anakinra is being empirically considered for the treatment of COVID‐19 patients. The aim is to assess the efficacy of anakinra treatment on inflammatory marker reduction, including c‐reactive protein (CRP) concentrations, serum ferritin, and serum d‐dimer levels.

Methods

Adhering to PRISMA 2020 statement guidelines, a systematic search was conducted across the following databases from December 2019 until January 10, 2022: PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Central, Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE. The following keywords were employed: Anakinra, COVID*, SARS‐CoV‐2, inflammatory, CRP, D‐dimer, Ferritin, hematological, laboratory, clinical, trials. The findings were collated and presented in a tabulated manner, and statistically analyzed using Review Manger 5.4 (Cochrane).

Results

In total, 2032 patients were included (881 in the anakinra and 1151 in the control/standard care group); 69.1% of them were males. Overall, the mean difference from admission until last follow‐up in CRP values was −9.66, where notable reductions were seen in the anakinra group (SMD = −0.46, p < 0.00001, N = 655). Serum ferritin mean values were reduced by 1467.16 in the anakinra group (SMD = −0.31, p = 0.004, N = 537). D‐dimer mean values were largely reduced by 4.04 in the anakinra group (SMD = −0.38, p = 0.0004, N = 375).

Conclusion

This study finds that anakinra is potentially a strong candidate as an anti‐inflammatory agent to reduce mortality in COVID‐19 patients, specifically in patients with elevated inflammatory biomarkers.
Association between alanine aminotransferase and all‐cause mortality rate: Findings from a study on Japanese community‐dwelling individuals
Authors: Kawamoto Ryuichi , Kikuchi Asuka , Akase Taichi , Ninomiya Daisuke , Tokumoto Yoshio , Kumagi Teru
Published: April 2022

Background

This study examined the relationship between survival prognosis and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), a critical factor contributing to aging‐related health and mortality. The research is based on a follow‐up study with 6‐ and 10‐year intervals.

Methods

The participants included 1,610 males (63 ± 14 years old) and 2,074 females (65 ± 12 years old) who were part of the Nomura cohort study conducted in 2002 (first cohort) and 2014 (second cohort). The multivariable‐adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of death between the baseline health checkup and the end of the follow‐up periods were estimated using a Cox proportional hazards model, controlling for potential confounding factors.

Results

The follow‐up survey revealed 180 male deaths (11.2% of male participants) and 146 female deaths (7.0% of female participants). The univariate Cox regression analysis showed a significant increase in the HRs of all‐cause mortality with decreasing ALT levels (p < 0.001). Furthermore, compared with individuals with ALT levels of 20–29 IU/L, the multivariable‐adjusted HRs (95% confidence interval) for all‐cause mortality were 2.73 (1.59–4.70) for those with ALT levels <10 IU/L, 1.45 (1.05–2.00) for those with ALT levels of 10–19 IU/L, and 1.63 (1.05–2.53) for those with ALT levels ≥30 IU/L.

Conclusions

Our findings show that abnormally low ALT levels and high within the normal range were related to all‐cause mortality in Japan's community‐dwelling individuals. Especially, ALT activity may be an important biomarker for predicting the long‐term survival of older adults.
Autophagy in muscle regeneration: potential therapies for myopathies
Authors: Chen Wei , Chen Yushi , Liu Yuxi , Wang Xinxia
Published: April 2022

Autophagy classically functions as a physiological process to degrade cytoplasmic components, protein aggregates, and/or organelles, as a mechanism for nutrient breakdown, and as a regulator of cellular architecture. Its biological functions include metabolic stress adaptation, stem cell differentiation, immunomodulation and diseases regulation, and so on. Current researches have proved that autophagy dysfunction may contribute to the pathogenesis of some myopathies through impairment of myofibres regeneration. Studies of autophagy inhibition also indicate the importance of autophagy in muscle regeneration, while activation of autophagy can restore muscle function in some myopathies. In this review, we aim to report the mechanisms of action of autophagy on muscle regeneration to provide relevant references for the treatment of regenerating defective myopathies by regulating autophagy. Results have shown that one key mechanism of autophagy regulating the muscle regeneration is to affect the differentiation fate of muscle stem cells (MuSCs), including quiescence maintenance, activation and differentiation. The roles of autophagy (organelle/protein degradation, energy facilitation, and/or other) vary at different myogenic stages of the repair process. When the muscle is in homeostasis, basal autophagy can maintain the quiescence state and stemness of MuSCs by renewing organelle and protein. After injury, the increased autophagy flux contributes to meet biological energy demand of MuSCs during activation and proliferation. By mitochondrial remodelling, autophagy during differentiation can promote the metabolic transformation and balance mitochondrial‐mediated apoptosis signals in myoblasts. Autophagy in mature myofibres is also essential for the degradation of necrotic myofibres, and may affect the dynamics of MuSCs by affecting the secretion spectrum of myofibres or the recruitment of supporting cells. Except for myogenic cells, autophagy also plays an important role in regulating the function of non‐myogenic cells in the muscle microenvironment, which is also essential for successful muscle recovery. Autophagy can regulate the immune microenvironment during muscle regeneration through the recruitment and polarization of macrophages, while autophagy in endothelial cells can regulate muscle regeneration in an angiogenic or angiogenesis‐independent manner. Drug or nutrition targeted autophagy has been preliminarily proved to restore muscle function in myopathies by promoting muscle regeneration, and further understanding the role and mechanism of autophagy in various cell types during muscle regeneration will enable more effective combinatorial therapeutic strategies.
Impact of surface‐applied liquid manure on the drainage resistance profile of an agricultural tile‐drained clay till field
Authors: Bech Tina B. , Badawi Nora , Rosenbom Annette E.
Published: April 2022

Dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in aquatic environments is a concern due to human and animal health. Application of liquid manure on agricultural land is an important source of ARGs, where pathogens, antibiotic‐resistant bacteria, and selective agents are released. To improve our understanding of ARGs spreading through soils, our main objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of the soil as a barrier protecting water resources. Over the course of a year, profiles and abundances of ARGs and mobile genetic elements in soil and drainage from an agricultural tile‐drained clay till field were investigated upon liquid pig manure application by applying high‐throughput quantitative polymerase chain reaction targeting 143 genes. The findings were as follows: (a) 97 genes were detected, where only the transposon gene tnpA‐03/ IS6 was shared between the genes detected in drainage and those in acidified liquid manure or fertilized soils, indicating that liquid manure application had a limited impact on the drainage resistance profile; (b) intI1 gene was present in ∼60% of drainage samples in concentrations up to 1,634 intI1 ml–1; and (c) evapotranspiration from barley (Hordeum vulgare L., ‘KWS Irina’) and a low groundwater table appeared to reduce preferential transport to drainage during the first 3 mo of liquid manure application. Interestingly, the first preferential transport to drainage was observed immediately after the harvest of spring barley. Overall, during the monitoring year we found the soil to be an effective barrier against the spread of fecal ARGs even though the occurrence of the intI1 gene questions the barrier effect from previous years.
The impact of pylorus preservation on the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease after pancreaticoduodenectomy: A historical cohort study
Authors: Jeon Dongsub , Park Bum Ho , Lee Han Chu , Park Yejong , Lee Woohyung , Lee Jae Hoon , Song Ki Byung , Hwang Dae Wook , Kim Song Cheol , Choi Jonggi
Published: April 2022

Background/Purpose

The pathophysiology and associated factors of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) remain elusive. We aimed to investigate these factors, including the operation type, for NAFLD development after PD.

Methods

This historical cohort study included 786 consecutive patients treated with either classic Whipple operation or pylorus‐preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD) in Korea between 2012 and 2018. De novo NAFLD was determined based on hepatic attenuation in nonenhanced computed tomography during follow‐up.

Results

Of the 786 patients, 216 (27.5%) had a newly developed NAFLD at 2 years after PD. The incidences of newly developed NAFLD at 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 years were 13 (1.7%), 41 (5.2%), 48 (6.1%), and 114 (14.5%), respectively. The Whipple group showed a significantly higher incidence of NAFLD than the PPPD group (40.3% vs 24.5%, P < .001). Seventeen patients (2.2%) had severe fatty liver with abnormal liver enzymes. Multivariable analysis revealed that Whipple operation (vs PPPD; adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.92, P < .001) and high preoperative body mass index (vs normal; AOR: 1.71, P = .001) were independently associated with a higher risk of NAFLD.

Conclusion

The incidence of NAFLD was 27.5% at 2 years after PD. Undergoing Whipple operation and high preoperative body mass index were significantly associated with de novo NAFLD development.
Prognosis following an extended duration of adjuvant gemcitabine plus S‐1 chemotherapy in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: Analysis using inverse probability of treatment weighting
Authors: Kondo Naru , Uemura Kenichiro , Sumiyoshi Tatsuaki , Okada Kenjiro , Seo Shingo , Otsuka Hiroyuki , Kawano Reo , Murakami Yoshiaki , Takahashi Shinya
Published: April 2022

Background/Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess whether the duration of adjuvant gemcitabine plus S‐1 (GS) chemotherapy has any effect on survival in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

Methods

Of the 290 patients who received adjuvant GS chemotherapy, 100 (34%) received the standard duration (20‐29 weeks) and 190 (66%) received an extended duration (≥30 weeks). To reduce selection bias, the prognostic impact (recurrence‐free survival [RFS] and overall survival [OS]) based on the duration of adjuvant GS chemotherapy was analyzed using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW). Moreover, to reduce immortal time bias, time‐dependent multivariate analyses in which implementation of adjuvant GS chemotherapy was treated as time‐varying covariate was also performed.

Results

Extended duration of adjuvant GS chemotherapy was significantly correlated with prolonged RFS (P < .001) and OS (P < .001) after IPTW adjustment. Time‐dependent multivariate analyses revealed that extended duration of adjuvant GS chemotherapy was an independent prognostic factor for prolonged RFS (hazard ratio [HR], 0.58, P = .002) and OS (HR, 0.56, P = .005).

Conclusion

Extended duration (≥30 weeks) of adjuvant GS chemotherapy in patients with PDAC was associated with an improved prognosis. These findings warrant a further prospective trial on PDAC to investigate the survival benefit of extended adjuvant chemotherapy.
The prognostic impact of ABO blood type in pancreatic cancer: Relevance to adjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Tezuka Koji , Ohgi Katsuhisa , Okamura Yukiyasu , Sugiura Teiichi , Ito Takaaki , Yamamoto Yusuke , Ashida Ryo , Otsuka Shimpei , Todaka Akiko , Uesaka Katsuhiko
Published: April 2022

Background/Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic impact of ABO blood type in resected pancreatic cancer (PC), with a focus on adjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 510 patients who underwent pancreatectomy for PC between 2006 and 2017. Survival outcomes were investigated according to blood type and adjuvant chemotherapy regimen (S‐1, gemcitabine, or no adjuvant chemotherapy).

Results

Among the 510 patients, the overall survival (OS) of patients with blood type O was significantly better compared to those with blood type non‐O (5‐year OS rate, 46.6% vs 30.5%, P = .025). In 241 patients treated with adjuvant S‐1, the 5‐year OS of patients with blood type O was significantly better than those with blood type non‐O (70.7% vs 44.2%, P = .001). Multivariate analysis showed that blood type non‐O was an independent prognostic factor for OS in the overall cohort (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.58, P = .002) and in patients treated with adjuvant S‐1 (HR: 2.99, P < .001). In patients treated with adjuvant gemcitabine or no adjuvant chemotherapy, there was no significant difference in OS between patients with blood type O and those with blood type non‐O.

Conclusions

Blood type O predicted favorable survival in patients with resected PC, which was associated with adjuvant S‐1.
Alveolar macrophage-derived NRP2 curtails lung injury while boosting host defense in bacterial pneumonia
Authors: Wang Bing , Guo Wei , Qiu Chen , Sun Yunyan , Zhao Chunxiao , Wu Caihong , Lai Xun , Feng Xiaoming
Published: April 2022

Clearance of airway intruders by immune cells is required to resolve infectious pneumonia. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this process remain elusive. Here, we demonstrated that alveolar macrophage (AM)-derived neuropilin 2 (NRP2) plays an essential role in controlling severe pneumonia by enhancing microbial clearance. Mice with conditional deletion of the NRP2 gene in AM had persistent bacteria, uncontrolled neutrophil influx, and decreased survival during Escherichia coli-induced pneumonia. In vitro assays demonstrated that NRP2 could bind to CD11b+Ly6Glo/+ neutrophils and promote their capacities in phagocytosis and killing of bacteria, which is partially contributed to the increased expression of TLR4 and TNF-a. These findings collectively revealed that AM-derived NRP2 protects the lungs from unwanted injury by promoting the clearance of invading pathogens. This study might provide a promising diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for severe pneumonia.
Quantification of Early Diffuse Myocardial Fibrosis Through 7.0 T Cardiac Magnetic Resonance T1 Mapping in a Type 1 Diabetic Mellitus Mouse Model
Authors: Zhang Hongkai , Shi Chunyan , Yang Lin , Zhang Nan , Li Guoqi , Zhou Zhen , Gao Yifeng , Liu Dongting , Xu Lei , Fan Zhanming
Published: April 2022

Background

Diffuse myocardial interstitial fibrosis (DMIF) is a key factor for heart failure (HF) in diabetic cardiomyopathy. MRI T1‐mapping technique can quantitatively evaluate DMIF.

Purpose

To evaluate of early DMIF in a type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) mouse model through 7.0 T MRI T1 mapping.

Study Type

Prospective.

Animal Model

A total of 50 8‐week‐old C57Bl/6J male mice were divided into control (n = 20) and T1DM (n = 30) groups.

Field Strength/Sequence

A 7.0 T small animal MRI; gradient echo Look–Locker inversion recovery T1‐mapping sequence; cine MRI. Scans were acquired in control and T1DM mice every 4 weeks until 24 weeks.

Assessment

End‐diastolic volume (EDV), end‐systolic volume (ESV), ejection fraction (EF), left ventricle (LV) mass, fractional shortening (FS), and E/A ratio. They were evaluated through echocardiography and cine MRI. The extracellular volume fraction (ECV) was calculated. Sirius Red staining was performed and calculated collagen volume fraction (CVF).

Statistical Tests

Differences in ECV and CVF between two groups were analyzed using one‐way analysis of variance. The correlation between ECV and CVF was assessed using Pearson's correlations.

Results

Compared with the control group, a progressive decrease in FS, EF, and E/A ratio was observed in the T1DM group. Both ECV and CVF values gradually increased during diabetes progression. A significant increase in ECV and CVF values was observed at 12 weeks (ECV: 32.5% ± 1.6% vs. 28.1% ± 1.8%; CVF: 6.9% ± 1.8% vs. 3.3% ± 1.1%). ECV showed a strong correlation with CVF (r = 0.856).

Data Conclusion

ECV is an accurate and feasible imaging marker that can be used to quantitatively assess DMIF changes over time in T1DM mice. ECV has potential to accurately detect DMIF in the early stage and may be a useful imaging tool to assess the need for early intervention in T1DM mice.

Evidence Level

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 3.
Hydraulic jump: The cause of heavy rainfall on the immediate lee side of the Western Ghats in the Maharashtra state of India
Authors: Kulkarni Jeevanprakash , Deshpande Nayana , Morwal Savita B. , Kothawale Dilip R. , Narkhedkar Sanjay G. , Kumar Vinay
Published: April 2022

North–South‐oriented mountains (known as “The Western Ghats [WG]”) running parallel to the west coast of peninsular India separate the Maharashtra state (lying on the northwest of peninsular India) into two meteorological subdivisions (a) Konkan lying on the windward side of WG receiving high monsoon rainfall (2,390 mm) and (b) Madhya Maharashtra (MM) lying on the leeward side receiving low monsoon rainfall (579 mm). The state of Maharashtra has two more subdivisions on the leeward side of WG, viz. Marathwada and Vidarbha, which however do not lie on the immediate leeward side of WG. In this study, a subdivision of MM is further subdivided into (a) north–south strip of 80 km width on the immediate lee side (ILS) from the crest of WG and (b) area extending eastwards from ILS to 280 km, referred to as “distant lee side (DLS).” DLS contains some parts of the Marathwada subdivision also. The study indicates that the mean monsoon rainfall over ILS region is higher than DLS region (proportion is 1.4:1). Higher rainfall over ILS region has been shown due to the occurrence of the “hydraulic jump (HJ).” The dynamics of HJ are explained using Froude number and vertical velocities. The climatological high rainfall over ILS remained an unnoticed feature in the spatial monsoon variability over peninsular India. The study focuses on the unnoticed high rainfall in the ILS region and attributes it to HJ. The incorporation of HJ has the potential to impact on forecasting of monsoon rainfall over the region by numerical models.
Integrating trauma‐informed care into career counseling: A response to COVID‐19 job loss for Black, indigenous, and people of color
Authors: Wright Galaxina G. , Chan Christian D.
Published: April 2022

The drastic increase among the U.S. unemployment rate led to increased trauma among those who lost their job as a result of the global COVID‐19 pandemic. Combined with racial and ethnic disparities, the culmination of these traumatic stressors creates unique challenges and barriers for individuals from historically marginalized populations and low socioeconomic backgrounds. In this article, we explore how trauma‐informed care can be integrated into career development practices for career practitioners. We provide a conceptualization of trauma‐informed practice, interventions, and practical implications for career practitioners to incorporate in their work with historically marginalized clients.
Influence of Various Physiochemical Parameters of AFeO3 (A = Bi, Er, Ga, La, Sm, Y) Fillers on the Dielectric, Ferroelectric, Energy Storage, and Mechanical Energy Harvesting Performance of PVDF
Authors: Sasmal Abhishek , Devi Parukuttyamma Sujatha , Sen Shrabanee
Published: April 2022

Different filler particles are very often used by researchers all over the world to tune the dielectric, ferroelectric, piezoelectric, energy storage, and energy harvesting properties of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF). In the present work, different perovskite ferrites, AFeO3 (A = Bi, Er, Ga, La, Sm, and Y), are included into PVDF matrix separately. The roles of different parameters like, particle size, dielectric permittivity, ferroelectric polarization, crystal structure, etc. of the fillers in tuning the performance of respective PVDF‐based composites are comprehensively and simultaneously studied here. Non‐centrosymmetric fillers are found to improve the output performances of PVDF more effectively compared to that of centrosymmetric fillers. 5 wt% BiFeO3‐loaded PVDF film (5BF) shows the best performance in all aspects. Upon repeated human finger tapping, the maximum instantaneous output power density and instantaneous current across a 10 MΩ resistor connected across the 5BF film are found to be ≈3 µW cm−2 and 1.25 µA, respectively. The rectified voltage from 5BF nanogenerator is used to charge a 10 µF commercial capacitor up to ≈2.8 V and lights up some LEDs as a part of its real life applicability. The fabricated nanogenerator also shows good vibration and pressure sensing ability.
Discrete, Shallow Doping of Semiconductors via Cylinder‐Forming Block Copolymer Self‐Assembly
Authors: Zhang Yuanyi , Danielsen Scott P. O. , Popere Bhooshan C. , Heitsch Andrew T. , Li Mingqi , Trefonas Peter , Segalman Rachel A. , Katsumata Reika
Published: April 2022

Block copolymer (BCP) self‐assembly‐assisted doping for semiconductors is used to achieve discrete doping with nanometer‐scale junction depth, high throughput, and large area coverage. As devices become smaller and more sophisticated, spatial control of dopants becomes more critical. A variety of doping methods, such as monolayer doping and δ‐doping, have been developed to replace the conventional doping method, ion‐implantation; however, lateral patterning of dopants relies on photo‐ or e‐beam lithography. To address these challenges, a self‐assembling dopant (boron)‐containing BCP is designed to directly pattern dopants on the nanometer scale. This method skips the lithography step and is compatible with directed self‐assembly approaches. The effect of the boron concentration in the BCP on the doping performance is systematically studied by changing the volume fraction of the boron‐containing block while keeping the domain spacing and the mesoscale morphology constant. Successful self‐assembly of the BCP into a hexagonally packed cylindrical morphology is confirmed by small‐angle X‐ray scattering and resonant soft X‐ray scattering with a 26 nm cylinder‐to‐cylinder distance. Doping silicon using these BCPs enables discrete doped areas with shallow (7–13 nm) junction depth as demonstrated by the depth profile of boron, and supported by a sheet resistance study.
Interfacial Self‐Assembly of Amphiphilic Core‐Shell Bottlebrush Block Copolymers Toward Responsive Photonic Balls Bearing Ionic Channels
Authors: Yuan Tengfei , Li Yuesheng , Song Dong‐Po
Published: April 2022

Photonic balls can be facilely obtained through interfacial self‐assembly of amphiphilic bottlebrush block polymers (BBCPs) within a water‐in‐oil‐in‐water (w/o/w) multiple emulsion system, and polystyrene (PS) has been employed as the skeleton of the balls showing no responsive properties. Here, the design and synthesis of core‐shell BBCPs are demonstrated with a poly(tert‐butyl acrylate)‐block‐polystyrene (PtBA‐b‐PS) block copolymer as the hydrophobic side chains and poly(ethylene glycol) as the hydrophilic block. Interfacial self‐assembly of the core‐shell BBCPs within shrinking droplets produces porous microspheres with full‐spectrum structural colors through an organized spontaneous emulsification process. The PtBA core wrapped by PS in the skeleton of the balls can be converted into polyacrylic acid (PAA) forming an ionic channel responsive to pH variations. Consequently, the hydrolyzed photonic balls show different colors under different pH conditions dependent on varying degrees of ionization and hydration of the PAA channel. Reflected colors can be verified using an optical spectrometer, providing an effective strategy for precise pH indication.
Hospital Admissions of Huntington's Disease Patients in a Huntington's Disease Centre Between 2011 and 2016: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Peball Marina , Heim Beatrice , Ellmerer Philipp , Frank Florian , Busin Nadia , Galffy Matyas , Djamshidian Atbin , Seppi Klaus
Published: April 2022

Background

Huntington's Disease (HD) is a relentlessly progressive genetic neurodegenerative disorder with characteristic motor, psychiatric, and behavioral abnormalities that inevitably results in severe disability and death. Many patients have multiple hospital admissions during the disease course, but there is limited information which problems lead to hospitalization.

Objectives

To assess acute reasons for hospital admissions, discharge routes, and clinical characteristics of HD patients in a retrospective analysis.

Methods

We reviewed all medical records of patients with an established diagnosis of Huntington's Disease and hospital admissions between 2011 and 2016 in our local hospital‐based database.

Results

There were 135 hospital admissions in 53 HD patients during the review period, representing a median of two admissions per patient. Median duration of hospitalization was seven days. The most frequent reason for admission was a worsening of HD motor symptoms (n = 77, 57.0%) such as chorea, parkinsonism, gait problems, falls, and dysphagia. Psychiatric symptoms related to HD were the second most common reason for admission (n = 58, 43.0%). Infections (including aspiration pneumonia) and traumas/surgical procedures were only responsible for 6.7% and 5.9% of admissions, respectively. Emergency admissions were not common (42.2%), and the majority of patients were able to return to their previous residency upon discharge (85.2%, home or nursing home). Recurrent admissions were associated with worse motor function and functional capacity.

Conclusions

Worsening of motor and psychiatric symptoms associated with Huntington's Disease were the most common reasons for hospital admissions. Therefore, our data highlight the importance of optimal symptom control in HD patients.