bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Depth of Magma Storage Under Iceland Controlled by Magma Fluxes
Authors: Baxter R. J. M. , Maclennan J. , Neave D. A. , Thordarson T.
Published: July 2023

The compositions of volcanic materials are sensitive to physical conditions in the underlying magmatic system. When basaltic melts are saturated in olivine‐plagioclase‐augite prior to eruption, their compositions can be used to estimate the pressure at which they last equilibrated. We developed PyOPAM, an open‐source tool that runs in Python, and use this refreshed liquid‐barometer to investigate the relationship between final depths of magma storage and magma flux. We first tested PyOPAM using 312 experimental glasses compiled from literature and found that the 1σ uncertainty is 1.13 kbar (±3 km). PyOPAM was then applied to a data set of 13,400 analyses from Iceland, where suspected controls on magma flux are well constrained. Of these, 3807 analyses return robust pressure estimates, constraining final pre‐eruptive magma storage depths for 23 of the 30 Icelandic volcanic systems. Our results indicate that magma storage pressures on Iceland are linked to melt‐flux from the mantle. This finding is consistent with previous models linking storage depths and spreading rates on the global mid‐ocean ridge system. In addition, we provide clear evidence that the magma flux, rather than spreading rate alone, is the key control on the distribution of melt at spreading centers. Increased melt flux is associated with shoaling of pre‐eruptive storage depths, indicating that mantle melt fluxes dictate the long‐term stabilization of extensive magmatic storage regions at depths shallower than 10 km. Quantitative relationships between mantle melt flux and storage depths can be used to test computational models of transcrustal magmatic systems.
Why Are Some Solar Wind Pressure Pulses Followed by Geomagnetic Storms?
Authors: Fogg A. R. , Jackman C. M. , Coco I. , Douglas Rooney L. , Weigt D. M. , Lester M.
Published: July 2023

Rapid increases in solar wind dynamic pressure, known as solar wind pressure pulses, compress the Earth's magnetosphere and can rapidly restructure the electrodynamics within. The propagation of pressure pulse effects into the magnetosphere is known as a geomagnetic sudden commencement (SC). SCs can be further subdivided into compressions which are rapidly followed by a geomagnetic storm (a sudden storm commencement, SSC) and those which are not (a sudden impulse, SI). In this paper, SSCs and SIs are compared and contrasted, and we examine in particular the differences between the pressure pulses that drive SSCs/SIs, and explore the physical conditions of the magnetosphere before pressure pulse arrival. Firstly, it is shown that SSCs are more likely to be driven by pressure pulses with higher magnitude and/or shorter rise time. Secondly, the magnetosphere is primed by stronger driving conditions and higher geomagnetic activity prior to SSCs than SIs. Finally, there is a solar cycle dependence in the occurrence and magnitude of solar wind pressure pulses.
Crustal Structure Beneath Mexico City From Joint Inversion of Receiver Functions and Dispersion Curves
Authors: Aguilar‐Velázquez Manuel J. , Pérez‐Campos Xyoli , Pita‐Sllim Olivia
Published: July 2023

Over the years, it has been clear to seismologists that the crustal structure beneath Mexico City is highly complex. This fact may influence the seismic waves' behavior when traveling through it. Consequently, many studies have been done to understand this crustal structure. This article presents a high‐resolution S‐wave velocity model obtained from joint inversion of radial receiver functions and group‐velocity dispersion curves beneath Mexico City (VMRFDC). This model includes azimuthal variations observed with receiver functions, which may be interpreted as crustal discontinuities. Receiver functions were retrieved from velocity and acceleration records, and dispersion curves were collected from a previous tomographic study. We performed a geostatistical analysis that revealed a horizontal spatial correlation of the crustal structure for up to 7.5 km. This distance was obtained from the S‐wave velocity omnidirectional semivariogram range per depth. Using ordinary kriging, we utilized this spatial correlation to estimate S‐wave velocities per depth and introduced two novel techniques: a resolution test for kriging and a geostatistical‐dependent smoothing technique. Finally, we compare our results with previous works, making our model consistent with geological and geophysical features reported in the literature.
Strain Localization Patterns and Thrust Propagation in 3‐D Discrete Element Method (DEM) Models of Accretionary Wedges
Authors: del Castillo Enrique M. , Ferdowsi Behrooz , Rubin Allan M. , Schoene Blair
Published: July 2023

High‐resolution three‐dimensional discrete element method (DEM) simulations of sandbox‐scale models of accretionary wedges suggest thrusts follow a variety of propagation processes and orientations depending on a number of factors. These include the stage of development of the wedge (precritical vs. critical), basal friction, and type of thrust (forward vs. backward‐vergent). In terms of propagation processes, two clear mechanisms are identified. The first involves propagation from the décollement to the wedge top, similar to the standard model of thrust propagation seen in many kinematic models, and in the second, thrusts grow downward from an initial nucleation point just below the top surface of the wedge as well as upward from the décollement joining in the middle. In terms of orientation, forward‐vergent thrusts initially form at Roscoe (θR = 45° − Ψ/2) or Arthur orientations (θA = 45° − (ϕ + Ψ)/4), and over greater shortening, rotate into Coulomb orientations (θC = 45° − ϕ/2). To arrive at these results, a wide array of continuum parameters and fields were extracted from the DEM simulations, including stress, strain, strain rate, kinetic energy, Mohr‐Coulomb parameters, and proximity to yielding using the Drucker‐Prager criterion to visualize thrust nucleation and propagation. Lastly, the advantages and disadvantages of these continuum proxies for discerning failure in the granular assembly are considered, and the spatial and temporal relationship between proximity to yielding and strain localization (both pre‐peak and subsequent persistent shear banding) in the granular model of an accretionary wedge is explored.
Cee Nell: Making Data Visual
Authors: Scharping Nathaniel
Published: July 2023

Nell turns vast columns of data into beautiful and understandable graphics.
Collins Gameli Hodoli: Air Quality Is Data Driven
Authors: Sidik Saima
Published: July 2023

The environmental scientist is making pollution levels public to draw nonscientists into the fight for clean air.
Eiko Kitao: Fossil Hunter and Passionate Educator
Authors: White Mackenzie
Published: July 2023

From uncovering giant ground sloths to helping build a fossil database, Kitao goes above and beyond as a laboratory technician at Santa Barbara City College.
The Crustal and Uppermost Mantle Vs Structure of the Middle and Lower Reaches of the Yangtze River Metallogenic Belt: Implications for Metallogenic Process
Authors: Zhang Yongqian , Lü Qingtian , Shi Danian , Yang Yingjie , Afonso Juan Carlos , Xu Yao , Yan Jiayong , Gong Xuejing , Xu Tao
Published: July 2023

The Middle and Lower Reaches of the Yangtze River metallogenic belt (MLYMB) is one of the most important Fe‐Cu polymetallic belts in China. However, the mechanism and deep geodynamical process for the formation of this belt are still controversial. Here, we obtain the crustal and the uppermost mantle structures using ambient noise data from a dense seismic profile. A low velocity zone is revealed beneath the Moho of MLYMB, interpreted as the source of the deep mineralization materials. In addition, a low velocity layer (LVL) and a high velocity layer (HVL) are observed in the crust of the southern segment of the profile. The LVL is interpreted as a tectonic detachment layer between the upper and the lower crust, and the HVL is interpreted as the aggregation zone for mineralizing melts or crystallized magma chambers. Based on the observed velocity features, we propose a three‐stage model for the formation of ore deposits in MLYMB. Our model suggests that an upwelling of asthenosphere triggered by the delamination of a previously thickened lithosphere leads to the partial melting of upper mantle rocks, which eventually ponders under the Moho. The magma then infiltrates through the ductile lower crust and reaches a depth of ∼7–13 km, forming a minerals‐enriched magma chamber. Minerals‐rich hot fluids originating from the magma chamber continue to move upward along the pre‐existent faults and the minerals finally precipitate in dense veinlets when reaching shallow depths, forming the ore deposits in and around the MLYMB.
ADAM12 expression is upregulated in cancer cells upon radiation and constitutes a prognostic factor in rectal cancer patients following radiotherapy
Authors: Piotrowski Krzysztof Bartłomiej , Blasco Laia Puig , Samsøe-Petersen Jacob , Eefsen Rikke Løvendahl , Illemann Martin , Oria Victor Oginga , Campos Karla Iveth Aguilera , Lopresti Alexia Mélanie , Albrechtsen Reidar , Sørensen Claus Storgaard , Sun Xiao-Feng , Kveiborg Marie , Gnosa Sebastian
Published: July 2023

Radiotherapy is one of the most common cancer treatments, yet, some patients require high doses to respond. Therefore, the development of new strategies leans toward personalizing therapy to avoid unnecessary burden on cancer patients. This approach prevents the administration of ineffective treatments or uses combination strategies to increase the sensitivity of cancer cells. ADAM12 has been shown to be upregulated in many cancers and correlate with poor survival and chemoresistance, thus making it a potential candidate responsible for radioresistance. Here, we show that ADAM12 expression is upregulated in response to irradiation in both mouse and human cancer cells in vitro, as well as in tumor tissues from rectal cancer patients. Interestingly, the expression of ADAM12 following radiotherapy correlates with the initial disease stage and predicts the response of rectal cancer patients to the treatment. While we found no cell-autonomous effects of ADAM12 on the response of colon cancer cells to irradiation in vitro, depletion of ADAM12 expression markedly reduced the tumor growth of irradiated cancer cells when subcutaneously transplanted in syngeneic mice. Interestingly, loss of cancer cell-derived ADAM12 expression increased the number of CD31+FAP− cells in murine tumors. Moreover, conditioned medium from ADAM12−/− colon cancer cells led to increased tube formation when added to endothelial cell cultures. Thus, it is tempting to speculate that altered tumor vascularity may be implicated in the observed effect of ADAM12 on response to radiotherapy in rectal cancer. We conclude that ADAM12 represents a promising prognostic factor for stratification of rectal cancer patients receiving radiotherapy and suggest that targeting ADAM12 in combination with radiotherapy could potentially improve the treatment response.
Depletion of peroxiredoxin II promotes keratinocyte apoptosis and alleviates psoriatic skin lesions via the PI3K/AKT/GSK3β signaling axis
Authors: Han Ying-Hao , Feng Lin , Lee Seung-Jae , Zhang Yong-Qing , Wang Ai-Guo , Jin Mei-Hua , Sun Hu-Nan , Kwon Taeho
Published: July 2023

Psoriasis is a chronic, systemic immune-mediated disease caused by abnormal proliferation, decreased apoptosis, and over-differentiation of keratinocytes. The psoriatic skin lesions due to abnormal keratinocytes are closely associated with ROS produced by inflammatory cells. Peroxiredoxin II (Prx II) is an efficient antioxidant enzyme, which were highly expressed in skin tissues of psoriasis patient. However, the detailed mechanical functions of Prx II on psoriatic skin remain to be elucidated. Present study showed that depletion of Prx II results in alleviation of symptoms of IMQ-induced psoriasis in mice, but no significant differences in the amounts of serum inflammatory factors. Prx II-knockdown HaCaT cells were susceptible to H2O2-induced apoptosis mediated by Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum through 1,4,5-triphosphate receptors (IP3Rs), the PI3K/AKT pathway and phosphorylated GSK3β (Ser9) were significant downregulated. Additionally, significantly reduced sensitivity of Prx II-knockdown HaCaT cells to apoptosis was evident post NAC, 2-APB, BAPTA-AM, SC79 and LiCl treated. These results suggest that Prx II regulated apoptosis of keratinocytes via the PI3K/AKT/GSK3β signaling axis. Furthermore, treatment with the Prx II inhibitor Conoidin A significantly alleviated psoriatic symptoms in IMQ model mice. These findings have important implications for developing therapeutic strategies through regulate apoptosis of keratinocytes in psoriasis, and Prx II inhibitors may be exploited as a therapeutic drug to alleviate psoriatic symptoms.
A phase 1 study of nivolumab in combination with interferon-gamma for patients with advanced solid tumors
Authors: Zibelman Matthew , MacFarlane Alexander W. , Costello Kimberly , McGowan Thomas , O’Neill John , Kokate Rutika , Borghaei Hossein , Denlinger Crystal S. , Dotan Efrat , Geynisman Daniel M. , Jain Angela , Martin Lainie , Obeid Elias , Devarajan Karthik , Ruth Karen , Alpaugh R. Katherine , Dulaimi Essel Al-Saleem , Cukierman Edna , Einarson Margret , Campbell Kerry S. , Plimack Elizabeth R.
Published: July 2023

This phase I, dose-escalation trial evaluates the safety of combining interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and nivolumab in patients with metastatic solid tumors. Twenty-six patients are treated in four cohorts assessing increasing doses of IFN-γ with nivolumab to evaluate the primary endpoint of safety and determine the recommended phase two dose (RP2D). Most common adverse events are low grade and associated with IFN-γ. Three dose limiting toxicities are reported at the highest dose cohorts. We report only one patient with any immune related adverse event (irAE). No irAEs ≥ grade 3 are observed and no patients require corticosteroids. The maximum tolerated dose of IFN-γ is 75 mcg/m2, however based on a composite of safety, clinical, and correlative factors the RP2D is 50 mcg/m2. Exploratory analyses of efficacy in the phase I cohorts demonstrate one patient with a complete response, and five have achieved stable disease. Pre-planned correlative assessments of circulating immune cells demonstrate intermediate monocytes with increased PD-L1 expression correlating with IFN-γ dose and treatment duration. Interestingly, post-hoc analysis shows that IFN-γ induction increases circulating chemokines and is associated with an observed paucity of irAEs, warranting further evaluation. ClinicalTrials.gov Trial Registration: NCT02614456.
Geometric control of diffusing elements on InAs semiconductor surfaces via metal contacts
Authors: Benter Sandra , Jönsson Adam , Johansson Jonas , Zhu Lin , Golias Evangelos , Wernersson Lars-Erik , Mikkelsen Anders
Published: July 2023

Local geometric control of basic synthesis parameters, such as elemental composition, is important for bottom-up synthesis and top-down device definition on-chip but remains a significant challenge. Here, we propose to use lithographically defined metal stacks for regulating the surface concentrations of freely diffusing synthesis elements on compound semiconductors. This is demonstrated by geometric control of Indium droplet formation on Indium Arsenide surfaces, an important consequence of incongruent evaporation. Lithographic defined Aluminium/Palladium metal patterns induce well-defined droplet-free zones during annealing up to 600 °C, while the metal patterns retain their lateral geometry. Compositional and structural analysis is performed, as well as theoretical modelling. The Pd acts as a sink for free In atoms, lowering their surface concentration locally and inhibiting droplet formation. Al acts as a diffusion barrier altering Pd’s efficiency. The behaviour depends only on a few basic assumptions and should be applicable to lithography-epitaxial manufacturing processes of compound semiconductors in general.
MAPK inhibitor sensitivity scores predict sensitivity driven by the immune infiltration in pediatric low-grade gliomas
Authors: Sigaud Romain , Albert Thomas K. , Hess Caroline , Hielscher Thomas , Winkler Nadine , Kocher Daniela , Walter Carolin , Münter Daniel , Selt Florian , Usta Diren , Ecker Jonas , Brentrup Angela , Hasselblatt Martin , Thomas Christian , Varghese Julian , Capper David , Thomale Ulrich W. , Hernáiz Driever Pablo , Simon Michèle , Horn Svea , Herz Nina Annika , Koch Arend , Sahm Felix , Hamelmann Stefan , Faria-Andrade Augusto , Jabado Nada , Schuhmann Martin U. , Schouten-van Meeteren Antoinette Y. N. , Hoving Eelco , Brummer Tilman , van Tilburg Cornelis M. , Pfister Stefan M. , Witt Olaf , Jones David T. W. , Kerl Kornelius , Milde Till
Published: July 2023

Pediatric low-grade gliomas (pLGG) show heterogeneous responses to MAPK inhibitors (MAPKi) in clinical trials. Thus, more complex stratification biomarkers are needed to identify patients likely to benefit from MAPKi therapy. Here, we identify MAPK-related genes enriched in MAPKi-sensitive cell lines using the GDSC dataset and apply them to calculate class-specific MAPKi sensitivity scores (MSSs) via single-sample gene set enrichment analysis. The MSSs discriminate MAPKi-sensitive and non-sensitive cells in the GDSC dataset and significantly correlate with response to MAPKi in an independent PDX dataset. The MSSs discern gliomas with varying MAPK alterations and are higher in pLGG compared to other pediatric CNS tumors. Heterogenous MSSs within pLGGs with the same MAPK alteration identify proportions of potentially sensitive patients. The MEKi MSS predicts treatment response in a small set of pLGG patients treated with trametinib. High MSSs correlate with a higher immune cell infiltration, with high expression in the microglia compartment in single-cell RNA sequencing data, while low MSSs correlate with low immune infiltration and increased neuronal score. The MSSs represent predictive tools for the stratification of pLGG patients and should be prospectively validated in clinical trials. Our data supports a role for microglia in the response to MAPKi.
Exploring the configuration space of elemental carbon with empirical and machine learned interatomic potentials
Authors: Marchant George A. , Caro Miguel A. , Karasulu Bora , Pártay Livia B.
Published: July 2023

We demonstrate how the many-body potential energy landscape of carbon can be explored with the nested sampling algorithm, allowing for the calculation of its pressure-temperature phase diagram. We compare four interatomic potential models: Tersoff, EDIP, GAP-20 and its recently updated version, GAP-20U. Our evaluation is focused on their macroscopic properties, melting transitions, and identifying thermodynamically stable solid structures up to at least 100 GPa. The phase diagrams of the GAP models show good agreement with experimental results. However, we find that the models’ description of graphite includes thermodynamically stable phases with incorrect layer spacing. By adding a suitable selection of structures to the database and re-training the potential, we have derived an improved model — GAP-20U+gr — that suppresses erroneous local minima in the graphitic energy landscape. At extreme high pressure nested sampling identifies two novel stable structures in the GAP-20 model, however, the stability of these is not confirmed by electronic structure calculations, highlighting routes to further extend the applicability of the GAP models.
The Brief negative Symptom Scale (BNSS): a systematic review of measurement properties
Authors: Weigel Lucia , Wehr Sophia , Galderisi Silvana , Mucci Armida , Davis John , Giordano Giulia Maria , Leucht Stefan
Published: July 2023

Background

Negative symptoms of schizophrenia are linked with poor functioning and quality of life. Therefore, appropriate measurement tools to assess negative symptoms are needed. The NIMH-MATRICS Consensus defined five domains for negative symptoms, which The Brief Negative Symptom Scale (BNSS) covers.

Methods

We used the COSMIN guidelines for systematic reviews to evaluate the quality of psychometric data of the BNSS scale as a Clinician-Rated Outcome Measure (ClinROM).

Results

The search strategy resulted in the inclusion of 17 articles. When using the risk of bias checklist, there was a generally good quality in reporting of structural validity and hypothesis testing. Internal consistency, reliability and cross-cultural validity were of poorer quality. ClinROM development and content validity showed inadequate results. According to the updated criteria of good measurement properties, structural validity, internal consistency and interrater reliability showed good results, while hypothesis testing showed poorer results. Cross-cultural validity and test-retest reliability were indeterminate. The updated GRADE approach resulted in a moderate grade.

Conclusions

We can potentially recommend the use of the BNSS as a concise tool to rate negative symptoms. Due to weaknesses in certain domains further validations are warranted.
COVID-19 is linked to changes in the time–space dimension of human mobility
Authors: Santana Clodomir , Botta Federico , Barbosa Hugo , Privitera Filippo , Menezes Ronaldo , Di Clemente Riccardo
Published: July 2023

Socio-economic constructs and urban topology are crucial drivers of human mobility patterns. During the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, these patterns were reshaped in their components: the spatial dimension represented by the daily travelled distance, and the temporal dimension expressed as the synchronization time of commuting routines. Here, leveraging location-based data from de-identified mobile phone users, we observed that, during lockdowns restrictions, the decrease of spatial mobility is interwoven with the emergence of asynchronous mobility dynamics. The lifting of restriction in urban mobility allowed a faster recovery of the spatial dimension compared with the temporal one. Moreover, the recovery in mobility was different depending on urbanization levels and economic stratification. In rural and low-income areas, the spatial mobility dimension suffered a more considerable disruption when compared with urbanized and high-income areas. In contrast, the temporal dimension was more affected in urbanized and high-income areas than in rural and low-income areas.
Extensive pedigrees reveal the social organization of a Neolithic community
Authors: Rivollat Maïté , Rohrlach Adam Benjamin , Ringbauer Harald , Childebayeva Ainash , Mendisco Fanny , Barquera Rodrigo , Szolek András , Le Roy Mélie , Colleran Heidi , Tuke Jonathan , Aron Franziska , Pemonge Marie-Hélène , Späth Ellen , Télouk Philippe , Rey Léonie , Goude Gwenaëlle , Balter Vincent , Krause Johannes , Rottier Stéphane , Deguilloux Marie-France , Haak Wolfgang
Published: July 2023

Social anthropology and ethnographic studies have described kinship systems and networks of contact and exchange in extant populations1–4. However, for prehistoric societies, these systems can be studied only indirectly from biological and cultural remains. Stable isotope data, sex and age at death can provide insights into the demographic structure of a burial community and identify local versus non-local childhood signatures, archaeogenetic data can reconstruct the biological relationships between individuals, which enables the reconstruction of pedigrees, and combined evidence informs on kinship practices and residence patterns in prehistoric societies. Here we report ancient DNA, strontium isotope and contextual data from more than 100 individuals from the site Gurgy ‘les Noisats’ (France), dated to the western European Neolithic around 4850–4500 bc. We find that this burial community was genetically connected by two main pedigrees, spanning seven generations, that were patrilocal and patrilineal, with evidence for female exogamy and exchange with genetically close neighbouring groups. The microdemographic structure of individuals linked and unlinked to the pedigrees reveals additional information about the social structure, living conditions and site occupation. The absence of half-siblings and the high number of adult full siblings suggest that there were stable health conditions and a supportive social network, facilitating high fertility and low mortality5. Age-structure differences and strontium isotope results by generation indicate that the site was used for just a few decades, providing new insights into shifting sedentary farming practices during the European Neolithic.
Small protein modules dictate prophage fates during polylysogeny
Authors: Silpe Justin E. , Duddy Olivia P. , Johnson Grace E. , Beggs Grace A. , Hussain Fatima A. , Forsberg Kevin J. , Bassler Bonnie L.
Published: July 2023

Most bacteria in the biosphere are predicted to be polylysogens harbouring multiple prophages1–5. In studied systems, prophage induction from lysogeny to lysis is near-universally driven by DNA-damaging agents6. Thus, how co-residing prophages compete for cell resources if they respond to an identical trigger is unknown. Here we discover regulatory modules that control prophage induction independently of the DNA-damage cue. The modules bear little resemblance at the sequence level but share a regulatory logic by having a transcription factor that activates the expression of a neighbouring gene that encodes a small protein. The small protein inactivates the master repressor of lysis, which leads to induction. Polylysogens that harbour two prophages exposed to DNA damage release mixed populations of phages. Single-cell analyses reveal that this blend is a consequence of discrete subsets of cells producing one, the other or both phages. By contrast, induction through the DNA-damage-independent module results in cells producing only the phage sensitive to that specific cue. Thus, in the polylysogens tested, the stimulus used to induce lysis determines phage productivity. Considering the lack of potent DNA-damaging agents in natural habitats, additional phage-encoded sensory pathways to lysis likely have fundamental roles in phage–host biology and inter-prophage competition.
Data scheme and data format for transferable force fields for molecular simulation
Authors: Kanagalingam Gajanan , Schmitt Sebastian , Fleckenstein Florian , Stephan Simon
Published: July 2023

A generalized data scheme for transferable classical force fields used in molecular simulations, i.e. molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulation, is presented. The data scheme is implemented in an SQL-based data format. The data scheme and data format is machine readable, re-usable, and interoperable. A transferable force field is a chemical construction plan specifying intermolecular and intramolecular interactions between different types of atoms or different chemical groups and can be used for building a model for a given component. The data scheme proposed in this work (named TUK-FFDat) formalizes digitally these chemical construction plans, i.e. transferable force fields. It can be applied to all-atom as well as united-atom transferable force fields. The general applicability of the data scheme is demonstrated for different types of force fields (TraPPE, OPLS-AA, and Potoff). Furthermore, conversion tools for translating the data scheme between .xls spread sheet format and the SQL-based data format are provided. The data format can readily be integrated in existing workflows, simulation engines, and force field databases as well as for linking such.
Accelerated reconstruction of rat calvaria bone defect using 3D-printed scaffolds coated with hydroxyapatite/bioglass
Authors: Fazeli Nasrin , Arefian Ehsan , Irani Shiva , Ardeshirylajimi Abdolreza , Seyedjafari Ehsan
Published: July 2023

Self-healing and autologous bone graft of calvaraial defects can be challenging. Therefore, the fabrication of scaffolds for its rapid and effective repair is a promising field of research. This paper provided a comparative study on the ability of Three-dimensional (3D) printed polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds and PCL-modified with the hydroxyapatite (HA) and bioglasses (BG) bioceramics scaffolds in newly bone formed in calvaria defect area. The studied 3D-printed PCL scaffolds were fabricated by fused deposition layer-by-layer modeling. After the evaluation of cell adhesion on the surface of the scaffolds, they were implanted into a rat calvarial defect model. The rats were divided into four groups with scaffold graft including PCL, PCL/HA, PCL/BG, and PCL/HA/BG and a non-explant control group. The capacity of the 3D-printed scaffolds in calvarial bone regeneration was investigated using micro computed tomography scan, histological and immunohistochemistry analyses. Lastly, the expression levels of several bone related genes as well as the expression of miR-20a and miR-17-5p as positive regulators and miR-125a as a negative regulator in osteogenesis pathways were also investigated. The results of this comparative study have showed that PCL scaffolds with HA and BG bioceramics have a great range of potential applications in the field of calvaria defect treatment.
A risk-based soft sensor for failure rate monitoring in water distribution network via adaptive neuro-fuzzy interference systems
Authors: Gheibi Mohammad , Moezzi Reza , Taghavian Hadi , Wacławek Stanisław , Emrani Nima , Mohtasham Mohsen , Khaleghiabbasabadi Masoud , Koci Jan , Yeap Cheryl S. Y. , Cyrus Jindrich
Published: July 2023

Water Distribution Networks (WDNs) are considered one of the most important water infrastructures, and their study is of great importance. In the meantime, it seems necessary to investigate the factors involved in the failure of the urban water distribution network to optimally manage water resources and the environment. This study investigated the impact of influential factors on the failure rate of the water distribution network in Birjand, Iran. The outcomes can be considered a case study, with the possibility of extending to any similar city worldwide. The soft sensor based on the Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) was implemented to predict the failure rate based on effective features. Finally, the WDN was assessed using the Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) technique. The results showed that pipe diameter, pipe material, and water pressure are the most influential factors. Besides, polyethylene pipes have failure rates four times higher than asbestos-cement pipes. Moreover, the failure rate is directly proportional to water pressure but inversely related to the pipe diameter. Finally, the FMEA analysis based on the knowledge management technique demonstrated that pressure management in WDNs is the main policy for risk reduction of leakage and failure.
Pregnancy prevalence and outcomes after optic neuritis in South Korea
Authors: Choi Daye Diana , Kim Kyung-Ah , Park Kyung-Ah , Oh Sei Yeul
Published: July 2023

To compare pregnancy rates and complications in women with and without a history of optic neuritis (ON). A nationwide, population-based, retrospective study using data from the Korean National Health Claims from January 2011, to December 2017 was done. ON cohort (ON group) consisting of women aged 18 to 50 with a history of ON and 1:3 age-matched controls (control group) were compared for pregnancy and delivery rates using logistic regression after adjusting for possible confounders. Pregnancy-ON cohort (pregnancy-ON group), women aged 18 to 55 with a history of ON and pregnancy, and 1:3 age at pregnancy matched controls (pregnancy-control group) were analyzed for pregnancy complications using logistic regression after adjusting for covariates. ON group (n = 2516) showed decreased odds ratio (OR) for pregnancy [Adjusted OR2: 0.716, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.626–0.820] and delivery (adjusted OR2: 0.647, 95% CI: 0.554–0.756) compared to controls (n = 7548). Pregnancy-ON group (n = 550) showed increased risk of delayed fetal growth (adjusted OR2: 9.867, 95% CI: 1.224–79.564), pre-eclampsia (adjusted OR2: 8.327, 95% CI: 2.911–23.819), preterm delivery (adjusted OR2: 3.914, 95% CI: 2.667–5.742), pregnancy and postpartum infection (adjusted OR1: 1.671, 95% CI: 1.296–2.154), diabetes in pregnancy (adjusted OR2: 1.365, 95% CI: 1.062–1.754) compared to pregnancy-control group (n = 1650). Our population-based cohort study suggests that history of ON is associated with decreased pregnancy and delivery rates. It may be a risk factor for various pregnancy complications.
Polish adaptation of multisource assessment of children’s social competence
Authors: Wiza Agata , Koszałka-Silska Agnieszka , Jaguszewski Maciej , Lewandowska Magdalena
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to adapt the Multisource Assessment of Social Competence Scale for the Polish population. The population examined in the study included only Polish participants of European (Caucasian) ancestry. The tool is composed of two scales, Prosocial and Antisocial, and four subscales. For the purpose of adaptation, children’s social competence was evaluated based on their own and their parents’ perspective. The sample consisted of children aged 9–15 (n = 253) and their parents (n = 248), with boys and girls accounting for 43% (n = 109) and 57% (n = 144) of child participants, respectively. All the participants originated from the western-central Greater Poland Voivodeship. The data analyzed in this study were collected in 2019. Internal consistency of the subscales and correlation between them were measured using Cronbach’s Alpha reliability coefficient and Spearman's correlation coefficient, respectively. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted for both groups (children and parents) in two-, three- and four-factor models. The confirmatory factor analysis for both groups (children and parents) attributed the four-factor model with the highest goodness-of-fit, fulfilling the criteria of a good-fitting model. The results show that the Multisource Assessment of Children’s Social Competence Scale is an appropriately adapted tool for the evaluation of the social competence of children in Poland, taking different rater perspectives into account.
Adherence to the transfer recommendations of the German Trauma Society in severely injured children: a retrospective study from the TraumaRegister DGU
Authors: Bläsius Felix Marius , Laubach Markus , Lefering Rolf , Hildebrand Frank , Andruszkow Hagen
Published: July 2023

Particularly for pediatric trauma patients, it is of utmost importance that the right patient be treated in the right place at the right time. While unnecessary interhospital transfers must be avoided, the decision against transfer should not lead to higher complication rates in trauma centers without added pediatric qualifications. We therefore identified independent predictive factors for an early transfer of severely injured patients and compared these factors with the current transfer recommendations of the German Trauma Society. Additionally, the quality of the self-assessment based on the mortality of children who were not transferred was evaluated. A national dataset from the TraumaRegister DGU® was used to retrospectively identify factors for an early interhospital transfer (< 48 h) to a superordinate trauma center. Severely injured pediatric patients (age < 16 years) admitted between 2010 and 2019 were included in this analysis. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for early transfer were calculated from a multivariable model. Prognostic factors for hospital mortality in non-transferred patients were also analyzed. In total, 6069 severely injured children were included. Of these, 65.2% were admitted to a Level I trauma center, whereas 27.7% and 7.1% were admitted to Level II and III centers, respectively. After the initial evaluation in the emergency department, 25.5% and 50.1% of children primarily admitted to a Level II or III trauma center, respectively, were transferred early. Statistically significant predictors of an early transfer were: Serious traumatic brain injury (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.28–2.43), Injury severity score (ISS) ≥ 16 points (ISS 16–24: OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.59–2.66; ISS 25–33: OR 3.0, 95% CI 2.08–4.31; ISS 34–75: OR 5.42, 95% CI 3.0–9.81, reference category: ISS 9–15), age < 10 years (age 0–1: OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.34–2.71; age 2–5: 2.04, 95% CI 1.50–2.78; age 6–9: 1.62, 95% CI 1.23–2.14; reference category: age 10–15). The most important independent factor for mortality in non-transferred patients was age < 10 years (age 0–1: 5.35, 95% CI 3.25–8.81; age 2–5: 2.46, 95% CI 1.50–4.04; age 6–9: OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.05–2.75; reference category: age 10–15). Knowing the independent predictors for an early transfer, such as a young patient's age, a high injury severity, serious traumatic brain injury (TBI), may improve the choice of the appropriate trauma center. This may guide the rapid decision for an early interhospital transfer. There is still a lack of outcome data on children with early interhospital transfers in Germany, who are the most vulnerable group.
Evaluation of the relationship between vitamin D levels with oocyte quality in breast cancer women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Gharagozloo Mahshid , Jahanian Sadatmahalleh Shahideh , Kalhor Mehri , Ghaffari Firouzeh , Hasani Fatemeh , Jahangiri Nadia , Nasiri Malihe , Khosravi Ahmad
Published: July 2023

Recent evidence suggests that vitamin D deficiency could play an important role in the development of non-skeletal diseases, including cancer. Vitamin D also affects the function of the reproductive system. In the present study, the relationship between 25(OH)D levels with oocyte quality in Breast Cancer (BC) women and control group have been investigated. After initial evaluations, ovarian stimulation began with the GnRH antagonist protocol in the BC group (N = 16) and control group (N = 16). The serum and follicular fluid (FF) 25(OH)D levels were measured at the time of oocyte retrieval and their relationship to oocyte quality was examined. The mean levels of serum and FF 25(OH)D in BC women were significantly lower than in the control group (22.26 ± 7.98 vs. 29.61 ± 9.12, P = 0.02, 21.65 ± 7.59 vs. 28.00 ± 9.05, P = 0.04, respectively). There was a significant correlation between the levels of 25(OH)D in FF and serum in BC women (r = 0.873, P < 0.001). But there was no correlation between the serum or FF 25(OH)D levels with the parameters related to oocytes (P > 0.05). In the BC women, the number of dysmorph and highly dysmorph oocytes was higher than in the control group (P < 0.001). Women with BC referring to infertility centers for fertility preservation are more likely to be deficient in serum 25(OH)D level; this subsequently affects the FF 25(OH)D level. However, serum and FF 25(OH)D levels may not be suitable indicators for examining maturity and quality of oocytes in terms of morphology in BC women, and the poor morphological quality of oocytes in BC women may be due to other factors.
In vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy by transverse relaxation encoding with narrowband decoupling
Authors: An Li , Shen Jun
Published: July 2023

Cell pathology in neuropsychiatric disorders has mainly been accessible by analyzing postmortem tissue samples. Although molecular transverse relaxation informs local cellular microenvironment via molecule-environment interactions, precise determination of the transverse relaxation times of molecules with scalar couplings (J), such as glutamate and glutamine, has been difficult using in vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) technologies, whose approach to measuring transverse relaxation has not changed for decades. We introduce an in vivo MRS technique that utilizes frequency-selective editing pulses to achieve homonuclear decoupled chemical shift encoding in each column of the acquired two-dimensional dataset, freeing up the entire row dimension for transverse relaxation encoding with J-refocusing. This results in increased spectral resolution, minimized background signals, and markedly broadened dynamic range for transverse relaxation encoding. The in vivo within-subject coefficients of variation for the transverse relaxation times of glutamate and glutamine, measured using the proposed method in the human brain at 7 T, were found to be approximately 4%. Since glutamate predominantly resides in glutamatergic neurons and glutamine in glia in the brain, this noninvasive technique provides a way to probe cellular pathophysiology in neuropsychiatric disorders for characterizing disease progression and monitoring treatment response in a cell type-specific manner in vivo.
Transversalis fascia suture reinforcement may facilitate the performance of electrospun P(LLA-CL) nanoscale fibrinogen mesh in inguinal hernia repair: a prospective single-center cohort study
Authors: Zhang Kewei , Zhu Leiming
Published: July 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate a new electrospun P(LLA-CL) nanoscale fibrinogen mesh performance in real-world clinical practice. A prospective, single-center evaluation of Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair using electrospun P(LLA-CL) nanoscale fibrinogen mesh in elderly patients with comorbid diseases was conducted between 2020 and 2022. A suture reinforcement of transversalis fascia was applied before mesh implantation. Hernia recurrence, pain score and overall complication rate were measured. A total of 52 inguinal hernias in 48 patients were included. The age of patients ranged from 33 to 95 years, with a median of 78 years. Comorbid conditions included cardiopulmonary disease, organ dysfunction, anticoagulant use, diabetes and smoking. By optimizing the physical condition perioperatively, all patients finished treatment successfully. Four cases recurred secondary to direct hernias or combined hernias and were diagnosed in the first 24 case cohort during follow-up. With surgical procedural modification involving strengthening the posterior inguinal floor by reef-up suturing of the transversalis fascia and the inferior edge of mesh slit to accommodate the spermatic cord, no further recurrence was diagnosed. Postoperative pain was mild and the pain score decreased three months after surgery compared to 1 week after surgery (p = 0.0099). No severe complications occurred, while seroma occurred in six cases. Electrospun P(LLA-CL) nanoscale fibrinogen mesh is safe and effective in repairing inguinal hernias in elderly patients with comorbid disease. A strengthening of the transversalis fascia by suturing may enhance the performance of this mesh.
Alterations of gut microbiota in biopsy-proven diabetic nephropathy and a long history of diabetes without kidney damage
Authors: Lu Xiao , Ma Junjun , Li Rongshan
Published: July 2023

The gut microbiota is closely related to parenteral noncommunicable diseases through intestinal immunity and plays an important role in the occurrence of diabetes and diabetic nephropathy. The aim of the study was to understand the gut–kidney axis by an analysis of gut microbiota composition among patients with biopsy-proven diabetic nephropathy (DN), patients with type 2 diabetes for more than 10 years without kidney damage (DM), and healthy controls (NC). Thirty-five DN patients, 40 DM patients and 40 healthy subjects matched by age and sex were enrolled between January 2022 and December 2022. Baseline information and clinical parameters were collected. 16S rDNA sequencing was performed to characterize the gut microbiome and identify gut microbes that were differentially abundant between patients and healthy controls. The relationship between the relative abundance of specific bacterial taxa in the gut and clinical phenotype and pathological indicators was evaluated. Substantial differences were found in the richness of the gut microbiota and the variation in the bacterial population among DN patients, DM patients and healthy controls. DM patients could be accurately distinguished from age- and sex-matched healthy controls by variations in g_Clostridium-XVIII (AUC = 0.929), and DN patients could be accurately distinguished from age- and sex-matched healthy controls by variations in g_Gemmiger (AUC = 0.842). DN patients could be accurately distinguished from age- and sex-matched DM patients by variations in g_Flavonifractor or g_Eisenbergiella (AUC = 0.909 and 0.886, respectively). The gut microbiota was also closely related to clinical phenotypes and pathological indicators. The study of gut microbiota composition was explored to determine its relationship to the occurrence of DN and a long history of diabetes without kidney damage. The renal pathological progression of DN may be delayed by regulating changes in the gut microbiota.
A facile alternative strategy of upcycling mixed plastic waste into vitrimers
Authors: Ng Kok Wei Joseph , Lim Jacob Song Kiat , Gupta Nupur , Dong Bing Xue , Hu Chun-Po , Hu Jingdan , Hu Xiao Matthew
Published: July 2023

Chemical depolymerization has been identified as a promising approach towards recycling of plastic waste. However, complete depolymerization may be energy intensive with complications in purification. In this work, we have demonstrated upcycling of mixed plastic waste comprising a mixture of polyester, polyamide, and polyurethane through a reprocessable vitrimer of the depolymerized oligomers. Using poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) as a model polymer, we first demonstrated partial controlled depolymerization, using glycerol as a cleaving agent, to obtain branched PET oligomers. Recovered PET (RPET) oligomer was then used as a feedstock to produce a crosslinked yet reprocessable vitrimer (vRPET) despite having a wide molecular weight distribution using a solventless melt processing approach. Crosslinking and dynamic interactions were observed through rheology and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Tensile mechanical studies showed no noticeable decrease in mechanical strength over multiple repeated melt processing cycles. Consequently, we have clearly demonstrated the applicability of the above method to upcycle mixed plastic wastes into vitrimers and reprocessable composites. This work also afforded insights into a potentially viable alternative route for utilization of depolymerized plastic/mixed plastic waste into crosslinked vitrimer resins manifesting excellent mechanical strength, while remaining reprocessable/ recyclable for cyclical lifetime use.
Resolution enhancement with a task-assisted GAN to guide optical nanoscopy image analysis and acquisition
Authors: Bouchard Catherine , Wiesner Theresa , Deschênes Andréanne , Bilodeau Anthony , Turcotte Benoît , Gagné Christian , Lavoie-Cardinal Flavie
Published: July 2023

Super-resolution fluorescence microscopy methods enable the characterization of nanostructures in living and fixed biological tissues. However, they require the adjustment of multiple imaging parameters while attempting to satisfy conflicting objectives, such as maximizing spatial and temporal resolution while minimizing light exposure. To overcome the limitations imposed by these trade-offs, post-acquisition algorithmic approaches have been proposed for resolution enhancement and image-quality improvement. Here we introduce the task-assisted generative adversarial network (TA-GAN), which incorporates an auxiliary task (for example, segmentation, localization) closely related to the observed biological nanostructure characterization. We evaluate how the TA-GAN improves generative accuracy over unassisted methods, using images acquired with different modalities such as confocal, bright-field, stimulated emission depletion and structured illumination microscopy. The TA-GAN is incorporated directly into the acquisition pipeline of the microscope to predict the nanometric content of the field of view without requiring the acquisition of a super-resolved image. This information is used to automatically select the imaging modality and regions of interest, optimizing the acquisition sequence by reducing light exposure. Data-driven microscopy methods like the TA-GAN will enable the observation of dynamic molecular processes with spatial and temporal resolutions that surpass the limits currently imposed by the trade-offs constraining super-resolution microscopy.
Application of 4D printing and bioprinting in cardiovascular tissue engineering
Authors: Zhou Zijing , Tang Weijie , Yang Jinfu , Fan Chengming
Published: July 2023

The application of 4D printing and bioprinting in cardiovascular diseases.