bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LPTM: Lightweight and privacy‐preserving traffic monitoring scheme
Authors: Jiang Sheng , Cheng Hongyuan , Liu Yining
Published: May 2022

In the traffic monitoring system, the transportation department generates the traffic map to report the real‐time traffic conditions, so as to provide more efficient service for drivers. However, if the vehicle obtains the local traffic conditions that the driver is more concerned about from the remote server, it will consume a heavy bandwidth and incurs an increased response delay. Generating and broadcasting local traffic conditions through fog computation is a feasible method to reduce communication costs, and most existing traffic monitoring systems based on fog computation are implemented using Bilinear Pairing operations. In this paper, we propose Lightweight and Privacy‐preserving Traffic Monitoring (LPTM) scheme with Elliptic Curve Cryptosystem, an optimized Timed Efficient Stream Loss‐tolerant Authentication protocol is adopted to achieve efficient and secure communication, and we also use an identity‐based signature scheme with partial message recovery to effectively shorten the length of the fog node broadcast message. Detailed security proofs show that the requirements of security and privacy are all achieved, and better simulation performance is presented in both computation and communication overhead.
A qualitative study of gendered psychosocial processes in eating disorder development
Authors: Springmann Marie‐Luise , Svaldi Jennifer , Kiegelmann Mechthild
Published: May 2022

Objective

Gender and sexual identity constitute social categories that have been found to be important when identifying persons at risk for eating disorders (ED), since prevalence rates are especially high for women as well as persons of gender and sexual minorities. The objective of this study is to enhance the understanding of how these social categories relate to ED development.

Method

A qualitative, inductive approach was used in order to develop empirically grounded hypotheses about gendered aspects in ED development. Data are 14 narrative interviews with persons of diverse sexual and gender identities who recovered from anorexia or bulimia nervosa. Interviews were analyzed in depth using Grounded Theory Methodology and Voice Centered Listening.

Results

Results suggest that social experiences related to female gender, as well as social experiences related to non‐compliance with social gender norms, can be important for ED development. Those social experiences were described as influencing participants' self‐worth, body image and self‐regulatory strategies, which were connected to ED symptomatology.

Discussion

Future research should further validate the gendered aspects presented in this paper, since including a broader array of gendered social aspects in ED research might help to improve etiological understanding and prevention methods.

Public Significance Statement

This study contributes a special perspective to research on eating disorders and gender, because it is based on first‐person perspectives of formerly affected persons and integrates the experiences of persons with different gender and sexual identities. Participants described four categories of gendered social experiences relevant for their eating disorders. We discuss the potential of these categories to guide future research on the development of eating disorders and their prevention.
Insectivorous birds reduce herbivory but do not increase mangrove growth across productivity zones
Authors: Forde Alexander J. , Feller Ilka C. , Parker John D. , Gruner Daniel S.
Published: May 2022

Top‐down effects of predators and bottom‐up effects of resources are important drivers of community structure and function in a wide array of ecosystems. Fertilization experiments impose variation in resource availability that can mediate the strength of predator impacts, but the prevalence of such interactions across natural productivity gradients is less clear. We studied the joint impacts of top‐down and bottom‐up factors in a tropical mangrove forest system, leveraging fine‐grained patchiness in resource availability and primary productivity on coastal cays of Belize. We excluded birds from canopies of red mangrove (Rhizophoraceae: Rhizophora mangle) for 13 months in zones of phosphorus‐limited, stunted dwarf mangroves, and in adjacent zones of vigorous mangroves that receive detrital subsidies. Birds decreased total arthropod densities by 62%, herbivore densities more than fivefold, and reduced rates of leaf and bud herbivory by 45% and 52%, respectively. Despite similar arthropod densities across both zones of productivity, leaf and bud damage were 2.0 and 4.3 times greater in productive stands. Detrital subsidies strongly impacted a suite of plant traits in productive stands, potentially making leaves more nutritious and vulnerable to damage. Despite consistently strong impacts on herbivory, we did not detect top‐down forcing that impacted mangrove growth, which was similar with and without birds. Our results indicated that both top‐down and bottom‐up forces drive arthropod community dynamics, but attenuation at the plant‐herbivore interface weakens top‐down control by avian insectivores.
Dual Mitochondria‐ and DNA‐Targeting Coumarin‐Pt(IV) Prodrug for the Enhancement of Anticancer Performance
Authors: Tu Ying , Li Hao‐Ming , Wang Meng‐Meng , Su Yan , Liu Hong‐Ke , Su Zhi
Published: May 2022

Cisplatin (CDDP) was considered as the milestone anticancer agent for the cancer treatment, however, the side effects were also a huge threat to human health. Pt(IV) prodrug with functional axial decoration has been demonstrated to be an effective strategy to minor the side effect. In this work, we have developed a dual mitochondrial and DNA‐targeting Pt(IV) prodrug with coumarin‐derivative decoration, and the experiment has illustrated that the prodrug Pt‐CMN could dramatically enhance the anticancer performance compared to CDDP. Prodrug Pt‐CMN could be activated in vitro by reducing reagent ascorbic acid in the periods of 6 h. Control prodrug Pt‐CM without the diethylamino group, showed much less cytotoxicity to cancer cells, which partially resulted from the hard reduction of prodrug Pt‐CM. Furthermore, prodrug Pt‐CMN could increase the Pt cellular uptake in MCF‐7 cells and destroy the functionality of mitochondria, including inducing the ROS generation, losing the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and decreasing the ATP production. Moreover, prodrug Pt‐CMN could induce the intracellular DNA damage of MCF‐7 cells to activate apoptosis and arrest the cell cycle in the G2/M phase. This work not only demonstrated that prodrug Pt‐CMN could be a promising anticancer agent, but also provided a new strategy to enhance the anticancer performance through the subcellular organelle targeting.
Biocatalytic Kinetic Resolution to Access Enantiomerically Enriched Dihydropyrimidinone/Thiones through Recognition of a Remote Stereocentre
Authors: Zanin Lucas Lima , Brito Matos Thiago Kelvin , Leitão Andrei , Ellena Javier , Porto André Luiz Meleiro
Published: May 2022

The Biginelli synthesis is a classic tricomponent reaction known to result in polyfunctionalized dihydropyrimidinone (DHPM) derivatives. Herein, we described a chemo‐enzymatic strategy for obtaining enantiomerically enriched hydroxy‐DHPMs. These compounds were previously esterified with butyric or acetic anhydride and were later submitted to hydrolysis reactions catalysed by lipase B from Candida antarctica. Although the stereogenic centre is far from the reaction site (4–5 bonds), moderate to excellent enantiomeric excess values were obtained (up to 99 %). Docking studies were performed in parallel to elucidate the binding modes of some molecules with the CALB active site, and were able to provide information on the enantiospecificity of these compounds in the hydrolysis reaction.
Cyclocondensation versus Cyclocondensation Plus Dehydroxylation During the Reaction of Flavones and Hydrazine
Authors: Solis Carlos M. , Salazar Mario O. , Ramallo I. Ayelen , García Paula , Furlan Ricardo L. E.
Published: May 2022

Concomitant selective dehydroxylation during the transformation of flavones into pyrazoles with hydrazine is determined by the A‐ring substitution pattern and propensity to keto enol tautomerization. The obtained pyrazoles show varied tyrosinase inhibition properties, including one nanomolar inhibitor.
Photogalvanics of Dodecyltrimethyl Ammonium Bromide‐Quinoline Yellow‐alkali: A solar energy conversion, storage, photostability, and spectral study
Authors: Jonwal Meenakshi , Koli Pooran , Dayma Yashodhara , Kumar Pareek Ramesh , Kumar Rajendra , Dheerata
Published: May 2022

The technology to harness solar power has been evolving continuously with a recent focus on simultaneous power storage as well. Photogalvanic (PG) cell is a promising technology for simultaneous solar power and storage. The nature of the sensitizer, reductant, surfactant, and electrodes are the key factor determining the efficiency, stability, and power storage capacity of the PG cells. The use of a more stable dye with good diffusivity and conductivity realized through the most suitable surfactant has evaded the attention of researchers. Therefore, in the present study, the photogalvanics of the stable Quinoline Yellow (QY) dye photosensitizer in the presence of the Dodecyltrimethyl Ammonium Bromide (DTAB) surfactant, and Cellobiose reductant at an elevated pH has been studied for solar energy conversion and storage. The entirely novel and new photogalvanic system has shown abruptly enhanced electrical performance of the PG cell as potential 900 mV, current 10 000 μA, and power 989 μW. Encouraging photogalvanics may be attributed primarily to the greater QY dye‐DTAB surfactant interaction enhanced dye solubility, stability, and diffusion through the electrolyte. Spectrometric and conductometric study of the electrolyte has validated good photostability and conductivity of the electrolyte solution. Based on published literature and observed facts, a most plausible mechanism for the photogeneration of the current and power storage capacity has also been proposed. The present research does not introduce any new mechanism for the photo‐generation of the current, but a new and novel cell fabrication design with greatly enhanced electrical output in comparison to that in earlier studies.

Novelty statement

The cationic Dodecyltrimethyl Ammonium Bromide surfactant and Quinoline Yellow (QY) anionic dye sensitizer has been exploited in the presence of Cellobiose reductant for enhanced dipole‐dipole interactions for further enhancing the photogalvanics. The hypsochromic and hypochromic shift of main band of QY in electrolyte may be attributed to the QY‐DTAB complex formation due to interaction between the anionic QY dye and cationic DTAB surfactant. The present study shows abruptly enhanced electrical output (potential 900 mV, current 10 000 μA, power 989 μW).
Recent advances in self‐powered and flexible UVC photodetectors
Authors: Nguyen Thi My Huyen , Shin Seong Gwan , Choi Hyung Wook , Bark Chung Wung
Published: May 2022

Ultraviolet‐C (UVC) radiation is employed in various applications, including irreplaceable applications in military and civil fields, such as missile guidance, flame detection, partial discharge detection, disinfection, and wireless communication. Although most modern electronics are based on Si, UVC detection technology remains a unique exception because the short wavelength of UV radiation makes efficient detection with Si difficult. In this review, recent challenges in obtaining ideal UVC photodetectors with various materials and various forms are introduced. An ideal photodetector must satisfy the following requirements: high sensitivity, fast response speed, high on/off photocurrent ratio, good regional selectivity, outstanding reproducibility, and superior thermal and photo stabilities. UVC detection is still in its infancy compared to the detection of UVA as well as other photon spectra, and recent research has focused on different key components, including the configuration, material, and substrate, to acquire battery‐free, super‐sensitive, ultra‐stable, ultra‐small, and portable UVC photodetectors. We introduce and discuss the strategies for fabricating self‐powered UVC photodetectors on flexible substrates in terms of the structure, material, and direction of incoming radiation. We also explain the physical mechanisms of self‐powered devices with various architectures. Finally, we present a brief outlook that discusses the challenges and future strategies for deep‐UVC photodetectors.
Heuristic thinking in the workplace: Evidence from primary care
Authors: Shurtz Ity
Published: May 2022

We study whether primary care physicians (PCPs) exercise left digit bias with respect to patients' age. Relying on a comprehensive administrative visit level data from a large Israeli HMO, we measure the intensity of patients' medical examination in visits that take place around a decadal birthday—a birthday that ends with zero—within a regression discontinuity framework. We find that in standard settings with clear patient information there is no evidence that PCPs exhibit left digit bias. However, when PCPs meet unfamiliar patients seeking immediate care, they are more likely to use basic diagnostic tests just above the decadal birthday threshold, indicating that under these circumstances, PCPs do use left digit bias.
Inhibition of nonhomologous end joining‐mediated DNA repair enhances anti‐HBV CRISPR therapy
Authors: Murai Kazuhiro , Kodama Takahiro , Hikita Hayato , Shimoda Akiyoshi , Fukuoka Makoto , Fukutomi Keisuke , Shigeno Satoshi , Shiode Yuto , Motooka Daisuke , Higuchi Yuichiro , Miyakawa Kei , Suemizu Hiroshi , Ryo Akihide , Tahata Yuki , Makino Yuki , Yamada Ryoko , Sakamori Ryotaro , Tatsumi Tomohide , Takehara Tetsuo
Published: May 2022

Current anti–hepatitis B virus (HBV) therapies have little effect on covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) and fail to eliminate HBV. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/Cas9 system has been reported to directly target cccDNA and exert antiviral effects. In this study, we hypothesized that the inhibition of the DNA repair machinery, which is important for the repair of CRISPR‐induced double‐strand breaks, may enhance the effect of CRISPR targeting cccDNA, and we investigated the antiviral effect of potential combination therapy. The antiviral effect of CRISPR targeting cccDNA (HBV‐CRISPR) was evaluated in HBV‐susceptible HepG2‐hNTCP‐C4 cells expressing Cas9 (HepG2‐hNTCP‐C4‐iCas9) or primary human hepatocytes (PHHs) expressing Cas9. Following HBV infection, HBV‐CRISPR reduced cccDNA levels, accompanied by decreases in pregenomic RNA (pgRNA) levels and supernatant HBV DNA, hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis B e antigen levels in HepG2‐hNTCP‐C4‐iCas9 cells, and PHHs. HBV‐CRISPR induced indel formation in cccDNA and up‐regulated poly(adenosine diphosphate ribose) polymerase (PARP) activity in HBV‐infected HepG2‐hNTCP‐C4‐iCas9 cells. The suppression of PARP2‐Histone PARylation factor 1 (HPF1) (involved in the initial step of DNA repair) with small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting either PARP2 or HPF1 increased the reduction in pgRNA and cccDNA by HBV‐CRISPR in HBV‐infected HepG2‐hNTCP‐C4‐iCas9 cells. The suppression of DNA Ligase 4 (LIG4) (essential for nonhomologous end joining [NHEJ]) but not breast cancer susceptibility gene (BRCA) (essential for homologous recombination) enhanced the antiviral effect of HBV‐CRISPR in HBV‐infected HepG2‐hNTCP‐C4‐iCas9 cells. Finally, the clinically available PARP inhibitor olaparib increased the reductions in pgRNA and cccDNA levels induced by HBV‐CRISPR in HBV‐infected HepG2‐hNTCP‐C4‐iCas9 cells and PHHs. Conclusion: The suppression of the NHEJ‐mediated DNA repair machinery enhances the effect of CRISPR targeting cccDNA. The combination of CRISPR and olaparib may represent a therapy for HBV elimination.
The impact of forest‐controlled snow variability on late‐season streamflow varies by climatic region and forest structure
Authors: Currier William Ryan , Sun Ning , Wigmosta Mark , Cristea Nicoleta , Lundquist Jessica D.
Published: May 2022

Previous studies have documented how forests influence snow at fine spatial scales, but none have documented the influence that existing forest‐snow variability has on streamflow. To test how much forest‐controlled snow variability influences streamflow, a tiling parameterization based on classifications from high‐resolution (1–3 m) vegetation maps was incorporated into the Distributed Hydrology and Soil Vegetation Model (DHSVM). Within each grid cell (90–150 m), the tiling parameterization simulated forest‐snow variability with four independently evolving snowpacks. Each tile had unique radiation conditions to represent conditions underneath the canopy, in exposed areas, and along north‐ and south‐facing forest edges. This tiled parameterization was used to test where and when detailed forest‐snow modelling should be considered further and where and when the impacts are too small to be worth the effort. To test this, tiled model simulations of streamflow were compared to non‐tiled model simulations in the Sierra Nevada, CA, the Jemez Mountains, NM, and the Eastern Cascades, WA. In Tuolumne, CA, the tiled model simulated little difference in grid cell average SWE, and late‐season streamflow decreased by only 3%–4% compared to the non‐tiled model. In Jemez, NM, the tiled model decreased late‐season streamflow by 18% due to increased sublimation. In Chiwawa, WA, the tiled model increased late‐season streamflow by 15% due to high shortwave radiation attenuation and less longwave radiation enhancement from the forest. Furthermore, within the Chiwawa, a substantial silvicultural practice was synthetically implemented to increase the north‐facing edge's fractional area. This silvicultural experiment, which used the same fractional forest area in all simulations increased late‐season streamflow by 35% compared to tiled model simulations that did not represent forest edges. In conclusion, representing forest‐SWE variability had an effect on late‐season streamflow in some watersheds but not in others based on the fractional area of the forest edges, forest characteristics, and climate conditions.
Effects of single‐ and multi‐site calibration strategies on hydrological model performance and parameter sensitivity of large‐scale semi‐arid and semi‐humid watersheds
Authors: Wu Lei , Liu Xia , Yang Zhi , Yu Yang , Ma Xiaoyi
Published: May 2022

In large‐scale watersheds, only the calibration of parameters for the outlet may ignore spatial heterogeneity and fail to meet the simulation accuracy of local areas. Based on the runoff observation data of three hydrological stations (Qingyang, Yangjiaping and Zhangjiashan) in the Jinghe River Watershed, single‐ and multi‐site calibration strategies were designed to investigate the performance and applicability of the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) in predicting the monthly runoff of nested catchments and evaluate the differences in parameter sensitivity between the upstream and downstream. (i) The two calibration strategies showed little difference in the simulation accuracy of the watershed outlet; the Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) and determination coefficient (R2) were approximately 0.8 and 0.6, respectively, and the percentage of bias (PBIAS) was mostly <15%. The single‐site one‐by‐one calibration was significantly better than the multi‐site joint calibration at the interior points of the watershed. Among them, Qingyang decreased most obviously in the joint calibration with Zhangjiashan, with both NSE and R2 < 0.5, whereas Yangjiaping was >0.5 in combination with the other two sites. (ii) The sensitive parameters obtained by the two calibration strategies were different, and different parameters were effective for different‐sized catchments because hydrological processes exhibit astounding variability at all scales. The single‐site one‐by‐one calibration was mainly affected by the hydrological processes of the local catchment, whereas the multi‐site joint calibration was largely constrained by the sensitive parameters of the single‐site calibration. (iii) Parameters at different scales and locations were related to the problem of scaling and regionalization. The multi‐site joint calibration did not significantly improve the model performance of the watershed outlet but increased the capacity for synchronous identification of local sensitive parameters when compared to single‐site calibration. These findings are expected to provide experience for parameter calibration in other similar large‐scale watersheds and to lay a good foundation for the accurate identification of other related hydrological behaviours at watershed scales.
Modelling processes in infant research
Authors: Fassbender Ina
Published: May 2022

This peer commentary emphasizes the importance of implementing more sophisticated analytical techniques in infant research. It provides examples of information extracted from classical paradigms, the habituation–dishabituation paradigm, the visual pair preference task and the visual expectation paradigm, by means of models such as a latent variables mixture model. Although modelling techniques have been implemented in infant research for many years, they have always been a marginal phenomenon because infant data were mainly analysed using mean level comparisons. This commentary outlines the principal advantage of modelling infant behavioural data: there is no other way to obtain information on behaviour and its development at the individual infant level than through a model, and models can be adapted to the specific requirements of an experimental setting's data. However, there are expenses to such techniques: it takes time both to build and to understand a model for a specific experimental setting, and both data and code need to be made available (and thus readable, i.e. following certain style requirements). If as a field, we do not refrain from investing such time, modelling approaches can be a very useful tool for a more reliable infant research.
The impact of R&D investment on grain crops production in China: Analysing the role of agricultural credit and CO2 emissions
Authors: Chandio Abbas Ali , Jiang Yuansheng , Akram Waqar , Ozturk Ilhan , Rauf Abdul , Mirani Aamir Ali , Zhang Huaquan
Published: May 2022

A better understanding of the dynamics involved in grain production is critical for food security and poverty reduction. To this end, several factors influence grain production, including capital (i.e. R&D investment and agricultural credit), agriculture environment (i.e. CO2 emissions), and technical progress (i.e. fertilizers and agricultural machinery). This paper analyses the combined effects of these factors on China's grain crops output from 1990 to 2017 by using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach. The ARDL‐bounds testing approach provided the long‐run connection amid the variables. The findings include: (i) agricultural R&D spending has an encouraging and meaningful influence on grain crops yield in the long‐run and short‐run; (ii) agricultural credit significantly and positively stimulates grain crops output; (iii) CO2 emissions negatively impact grains' output in the short‐ and long‐run; (iv) area under grain crops and fertilizers used also endure a positive spur on grain crops production in the long‐run and short‐run; and (v) short‐run nexus among the variables is navigated for robustness rationale via the vector error correction model Granger causality practice. Hence, the strategy specialists should also acquaint finances through prescribed organizations on comfortable provisions and minimal interests. In addition, the Chinese Governments and agricultural extension organizations should support the easy acquisition of high‐tech cultivating machinery to harvest crops swiftly and explore substantial markets for further business.
Further evaluation of functional analysis screening methods in early autism intervention
Authors: Slanzi Crystal M. , Vollmer Timothy R. , Iwata Brian A. , Kronfli Faris R. , Williams Lisa Pabst , Perez Brandon C.
Published: May 2022

A goal of some functional analysis (FA) variations is to reduce assessment time while still maintaining efficacy. This may be especially important when conducting FAs in early intervention programs, where time is a crucial commodity. To that end, we evaluated a model for using the results of the no‐interaction condition as a screening for behavioral function and to guide selection of FA test conditions with 20 participants (22 assessments) aged 3 to 7 years old. We used the no‐interaction condition to develop hypotheses for both automatic reinforcement and socially mediated reinforcement. The outcome of the no‐interaction condition guided the selection of test conditions for the remainder of the FA. We also incorporated methods from prior FA studies (e.g., divided attention) to modify the test conditions. We obtained differentiated results in 91% of assessments, all within 70 min and, as such, extended evidence that an FA can be completed in little time without sacrificing efficacy.
Synthesis and molecular modeling of some novel hydroxypyrone derivatives as antidermatophytic agents
Authors: Karakaya Gülşah , Türe Aslı , Özdemir Aysun , Özçelik Berrin , Aytemir Mutlu
Published: May 2022

Dermatophytes are pathogenic fungi, comprising the major cause of superficial fungal infections called dermatophytes. Although they infect keratinized tissues such as skin, nail, and hair, invasive serious infections may occur in immunocompromised patients. However, current antifungal drugs show considerable drawbacks, such as toxicity and multiple drug resistance, compelling and directing researches for new antidermatophyte agents. Herein, a series of hydroxypyrone bearing compounds inspired from the natural metabolite kojic acid was reported. Their antidermatophytic effects of the compounds against Microsporum gypseum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. erinaceid, and Epidermophyton floccosum were evaluated. The cytotoxicity of the compounds on healthy (MRC‐5) and carcinogenic (He‐La) cell lines was also investigated, and their cytopathogenic effects were expressed as maximum non‐toxic concentrations. According to the activity studies, compounds 10 and 22 were found as the most promising antidermatophytic agents (MIC: 2 μg/ml), exhibiting comparable effect with that of griseofulvin (MIC: 0.5–1 μg/ml) and terbinafine (MIC: 0.125–0.5 μg/ml) which are the most widely used agents for treating mycoses caused by dermatophytes. Molecular docking analysis of the most active compounds, compound 10 and compound 22, with homology model of β‐tubulin protein was carried out to investigate the possible binding conformation of the compounds in the targeted macromolecule.
Evaluation of various remineralizing agents containing calcium and phosphate on caries by using Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Ataş Demir Merve , Hazar Bodrumlu Ebru , Demiriz Levent
Published: May 2022

The remineralization process of dental caries is dependent on the Ca and PO4−3ions that are lost during demineralization back to the tooth tissue. The aim of this study was to determine the PO4−3changes of enamel surfaces by using Raman analysis, as a result of applying three different remineralization agents containing Ca‐PO4−3in in vitro conditions. Enamel specimens obtained from 80 human third molar teeth were randomly divided into four groups (n = 20) each according to surface treatment: no treatment (control), casein phosphopeptide‐amorphous calcium phosphate, tricalcium phosphate, and amorphous calcium phosphate. The effects of remineralization agents were evaluated according to PO4−3changes by using Raman analysis. Statistical analyses were performed by using one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tamhane's T2 tests. There was a statistically significant difference between the study group surfaces subjected to the pH cycling process and remineralization and the control group surfaces only subjected to pH cycling (p < 0.05). However, the intragroup evaluation showed no statistically significant difference between the mean PO4−3changes of intact and remineralized surfaces (p > 0.05). Remineralizing agents have positive effects on the phosphate concentration of initial enamel caries at the level of intact tooth tissue.
Silencing of lncRNA CRNDE attenuates nonsmall‐cell lung cancer progression by mediating the miR‐455‐3p/HDAC2 axis
Authors: Li Na , Chen Xiao‐Juan , Zeng Yun‐Hui , Zeng Li‐Ping , Hu Ke , Chen Li‐Jun
Published: May 2022

Nonsmall‐cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is one of the deadliest malignancies in the world. LncRNAs are confirmed to be involved in the progression of NSCLC. Meanwhile, lncRNA CRNDE is known to be upregulated in NSCLC; however, the mechanism by which CRNDE regulates the tumourigenesis of NSCLC remains unclear. To test the function of CRNDE in NSCLC, cell proliferation, invasion, and migration were investigated by colony formation and Transwell assays, respectively. qPCR and Western blotting were applied to test gene and protein levels. In addition, the relationship among CRNDE, miR‐455‐3p, and HDAC2 was explored by dual‐luciferase and RIP assays. The data revealed that the expression of CRNDE was upregulated in NSCLC tissues, while miR‐455‐3p was downregulated. CRNDE knockdown inhibited the viability, migration and invasion of NSCLC cells or epidermal growth factor receptor gene (EGFR)‐mutant NSCLC cells. Moreover, inhibition of miR‐455‐3p exhibited the opposite effect. CRNDE bound with miR‐455‐3p, and HDAC2 was found to be targeted by miR‐455‐3p. Meanwhile, miR‐455‐3p downregulation reversed the effect of CRNDE knockdown on NSCLC cell function. Furthermore, miR‐455‐3p notably inhibited the growth and invasion of NSCLC cells via downregulation of HDAC2. Knockdown of CRNDE attenuated NSCLC progression via modulation of the miR‐455‐3p/HDAC2 axis. Thus, those findings might provide a novel strategy against NSCLC.
Application of urodynamics combined with contrast‐enhanced ultrasound in evaluation of the urinary tract in patients with low bladder compliance and vesicoureteric reflux who underwent bladder augmentation alone
Authors: Zhang Han‐Chao , Ye Xin , Yang Yue , Liu Zheng‐Dao , Gong Ye‐Qiong , Yang Jin , Liang Guo‐Biao
Published: May 2022

We assessed the use of common urodynamics (CUD) combined with contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to investigate the efficacy and durability of sigmoid cystoplasty alone in patients with low bladder compliance associated with vesicoureteric reflux (VUR). In this study, we recruited 25 patients with low bladder compliance and VUR who underwent bladder augmentation without antireflux surgery at our institutions between June 2017 and June 2021. The bladder condition and VUR grade were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively via CUD combined with CEUS. The mean follow‐up period was 2.6 years. CUD showed significant improvement in bladder capacity and compliance and a decrease in intravesical pressure after sigmoid cystoplasty. CEUS demonstrated resolution of VUR compared with preoperative assessment. Of the 25 patients who had various degrees of reflux, VUR was eliminated in 18 patients and reduced to a lower grade in the remaining seven patients. CUD combined with CEUS is accurate and safe. They are invaluable and reliable tools for morphological and functional evaluations of the entire urinary tract in patients with low bladder compliance and VUR.
Comparison of Inhaled Drug Delivery in Patients With One‐ and Two‐level Laryngotracheal Stenosis
Authors: Gosman Raluca E. , Sicard Ryan M. , Cohen Seth M. , Frank‐Ito Dennis O.
Published: May 2022

Objectives/Hypothesis

Laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) is a functionally devastating condition with high respiratory morbidity and mortality. This preliminary study investigates airflow dynamics and stenotic drug delivery in patients with one‐ and two‐level LTS.

Study Design

A Computational Modeling Restropective Cohort Study.

Methods

Computed tomography scans from seven LTS patients, five with one‐level (three subglottic, two tracheal), and two with two‐level (glottis + trachea, glottis + subglottis) were used to reconstruct patient‐specific three‐dimensional upper airway models. Airflow and orally inhaled drug particle transport were simulated using computational fluid dynamics modeling. Drug particle transport was simulated for 1–20 μm particles released into the mouth at velocities of 0 m/s, 1 m/s, 3 m/s, and 10 m/s for metered dose inhaler (MDI) and 0 m/s for dry powder inhaler (DPI) simulations. Airflow resistance and stenotic drug deposition in the patients' airway models were compared.

Results

Overall, there was increased airflow resistance at stenotic sites in subjects with two‐level versus one‐level stenosis (0.136 Pa s/ml vs. 0.069 Pa s/ml averages). Subjects with two‐level stenosis had greater particle deposition at sites of stenosis compared to subjects with one‐level stenosis (average deposition 2.31% vs. 0.96%). One‐level stenosis subjects, as well as one two‐level stenosis subject, had the greatest deposition using MDI with a spacer (0 m/s): 2.59% and 4.34%, respectively. The second two‐level stenosis subject had the greatest deposition using DPI (3.45%). Maximum deposition across all stenotic subtypes except one‐level tracheal stenosis was achieved with particle sizes of 6–10 μm.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that patients with two‐level LTS may experience a more constricted laryngotracheal airflow profile compared to patients with one‐level LTS, which may enhance overall stenotic drug deposition.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 133:366–374, 2023
Fifteen years of conservation tillage increases soil aggregate stability by altering the contents and chemical composition of organic carbon fractions in Mollisols
Authors: Zhou Meng , Xiao Yang , Zhang Xingyi , Xiao Leilei , Ding Guangwei , Cruse Richard M. , Liu Xiaobing
Published: May 2022

Mollisols contain a high amount of soil organic carbon (SOC) that is highly susceptible to tillage practices. Conservation tillage (CT) could improve soil aggregate stability, but the predominant factor controlling this stability remains debatable. This study reports on a tillage management experiment established in 2004 to explore the influences of tillage practices on the content and chemical composition of labile and recalcitrant OC fractions, plus with the aggregate stability change and potential mechanisms. CT without straw mulching, reduced tillage (RT), and no tillage (NT) (zero tillage) with straw mulching were set up. Compared with CT, 15‐year RT significantly increased SOC content (by 11.4%) in the surface (0–10 cm) by increasing the amount of aromatic compounds. Simultaneously, RT and NT promoted soil aggregate stability, as verified by the increase in mean weight diameter (MWD) and geometric mean diameter (GMD) of 7%–71.3% at 0–30 cm soil depth. Of importance, RT and NT increased aromatic compound amount of silt + clay fractions (by 12.6%–27.2%) within macroaggregates (>0.25 mm) but decreased that (by 15.6%–32.9%) within free microaggregates (0.053–0.25 mm) than CT at 0–30 cm soil depth. Collectively, conservation tillage controls the SOC stability in Mollisols by regulating the MWD and GMD values and further affects the amount of aromatic compounds in silt + clay fractions within aggregates. Rather than physical and biochemical protection, chemical protection through a mineral association could be the crucial mechanism for aggregate stability under long‐term conservation tillage in Mollisols.
A technique for generating adapted discretizations to solve partial differential equations with the generalized finite difference method
Authors: Albuquerque‐Ferreira Augusto César , Ureña Miguel , Ramos Higinio
Published: May 2022

The generalized finite difference method is a meshless method for solving partial differential equations that allows arbitrary discretizations of points. Typically, the discretizations have the same density of points in the domain. We propose a technique to get adapted discretizations for the solution of partial differential equations. This strategy allows using a smaller number of points and, therefore, a lower computational cost, to achieve the same accuracy that would be obtained with a regular discretization.
Fujita critical exponent for hyperbolic‐type inequalities with mixed nonlinearities on the half space
Authors: Jleli Mohamed , Nashed M. Zuhair , Samet Bessem
Published: May 2022

We consider the nonlinear hyperbolic‐type inequality

under the Dirichlet‐type boundary condition

where
, and
. An optimal Fujita‐type result is obtained for this problem. Namely, we prove that when
belongs to a certain functional space
, and
or
, then there exists no global weak solution, while global solutions exist for some
when
and
. The obtained result shows an interesting phenomenon of discontinuity of the Fujita critical exponent, jumping from
to
as
reaches the value
from above.
A frequency‐selective rasorber with wideband absorption and in‐band transmission using resistive ink
Authors: Patinavalasa Megh Sainadh , Banoth Laxmi , Sharma Aditi , Srivastava Kumar Vaibhav , Ghosh Saptarshi
Published: May 2022

A polarization‐insensitive frequency‐selective rasorber (FSR) with wideband absorption and in‐band transmission characteristics has been presented and investigated in this letter. The unit cell of the proposed FSR comprises one lossy and one lossless resonator, both printed on FR4 substrates and segregated by an air spacer. Resistive ink patterns are deposited in the top lossy layer to realize a wideband absorption, displaying significant improvement over the existing FSR structures. The absorption bandwidths are obtained from 1.31 to 3.22 GHz and 4.88 to 6.69 GHz having fractional bandwidths of 84.32% and 31.28%, respectively. An in‐band transmission response is occurred, due to the bottom lossless layer, at 4.05 GHz between the two absorption bands with a small insertion loss. The equivalent circuit model is used to develop the proposed FSR and the design variables are formulated accordingly to generate the desired passband and stopband characteristics. Variation in the incident and reflected/transmitted wave properties have also been studied and the topology is found to be polarization‐insensitive as well as angularly stable. Finally, the structure has been fabricated and measured to validate the FSR design principle and its performance.
Three‐dimensional star antenna for wearable defense application
Authors: Borah Pranjal , Das Debika
Published: May 2022

In this letter, design and characterization of an antenna fabricated using the three‐dimensional star used in the epaulets of defense personnel are presented for its use in sub‐6 GHz 5G communication. Initially, the star antenna is designed and simulated using CST Microwave Studio by choosing its dimension in accordance with those in the epaulets. The star antenna is placed over a single‐sided copper‐clad substrate and is excited via a coaxial probe, where an attempt to achieve the optimum feed position is made via simulation. This is followed by simulation of a two‐star array antenna where the element separation commensurate with the arrangement as that on the epaulets. Subsequently, a single‐ and two‐star array antenna is fabricated and their return loss and free space radiation pattern measurements are carried out. Measured results reflect a good comparison with that of the simulated one.
Patients' lived experiences of breathlessness prior to prehospital care – A phenomenological study
Authors: Kauppi Wivica , Axelsson Christer , Herlitz Johan , Jiménez‐Herrera Maria F. , Palmér Lina
Published: May 2022

Aims and objectives

The study aimed to describe how breathlessness is experienced by patients prior to prehospital care.

Design

A qualitative phenomenological design.

Methods

Lifeworld interviews were conducted with 14 participants. The analysis was carried out within the descriptive phenomenological framework.

Results

The essential meaning of the breathlessness phenomenon is described as an existential fear in terms of losing control over one’s body and dying, which involves a battle to try to regain control. This is further described by four constituents: being in an unknown body, striving to handle the situation, the ambiguity of having loved ones close and reaching the utmost border.

Conclusions

Patients describe a battling for survival. It is at the extreme limit of endurance that patients finally choose to call the emergency number. It is a challenge for the ambulance clinician (AC) to support these patients in the most optimal fashion.
Reinforcement learning‐based adaptive optimal tracking algorithm for Markov jump systems with partial unknown dynamics
Authors: Tu Yidong , Fang Haiyang , Wang Hai , Shi Kaibo , He Shuping
Published: May 2022

In this article, a novel method is proposed to solve the adaptive optimal tracking algorithm for a class of Markov jump systems. First, the augmented system with the tracking signal is built under the decoupling Markov jump systems and it is proved that the selected performance index satisfies the algebraic Riccati equation which can be solved by policy iteration schemes. Then, a reinforcement learning (RL) algorithm is used to solve the coupled algebraic Riccati equations by using partial knowledge of system dynamics. The convergence of the partial model‐free integral RL iteration algorithm is also proved. Finally, a simulation example is given to show the better tracking effectiveness and accuracy of the online iteration algorithm comparing with the offline one.
Glomerular basement membrane deposition of collagen α1(III) in Alport glomeruli by mesangial filopodia injures podocytes via aberrant signaling through DDR1 and integrin α2β1
Authors: Madison Jacob , Wilhelm Kevin , Meehan Daniel T , Delimont Duane , Samuelson Gina , Cosgrove Dominic
Published: May 2022

In Alport mice, activation of the endothelin A receptor (ETAR) in mesangial cells results in sub‐endothelial invasion of glomerular capillaries by mesangial filopodia. Filopodia deposit mesangial matrix in the glomerular basement membrane (GBM), including laminin 211 which activates NF‐κB, resulting in induction of inflammatory cytokines. Herein we show that collagen α1(III) is also deposited in the GBM. Collagen α1(III) localized to the mesangium in wild‐type mice and was found in both the mesangium and the GBM in Alport mice. We show that collagen α1(III) activates discoidin domain receptor family, member 1 (DDR1) receptors both in vitro and in vivo. To elucidate whether collagen α1(III) might cause podocyte injury, cultured murine Alport podocytes were overlaid with recombinant collagen α1(III), or not, for 24 h and RNA was analyzed by RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq). These same cells were subjected to siRNA knockdown for integrin α2 or DDR1 and the RNA was analyzed by RNA‐seq. Results were validated in vivo using RNA‐seq from RNA isolated from wild‐type and Alport mouse glomeruli. Numerous genes associated with podocyte injury were up‐ or down‐regulated in both Alport glomeruli and cultured podocytes treated with collagen α1(III), 18 of which have been associated previously with podocyte injury or glomerulonephritis. The data indicate α2β1 integrin/DDR1 co‐receptor signaling as the dominant regulatory mechanism. This may explain earlier studies where deletion of either DDR1 or α2β1 integrin in Alport mice ameliorates renal pathology. © 2022 Boys Town National Research Hospital. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Synthesis, characterization, pH‐sensitive swelling and antimicrobial activities of chitosan–graft‐poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) hydrogel composites for biomedical applications
Authors: Torğut Gülben , Yazdıç Ferit Can , Gürler Nedim
Published: May 2022

In this paper, 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) was graft copolymerized onto chitosan (CHI) at different ratios using a radical initiator. The grafted hydrogel composites were then characterized by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform ınfrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR) and thermo‐gravimetric analysis (TGA). Swelling behavior of the hydrogels was investigated at different pH and different times. The antimicrobial activity of the chitosan‐graft‐HEMA (CHI‐HEMA) against gram‐negative bacteria and gram‐positive bacteria was studied by the standard agar well diffusion assay method. The CHI‐HEMA 1:1 and CHI‐HEMA 1:2 showed an obvious antimicrobial effect against six test strains. The CHI‐HEMA 1:1 and CHI‐HEMA 1:2 exhibited a highly significant increase (p < 0.01) in diameter of the inhibition zones compared with the standard antibiotics. Furthermore, CHI‐HEMA 1:1 presented the highest antimicrobial activity against all test strains with a significant difference (p < 0.01) compared with CHI‐HEMA 1:2. Meanwhile, the decreasing order of the average sensitivity to CHI‐HEMA 1:1 and CHI‐HEMA 1:2 was observed to be S. marcescens > E. coli > S. aureus subsp. aureus > S. enteritidis > E. faecalis > E. aerogenes. These results indicate potential application of CHI‐HEMA 1:1 and CHI‐HEMA 1:2 graft hydrogels as a novel and efficient antimicrobial agent in biomedical fields.
Effects of medicinal plants and natural compounds in models of prostate cancer related to sex steroids: A systematic review
Authors: Miranda Rafael Abe da Rocha , Oliveira Marcela Martins de Paula , Sampaio Maria Isadora Gabriel , Gomes João Victor Dutra , Silveira Damaris , Guerra Eliete Neves Silva , Lofrano‐Porto Adriana , Meireles Cinthia Gabriel , Simeoni Luiz Alberto
Published: May 2022

Prostate cancer remains a health problem for men. Targeting androgen (AR) and estrogen (ER) receptors improves the outcomes of the disease, and many medicinal plants exert their effects by modulating these pathways. Therefore, a systematic review was conducted to identify medicinal plants and their natural compounds that may modulate the AR and/or ER pathways in cell and animal models. A search was conducted across EMBASE, LILACS, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, with grey literature from Google SCHOLAR and ProQuest. Two authors independently selected eligible studies based on their titles and abstracts, and a third author resolved conflicts. Then, data from the full text of eligible studies were extracted and synthesized. In total, 75 studies were included. Results showed the effects of several different medicinal plants and natural compounds in reduction of AR and/or ER transcription and translation and AR secondary effects: cell growth reduction, induction of apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest. In animal models, tumor size reduction, increase in apoptosis, and downregulation of AR expression in tumors were also observed. No single phytochemical group concentrating molecules with anti‐AR and/or ER activity was identified. Nevertheless, several phytochemical compounds showed potential for future clinical studies in the management of the disease.
Self‐reporting and screening: Data with right‐censored, left‐censored, and complete observations
Authors: Yefenof Jonathan , Goldberg Yair , Wiler Jennifer , Mandelbaum Avishai , Ritov Ya'acov
Published: May 2022

We consider survival data that combine three types of observations: uncensored, right‐censored, and left‐censored. Such data arises from screening a medical condition, in situations where self‐detection arises naturally. Our goal is to estimate the failure‐time distribution, based on these three observation types. We propose a novel methodology for distribution estimation using both semiparametric and nonparametric techniques. We then evaluate the performance of these estimators via simulated data. Finally, as a case study, we estimate the patience of patients who arrive at an emergency department and wait for treatment. Three categories of patients are observed: those who leave the system and announce it, and thus their patience time is observed; those who get service and thus their patience time is right‐censored by the waiting time; and those who leave the system without announcing it. For this third category, the patients' absence is revealed only when they are called to service, which is after they have already left; formally, their patience time is left‐censored. Other applications of our proposed methodology are discussed.