bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A harmonized and standardized in vitro approach produces reliable results on silver nanoparticles toxicity in different cell lines
Authors: Andreoli Cristina , Prota Valentina , De Angelis Isabella , Facchini Emiliano , Zijno Andrea , Meccia Ettore , Barletta Bianca , Butteroni Cinzia , Corinti Silvia , Chatgilialoglu Chryssostomos , Krokidis Marios G. , Masi Annalisa , Condello Maria , Meschini Stefania , Di Felice Gabriella , Barone Flavia
Published: May 2021

Despite the widespread use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in different fields and the amount of investigations available, to date, there are many contradictory results on their potential toxicity. In the present study, extensively characterized 20‐nm AgNPs were investigated using optimized protocols and standardized methods to test several toxicological endpoints in different cell lines. The agglomeration/aggregation state of AgNPs in culture media was measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS). DNA and chromosomal damage on BEAS‐2B and RAW 264.7 cells were evaluated by comet and micronucleus assays, while oxidative DNA damage by modified comet assay and 8‐oxodG/8‐oxodA detection. We also investigated immunotoxicity and immunomodulation by cytokine release and NO production in RAW 264.7 and MH‐S cells, with or without lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulus. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis was used to analyze cellular uptake of AgNPs. Our results indicate different values of AgNPs hydrodynamic diameter depending on the medium, some genotoxic effect just on BEAS‐2B and no or slight effects on function of RAW 264.7 and MH‐S in absence or presence of LPS stimulus. This study highlights the relevance of using optimized protocols and multiple endpoints to analyze the potential toxicity of AgNPs and to obtain reliable and comparable results.
TiO2 nanoparticle coatings on glass surfaces for the selective trapping of leukemia cells from peripheral blood
Authors: Garcia Diosa Jaime Andres , Gonzalez Orive Alejandro , Weinberger Christian , Schwiderek Sabrina , Knust Steffen , Tiemann Michael , Grundmeier Guido , Keller Adrian , Camargo Amado Ruben Jesus
Published: May 2021

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using TiO2 nanoparticles has become an important alternative treatment for different types of cancer due to their high photocatalytic activity and high absorption of UV‐A light. To potentiate this treatment, we have coated commercial glass plates with TiO2 nanoparticles prepared by the sol–gel method (TiO2‐m), which exhibit a remarkable selectivity for the irreversible trapping of cancer cells. The physicochemical properties of the deposited TiO2‐m nanoparticle coatings have been characterized by a number of complementary surface‐analytical techniques and their interaction with leukemia and healthy blood cells were investigated. Scanning electron and atomic force microscopy verify the formation of a compact layer of TiO2‐m nanoparticles. The particles are predominantly in the anatase phase and have hydroxyl‐terminated surfaces as revealed by Raman, X‐ray photoelectron, and infrared spectroscopy, as well as X‐ray diffraction. We find that lymphoblastic leukemia cells adhere to the TiO2‐m coating and undergo amoeboid‐like migration, whereas lymphocytic cells show distinctly weaker interactions with the coating. This evidences the potential of this nanomaterial coating to selectively trap cancer cells and renders it a promising candidate for the development of future prototypes of PDT devices for the treatment of leukemia and other types of cancers with non‐adherent cells.
MonteCarbo: A software to generate and dock multifunctionalized ring molecules
Authors: Alonso‐Gil Santiago
Published: May 2021

MonteCarbo is an open‐source software to construct simple 5‐, 6‐, and 7‐membered ring multifunctionalized monosaccharides and nucleobases and dock them into the active site of carbohydrate‐active enzymes. The core bash script executes simple orders to generate the Z‐matrix of the neutral molecule of interest. After that, a Fortran90 code based on a pseudo‐random number generator (Monte Carlo method) is executed to assign dihedral angles to the different rotamers present in the structure (ring and rotating functional groups). The program also has a generalized internal coordinates (GIC) implementation of the Cremer and Pople puckering coordinates ring. Once the structures are generated and optimized, a second code is ready to execute in serial the docking of multiple conformers in the active site of a wide family of enzymes.
NOXA‐mediated degradation of MCL1 and BCL2L1 causes apoptosis of daunorubicin‐treated human acute myeloid leukemia cells
Authors: Chiou Jing‐Ting , Huang Nan‐Chieh , Huang Chia‐Hui , Wang Liang‐Jun , Lee Yuan‐Chin , Shi Yi‐Jun , Chang Long‐Sen
Published: May 2021

Daunorubicin (DNR) is used clinically to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML), while the signaling pathways associated with its cytotoxicity are not fully elucidated. Thus, we investigated the DNR‐induced death pathway in the human AML cell lines U937 and HL‐60. DNR‐induced apoptosis in U937 cells accompanied by downregulation of MCL1 and BCL2L1, upregulation of Phorbol‐12‐myristate‐13‐acetate‐induced protein 1 (NOXA), and mitochondrial depolarization. DNR induced NOX4‐mediated reactive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, which in turn inactivated Akt and simultaneously activated p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK). Activated p38 MAPK and inactivated Akt coordinately increased GSK3β‐mediated cAMP response element‐binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation, which promoted NOXA transcription. NOXA upregulation critically increased the proteasomal degradation of MCL1 and BCL2L1. The same pathway was also responsible for the DNR‐induced death of HL‐60 cells. Restoration of MCL1 or BCL2L1 expression alleviated DNR‐induced mitochondrial depolarization and cell death. Furthermore, ABT‐199 (a BCL2 inhibitor) synergistically enhanced the cytotoxicity of DNR in AML cell lines. Notably, DNR‐induced DNA damage was not related to NOXA‐mediated degradation of MCL1 and BCL2L1. Collectively, these results indicate that the upregulation of NOXA expression through the NOX4‐ROS‐p38 MAPK‐GSK3β‐CREB axis results in the degradation of MCL1 and BCL2L1 in DNR‐treated U937 and HL‐60 cells. This signaling pathway may provide insights into the mechanism underlying DNR‐triggered apoptosis in AML cells.
Antibiotic resistance gene dissipation in soil microcosms amended with antibiotics and swine manure
Authors: Alt Laura M. , Iverson Alyssa N. , Soupir Michelle L. , Moorman Thomas B. , Howe Adina
Published: May 2021

The use of antibiotics in animal agriculture has exacerbated the presence of both antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and residual antibiotics excreted in animal manure. Field application of this manure is a common practice because its nutrient rich material can benefit crop growth. However, this practice can also introduce antibiotics and ARGs into nonagricultural settings. The integration of prairie buffer strips within and at the edge of crop fields is a potential management solution to reduce concentrations of ARGs commonly transported via water runoff and infiltration. An incubation experiment was conducted to investigate the fate of ARGs in directly manured crop field soils and the surrounding affected prairie strip soils. Row crop and prairie strip soils sampled from three sites received either an antibiotic spike and swine manure addition or a control water addition. The concentrations of select ARGs were then monitored over a 72‐d period. Although soil vegetation and site location were not observed to influence ARG dissipation, the select genes did display different half‐lives from one another. For example, tetM demonstrated the fastest dissipation of the genes quantified (average half‐life, 5.18 d). Conversely, sul1 did not conform to the first‐order linear regression kinetics used to describe the other investigated genes and was highly abundant in control prairie strip soils. The quantified half‐lives of these select ARGs are comparable to previous studies and can inform monitoring and mitigative efforts aimed at reducing the spread of ARGs in the environment.
Possible mechanisms for persistent anomalous rainfall over the middle and lower reaches of Yangtze River in winter 2018/2019
Authors: Zhang Daquan , Chen Lijuan
Published: May 2021

The middle and lower reaches of Yangtze River (MLYR) experienced a historically high number of persistent cloudy and rainy days throughout winter 2018/2019. The persistent cold and rainy weather caused severe social impacts and economic losses. Climatic monitoring shows that a weak central Pacific (CP) El Niño event initiated in November 2018 with an increase in the sea surface temperature (SST) in the central and eastern tropical Pacific. During the mature phase of the CP El Niño, the western North Pacific Subtropical High (WNPSH) was stronger than normal and the western boundary moved westward. However, the weak CP El Niño event alone is not enough to explain the abnormally strong and northward displacement of WNPSH and associated heavy rainfall in winter of 2018/2019. This study highlights the eastward propagating Rossby wave train in the middle‐upper troposphere along with the Asian westerly jet‐induced anomalous high pressure and anticyclonic circulation over East Asia, which contributed to the intensification and northward displacement of WNPSH. The synergic influence of both the CP El Niño and Rossby wave train over Eurasia resulted in an intensified and northward shifted WNPSH, which, together with the intensification of the India Burma trough, strengthened the transport of water vapour into the MLYR basin. Accompanied by frequent outbreaks of cold air and confluence of cold and warm air over the MLYR basin, cold and rainy weather persisted in winter 2018/2019 in this region.
Influence of cloud microphysical parameterization on the characteristics of monsoon depressions over the Indian region
Authors: Hazra Vivekananda , Pattnaik Sandeep
Published: May 2021

Indian summer monsoon (ISM) low‐pressure systems are considered as the lifeline for seasonal monsoon rainfall over the Indian region. However, the current models have limitations in predicting their characteristics and rainfall. This study assesses the influence of five cloud microphysical parameterization Schemes (MP) on simulations of 14 monsoon deep depressions (DD) using the weather research and forecasting (WRF) model. The simulations are carried out with a lead time up to 96 hr in a nested domain resolution of 27, 9, and 3 km. The five cloud microphysical parameterizations, that is, WRF Double moment (WDM6), WRF single moment (WSM6), Milbrandt (MIL), Thompson (THOM), and Aerosol Aware Thompson (AAT), are considered in this study, leading to a total of 70 simulations. The results are validated through composite analysis at a radial distance of 300 km from the respective storm centres. The choice of MP significantly impacts the key characteristics of the monsoon DDs such as rainfall, wind, temperature, moisture, humidity, hydrometeors, and associated convective processes. In terms of rainfall, it is found that WDM6 (AAT) has the best (worst) performance with a lead time up to day‐4. Besides, WDM6 has simulated the best result in terms of temperature and specific humidity. Examining the hydrometeors distribution around the storm intense convective region (i.e., 300 km), it is noted that frozen hydrometeors (i.e., ice, snow, and graupel) are mainly modulating the rainfall. There is a general tendency to overestimate snow and graupel among MP except WDM6. Further, ice hydrometeors are well represented in WDM6 compared with others leading to better rainfall forecast. The moisture flux convergence and absolute vorticity are two major mechanisms determining the convection within the storm's core zone, and WDM6 stands out the best among these schemes. The findings of this study are relevant and have direct consequences to the operational applications.
Reliability of Performing Multiparametric Ultrasound in Adult Livers
Authors: Gao Jing , Lee Rebecca , Trujillo Michael
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The aim of the study was to test inter‐observer and intra‐observer reliability of measuring multiparametric ultrasound in adult livers.

Methods

We prospectively measured shear wave velocity (SWV, m/s), shear wave dispersion slope (SWD, m/s/kHz), attenuation coefficient (ATI, dB/cm/MHz), normalized local variance (NLV), and echo intensity ratio of liver to kidney (L/K ratio) in 21 adults who underwent liver magnetic resonance imaging‐proton density fat fraction (MRI‐PDFF). Intraclass correlation coefficient and 95% Bland–Altman limits of agreement (95% LOA) were used to analyze intra‐ and inter‐observer reproducibility.

Results

Based on liver MRI‐PDFF, 21 participants (8 men and 13 women, mean age 55 years) were divided into group 1 (11 normal livers, MRI‐PDFF <5%) and group 2 (10 steatotic livers, MRI‐PDFF ≥5%). ICCs for intra‐observer repeatability and inter‐observer reproducibility in measuring multiple ultrasound parameters in both normal and steatotic livers were above 0.75. However, 95% confidence interval for measuring SWD in all livers and L/K ratio in normal livers was 0.38–0.90 and 0.47–0.91, respectively. Differences in SWV, SWD, ATI, NLV, L/K ratio, and MRI‐PDFF between participants with and without hepatic steatosis were significant (p < .05), whereas serum biomarkers and body mass index were not (p > .05), based on a two‐tailed t‐test.

Conclusions

The results suggest that the repeatability and reproducibility for measuring liver SWV, ATI, and NLV are moderate to excellent, while those for SWD and L/K ratio are poor. Standardized machine settings, scanning protocols, and operator training are suggested in performing multiparametric ultrasound of the liver.
Prognostic significance of hypoxic and metabolic gene profiling in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Milosa Fabiola , Critelli Rosina Maria , Lasagni Simone , Pivetti Alessandra , Di Marco Lorenza , Romagnoli Dante , Carulli Lucia , Dituri Francesco , Mancarella Serena , Giannelli Gianluigi , Martinez‐Chantar Maria‐Luz , Fabris Luca , Villa Erica
Published: May 2021

Background & Aims

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by high clinical and biological heterogeneity, depending on the extremely variable combinations of pathways, linked with immune mechanisms, neo‐angiogenesis, ECM remodeling, metabolism and/or hypoxia. We recently identified a 5‐genes neo‐angiogenic transcriptomic signature (TS), able to discriminate between “aggressive” HCCs (TS‐positive) from “bland” HCCs (TS negative), the former having extremely poor survival. The aim of this study was to compare gene expression of our HCC cohort with gene expression of well‐characterized, published signatures, which have been related with several different functions potentially relevant in carcinogenesis (ie immune control, hypoxia, metabolism, vascular invasion). We also aimed to ascertain the prognostic power for survival.

Methods

The gene expression profile of a cohort of 78 HCC patients prospectively identified were analysed according to a series of published gene expression signatures related with hypoxia, metabolism and immunity and related with the ability of the signature to predict survival.

Results

Only few genes described in the various immune‐signatures analyzed were differentially expressed and were related with reduced survival in our prospective cohort, especially in TS‐positive HCCs. Genes composing hypoxic, metabolic and vascular invasion signatures were instead much more deregulated both in aggressive or bland HCCs. For most of them, the level of expression related with reduced survival. This suggests their possible value as biomarker of tumor aggressiveness.

Conclusion

Altogether, our data demonstrate that in HCC, and especially in aggressive TS‐positive HCC, signaling pathways related with hypoxic and metabolic/glycolytic signatures are more relevant in determining a poorer outcome of HCC than immune‐related pathways.
Epimutation of MMACHC compound to a genetic mutation in cblC cases
Authors: Zhang Xiaoman , Chen Qiong , Song Yinsen , Guo Pengbo , Wang Yanhong , Luo Shuying , Zhang Yaodong , Zhou Chongchen , Li Dongxiao , Chen Yongxing , Wei Haiyan
Published: May 2021

Background

Methylmalonic aciduria (MMA) combined with homocystinuria, cobalamin(cbl)C deficiency type (OMIM 277400), is the most common autosomal recessive inherited disorder of intracellular cobalamin metabolism caused by mutations in the MMACHC gene (OMIM 609831), of which more than 100 mutations have been identified to date. In this study, we only identified a coding mutation in one allele at the MMACHC gene locus, and no large fragments deletion or duplication were found. Up to now, only three epimutation cblC cases were reported. We hypothesized whether the MMACHC was hypermethylated.

Methods

To address this hypothesis, the entire coding region and adjacent splice sites of the panel genes involved in metabolic diseases were sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq X platform, followed by confirmation via Sanger sequencing in their parents and brothers. Methylation analysis of the MMACHC was performed using an EpiTect Bisulfite Kit and methylation‐specific PCR (MSP) to investigate the role of epimutations in cblC disease.

Results

We identified a clearly pathogenic single heterozygous c.658_660del, p. (K220del) mutation, which was also identified in the mother. Analysis of the MMACHC indicated a heterozygous epimutation consisting of 34 hypermethylated CpG sites in a CpG island encompassing the promoter and first exon of the MMACHC, which was also identified in the father. Furthermore, we identified a single heterozygous c.*2C>T mutation in the sixth exon of the PRDX1 (OMIM 176763) in patients and their fathers, which was the only sequence variation that segregated with the MMACHC methylation. Neither c.658_660del and epimutation in MMACHC nor c.*2C>T in PRDX1 was discovered in her brother.

Conclusion

We report compound heterozygotes in MMACHC for a genetic mutation and an epimutation in cblC cases. To our best knowledge, this is the first report of two cblC cases from China caused by compound heterozygous mutations with a coding mutation in one allele and an epimutation in the other at the MMACHC locus.
Arginine multivalency stabilizes protein/RNA condensates
Authors: Paloni Matteo , Bussi Giovanni , Barducci Alessandro
Published: May 2021

Biomolecular condensates assembled through liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) of proteins and RNAs are currently recognized to play an important role in cellular organization. Their assembly depends on the formation of a network of transient, multivalent interactions between flexible scaffold biomolecules. Understanding how protein and RNA sequences determine these interactions and ultimately regulate the phase separation is an open key challenge. Recent in vitro studies have revealed that arginine and lysine residues, which are enriched in most cellular condensates, have markedly distinct propensities to drive the LLPS of protein/RNA mixtures. Here, we employ explicit‐solvent atomistic molecular dynamics simulations to shed light on the microscopic origin of this difference by investigating mixtures of polyU oligonucleotides with either polyR/polyK peptides. In agreement with experiments, our simulations indicate that arginine has a higher affinity for polyU than lysine both in highly diluted conditions and in concentrated solutions with a biomolecular density comparable to cellular condensate. The analysis of intermolecular contacts suggests that this differential behavior is due to the propensity of arginine side chains to simultaneously form a higher number of specific interactions with oligonucleotides, including hydrogen bonds and stacking interactions. Our results provide a molecular description of how the multivalency of the guanidinium group enables the coordination of multiple RNA groups by a single arginine residue, thus ultimately stabilizing protein/RNA condensates.
Contamination routes and mortality of the leaf‐cutting ant Atta sexdens (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) by the insecticides fipronil and sulfluramid through social interactions
Authors: Mota Filho Tarcísio M M , Camargo Roberto S , Zanuncio José C , Stefanelli Luis E P , de Matos Carlos A O , Forti Luiz C
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Leaf‐cutting ants (LCAs) of the genera Atta and Acromyrmex (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) are important pests of forest plantations, agriculture and livestock. Toxic baits containing the active ingredients fipronil or sulfluramid are the main method used to control LCAs. Insecticide dispersion among members of an LCA colony during control with toxic bait is not well understood. The objective of the study was to determine whether self‐grooming, allogrooming or touching behavior among Atta sexdens (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) workers disperses the insecticides fipronil and sulfluramid among members of the colony. The insecticides were topically applied on groups of A. sexdens workers and social interactions between ants with and without insecticide, and group mortality were evaluated.

RESULTS

Behavioral analysis showed an increase in interaction among LCA workers as the numbers of individuals increased, with touches between workers being the most frequent behavior. The frequency of observed behaviors was higher in groups treated with sulfluramid compared with fipronil. The mortality of groups treated with fipronil was almost twice as high compared with ants treated with sulfluramid. The insecticides are probably dispersed by excessive touching among workers and subsequent self‐grooming and allogrooming.

CONCLUSION

These behaviors were responsible for the rapid dispersion of insecticides among members of the colony. Corroboration of the hypothesis that social interactions contaminate nestmates is a model for future studies on contamination of ant workers with active insecticide ingredients. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Optoelectronic Inactivity of Dislocations in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Thin Films
Authors: Abou-Ras Daniel , Nikolaeva Aleksandra , Krause Maximilian , Korte Lars , Stange Helena , Mainz Roland , Simsek Sanli Ekin , van Aken Peter A. , Sugaya Takeyoshi , Nishinaga Jiro
Published: May 2021

High‐efficiency Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) thin‐film solar cells are based on polycrystalline CIGS absorber layers, which contain grain boundaries, stacking faults, and dislocations. While planar defects in CIGS layers have been investigated extensively, little is still known about the impact of dislocations on optoelectronic properties of CIGS absorbers. Herein, evidence for an optoelectronic inactivity of dislocations in these thin films is given, in contrast to the situation at grain boundaries. This unique behavior is explained by the extensive elemental redistribution detected around dislocation cores, which is connected with the dislocation strain field, probably leading to a shift of defect states toward the band edges.
Spatial distribution of atomic electronic density for elements 1–54 as coming from a Hartree–Fock treatment within the minimum atomic parameters paradigm
Authors: Reinhardt Peter , Popov Ilya , Tchougréeff Andrei L.
Published: May 2021

The minimum atomic parameters/Moscow–Aachen–Paris (MAP) basis sets—reintroduced in the previous paper—are analyzed with respect to spatial features as orbital shape, possible fits to alternative orbital sets (numerical or quasi‐numerical orbitals, nodeless Slater orbitals), respect of Kato's condition and radial distribution of energy components. For comparing orbital spaces the Frobenius angle between the orbital subspaces they span is introduced as numerical tool. It is shown that the electronic density of the MAP states is depleted around the nucleus with respect to the other orbital sets. Despite this, the similarity between the respective subspaces in all cases (except a unique case of the Pd atom) as measured by the cosine of the Frobenius angle amounts above 0.96 for all atoms. Deviations from the perfect value of Kato's condition amounts systematically to 0.3 and 0.5 for all elements considered. Integrating one‐electron energy contributions from r = ∞ to a finite radius, MAP and Bunge orbitals show about the same values, but for the inner region governed by the polynomial oscillations.
Work–family conflict and microfinance diversion
Authors: Kim Soo Jung , Lee Seung‐Hyun , Yeo Yun Dong
Published: May 2021

Research Summary

Microfinance funds are often diverted to non‐business usage, which defeats the purpose of microfinancing. Our study adopts boundary theory along with role commitment to investigate how microfinance recipients' integration of work–family roles affects microfinance diversion. We also examine the impact of family involvement and socially imposed gender role differences in microfinance diversion. We analyze data from an 11‐wave survey in which grants were provided to microenterprise owners in Sri Lanka. Our findings indicate that work–family role integration and lower owner role commitment engender more microfinance diversion. In addition, family involvement weakens the effect of role commitment on microfinance diversion while gender influences microfinance diversion, depending on the nature of the duties within the family role.

Managerial Summary

Why would microfinance recipients divert funds from investing in their own business when such a diversion would make it more difficult for them to escape poverty? Using data from surveys in Sri Lanka, we find that in order to prevent microfinance diversion, it is important for microenterprise owners to draw a clear boundary between their work and family roles, while also being committed to their role as a microenterprise owners. In addition, owners should be cautious about involving family members in their businesses. We also find that patriarchal values for gender roles in the society may impact microfinance diversion. Specifically, compared to men, women entrepreneurs who feel more of a burden from household chores and childcare roles tend to divert more funds.
Acquisition of artifact free alkali metal distributions in SiO2 by ToF‐SIMS Cs+ depth profiling at low temperatures
Authors: Leitzenberger Michael , Kuegler Peter , Krivec Stefan , Hutter Herbert
Published: May 2021

Artifact‐free depth profiles of alkali ions in SiO2 were obtained using a time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometer (ToF‐SIMS) equipped with a Cs+ beam as sputter gun. Samples were set to low temperature (~−100°C) using a heating/cooling sample holder. The effects of temperature on the depth profiles was determined with multiple measurements at different temperatures. To validate the described method, obtained depth profiles of alkali metal implanted SiO2 samples were compared with simulated depth profiles. Evidence for artifact‐free depth profiles is given for potassium, sodium, and lithium, three prominent examples of fast diffusing ions in various materials. This described approach enables more laboratories to acquire depth profiles of alkali metals in non‐conducting samples without time‐consuming sample preparation. It offers artifact‐free depth profiling of alkali metals using a classic ToF‐SIMS without advanced extensions, which are not available in many laboratories.
Pre‐loss group therapy for dementia family care partners at risk for complicated grief
Authors: Supiano Katherine P. , Andersen Troy , Luptak Marilyn , Beynon Cynthia , Iacob Eli , Levitt Sarah Elizabeth
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Dementia family caregiving may span more than a decade and places many family care partners (CPs) at risk for poor bereavement outcomes; estimates of complicated grief in bereaved dementia family CPs range from 10% to 20%. We adapted our efficacious complicated grief group therapy intervention for bereaved dementia caregivers for soon‐to‐be bereaved dementia CPs at risk for complicated grief to facilitate healthy death preparedness and eventual bereavement—pre‐loss group therapy (PLGT).

Methods

In this Stage IB pilot intervention study, we implemented and evaluated PLGT in three psychotherapy group cohorts with family CPs at‐risk for complicated grief whose person living with dementia (PLWD) had a life expectancy of 6 months or less and resided in a nursing home. PLGT is a 10‐session multi‐modal psychotherapy administered by social workers.

Results

Participants in PLGT realized significant improvement in their pre‐loss grief and in reported preparedness for the death of their family member, and participants evidenced lowered pre‐loss grief severity and improvement, as measured by facilitators. Participants also realized significant improvement in meaning making, particularly as a sense of peace and a reduction of loneliness.

Discussion

The process and treatment elements of the PLGT intervention affirm the value of specialized care for those dementia family CPs at risk for complicated grief, as the PLGT groups demonstrated a steady progression toward improvement collectively and individually. PLGT participants realized statistical and clinical improvement across pre‐loss grief measures suggesting that their risk for complicated grief risk was mitigated, and they were better prepared for the death of their PLWD.
Laser initiation of modified complex cobalt (III) perchlorate
Authors: Ilyushin Mikhail A. , Voznyakovskii Alexander P. , Shugalei Irina V. , Tverjanovich Andrey S.
Published: May 2021

The article presents the results of quantum‐chemical calculations of an isolated molecule of pentaammine‐(5‐nitro‐2H‐tetrazolato‐N2)cobalt (III) perchlorate (complex 1, NCP) and the products of its possible primary decomposition stage. Using Quantum chemical calculations in the approximation of the density functional theory, it was shown that the decomposition of complex 1 probably starts with the destruction of the 5‐nitrotetrazole ligand and the elimination of the nitrogen molecule, but not with the elimination of the coordinated ammonia molecule from the inner sphere of the cobalt complex. The likelihood of this mechanism increases with the addition of highly conductive nanocarbon additives. The effect of the addition of multilayer graphene additives on the interaction of laser radiation with the above complex has been examined in detail, and two variants of mechanisms for this effect have been identified. A real model of a laser detonator based on the experimental data, has been created.
Fisher information as a probe of spacetime structure: relativistic quantum metrology in (A)dS
Authors: Du Haoxing , Mann Robert B.
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Relativistic quantum metrology studies the maximal achievable precision for estimating a physical quantity when both quantum and relativistic effects are taken into account. We study the relativistic quantum metrology of temperature in (3+1)-dimensional de Sitter and anti-de Sitter space. Using Unruh-DeWitt detectors coupled to a massless scalar field as probes and treating them as open quantum systems, we compute the Fisher information for estimating temperature. We investigate the effect of acceleration in dS, and the effect of boundary condition in AdS. We find that the phenomenology of the Fisher information in the two spacetimes can be unified, and analyze its dependence on temperature, detector energy gap, curvature, interaction time, and detector initial state. We then identify estimation strategies that maximize the Fisher information and therefore the precision of estimation.
Nearly Gorenstein vs Almost Gorenstein Affine Monomial Curves
Authors: Moscariello Alessio , Strazzanti Francesco
Published: May 2021

We extend some results on almost Gorenstein affine monomial curves to the nearly Gorenstein case. In particular, we prove that the Cohen–Macaulay type of a nearly Gorenstein monomial curve in $${\mathbb {A}}^4$$

A

4

is at most 3, answering a question of Stamate in this particular case. Moreover, we prove that, if $${\mathcal {C}}$$
C
is a nearly Gorenstein affine monomial curve that is not Gorenstein and $$n_1, \dots , n_{\nu }$$

n
1

,
⋯
,

n
ν

are the minimal generators of the associated numerical semigroup, the elements of $$\{n_1, \dots , \widehat{n_i}, \dots , n_{\nu }\}$$

{

n
1

,
⋯
,

n
i

^

,
⋯
,

n
ν

}

are relatively coprime for every i.
The Dual Graph Shift Operator: Identifying the Support of the Frequency Domain
Authors: Leus Geert , Segarra Santiago , Ribeiro Alejandro , Marques Antonio G.
Published: May 2021

Contemporary data is often supported by an irregular structure, which can be conveniently captured by a graph. Accounting for this graph support is crucial to analyze the data, leading to an area known as graph signal processing (GSP). The two most important tools in GSP are the graph shift operator (GSO), which is a sparse matrix accounting for the topology of the graph, and the graph Fourier transform (GFT), which maps graph signals into a frequency domain spanned by a number of graph-related Fourier-like basis vectors. This alternative representation of a graph signal is denominated the graph frequency signal. Several attempts have been undertaken in order to interpret the support of this graph frequency signal, but they all resulted in a one-dimensional interpretation. However, if the support of the original signal is captured by a graph, why would the graph frequency signal have a simple one-dimensional support? Departing from existing work, we propose an irregular support for the graph frequency signal, which we coin dual graph. A dual GSO leads to a better interpretation of the graph frequency signal and its domain, helps to understand how the different graph frequencies are related and clustered, enables the development of better graph filters and filter banks, and facilitates the generalization of classical SP results to the graph domain.
The Influence of Different Light Angles During Standardized Patient Photographic Assessment on the Aesthetic Perception of the Face
Authors: Hernandez Claudia A. , Espinal John Mario , Zapata David Uribe , Coimbra Daniel , Alfertshofer Michael , Frank Konstantin , Green Jeremy B , Davidovic Kristina , Gavril Diana L. , Cotofana Sebastian
Published: May 2021

Background

2D baseline and follow-up clinical images are potentially subject to inconsistency due to alteration of imaging parameters. However, no study to date has attempted to quantify the magnitude by which such images can be influenced.

Objective

The objective of the present study is to identify the magnitude by which images can be influenced by changing the imaging light angle.

Methods

This study is based on the evaluation of 2D frontal images of the face and included a total of 51 subjects of which n = 14 were males and n = 37 were females. Faces were photographed at 0°, 30°, and 60° light angle under identical and standardized conditions. Images were randomized and rated by 27 blinded raters for age, facial attractiveness, body mass index (BMI), temporal hollowing, lower cheek fullness, nasolabial sulcus severity, and jawline contour.

Results

Facial attractiveness decreased, facial unattractiveness increased and the evaluated BMI (based on facial assessment) increased statistically significantly at 60°. The assessment of regional facial scores, i.e., temporal hollowing, lower cheek fullness, and jawline contour, showed no statistically meaningful changes both at 30° and at 60° light angle.

Conclusion

The results indicate that there might be an observed blind range in light angle (0°–30°) which does not influence facial assessment. Increasing the light angle past the threshold value to 60° might result in a statistically significant impact on facial perception which should be accounted for when documenting and/or presenting facial 2D images.

Level of Evidence V

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.
Pressurized planar electrochromatography of DNS amino acids derivatives in silica gel and silanized silica gel systems with formic acid addition to the water mobile phase
Authors: Chomicki Adam , Dzido Tadeusz H.
Published: May 2021

Pressurized planar electrochromatography (PPEC) of dansyl (DNS) derivatives of amino acids in normal- and reversed-phase systems is presented. The results have been obtained for mobile phases with different acetonitrile (ACN) concentrations (0–85%). The data obtained show differences in separation selectivity between high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and PPEC systems. These differences originate from the electrophoretic effect which is involved in the PPEC system, contrary to the HPTLC one.
PPP with integer ambiguity resolution for GPS and Galileo using satellite products from different analysis centers
Authors: Glaner Marcus , Weber Robert
Published: May 2021

Integer ambiguity resolution is the key for achieving the highest accuracy with Precise Point Positioning (PPP) and for significantly reducing the convergence time. Unfortunately, due to hardware phase biases originating from the satellites and receiver, fixing the phase ambiguities to their correct integer number is difficult in PPP. Nowadays, various institutions and analysis centers of the International GNSS Service (IGS) provide satellite products (orbits, clocks, biases) based on different strategies, which allow PPP with integer ambiguity resolution (PPP-AR) for GPS and Galileo. We present the theoretical background and practical application of the satellite products from CNES, CODE, SGG, and TUG. They are tested in combined GPS and Galileo PPP-AR solutions calculated using our in-house software raPPPid. The numerical results show that the choice of satellite product has an influence on the convergence time of the fixed solution. The satellite product of CODE performs better than the following, in the given order: SGGCODE, SGGGFZ, TUG, CNES, and SGGCNES. After the convergence period, a similar level of accuracy is achieved with all these products. With these satellite products and observations with an interval of 30 s, a mean convergence time of about 6 min to centimeter-level 2D positioning is achieved. Using high-rate observations and an observation interval of 1 s, this period can be reduced to a few minutes and, in the best case, just one minute.
COVID-19: the relationship between perceptions of risk and behaviours during lockdown
Authors: Brown Richard , Coventry Lynne , Pepper Gillian
Published: May 2021

Aim

Understanding COVID-19 risk perceptions and their impact on behaviour can improve the effectiveness of public health strategies. Prior evidence suggests that, when people perceive uncontrollable risks to their health, they are less likely to engage in healthful behaviour. This article aims to understand the extent to which COVID-19 is perceived as an uncontrollable risk, and to assess whether this perceived risk is associated with health behaviour.

Subject and methods

We surveyed a nationally representative sample of 496 participants during the first UK lockdown. We assessed perceptions of COVID-19-related risk, self-reported adherence to infection control measures recommended by the UK Government, and general health behaviours. We predicted that increased perceived extrinsic mortality risk (the portion of mortality risk perceived to be uncontrollable) would disincentivise healthy behaviour.

Results

Perceived threat to life was the most consistent predictor of reported adherence to infection control measures. Perceived extrinsic mortality risk was found to have increased due to the pandemic, and was associated with lower reported adherence to Government advice on diet, physical activity, and smoking.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that health messages that highlight threat to life may be effective in increasing adherence to infection control, but may also lead to a reduction in health-promoting behaviours. We suggest that messages that highlight threat to life should be accompanied by statements of efficacy. Further, messages evoking feelings of concern for others may be effective in promoting compliance with anti-infection measures, without the potential for the unwelcome side-effect of discouraging healthy behaviour.
A deep artificial neural network architecture for mesh free solutions of nonlinear boundary value problems
Authors: Aggarwal Riya , Ugail Hassan , Jha Ravi Kumar
Published: May 2021

Seeking efficient solutions to nonlinear boundary value problems is a crucial challenge in the mathematical modelling of many physical phenomena. A well-known example of this is solving the Biharmonic equation relating to numerous problems in fluid and solid mechanics. One must note that, in general, it is challenging to solve such boundary value problems due to the higher-order partial derivatives in the differential operators. An artificial neural network is thought to be an intelligent system that learns by example. Therefore, a well-posed mathematical problem can be solved using such a system. This paper describes a mesh free method based on a suitably crafted deep neural network architecture to solve a class of well-posed nonlinear boundary value problems. We show how a suitable deep neural network architecture can be constructed and trained to satisfy the associated differential operators and the boundary conditions of the nonlinear problem. To show the accuracy of our method, we have tested the solutions arising from our method against known solutions of selected boundary value problems, e.g., comparison of the solution of Biharmonic equation arising from our convolutional neural network subject to the chosen boundary conditions with the corresponding analytical/numerical solutions. Furthermore, we demonstrate the accuracy, efficiency, and applicability of our method by solving the well known thin plate problem and the Navier-Stokes equation.
The Impact of Academic Achievement and Parental Practices on Depressive Symptom Trajectories Among Chinese Adolescents
Authors: Qin Xingna , Kaufman Tessa , Laninga-Wijnen Lydia , Ren Ping , Zhang Yunyun , Veenstra René
Published: May 2021

Though depressive symptoms tend to increase in early adolescence, the trajectories of these symptoms may vary strongly. This longitudinal study investigated the extent to which the distinct developmental trajectories of depressive symptoms were predicted by adolescents' academic achievement and perceived parental practices in a sample of Chinese young adolescents (N = 2,576). The results showed four trajectory profiles of depressive symptoms: low-stable (75%), low-increasing (11%), high-stable (9%), and high-decreasing (5%). Adolescents with high academic achievement were more likely to be classified into the low-stable, low-increasing, and high-decreasing profiles than into the high-stable depressive symptom profile. Moreover, students who perceived greater parentalautonomy supportwere more likely to be in the low-stable and low-increasing profiles than the high-stable profile, whereas adolescents perceiving more parentalpsychological controlhad higher odds of being in the low-increasing rather than the low-stable profile. Parentaleducational involvementwas unrelated to students' depressive symptom trajectories. In sum, Chinese adolescents with higher academic achievement and who perceived more parental autonomy support, and less psychological control, were at lower risk of experiencing depressive symptoms.
A Worksite Self-management Program for Workers with Chronic Health Conditions Improves Worker Engagement and Retention, but not Workplace Function
Authors: Shaw William S. , McLellan Robert K. , Besen Elyssa , Namazi Sara , Nicholas Michael K. , Dugan Alicia G. , Tveito Torill H.
Published: May 2021

Purpose An increasing number of workers in the US have chronic health conditions that limit their ability to work, and few worksite interventions have been tested to improve worker coping and problem solving at work. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a worksite-based health self-management program designed to improve workplace function among workers with chronic health conditions. Methods We conducted a randomized, controlled trial of a worksite self-management program (“Manage at Work”) (clinicaltrials.gov #NCT01978392) for workers with chronic health conditions (N = 119; 82% female, ages 20–69). Most workers were recruited from the health care or light manufacturing industry sectors. Workers attended a 5-session, facilitated psychoeducational program using concepts of health self-management, self-efficacy, ergonomics, and communication. Changes on outcomes of work engagement, work limitation, job satisfaction, work fatigue, work self-efficacy, days absent, and turnover intention at 6-month follow-up were compared to wait-list controls. Results The most prevalent chronic health conditions were musculoskeletal pain, headaches, vision problems, gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory disorders, and mental health disorders. The self-management program showed greater improvement in work engagement and turnover intent at 6-month follow-up, but there was no evidence of a parallel reduction in perceived work limitation. Trends for improved outcomes of work self-efficacy, job satisfaction, and work fatigue in the intervention group did not reach statistical significance in a group x time interaction test. Conclusions Offering a worksite self-management program to workers with chronic health conditions may be a feasible and beneficial strategy to engage and retain skilled workers who are risking disability.

Clinical trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov #NCT01978392.
Measurement method of determining natural and unnatural gaits using autocorrelation coefficients
Authors: Park Sangjin , Choi Sangil
Published: May 2021

Walking is the most common physical activity in humans, and gait can be used as a measure of human health. If the gait is unnatural or uncomfortable, it indicates a problem inside or outside the person’s body. In particular, for the elderly, walking is used as an important indicator of their health status. In this study, we developed an algorithm that can determine whether human walking is natural or unnatural, by comparing the autocorrelation coefficients of the left and right foot. We used F1-scores to measure the accuracy of the gait result determined by the algorithm. Natural walking was accurately distinguished with 80% accuracy, and unnatural with 60% accuracy. Owing to the splint attached to one foot to express unnatural walking, both feet affected gait, resulting in slightly lower accuracy than natural walking. As a future study, it is possible to devise a method to improve accuracy by extracting various gait features that can be obtained through gait and using artificial intelligence algorithms such as machine learning or deep learning.